Loved it? hated it? what did you think of 'Mercy"?

[Kalel x2x2]

How was this episode in your opinion?


*EDIT: [NOTE TO MODS: WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE POLL IT'S THE SAME ANSWER BOTH WAYS???]

[FallenStar]

(i think you mean "Mercy", good buddy)

[Kalel x2x2]

wow thanks ^^ lol

[shy175223]

What are your thoughts on tonight's episode say it right here.

[ZoZo]

IT WAS GOOD.

[Kalel x2x2]

^ It Didnt [AIR] Yet , lol ^

[Silent Kal]

Expectations are high, actually. Why? Because JG is probably one of the best actors on the show. He could carry the episode on his shoulders. Expected rating: 8.5/10.

[attitudejc]

im scared to watch.......but usually when that happens there not too bad.

[MBCorp]

I'm more excited about this episode than I have been about any other episode recently.

Of course, the last time I was really excited about an episode was Wreckoning, but let's not go there.

[myankskent]

Originally posted by MBCorp
I'm more excited about this episode than I have been about any other episode recently.

Of course, the last two times I was really excited about an episode was Wreckoning, but let's not go there.

I agree, there's nothing better than Lionel episodes. Maybe this episode will shed some light on what Lionel's plans for Clark are.

[Fly by guy]

Yes, the MB can hopefully get the bad taste out of my mouth from Fragile, Void, Hypotic, you get the idea. Come on Lion-el. I hope Clark gets the chance to make him another Luthor hand puppet, like Lex in Hypnotic. Love it when he gets him the throat hug. PLEASE, not Lexana.

[shy175223]

so far Its exhillarating, I liked especially when Lex, Chloe, and Clark, under the circumstances, are in the same room trying find Lionel and Martha together... Ahh the good ol' days.

[superhippie2000]

wow that was awsome clark saved them and lionels face that was cool. this episode was great.

wow that clark lionel confrontation at the end was awsome i wonder if jor el is leaving lionels body and if lionel is writing down what he knows before jor el is completely out

[TW1977]

Loved it! Great opening suspence and stayed throughout!

[clarksmuse]

Wow! :eek: That was an excellent episode! Ripping off "The Saw" aside, there were several moments in this episode that were quite wonderful!

[FallenStar]

Amazing. One of my favroite episodes. Period.

[Vatusia]

Didn't see one of these, so here ya go! Post away!


Me? I loved it. Such brilliance. A+ :)

Oops, someone else posted a thread just as I did. Mods? :) Sowwy. Thanks.

[TW1977]

Loved it!

[superpyscho]

GREAT EPI!

Didn't like the first hour and all the Saw storyline. That was so stupid and obviously not imaginative.

But the scenes with Lionel and martha were good, especially when Lex and Clark were watching them.

The elevator scene was kick ass!! Clark to the rescue and the look on Clark's and Lionel's face was priceless.

Lex is so pissed. He seems to know Lionel s hidding something from him too.

I like when Clark threatened lionel and told him not to call him son. He was awesome!!!

[Smallville is fun]

I can't believe Lionel has a soul! I thought it was so....sweet, I'd have to say, how he would kill himself for Martha. And what was up with that scene at the end of the episode? What was Lionel writing, and why was he clutching his head? I think that Lionel may still be under Jor-El's control, at least partially.

[coasterprincess]

I liked it. The whole "game to survive" idea reminded me of Saw (well as much as something can from a movie you never saw) It was interesting to see all of the games Lionel had to go through and I must admit I was impressed with the way he managed.
I'm still not a fan of his relationship with Martha (way too soon after JK's death for anything to happen) but it's making a good storyline. I thought Clark's final talk with him was great. I wouldn't have wanted anything less.

[flcn6]

Yeah, it was "saw" like, but hey, just about everything can be considered a ripoff anymore. Still, really good show. Lionel's acting was great, esp after seeing clark catch the elevator. He just wandered off after saying "thank you" lol

[Aloof]

Amazing! I loved it! :D

[spideyfan]

Way better than I expected...Great episode...

Started off real good and kept at it...Very good plot movement...

Best parts: Lionel seeing CK in action.

The Lionel / CK confrontation

Lex/ Lionel confrontations.

The end which leaves a lot of questions up in the air...

Great acting by all!

Job well done - 9/10

[watcher4]

It was a really good episode. I did not quite understand what Martha said about how she got to the torture chamber. However, all in all I thought it was very good! IMHO, John Glover carried this episode brilliantly.:)

[chole_fan]

I agree! It was a great episode. The acting was wonderful, especially TW and JG. As great as it all was, the last scene stole the episode IMO. If the rest of the season follows this trend, I think we are in for some great TV.

:D

[Aloof]

He did, he was so emotional, and he played the part so well.

[F-Stop Blues]

Loved it!!! And I thought the placement of it was perfect, having it after Fragile.

[charmedchick]

I liked this episode. But i didnt care to much for the " Saw" Type stroyline. But i really enjoyed the interaction with Martha, lionel and clark. Them were the best scenes..

[BoguszX]

It was great!

[attitudejc]

it was okay, i could kinda predict what was going to happen cause it was sooo much like SAW, but thats okay, i can see alot of different strings tying together in the next few episodes.

[sparkle18]

I thought this episode was great. It was a big improvement over the past few episodes. I loved the scene between Clark and Lionel near the end. It was nice to see Clark stand up for himself and put Lionel in his place.

[bluegayle]

didn't like the first 30 minutes (Saw storyline), but i enjoyed the last 30 minutes. that redeemed the episode imo.

also as the episode went on and I realized Lionel would be in most of it, I realized I had missed seeing Lionel as a character. When he is written well, he's really a great character to see on-screen.

also i'm glad Clark came out and told his mom about Lionel. because after all, it's not like he has to wait until a perfect time to tell her, it was more ridiculous that he hasn't already.

[sheltiemom]

I thought this was a great episode. The does he/doesn't he know, then when the reveal comes-Awesome. Lionel admitting he was never the father Jonathan was. Lex hearing what a great boy Clark is,coming from his own father.Then Lionel telling Lex Clark is a son any father could be proud of. Clark's exchange with Lionel in the end "don't call me that" when Lionel calls him son, and Clark telling him to stay away from Martha.

[afro_maestro]

"GREAT EPI!

Didn't like the first hour and all the Saw storyline. That was so stupid and obviously not imaginative."


Not really..........it was integral to the storyline and if they didn't use it, the episode wouldn't be half as good. That was a sik episode, lets just give it that and let flaws slide for once. Life's not perfect, ur not perfect, i'm not perfect, why shud they be???

P.S. Sry, if i sound agitated, but i kind of am. That was my favorite smallville episode. God Bless the day the Al-Miles collaboration was formed.

[Hurricain]

I thought this episode was ok at best. First off, it showed the lack of creativity by the writers since they had to rip off the story basically from Saw.

Now if you can throw all logic out of the window (granted its a story about a super hero), then this was a entertaining.

I mean Chloe is now a bonafide hacker? Where did she get those skills?

The way Clark stops the elevator would have killed Martha and Lionel.

I like the fact that Lex actually questions things about CLark. Hope he follows up on that.

Anyway, Like I said. Entertaining if you don't nit pick.

[beefywellingtom]

It was great! Who thinks that the show may be back on track with this episode?

[8SMALLFAN8]

I L O V E D it. From the beginning to the end it was a thrill for me. Considering the very strong 'Saw' reference throughout the first half, then the Clark/Superman in the second, it was a wild ride indeed.

I would love more episodes such as this one are to come :D

[TrevorH]

Originally posted by attitudejc
it was okay, i could kinda predict what was going to happen cause it was sooo much like SAW, but thats okay, i can see alot of different strings tying together in the next few episodes.
Yeah but that was a good ploy to make the bond between Lionel and Martha that muchs tronger and have the topper at the end when Lionel finds out about Clark "Offically" so they episode worked well in that aspect to set up the remaing episodes in the season. How about everyone who hated it give some points on how bad it was and what you would do to change it?

[Kara15]

This was an awesome episode! I think it's definetely one of the best of this season. The scene with Clark threatening Lionel was really good.

I've never seen Saw, so I don't really care if it is a rip-off of it :p Better than another meteor freak, IMO.

[beefywellingtom]

Originally posted by Kara15
I've never seen Saw, so I don't really care if it is a rip-off of it :p Better than another meteor freak, IMO.

OMG!!! Isn't that the truth!!! It was soooo great to not have another meteor freak who gets sent off to Bellevue, Bellereeve, Blue Bells... whatever it's called.

[LuckyStar]

I don't know why, but I loved this episode. Priceless, all of it. I mocked the first half, but I was on the edge of my seat by the end. Also, it reminded me just how much I love the MB!

[FallenStar]

Blue bells? merry christmas

I agree, FoTWs lose their appeal after 5 SEASONS

[mortalreckoning]

in a word...INCREDIBLE
I'm completely beside myself here!

thank gawd I had the prescence of mind to burn a copy to dvd, lol...I'm going to have to re-watch this one!

