The Chlois Theory is the theory that Chloe Sullivan is actually iconic Lois Lane in disguise. It's definitely a theory I subscribe to because, let's face it, the alternative is this "Lois Lane" who failed to graduate high school; got kicked out of Met U; was inspired by a barn door; worked for and almost got fired from a tabloid rag; stumbled into a job at the Planet and is now flirting with/kissing her boss. Yeah.
In the previous two installments I looked at the pro and anti ILL anvils for both Chloe and Lois in the episodes "Kara" and "Action". In this installment I look at the anvils in "Wrath".
Pro-Chloe is ILL Anvils
- Chloe investigates the unusual including the quakes cause by… well, you know (yuck!)
- Chloe considers herself a reporter (implied when she points out that Lana’s not a reporter)
- Chloe covers for Clark at the hospital (says Lana is affected by meteor rock)
- Once again Clark depends on his "side-kick" for help
- Chloe is now protecting Clark from Lana
- Reference to the "Fever" letter: "Do you know what it feels like to wonder if someone close to you isn't who you think?" - Clark to Chloe
- "Did you really just ask me that question?" - Chloe to Clark
Anti-Chloe is ILL Anvils
- Chloe is unable to uncover anything on Project Scion (but ends up figuring out its location in Lana’s Chamber of Lex Luthor)
Pro-Lois is ILL Anvils
- Lois wants to research Project Scion
Anti-Lois is ILL Anvils
- Lois latest article, “Youth on the City’s Edge”, is heavily redlined and rejected by Grant
- Lois flirts with Grant in the elevator
- Lois once again served as the TnA and comic relief when she "escapes" from the hospital dressed only in a hospital gown (who does that?)
- Lois has not had one article published at the DP
- Lois is unable to uncover anything about Project Scion and promptly gives up
- Lois kisses Grant... while the Scion Project hard drive is wiped clean not five feet from her
20 comments:
I kind of think that Chloe not finding info on Scion as an anti-anvil is canceled out since neither does Lois, even though both would have liked to find info. I take it more as an anvil that someday Lex may make a competent villian.
But here are the lines that I'm starting to think were the most anvilicious.
Clark to Chloe: "Do you know what it feels like to wonder if someone close to you isn't who you think?"
Chloe to Clark: "Did you really just ask me that question?"
Sure the lines can be played straight as Chloe wondering about Clark in the past, but it just screams the Fever letter to me. "I'm not who you think I am." Couple that with Chloe's previous line where a couple words really stood out to me.
"Are you pushing this 'theory' because you really want to believe in Lex's 'metamorphosis' or because your already trying to exonerate Lana?"
Hmm, a theory about a transformation where someone isn't who you think and Chloe scoffs that you would wonder if she knows what it feels like. Hmm.
I'm not a supporter of the Chlois theory. As is the case here, IMO, most of the breakdowns of "anvils" for Chlois are pretty subtle. To me, the notion of a subtle anvil is, itself, an oxymoron. When it's on a show as obvious and formulaic as "Smallville" I usually consider it to be wishful thinking on the part of Chloisers. There's a character on the show named Lois Lane who just so happens to be a reporter at the Daily Planet. Meanwhile, cousin Chloe has a meteor power, has been in a relationship with Jimmy Olsen, and has gone directly to being Clark's "sidekick" without serving as his journalistic rival. There's been none of the Clark/Lois/Superman triangle that's been a hallmark of the Clark and Lois tandem since the characters' inception. That, to me, are big anti-Chlois anvils that more than counter the pro-Chlois "anvil" that Chloe, who last I checked is a reporter, functioned as a reporter in a particular episode. Just my $.02.
bkwurm1 said...
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I kind of think that Chloe not finding info on Scion as an anti-anvil is canceled out since neither does Lois, even though both would have liked to find info. I take it more as an anvil that someday Lex may make a competent villian.
But here are the lines that I'm starting to think were the most anvilicious.
Clark to Chloe: "Do you know what it feels like to wonder if someone close to you isn't who you think?"
Chloe to Clark: "Did you really just ask me that question?"
Sure the lines can be played straight as Chloe wondering about Clark in the past, but it just screams the Fever letter to me. "I'm not who you think I am." Couple that with Chloe's previous line where a couple words really stood out to me.
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It's funny but the Chlark conversation brought the "Fever" letter to my mind as well. I debated whether or not to to add it as a Chloe ILL anvil. You've convinced me. :)
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"Are you pushing this 'theory' because you really want to believe in Lex's 'metamorphosis' or because your already trying to exonerate Lana?"
Hmm, a theory about a transformation where someone isn't who you think and Chloe scoffs that you would wonder if she knows what it feels like. Hmm.
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I'm not so sure about that one. It's seems like a stretch to me.
Thanks for the feedback, bkwurm!
Anonymous said...
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I'm not a supporter of the Chlois theory. As is the case here, IMO, most of the breakdowns of "anvils" for Chlois are pretty subtle. To me, the notion of a subtle anvil is, itself, an oxymoron. When it's on a show as obvious and formulaic as "Smallville" I usually consider it to be wishful thinking on the part of Chloisers. There's a character on the show named Lois Lane who just so happens to be a reporter at the Daily Planet. Meanwhile, cousin Chloe has a meteor power, has been in a relationship with Jimmy Olsen, and has gone directly to being Clark's "sidekick" without serving as his journalistic rival. There's been none of the Clark/Lois/Superman triangle that's been a hallmark of the Clark and Lois tandem since the characters' inception. That, to me, are big anti-Chlois anvils that more than counter the pro-Chlois "anvil" that Chloe, who last I checked is a reporter, functioned as a reporter in a particular episode. Just my $.02.
