Triplet's "Reckoning" Review

[KryptonSite]

http://www.kryptonsite.com/reckoningreview.htm

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[shadowcat20x]

Fantastic review Triplet!

I agree with her, especially on the acting. It was beautiful, it was superb.

However, I just can’t get over the frustration I had that Clark did not tell Lana his secret the second time.

This was the best emotional episode Smallville has ever created. Jonathan’s death was done with grace, but it made me incredibly sad to see him go. I guess that’s what good tv does, it makes you feel something you wouldn’t feel from an ordinary show.

As for being one of the most pivotal episodes in the show’s history, I’ll have to wait and see it’s impact.

[KRAM-el]

Triplet -- Very nicely worded review but unfortunately that's where I have to draw the line... I have to say (from a writer's standpoint) that this was one of (if not THE) worst episodes of SV yet. Not only did it leave many of us w/ a horrible feeling of disappointment, it failed in many ways to tie up the numerous tangled plotlines that have been tossed around "willy nilly" for a couple of seasons now.

"All you wanted to see" & "shocking death" as advertised fell flat on their collective face - A line by John Schneider in the first few minutes literally screamed at us that Jonathan Kent would be the 'final & permanent death' of the episode. Some shock.

Clark had many other options for changing Lana's 'destiny' once the "timewarp" card had been played, but as usual, our bumbling hero takes the low road.

I don't even want to go into the endless number of bottomless plot holes that led up to and then were dug even deeper in # 100.

Although there were some bright spots in some of the performances (and not all, by any means, but I don't want to play favorites, here) it at times left me with the impression of a HS play.

Although I'm sure your review was honest and forthright as you saw it, the matter is that it is far from the general consensus. On that thought, it sounds (although unintentional I'm sure) that you have a direct line into TPTB's pocketbook. The only detraction from the episode I got was your "rushed" references.

All-in-all, IMHO, it was a terrible episode (or mediocre at it's very best) that was overhyped, overadvertised, and underdelivered.

Just an opposing viewpoint, everyone's entitled to their own.

[BoSoxJim]

Originally posted by KRAM-el
Triplet -- Very nicely worded review but unfortunately that's where I have to draw the line... I have to say (from a writer's standpoint) that this was one of (if not THE) worst episodes of SV yet. Not only did it leave many of us w/ a horrible feeling of disappointment, it failed in many ways to tie up the numerous tangled plotlines that have been tossed around "willy nilly" for a couple of seasons now.

"All you wanted to see" & "shocking death" as advertised fell flat on their collective face - A line by John Schneider in the first few minutes literally screamed at us that Jonathan Kent would be the 'final & permanent death' of the episode. Some shock.

Clark had many other options for changing Lana's 'destiny' once the "timewarp" card had been played, but as usual, our bumbling hero takes the low road.

I don't even want to go into the endless number of bottomless plot holes that led up to and then were dug even deeper in # 100.

Although there were some bright spots in some of the performances (and not all, by any means, but I don't want to play favorites, here) it at times left me with the impression of a HS play.

Although I'm sure your review was honest and forthright as you saw it, the matter is that it is far from the general consensus. On that thought, it sounds (although unintentional I'm sure) that you have a direct line into TPTB's pocketbook. The only detraction from the episode I got was your "rushed" references.

All-in-all, IMHO, it was a terrible episode (or mediocre at it's very best) that was overhyped, overadvertised, and underdelivered.

Just an opposing viewpoint, everyone's entitled to their own.

that settles it. you truly are my twin. lol.

[LuthorRequiem2]

Triplet, I totally agree with you. This episode was fantastic on many levels. The few levels on which it disappointed were nothing compared to the brilliance of the overall performances, acting, directing, and screenwriting. I am a screenwriter and director, and I also know a lot about acting, and from all those standpoints, in my opinion, I'd say the episode was superb.