[Metropolis Hero]

I loved this episode. Especially the little Clark/Lionel talk at the end. Now i'm wondering what was going on with Lionel at the very end? Migraines? :) And what was he writing?

[MBCorp]

I thought it was one of the best episodes this season. All hail the MB!

[CallMeClark]

One word: AMAZING!

I loved this episode beyond words. It developed and explained so much. And the Mionel was excellent as well as the Lex-Chloe-Clark triangle of conversation. I cannot say enough about how good this episode was. It is the Smallville we love and know! I actually started out not minding Lionel, knowing he would take the bullet for Martha. I mean, I know he may have spiked Pa Kent's heart attack but he generally cares for the two Kents. And the whole Clark showing him his power. WOW! I say this episode ranks up there with Splinter, Solitude, Mortal and Reckoning. Great job! I give it 10/10!

[F-Stop Blues]

It was pretty freakin great. The Clark Lionel scene at the end was pretty much the same convo they had in Hidden. It was kinda like he was talking to him as if he were JE. It was awesome. I dont understand why Clark doesnt think that maybe JE is still in Lionel.

[^Untouchable^]

great episode loved it

[k18]

totally awesome episode. Lionel/Clark confrontation was one of the best scenes this season!

[CallMeClark]

Well, actually after this episode I believe Clark pieced together that is how Lionel knew... since Lionel told him.

[F-Stop Blues]

The best thing about this ep is that everyone is talking about Lionel, Clark, Martha, Lex, Zod, and Jor-El and not a single person is talking about Lexana.

[muffinpeddler]

This was an awesome episode, maybe among the top twenty, but my only gripe is the lack of originality. The whole episode was one big "saw" ripoff. However, I immensely enjoyed it and was anxiously trying to sit through the commercials! Did they seem longer tonight to anyone else? Anyway, it was an awesome episode. Lana is reacting to Lexana just how she should, and Lionel is still an enigma, as is meant to be. 8 out of 10

[LuckyKrypto]

:D :D I have to say I really liked this episode!! It really felt like the story was really starting to move. I am glad Clark finally talked with his mom about Lionel, it seemed like he was gaining some better understanding about his mom and how she thinks. I really liked Lionel and Martha's talk in the elevator with Clark and Lex watching!! That was really cool!! And I loved the end. It was just a great episode!! Great story telling~I want more!!;)

[RedKalEL]

I really thought it was awsome and I love the fact that a lot of people don't mind the saw rip off and it was great becasue I believe this was the first episode that really focuses on Lionel

[Saber]

It was excellent, one of the better ones so far.

[BadToad]

Really good episode. I didn't really care for the trials/games part of the episode, but the character developments and interactions were so good, it didn't really matter.

And that last Clark/Lionel scene rocked my world. Thats going to be one of my top 5 moments of the season. JG and TW were AMAZING in it.

[8SMALLFAN8]

Originally posted by beefywellingtom
OMG!!! Isn't that the truth!!! It was soooo great to not have another meteor freak who gets sent off to Bellevue, Bellereeve, Blue Bells... whatever it's called.


:lol: Couldn't have said it better myself! Funny Comment...;)

[Anomalyster]

Sorry for the long post, there was a lot I wanted to cover. ;)

519 - MERCY

I really liked this episode, for a number of reasons. A lot of things happened in this episode that I think will change the course of the season, and all for the better in my opinion. To be honest, most shows don't have a lot of depth to them. Most of them (I'm saying most, because some are pretty complex I'll admit) revolve around a cold opening jump-starting the plot, the credits, Clark finding out about the problem, Clark and Chloe jump through some hoops to find out what needs to be done, Clark saves the day, throw in an obligatory scene with Lex, Lana, or Lex and Lana, and that's pretty much most episodes in a nutshell. But not this one. Even the title can be examined. Mercy. Throughout most of it, I figured the "Mercy" was just a reference to the No Mercy theme thrown about throughout the episode. But after seeing the end, I'd prefer to think of it as Clark's mercy towards Lionel. But maybe that's just me.

While I wasn't that big of a fan of the overall plot of the show, I am happy that other things happened too. I like watching episodes with main plots that will affect somebody in the long run. I don't really see Lionel changing because of this whole ordeal to be honest; I think he's realized a few things from it, but I don't think his attitude towards the business world has changed at all. But my only real main problem with the plot was its predictability. I knew, I was absolutely positive, that the moment we saw the security guy at the beginning and how Lionel treated him that he was the guy on the tape. Oh well. Also a great quote from Lionel was thrown in there, about how Clark is the man the world needs. Nice touch. I just hope I'm reading too much into the ending of the episode (more on that later) for Lionel's sake.

Lex was kind of under-used in this episode I thought. But it is kind of funny at the same time. His father is essentially being held hostage, and you can tell that Lex probably doesn't care at all. I'm kind of hoping that he and Lana don't fall apart before they're even together, but I guess I don't really care all that much either way. I'm also hoping that the plot kind of takes a turn back into the stylings of Seasons One through Three in which Lex questioned Clark on pretty much everything he does. I've always kind of loved the idea of "Does Lex know?" that the show had going for a while, and they just kind of dropped it completely this season. Nice to see it was at least re-visited, if only for this show.

Quick note, but it was really nice to see Clark using his powers more than once in an episode again. I counted at least four times. He x-rayed the statuette, he super-sped to the building Lionel and Martha were in, he bust through the concrete wall (which brought back fond memories from the Superman TV show with Dean Cain), and then he caught the elevator (also nice, especially with Lionel's reaction afterward).

I thought it was great seeing Clark stand up to Lionel at the end there. It's not often we get to see Clark genuinely ticked off at something, usually he's pretty much indifferent about everything. I seem to remember Clark throwing Lionel across the table and room from the trailer, but I guess that was either cut (I'm hoping for this scenario, I don't think that needs to happen at all, it's just not, Superman-like which is what we're gradually heading towards) or is in another episode. Either way, cool ending to a great episode. As for the final shots, I'm guessing (highlight to read) Jor-El still inhabits Lionel's body from time to time. I'm thinking Jor-El probably "jumped in" at some point during the episode, and then when he left (which would explain all the usage of the word "son") Lionel quickly grabbed paper and a pen to write down everything he could remember. But maybe I'm just grabbing at straws. Anyway...

9/10

[warriorrenegade]

I loved this episode, even the SAW parts I thought they were clever. The whole anagrams/double meanings puzzle fits well in Lionels repertoire of skills. The scenes with Martha and Lionel were brilliant, Lionels willing to sacrifice himself for Martha was well played. JG really dug deep to find Lionels soul there. You felt bad for Lionel but you understood why he would do it. Brilliant!

Also the scene with Lex and Clark viewing the monitor, hearing what Lionel said about Clark had to have been a kick in the gut for Lex. In his eyes Clark is the son Lionel would've wanted. Again another piece of the Clark/Superman - Lex rift.

The final scene had me glued to the TV. Clark came in ready to play verbal judo and slam the Kent family door in Lionels face, but Lionel/ Jor-EL wasn't having it. Then the end when Lionel heard the ringing in his head, Jor-EL is talking to him, I believe setting up his return IMO.

My only grip of this episode was Chloe I mean come on, I can see her occasionally hack some computers , but she was doing FBI / CIA hack jobs on a laptop. Come on! 9.5 / 10

Oh and how about a round of applause for John Glover, he was amazing yet again. Man is he a joy to watch.

[smchic92]

:D :D :D AMAZING EPI!!!! I loved it from start to finish! the trailer had me from the beginning and the end was.....WOW!......what was he writing? why did he look like he had a massive migrane?? what will happen now?? all these questions! wow. just a perfect episode in my book. 10/10 :D :D :D


and Anomalyster, nice theory about Jor-El there. I thought about something similar to that. Personally, I think that would deepen the storyline even more. :)

[LastFatherOfKrypton]

Enjoyed IT! :p

[Lexgirl33]

I really liked the eppy, see how good it is when Lana isnt the center of attention? :lol:

[Ladyhawk]

I mean Chloe is now a bonafide hacker? Where did she get those skills?
Chloe has always been a hacker - and I don't believe they have ever said where she gained those skills from. From memory
1) hacking the hospital monitors in Onyx
2) Hacking everything in Mortal
just to name a couple.

As to this episode - i SO loved it. It tied alot of things up and answered some questions. I was just saying "did we ever learn how Lionel came to be back at Luthorcorp" and the next second Lex and Lionel had that conversation that Lex let him come back to help him run it. I don't think that was ever stated before? Thank you for that! I love Lionel! And we now know he's known about Clark for a year even though we've been given hints. Yay to minimal Lexana - Lex/Clark/Chloe - *sniffle* nastalgia! I knew from the previews it was going to be like Saw (and Martha in the tank reminded me of The Cell), but that didn't bother me because the rest was so great. I could go on and on. I actually almost cried when I realized Lionel was going to off himself to save Martha because of Clark, and I thought Ok when did he get a soul? (no gypsy curse jokes please! LOL) Wait nevermind I'll say it.. Lionel has a souuuuulllll now...
Easily the best episode this season.

