SV: 8-1 "Odyssey" Review

Just like "Arctic" didn't feel like a season finale, "Odyssey" didn't feel like a premiere. Lightswitches abound. Lex sadly is MIA. Chloe has been infected by Brainiac and now has superbrain power. Clark finally got an epiphany and decided to join the Planet staff. The Planet is not redeemed as it’s still hiring people off the street. Lois forgot Clark's been a hero many times during the 4 years they've known each other.

The good? Clark has a sense of humor again. Hopefully it'll last longer than one episode. Ollie is back. He brings the snark and the quips.

The bad? Chloe agreed to marry the lying, weaselly Jimmy. She's lost her healing power but now has Brainiac's brain power. Lois is still stupid and useless. The ugly red jacket is here to stay.

Four Weeks Later
Arctic Tundra: A helicopter flies over the Tundra. People walk around busily in a base. A woman in a parka comes in and asks Lex minion from "Arctic" (Regan) what he’s been doing all this time. What has she been doing that it’s taken 4 weeks to find the base? Regan tells her that the site is off-limits. The woman takes off her hood and glasses and introduces herself as Tess Mercer (Mercy?). Per Lex’s *sniff!* written instructions her access is unrestricted and she is acting CEO of LuthorCorp and all its subsidiaries. Regan remembers her as an obscure regional VP. He doubts she’s qualified. Tess says that Lex believes it and orders a complete inventory of everything they found and any sign of an escape. Regan is surprised that Tess thinks Lex has escaped. Tess assures him that Lex Luthor did not meet his end on some dwindling icecap.

Someone says they’ve found something under the ice that could be human remains. As they work to retrieve it, Green Arrow shows up. He blasts their equipment sending sparks everywhere while Black Canary uses her canary cry to cause more damage. They take out the workers but Regan manages to catch GA off-guard. He points a gun at GA but AC comes busting through the ice between them and knocks Regan out. GA is impressed; BC reminds them that they’re looking for Clark. They look at what Lex’s men found. It’s the horrible red jacket looking clean and pressed. Nooooo! It’s survived!

Credits: Tom Welling; Allison Mack; everyone else – just as it should be.

Luthor Manor: A maid walks into Lex’s study. She dusts a statue. Ooh, it’s Lois in a French maid outfit. All the furniture is covered up but somehow Lois knows to go to the safe on the wall drill the lock and retrieve the first flash drive although there are others. She hides the drive in her bra as Tess comes in. Tess tells her that she missed a spot. Lois, thinking quickly, says "oui, oui, madam". A French maid in a French maid costume – get it? Yeah. Tess isn’t fooled either. Lois is breaking and entering but still decides that insulting the person who caught her is the best course of action. She calls Tess a secretary. Tess replies that she’s as much a secretary as Lois is a French maid. Tess says that she’s been looking forward to meeting "the intrepid reporter" Lois Lane. Lois asks if Tess is Lex’s 4PM booty call. Ooh, clever, Lois. Tess ignores Lois’ question. Instead she replies that Lex gave Lois plenty of journalistic rope knowing she’d eventually hang herself. Tess, on the other hand, is a little less patient. Is that a death anvil? Lois says she’s looking for Chloe whom Lex had arrested by the Department of Domestic Security but the DDS has no record of her. Lois demands Lex’s phone records so she can get the DDS agent’s name. Tess ignores Lois again. She replies that Lex is a firm believer of truth and justice and Chloe was guilty. Lois replies that Chloe’s only guilt is standing up for what she believes in. Lois is escorted off Luthor premises.


Black Creek, Montana: Chloe stares at a screen with electrodes attached to her head. Images flash up on the screen in front of her. She’s able to rattle off each image. A tech guy is impressed by her brain power. He tells Chloe she’s special. Chloe denies it. He tells her that her cognitive thinking beat the world’s fastest supercomputer. He can’t believe that such a dramatic increase in intelligence happened overnight. Chloe insists that she passed out and when she woke up she was different. Chloe demands a lawyer. She says that she has rights. The tech guy says that the day she hacked into the NASA mainframe is the day she gave up those rights. Chloe insists that she’s not a spy. Kind of hard to prove though. Tech guy says that she can serve her country here for 12 months or hire a lawyer, get found guilty and serve 20 years in jail.