The writing was great because it delved deeper into the characters psychologically. It also left us wondering what the heck was going to happen. Would Lana really die? When Lex sped after her again, and Chloe said, "I can't find Lana", would fate repeat itself, thus proving to Clark that destiny can't be changed? What photos does Lionel have? Is Lionel back to being the evil man we once knew? What's to become of Clark in the next few episodes? The writers left us with these questions, and did it so brilliantly.

The directing was wonderful. I literally felt like I couldn't breathe when Clark proposed, when Lex was chasing Lana, and the slow-motion effect at the end was just heartwrenching. Also, the camera angle of Clark in front of the Angel statue was a nice homage to the first episode, but if you look carefully, you see one of the wings is not shown on the screen, maybe symbolically implying that Clark is torn right now and unsure of who he wants to be, and that this is making him a darker person right now.

The acting was breathtaking. TW's tears and devestation were SO authentic when Lana died, and his inner turmoil could be seen when he helped his mother with her necklace and at the funeral, even though he was trying to be a man and not break down, you could just feel the tears, the anger, and the sorrow inside him. MR gave one of his finest performances, really making us feel the different emotions Lex was going through; his self-pity, his remorse, his anger, his feeling of loss, it was all so brilliantly played, and then he went into villain mode, but it didn't feel contrived. He really made us sympathize with Lex and yet be scared of him all at the same time. KR was good too, especially when she told Clark she needed a break, and also her fear with Lex. I think her scenes in the Fortress coudl've been better, but she did overall a very good job. John Scheider. What a great actor. His scenes with Clark and Martha were so touching. When he said to Clark, "It's hard watching your son grow into a man", and when he pulled Clark away from Lana's dead body, saying, "There's nothing you could've done. Nothing," and then when he looked at Clark and Martha, and without even saying anything, told them with his eyes how much he loved them....it was all so beautifully done. John, you are a terrific actor, and you will be missed. Here's hoping you come back to direct another episode someday! "Talisman" was excellent directing on your part. And another John did a brilliant job, as usual, the fabulous Mr. John Glover. Lionel was so scary and villainous I could just feel the evil and coldness being in the same room with him. Great job, Glover! This whole season has been very confusing with Lionel, but I think we've gotten a glimpse into where his motivations lie. Annete O'Toole made me almost cry, her performance was so great when she was grief-stricken, but still telling Clark it wasn't his fault. Thinking of Clark and Martha hugging after he put on the pearls makes me teary-eyed. The onyl thing I think she fell flat on was her screaming. It was just a tad bit over-the-top. She's seen Jonathan have a heart attack before. It seems she'd be a bit more calm and know what to do in this type of situation, but I'm not sure. Maybe it doesn't matter how many times it happens, it still always scares her. Erica Durance was great, with the little lines she had, showing her genuine affection for Clark, and Allison Mack's emotions were so beautiful, as usual. Her reaction to Clark saying he was getting married to Lana stands out as a great acting performance.

This episode helps to set things in motion for who Clark will become. It also helps to tear Clark and Lana apart for the final time, helping to set up the Lois and Clark relationship that we will see in the future. I suspect Lex will try to be a supportive friend to Clark now that Jonathan is dead, but Clark may deep down blame Lex a bit for what happened, helping to further their rift.

The only things I have complaints with, story-wise, is that maybe they should've had Jonathan die at the beginning, Clark beg Jor-El to go back in time, and then STILL Jonathan dies anyway, proving that Clark can't alter destiny. Or, Lana dies, helping to further the rift between Lex and Clark. Both ways may have been a bit better to tell the story, but I was so touched and mesmorized by it that it didn't matter overall.

[SamBanksJLA]

I didn't like the review at all. While I was reading it I began to think that there was some major S'Ville butt kissing going on. And then to make matters worse, Triplett gives it a 5 out of 5. I would give it maybe a 4 and that's being VERY generous!

[LuthorRequiem2]

Just because Triplet loved the episode, and you didn't, that doesn't mean Triplet's kissing butt. It simply means you two have a difference of opinion. I personally loved mostly everything about it. I can admit when episodes fall flat of what they should be, and this one generally didn't disappoint me.