[enamored]

I really liked this episode and because I never go see movies like "Saw" it was not a big deal to me. Let's face it, almost nothing we see on TV or film is truly original anymore. I actually enjoyed watching Lionel and then Lionel and Martha try to solve the puzzles and beat the games.

I loved the continuity in this episode. People have been questioning why Clark had not told Martha about Lionel yet and that was answered tonight. How Lionel came to be back at Luthorcorp was also answered. How long Lionel has known about Clark and whether he knew it all was answered.

Absolutely loved the interaction between Chloe, Clark and Lex.

Lionel's reaction to Clark catching the elevator was great. Seeing just how strong Clark really is seemed to surprise him some.

Then the ending confrontation between Clark and Lionel--Wow! That was awesome. Can't wait to find out what was happening to Lionel at the end.

[sstray72]

This episode was pure awesomeness. Lots of the MB, Chlark & Lex scoobying, Mionel, no Lois, and little Lana = a great episode!! :D :D :D

[Dragonpryde]

Good episode. I thought Void and Hypnotic were weak, but these last two have been a good reprisal.

[constancelight]

John Glover made this episode. It was freaking awesome episode.

[Summers]

About darn time we got a good episode. That last episode I loved was actually "Lexmas". "Void" was okay except for some things. This was pretty decent, and finally revealed when Lionel knew the secret(though now it doesn't explain his S4 behavior :\ ). What happened to Jonathan in S3 is now happening to Lionel. Being a vessel of Kryptonian is taking a toll. There were actual themes from S1/S2 finally in an episode. Ironically it didn't come from Clark or Lex, but Martha and Lionel.

I just wish it wasn't so "Saw" like. The tests were good though just felt like a knock-off again. What does grate my cheese are a couple of things:
-Martha and Lionel should have died in the elevator. That wasn't smart Clark. Realisticlly speaking they be dead. He should've done a superjump, and guided it down to ease. Not halt it at a complete stop.
-Chloe is well.........now a plot device now sadly. We when need a quick fix or location she finds it. That's all well and good since she did it since S1, but now she is doing it with everything. I mean she was re-routing signals and everything. Heck, with that brain we should have heard scholarships and IVY Schools last season.
-Well, they ever stop being so obivious with the FoTW/villian of the episode. It's always the first new person we see with a close-up in the first act. I mean they might as well have stamped "I'm new Big Bad. Ask me how?" on their forehead.
-Now not only does Lex know Lionel knows, but now he is more certain Clark is a "special boy". If he doesn't know, or concludes by the end of this series I will seriously be pissed.

Other than that. Great episode.

[egsbrain]

I don't mean to overlap SFB's Saw topic, but I believe it was a bit of an understatement. This episode was Saw. Plain and simple. Scene in Saw: man is in room, covered in flamable liquid, must use candle to decode message on walls. Scenes in this episode: man is in room, buckets of flamable liquid, later must decode message on wall. Scene in Saw: man must shoot friend to save his own life. Scene in this episode: same. Plot of Saw: people must risk their lives playing games controlled by a masked figure on TV screens to save their life. Plot of this episode: same. Worst episode ever? Not because it was boring, but because it was Saw. Saw is my favorite horror movie ever, and this episode did to Saw what Ben Affleck does to acting. And for anyone who knows physics, surely you noticed that Lionel and Martha were saved when Clark stopped their elevator in about a foot. That deceleration is MUCH MUCH stronger than a major car crash. They would have been QUITE dead.

Worst. Episode. EVER!

[moe2death]

i serously hope no one votes on this poll this WAS NOT THE WORST EPISODE

[MBCorp]

:lol: There's always got to be a 'worst episode ever' thread. :lol: It's like a law or something.:p

[moe2death]

i serously hope no one votes on this poll this WAS NOT THE WORST EPISODE u wanna see worst episode go back to season 4 and watch ageless Mercy was one of the greatest episodes this season despise of the Sawish imitation the storyline at the end was fantastic!

[Summers]

I don't think it was the worst. Last week was, but I was definitely annoyed by the big Saw similarities.

[sstray72]

Usually when you make a poll you actually ALLOW THE PEOPLE TO PICK AN OPINION OTHER THAN YOURS. :rolleyes:

[IVODARK]

Word.

And to answer your question anyway: Nope.

[cmm]

Originally posted by sstray72
Usually when you make a poll you actually ALLOW THE PEOPLE TO PICK AN OPINION OTHER THAN YOURS. :rolleyes:

so true lOL

[egsbrain]

you guys have no sense of humour :(
as I said, I don't believe it is the worst episode in that it was the least good...

now, since that didn't make any sense, let me clarify. it was 100% unoriginal. it was acted decently, scored decently, directed decently, but I was in pain because of how it was Saw. I was yelling at the TV. If there was one episode of Smallville I am embarrassed of, this is it. If I said I like Smallville and someone said, "Even this?" I would turn a bright red and cry.

ugh you guys.... take off the poll... it was a joke..... don't close this thread just for that. it was an afterthought! I had some legit thoughts...

oh wait - is this not closed!? lol those icons are confusing!

well then ignore the title and just pretend this thread was called "an even angrier saw rant"

[Bobbythe2nd]

Originally posted by Hurricain
I thought this episode was ok at best. First off, it showed the lack of creativity by the writers since they had to rip off the story basically from Saw.

Now if you can throw all logic out of the window (granted its a story about a super hero), then this was a entertaining.

I mean Chloe is now a bonafide hacker? Where did she get those skills?

The way Clark stops the elevator would have killed Martha and Lionel.

I like the fact that Lex actually questions things about CLark. Hope he follows up on that.

Anyway, Like I said. Entertaining if you don't nit pick.

Jeez man, cut the show a break.....Nowadays everything is a ripoff of something else....And Chloe hacking is not a new skill. She has been hacking everything ever since highschool....and yes the elevator would've killed martha and lionel but those are little details that have "im my opinion" no impact on the rating of this episode.....

I thought this episode was amazing! One of my all time favorites.
The MB was at his best tonight!!!!

[LuckyKrypto]

I have to admit, I have never seen Saw.
But aside from that, I really wouldn't say this was the worst episode ever even if it is so similar with that movie.
What went on between Lionel and Martha and Clark was great!! I totally loved that and hope we get to see more of that story next week!

[Bobbythe2nd]

Comon guys.....nowadays everything is a ripoff of something else...cut the show a break, it was a great episode and it should be left at that.

[shadowcat20x]

Originally posted by sstray72
Usually when you make a poll you actually ALLOW THE PEOPLE TO PICK AN OPINION OTHER THAN YOURS. :rolleyes:

lol just what I was thinking.

I actually liked tonight's episode. A lot.

[Daphne]

Didn't like it. Lionel creeps me out, the less Lionel the better for me.

[Bookwrm17]

I loved it!

I thought the challenges were a bit silly, and when Lionel realized the second one was an anagram I was halfway done solving it, but I didn't mind so much because the episode had so many great moments, like when Clark catches the elevator, when he and Lex are watching Lionel and Martha, and when Clark and Lex each confront Lionel. I loved how after Lionel said that Clark was a son a father could be proud of Lex gives him that look, and there's the red light hitting him from behind. He looked so evil at that point.

The scene in the elevator was so touching, how Lionel was willing to kill himself to save Martha. And then when they find out the gun's not loaded and the guy's going to kill them anyway, and Lionel is begging him to let Martha go and he actually cries...I was speachless. That one moment managed to convince my sister, who used to be absolutely anti-Mionel, that Lionel really cares about Martha.

Overall, I think the acting was great, as well. It was nice to have JG back after not seeing him for a few episodes. He totally rocks.

[love_smallville]

I was on the edge of my seat the whole eppy..nearly hyperventilating by the end.

Amazing..truly amazing the scene between Clark and Lionel when he finds out how long Lionel has known his secret.

Electrifying chemistry between TW and JG-I applaued them both :)

One of the best eppy's of the season-10/10

[The Great Ymmij]

I loved the episode.

[SteveS]

Strange as it may seem, I recorded this episode and got a very nice video and basically no audio other than Lionel at the very beginning. Can't believe I missed a really good episode and my lip-reading is not what it should be. Rats.

[Poetic Chaos]

Definitely one of the most horrible things I've seen on TV for a while. I liked Clark better when he was naive. It fit him. He's supposed to grow up to be a blue boyscout in the first place. Having Clark threaten and stare down people isn't satisfying. He's becoming just like Jonathan. An ass who doesn't trust anyone outside of his barn. And how predictable was it that the security guy was the masked man? Scooby doo is better at throwing off it's audience.

[All about Clark]

Originally posted by CallMeClark
One word: AMAZING!

