SV: 3-20 "Arctic" Review

"Arctic" didn’t feel like a season finale. It was kind of slow in spots *cough*LoisJimmy*cough*. The good? Lex found the Fortress and believes he is saving mankind from alien threat (namely Kal-El). Clark and Lana may be over for good... for now. The Fortress is destroyed! No more crazy Jor-El AI. Chloe’s still awesome. She showed courage and determination and insisted on going after Kara-Brainiac alone.

The sad: This was Michael Rosenbaum's last episode. We'll miss you, Michael!

The happy: According to Ausiello, Allison Mack is signed for a full season in s8!!! Woohoo!!!


Twenty thousand feet up in a jet: A shaky hand picks up a drink. It’s Edward Teague minus the monk garb. He takes a sip and takes out his passport. The passport reads Alejandro Santos with Teague’s picture. He gulps down the rest of his drink. The flight attendant comes up to him. It’s Kara. She asks if Teague has another secret identity. Teague is surprised. Kara asks why people run to South America when they’re in trouble. Teague replies that he was promised a discrete journey and he’s not interested in conversation. Kara says that she’s not into small talk, she’d rather hear about Veritas. Teague demands to know who she is. Kara replies that she’s someone who knows the Traveler and knows that Teague tried to destroy him. Teague feigns ignorance. Kara smiles. She mockingly tells him that for a last member of a secret society, he’s not a good liar. She does the patented Kryptonian move – she grabs Teague by the throat and picks him up. She demands to know where the device to control the Traveler is. Wouldn’t the device that controls the male Traveler also control the female Traveler? Teague asks to be let go. Kara punches a hole in the side of the plane and pushes Teague’s head in the hole. She yells at Teague to tell where the device is or he’ll be starting his descent earlier than expected. The co-pilot comes up to her. He asks her what she's doing. Kara hits him and he goes flying. Kara gives Teague one last chance to tell where the device is. Teague replies that Lex Luthor might have the answers she’s searching for. Kara tells him to enjoy the rest of his flight. She flies out of the plane. The plane self-destructs in the most obvious CGI effects ever.

Daily Planet: Lex has his hand on a globe. Minion enters. Lex asks if the team reached the target. Minion replies that they lost contact about an hour ago. They might have run into bad weather. Lex notes that the satellite shows clear skies over the Arctic. Minion says that they were less than 10 miles when the signal went out and he couldn’t get a visual. He says there is no sign of them just like the last team. Lex counters that he thought the Bermuda Triangle was more tropical. Lex adds that people don’t vanish off the face of the planet. He tells minion to find them. Can I say how much I love Lex (and MR)? He cold, smart, calculating.


Jimmy comes in like he’s best buds with Lex. He tells the boss that if it’s about his article proposal, he’s got a great idea. Jimmy has an article proposal? Since when is Jimmy a reporter? Jimmy continues that it’ll be a two page spread with color glossies from the Kawatche caves; it’ll make National Geographic look like a ten cent travel brochure. Since when is the Daily Planet in competition with National Geographic? Lex replies that they’ll talk about his proposal later. He reminds Jimmy that his phone call to the DDS kept Chloe out of prison. Why the heck doesn’t Chloe question how Jimmy Bond got the DDS off her back? Lex says that he needs Jimmy’s help. He wants Lois Lane off his back. She’s been asking too many people too many questions. Hey, Lex, here’s an idea. Why don’t you fire her? She wouldn’t be able to get another job at a respectable paper with her (non)resumé. Jimmy says that Lois isn’t a pushover. Hahahahaha. *breath* Hahahahaha. Poor Aaron Ashmore; having to deliver that line with a straight face. He’s a better actor than I thought. Lex says that he’s aware of Jimmy’s limitations (all 20,000 of them?). He tells Jimmy to feed her false information. Jimmy asks if Lex wants him to lie. What’s the problem, Jimmy? Two episodes ago you didn’t have any problem lying to your girlfriend. All of a sudden you’re squeamish. Jerk. Lex replies to do whatever it takes. When Jimmy hesitates, Lex adds that it would be tragic if the DDS decided Chloe was a threat to National Security after all.

