Episode 2.09
“Dichotic”
Double your pleasure. In an average episode, Dichotic has a simple theme that runs throughout but in kitschy dialogue rather than a true exploration. It’s done in an attempt to be funny but usually ends up flat and out of place.
The only real development that happens in the episode is the affirmation of the weird friendship that Clark, Chloe, and Lana share.
The focal point is this weeks FotW, Ian Randall. Ian is Doogie Howseresque on the surface, but it isn’t long before we discover that he is able to get ahead because (presumptiously) of meteor rocks, he is able to split himself into two beings. He uses the ability to help himself avenge himself on a shop teacher that would have ruined his 4.0 and then turns to date both Chloe and Lana, playing them off the other, using them to help secure the Luthor Scholorship. Chloe will write a fantastic expose on him for the paper, while Lana will use her partnership with Lex to score him some brownie points.
Oh and he uses them for other things as well telling them to keep their relationship a secret because the other girl has a crush on him.
In the meantime Clark is thrown for a loop because the girls believe Ian over Clark when he tries to warn them.
This is what I don’t get. I don’t see why they would trust Ian over Clark, given that they know Clark better than anyone and while he is secretive, he never lies. They admit this at the end on screen which almost makes it worse because it points out the glaring error that writers seemingly have to go with, the fact that it is difficult to get around the boy scout.
Eventually, with help from Pete, Clark proves what’s going on and of course saves the day, and Ian is committed.
But the shining moment happens after Lana and Chloe both apologize. Clark is proactive for the first time and really lashes out telling the girls to stop treating him like the jealous boyfriend and more like a friend. It’s a different approach to the usual brooding, reflective Clark Kent. He actually smiles after the fight and walks away.
Lex’s tale is also frustrating in that they have gone out of their way to make Lex into a good guy in the beginning at least so I wasn’t sure what to make out of his attack on a slightly condescending meter maid by bashing his car with a nine iron. Now it fits Lex’s eventual character, but not what we’ve seen thus far so it kind of took me out.
Lex meets Helen Bryce and despite a rocky meeting, pursue a relationship of sorts.
Overall it is a mediocre episode with a few high points.
C+
References:
Clark builds a metal S in shop that looks very similar to the one he’ll eventually wear on his tights. Although this time it’s for Smallville.