[KRAM-el]

Originally posted by LuthorRequiem2
Just because Triplet loved the episode, and you didn't, that doesn't mean Triplet's kissing butt. It simply means you two have a difference of opinion. I personally loved mostly everything about it. I can admit when episodes fall flat of what they should be, and this one generally didn't disappoint me.

Let's not get into arguments here, please. You agree w/ Triplet, we don't. You're a screenwriter, I'm a screenwriter. We don't see it the same way. Don't put US down for what we think. They asked for our thoughts on the review & we're giving them. Peace.

[SamBanksJLA]

I loved half the first half of the episode, and parts of the second half. But my criticism of her review is that he really doesn't give any criticism at all. It seems like he could have done a better job evaluating the whole thing instead of just letting us know what happened. There really wasn't much review there, just a lot of rehashing what happened.

[FREAK4LLL:P]

I have a VERY differing opinion!

The first half was great. I do take issue with Lana being so amazed by the fortress that it completely overtook her amazement of being teleported. The scene had a rushed feeling because of her lack of natural reactions in my opinion.

Visually, Reckoning was great. The acting was great. Everything but the DAMN story was great.

I thought smallville lost it a couple of seasons ago but I got duped this season by episodes like Hidden. I got smacked with Aqua and Thirst but stuck around for Chlois hints.

Now? I am so done. Clark gets one chance to change time? He uses it for this? How damn selfish! I actually thought that for ONCE, Clark would have to suffer some serious consequences but, again, I was duped. Jonathan takes the heat for him even when he's a "man." Clark is the same man the boy was. Still putting too much emphasis on Lana and whining when things don't go his way. What the hell is wrong with Jor-El that he would let Clark make a decision like that?
Then, knowing that someone else he loves is going to die, he wastes the crystal anyway!!!? So, he wastes a powerful "save the world" card knowing someone else that he loves will suffer because his suffering over Lana is unbearable. What an asshat!!!

He needed to be more distraught with guilt imo.

Lana going to see Lex seemed contrived from the gitgo! She just got engaged and her man's dad just became Senator. I was with Clark when he said "where'd ya go?" I just don't understand why he didn't ask wth she left the party to go over there for without even saying a thing.

It just seems like the writers had a bunch of ingredients and fit them together as best they could but that is know way to treat an episode touted such as this one was.

Pimping out the Final Destination 3 shouts were a cross between really wrong and really brilliant...from a marketing pov and hey, didn't we all miss the episodes bitten from current movie themes? uh...no.

Clana should've ended with Clark maturing and realizing how ridiculous he is with regard to Lana but...nope. Still a bda.

It was entertaining but Reckoning wasn't a great story by any stretch of my imagination. We got punked on the Clark and Lana reveal, big time. Clark, apparently still needed a father to show him how a man acts in times of crisis but, so much for that.

Lois didn't belong in the episode at all but I guess it would've been too easy for Clark and Lana to work out with "knowing Chloe" giving perfect advice on both sides.

Almost through with the random rant but...yeah, Clark was an asshat to Chloe too. I mean, what kind of jerk goes to the friend that he KNOWS crushes on him to get relationship advise? What a dolt. I can't tell if he's stupid here or just doesn't care about his best friends feelings.

Martha was all too forgiving. Aunt May in Spidey 2 was more believable.

Final thought? This show is nothing but special effects it seems. Oh, and TnA. I really wish the new network can do something to make the writers move things along after 5 years. The only thing that's changed is Lois is on the show in a near useless capacity, Jonathan Kent is dead and HOPEFULLY Clark and Lex just hate eachother. Unfortunately, their split has something to do with Lana which is so un-super. Clark think more with Clark junior than humans do with our...juniors.

Get serious folks, or do a cartoon.

