SMALLVILLE “Booster” Season 10 Episode 18 -There are mere weeks left until the finale of Smallville, until the end of one of the most inspired adaptations of a comic books series ever. So why is Smallville ending this season in a cascade of schmaltz? In this episode Booster Gold, a pseudo hero from the future, travels to Metropolis to take Clark’s place as the greatest superhero ever. Unfortunately Booster is less interested in saving people and more interested in seeing his name in bright lights courtesy, or so he hopes, of Lois Lane. Meanwhile, a young awkward kid finds his hands on a McGuffin and turns into an Iron Man with atrocious effects.
Tessa and the Luthors took a back seat in this episode and gave the spotlight to Lois and Clark. Now, I have to say I actually quite liked the episode up until the last ten minutes, when the writing and acting conspired to give me severe diabetes from the sort of puke inducing speeches you see in football movies and, of course, comic book films. But the first part was quite enjoyable, parodying the superficial importance placed on awards shows, slipping in references from Network to Iron Man. I love to hate the ever annoying, ever perky, ever condescending Cat Grant, so seeing her return to the Daily Planet was a welcome joy.
There were some things touched briefly upon in this episode which I would have loved to see more of: first of all, as the reporter with exclusive access to the Blur, Lois Lane has become a known name to anyone hoping to break into the public eye. I would think that this gives Lois an obvious advantage (like her promotion in this episode) and I like that Smallville is still running with this storyline, instead of dropping it as soon as it served its purpose (like as soon as she discovered the Blur’s true identity). However, it does leave gaps for (admittedly small) plot holes, like why the bullied kid does not recognise her when she helps him out or why, when Booster refuses to help him, he does not look to her to link him up with the Blur.
Secondly, Booster referenced, in the passing, Clark’s future impact on the world, calling him the greatest superhero. If Clark is remembered in the 25th century, then he obviously did something right. Then there was Booster’s quick advice to change the name of the “Blur” into something more “super”, which is one of those little meta moments which I love. I love Lois’ utter lack of sympathy for Clark when he showed reluctance to returning to his teenage awkward self.
The finale ten minutes were disappointing and left me disliking the episode far more than I had in the first, admittedly entertaining if average, 30 minutes of Smallville.
What did you think of this episode? Sound off in the comments below.
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