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Thanks for the comment.
I actually prefer the anvils to be on the subtle side but YMMV.
Yes, Lois is a reporter at the DP - who was hired and given special privileges because the editor likes her. She tends to bumble her way around and shows a lack of common sense.
I don't consider the lack of "Clark/Lois/Superman triangle" as an anti-Chlois anvil simply because Lois has now been on SV for 3+ years and Clark hasn't shown the least bit of interest in her. They act like siblings for the most part. Furthermore, after Lois has seen (lived with) Clark without the all important disguise (glasses), I have a very hard time believing that she wouldn't recognize him as Superman.
As for Chloe having a meteor power and dating Jimmy, I don't see how that's a problem. Chloe's meteor power hasn't really been a factor on SV (except to save her idiotic cousin's life, of course). And Jimmy was always portrayed as younger than Clark and Lois in previous incarnations. On SV, he's a peer.
And while we may not see all of Chloe's work as a reporter, I have no doubt that the DP wouldn't have hired her and kept her on if she wasn't doing a good job.
I actually prefer the anvils to be on the subtle side but YMMV.
Fair enough. To me, if it's subtle, it ain't an anvil. :)
Yes, Lois is a reporter at the DP - who was hired and given special privileges because the editor likes her.
Actually, the editor told her he didn't hire for that reason. In discussing Lois with this same editor, Lex Luthor referred to Lois as smart, sexy, and possessed of insatiable curiosity. Chloe's original entrance to the DP was under less than ideal circumstances, seeing as how it was the result of a backroom deal with Lionel Luthor.
She tends to bumble her way around and shows a lack of common sense.
I don't agree with this assessment. I would offer, though, that the tendency to rush in head-first into danger has been a Lois Lane trademark for 70 years or so now.
I don't consider the lack of "Clark/Lois/Superman triangle" as an anti-Chlois anvil simply because Lois has now been on SV for 3+ years and Clark hasn't shown the least bit of interest in her.
1. Lana and Clark talk about Clark and Lois in "Gone" (Season 4).
Lana:"I thought after all that we've been through it would've been harder for us to move on."
Clark: "Us?"
Lana: "Yeah, you and Lois."
Clark: "Lois? She's bossy....She's stuck up and rude...I can't stand her."
Lana: "That's how all of the best ones start."
2. Clark and Lois shared a kiss in "Hydro". Clark seemed quite pleased with it. Lois, unaware it was Clark, commented that the guy could give Oliver kissing lessons.
3. In "Crimson", we again have Clark and Lois kissing. Both are "under the influence", but this episode had all sorts of non-subtle anvils about a future between the two.
Lois: "Stop Clark, she’s your past and I’m your future!"
Fortuneteller/Gypsy: “I believe that Lois and Clark’s destinies are more intertwined than they will admit.”
When Clark and Lois discuss what happened while Lois was under the influence of the love potion, Lois says "Wow, I must've really liked you." The Superman score is playing in the background.
They act like siblings for the most part. Furthermore, after Lois has seen (lived with) Clark without the all important disguise (glasses), I have a very hard time believing that she wouldn't recognize him as Superman.
Which would also apply to Lex Luthor, Jimmy, Green Arrow, Cyborg, Flash, Perry White, and pretty much everyone else with whom Clark has interacted over the past 7 seasons.
Now, compare that to the suspension of disbelief that everyone would have to go through when Chloe is suddenly going by and working under her cousin's name when this same cousin also used to work at the Daily Planet. Not to mention why Chloe would suddenly adopt the name of the cousin who you're arguing is an incompetent bungler. Come on. :)
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Actually, the editor told her he didn't hire for that reason. In discussing Lois with this same editor, Lex Luthor referred to Lois as smart, sexy, and possessed of insatiable curiosity. Chloe's original entrance to the DP was under less than ideal circumstances, seeing as how it was the result of a backroom deal with Lionel Luthor.
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This is the same editor who is lying to her face - yes, he couldn't possibly be lying to her.
Chloe's won an internship fair and square (at the age of 15) at the end of s1. That was her first entrance into the DP.
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I don't agree with this assessment. I would offer, though, that the tendency to rush in head-first into danger has been a Lois Lane trademark for 70 years or so now.
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Iconic Lois Lane excerises common sense. SV Lois Lane has no common sense. She takes on an armed guard after she trespassed on private property and promptly gets herself killed; she touches the spaceship again after she got zapped the first time; she believes that she single-handedly killed Titan. In short, she's dumb.
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1. Lana and Clark talk about Clark and Lois in "Gone" (Season 4).
Lana:"I thought after all that we've been through it would've been harder for us to move on."
Clark: "Us?"
Lana: "Yeah, you and Lois."
Clark: "Lois? She's bossy....She's stuck up and rude...I can't stand her."
Lana: "That's how all of the best ones start."
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ILL is "stuck up and rude"? Not my ILL but again YMMV.
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2. Clark and Lois shared a kiss in "Hydro". Clark seemed quite pleased with it. Lois, unaware it was Clark, commented that the guy could give Oliver kissing lessons.
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It's a matter of interpretation. I saw it as Clark is pleased he put one over on Lois.
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3. In "Crimson", we again have Clark and Lois kissing. Both are "under the influence", but this episode had all sorts of non-subtle anvils about a future between the two.
Lois: "Stop Clark, she’s your past and I’m your future!"
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Clark: "And this is my present". He then proceeds to dump her for Lana. Not to mention interrupting their makeout session (when Lois was ready, willing and able) when he spots the party invitation earlier.