Isis Foundation: Dinah says that face recognition hasn’t come up with a single lead on where Clark is. AC says that it looks like Clark disappeared. Ollie says that Chloe’s hard drive is full of fun facts but no lead on Clark. Dinah thinks it’s time to admit that something happened to Clark. Ollie replies that Clark is not like them. It’ll take a lot more than snow and ice to bring him down. Lana! Dinah reminds him that Victor and Bart have covered the entire Southern Hemisphere and haven’t found anything. Ollie says that Clark would never give up on them. Yay, Ollie!


Verkhoyansk, Russia: It’s pouring rain as people unload crates off a truck. One dark haired guy turns around – it’s Clark. He stops to catch his breath. A Russian tells him no coffee breaks. Clark asks to make a phone call. The Russian replies when Clark pays him back. Clark says that he’ll get money if he’s allowed to make a phone call. Clark adds that he wants to let people know that he’s okay. Can I say how gorgeous TW looks when he’s soggy?

Clark eyes a truck. He grabs a crate and walks towards the truck. He ditches the crate and jumps into the truck. A guard fires a machine gun at him. Clark loses control of the truck and smashes into a fence. The Russian grabs Clark out of the truck and starts beating him. I like the parallel between Clark and Chloe. They’re both being held against their will and they’re both asking to make a phone call.

LuthorCorp: Regan sits at a desk working. Tess asks what the news is from the North Pole. Regan says that satellite picked up encoded communication from the group that attacked them. Tess reminds him that they are not the only ones with encoded communication. Regan says that he honored Lex’s request for absolute discretion. Tess wonders whether Regan is looking for Lex or just covering up his tracks. Regan replies that he did his homework. Tess taught herself to read in a Louisiana swamp house; got into Harvard at 15. Regan says he doesn’t care, no one questions his loyalty. Tess replies that if she discovers that someone withheld information on Lex’s whereabouts, she’d be forced to respond accordingly. She threatens to terminate Regan if he doesn’t find Lex.


Black Creek, Montana: Chloe wonders how an "out-of-work newspaper hack" can help the government. Tech guy says that there are scrambled transmissions that terrorists use and none of their computers have been able to figure out the algorithm. Code flashes on the screen in front of Chloe. He says they are looking for three cellphone numbers hidden within the code. Both AC and BC are captured as Chloe deciphers the first two numbers. Chloe stops shy of deciphering the last three digits on the third number when she recognizes it. She tells tech guy that they’re not the phone numbers of bad guys and she’s not being held by the DDS. She kicks tech guy and makes a run for it. An alarm sounds. Two goons grab her. Regan walks up behind them. He orders tech guy to find the third number at all costs. More parallelism. Both Clark and Chloe try to escape but fail.


Verkhoyansk, Russia: Clark is passed out on the ground. The Russian pours water on him to wake him up. Clark walks past two Russians, picks up a pipe and starts swinging it. As he struggles with one of the men the Russian comes up behind him with a gun. Clark says he just wants to go home. The Russian asks where Clark wants them to ship his body.

A guy comes up behind them saying he heard they had the best black market caviar in Russia. It’s Ollie. Ollie adds that Alexandrov sent him. He waves a stack of bills at the Russian. Ollie eyes Clark. He asks if his presence is bothering Clark. Clark replies that it’s starting to. Ollie laughs then punches Clark. Clark lunges at Ollie and they fall to the ground. As they fight, Clark asks what Ollie’s doing. Ollie says to go with it. They continue to fight until Ollie pulls out a knife. He throws money at the Russian and places his order. He adds that he wants to take "the punk" to finish him off. The Russian says he’ll throw Clark in for free. That is one heck of a deal! Caviar and a gorgeous farmboy? Nice.


