Even if I loved Masquerade and enjoyed Fortune one can only admit that these refreshing gems have an inevitable drawback. It seems they break the pace and when a character reappears even after a few episodes it always take some time to adapt. Alexander, now Conner, was no exception but knowing he was genetically engineered from Lex Luthor makes it easier to recap between these entertaining escapes, but never far from their nexus.
For once I would like to start by praising the soundtrack. Indeed I think Louis Febre doesn't get enough credits for the impressive and passionate musical work he has done so far. How often do we mention him ? Imagine how less immersive the installments would be without his audio magic ! The first time I noticed how skilled he is was probably in Idol. I can still hear its Danny Elfman-like bells ringing in my ears and they brilliantly served the fantasy elements, specially the cute little beetle flying around. Mark Snow can be proud because he tutored Febre very well and the last succeeded in powering the show music with his heart, soul and inspiring talent. In Scion it shined again, probably like never before. As a fan of dark arts in general I was quite impressed by the few original tunes that we could hear in the background while performers were doing their part. You probably wonder why I consider it's so important to mention it. It's not a question of principles or respect toward the composer. It's a question of sensation. Trust me, paying more attention to the soundtrack will transform your viewing experience !
Dark music is delectable but dark visuals are lushier. Human eyes are just more sensible than the ears, it's our nature. That's why Scion was so wicked ! Its oppressive ambiance and almost horrific at times was reminiscent of season 8 and doomed episodes like Savior. Al Septien's direction was in the same vein as Turi Meyer's one in Harvest but in the end it eclipsed it thanks to a better script. In fact it's interesting that they wrote both episodes because it highlights how an individual or dream team can make a difference. Indeed the story was infected with numerous exciting and edgy scenes. From the rotten butchery to the clashing encounters between characters these bones should have enough meat to feed the most starving velociraptor ! My only complain would be that Septien's execution is not creative enough if you compare it to Tim Scalan for example. It lacked the sparkles that made Masquerade so superb.
Reading that Fortune was Allison Mack last appearance as Chloe Sullivan was shattering. But the journey she has offered us was so wonderful that I don't regret her decision. I respect her even more considering she didn't leave without giving her best to the fans of the first hour. Moreover we have to consider that she only had a minor role after her red ride in season 8. It allowed Tess Mercer and Lois Lane to reveal themselves as strong, beautiful and smart wow-men. Definitely a match to our favorite colorful leather cross-dressers ! Cassidy Freeman and Erica Durance's role was only supportive this time nevertheless they fueled Scion with sexiness and craving talent. I question Freeman's acting at times, specially at the beginning, but overall she was exquisite against John Glover's charisma as Lionel Luthor. I still wonder about their atomic-synchronized meetings in dark alleys but I've get used to them and think other things matter more. Lionel for instance, I always missed him and hiring him back for the finale season was the best thing that could happen to the show ! Phil Morris as Martian Manhunter managed to fill the gaps from time to time but he seems to have just vanished into thin air. We absolutely need him back !
Beside these vivid dual elements there was one that shadowed them all. Scion wasn't just about saving the day or getting closer to the unavoidable ending. The episode was very special because it allowed Clark to finally understand what it took his parents to raise a son like him. At the beginning I have to admit that Tess made me skeptical about her bizarre idea but slowly it grew on me thanks to Tom Welling's convincing performance. It shows how much they all care about doing their best to wrap the finale season into a mind blowing fireworks ! Moreover it's hard not to mention Star Wars when it comes to the character development because of the master and apprentice relationship. Its coverage wasn't perfect but good enough to remind the good old days when John Schneider as Jonathan Kent was teaching Clark how to superfarm his life. So the fan service was there but it wasn't like a bellyful of it. In fact a few scenes should still manage to make you laugh and move you. The candle joke could even have been featured between two slapsticks of Fortune !
Overall it was an other kryptonite solid episode and confirmed the best one can only think about season 10. The many action scenes were powered by top notch visual effects and the artistic direction was reminiscent of David Fincher with its tainted colors and gloomy lighting. Let's also not forget how well designed was the burnt mansion set ! You should almost smell its smoking ruins. Last but not least I'm sure it was a comics heaven because even with my relative ignorance I was able to spot a few references to the genre. Conner ? Darkseid ? A mythology episodes like Scion should definitely convince you to dig deeper. And with the usual intriguing cliffhanger I don't worry anymore about the audience meter. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if more viewers decided to tune in because the best is yet to come !
For once I would like to start by praising the soundtrack. Indeed I think Louis Febre doesn't get enough credits for the impressive and passionate musical work he has done so far. How often do we mention him ? Imagine how less immersive the installments would be without his audio magic ! The first time I noticed how skilled he is was probably in Idol. I can still hear its Danny Elfman-like bells ringing in my ears and they brilliantly served the fantasy elements, specially the cute little beetle flying around. Mark Snow can be proud because he tutored Febre very well and the last succeeded in powering the show music with his heart, soul and inspiring talent. In Scion it shined again, probably like never before. As a fan of dark arts in general I was quite impressed by the few original tunes that we could hear in the background while performers were doing their part. You probably wonder why I consider it's so important to mention it. It's not a question of principles or respect toward the composer. It's a question of sensation. Trust me, paying more attention to the soundtrack will transform your viewing experience !
Dark music is delectable but dark visuals are lushier. Human eyes are just more sensible than the ears, it's our nature. That's why Scion was so wicked ! Its oppressive ambiance and almost horrific at times was reminiscent of season 8 and doomed episodes like Savior. Al Septien's direction was in the same vein as Turi Meyer's one in Harvest but in the end it eclipsed it thanks to a better script. In fact it's interesting that they wrote both episodes because it highlights how an individual or dream team can make a difference. Indeed the story was infected with numerous exciting and edgy scenes. From the rotten butchery to the clashing encounters between characters these bones should have enough meat to feed the most starving velociraptor ! My only complain would be that Septien's execution is not creative enough if you compare it to Tim Scalan for example. It lacked the sparkles that made Masquerade so superb.
Reading that Fortune was Allison Mack last appearance as Chloe Sullivan was shattering. But the journey she has offered us was so wonderful that I don't regret her decision. I respect her even more considering she didn't leave without giving her best to the fans of the first hour. Moreover we have to consider that she only had a minor role after her red ride in season 8. It allowed Tess Mercer and Lois Lane to reveal themselves as strong, beautiful and smart wow-men. Definitely a match to our favorite colorful leather cross-dressers ! Cassidy Freeman and Erica Durance's role was only supportive this time nevertheless they fueled Scion with sexiness and craving talent. I question Freeman's acting at times, specially at the beginning, but overall she was exquisite against John Glover's charisma as Lionel Luthor. I still wonder about their atomic-synchronized meetings in dark alleys but I've get used to them and think other things matter more. Lionel for instance, I always missed him and hiring him back for the finale season was the best thing that could happen to the show ! Phil Morris as Martian Manhunter managed to fill the gaps from time to time but he seems to have just vanished into thin air. We absolutely need him back !
Beside these vivid dual elements there was one that shadowed them all. Scion wasn't just about saving the day or getting closer to the unavoidable ending. The episode was very special because it allowed Clark to finally understand what it took his parents to raise a son like him. At the beginning I have to admit that Tess made me skeptical about her bizarre idea but slowly it grew on me thanks to Tom Welling's convincing performance. It shows how much they all care about doing their best to wrap the finale season into a mind blowing fireworks ! Moreover it's hard not to mention Star Wars when it comes to the character development because of the master and apprentice relationship. Its coverage wasn't perfect but good enough to remind the good old days when John Schneider as Jonathan Kent was teaching Clark how to superfarm his life. So the fan service was there but it wasn't like a bellyful of it. In fact a few scenes should still manage to make you laugh and move you. The candle joke could even have been featured between two slapsticks of Fortune !
Overall it was an other kryptonite solid episode and confirmed the best one can only think about season 10. The many action scenes were powered by top notch visual effects and the artistic direction was reminiscent of David Fincher with its tainted colors and gloomy lighting. Let's also not forget how well designed was the burnt mansion set ! You should almost smell its smoking ruins. Last but not least I'm sure it was a comics heaven because even with my relative ignorance I was able to spot a few references to the genre. Conner ? Darkseid ? A mythology episodes like Scion should definitely convince you to dig deeper. And with the usual intriguing cliffhanger I don't worry anymore about the audience meter. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if more viewers decided to tune in because the best is yet to come !