I loved this episode beyond words. It developed and explained so much. And the Mionel was excellent as well as the Lex-Chloe-Clark triangle of conversation. I cannot say enough about how good this episode was. It is the Smallville we love and know! I actually started out not minding Lionel, knowing he would take the bullet for Martha. I mean, I know he may have spiked Pa Kent's heart attack but he generally cares for the two Kents. And the whole Clark showing him his power. WOW! I say this episode ranks up there with Splinter, Solitude, Mortal and Reckoning. Great job! I give it 10/10!

I agree with this completely. It rocked. The elevator rescue scene was incredible and the last scene too. Clark ruined Lionel's plan.

[ClarkSupportsOrganic]

I really loved this one. Good development, great scenes with Lionel, Martha, Clark, and Lex. Creepy, interesting, kept you on your toes. One of my favorites of the season :)

[Kryptomaniac]

Creepy, creepy, creepy.

Well-acted, well-directed episode. Of course, we ALL knew who the bad guy was from the beginning but the disguise with the blue eyes and mask was pretty darned cool.

Those expressions on Clark's face....almost felt like I knew what he was thinking. And that look when Clark made that amazing catch...awesome.

Of course Lionel, Clark and we knew there was no bullet in the gun...yadayada..but it was a fun scene to watch.

Chloe saves the day AGAIN. Love it!

Rating 4 out of 5.

[shuyin131]

The last draw, was last episode when, after all the things Lana said, and Lex said, Lex kissed her anyways. Yeah I knew he's a diabolical maniac and most likely would try something like that, but I didn't expect that out of Lana.

I had been a big fan of her character up until now but the writers are showing her weaknesses for what they really are. And they werent even weaknesses that existed in the 1st place, I don't ever recall Lana being like this in the comics.

Another thing I hate is that they made Lana to be the 'ho' of Smallville. I swear, shes been with, or will have been with almost every major male character that's ever had a recurring role on SV. Ever since the 1st shower scene, they like to make it a point to show her shower scene (or someone else's) every now and then. To me,she's gorgeous, but they shouldn't abuse it like this.

I do applaud the writers for developing Clark, Lois, Lex and Chloe. In the case of Clark and Lois, and Lex, played true to their character from the comics.

Finally, down to this episode. WTH were they thinking? I understand that there are filler episodes and such, but it should never be this bad. Come on now, a Saw ripoff? Everyone knows it's a blatant ripoff of Saw. They could have made their point some other way but no, they chose to do it like this.

Honestly, the last good TV show I ever have to look forward to, is 24, which has been consistently good throughout its seasons. Things are going downhill for SV and there hasnt even been a Bruce Wayne cameo yet. Bruce and Clark are actually very good friends in the comics.......

[vyperman7]

Originally posted by Summers
-Martha and Lionel should have died in the elevator. That wasn't smart Clark. Realisticlly speaking they be dead. He should've done a superjump, and guided it down to ease. Not halt it at a complete stop..

I thought the same thing. I actually thought that Clark would jump up and guide it down. I was suprised when he just stopped it cold.

In regards to the episode, I enjoyed it. I wasn't as blown away by it as some people were. But it was a good solid episode that kept me entertained.

I really enjoyed the fact that the episode focused on Lionel. It was cool to have an entire episode devoted to him and someone causing Lionel to be held responsible for his actions.

I do agree that the main premise was a rip off of Saw or as Steve DeKnight likes to call it a "homage". But since I enjoyed the film Saw, and the fact that Lionel was having to jump through hoops, it didn't bother me. In fact, I felt it made for a suspenseful episode.

My favorite part of the episode was definately Lex saying "He was standing next to me one minute, and across town the next." It was so awesome to actually hear Lex voice his suspicion. He usually just slugs it off.

Very cool scene for the end of the episode with the Clark and Lionel talk. I was hoping that they would say that Lionel knew the truth since Transference, but it is only since the events in Commencement. Still, nice continuity there.

They also raised a question with what's wrong with Lionel and what he was scribbling down. It almost seemed like all of him wasn't there, and that he was writing down what happened to remember it. The repeated use of the word "son" and Kal-El makes you wonder if it is really Lionel or Lion-El. Only time will tell.

****/*****

[Shazam]

I really liked this episode, but I also agree I was waiting for Clark to leap up the elevator shaft and slowly bring it down. I kept on thinking "What are you waiting for?!? He might as well let it hit the ground - but than it is fiction and they survived.
I also loved the little Superman movie moments - 2 to be precise - from Superman 2 when Superman saves Lois from the plummeting Elevator in Paris and on the TV screen the mask looked awefully like the crystal image of Jor-el when Clark was learing everything before he became Superman.

[musicgirrl]

The episode overall was good, but the last 10 minutes just made it for me!! When Clark burst through that wall, my heart leapt! (We don't get to see those things often enough in my opinion!)
Then when he stopped the elevator and was staring face to face with Lionel, that just rocked :) not to mention the confrontation between the two at the end-

I'm thinking Lex was really behind the whole game to torture Lionel and to hopefully find out more about Clarks secret. Which would have almost been guaranteed with Martha being involved in the whole thing. Anyone else agree?? I mean, it was pretty convenient how easily they found the guy who did it, just sitting at a bar celebrating (?) C'mon. I didn't buy that at all.

[Superbubba]

Quite possibly the best episode this season. Besides Reckoning.

Lionel is the man. and Lex had his hand in this.

When Clark and Lex were watching their parents..... that was chilling. Lex knows Clark is something more. He just doesnt know for sure.

This was just another test from Lex. Doing exactly what his dad used to do to him. Except there is just alot more at stake.

Wassup with Lex macking an Lana then going to tell Clark they need to be more like a couple. and hang out more. I don't know where that love triangle ends.

Lionel is AWESOME!!!

[T'Pol]

Wonderful episode! I loved the ending and what excellent acting by JG and AO.

[Rack]

Eventhough it was a "Sawesque" episode, I REALLY like it.

Except for one thing...


What's the difference between the elevator crashing into Clark's hands and going another 7 feet and crashing into the ground? Either way the elevator decelerated (sp?) too fast and both Martha and Lionel should be dead. It's actually insulting that the writers think the viewers are that completely stupid.


Couldn't they make it were Clark jumped up to the elevator, grabbed it, and slowed it down instead of making it stop instantly?


Stupid screwups in the show like that annoy me greatly.

[Soline Yayire]

I liked the episode beacause
* Mionel - I like them together, they are both great actors and have chemistry
* Only one (1) Lana scene - shes been getting far too much sceentime this season...

But in the beginning i couldnt help but laugh. My first thought was ''Saw'' but i liked that movie and they made a good episode from it :)

I give it 7 Meteor rocks of 10.

[Clark_el]

no man, you're wrong, clark catching it with his hands aint the same as the elevator falling on the ground. here's why :

the ground is solid, it can't bend, or move at all, it just breaks. but clark's hands can bend , and while bending at the same time as catching the elevator, the mass from the elevator passes through clarks body and then to the ground ( gravity). it's like clarks softens the fall. for example: if u let a tomato fall from a high point , to the ground, it will get messed up, but if someone lets a tomato fall from the same height, to your hands, it wont get a scratch. so in this episode, the elevator is a tomato compared to clarks powers. its like when he caught the car last season, he bend over a bit, and moved back while grabing it, to absorb its energy

[IVODARK]

Interesting. Personally, I don't know squat about physics so I'll take your word for it.

[CallMeClark]

Seriously, does it really matter that Chloe and find a location? Why does it bother some of you. lol. It is not at all vital to the plot. Stop being so picky. lol.

I believe Lionel wrote down a message in Kryptonian. Remember that Ask Aus. spoiler a long time ago about Chloe dekrypting a kryptonian message? Well, Wa La!

[tw190]

I loved it, loved it, loved it. Loved the suspense, loved Clark saving Martha AND Lionel. Visual FX team really outdid themselves on this one. At first, I wasn't really sure where this ep was going with Lionel balancing buckets, but past the second task I was pretty much glued to my seat.

Clark confronting Lionel about what happened was great. "I've been expecting you, Kal-El..." Eeeeeek, it was so good. Clark telling Lionel not to call him "son" was good too.

Wow. The second half was amazing but the first half was pretty good as well, IMO.

Awesome.

[spideyfan]

We use the equation: j=F*t
where 'j' is impulse, 'F' is force, and 't' is time

First thing we note is that 'j' is a fixed number whether or not Clark had been there to catch the elevator. Lets say that ''j' is 1000. The 't' we are concerned about is the contact time at the moment of impact. This is a simplistic view but it helps to understand what happens.

If the elevator hit the ground, the 't' would have been tiny because the ground has no give...lets say 't' would have been .0001 seconds. With a 'j' of 1000 and the tiny 't' used we get a force 'F' of 10,000,000. That is what would have killed Mionel.