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Fortuneteller/Gypsy: “I believe that Lois and Clark’s destinies are more intertwined than they will admit.”
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You know that could be seen as a Chlois anvil as well - Chloe (as ILL) and Clark.
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When Clark and Lois discuss what happened while Lois was under the influence of the love potion, Lois says "Wow, I must've really liked you." The Superman score is playing in the background.
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It could be an anti-anvil as Lois had to be mind-whammied to "like" Clark. And I doubt the Superman score playing in the background but I'll it check out.
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Now, compare that to the suspension of disbelief that everyone would have to go through when Chloe is suddenly going by and working under her cousin's name when this same cousin also used to work at the Daily Planet. Not to mention why Chloe would suddenly adopt the name of the cousin who you're arguing is an incompetent bungler. Come on. :)
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It's easier for me to believe that Chloe is iconic Lois Lane than to believe that SV Lois will actually grow some smarts and be the top reporter at the DP. And on a show that's just revealed that Grant is Julian, it's not that much of a stretch. :)
Thanks for your feedback.
ILL is "stuck up and rude"? Not my ILL but again YMMV.
Historically, Lois Lane is not ga ga over Clark Kent when she first meets him. The two usually have a competitive relationship. Lois Lane's competitiveness is invariably the cause of this. The two are frequently shown as growing into a partnership. On "Smallville", Chloe's had a crush on Clark from day one.
Clark: "And this is my present". He then proceeds to dump her for Lana. Not to mention interrupting their makeout session (when Lois was ready, willing and able) when he spots the party invitation earlier.
LOL. He also refers to Chloe as his back-pocket girl in that same episode. This is the same Chloe who he turned down flat in "Devoted". The same Chloe who Clark left at the dance to save Lana in "Tempest". The same Chloe who Clark ignored at the prom to dance with Lana in "Spirit".
You know that could be seen as a Chlois anvil as well - Chloe (as ILL) and Clark.
Yes, and if I assume that Lionel and Clark will switch bodies again, this time permanently, and that Superman is actually Lionel Luthor in Clark Kent's body (the "Clionel" theory), I'm sure we could see all sorts of "anvils" dating back to the pilot episode.
It could be an anti-anvil as Lois had to be mind-whammied to "like" Clark. And I doubt the Superman score playing in the background but I'll it check out.
In most versions of the Superman story (comics, movies, television), Lois does not fall for Clark from the get-go. She usually falls for Superman. I like that notion a whole lot more than one in which "Chlois" Lane has been throwing herself at Clark Kent and getting rejected for years.
It's easier for me to believe that Chloe is iconic Lois Lane than to believe that SV Lois will actually grow some smarts and be the top reporter at the DP.
Yes, that's a tremendous stretch, as Lois is already working at the Daily Planet (which throws a pretty huge monkey wrench in "Chlois" in and of itself).
Meanwhile, the other iconic Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter has been living on a farm with Lana Lang and showing no interest in journalism. Yet, you seem to have no problem believing he'll fulfill his destiny. Okay.
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Historically, Lois Lane is not ga ga over Clark Kent when she first meets him. The two usually have a competitive relationship. Lois Lane's competitiveness is invariably the cause of this. The two are frequently shown as growing into a partnership. On "Smallville", Chloe's had a crush on Clark from day one.
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Historically, ILL falls for the real guy. When the real guy is Superman, she falls for Superman. When the real guy is Clark, she falls for Clark. Chloe fell for the real guy, Clark. As for Clark/Lois having a competitive relationship, Lois would necessarily have to be ambitious and competant at something.
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LOL. He also refers to Chloe as his back-pocket girl in that same episode. This is the same Chloe who he turned down flat in "Devoted". The same Chloe who Clark left at the dance to save Lana in "Tempest". The same Chloe who Clark ignored at the prom to dance with Lana in "Spirit".
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I don't believe that Clark thinks of Chloe as his "back-pocket girl". She means way too much to him for him to think that. As for the save in "Tempest", Clark has forgotten a date with Lana to save Chloe. He's Clark Kent - saving people is his priority.
Finally, in "Crimson", Lois and Clark were in a heated makeout session when a Red K influenced Clark got distracted.
I'm okay with Clark saying he doesn't feel that way about Chloe in "Devoted". There are girls you grow out of and girls you grow into.
As for "Spirit", there are so many things wrong with end of that episode not the least of which is that Lois pimped Lana to Clark over her own cousin.
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In most versions of the Superman story (comics, movies, television), Lois does not fall for Clark from the get-go. She usually falls for Superman. I like that notion a whole lot more than one in which "Chlois" Lane has been throwing herself at Clark Kent and getting rejected for years.
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See my first comment above. And I like that ILL falls for the real guy.
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Yes, that's a tremendous stretch, as Lois is already working at the Daily Planet (which throws a pretty huge monkey wrench in "Chlois" in and of itself).
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She's at the DP yes; but she's done nothing but boink her boss.
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Meanwhile, the other iconic Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter has been living on a farm with Lana Lang and showing no interest in journalism. Yet, you seem to have no problem believing he'll fulfill his destiny. Okay
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The difference between Clark and Lois is that iconic Lois Lane is defined by her journalism. It is what makes her tick; it's her life's ambition. Clark getting an interest in journalism is secondary, as his claim to fame is to be Superman. Also, Lois historically has years of journalistic experience under her belt when Clark is hired at the DP.
Thanks again for your feedback :)
Historically, ILL falls for the real guy. When the real guy is Superman, she falls for Superman. When the real guy is Clark, she falls for Clark.