Kent farm: Some lunatic is ringing the doorbell over and over. Clark clomps downstairs (no, he doesn’t super speed). Oh, it’s Lois. That Lois... she’s saucy. Lois walks in. She tells Clark to get the lead out; opportunity is knocking on his door. No, that would be you, Lois. Clark needlessly asks Lois to come in. Lois says that an intern was promoted to Chloe’s old desk. Clark asks if he should be happy someone took his best friend’s job. Good point, Clark. Lois joyfully answers absolutely because it opens a spot in the bullpen for Clark. She hands Clark an application. Why would Lois Lane, the General’s daughter, be happy that Chloe, her cousin, got fired? Why would the she think Clark would be interested in working at the Planet in the first place? Why would she want Clark to work under Lex Luthor, his ex-best friend who married Lana the woman Clark is obsessed with and who Lois hates with a passion? Finally, why would Lois want Clark to work with her at the Planet? Lois... good for T&A, comedy, and anvils. Oye.


Clark replies that it’s never going to happen. He puts on his red jacket and adds that he’s got chores to do. Lois thinks Clark is destined for greater things than working on a farm. Oye. Another anvil. Shut up, Lois. Clark says that even if he wanted the job, he’d never work for Lex Luthor. Lois sighs dramatically. She asks why Clark was such great friends with him. Er, Lois, you lived with Clark for a year. You’ve know him for four years and you’ve never bothered to ask this before? Did you miss the part where they were both gaga over Lana? Did you guys talk at all in the last four years? Lois says that looking into Lex’s past, she found out how far back he and Clark go. What’d you do, Lois, ask Chloe? She wonders why they were so close for so long. And I wonder why you and Chloe were so close for so long. Clark says that sometimes people don’t turn out to be what you thought they were. Clark makes Lois promise to be careful if she’s going to continue to work for Lex. Lois replies that if she didn’t know any better, she’d think he was worried about her. Same line she used on Grant/Julian. Er, Lois, is there any guy that you think doesn’t have a crush on you? Clark looks exasperated.

Chloe comes in. She asks to talk to Clark. Lois replies that they’re done. She tells Clark to think about his future and leaves. Chloe tells Clark that a private jet went down over upstate New York, three bodies were recovered; one was identified as Edward Teague.


Isis Foundation: Chloe sits at Lana’s command central while Clark paces around. Chloe says that she used all her hacking skills and made her way into the NTS mainframe. They were on their way to Buenos Aires; about an hour in the air when something shot out of the cabin like a missile. Chloe adds that the co-pilot went in back to find out what was going on but was knocked unconscious. Clark asks if they have any idea what it was. Chloe says that no but they found the black box and she was able to download the audio. Chloe says that she tried to clean up the audio but came up with noise. Clark asks her to play it again. He uses his hearing to listen to the audio. He says that Kara threatened to bring the plane down. Chloe says that Kara can be reckless when she’s angry. She guesses that Kara found out that Teague was after Clark. Clark says that there must be some other explanation. She’s not a killer. Chloe replies that unless Clark is hearing things, it sounds like Kara caused the accident. Chloe reminds Clark that he said that just about every Kryptonian he’s ever met turns out to be a coldblooded killer. That’s a little extreme, isn’t it, Chloe? Clark replies that Kara is his cousin. She’s not a killer. Clark says that he needs to find her. He asks if there’s any more audio. Chloe plays the rest of the audio. Clark listens. He says that she’s going after Lex.

