AirLockAlpha.com

This review may contain spoilers.

To many fans, the sixth season episode "Justice" will forever be the highlight of the show.

Firstly, Clark (Tom Welling) accepted his role in life as being a hero. Secondly, Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) was unquestionably classed as the villain from this point on. And thirdly, it united all of the comic book characters that have made their own small appearances on the series.

But now though, there may be a new fan favourite adventure. Although they may be two separate episodes, the aptly titled "Absolute Justice" duology runs as a single movie-like event in which Clark comes face-to-face with the previous generations of heroes.

The entire first episode has a very "Watchmen" feel about it as the series regular Justice Leaguers go into investigation mode to find a sadistic killer that is hunting heroes. The first instalment is very much a case of finding the Justice Society and identifying its members, and thanks to the directorial talents of Glen Winter, "Society" does it with style.

Noiresque footage of yesterday's heroes added a touch of nostalgic class to the proceedings without the need for an info-dump and introduces the main players gracefully. Similarly, the camera sweeps and tight focus as Icicle scores through the faces of his victims reveals more about the character than the small glimpses of his facial features. Icicle is a methodical killer and not one to leave his murders to chance.

The music carries a feeling that something epic is about to happening; an impending greatness ... or perhaps darkness. But, there is always something beneath such threats – hope.

The second episode, however, takes a slight detour. Where "Society" was all about the history of the Justice Society (an enjoyable trip down memory lane for some comic fans), "Legends" instead batters forward towards the confrontation that was only hinted at in the opening teaser ... a fight sequence which was over within moments and left you craving more.

Where it succeeded though was in the banter. The episode carried a lot of humor - nothing that would send you tumbling out of your seat in fits of belly laughter, but more subtle moments, like Star-girl brushing the dust off of their antiquated computer and Hawkman's proclamation of, "Think of me as your parole officer ... with a mace."

Plus, the Martian Manhunter (Phil Morris) made his long overdue return.

What Worked

Surprisingly, the opening teaser featuring a concealed fight created an aura of intrigue and mystery to the episode. The episode opens strong with some incredibly dark overtones -- almost Batman dark – thanks to some menacing Metropolis skyshots followed by a descent into the dangerous alleys.

By having Chloe (Allison Mack) watching the fight through the wire mesh of a dumpster we are kept in the dark on who the assailant is and just how Pemberton died. It is an approach that has been attempted in other shows with mixed results. Not long ago, "Heroes" tried a similar approach at the conclusion to its third season – Claire peered between closed doors in semi-horror as Sylar murdered Nathan only to finally gain access to the room in time for the aftermath (and leaving the viewer in dismay). In "Smallville" though, the scene is filled with conspiracy and a vague, ominous threat.

"Absolute Justice" also sports some terrific casting decisions, specifically Brent Staite as Dr. Fate. If ever there was an actor with the skill to pull off complex emotional scenes without the aid of facial features it is Staite. During his time on "Andromeda," the actor brought a deep level of humanity to an otherwise monstrous character and he did it with such sincerity. In "Absolute Justice" he does it again – his every scene is wonderful to behold, particularly the sequence in which he once again dons the mask and becomes Dr. Fate.

In much the same vein, Michael Shanks does a terrific job as Hawkman (although to Stargate fans it is somewhat odd watching Daniel Jackson flutter about overhead with giant black wings). He brings a gruff harshness to the role, with vocals not to dissimilar to those from "The Dark Knight."

It's very fitting that as Star-girl goes head-to-head with Icicle, she utters the phrase, "Say cheese," because what follows is exactly that – a cheesy, comic-book fight sequence filled with fun and bizarre weapons ... and you can't help but love it.

The biggest thrill of all; Lex Luthor is alive!

What Didn't Work

Clark trying to find a new life for the Kandorians seems to come out of the blue a little bit and there is nothing of substance to back it up (especially considering the previous episode was Green Arrow-centric).

"Society" moves along at a very enjoyable pace and does so with only half of its principle stars; Lois Lane, Tess Mercer and Zod are all curiously absent for the first instalment. However, it is only once the second part, "Legends," commences that the absentees make a somewhat clumsy, and almost unnecessary, appearance.

Who needs the verbal dueling of Lois and Tess when the heroes of the past are soaring over Metropolis?

Plus, with eight years of history under its belt, Checkmate sounds more like another 33.1.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Smallville" stars Tom Welling, Erica Durance, Allison Mack, Justin Hartley, Cassidy Freeman and Callum Blue. "Society" and "Legends" were written by Geoff Jones. "Society" was directed by Glen Winter and "Legends" was directed by Tom Welling.

"Smallville" airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on The CW.