Post-Crisis, John Byrne's take was that Clark Kent was the real guy, not Superman. Lois Lane still didn't fall for Clark Kent first. The television show "Lois and Clark" followed this, as well. Dean Cain's Clark Kent was not the bumbling, mild-mannered reporter from the Golden Age. Still, Lois Lane didn't fall for Clark Kent first.
Chloe fell for the real guy, Clark.
Yes, with results we've seen played out for six plus seasons now. The real guy's been on one date with her and is constantly ditching her for Lana.
I'm okay with Clark saying he doesn't feel that way about Chloe in "Devoted". There are girls you grow out of and girls you grow into.
So, at this rate, Clark should grow into Chloe in about 10,000 years. I don't consider that particularly romantic.
Clark getting an interest in journalism is secondary, as his claim to fame is to be Superman.
Clark Kent's usually portrayed as being one hell of a reporter, hence the Pulitzers. His interest in journalism is portrayed as quite genuine. It's one of the many things that tie he and Lois to each other.
Also, Lois historically has years of journalistic experience under her belt when Clark is hired at the DP.
Absolutely, and Lois on Smallville is currently miles ahead of Clark Kent in terms of journalistic experience.
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Post-Crisis, John Byrne's take was that Clark Kent was the real guy, not Superman. Lois Lane still didn't fall for Clark Kent first. The television show "Lois and Clark" followed this, as well. Dean Cain's Clark Kent was not the bumbling, mild-mannered reporter from the Golden Age. Still, Lois Lane didn't fall for Clark Kent first.
On Smallville, Clark is both Clark Kent and Superman.
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Yes, with results we've seen played out for six plus seasons now. The real guy's been on one date with her and is constantly ditching her for Lana.
“Constantly ditching her for Lana”? – you have Chloe and Lois confused.
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So, at this rate, Clark should grow into Chloe in about 10,000 years. I don't consider that particularly romantic.
I think you’ve got four zeroes too many in your estimate.
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Clark Kent's usually portrayed as being one hell of a reporter, hence the Pulitzers. His interest in journalism is portrayed as quite genuine. It's one of the many things that tie he and Lois to each other.
Agreed.
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Absolutely, and Lois on Smallville is currently miles ahead of Clark Kent in terms of journalistic experience.
Lol! You’ve got a good sense of humor. Oh... you're serious - the thing with Clark is that he's got an ace up his sleeve - he's Kryptonian.
On Smallville, Clark is both Clark Kent and Superman.
No, on "Smallville", Clark Kent is Clark Kent. Last time I checked, Superman doesn't exist . . . yet.
“Constantly ditching her for Lana”? – you have Chloe and Lois confused.
Not really. On their one date (in "Tempest") Clark left Chloe to rescue Lana. Chloe was on the losing end of that love triangle long before Lois ever showed up. Right now, Chloe's serving as Clark's sidekick, but Clark is living with and sleeping with Lana. Last season, he tried to break up her engagement to Lex and tried talking a "pregnant" Lana into leaving her husband.
Chloe referred to herself in Season 5 as Clark's "krypto-hag". Clark was confiding in her about intimate details of his relationship with Lana.
I think you’ve got four zeroes too many in your estimate.
I actually thought 10,000 was being generous. As for 1 year, well, let's just say I've been hearing rumors of the impending Chlark romantic relationship for years now. As yet, nothing's happened.
. . . the thing with Clark is that he's got an ace up his sleeve - he's Kryptonian.
Right, so you're banking on Clark pulling one of his usual "iconic" entrances to the Daily Planet.
This often involves beating other reporters to get an exclusive scoop on Superman (usually ticking off Lois Lane in the process). (Although we can't forget walking in off the street in the first Superman movie and showing off some superspeed typing skills [presumably complete with a forged academic record courtesy of the Fortress of Solitude]).
If I can suspend my disbelief that this Clark Kent can somehow, someway become a top reporter for the Daily Planet, I can do the same with this Lois Lane who's already a reporter at the Daily Planet.
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No, on "Smallville", Clark Kent is Clark Kent. Last time I checked, Superman doesn't exist . . . yet.
Do you really believe that the tights and cape are what make Clark Superman? I don’t. To each his own.
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Not really. On their one date (in "Tempest") Clark left Chloe to rescue Lana.
And as I see it, it’s very Superman-like to leave mid date to rescue someone (from a tornado no less).
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Right now, Chloe's serving as Clark's sidekick, but Clark is living with and sleeping with Lana. Last season, he tried to break up her engagement to Lex and tried talking a "pregnant" Lana into leaving her husband.
And if you recall Chloe was all for Clark getting Lana away from Lex.
In “Crimson” Clark stopped in mid makeout session with Lois to kidnap Lana. He ditched Lois at the mansion.
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Chloe referred to herself in Season 5 as Clark's "krypto-hag". Clark was confiding in her about intimate details of his relationship with Lana.
That just shows the level of intimacy between Clark/Chloe. There’s no line they won’t cross. They are that close. But what exactly has Clark confided to Lois - nothing because their relationship is antagonistic and sibling-like at best.
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If I can suspend my disbelief that this Clark Kent can somehow, someway become a top reporter for the Daily Planet, I can do the same with this Lois Lane who's already a reporter at the Daily Planet.
And that's fine but I can’t suspend my disbelief that this Lois who stumbled into every job she’s ever been given, failed to graduate high school, got kicked out of college, can’t type, meet deadlines, or use Spell Check and bangs her boss is ILL. But again to each his own.
Do you really believe that the tights and cape are what make Clark Superman? I don’t. To each his own.
