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Clad completely in black with a billowing cape, there's a new super-hero in Metropolis and it is not the Caped Crusader. Instead, this hero is a member of the X-chromosome society … and also goes by the name Lois Lane.

"Stiletto" is an all-out romp that is considerably more fun than the previous episodes of the season, dealing with Lois' growing obsession with becoming Metropolis' biggest name in print and her determination to land her page one interview with the now infamous Red-Blue Blur … even if it costs every ounce of her journalistic integrity. After all, who is the RBB more likely to talk to – a plucky young and upcoming reporter, or another super-hero?

There are no flashy special effects, no massive set pieces and little-to-no mythology in the episode, but "Stiletto" takes a B-rated mob story from the writing talents of Caroline Dries, coupled with the sheer joy that is Erica Durance and as much "Batman" as possible without actually using the name, and turns it into a cracking good adventure.

Durance acquits herself well and adds a lot of humor into showing the harsher side to being a super-hero; it's not all cool costumes and jumping from rooftops (as the squeaking shows) and the episode is a chance to show the origins of a super-hero without any powers. She expertly carries the episode and brings the trademark Lane wit to the streets of Metropolis. Her semi-embarrassing photo-shoot in the Talon back-alley will definitely be remembered in the top ten moments of Lois Lane, as will her final meeting with Clark (Tom Welling) which is the closest this series has come to reaching the greatest of the larger mythos.

Despite the fun of watching Lois posing as a superhero, however, the episode has received ruthless criticism from its fans for being too upbeat. But, giving the magnitude of the episodes that are coming, this could very well be the last chance for a frolic before the comic book world comes crashing down … that very knowledge makes the outing so much sweeter.

Still, the criticism is not without merit. The mobster story was poorly introduced (scenes of money laundering, bill printing and promises of a pay advance don't equate to "Sopranos" style fun) and could have been so much better if spread out over a few episodes in a similar approach to the third season's introduction to Morgan Edge. The desire to have each episode insulated and standalone with serialized character arcs is applaudable but is ultimately one of "Smallville's" most notable limitations.

What Worked

Without question, the conversation between Lois and the Red-Blue Blur is as close to the Superman/Lois relationship as the series will ever get and is utterly spellbinding from start to finish. By ramping up the chemical combustion between the starcrossed duo, the writers offer fans of the budding Clark/Lois relationship are given a rare treat without the characters actually hooking up and the musical score very nicely carries the moment.

"Stiletto" is right up there with "Hex" and is a fun-filled adventure with some clever writing snuggled amongst the latex visuals. The dubbing of RBB and Stiletto as "Bluretto" brings a touch of Hollywood gossip to the city and listening to Lois rhyme off her reasons for seeking an interview with the RBB and go on to explain her moony eyes for the multi-colored hero was another nifty nod to the future of both characters. In much the same vein, Clark's desire to learn more of the Heels of Steel turns out to be the lynchpin in his decision to give a brief interview to his pen-toting stalker.

The episode is very much character based, bringing in the dark threads of Chloe's (Allison Mack) inhumane pact with Doomsday in her basement, a stark development into Jimmy's (Aaron Ashmore) life without his beloved. Both had their own moments which will lead into the final run of episodes, like Chloe's comedown in the ally after seeing blood on her hands and Jimmy's hook-up with a local drug peddler to get his ya-ya's … with mob money no less.

Plus, you can't say Erica Durance doesn't look good in heels.

What Didn’t Work

"Stiletto" is by no means a perfect episode. Yes, it's fun, sexy and out to provide some laughs, but it comes as a disjointed break in a run of episodes that have painted on a very dark canvas … apocalyptic dark.

The episode also included a new and unexplained authority figure in The Daily Planet who, in all likelihood, will never be seen again which only further removes the fictional broadsheet from its real world counterparts.

There was also the unexpected status of The Ace Of Clubs, the shining beacon in Metropolis' nightlife, which suddenly –and unexpectedly -- descends to the realms of seedy clubs controlled by mobsters … mobsters who fail to put the organized into the organized crime. It's as far flung from "The Sopranos" as you can possibly get, and their use of Kryptonite in money-making comes as a throw-away reference and a means to allow Clark to take a bullet for his latex-covered companion.

And, even the presence of another "Battlestar Galactica" alumnus failed to give the mob story the jolt it needed.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Smallville" stars Tom Welling, Erica Durance, Allison Mack and Justin Hartley. "Stiletto" was written by Caroline Dries. The episode was directed by Kevin G. Fair. "Smallville" airs on The CW Thursday at 8 p.m.