[mfluder]

Originally posted by KRAM-el
Although I'm sure your review was honest and forthright as you saw it, the matter is that it is far from the general consensus. On that thought, it sounds (although unintentional I'm sure) that you have a direct line into TPTB's pocketbook. The only detraction from the episode I got was your "rushed" references.

All-in-all, IMHO, it was a terrible episode (or mediocre at it's very best) that was overhyped, overadvertised, and underdelivered.

Just an opposing viewpoint, everyone's entitled to their own.

Agree whole-heartedly.

What I've found most interesting about this review is that out of about 15 paragraphs, 7 were devoted to the review of the actors' portrayals (which none could argue with, really - all played their roles very well, TW, MR, AOT and JS particularly), 1 on the special effects, 1 on the cinematography, and 1 as an acknowledgment of the nod to one of the movies. (axis spin).

The review of the episode/story itself, then, breaks down to this:

<<<< Writers Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson delivered a terrific story. I was initially perplexed, and even a touch angry, with the whole time reboot thing. However, in thinking about it the gimmick wasn't as bad an idea as I first thought. So, yeah Clark has yet another person that learns his secret "forget" it, but this time it's different.It wasn't another "mind whammy" moment. This is a do-over, instead of another memory-wiping contrivance, this time it was a conscious choice on his part. No going back to square one, like I thought would happen. Clark said it himself about Lana, "She's really done this time."

Jor-El said that there would be no more second chances and I don't think he was just talking about turning back time.

Anyway, the writers kept the action steady, even if it felt a bit rushed at times, and the act break cliff-hangers were some of the best ever. There was beautiful dialogue, touching moments, some wonderful one-liners and terrific references to the Superman mythos. >>>

In a review about the episode, it surprises me that there is no real discussion about why Jonathan's death was necessary, why it was (not) a surprise, why not telling Lana the second time around was a bad/good idea, what part Lois' accident did or didn't play in determining the fate of who would die, of whether Clark's actions were consistent with his character development to date or whether we're dealing with Pod!Person Clark who would sacrifice anybody to save his own feelings?

Yes, the performances of the actors are all important - and they did a wonderful job. But for such a pivotal episode in the life of this series, I don't think the important matters - certainly the things that have prompted so many posts on the forum - have been touched upon.

In any case...

Whether a conscious choice or a mind-whammy, the decision to wipe Lana's memory of such a pivotal change in their relationship was as bad as wiping out 1 year of Dallas by having it all be a dream. It's a contrived and over-used plot device developed by the first writer who had backed themselves into a corner.

If getting Clark and Lana together was decided on as a bad thing, then why go down that road at all in the first place? And if in getting there they decided they were better apart because now Lois is on the scene (though in canon they get together much later in Clark's life) or because they just want more angst, why not drag it out a little longer? Why use the "oh woe is me, anyone knowing my secret is always in danger" excuse to make Clark a lonely, angsty character who, in this series, barely has a day of happiness before some catrastrophe comes along?

"She's really done this time?" I swear, I thought he was talking about me. <g> Life may not always be sunshine and roses, but just for once it might have been nice for the writers to give the character a chance of happiness, at least more than one episode of Clark and Lana being together before catrastrophe descends again.

Rushed? Indeed it was. 4 and a half years of build up to Clark telling Lana, and it's over in the blink of a 'pre-opening credits' eye. Where was even a bit of on-screen discussion about his powers, a couple of instances where he saved his life? Where was the chance to see Clark in action doing what he does best?

Why didn't we get a few episodes of Clark and Lana together with Lana knowing, some good, happy moments of Clark making toast as only he can, of him setting off to save someone etc? Why did the reveal, the death and the non-reveal have to happen so quickly?

Rushed? I'll say it was!

As for everything else.... Wreckoning is about the right title.


mfl

[pixiedust]

Great review, Trip. I agree with you wholeheartedly. I know we're in the minority, but I loved the episode too, from the writing, to the special effects to most especially the acting.