Now Since Clark caught the elevator the 't' changes since his hands are catching the elevator and they have 'give'. Clark had to allowed the elevator to 'relax' into his hands and thus significantly decreased 't'. So lets assume 't' is now 1 sec. With this 't' and the 'j' above we get a force 'F' of 1000. This is a small force and will only cause a few bruises to Mionel. Mionel lives. All are happy. Except Lex.

Physicists, feel free to bash :)

[MaximRecoil]

Originally posted by Clark_el
no man, you're wrong, clark catching it with his hands aint the same as the elevator falling on the ground. here's why :

the ground is solid, it can't bend, or move at all, it just breaks. but clark's hands can bend , and while bending at the same time as catching the elevator, the mass from the elevator passes through clarks body and then to the ground ( gravity). it's like clarks softens the fall. for example: if u let a tomato fall from a high point , to the ground, it will get messed up, but if someone lets a tomato fall from the same height, to your hands, it wont get a scratch. so in this episode, the elevator is a tomato compared to clarks powers. its like when he caught the car last season, he bend over a bit, and moved back while grabing it, to absorb its energy
The original poster is correct, the occupants of the elevator would have still been injured or killed. A tomato is a poor analogy, as it has far less momentum than two adults in a free fall. Since he didn't do any unusual bodily contortions when when he stopped the elevator (wouldn't have helped much even if he had've), he only had the distance between the top of his head and the height that he can reach with his hands straight up in the air to use for the negative acceleration buffer, which is maybe a couple of feet at best. Not knowing the exact air resistance characteristics of the elevator + the occupants, it is hard to say what their terminal velocity would have been, but it would have been anywhere between 120 and 200 MPH. If a person is traveling at a rate of 120 MPH (and especially 200 MPH), and they come to a stop in a space of 2 feet, they are not walking away from that unharmed, provided they walk away at all (unlikely). Additionally, the elevator floor would have gotten smashed in pretty badly, just like a car hitting a deer at 120 MPH.

[Liriel]

Yes, but Superman has always caught people like that, and Clark's done it before even in this show (I think maybe when Pete and Chloe decided to jump the car)

[SVFan7337]

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode! I have never seen Saw, but the ripoff probably wouldn't have bothered me that much if I had.

Chloe's skills and the whole elevator debate doesn't bother me either since, as many of you have pointed out, the genre of the show is fantasy, so I expect to have to suspend my disbelief as far as such logistics...

HOWEVER, one particular thing that often bothers me about Smallville is character consistency. I do feel that it was an enormous character hole for the bad guy to leave and go to a bar thinking Lionel was dead.

The writers gave him SO much hatred for Lionel to the point where he didn't care if he was caught as long as Lionel was dead and to the point that he had to be sedated when he found out Lionel wasn't dead. Someone with that much hate for another human being would stay and make SURE the job was finished. He'd want to SEE Lionel go splat with his own eyes and enjoy it!! The writers also built him up to be this meticulous, thorough, maniac who carefully plotted things down to the last detail. That, too, would indicate someone who would see a job through.

That, for me was the the one point difficult to believe since it speaks to character consistency, not fantasy plot. Otherwise, I absolutely loved everything about this episode!

[Kal EL2380]

Originally posted by spideyfan
We use the equation: j=F*t
where 'j' is impulse, 'F' is force, and 't' is time

First thing we note is that 'j' is a fixed number whether or not Clark had been there to catch the elevator. Lets say that ''j' is 1000. The 't' we are concerned about is the contact time at the moment of impact. This is a simplistic view but it helps to understand what happens.

If the elevator hit the ground, the 't' would have been tiny because the ground has no give...lets say 't' would have been .0001 seconds. With a 'j' of 1000 and the tiny 't' used we get a force 'F' of 10,000,000. That is what would have killed Mionel.

Now Since Clark caught the elevator the 't' changes since his hands are catching the elevator and they have 'give'. Clark had to allowed the elevator to 'relax' into his hands and thus significantly decreased 't'. So lets assume 't' is now 1 sec. With this 't' and the 'j' above we get a force 'F' of 1000. This is a small force and will only cause a few bruises to Mionel. Mionel lives. All are happy. Except Lex.

Physicists, feel free to bash :)

Your absolutly right about Clark affecting the impact. Correct me if I'm mistaken, but didnt he jump up a bit before it came down? That combined with Clarks superstrength should have been enough to cushion the landing. Not to mention you have to take in account the friction the elevator was exerting on the tracks in the elevator shaft. Oh well, guess we just have to chalk it up to typical smallville action.

[ScrappyTheOwl]

I agree with the "absorption theory" ... Clark is definitely powerful enough to slow down an elevator.

Have any of you ever been on a free fall ride at a theme park (anything were you drop straight down and stop suddenly)? If those can stop you that suddenly without killing you, I think Superman can, too.

I'm sure Mionel had some serious back aches the next morning ... but that's about it.

[Shadow09]

It was a very good episode that have some good moments between Clark and Lionel.

It was best that Clark had to reveal his powers infront of Clark instead of having a talk about each other knowing.

Didn't like the Lana and Lex scene(s) it just dragged the episode to a dull.

Other than that, good episode that should lead into the final two episodes nicely.

[Silent Kal]

Wow. Just wow. I was walking around my apartment for five minutes just saying "Holy crap" to myself. I almost started carving the Zod symbol into my coffee table. ;- )

If it wasn't the best episode of the season, it's in the top three. Not only was JG his usual MAGNIFICENT self, but the last ten minutes--I mean, COME ON!

Clark vs. Lionel. Lionel calls Clark "son" and Clark snaps back, "You don't call me that. Jonathon Kent was my father!"

I had to cheer at that line.

This episode worked on so many levels, as far as continuity and character. So often this season, we've had to fill in the gaps ourselves as to how things happen and why, but this ep filled in all those threads of the hows and whys.

Freaking amazing.

And what Lionel was scribbling at the end? Too many straight lines, had to be the big Z symbol.

[HE IS COMING.]

[Ladyhawk]

HOWEVER, one particular thing that often bothers me about Smallville is character consistency. I do feel that it was an enormous character hole for the bad guy to leave and go to a bar thinking Lionel was dead.

I agree with this, and also with the other poster who hypothesized that Lex was indeed involved. Your statement makes me tend to agree. Lex...*shiver*

[superhippie2000]

why doesnt the poll on this thread ask if you liked it you have no other choice but saying its bad. the point of a poll is to have different options.


i think the traps were pretty cool. the fire pit was intresting and the whole game thing being puzzles and stuff. its funny how the bad guy was going to kill him anyway but wanted to tortur him first. if this wasnt tv they could have done alot more brutal stuff then saw did but they had to keep it claen for tv. lionel admitted that he knew since the tranfernce crystal thing but i still want to know how much he knew before all of that like when he was blind and in the episode transference. clark should have asked lionel before he told him off what jor el really wanted but im assuming this little thing between clark and jor el is going to lead to something happening in these last 3 episodes.

lionel episodes are great wish we had more we only tend to have 1 lionel centric episode a season

[udtiger]

I have not seen Saw, so I cannot make comparisons (positive or negative); however, this episode did a lot to advance the overall story. Clark and Martha on the same page re: Lionel (or so it seems). Lionel showing his cards (at least some of them). Clark setting the rules w/ Lionel (BTW, kudos to the person that came up with the "MB" label for him...very appropriate).

[superhippie2000]

ya everything was great. saw is basically the same but you get more cursing and more blood and someone usually winds up dead plus saw doesnt have obvious word games and its more complexed but seeing this is only a tv show that is half as long as the movies it compared well. im glad that they did a good job with using a saw plotline cause last year when they did the house of wax plotline it wasnt that great.

[LastFatherOfKrypton]

I must agree too!

This episode had me riveted...every time I rewatch it!!

[Summers]

Originally posted by CallMeClark

I believe Lionel wrote down a message in Kryptonian. Remember that Ask Aus. spoiler a long time ago about Chloe dekrypting a kryptonian message? Well, Wa La!

Uh..that's a spoiler. Aussello comments always belong in the spoiler section.

[superpal1]

This episode was amazing. Everything about it. Clark showing is powers to Lionel, Clark not being able to superspeed to the address because Lex offers his car and the look he gives Chloe., the end with Lionel/Clark. Lex and Lionel at the end taking about Clark and what he overheard. Just Great

[margroks]

While they could have and probably should have shown Clark slowing the elevator first it remains the case that Clark can somehow alter or negate the natural forces like gravity and intertia.

[Ketchup]

Great episode! I especially loved the complete absence of Lois. =D

[djpnutz]

what they coulda shown was clark somewhat inside the floor... showing that there was a pretty huge force he was trying to carry and the grould woulda broken regardless...

[Snarky]

I loved it! It was fast paced, delightfully twisted, and how can you not appreciate Lionel being tortured. Sure it wasn't original, but it was entertaining.

Personally, I think Lionel set the whole thing up to accomplish 3 things...
1. Demonstrate to Martha that he'll "sacrifice" himself for her.
2. Force Clark to use his powers in front of Lionel so he cannot deny it.
3. Taunt Lex that he knows Clark's secret and Lex doesn't.