Ollie’s Jet: Ollie hands Clark a drink. Clark wonders how an ice fortress disappears into thin air. Ollie is sure there’s a punch line somewhere. Hee. I really like Ollie. Clark thinks that it’s part of Jor-El’s plan and his idea of controlling Clark is taking away his powers. "It’s better than Lex running around with the remote control to the Clarkbot" Ollie quips. Clark reveals that Lex was there and he knows his secret. Ollie doesn’t think Lex survived that. Clark reminds him that he did and without his abilities. Ollie asks what Clark remembers. There was so much wind and snow Clark couldn’t see 2 feet ahead. He started hiking then next thing he knows he woke up on a fishing boat. Clark says that he really screwed up. Yes, yes, you did. He says he lost his friends, his powers; Chloe is in DDS custody because of him. Yes she is. Ollie says that Chloe was never arrested by the DDS. Clark realizes that it was Lex. Jimmy betrayed him, so he went after Chloe.

Ollie says that if Lex wanted to hide Chloe, he could do it in a research compound in Montana, a facility they haven’t hit yet; but no one that ever gone in has ever come out. If they have never hit it how does Ollie know that? Clark says that they have to get Chloe back. Ollie replies that Dinah and AC went missing looking for Clark. And, he adds, Clark is kind of... useless. Oh come on. Clark without his abilities is not useless. Geez. Clark replies that with or without his powers he won’t let Chloe rot in prison. Ollie says that he won’t either. He orders the pilot to change course to Montana.

Black Creek, Montana: AC and Dinah are chained upright in a room. Dinah’s "mask" has been removed. AC was captured while showering. Does that mean he is still nude? They start to awaken. Regan says that it’s a shame Lex couldn’t see this. Yes, it is. Lex finally has loyal, competent minions and he’s not there to enjoy it. Dinah wants to know how "Bozo zoo keeper" got so lucky. Regan replies that luck has nothing to do with it. He has a new secret weapon. Regan thinks that AC and Dinah weren’t scouring the Arctic looking for Lex, they were looking for the Traveler. "Who’s that? Some frequent flyer?" quips AC. Regan says that the Traveler is an alien. AC insists that they were looking for Lex. Regan doesn’t believe him.

Elsewhere in the facility, a big metal door is blown open. Not too subtle. It’s Green Arrow and Clark. GA says that he disabled the security system for 15 minutes. He tells Clark to stay behind him. Clark replies that they’ll cover more ground if they split up. GA sarcastically asks what Clark will do if they get caught; bite someone. Shut up, GA. Clark reminds him that Chloe’s in danger. GA says that he won’t be there to save him. Shut up, GA. They split up.


Clark looks into a cell. Someone lies on a bunk but it’s not Chloe. So, what, he doesn’t help her? He hears a grating voice. It’s Lois. She’s saying something about being demoted. Well, that must make the goons with her happy to hear her talk so dismissively of their jobs. They spot Clark. Lois asks what Clark is doing there. One goon asks if they know each other. Lois answers yes while Clark answers no. Lois clarifies that she thought she dropped Clark in his cell. Okay. So this is a prisoner that’s strolling outside his cell? Why wouldn't he be running? One goon says he’ll take Clark back to his cell. Which cell is that, goon? Lois says she’ll handle it. She kicks one goon while Clark punches another. Lois grabs a gun from one of the goons.

She asks what Clark is doing here. Clark says he heard they have good espresso. Lois replies that Clark disappears for a month and comes back with a sense of humor. Yay! Clark has a sense of humor again. Clark says that he’s tracking Chloe down but he wants to know how Lois got there. Yes, when last we saw Ms. Lane she was being escorted out wearing a French maid outfit. Lois replies "feminine charm". Really? Why doesn't she use it? "Great job protecting your short supply" quips Clark. Hehehe. Lois tells Clark that he should do as she says so they can find Chloe and stay alive at the same time. Shut up, Lois.