There were aspects that I expected to be different, even wanted to be different, but I was able to see past my expectations to understand this episode for the brilliant one that it truly was.

I truly believe that this episode wasn't about Lana learning the secret but about the lesson Clark will learn that will lead him to become Superman. I totally agree that this episode will be a pivotal one in the development in the character of Clark Kent, probably the most important one we've seen in the whole series to date. Maybe the disappointment with this episode came from its lack of resolution. But I'm taking TPTB's word for it that everythng is going to change from here on out and Clark is now firmly on his journey to becoming Superman.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the episode with us.

[PETER WEST]

Originally posted by KryptonSite
http://www.kryptonsite.com/reckoningreview.htm

Not bad Triplet, not bad at all .

[MBCorp]

Everyone is entitled to their different opinions, after all, but I am surprised that the review didn't at least attempt to address the problems that everyone has had with this episode. Even if the reviewer doesn't share these same concerns then at least she should have stated why and tried to explain and defend the plotlines that we all seem to have trouble with. Gushing about the actors and the special effects is all very well, but I would like to have read a meatier review concerning the script writing and the plotline. I have no problem with the reviewer having a different opinion about the episode than myself, but that was rather a shallow review for such a controversial and important episode.

[Slickz0r]

I think we all can agree with one thing - the episode should've lasted more than 40ish minutes; concidering it's content.

[triplet]

Originally posted by KRAM-el
Triplet -- Very nicely worded review but unfortunately that's where I have to draw the line... I have to say (from a writer's standpoint) that this was one of (if not THE) worst episodes of SV yet. Not only did it leave many of us w/ a horrible feeling of disappointment, it failed in many ways to tie up the numerous tangled plotlines that have been tossed around "willy nilly" for a couple of seasons now.

"All you wanted to see" & "shocking death" as advertised fell flat on their collective face - A line by John Schneider in the first few minutes literally screamed at us that Jonathan Kent would be the 'final & permanent death' of the episode. Some shock.

Clark had many other options for changing Lana's 'destiny' once the "timewarp" card had been played, but as usual, our bumbling hero takes the low road.

I don't even want to go into the endless number of bottomless plot holes that led up to and then were dug even deeper in # 100.

Although there were some bright spots in some of the performances (and not all, by any means, but I don't want to play favorites, here) it at times left me with the impression of a HS play.

Although I'm sure your review was honest and forthright as you saw it, the matter is that it is far from the general consensus. On that thought, it sounds (although unintentional I'm sure) that you have a direct line into TPTB's pocketbook. The only detraction from the episode I got was your "rushed" references.

All-in-all, IMHO, it was a terrible episode (or mediocre at it's very best) that was overhyped, overadvertised, and underdelivered.

Just an opposing viewpoint, everyone's entitled to their own.

Wait, you actually suggesting that I get paid for my reviews and that's why they're as positive as they are?

I wish they did pay me. Maybe then making my mortgage payments would be a little easier...

Yes, you are entitled to your opinion but I am my own person and the opinions expressed in my reviews are my own. I am not bought and paid for.

Craig doesn't even edit them much much less necessarily endorse my opinions...

You know, I'd seen what people were saying on the forums about this episode. So, I was a bit concerned that my review wouldn't go over well, but my reviews aren't put out to validate other people's opinions. They're a snapshot of my thoughts and feelings of the episode.

For me, I feel I have to be honest and I have said some things in the past that pissed people off and I'm not worried about that, per se. This isn't a popularity contest either.

If what I say makes you like me less, so be it, but I do try to be honest. And I honestly believe that this episode was one of the best.

Acting wise, the cast has never been better and it would get high marks from me on that point alone.

As for the show feeling rushed, I read somewhere that the episode had been intended to be 90 minutes but the net wouldn't give them the extra half hour. I don't know if that's true but it would explain a lot.

Too bad, I'm sure the full 90 minutes would have been even better. Hopefully we'll see the full version (not just deleted scenes) on the 5th season DVD.