I could be wrong, but it fits his character to play on the emotional vulnerability of others to accomplish his desires. I can't wait to see how Mr. Nasty Pants uses "the secret" to control the Kents. I think his days are numbered.

I don't like how Chloe is used as wonder-girl with a magic computer, but it served it's purpose for the story and didn't detract from the storyline. I hardly remembered Lana was in the episode which was a good thing and probably why it felt like the hour flew by. Nice job, good acting, twisted game. It held my attention and made me want to watch it again and there hasn't been an episode like that since Transference for me. :D

[hotkk]

As a future engineer, I could tell you that it's true that what the ther guy said, It can make a massive difference if Clark absorb the shock to slow the deceleration: because that's what would kill you, the deceleration. If you'd hit a hard floor, the deceleration happens in a fraction of a second, so going from 100MPH to 0 in this time is lethal. But if you take one full second to slow down (the visual effects didn't show that, but still...) the deceleration would be of one g to zero g in one second, so that's not lethal at all...

But that was not the only mistake in this scene: When we saw lionel falling down, he seemed to be "pushed" to the ground. In real life, someone falling in an elevator (assuming the elevator falls with very limited amout of friction to slow his fall) would be in a zero - g environnement and should not be pushed down but "float"... That was not the case!

[Insight]

I think if I hadn't seen Saw first I would have really liked it.

But on the whole, I didn't care for it too much. The stuff with Clark and Lionel was good, along with the end, but the whole game thing was just blah.

I give it a 6/10.

[MissLane]

I loved this episode!!!

I think this is the best episode I have watched in this season.
(well.. tomb is one of my fave episodes too hehe and exposed haahah)

Anyway about John Glover... he´s amazing!! I love how he performed in Mercy.
About the episode: totally great!
About Annete, and Tom... always perfect!

and... about.... ALLISON MACK a.k.a Beautiful girl hahaha... per-fect!! she is the real hero of smallville.
Please,writers: Chloe Sullivan Spin-Off
I dont understand why Chloe Sullivan doesnt appear more often! and just to saves the situation.
And about chloe vs lex.... ¬¬ I wanted to see more of that....

so, amazing episode! I cant wait for the next one!!! (erica a.k.a my girl hehe appears on it! ohh yeah!! I hope to see chlois!!!!)

[Chloe-istic4ever]

Mercy was amazing, the episode sort of reminded me of saw ::shudder:: but it was overalll pretty awesome.

[aoa4life]

I totally enjoyed this episode. It had Lionel crying and begging for mercy. It had Martha which is always great. It had the Superman mythos being expanded upon now that Lionel absolutely knows Clark's secret. It was a fun good episode. I am looking forward to the finale but not really cuz we won't have any new episodes til september

[Ketchup]

Originally posted by hotkk
As a future engineer, I could tell you that it's true that what the ther guy said, It can make a massive difference if Clark absorb the shock to slow the deceleration: because that's what would kill you, the deceleration. If you'd hit a hard floor, the deceleration happens in a fraction of a second, so going from 100MPH to 0 in this time is lethal. But if you take one full second to slow down (the visual effects didn't show that, but still...) the deceleration would be of one g to zero g in one second, so that's not lethal at all...

But that was not the only mistake in this scene: When we saw lionel falling down, he seemed to be "pushed" to the ground. In real life, someone falling in an elevator (assuming the elevator falls with very limited amout of friction to slow his fall) would be in a zero - g environnement and should not be pushed down but "float"... That was not the case!

When the cables broke, Martha and Lionel accelerated with the elevator. This acceleration was gradual and equal for both the elevator and the Mionel inside. Artificial gravity is only possible if downward acceleration is greater than or equal to 9.81m/s which is Earth's gravitational pull. That is why when NASA stimulates a zero g environment for austronaut training, they have to use specially equiped planes and do it in the air, where a plane can use its velocity and aerodynamics to achieve negative g's. But in this case, since the acceleration for both the elevator and the people inside was equated, no zero g effect was observed. In fact, the "kneeling down" was probably just Martha and Lionel trying to keep as low to the floor as possible - a instinctive reflex - and it was possible because downward acceleration was actually less than 9.81, due to air resistance and tension along the elevator guide rails. And I believe that one second might not be enough to survive a deceleration from a 100 to 0 mph (assuming the elevator was moving at a 100 mph, which in itself is unlikely). Imagine driving in a car at a 100 mph and having to come to a complete stop in one second... your bodyparts would go flying through the windshield. That's what pissed me off the most about the physics in this episode. Couldn't Clark fly up to a decent height, match the elevator's speed, lock on to it, and gradually slow it down over an extended amount of time? Nooooo... AlMiles need to take high school Physics.

[Angels4BobSeger]

I really liked the episode very much.
I almost had my doubts though if Martha was going to make it or not.:)

[TheSupaMan]

I looked foward to this show. And I have to say this is truly one of the better episodes this season, in my own opinion if not shared by others.

[aqua]

The story kind of bored me. However, I really loved the Lionel/Martha interaction. It showed that Lionel went from infatuation to true, selfless love for Martha. Since they are my favorite couple (who needs the young people!) I like the love triangle between Lionel, Martha, and Clark (okay, guys, not in that way) In that Clark loves his mother (again, not in that way) and is trying to protect her, while Martha seems to be on the fence about her feelings. Their interaction is more interesting, to me, than the Lex/Lana/Clark rubbish.

Speaking of..

What the hell are the writers' smoking? Are Lex and Lana friends or not? Are they going to go out or not? Stop with the "we can't be more" crap. Why not? Lana doesn't want to wreck their friendship, but the fact remains it's odd that she invests so much in it while at the beginning of the season she didn't trust him as far as she could throw him. Now she's nervous about ruining it? You never worried about that with Clark, who you had a firmer foundation with. And Lex isn't the type to layback and let her flip flop bla bla bla.

Bad relationship, bad writing.

[clark25]

I really liked this episode the action was
very fast paced and keep wondering
what was going to happen to lionel next
and to my mouth droped when Lionel
said to Clark thank you son that makes
the second time he has done that and
that threat clark made to lionel kind of
harkens back to the superman movies
any who great episode

[princetongirl]

mercy was good. my jaw dropped when clark suddenly appereard when the elevator was about to crash. did you see lionel's face. i will never forget. clark's eyes are so beautiful..

[Watching Smallville]

I never saw Saw. I'm not a fan of movies like that, so the Saw rip-off was my least favorite part of the show. But I really liked the interactions and the character study w/ Lionel. He's just plain intriguing.

I also like the fact that for once the story moved forward in a big way -- Clark told Martha about Lionel knowing, and confronted Lionel about it. I love it when the show does exactly what you've been waiting for. "Everything you wanted to see" -- in this ep, that was finally true!

I give it a 4. I had forgotten how good SV can be.

[Welling_is_pretty]

My two cents (I'm going to think seriously about raising that to a shiny nickel soon):
Mercy was good. I have not seen Saw (but if one more person compares it to Mercy I'll---!!!!) so maybe that's part of it.
I went in with low expectations because I am a huge Tom Welling fan and it didn't look like there was much of CLark in this one. And at first it didn't look like it was going to be that good. BUt I stuck with it.
And I was pleasantly surprised.
While the whole "make them play games and then they die" theme wasn't that great (like I said, I haven't seen saw but that theme has been played out in a lot of other ways as well) but the interactions between Lional and Martha made that scenario worth it.
And while I was sitting there going "when did Chloe become Babs Gordon?" it was nice that she had so much to do with helping save them.
I loved it when Clark and Lex showed up at Lionel's office and the interaction there. Lex trying to repair their friendship while sneaking off to talk to Lana (and did anyone else notice that Clark never replied to Lex's overture?), Clark obviously wanting to run to save his mother but hamperred by Lex wanting to come too, Lex's smashing of the statue. All great stuff.
As soon as Lionel said that bit about Clark being a "special boy" I could practically hear the wheels in Lex's head turning. :lol:
Then Clark running out as soon as Lex's back was turned (so typical!).
But it was the last ten minutes that were the best.
Lex and his father ("Let it go.") but especially Clark's confrontation with Lionel.
As a comic book fan when Clark was being all in Lionel's face I flashed back to what Green Arrow says in Identity Crisis:
"when it comes to our loved ones, we all have a bit of Bruce [Batman] in us. Even Clark."
It was a very good episode and though Tom wasn't in it much he was impressive when he was there.
Oh, and the ending---!
Well, it left me screaming at the TV "that's it?!!!" which is a good sign.

;)

[BULLITT]

Seriously, the writers obviously don't give a crap.
What's the difference between Clark standing still under the falling elevator, and the elevator hitting the floor springs directly?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
NOTHING! Lionel and Martha should be dead EITHER WAY!

Man, this show is starting to stink on a regular basis.

[howie71]

did smallville hire a bunch of hack horror movie writers?!!
between vampires, ghost stories, and now this blantant rip off of the saw movies... smallville is going down hill fast. and I am huge fan of the show!~
whats next ? a evil doll named "lucky" comes to life and trys to kill people??
I hope they get away from the crappy horror stuff, leave stories like that to xfiles and buffy reruns.
bring on more superman characters....
if you want a big scary bad guy, bring on soloman grundy!
finally i would be very surpised if smallville didn't get sued over this last episode by the writers and producers of the saw movies.

[SirJono]

WOW, I loved this episode! it totally rocked!
that's more like the episode I've been waiting for all season. It had everything a good superman show should have... well except Lois maybe.
oh, and my guess that Lionel knew since transference was incorrect. but this was awesome, but a whole new spin on things and cleared some things up.
Did anyone else think Lionel would warp into Fine at the end? seen the tina grier episode one too many times @@

[dhacker615]

Originally posted by BULLITT
Seriously, the writers obviously don't give a crap.
What's the difference between Clark standing still under the falling elevator, and the elevator hitting the floor springs directly?

I thought that too, but overall it was one of the better episodes in a while. Here are my thoughts:
The Good:
- The return of the Clark-Lex team. Obiviously we are past the point when we are getting a regular dose of this, but the contrast in styles is always fun. It is great how Lex has moved from curious to just annoyed that people are lying to him about CK.
- The antagonist struck me as more of an old Republic serial villian than anything, but the suspense was decent. I liked that his motive tied back to the Apex take-over. That was a nice little reward for loyal viewers.
- The scene at the end with Clark and Lionel was great. Was it just me, or did Lionel collapse in fear after Clark left? If so, that is awesome. Who wouldn't be terrified by what Clark said considering what he is?
- I hate the pairing of Martha and Lionel, but John Glover and Annette O'Toole always play nicely off each other.

The Bad:
- Chloe has devolved from a character into a device. If Clark needs to know something, then Chloe breaks out the Ole Laptop and tells him. Or worse, has totally specialized knowledge that there is no reason for her to have. She has no interests, no friends other than Clark and free access to the Daily Planet (despite being an intern).
- The Lex-Lana hook-up. Those two have zero chemistry as a couple. The scenes trying to set-up the romantic tension are painful. Neither actor looks good in their scenes, which is never a good sign.

The Questions:
- Is Lionel really Lionel, or is he Jor-El? It seems like maybe he is some odd combination of the two.
- Are we coming to the point when Clark just gives up on the whole effort of keeping the secret? Everyone assumes that "Smallville" is setting the status quo from "Lois & Clark", but maybe not. I mean, why bother with a costume?

[Rack]

Originally posted by Clark_el
no man, you're wrong, clark catching it with his hands aint the same as the elevator falling on the ground. here's why :

the ground is solid, it can't bend, or move at all, it just breaks. but clark's hands can bend , and while bending at the same time as catching the elevator, the mass from the elevator passes through clarks body and then to the ground ( gravity). it's like clarks softens the fall. for example: if u let a tomato fall from a high point , to the ground, it will get messed up, but if someone lets a tomato fall from the same height, to your hands, it wont get a scratch. so in this episode, the elevator is a tomato compared to clarks powers. its like when he caught the car last season, he bend over a bit, and moved back while grabing it, to absorb its energy


I just need to ask... are you serious?


If you stop instantly from that height it doesn't matter if you hit the ground or Superman catches you, you're gonna die. End of story. It's called physics.



The Elevator would have to of started slowing down about 10 stories up for them to live through that. It slowed down about 6 inches at most.


If you're driving and wreck into a wall at 100 miles an hour, you're gonna die. If you wreck into the ocean at 100 miles an hour, there will be a little "Give", but you're still gonna die. And there was less "Give" in clark catching that elevator then there would of been if the elevator his water.



Yes, but Superman has always caught people like that, and Clark's done it before even in this show (I think maybe when Pete and Chloe decided to jump the car)


He may have caught people before, but not like that.







Your absolutly right about Clark affecting the impact. Correct me if I'm mistaken, but didnt he jump up a bit before it came down? That combined with Clarks superstrength should have been enough to cushion the landing. Not to mention you have to take in account the friction the elevator was exerting on the tracks in the elevator shaft. Oh well, guess we just have to chalk it up to typical smallville action.

It doesn't matter how strong Clark is in this case. If the elevator stops taht quickly, both people inside will have come to a stop at to fast a rate. They'd both be dead, or seriously injures. Death would be most likely.



I agree with the "absorption theory" ... Clark is definitely powerful enough to slow down an elevator


I don't think a person in here is debating that. We all know Clark is strong enough to stop the elevator. But that's irrelevant.


Tell me this, if you jump off a 100 story building and hit the ground you're gonna die, right?

If you jump off the same building and Clark catches you, you think it makes a difference? He'd have to slow your descent gradually, not instantly.

Point is the elevator stopped instantly, or close to it.



If those can stop you that suddenly without killing you, I think Superman can, too.

First of all, there isn't a theme park on the planet that drops you from that distance. Second of all, there isn't a theme park on the planet that drops you at that speed and STOPS you that instantly. The laws of physics say you'd be DEAD (or seriously injured) if you tried.



While they could have and probably should have shown Clark slowing the elevator first it remains the case that Clark can somehow alter or negate the natural forces like gravity and intertia.


Yeah they should of just showed Clark jump up about 10 stories, catch the bottom of the elevator, and grab onto the rails and slow them down (like he did in that first episode with Alicia).


If it's true that he can Alter or negate the natural forces of gravity, or inertia, then that's one thing. But I don't think that's the case here. The writers just screwed up something simple, just like the normally do.

That said, this was one of the top 2 episodes of the season IMO.



But if you take one full second to slow down (the visual effects didn't show that, but still...) the deceleration would be of one g to zero g in one second, so that's not lethal at all


It mostly likely would still be lethal. You're going from about 200 MPh to a complete stop in 1 second. Even in 3 seconds, it would likely kill you. The LEAST it would do is cause serious injury.



But that was not the only mistake in this scene: When we saw lionel falling down, he seemed to be "pushed" to the ground. In real life, someone falling in an elevator (assuming the elevator falls with very limited amout of friction to slow his fall) would be in a zero - g environnement and should not be pushed down but "float"... That was not the case!


Yep. And in that case it would of made the force of the impact (for the occupants, not the elevator) even more devastating.



And I believe that one second might not be enough to survive a deceleration from a 100 to 0 mph (assuming the elevator was moving at a 100 mph, which in itself is unlikely). Imagine driving in a car at a 100 mph and having to come to a complete stop in one second... your bodyparts would go flying through the windshield. That's what pissed me off the most about the physics in this episode. Couldn't Clark fly up to a decent height, match the elevator's speed, lock on to it, and gradually slow it down over an extended amount of time? Nooooo... AlMiles need to take high school Physics.


Exactly. And also, you're smart. Very good detailed information.


I'd have to think that since they started from so high up (they don't say the exact amount of floors, do they?) that the weight of the elevator eventually would of helped increase the speed to over 100 MPH.

Either way, even if it were only 50 MPH, if they stopped that fast, they'd have some injuries.



What bothers me more so then the complete disregard of physics in that scene, is the fact that it could of easily been done the right way.

It was sooooo close to being a 10. I still give it an 8, but it's still annoying. I wouldn't mind so much if they screwed up something big, but to screw up something so obvious is annoying.

[Chokito]

i loved this episode :D


Post #136 of 140
What's the difference between Clark standing still under the falling elevator, and the elevator hitting the floor springs directly?

i thought that too
but i just thought it was silly:rotfl:

[GooN]

fucc me what an episode, blatant rip off of the movie saw but who cares, i loved the movie saw! and i loved this episode.......jor-el = lionel, i been thinkin it for time...

now about that elevator scene, yes, no way would lionel and martha survive that even if clark caught it, i have done advanced physics and i can say that from my KNOWLEDGE.

anyway its not really relevant to me, cos the writers have messed up on things like this since the show started, doesn't matter how he saved them, the point they wanted to get accross was clark saving martha and lionel, so that lionel could see it without a question of a doubt.

I liked the Lex and clark scenes, u get feelings of guilt from lex, also jealousy with his father's speech about clark....and clark's grudge which he won't let go....and he's starting to use that super-intuition for once, which was nice to see.

and cot damn chloe can do anything!
peace.

[Liriel]

Yes, but Superman has always caught people like that, and Clark's done it before even in this show (I think maybe when Pete and Chloe decided to jump the car)

He may have caught people before, but not like that.


Yes, he has. What about when Chloe got thrown off a bridge or something and he ran down to the bottom and caught her? It's the same thing as catching an elevator, with the same amount of "give" in bending his arms and legs.

It's just the sort of thing that happens on shows, cartoons, and comic books like this.

[SirJono]

if he had jumped a bit before watching them it would be a lot more believable. But they were already lying down, it's not like they crashed into anything as it stopped.

