Even if Absolute Justice and Warrior were marvelous homages to comics they didn't cover the Zod arc. So beside a few random developments, specially Persuasion's ending, we didn't have much to chew since Kandor and Pandora. Although they were pivotal and received with good ratings some people complained about their lower entertainment appeal compared to the comics focused episodes. I appreciate both genres but admit that their criticism was pertinent, until Conspiracy. Al Septien and Turi Meyer from Kandor were back at their writing desks and the second even directed it. That's why it's not a surprise the story was so captivating and intriguing.
However the very first minutes worried me because they reminded me of Rabid. An other horror B movie spin-off ? Far from it ! First the production quality was excellent, from the surreal and industrial lighting to the new sets design. Second they were plenty of references to cult franchises like The X-Files and Hellraiser. The guest character itself was definitely inspired by Fox Mulder but its profile was darker and scarier. In fact the story could even be considered as a direct sequel to Metallo and John Corben was even mentioned by name. That's why I'm surprised Don Whitehead and Holly Henderson didn't write it and that Mairzee Almas wasn't its director. But it doesn't matter as the execution was masterful.
But Smallville wouldn't have reach its ninth season without its demanding followers. So we were also served with other tasteful elements. Big Sister Chloe did it again and this time there was even an explicit reference to George Orwell's 1984. Her intriguing relationship with Oliver developed further. Of course there were also some Lois & Clark moments but they were quite different from the previous ones. Mature and unpredictable could describe the character development in general. It seems some people have learned from their mistakes but others didn't. But like in Metallo things are not just red and blue. The super Warrior has to fight his inner daemons not to become a villain. It's also hard to trust anyone when you don't even believe in yourself and others only see you as an Idol. And even a Savior has to be rescued from time to time.
Would you like to know more ? Do your part, join the Conspiracy !
However the very first minutes worried me because they reminded me of Rabid. An other horror B movie spin-off ? Far from it ! First the production quality was excellent, from the surreal and industrial lighting to the new sets design. Second they were plenty of references to cult franchises like The X-Files and Hellraiser. The guest character itself was definitely inspired by Fox Mulder but its profile was darker and scarier. In fact the story could even be considered as a direct sequel to Metallo and John Corben was even mentioned by name. That's why I'm surprised Don Whitehead and Holly Henderson didn't write it and that Mairzee Almas wasn't its director. But it doesn't matter as the execution was masterful.
But Smallville wouldn't have reach its ninth season without its demanding followers. So we were also served with other tasteful elements. Big Sister Chloe did it again and this time there was even an explicit reference to George Orwell's 1984. Her intriguing relationship with Oliver developed further. Of course there were also some Lois & Clark moments but they were quite different from the previous ones. Mature and unpredictable could describe the character development in general. It seems some people have learned from their mistakes but others didn't. But like in Metallo things are not just red and blue. The super Warrior has to fight his inner daemons not to become a villain. It's also hard to trust anyone when you don't even believe in yourself and others only see you as an Idol. And even a Savior has to be rescued from time to time.
Would you like to know more ? Do your part, join the Conspiracy !