No. It is telling though that "no flights and no tights" is a rule that still seems to be in place for the show. At this point, the fact that he hasn't donned the tights and cape symbolizes that Clark's journey to becoming Superman is not yet complete. Many of the elements are there, but an episode like "Blue" simply hammered home the fact that being Superman is more than just about having powers and wanting to do good.
Let me ask: Do you really think Clark Kent at this point in "Smallville" is Superman?
And as I see it, it’s very Superman-like to leave mid date to rescue someone (from a tornado no less).
And I think Lois, before knowing Clark's secret, would have ripped him a new one, not continued pining after him.
In “Crimson” Clark stopped in mid makeout session with Lois to kidnap Lana. He ditched Lois at the mansion.
Clark's musings to his mother at the end of "Crimson" summed things up.
He wanted to kiss Lois.
He wanted to keep Chloe in his back pocket.
He was still in love with Lana.
I don't really see how this paints either Chloe or Lois as his true love. I think the way this show's been set up, any relationship Clark enters after Lana will be a bit of a tough sell.
That just shows the level of intimacy between Clark/Chloe. There’s no line they won’t cross. They are that close.
That's a rationalization I've used a time or two myself. I think Chloe hit the nail on the head.
But what exactly has Clark confided to Lois - nothing because their relationship is antagonistic and sibling-like at best
Actually, Clark's confided plenty to Lois. She's also been quite comfortable telling him when he's got his head up his rear end. Clark has told her that, at times, he feels like she knows him better than anyone.
From "Arrow".
Oliver: Yeah, well, don't worry about it Clark. You know. I mean, if I lived under the same roof as such a beautiful woman, I would've masked my feelings in sarcasm, too.
Lois: Feelings?!?
Clark: Feelings?!?
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Let me ask: Do you really think Clark Kent at this point in "Smallville" is Superman?
I can see Superman in him, yes. He’s been caring about people and rescuing others since grade school (with Pete). He’s got a good heart and believes in people. His biggest obstacle is his delusion/obsession with Lana. I think as soon as he realizes that being normal (read: human) is overrated and normal for him is different from others, he’ll be Superman.
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And I think Lois, before knowing Clark's secret, would have ripped him a new one, not continued pining after him.
Is that the Lois who was devastated when Clark left with Lana in “Crimson” (“What does she have that I don’t have?”). The Lois who bemoans her personal life so much she’s willing to lie to her cousin and coworkers to continue her relationship with Grant? Actually, she's been complaining about her lack of a love life since s5. That Lois?
Btw, Chloe is no longer pining for Clark. That was a teenage “affliction” that she outgrew.
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Clark's musings to his mother at the end of "Crimson" summed things up.
He wanted to kiss Lois.
He wanted to keep Chloe in his back pocket.
He was still in love with Lana.
He was looking for answers/confused in the conversation with his mother at the end of “Crimson”. That was not a conclusion but a suggestion of one interpretation of what happened. Recall that in “Kara”, Bizarro (who has all of Clark’s memories and is a complete opposite of Clark) was surprised that Clark never saw Lois in that way.
Also recall that in "Labyrinth" when Clark was in trouble in his "dream" Chloe's the one he turned to. Lois wasn't even a bar of soap.
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I don't really see how this paints either Chloe or Lois as his true love. I think the way this show's been set up, any relationship Clark enters after Lana will be a bit of a tough sell.
Word. It’s frustrating as heck.
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Actually, Clark's confided plenty to Lois. She's also been quite comfortable telling him when he's got his head up his rear end. Clark has told her that, at times, he feels like she knows him better than anyone.
It’s hard to take that line seriously when we were never shown anything of the sort. It was a huge WTH? for me but YMMV.
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From "Arrow".
Oliver: Yeah, well, don't worry about it Clark. You know. I mean, if I lived under the same roof as such a beautiful woman, I would've masked my feelings in sarcasm, too.
Lois: Feelings?!?
Clark: Feelings?!?
See my examples above.
So are you going to choose a pseudonym or continue to comment as anonymous? :)
Is that the Lois who was devastated when Clark left with Lana in “Crimson” (“What does she have that I don’t have?”).
That Lois was under the influence of a "love spell". I would no more hold those actions against her than I would hold Chloe's actions against her in "Devoted". Among other things, Chloe quit the Torch and showed up in Clark's loft wearing nothing but his football jersey.
No, I'm referring to Chloe's attitude and behavior when she hasn't been "mind-whammied".
The Lois who bemoans her personal life so much she’s willing to lie to her cousin and coworkers to continue her relationship with Grant?
Hmm. Chloe's the only one she's lying to about it. Her feelings are also being reciprocated, which is the point I was making about Chloe.
That was not a conclusion but a suggestion of one interpretation of what happened.
Fair enough.
Recall that in “Kara”, Bizarro (who has all of Clark’s memories and is a complete opposite of Clark) was surprised that Clark never saw Lois in that way.
Actually, Bizarro hitting on or being in love with Lois has happened in many incarnations of the character. On "Smallville", Bizarro is not portrayed as being
Clark's polar opposite in terms of feelings and emotions. He possesses all of Clark's memories but lacks Clark's inhibitions and moral compunction.
Also, Clark did see Lois in that way, when he was on red-k, a substance which removes his inhibitions. As Alicia and others have pointed out to Clark, red-k doesn't make him into a completely different person.
It’s hard to take that line seriously when we were never shown anything of the sort. It was a huge WTH? for me but YMMV.
