Episode 2.11
“Visage”
Visage had some high and some low points. It was good to see Whitney again…even if it wasn’t really Whitney. It was also good to see Tina Greer as it showed Smallville drawing upon it’s own mythology. For the first time really, a FotW returned. Watching her play havoc with everyone made for good fun and I’m sure was fun for the actors as they got to branch out a bit.
The gist of the story is really taking Lana on an emotional whirlwind of Whitney’s return and strange behavior, but equally important is Clark. Clark struggles with being happy that Whitney has returned but not knowing what that means for he and Lana. He struggles with his jealousy and what makes him human in feeling if not in reality.
In addition though he also sees what it means to be a hero. Whitney didn’t have abilities but he went to serve his country and fight for what he thought was right. Again though just as before when Clark tries to tell Lana about Whitney, she doesn’t believe him.
Wait a second, didn’t we just figure this out two episodes ago? Ok, so when will they just start believing what Clark is telling them? And when will Clark finally just say you are morons. Believe me.
Lex’s story on the sidebar remains a slowly developing affair between him and Dr. Bryce that almost ends in this episode, but it reveals a very vulnerable Lex, something we really haven’t seen thus far and it makes for a great moment. Especially when he pleads with her saying that he doesn’t want to become his father.
It’s pretty powerful.
The ending is also pretty powerful when we learn that Whitney was killed in action. Lana finally goes to Clark and tells him that she doesn’t care about his secrets, she just wants him to stay since everyone else is abandoning her.
Overall a marred episode. Some great work, but some shoddy acting, writing, and other mishaps hold it back.
B-
References:
The Clark vs Tina as Clark is a great homage to Superman III when evil Superman fought Clark.