Chloe wakes up strapped to a chair. Tech guy asks if she’s had sweet dreams. Chloe replies that it’s her worst nightmare. She’s been hunting down innocent people for LuthorCorp. Regan comes in. He says he’s been reading up on Chloe in Lex’s files. He knew she had a healing power, but her turbo IQ was a pleasant surprise. Chloe says that she’s not helping them; they’ll have to kill her. Regan says that Chloe’s mom had a gift of making people do whatever she wanted. He reveals that Lex had the foresight to retrieve spinal fluid from Moira. That and a few million dollars in research, LuthorCorp developed a way to make people do what they want them to. The downside is that it doesn't last long. He takes out a syringe with a green liquid and injects Chloe in the neck. Chloe’s eyes glow green for a second. Regan asks for the final three digits and Chloe complies. Regan realizes that the guy they are tracking is on the premises. Chloe comes back and sees that they are tracking GA in the facility.

GA meanwhile walks through corridors. He comes to where AC and Dinah are being held. Suddenly they are surrounded by armed guards. How did these guys get so competent? Regan injects GA with the controlling serum. He orders GA to do whatever it takes to find Lex. Huh? How’s GA going to find Lex in 1 minute (the time for the serum to stop working) while at a LuthorCorp facility? This makes no sense. Further, they took BC’s mask off but aren’t curious to know who GA is under the mask?


In another part of the facility, Clark and Lois walk through a corridor. Clark suggests Lois not point the gun at him. Lois says that she’s not; besides it’s only his kneecap. Lois reminds Clark that she’s the General’s daughter. She tells Clark that if he sticks by her, she’ll protect him. Shut up, Lois. Clark spots Chloe. Lois orders him to get out of the way. She shoots the door lock and rushes in. Chloe starts to warn Lois but it’s too late. Lois is tasered unconscious. Taser her again! Clark comes in to save the day! He punches tech guy unconscious; checks Lois’ pulse; and frees Chloe from the chair. They hug. Chloe asks what happened to Clark. Clark says that he’s human. Clark starts to say that when Jor-El said there was a way to control him... he meant taking away your powers finishes Chloe. Chloe wonders how they’ll get out. Clark replies that Ollie’s with him. Chloe tells him that security is closing in on Ollie and security already has Dinah and AC. Clark tells Chloe to watch Lois. Chloe reminds Clark that he has no way of defending himself. Come on, Chloe, not you too. Clark says he’ll be fine and leaves.


Clark meets up with GA who wants to know where Lex is. Clark is confused. GA fires an arrow in Clark’s shoulder. Clark removes the arrow and says he doesn’t know where Lex is. GA orders Clark to talk or else the biography of Clark Kent will come to a sudden end. Clark starts to say that Ollie is not himself but Ollie is not listening and shoots him again. The second arrow goes right through Clark’s chest breaking the window pane behind him. So much for protecting Clark, eh, Ollie? Clark drops to the floor. Ollie comes back to himself. He rushes over to Clark. Chloe abandons watching over an unconscious Lois and rushes to Clark and Ollie. She tells Ollie that she can save Clark. Clark begs Chloe not to heal him. Chloe puts her hand on Clark’s chest... but nothing. Her healing power doesn’t work. In his delirium, Clark flashes back to Lana and his parents. Martian Manhunter tells Kal-El that he’s here. Clark dies while Chloe weeps. MM picks Clark up and flies toward the sun.

Kent Barn: Clark wakes up on his loft couch. MM is standing holding a football. He asks Clark how it feels to be whole again. He throws the football at Clark who is now able to burst it. Clark remembers that MM saved him. MM replies that he promised Jor-El that he’d be a watchful guardian but he couldn’t stand by and watch Clark die. MM adds that Jor-El knew he was sending Clark on an impossible odyssey. Jor-El certainly didn’t make it any easier throughout the years. "To be given the power of a god and yet exist as a human", MM continues. Clark feels that sometimes he needs to be two separate people. Clang, anvil. Clark says he can’t expect MM to keep saving him. MM reveals that when he saved Clark, he lost his powers. But, MM says, Clark has the greater destiny. Lana! MM says that with the Fortress destroyed, Clark will have to do it without Jor-El’s guidance. Oh thank goodness. Clark doesn’t need that lunatic, schizophrenic AI.