Luthor Mansion: Kara walks down a hallway. Where the heck is security? She walks up to a painting on the wall and x-rays it. She spots the purple globe thingy that can control the Traveler in a safe behind the painting. As she reaches for it, she is somehow stopped. She angrily closes the safe. Clark is standing at the end of the hallway. He asks what she’s doing in the mansion. Kara replies that she’s trying to protect Clark. Clark asks if she’s protecting him by threatening to kill Teague. He heard the recording and those men are dead. Kara says that it’s Teague’s fault. If he hadn’t gone after the Traveler, he’d still be alive. Clark grabs Kara’s arm. "We need to talk", he states. They zip out of the mansion and into the barn.



Kent barn: Kara shrugs Clark’s arm off her. Clark says that he’s been worried about her but he should have been worried about everyone else. Clark asks if she’s come in contact with Red Kryptonite; a ring or necklace. Kara replies that she’s stopped wearing jewelry (what about the El bracelet?). Clark insists that something happened when she went back to Krypton. He asks if she remembers anything strange. Kara says that she’s fine. Yes, she’s Professor Fine. Oops, sorry. Clark reminds her that three people are dead because of her. Kara counters that if someone figured out how to control him, a lot more would die. Clark would be the most powerful weapon on the planet. Clark replies that no one is going to control him anytime soon. Lex didn’t find what he was looking for. Are you sure, Clark? Kara, disgusted, asks if Clark really thinks it’ll stop a man like him. Clark says that something is wrong with her and she needs to stay put till they figure out what it is. Kara says that Clark can turn a blind eye but she’s going to do whatever it takes to save Earth. She starts to fly but Clark grabs a hold of her foot. Kara kicks Clark in the face and he goes flying (no, not the good kind of flying).


Ace of Clubs: Music is blaring. Lois sits at a table with a beer in front of her working. The Planet lets her work at a bar?! What am I thinking? Of course. She’s Lois Lane. Jimmy comes up to her. He says that the Planet may not be as hip but last he checked her desk was in the bullpen. Lois doesn’t think Lex would be thrilled if she spilled all his secrets in the same place he signs her checks. Huh? Where are you planning on publishing your findings, Lois? Maybe you’re just planning to yell them out at the Ace of Clubs? Lois adds that this place has an epic happy hour. Jimmy says speaking of secrets (who was speaking of secrets?), he found out what Lex was doing with the mystery expeditions to the North Pole. Lois looks really interested. She grabs Jimmy and walks away from the table. She whispers that either Lex is planning a hostile takeover of Santa’s workshop or he’s doing something illegal. She wants to know what the scoop is. Jimmy replies that Lex is scouting for places to drill oil. Jimmy says that he heard a reporter talk about it on the third floor. When Lois asks which reporter, Jimmy replies that he just kind of overheard it. Lois seems to consider this. Jimmy hands Lois the file of surveyor photos of potential drilling sites Lex gave him. Lois still looks suspicious. Jimmy looks ill. Come on. He doesn’t think twice about lying to Chloe, his supposed girlfriend, but is torn about lying to Lois? What a schmuck. This is really contrived and unbelievable. Lois asks how he managed to score such top secret stuff. Doesn’t Lois know about Jimmy Bond Olsen? Jimmy says that Lex was having them sorted and scanned in the photo lab and he saw his opportunity and took it, just like she taught him. Huh? Lois taught him? Have the writers forgotten "Descent"? Jimmy is the brains in the J-Lo team-up. Lois apologizes. She thanks Jimmy and walks off. Jimmy Bond looks really torn up.