It would be a lot like a highway speed head-on collision, people DO walk away from those, however Smallville will skip that part where they visit the chiropractor/physical therapist for the rest of their lives...:p

[Watching Smallville]

I look at it this way -- Superman can alter fate and he can alter the laws of physics. After all, the guy flies.

[aqua]

Yeah, but come on. :lol: If he slowed down time, or used his powers in that way, it would have been more believable, but catching it like that about a second before it hits the ground is the exact same thing as hitting the ground.

[Liriel]

Originally posted by aqua
Yeah, but come on. :lol: If he slowed down time, or used his powers in that way, it would have been more believable, but catching it like that about a second before it hits the ground is the exact same thing as hitting the ground.

Yes, it is. But he's done it before on this show, and on other shows. It's just the way it is.

[dhacker615]

Originally posted by SirJono
if he had jumped a bit before watching them it would be a lot more believable. But they were already lying down, it's not like they crashed into anything as it stopped.

It would be a lot like a highway speed head-on collision, people DO walk away from those, however Smallville will skip that part where they visit the chiropractor/physical therapist for the rest of their lives...:p

Now that is a great idea for an episode.

Clark rushes to stop some accident, but is a split second too late leaving the person is alive, but injured. Clark feels guilty and victim senses it and uses it to manipulate Clark.

[aqua]

It annoys me that the writers have the views that just because it's a supernatural or fantasy show that basic common sense is thrown out the window. Ridiculous.

[Watching Smallville]

I think it's like an egg being thrown onto a tempur-pedic mattress vs an egg being thrown onto a regular mattress. There's a post a page back that explains it better -- but that's the gist! :lol: Obviously, I'm not a physicist.

[jack1487]

Seems to be a stacked poll but I liked it. Very good AT, JG and Tom did a great job.

Jack

[Kalel x2x2]

Originally posted by jack1487
Seems to be a stacked poll but I liked it. Very good AT, JG and Tom did a great job.

Jack


YEAH about the poll i have NO clue what the mods did to it..

[krypton_gurl85]

Opps!! i thot the top said BEST epi ever!! i ment to say absolutly for that. why r both the answers pretty much the same?? this waz an awesome epi! i loved it!! :D

[Kalel x2x2]

Originally posted by krypton_gurl85
Opps!! i thot the top said BEST epi ever!! i ment to say absolutly for that. why r both the answers pretty much the same?? this waz an awesome epi! i loved it!! :D



I dont know why the mods edited it like that..it was fine the way i had it....

[MamaK]

I don't think I understand this poll, but, anyway, I loved this episode. MUCH better than I thought it would be.

[Kalel x2x2]

***JUST IGNORE THE POLL PLEASE,..THE MODS MESSED IT UP FOR SOME STRANGE REASON***

[dfm82]

This was a great episode, even though we had the "sick games" making us remember the saw movies i think the guy who played the vilan was very well written and the story of the episode was able to really develop the characters... i enjoyed a lot AOT and JG performances and the tension in the scenes between Lex and Clark was just great... oh and that elevator scene, even if that's not possible in real life we have to consider that the guy who stopped it was simply... Superman. I think we have to buy that he's able to stop things at that kind of speed and not harm people, maybe he can alter the gravity forces of the things around him, much like his aura that protects everything that's around him... i think we should not forget this is a sci-fi show guys. ;)

Now about Lionel i think it's pretty much obvious by now that Jor-El have some kind of control over his actions, my question is, how much? :confused:

[attitudejc]

some people are saying its a set up...but i don't think so. i mean, how would lionel know that he was going to not drop the gas? and then balance it right? ughh...im confused to where all of this is leading to, and i can't wait.

[tibbit78]

I loved John Glover in Mercy (it's the best Smallville episode, in my opinion, that I've seen of John Glover). Maybe Lionel Luthor will be on Clark's side, instead of his son, Lex's side. This will be interesting! I can't wait to see the last 3 episodes of Smallville (Fade, Oracle & Vessel)!

[Sweetie]

When Lionel is in the central character of the episode,it's always enjoyable and interesting...John Glover did a fine job.

Great episode:cool:

[Spindrift]

At first I thought it might be/looked kind of hokey, but then, as it progressed, I really got into it, and the scene in which Clark stopped the plummeting elevator and looked directly at Lionel and then later confronting the putz in his office, that was AWESOME!!!

[red-K glory]

This episode was totally cool! It is one of my favorite episodes of the season. The story, the acting, the action, everything was awesome! This is one of the best episodes!

[loistickyfingerz]

Mercy was possible the worst episode of SV I've ever had to sit through. Honestly, I was watching it on tape and I had to force myself not to just fast forward or turn it off. This is of course my opinion and I do not expect others to agree, but I just have to post what I honestly thought.

The rip-off of the whole "Saw" format was just pathetic. I mean, last year the "wax" episode could truly have been a coincidence, but this was just obviously a direct copy.

And I'm sorry, the whole "word puzzle" thing was laughable. Lionel, in a car, calling out letters like he's playing the at-home version of Wheel of Fortune was actually funny. I think it took all of Mr. Glover's acting ability to continue to seem genuinely afraid while attempting to play Vanna White in front of dunk-tank Martha.

The only mildly interesting part of the plot was the Clark rescue and the overheard conversation with Lex standing right there next to Clark. I love where they are taking Lex, but the chess scene with Lana was so obviously a "we know we brought this up but this plot point has to be dealt with in a later show" moment. Yes, people sometimes avoid talking about their issues, but isn't more realistic to think that Lex might have to deal with more than one plot-issue an episode?

I hope the coughing and writing moment in Linoel’s office at the end meant something, and since I don't like to read spoilers I can only assume it does. That is one thing I will give them credit for this season. They at least do have story arcs and continuity in mind with end-hooks, l unlike last year's level 33.whatever that went nowhere, meant nothing and never came up again. It's a shame though that these "seasoned" writers took 5 seasons to figure out continuity, or at the least, they somehow lost all knowledge of it during all of season 4.

Nice to see that Clark doesn't ignore calls from Lois. And that she's in his phone. As silly and little as it is it does help to show their slowly, growing relationship. I just don't want to see all that lost in a dumb memory swipe during the last episode.

I loved the part where Clark threatened Lionel. As Superman, he's no pushover, and he has to be able to take control, not just swoop in to save the day at the last minute. This is a classic good and evil story and Clark has to be able to detect, anticipate and deal with evil before it gets out of hand. It won't always work, but he wouldn't be a very good superhero if he didn't at least try to prevent disaster before it happens.

[ko8e]

good episode, but predictable. probably the 3rd best episode this season: 1. Reckoning 2. Splinter 3. Mercy 4. Mortal 5. Solitude

[Daddylion]

I've only just seen the episode today.

It has Lionel on screen for most of the episode looking wet with long hair.

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! !! SEXY LIONEL!!!!

It's gonna be a while before i can get my reasoning skills back and do any analysis of the episode cause right now all i have are images of Lionel in my head and it's AWESOME!

LionelLionelLionelLionelLionelLionelLionel *starts panting* *squeals loudly* OMG! I am SO happy!!!!!

I have weird tastes, I know.

[Ireallylikethisshow]

Does anyone think the 'Hangman For Your Life' was a little odd... I just can't picture someone playing hangman for their life!!! I liked the episode, it's just a very funny incident. lol

[tibbit78]

This is the best episode I have ever seen John Glover play in (I loved John Glover in Hidden). I only hope that Lionel Luthor changes and sides with Clark Kent instead of Lex Luthor! I especially liked the part when Lionel defended Clark Kent in front of his son, Lex (makes you wonder----maybe Lionel Luthor will change from bad to good).
I can't wait to see what kind of a relationship Clark & Lionel will have in the future. Will Clark be able to trust Lionel?

[Shardz]

Really a great episode. i dont care that it stole the movie Saw.

Anything centric with Lionel is sure to be a great hit. too bad they cant do it all the time.

i loved how lex just said why wait for security, cocked his gun and kicked down the door. pretty badass.

i love how clark didnt just go over and break the statue that had the recording device that he found from XRaying it.
he noticed a slight change in the statue and avoided lex from getting suspicious. smart little moments like that is what makes clark kent.

i love how if lionel was badass in his snide comments against the tinfoil masked man.

great episode. one of the many favorites of season 5. really now my favorite season.

[Meteror Freak]

This poll makes me laugh. I liked the episode except for the Clark treated Lionel. Lionel is sooo cool. I love it that he knows clark's secret now, and I wish Clark would act more like superman already. The train scene was awesome.

[davidbrenton]

This is one of my top favorite episodes and it still stands out it my head after 4 years.

[Stebob1984]

Funnily enough I'm watching this episode now and I thought i'd come on here and comment on it. I think its a realy enjoyable episode. I dont know about anyone else but sometimes I sit there watching a movie wondering what would happen if Superman was there and this episode gave me a glimpse of what could happen if Superman showed up in Saw.

7/10

[Nimkong]

This episode was good.Liked the mionel,and Lex helping out clark was neat too.But it felt like saw