Smallville 8.13 “Power” – recap

Smallville episode 8.13 "Power"
Airdate: January 29, 2009

Anyone who has held some form of power or authority knows it can be intoxicating. And everyone who tasted Clark Kent’s kryptonite abilities had known a “high” to be so invincible that nothing could stop them. A meteor-freak, Clark’s dad Jonathan Kent, and Lana Lang all have had it. But as Chloe likes to remind Clark, nothing good comes out of that.

Tonight’s episode on Smallville titled “Power” was directed by Allison Mack, and her first time at the helm was impressive. After 8 years of being on the series, everyone knows his character and plays it well. Cassidy Freeman has grown into her skin as Tess Mercer, even after being absent for several previous episodes. The chemistry between Tom Welling and Kristin Kreuk is still there, and yet one can tell how their characters have grown up when they were apart. Allison’s generous use of the actors in close ups made their emotions jump at the audience, which worked quite well for the dramatic scenes. As usual, Smallville does not care for long-winded action scenes. Last week’s karate between Lana and Tess was a welcome exception and was really a tribute to Kristin’s new gig as Chun Li (Streetfighter movie). So Smallville is back to its two-punch-one-kick-formula-and-you’re-out stunts. Except of course, that scene when Tess spread blood everywhere when she kicked a man with her stiletto. I thought that was over the top, especially with the blood on her face. Using the gun several times on the man would have been more symbolic of her rage, but kicking?

So enough review… On to the recap:

Clark finds yet another person who covets being like him, or having his abilities. Will it do more harm than good, or will it be different this time around?

Image: © 2008 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved

The episode began with Lana Lang missing from her apartment. When Clark found Tess also at the apartment, she came clean about her involvement with Lana’s disappearance last spring, and confessed that Lana helped her see Lex for who he is. She was there that day to warn Lana that stealing from LuthorCorp could cost her her life.

What really happened last year? Lex had abducted Lana and forced her to make that farewell video for Clark. Lana escaped from her captors and found her way to a man who trains top military agents. After the training, Lana secretly went back to Metropolis and looked for a scientist who was working with Lex on Prometheus. The project involves using alien DNA to create a skin graft and a suit that can restore all of Lex Luthor’s faculties and make him super-human. Lana convinced the scientist the danger of letting Lex have that technology. Instead, she wants to turn this around to use for the good of mankind, and she wants in as the guinea pig.

So Lana proceeded with the experiment, and a group of scientists grafted the alien suit to her skin. Tess found the laboratory and was about to destroy the chamber where Lana was, when a super-Lana woke up and stopped Tess! Girl power to the max! All while a shocked Clark watched from the sidelines.

Later, Lana tells Tess that she is an amazing woman who can not let Lex Luthor consume her with anger. Been there, done that, admits the supergirl Lana, but she is so over him. Really.

Clark meets Lana on the rooftop of the Daily Planet… ah, the rooftop where Clark/Superman later makes his clandestine meetings with another LL. Lana tells Clark that he no longer has to protect her, and Clark is free from being distracted. Of course Clark replies, “you are not a distraction, you never were.” Denial!

A bemused Lana continues that she and Clark are equal now and they can save the world together. Why am I not convinced yet? Is Lana really over her obsession with Lex? Or maybe it’s that power trip – that high – that made her want to have what Clark has.

Knowing that the Superman mythos has no mention of a lady Clark Kent, Lana Lang’s entry into the superhero universe may be shortlived.

We shall find out next week, when Smallville continues with episode 8.14 “Requiem”. 

Images: © 2008 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved