SV: 8-5 "Committed" Review

*** Screencaps by KEakaCK's Creative Website

"Committed" was a cringe worthy filler with a twist – torture! It was a contrived mess to put the characters in a specific situation. Sadly, in the end, nothing happened. The story wasn't moved forward one iota.

Lois was her usual abrasive, unlikable self times ten with the booze. If her boozing it up and making a scene at Chloe and Jimmy's engagment party was meant to humanize her or make her sympathetic, it didn't work. She came across as a self-centered, self-pitying bitch. On the plus side, the death anvils are fast and furious.

Clark looked irritated and disturbed at Lois pretty much the whole episode. He was, however, at his most Supermanliest when he showed incredible superhuman restraint in not killing Lois.

Chloe is no longer Chloe. She's a doormat who worships Jimmy Olsen. She'd better be under Brainiac's control because it makes no sense otherwise.

It’s Chloe and Jimmy's engagement party. Lois, however, is throwing herself a pity party. Inebriated, she bellyaches to Clark about Chloe’s choice of fiancés. She obviously has been reading the boards. Lois tells Clark that Chloe is barely legal and she’s settling for the first guy that’s shown her attention, present company excluded. Lois says that she’s suffered enough heartache to know real love when she sees it and, looking over at Chloe and Jimmy, she doesn’t see it. When has Lois suffered heartache? When she made out with AC? When she made a date with Graham ("Fade")? When she dated Ollie then broke up with him because he was a hero on the side? When she did her boss in the closet at the Daily Planet? Or maybe when she kissed Wes while drunk? What the heck is she talking about? Clark looks patiently on. He suggests that Lois is jealous because her little cousin is beating her to the altar. Bingo. That’s probably it, Clark. Clark suggests Lois show some support. Lois takes it as a dare. She’ll show him support.

Lois gets up on the stool at the bar, picks up another drink, and clangs the glass to get attention. She introduces herself and says that when she and Chloe were small they made a promise not to get married until they found their soulmates. Lois is quite tipsy. "Which is why you can’t take a 10 year old on their word" Lois adds. Clark grabs her off the stool. He quickly covers. He says that what Lois meant is you can’t predict when you’ll find that special someone and Jimmy is that special someone for Chloe. Are the writers seriously trying to convince us that Chloe and Jimmy are meant to be by drilling it into our heads? It ain’t working. Clark says that he’s known Chloe since 8th grade and he’s never seen her so happy. Clark doesn’t seem too convinced. Lois rolls her eyes and so do I.

After the party, Chloe and Jimmy walk outside. Chloe says it’s a shame Jimmy’s parents couldn’t be at the engagement party. Jimmy says that his dad is closing a deal. His dad’s priorities are a little out of whack. Chloe says that the best part of the evening was when Clark was toasting them; Jimmy had a smile on his face. She adds that she’s happy Jimmy is finally okay with Clark. Jimmy replies that there may be a textbook of history between Chloe and Clark but the future is all Chloe and Jimmy (and Brainiac). They hug. Jimmy looks unsure. They are about to head upstairs when a car shines its headlights at them. A man steps out of the car and shoots them.

Lois wakes up on the couch in the Kent living room wearing Clark’s football jersey with the LuthorCorp logo. Good visual. Lois is definitely owned by LuthorCorp. She banged a Luthor clone and is working at a Luthor-owned newspaper. Wacky music plays. Clark hands Lois lemonade. Lois looks at her dress hung on a chair. She asks if they... Clark follows her gaze. He lets her sweat it out for a bit. He says she’s hysterical when she’s hung over. He throws the dress to her. He assures her that she got changed by herself in the middle of the kitchen... for like an hour. Does Lois seriously believe Clark is the type of guy to take advantage (read: rape) a drunken woman? She’s known him for 4 years. What in heck is wrong with this woman?

Lois takes a sip of the lemonade and looks disgusted. She sees a pan on the table. She asks if she took a drive on the porcelain highway. Clark replies that it was more of a cross country trip. Ha! Lois says that she would have been fine. She didn’t need Clark to care of her. Clark replies that Chloe and Jimmy weren’t up to the Whitesnake sing-along. Isn’t Lois fun? Isn’t she saucy? Isn’t she stupid? Yeah, that’s what I thought too. Lois remembers that she has to meet Chloe for a dress-fitting. If the maid of honor at my engagement party had embarrassed me and my fiancé like Lois did, I’d tear her limb from limb not meet her for a dress-fitting. Clark tells Lois that she was in no condition to drive the night before. Lois thanks him for the ride. Well, it’s about time.

Daily Planet: The elevator doors open. I’m getting a flashback to Clark and Maxima. It’s Tess and her assistant. Tess can’t believe that they can’t trace the IP address. The assistant says that the e-mail could prove that Mr. Luthor is still alive. Or that someone is toying with me, replies Tess. Tess warns her assistant to find out who took the crystal or find a new line of work.

Tess walks into her office to find Ollie sitting at her desk. He says that she doesn’t have time to answer his calls but she has time to buy the Star City Towers right from under him. Business is business says Tess. Ollie replies that revenge is not her best color. Why is Ollie pursuing Tess? Didn’t he say that she is more devious than Lex? Tess replies that Lex taught her that you can’t live in the past. Ollie snottily asks if Prof. Luthor taught her about deception or obsession. His class in murder is an easy A. So, your class in terrorism is an easy A, Ollie. Tess replies that Lex has dedicated his life to making the world a safer place. Ollie suspects that Lex was more than a mentor. Tess dismisses him. Ollie apologizes. He says he’s come to raise the white flag – a truce over dinner. Tess says Ollie hasn’t changed; he still wants what he can’t have. Ollie replies that it’s just a meal. Tess tells him to pick her up at 7:00. "7:30 it is" says Ollie. How petty.

Talon apartment: Lois comes in calling for Chloe. She’s wearing Clark’s shirt over her dress. They spot the bed covered in rose petals. Clark says he had no idea Jimmy was so romantic. Eww. Lois, always subtle, picks up pink fuzzy handcuffs. I love Clark’s expression. He notices that the mail hasn’t been picked up. Lois checks the voice messages. The first is Lois drunk spewing something or other. The second is from the Smallville PE Impound informing Chloe and Jimmy that their vehicles were brought in for obstructing a street cleaner. They went to their engagement party in separate cars? Clark realizes that they never made it home. Dun dun dun!!!

Jimmy and Chloe lie tied up in a dark basement. Jimmy asks if Chloe is okay. An eerie voice says that they are gathered today to find out if these two will truly be. The lights come on. Sitting on facing chairs are a couple. They are strapped in... and dead.

Daily Planet: Clark says that he’s checked the Metropolis and Smallville hospitals and airport but no sign of Jimmy and Chloe. Lois says that Chloe and Jimmy aren’t the only couples that have vanished. At least three couples in the last two weeks are missing. All the couples were engaged. Why is Clark wearing his red jacket and blue t at work? Is he working? The police won’t declare Chloe and Jimmy missing for 24-hours. Lois thinks that if she hadn’t been drunk she would have been able to stop it. Well that’s true. Not that you’d be able to do anything, Lois, but that Clark would have been able to stop it instead of stopping you from driving drunk. Clark suggests they cross-reference the couples to see what they have in common. Lois has already done that. All couples went to the same bakery, jewelry store, and a stationary shop. Clark notes that the stationary shop is around the corner. He’s going to check it out. Lois says she’s not putting her cousin’s life in Clark’s hands.

Psycho’s Lair of Love: Chloe wakes up strapped to a chair. A sensor is around her waist. Jimmy sits across from her. The psycho, wearing a mask, says that it saves time when he abducts couples together. Chloe snarks that they’d hate to inconvenience him. Psycho says that it’s his duty. He wheels a lie detector out and explains that it’s harmless and not complicated. All it does is listen to your heart. He takes a pair of jumper cables and attaches them to Jimmy’s chair. Chloe angrily asks if he gets his kicks torturing innocent people. Psycho believes he’s doing them a favor. He attaches another pair of jumper cables to Chloe’s chair. He asks Jimmy if he’s ever cheated on his fiancée. Let’s see there was Kara, Maxima,... When Jimmy answers no, Chloe is shocked. Jimmy screams that he lied, he should be shocked. Psycho explains that lies hurt the ones you love. He pushes Jimmy back into the chair. Jimmy get mouth diarrhea. He starts to explain about Maxima. Chloe says that she understands that it wasn’t Jimmy’s fault. Psycho asks how many lies is Chloe hiding.

Lois is mouthing off at a merchant. Clark thanks the merchant for his time and they walk off. Clark explains that they won’t get anywhere if she shakes down every person they talk to. Clark stops Lois from walking into the path of a taxi. Lois says that the guy was stonewalling them. Clark replies that the man was 70 years old and just out of the hospital; he still had his bracelet on. Lois barrels on. She says that Chloe could be hurt or dying. Clark says that’s why they can’t waste any more time. He suggests Lois go back to the DP. Lois asks what Clark will do? Clark replies "A lot". Lois gets the idea to be a couple as bait. Clark says no one will believe it. Not even for a second. Lois asks Clark to marry her.

Clark and Lois walk into a jewelry store. Lois suggests that Clark smile. Clark snarks that he’s in short supply and he wouldn’t want to waste one. Hee! I love Clark. They walk up to the jeweler. Lois is overselling it, as usual. Clark looks like he wishes he was anywhere but there. Lois points to a ring referring to Clark as "pumpkin". Clark calls Lois "muffin" (ooh, nice callback to Lex’s "muffin peddling college dropout" line). The jeweler hands Clark a ring. Lois extends her hand. She calls Clark "poodle" and tells him not to be shy. She explains to the jeweler that Clark has performance anxiety. Clark shoves the ring on her finger and glares at Lois. Ollie comes into the store. He surprised to see Clark and Lois. He asks what they’re doing there. Lois asks if Ollie got the invitation. Clark reluctantly says that he and Lois are getting married. Ollie laughs. Hee. Lois shows off the ring. Ollie tells Clark that he’s full of surprises. Lois explains that they’ve been friends for so long but one magical night and they can’t deny their feelings. Ollie asks Clark if it’s true. Clark replies that he’s afraid so. I’d be afraid too, Clark. They leave Ollie to ponder that.

After checking another shop, Clark suggests they split up. Lois starts to say something, turns around to see Clark’s vanished. Har, har. That never gets old... except it’s been 7 freaking years.

Psycho’s Lair of Love: When Chloe tells psycho not to do this, psycho replies that he wished someone had done this to him and his wife. His wife lied to him over and over. Chloe realizes that psycho killed his wife. Psycho asks if Chloe ever cheated on her fiancé. Chloe answers "no". Psycho asks if Chloe is in love with anyone else. Hey, he didn’t ask Jimmy that. Jimmy panics. He tells Chloe not to answer. Psycho shocks Jimmy. Do it again! Chloe answers that it’s only been Jimmy; no one else. Psycho congratulates them and shoots them.


Luthor mansion: Ollie calls to Mercy. He says they have dinner reservations in just under an hour. Tess throws a javelin at him. They spar. Tess says that weak men like Ollie make her stronger. She adds that Ollie found out Lionel killed his parents and he drinks himself onto the society page for a month. Tess adds that Ollie can’t take anything seriously; just like their relationship. When Ollie mentions how much Tess meant to him, Tess reminds him that she caught him with the waitress. Ollie says he’s not going to apologize. Tess says she wants an explanation. What was Ollie so afraid of? "You" Ollie replies. They kiss.


In a dark alley, Lois heads toward her car. She’s got her cellphone to her ear. A car’s high beams shine on her. Lois yells that their burning holes into her skull. She finishes her call. A guy walks out of the car and shoots her. "Son of a bitch" says Lois and falls to the ground. She is loaded into a hearse by... the psychotic jeweler or PJ for short.

Talon apartment: Chloe and Jimmy wake up in bed. Huh? The candles are all still burning brightly. Chloe nudges Jimmy. Jimmy is surprised they’re okay. Chloe picks up the fuzzy pink handcuffs. She wonders if it’s the masked man’s idea of a twisted joke. Ha! So much for knowing your fiancée, eh, Jimmy. Jimmy takes credit for the handcuffs and adds that it was a lot less creepy the day before. Chloe says that she wouldn’t be alive if she had sat across anyone else. You’re laying it kind of thick there, Chloe. Jimmy says that things like that don’t happen to people by accident. It’s Smallville, Jimmy. It happens every week. Chloe says that Jimmy doesn’t have any secrets. Huh? Chloe is the queen of secret keepers. Me thinks this is Chloiac. Jimmy suggests they call the sheriff.

Talon: Chloe and Jimmy talk to an officer. Clark walks in. He says he can’t find Lois. Clark says that Lois said something about car headlights. Jimmy realizes that that’s what they saw before they were abducted. Clark asks if they can remember anything that might help him find Lois. Jimmy and Chloe relay PJ’s talk about bonds and secrets. When Chloe remembers that PJ said it was important to solidify the bond between husband and wife, Clark figures out who kidnapped Lois.

He goes back to the jeweler’s and listens for Lois’ grating annoying voice. He rushes in when he hears her and attempts to free Lois, who is strapped to a chair. When Clark asks where PJ is, PJ answers right behind you. Clark looks sick. He turns around and gets knocked out by PJ who just happens to be wearing a green-K laced watch. Not too contrived. Oy.


Later, Clark slowly comes to. He’s strapped to a chair opposite Lois. He has blood on his face. He tries to break the chains but can’t. He yells to PJ that he knows who he is. PJ takes his word for it and removes his mask. He’s not only psycho, he’s stupid. Lois thinks that now that she and Clark have seen PJ’s face, he’ll kill them anyway. "Not necessarily" says PJ. Clark demands PJ let Lois go. PJ says after her turn. Lois asks if this is some sick game. It must be tiring for PJ to have to explain himself to every couple before asking them 2 questions to determine their compatibility before killing/freeing them. PJ explains that it’s a test to determine how much Clark and Lois have been hiding from one another. Cut to the chase, we’ve heard this before.

PJ asks if Lois ever cheated on her fiancé. Lois says no. Clark is electrocuted. Eh, how does that work? They are not a couple so Lois has never cheated on Clark. What a contrived mess. Lois doesn’t want PJ to hurt Clark again. Lois tries to explain that they aren’t a couple and the test doesn’t mean anything. PJ ignores her. He asks if she loves Clark. After an incredibly long drawn out time, Lois says "yes". Clark braces himself to be shocked but... nothing. PJ looks at Clark. He asks if Clark loves Lois. Clark says nothing and PJ leans over him. Clark takes the opportunity to head-butt PJ, remove his green-K laced watch and throw it into the sewer. Clark uses his x-ray vision to fry PJ’s equipment (no not that equipment). He breaks free and unties Lois. So Lois doesn’t ask how Clark gets free and what happened to the blood on his face? Even Lex noticed Clark’s amazing healing.

Talon apartment: Lois watches the tape of her toast at the engagement party. Lois tells Chloe that she’s sorry; it’s a whole new low. Chloe says that it’s a close second to when Lois crashed Lana’s engagement party. At least at Lana’s party, Lois wasn’t herself. At Chloe’s party, that was all drunken, self-pitying Lois. Chloe suggests Lois avoid engagement parties. Chloe seems very blasé considering Lois made a scene at her engagement party and made fun of her future groom. Lois says that she ruined Chloe’s special night. Chloe says that compared to the ending, the party was a success. Chloe excuses Lois’ appalling behavior as being honest. Chloe asks why Lois didn’t just tell her how she felt. Lois mumbles something about Clark, Lana, her and Ollie, and having everything in front of her and having it slip away. Say what? Lois didn’t want to see Chloe have that heartache. So she decided that embarrassing Chloe at her engagement party was better heartache? Huh? Chloe calls Lois the best cousin for thinking that. Really?! Man, Brainiac is really doing a number on Chloe. Chloe assures Lois that her and Jimmy are meant to be. Lois says that Clark was right after all. Chloe says he usually is. Jimmy shows up. Lois hugs him awkwardly and leaves.

Chloe thinks she and Jimmy deserve an extra long honeymoon after what they went through. Jimmy has something to confess. He says that he needs to come clean on something. Chloe, smiling, says that the last 12 hours proved that they have nothing left to hide. Jimmy says that he’s not who she thinks he is. Ooh, a callback to the "Fever" letter. He says that his parents aren’t coming to the wedding. His dad is not an investment banker. He is a mechanic and full time alcoholic. And Jimmy never met his mom. Who cares? Chloe wants to know why Jimmy kept if from her. Jimmy says that he a douchbag. Well, okay, I’m paraphrasing. The only way Jimmy felt he could fit in was to be someone else. Technically, you lied about your family not yourself, you douchbag. Chloe asks why Jimmy didn’t trust her. Jimmy says he understands if Chloe needs some time or if she wants to call it quits. Jimmy says that a guy like him doesn’t get a girl like Chloe. That’s true. Chloe kisses Jimmy. She’s feeling doormat-ish or Brainiac’d.


Luthor mansion: Ollie wakes to find Tess getting ready to leave. She says she’s late for a meeting in Metropolis. Ollie tries to tempt her with a trip. Tess thinks she detects a hint of romance. Ollie says that he can’t stop himself. He gives her a diamond bracelet. Tess tells him to save it in case he wants to tip another hostess. Ouch. Tess adds that there was nothing romantic about the night before. She had an itch. Ollie scratched it. Ouch. Ouch. Ollie asks what happened to Tess. She replies that she grew up.

Daily Planet: Lois spots Clark. She runs to the elevator. Clark walks up. He asks if she’s avoiding him. Lois denies it. Clark notes that Lois is now okay with Jimmy and Chloe. Lois says that all it took is them passing a madman’s electric death quiz and she’s sold. Clark walks into the elevator. Lois hesitates then gets in. Lois says PJ confessed. There’s awkward silence. Clark says who would have thought that Lois would be able to fool the test. Lois says that she’s the master of deception but she needed a little help. Clark notes that it didn’t work the first time – when she electrocuted him. Ha! Lois says that she slipped the sensor off her finger. Clark realizes that Lois wasn’t telling the truth. Lois says that while they make a good team, not to let their cover go to his head. Lois says that it’s a good thing she was asked to answer the questions because Clark is a bad liar. Er, if Lois has the hots for Clark, why doesn’t she say something? It’s not like Lois is coy around guys she finds hot – see AC, Grant, Ollie, Graham, and random extra. She and Clark are both single. What’s stopping her? Well, besides that Clark can barely stand her.