It came from out of nowhere, but so do plenty of lines on the show. We've gotten one line this season to indicate that Chloe's still in school. It wasn't mentioned before and hasn't been mentioned since. It's implausible that she can have time for school, work, and a 6 hour (total round trip) commute to and from Metropolis. I don't think the creative team has ever been all that interested in continuity.
So are you going to choose a pseudonym or continue to comment as anonymous? :)
I can't come up with a good pseudonym, so I'll stay anonymous for now, I think. I really like your blog, by the way. :)
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That Lois was under the influence of a "love spell". I would no more hold those actions against her than I would hold Chloe's actions against her in "Devoted". Among other things, Chloe quit the Torch and showed up in Clark's loft wearing nothing but his football jersey.
No, I'm referring to Chloe's attitude and behavior when she hasn't been "mind-whammied".
You’re right, it was a poor example. But throughout s5, s6, and s7 (so far) Lois has been bemoaning her love life - from AC to Graham to Ollie to Grant. It’s a recurring theme with her while she's never been preoccupied with her professional life.
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Hmm. Chloe's the only one she's lying to about it. Her feelings are also being reciprocated, which is the point I was making about Chloe.
Lois is lying to everyone around her. It’s an act and it’s not just for Chloe’s benefit. So because it’s reciprocated, it’s okay?
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Actually, Bizarro hitting on or being in love with Lois has happened in many incarnations of the character. On "Smallville", Bizarro is not portrayed as being Clark's polar opposite in terms of feelings and emotions. He possesses all of Clark's memories but lacks Clark's inhibitions and moral compunction.
Bizarro on SV is a phantom who replicated Clark’s DNA. He is also a cold blooded murderer who killed Lex’s lawyer and the farmer who stopped to help him. He is nothing like Clark. And while Bizarro has Clark’s memories he admits that Clark doesn’t see Lois in that way when he grabs her ass.
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Also, Clark did see Lois in that way, when he was on red-k, a substance which removes his inhibitions. As Alicia and others have pointed out to Clark, red-k doesn't make him into a completely different person.
It doesn’t make him a completely different person. But it does make him want to show off. When Lois brought up Ollie/GA, Clark couldn't help himself.
He was, however, easily distracted by the Luthor engagement invitation and promptly forgot about Lois.
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It came from out of nowhere, but so do plenty of lines on the show. We've gotten one line this season to indicate that Chloe's still in school. It wasn't mentioned before and hasn't been mentioned since. It's implausible that she can have time for school, work, and a 6 hour (total round trip) commute to and from Metropolis. I don't think the creative team has ever been all that interested in continuity.
It’s not a really a question of continuity, it’s a question of show, don’t tell. We’ve seen Chloe at school before; we’ve seen her at her dorm; she been shown to be a serious student since day 1.
As for the distance between Metropolis and Smallville, well it’s been shrinking steadily since s1. I guess that’s sort of continuity. ;)
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I can't come up with a good pseudonym, so I'll stay anonymous for now, I think. I really like your blog, by the way. :)
Well anonymous will have to do then; and thank you. :)
Lois has been bemoaning her love life - from AC to Graham to Ollie to Grant. It’s a recurring theme with her while she's never been preoccupied with her professional life.
Actually, the "theme" has been for Lois to meet some guy and then talk about her love life. When AC showed up, Lois suddenly spouted a line about meeting plenty of guys wanting to take over the world but not many wanting to save it. The line came from out of nowhere. She then really didn't date anyone until Ollie. Again, when their relationship got rocky she suddenly started spouting lines about her love life. Then the same thing when talking about Grant/Julian in "Blue". I generally describe it as lazy writing on the staff's part. What I don't agree with is that they've consistently portrayed the character this way. She talks about her love life when she has a love interest. I don't think it's accurate to say that they've painted the character as one who's perennially preoccupied with her lack of relationships.
It's a lot like her line about being on the verge of getting "downsized" at the Inquisitor. The line came from out of nowhere as it was the first (and only) time she'd really mentioned how things were going there. When she said it, she seemed pretty darn preoccupied with her job.
My only point is that I'd no more use that line to say that Lois is clearly a workaholic than I'd use throwaway lines about Grant, Ollie, and AC while in the midst of a relationship to say that she's inordinately preoccupied with her love life.
It’s not a really a question of continuity, it’s a question of show, don’t tell. We’ve seen Chloe at school before; we’ve seen her at her dorm; she been shown to be a serious student since day 1.
In my opinion, it was yet another case of lazy writing. We haven't seen Chloe pick up a book or even mention being in school in quite some time. I chuckled when I heard it.
Lois is lying to everyone around her. It’s an act and it’s not just for Chloe’s benefit. So because it’s reciprocated, it’s okay?
So far, Chloe's the only one who knows about it. Chloe found out in "Blue" and at the end of that episode Lois lied about breaking things off with Grant/Julian. It's tough for me to agree that she's been painted out as someone who's lying to everyone about her relationship with Grant/Julian. Perhaps this will become the case in later episodes but, at this point, she's keeping a secret from Chloe. No more, no less.
He was, however, easily distracted by the Luthor engagement invitation and promptly forgot about Lois.
And? The only thing constant on this show has been Clark's fixation with Lana. If choosing Lana disqualifies characters from achieving "Iconic Lois Lane" status then that would seem to apply at least as much to Chloe as well.
And while Bizarro has Clark’s memories he admits that Clark doesn’t see Lois in that way when he grabs her ass.
I said in a previous comment that Bizarro being attracted to Lois Lane has been a hallmark of the character for quite some time. In any event, what Bizarro on "Smallville" said was that he couldn't believe Clark had been ignoring what was in front of him all this time. I can understand people not viewing this as a Lois "anvil", but I don't see how that can be spun into an anti-Lois or pro-Chlois anvil. As I said, in almost every other incarnation of the Bizarro character, he's been portrayed as having a thing for Lois Lane.