[mfluder]

Originally posted by MBCorp
Everyone is entitled to their different opinions, after all, but I am surprised that the review didn't at least attempt to address the problems that everyone has had with this episode. Even if the reviewer doesn't share these same concerns then at least she should have stated why and tried to explain and defend the plotlines that we all seem to have trouble with. Gushing about the actors and the special effects is all very well, but I would like to have read a meatier review concerning the script writing and the plotline. I have no problem with the reviewer having a different opinion about the episode than myself, but that was rather a shallow review for such a controversial and important episode.

I think you just said in one paragraph what I took several to do. <g>

I kinda equate it to talking about what a lovely shade a pink the elephant in the room is, rather than discussing why it is there in the first place. Yes, the performances were all terrific but where was the indepth look at what was actually happening that prompted such performances?


mfl

[triplet]

Originally posted by MBCorp
Everyone is entitled to their different opinions, after all, but I am surprised that the review didn't at least attempt to address the problems that everyone has had with this episode. Even if the reviewer doesn't share these same concerns then at least she should have stated why and tried to explain and defend the plotlines that we all seem to have trouble with. Gushing about the actors and the special effects is all very well, but I would like to have read a meatier review concerning the script writing and the plotline. I have no problem with the reviewer having a different opinion about the episode than myself, but that was rather a shallow review for such a controversial and important episode.

You know, I am not sure how to respond to this...

My reviews, if you've read them before, are all like this. I kinda go through the episode's major set pieces and I don't usually mention other people's problems with things....

And why should I? It's my review, not yours and not someone else's.....

And if I don't have a problem with something, or otherwise not think it's worth talking about, then I won't mention it at all. In the case of this episode, I thought the acting was the strongest part of it so I spent some time discussing that in my review. I thought John, Annette, Michael, Tom and Kristin all turned in stellar performances and said so.

In other reviews I hardly mention the acting at all in comparison. But I was an actor when I was a younger so I'm not sure it's all that surprising, given my background, that I spend some time in almost every review talking about it. I know how hard it is for them to make it look as easy as they do....

The actors don't get enough respect on this forum for their talent as they should, IMO.

As for my review being shallow, I'm not sure what it is you're trying to say about me but if you don't like my reviews you certainly don't have to read them.

[Quadrotriticale]

I disagree with the review but that's my opinion. Clark went back in time for his own selfish reasons KNOWING if he did save her someone else he loved would die. He didn't think it through as usual and as a result his father took the hit. I could go on with other terrible parts of the story but don't see the point. This show is being cooked and the fork is ready.

[cayayofm]

Triplet I usually agree with you, but I have to disagree here. Here is the thing, in your review and the post above you keep mentioning how the acting was outstanding and never been better, yes I agree, but what about the story, where are the arguments in wich you state why the episode worked. Story wise the episode was a failure to me, the only thing that hapened is that JK died everything else was changed, oh and that Clark found another lame excuse to not tell Lana his secret. The writters found another way to keep things the same, Jonathan's death was the obvious choice because is the one that will have less impact in the way that the show works (don't get me wrong, is the most personal and most effective for Clark's journey, but his death won't change much the dinamic of the show). This was supposed to be a turning point for all the characters, it was not. I won't even get into the plot holes, Jonathan dying is too contrived, Lana died in an accident, Jonathan died a natural death, what means that he would had died anyway, you can't stop natural death. The episode felt over the top from the start, how can you say: "Hey Lana I have super powers, I am an alien, by the way I arrived in the meteor shower that kill your parents...will you marry me? You just can't dump something like that and fallow it with a marriage proposal, and this is ignoring the fact that they are both 18 and none of the two work. How exactly Lois destiny changed, Lana was suposed to go to help her, why she did not went on the do over, yet all of her other actions were the same? Oh, they had to keep Clark occupied while Lana went away over to Lex...so many plot problems that this episode is just a shadow of what could had been. Easily the worst witten episode of the season so far.