Clark says that when he died he saw his dad, mom and Lana. He’s written eulogies and seen people walk away from him but he’s never said goodbye. He’s been holding on to a life on the farm that hasn’t existed for years. Clark says it’s time to let the old life go. It’s only way to find a new one. Woohoo! It’s taken you long enough Clark. MM solemnly hands Clark... his ugly red jacket. Nooo! Not the jacket. Clark slips on the jacket as Superman music plays.


Luthor Manor: Tess walks into Lex’s study. *sniff Lex* She reads that a LuthorCorp exec is missing – Regan. She begins to take the dust cloths off the furniture and sits at Lex’s desk. *sniff sniff* A blonde woman comes in. She tells Tess that it suits her. Tess stands up. She replies that the desk belongs to Lex and finding Lex is the only thing that matters. The blonde gives Tess a briefcase retrieved from the excavation site. Tess asks about the Montana facility. The blonde says that it’s been dismantled and the guests have been re-assimilated. The blonde gives Tess a picture of a footprint found in the Arctic. She stresses that it’s not Lex’s. Tess dismisses her and opens the briefcase. It’s the crystal Clark used to construct the Fortress!

In the Talon apartment, Chloe quickly scans through Daily Planet articles. She wonders what’s happening to her. Brainiac! She hears a noise and goes to investigate. It’s Jimmy the lying, whiny traitor. Jimmy says he should have never let Lex get between them. Shut up, Jimmy. Chloe says it’s in the past. She brings up the proposal. Jimmy doesn’t want to talk about it. He wants things to be as they were because he thinks Chloe will reject his offer. Chloe accepts the proposal. She says that what she wanted in the past kept her from seeing what she has right now. Just like Clark! Chloe tells Jimmy that he’s perfect. Jimmy says that he’s far from perfect. No kidding. Chloe replies that he’s perfect for her. Yes, just like Lana was perfect for Clark. They kiss.


Ollie, AC and Dinah meet Clark in a dark alley in Metropolis. Clark says that he owes his life to them. Well except for Ollie who killed him. Dinah says that it’s nothing he wouldn’t have done for them. AC wants to know about the powered up friend that saved Clark. Dinah wonders where Clark been hiding him. Clark replies that it’s a long story but he’s sure he’ll be back one day. AC says that Clark’s not the only one to survive the Arctic. Clark says that they need to find Lex. He knows his secret. What does he plan to do once he finds him though? Ollie says that it won’t be easy. The new LuthorCorp CEO is more deceptive than Lex ever was. Now that’s just sad. Clark says they need to split up. Ollie jokes that pretty soon Clark will be sporting the homemade costume and leading the double life. Clang, anvil. Dinah suggests something a little more formfitting. Clang, anvil. Ollie says that they’ll split up, cut off contact with each other and find out what they can about Lex. Superman music plays.

Daily Planet: Lois is working. A chair squeaks nearby. It’s Clark. Clark says that Lois did well out there. Lois says that Clark surprised her for his first attempt at heroism. Really, Lois? He’s never saved anyone in the four years you’ve known him. Not one soul? What, have you been living under a rock? Clark says he’s got to go but he’ll see Lois bright and early Monday. Lois is confused. Clark reminds Lois that she gave him the application. He’s the newest recruit to the DP. The DP's hiring criteria have really been lowered under LuthorCorp. Now they take anyone off the street and call them a reporter. But hey it’s Clark Kent. Doesn’t matter that he’s got no credentials, he belongs there. Clark says he wants to be in the middle of the action. Lois asks if he’s starting in the mail room. Theoretically both of you should be in the mail room. But you both have the names so... Clark replies that he’ll be closer to home. He glances at the desk he was sitting at. When he walks away, Lois looks at the name plate on the desk. It says "Clark Kent". And so it begins – but hey who needs a journey when a lightswitch works faster?