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Actually, the "theme" has been for Lois to meet some guy and then talk about her love life. When AC showed up, Lois suddenly spouted a line about meeting plenty of guys wanting to take over the world but not many wanting to save it. The line came from out of nowhere. She then really didn't date anyone until Ollie. Again, when their relationship got rocky she suddenly started spouting lines about her love life. Then the same thing when talking about Grant/Julian in "Blue".
After AC, there was Graham who was going to take Lois on his jet to see a concert ("Fade"). Lois was really down on herself when he turned out to be a hitman.
For you, it’s not a pattern that Lois laments her love life and mentions that as the reason for continuing on with Grant. For me, it’s a pattern that, as you’ve pointed out, has been repeated over and over since s5 – hence, a theme.
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It's a lot like her line about being on the verge of getting "downsized" at the Inquisitor. The line came from out of nowhere as it was the first (and only) time she'd really mentioned how things were going there. When she said it, she seemed pretty darn preoccupied with her job.
About that line – that convinced me that Lois doesn’t have what it takes to be top investigative reporter at the DP. She can't even hack it at a tabloid. And her concern in that scene wasn’t her career, it was her paycheck. She even resorted to begging Chloe for a story she was so desperate. For me, she's a pathetic caricature of ILL.
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In my opinion, it was yet another case of lazy writing. We haven't seen Chloe pick up a book or even mention being in school in quite some time. I chuckled when I heard it.
In my opinion, Chloe studying, working hard, obsessing about being the best reporter at the DP is a theme we’ve seen repeated over and over since s1. I only need a throwaway line to know that Met U reopened after Black Friday. I don’t need to see Chloe studying to believe it.
So far, Chloe's the only one who knows about it. Chloe found out in "Blue" and at the end of that episode Lois lied about breaking things off with Grant/Julian. It's tough for me to agree that she's been painted out as someone who's lying to everyone about her relationship with Grant/Julian. Perhaps this will become the case in later episodes but, at this point, she's keeping a secret from Chloe. No more, no less.
So if random extra #4534 passed by, Grant and Lois would continue making out? I don’t think so. I think you’re splitting hairs.
And? The only thing constant on this show has been Clark's fixation with Lana. If choosing Lana disqualifies characters from achieving "Iconic Lois Lane" status then that would seem to apply at least as much to Chloe as well.
What it shows is that Clark (even on Red K) wasn’t that into her.
I said in a previous comment that Bizarro being attracted to Lois Lane has been a hallmark of the character for quite some time. In any event, what Bizarro on "Smallville" said was that he couldn't believe Clark had been ignoring what was in front of him all this time. I can understand people not viewing this as a Lois "anvil", but I don't see how that can be spun into an anti-Lois or pro-Chlois anvil. As I said, in almost every other incarnation of the Bizarro character, he's been portrayed as having a thing for Lois Lane.
Bizarro in previous incarnations is not a phantom from the Phantom Zone. Bizarro saying that Clark was ignoring what was in front of him proves that Clark doesn’t see Lois in that way. Also, in almost every incarnation of Lois/Clark, Clark has been portrayed as having a thing for Lois Lane – but in SV? Nada.
After AC, there was Graham who was going to take Lois on his jet to see a concert ("Fade"). Lois was really down on herself when he turned out to be a hitman.
So, she should have been ecstatic that he turned out to be a hitman?
I think the problem here is that you're trying to paint Lois as being preoccupied with dating and relationships based upon her comments while these relationships are going on. We don't hear her talking about her lack of a dating life until she's actually on a date or involved with someone. I think this is a major stretch. I have no idea how frequently previous incarnations of Lois Lane did or did not talk about their dating lives.
In any event, here's Clark's line to Chloe in "Crimson".
"What is it you always say about Valentine's Day? Oh, yeah. "Our annual sneak peak at hell." That must have been before Cupid struck."
Heh-heh.
I don’t need to see Chloe studying to believe it.
As with my take on many of the supposed "iconic Lois Lane" traits this has the sound of things people might prefer to see in a young Lois Lane. Usually we meet Lois Lane when she's already working at the Daily Planet. I didn't start watching "Smallville" with any preconceptions as to what kind of a student Lois Lane was. Why? Because she's usually already an accomplished reporter by the time she meets Clark Kent. If I'm supposed to believe that "Chlois" Lane can be a meteor freak who started her life as Chloe Sullivan with a cousin named Lois Lane who used to sit across from her in th Daily Planet bullpen, I think I can accept that Lois Lane didn't grow up obsessed with being a reporter for the Daily Planet. :)
So if random extra #4534 passed by, Grant and Lois would continue making out? I don’t think so. I think you’re splitting hairs.
I think I didn't explain myself well.
What I meant was if someone other than Chloe knew about the relationship I'd have an easier time believing that the show's creative team was trying to "show" me that Lois doesn't care about her job. Instead, they showed her getting caught by a sympathetic party (Chloe). They showed her concerned over the impact the revelation of this relationship to her other co-workers might have on her relationship. Finally, they showed her trying to keep the relationship a secret from the one person who knew about it. If the intent of the creative team was simply to show that Lois is a floozy who doesn't care about her job or her repuation, they certainly went about it in a rather strange way.
What it shows is that Clark (even on Red K) wasn’t that into her.
And? Chloe and Clark have been on one date in 6.5 seasons.