Luthor Manor: Lex walks cautiously into his study. He spots Kara sitting on his chair staring at the Veritas symbol in the stained glass window behind his desk. She says that the little "V" with the stars has something to do with Veritas. Lex feigns ignorance. Kara turns around. She wonders why every time she brings up Veritas, people seem to suffer from sudden amnesia. When Lex doesn’t answer, Kara gets up. She reminds him of the secret society, formed to control a powerful alien from another planet. She adds that Veritas also means truth and suggests they have some right now. Kara says that she knows about the transmissions sent to Virgil Swann telling him about the device to control the Traveler. Lex wants to know how she heard about that. Kara replies that she’s from the same planet as the Traveler. When Lex looks doubtful, she starts a fire in the fireplace with her eyes. Lex remembers that she’s the one who saved him at the dam. He asks why she’s telling him now. Kara says that she saved Lex for a reason. It’s his destiny to defeat the Traveler. She knows he has the device and all the pieces are in place. It’s now up to him. Lex asks why she doesn’t take the device and do it herself. Kara says that the orb was created to protect the human race; only a human can use it. Lex tells her about the coordinates somewhere in the Arctic. Kara reveals that they are directions to the Traveler’s Fortress. Lex needs to take the orb there to control the Traveler. Lex says that two of his teams disappeared trying to get there. Kara takes Lex’s hands. She says that they didn’t have a Kryptonian helping them. Lex wonders why Kara would want to destroy one of her own kind. Kara replies that she always thought that the Traveler was meant for good; even he thinks he is; but on Krypton she learned the truth about his fate. The Traveler will destroy mankind. Lex wants to know who it is. Kara says that Lex already knows.


Kent home: Clark sits in front of the fireplace with a box of Kryptonite on the table in front of him. Chloe is surprised to see him clutching a box of Kryptonite. Clark says that it’s the only way to stop her. Chloe guesses that face time with Kara didn’t go well. Clark gets up and looks out the window. Clark says that Kara is convinced that someone will try to use him as a weapon. Isn’t that why Teague tried to kill you, Clark? To prevent that from happening. Kara thinks Clark isn’t doing enough to stop it. Clark wonders if she’s right. She is right. *Flashback* "Sleeper": Chloe reminds Clark that if Lex gets his hands on Veritas, he could control Clark. Clark insists that the only thing important right now is Lana. Chloe tries again. She says that if Lex finds out Clark’s the Traveler it’s game over. There is no saving Lana, no saving the day, hello Apocalypse. Clark repeats that he doesn’t care about Lex. *EndFlashback* Chloe plays cheer the alien. She assures Clark that Kara is reckless, headstrong, maybe psychotic, but she’s wrong about Clark. Chloe says that Clark’s done everything and more to stop Veritas. Ah, Chloe, you lie so convincingly. Clark picks up the lead box. Clark says that Chloe’s the only one who can help him. Chloe says that she’s always there for him. Clark tells Chloe that she won’t do it alone. He’ll be right by her side. Chloe argues against Clark being with her.

Luthor Mansion: Lex puts the orb in a briefcase. Minion and Jimmy come in. Minion tells Lex that the jet is ready. Jimmy asks where they are going. Oh, Jimmy. Jimmy says that he did as Lex asked. Lois believes that Lex is interested in oil up north. Jimmy figures that wax on, wax off they are even now. Lex says that their arrangement has just begun. He wants regular reports on Lois’ activities. Isn’t he her boss? Doesn’t he hand out her assignments? He could have her running ragged looking for the Chupakabra in Florida. She’d be a natural at it. Jimmy says that it’s not fair. He did as Lex said. He shouldn’t have to spy for Lex. What happened to Jimmy Bond – Mr. SuperSpy? Lex tells Jimmy that life is rarely fair (just ask Chloe). Jimmy says that while he’d like to help, lying is not his thing. Shut up, Jimmy. Just shut the heck up. You are a backstabbing, sleazy coward. Lex replies that it’s never too late to learn a new skill. Jimmy says that he can’t do it. Well, now. You’ve sealed your girlfriend’s fate, you moron. Jimmy assures Lex that he won’t tell anyone about Lex’s oil drilling. Jimmy adds that he can’t spy on his friend. His girlfriend it’s okay but his friend? No way. Idiot. Lex sneers. He puts a hand on Jimmy’s shoulder and tells him that he respects his integrity. Jimmy, the dolt, believes him. He wishes Lex a great trip. Do you want to shine his shoes too, Jimmy?


