Review “Plastique”
By: Carla89
I’ll start off with a quick summary of the episode and will then continue with a subjective analysis of “Plastique” and the appearing characters.
Summary
It’s the first day of work at the Daily Planet for Clark and it literally starts off with a blast: A nearby bus explodes and he hurries off to help the hurt and trapped. One of them coincidentally is Tess Mercer, the new CEO of Luthor Corp and thus also owner of the Daily Planet. Chloe appears as well and with the help of the paramedic Davis Bloom, helps out the injured 15-year old Bette.
Shortly after returning to the Daily Planet, Clark get’s directed into the editors office and is more formally introduced to Tess, who afterwards plans on keeping him under close personal observation because she feels he has a secret.
The hunt for the truth and story begins as Lois and Clark try to figure out what and who caused the explosion. Using his super-hearing Clark overhears the bomb squad denying any sign of explosives, leading him to believe a meteor freak was involved. He finds Bette at Chloe’s place and together the two of them confront a street-kid who Bette claims has a meteor power. It’s only a set-up though and Bette evaporates the frightened kid with her superheat, unbeknownst still to Clark.
Lois and Clark search through the medical records of the now dead kid and realize that the true culprit is Bette herself. Super-speeding away again, Clark can just barely save Chloe from being obliterated as well.
We later on see Tess convincing Bette to join a team of infected people like her, instead of going to Belle Reve. The episode ends in a desolate alley, where a shivering and naked Davis screams out in pain while some form of deformation between his eyes slowly disappears again.
Wow. What an episode! I found it all very enjoyable mainly due to two the most important points: Davis Blooms first appearance and Clarks first day at the Daily Planet, where both done nicely.
The special effects felt realistic and where rarely the center of attention. When Clark pulled away the metal from the bus with such heroic ease, I felt like the only thing missing where the tights. The episode had, compared especially with the season premiere “Odyssey”, a very comfortable pace. The story was more in-debt and a lot of room for character development was given. The motto was more „Lean back and enjoy”, instead of popcorn frenzied, eye-popping gasps.
I was amazed at how Sam Witwer seems ideal for the very constrastic roles of Davis Bloom vs. Doomsday. He has that kind of look, which makes a dark and twisted side seem believable and not extraordinary. His acting was solid if not blinding me with awe. But since he’s new I don’t expect him to dazzle me off my chair just yet: I feel some time for him to get used to his surroundings is just fair.
The same is true for Cassidy Freeman, whom eyes are just brilliantly calculating and dangerous. Her acting was fine, but I actually found her more convincing in “Odyssey”. Something during the Bette/Tess scene at the end left me waiting. Her evil yet motherly persuasions felt forced. Again though, I feel overall she’s doing very well and I can’t help but snicker every time she stares yet another male Lex minion into submission.
Guest star Jessica Parker Kennedy was…what the word is. Punk? Annoying? Yes, I think the combination of her voice and attitude didn’t once let me pity her unfortunate situation. When she turned to “the Dark Side”, it left little room for disappointment or surprise. I expected it, and I don’t think I should have. The only acting moment that touched me was her emotionally clutching Chloe’s hand for support. Ok, so I might be too harsh. She did ok, but I’ll keep my “Great Job” cupcakes in store.
I think Allison on the other hand shined during this episode, acting wise as well as physically. She looked great! Now, I’m sure it’s not “just” that, but her make-up artist definitely learned some new tricks to accentuate her eyes. Anyway, I liked the Chloe/Davis interaction the most. There were more than enough signs of interest on his side and Chloe reacted surprised/flattered/curious/confused all together. Great acting! And she looked so cute grasping for the light bulb I wouldn’t have minded watching her some more. The Clark/Chloe interaction was short, but nice. Again, Allison portrayed many of her often-times contradicting emotions superbly.
I shall put Lois and Clark together in my review, given that they were together most of the time anyways. Well, what can I say? Loved it! They didn’t leave you waiting. Already in the first scene Clark consciously walks down the Daily Planet stairs and immediately get’s dragged around by a controlling bull-dog Lois. It felt new and familiar at the same time, with a spicy dialogue between the bantering two throughout the entire episode. The situation of Clark bumping into Lois territory felt natural and as if it was meant to be all along. So kudos to the well-made transition and great acting! I noticed that they took care to have many “lingering looks” moments, for example when Clark left her to meet Tess or when Lois went up the stairs leaving Clark behind to follow. Both actors leave enough room for personal speculation on what kind of emotions and thoughts are running through their minds, while at the same time pushing you to the obvious conclusion. One way or another, I’m curious and hopeful for future interactions.
On Clark’s personal development: He seems more secure of what he’s doing and why he’s doing it. Tom Welling is performing a confidence I’ve long been hoping for, and the new outfits are definitely helping to give a more mature impression.
All in all I enjoyed “Plastique” very much. Maybe it’s because I seriously missed Smallville the last couple of months and my view is just sugar coated, but I liked the storyline, the continuity and the overall change this season seems to bring a lot.
Therefor I give thee a dazzling 4.5 Daily Planets out of 5. Swoosh.