Clark ditched Lois for Lana but that was after a makeout session and a super-jump from the Daily Planet to Oliver's penthouse. That's a scene straight from the first Superman movie.
Meanwhile, Clark, on red-k,treated Chloe shabbily, said very hurtful things, and embarassed her publicly.
I don't really see how one can get Chlois from that episode.
If I'm supposed to believe that "Chlois" Lane can be a meteor freak who started her life as Chloe Sullivan with a cousin named Lois Lane who used to sit across from her in th Daily Planet bullpen, I think I can accept that Lois Lane didn't grow up obsessed with being a reporter for the Daily Planet. :)
In many incarnations, young Lois is often portrayed as an overachiever that bleeds ink. Her dream is to work at the DP. In no other incarnations is Lois Lane a slacker who stumbles into journalism because of a barn door. But, like you said, you’re okay with that.
Btw, on SV, Lex Luthor is a meteor freak who has a quick healing metabolism. And I suspect that Lana Lang is a meteor freak whose power is to make people want to protect her/love her/kill her but that’s another discussion.
What I meant was if someone other than Chloe knew about the relationship I'd have an easier time believing that the show's creative team was trying to "show" me that Lois doesn't care about her job. Instead, they showed her getting caught by a sympathetic party (Chloe). They showed her concerned over the impact the revelation of this relationship to her other co-workers might have on her relationship. Finally, they showed her trying to keep the relationship a secret from the one person who knew about it. If the intent of the creative team was simply to show that Lois is a floozy who doesn't care about her job or her repuation, they certainly went about it in a rather strange way.
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We have very different takes on this scene from "Lara":
Lois: okay so I strayed into the mine field of misguided romance again but I swear, Chloe, it had nothing to do with me getting the job or getting ahead. You don't believe me do you?
Chloe: I do believe you. The problem is will anyone else? Lois, gossip spreads faster than a bad rash and sooner or later people are going to start scratching assuming one thing... Lois Lane jump started her career on her managing editor's die hard battery.
Lois: Let them think what they want. I am not going to let water cooler chitchat splash cold water on my previously nonexistent personal life.
Chloe: Fine. You're a big girl. You can do whatever you want but if you want to be taken seriously as a reporter you have to break this off before it breaks your career.
Lois doesn't care what it looks like; she cares that she's finally got a personal life. Chloe's the one seeing the negative effect it will have on her (Lois) career. She tells Lois that she must choose Grant or her reputation/career. Lois chooses Grant and she chooses to lie to Chloe (who was showing nothing but concern for her).
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And? Chloe and Clark have been on one date in 6.5 seasons.
And? Clark’s shown an interest in Chloe throughout the series: “Obscura”, “Tempest”, “Magnetic”, “Bound”, “Vessel”, “Zod”, “Wither”, “Crimson”.
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Clark ditched Lois for Lana but that was after a makeout session and a super-jump from the Daily Planet to Oliver's penthouse. That's a scene straight from the first Superman movie.
That, sadly, was disrespecting/mocking a scene from the Superman movie.
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Meanwhile, Clark, on red-k,treated Chloe shabbily, said very hurtful things, and embarassed her publicly
And they’ve been able to move past it. I’m sure he apologized for it and she forgave him. Their relationship is as strong as ever.
Lois doesn't care what it looks like; she cares that she's finally got a personal life.
Lois' actions don't jibe with this. She asks Grant/Julian point blank why he hired her. Whether Grant/Julian is telling the truth or not (something we'll no doubt discover soon), Lois wouldn't hae asked if she wasn't concerned about it.
Also, despite her protestations that she doesn't care about water cooler gossip, again, her subsequent actions don't mesh with this as she makes an effort to keep the continued relationship a secret from the person who's discovered it. Unless your view is that she's only trying to hide it from Chloe and noone else at the Daily Planet.
On his end, we see Grant/Julian doing the same thing. He's trying to keep the relationship a secret from Lex.
Chloe's the one seeing the negative effect it will have on her (Lois) career.
Absolutely. And how many times haven't other characters had to point out to those involved in an ill-advised romance that the romance is, well, ill-advised. Chloe's done this to Clark. Clark used to do this to Chloe routinely when they were in high school (usually involving an ill-advised romance with a meteor freak). Remember the painter with telekinesis? Remember the guy with cold powers?
She tells Lois that she must choose Grant or her reputation/career. Lois chooses Grant and she chooses to lie to Chloe (who was showing nothing but concern for her).
Slow down here. Chloe told Lois it was a bad idea. Lex told Grant/Julian it was a bad idea. Both are deciding to keep the relationship on the down low. It's called having one's cake and eating it, too. They were discovered in "Blue". If you think the situation was meant to be resolved in a single episode then you're basically saying that the plot point was all about Chlois in that it was meant to show that Lois (and by extension Grant/Julian) is solely governed by her hormones and not common sense.
Have you considered that the other alternative is to create some dramatic tension by having Lois get involved with a guy who will end up having ties to the Luthors?
That maybe, just maybe, like Clark having to learn the same lesson in "Blue" that personal feelings sometimes get in the way of common sense with negative consequences? That we have to learn this lesson the hard way?
In any event, I don't see why other characters (Clark, Chloe, and Lana) are "allowed" more than one episode to resolve these kinds of dilemmas, yet if Lois doesn't do so in the space of 5 minutes it's a sign she's not "Iconic Lois Lane". Please explain this one to me because I honestly don't get it.
That, sadly, was disrespecting/mocking a scene from the Superman movie.
Somehow I suspect that had the scene involved Chloe there might have been a slightly different interpretation of this. (e.g., fitting homage, clear Chlois anvil, etc.) :)
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