Talon apartment: Chloe calls Kara. She tells Kara that there something wrong with Clark. He’s convinced that if he destroys the Fortress, no one will be able to control him. Kara zips over. She asks where Clark is. Chloe starts to walk away then suddenly turns around holding the Kryptonite. Kara just looks at her. Chloe wonders why it’s not working. Kara sarcastically asks if she’s checked the expiration date. Chloe tries to explain that it was the only way; there is something seriously wrong with her (Kara). Kara, finally catching on, says that Chloe lied. Clark is not here. Chloe tries futilely to run but Kara easily catches her. Kara hand turns to metal. When Chloe turns around, she’s face to face with Brainiac. Brainiac is impressed. He never thought a weak human, a friend of Kal-El’s, could use Kryptonite against Kara. Brainiac remembers Chloe. She’s always sticking her pretty little head where it doesn’t belong. Brainiac does the spiked finger thing and taps into Chloe’s mind. When two more spiky things go to her eyes, the room goes bright with white light (is Lana in the room?). When the white light stops, Chloe is lying on the floor and Brainiac looks ill. He asks Chloe what the heck she is. Is it Jor-El? Manhunter?

Luthor jet: Lex looks at his watch. Minion comes in. Lex orders him to tell the pilot to start the engines. Minion asks about the extra passenger. Lex replies that he doesn’t need her and he’s not sure he should trust her. Minion reminds Lex that the last few teams have disappeared. Lex says that he’s got everything he needs to reach his destination. He has the briefcase on his lap. He says that it was meant to protect all humanity, it should protect him. Minion replies that Lex doesn’t know that for sure. It’s extremely dangerous. Lex believes it’s worth the risk. They’ll leave now. Minion looks defeated. He walks away. Lex looks at the orb.


Smallville Medical Center: Clark walks into Chloe’s room. She’s lying in a bed attached to a ventilator. Clark sits next to her. He looks very stricken. He apologizes to her and takes her hand. He bows his head. When he looks back up, Chloe’s eyes are open. They are clouded over like Lana’s. Clark realizes that it’s Brainiac.



Power plant: Brainiac staggers to a power plant. He activates his heat vision to make a hole in the fence. He looks really out of it. He walks over to two electrified nodes to charge up. Clark super speeds and punches him. He goes flying in an electrified structure and falls to the floor dazed. Shouldn’t that power him up? Clark asks if Kara came back from Krypton. Brainiac slowly gets up. He says it was quite an impersonation. He says it was the only way he could return to Earth without Clark damaging him. Clark thinks Brainiac killed Kara. Brainiac reveals that it’s something much worse. Clark pushes him. He demands to know where she is. Brainiac reminds Clark that he warned him. If Clark had done things his way, no one would have gotten hurt; no one but Clark. Clark asks if this is all about revenge. Brainiac replies that it was a matter of self preservation. When he couldn’t kill Clark, he knew he had to control him (Clark). Clark yells that he’s in control now. He demands that Brainiac release Chloe and Lana. Brainiac says that the only way to save them is to kill him in cold blood. It goes against everything Clark stands for. Huh? This Clark? Brainiac adds that Clark could never deliberately take another man’s life. Brainy, you lose. Clark had no compunction about stabbing you with a Kryptonian dagger in "Vessel". Clark says that Brainiac’s not a man. He’s a machine. Clark electrocutes Brainiac. Brainiac warns that Clark’s end is near and there’s nothing he can do to stop it. Clark replies that Brainiac will never hurt anyone again. He electrocutes Brainiac again and Brainiac disappears.

Kara is floating around in the Phantom Zone.

Asylum: Clark tells Chloe that he’s glad she’s okay as he walks toward Lana’s room. He says that he’ll call her back after he’s checked on Lana. But Lana’s room is empty. A nurse asks if he’s Clark Kent. Clark asks if Lana is okay. The nurse says that she’s already checked out but she wanted the nurse to give Clark a DVD. Uh oh. A "Dear Clark" video. Well, at least there’s continuity. Lana used the breakup video with Whitney too.


Kent home: Clark watches Lana’s video. Lana blathers on about needing Clark but the world needing him more. She adds that she’s holding him back. Clark looks devastated. Emo music plays. Lana tells Clark not to come after her. In the background, Lois softly and quietly comes in. Hey, Lois, why the sudden finesse? Lana meanwhile says that she loves Clark. Clark and Lois hug. *sniff* *sniff* Yeah. Clark showed more emotion at viewing the breakup video than at finding out Lana was dead. And on what planet does breaking up with a girlfriend = losing your dad in grief? Stupid Clark. Stupid show.



Talon: Jimmy is fussing over Chloe. He offers to get her some coffee, water, tea. He trips over a chair. He figures some sparkling because it matches her smile. Shut up, Jimmy. Chloe wonders what’s wrong with Jimmy. He says that until that night he thought he could be happy knowing Chloe’s in the world. But he realized that it’s not true. He backtracks. He says that he’s happy that she’s in the world and he wants to spend the rest of his time with her. He gets down on one knee (and I scream at the tv). He takes out a toy ring he bought from the hospital gift shop. He says they can have breakfast at Tiffany’s in the morning. He asks Chloe to marry him. DDS agents burst into the Talon with guns drawn. Whew. That was close. Jimmy says that this isn’t right. An agent pushes Jimmy out of the way. Another pins him to the ground. Chloe yells for Jimmy as an agent cuffs her. As Chloe is dragged away she yells at Jimmy to call Clark. Yes, Jimmy, because when Chloe’s in trouble (because of you), Clark’s the guy she counts on. Life’s a bitch ain’t it?

Barn Loft: Clark looks morosely out the window. Eh, the mopey dopey. Jimmy runs in. He tells Clark that Chloe’s been arrested. Her hacking caught Uncle Sam’s eye so Jimmy went to Lex and Lex is holding it over his head. Clark can’t believe that Jimmy made a deal with Lex Luthor. Jimmy says that he told Lex to get another lapdog but Lex put Chloe back on their most wanted list. Jimmy adds that Chloe went from life support to life without parole in day. That’s if the DDS can prove its case. Last I heard, you’re innocent until proven guilty. Plus you failed to mention that it’s Kara’s hacking that alerted the DDS, not Chloe’s. Clark wants to know where Lex is. Jimmy says that he’s jet setting around the Arctic Circle. Clark looks worried.



Fortress of Solitude: Lex walks around in awe. He approaches a glowing console and looks at the orb glowing in his hand. Clark whooshes in. They eye each other. Lex quips that it’s a big step up from the barn. Clark attempts to explain but is unable to get near the orb. Lex says that for the first time, he does understand. Clark lives among them as a mild mannered farm boy but secretly he’s a strange visitor from another planet plotting the Earth’s demise. Clark denies it. Lex says that it’s a brilliant disguise. Clark doesn’t even need a mask. The anvils are really flying tonight (unlike Clark). Clark says that he’s never done anything to hurt Lex. Lex counters that Clark didn’t trust him. He asks if Clark ever thought of what they could accomplish together. Lex would have helped him become a hero (not with Lionel as a father!). Clark says that Lex never thought of anyone but himself (oh, how quickly they forget). Lex replies that he’s doing this for the world. He has to protect the human race. Clark says that it’s his life. Lex has no right to control it. Lex yells that it’s his birthright. After all his sacrifices and pain, he was being prepared for a much greater destiny. Clark says that no one is controlling Lex. No one is forcing him to do this. Lex asks who he is to turn his back on his fellow man especially after Clark turned his back on him. Lex says that he’s sorry but Clark is the Traveler. Clark looks like he’s in pain. Lex walks over to the console. He says that Clark holds the future of the entire planet in his hand and he’s (Lex) here to take it back. Lex adds that Clark will never threaten the world again. Clark yells for Lex to stop but Lex puts the orb in the console. Clark falls to the floor and Lex walks over to him. He tells Clark that he loves him like a brother but it had to end this way. The Fortress self-destructs and disappears...