Smallville (TV Series) Red (2002) User Reviews

Definitely the Best Episode of Smallville

[claudio_carvalho · 10/10 · 22 April 2006]

When Clark Kent buys a ruby ring, the stone is indeed red kryptonite. His personality is affected, and the former sweet and friendly teenager becomes dark, selfish and ambitious, hurting his stepparents and his closest friends. He dates Lana Lang, but the rebel Clark dumps her to be with the hot new-arrival in town Jessie Brooks (Sara Downing) in a night-club. But Jonathan Kent does not give up on him and tries to save Clark from the effects of the red stone.

"Red" is definitely the best episode of Smallville up to this moment. The modification of the character and personality of Clark Kent leaves wounds in Lana Lang and Jonathan Kent, and I want to see the consequences of his acts in the next episodes. My vote is ten.

Title (Brazil): "Rebeldia" ("Rebellion")

Awesome Episode

[krazeysyko · 10/10 · 4 March 2021]

Was smiling almost the entire time. Seeing Clark act so wild was very entertaining. Sucks seeing he hurt people close to him. Definitely my favorite episode so far.

Here Comes "Red" Clark!

[spasek · 10/10 · 19 May 2022]

Season 2 was definitely an improvement over Season 1. And Season 1 was a fantastic start to a series that would "stick to the script" that Milar and Gough had outlined for the series (through about Season 6) before Souders and Petereson ruined it during the last four years of the show.

In the DVD commentary, it was stated that Tom Welling loved this episode, as it gave the actor a chance to broaden his range. Much like David Boreanaz, who loved playing "Angelus" more than Angel, Welling was given his first chance to show his depth as well as give some more dimensions to Clark. We also see the first real beginning of the conflict between Clark and Lana begin. While there were some small instances in the last season, it's here that we see the tension that would last through Season 6 (yes, much too long as it made less and less sense with each subsequent season).

While "Crimson" is my favorite of all the "red kyptonite" episodes, this was the one that kick-started them all, and we get a real sense of just how dangerous Clark is without any inhibitions to keep him in check.

Just when you think Clark and Lana are finally on the right track, there's always something to knock them off of it. It always amazed me how easily Clark forgives his friends when they also go through behavioral changes, and yet the same level of understanding is rarely reciprocated. Perhaps this is just another way of demonstrating why Clark is on a whole different level than most. He accepts moments of weakness, and never hesitates to help when needed, which is always followed by understanding, for the most part. His friends are never really able to do the same for him. It takes a much bigger person to accept someone for their flaws and to realize that those flaws really aren't who they are. I also always found it interesting that Lana only forgave/softened toward Clark after he saved her. Lana certainly had more of a "complex" than Clark did!

This is a fun episode as we see Clark indulge himself in all of the things he's felt he's been neglected for much of his life until he realizes what's really important.

This episode was easily one of the highlights of the entire series.

Best Episode!

[MsWannare · 10/10 · 13 April 2016]

From a fumbling start for Clark Kent during season 1 reflecting a clumsy, shy nobody that more than fades in the background this was a refreshing episode.

All through the series so far, we have seen Clark repress himself when it comes to his power and abilities. Most importantly we have seen him time and time again diffuse his anger and normal response to someone who has been training himself to stay calm no matter what.

That is all blown out of the water in this episode which embraces chaos. Clark cares about no one and nothing but himself. He uses his strength and speed and blows a hole in his parents wallet through crazy shopping sprees and fly's around in Lex's Ferrari.

He answers to no one and mouths off to everyone including Lionel Luther. Brilliant change and side to Clark Kent which quickly is controlled once again with the destruction of the red Kryptonite.

Aces!

Great Tribute!

[xtianxtine · 9/10 · 19 January 2024]

Well done! This is by FAR the best episode! It adds a much needed extra dimension to the storyline and pays homage to the 3rd Christopher Reeve Superman movie. We see how this one episode changes virtually EVERY single one of Clark's relationships. From his relationship with Lana being thrust backwards so that by the end of the episode, you wonder how it could ever recover. To Pete looking at him differently. Add the fact that LIONEL Luther has found himself in this end of the storyline. And cap it off with Jonathan and Martha Kent now being absolutely terrified of their son. This episode is where the story pivots and gets that much needed new dimension. Bravo! 👏

Superman's Dark Side

[Rcwilkinson123 · 8/10 · 17 September 2007]

This episode is very intriguing because it explores the mental effects that a different sort of mineral from Krypton causes on Clark. While the alien planet's mysterious green substance damages him physically, a new red substance damages him psychically, turning his beliefs and morals upside down. Season 2's fourth episode is the first episode to show this threat to Clark's character.

These negative effects of the red stone occur when Clark buys a class ring containing the stone. This turns his core belief system topsy-turvy. While he has begun to grow closer to Lana, he dumps her and starts going out with a whore. He is damagingly hurtful with his Earthly father Jonathan. Only with Pete's help is Jonathan able to crush the stone and restore Clark's righteous character.

Afterward, Clark cannot remember what he said or did to anybody. He repeatedly apologizes to particularly Lana and his father, the two people who he hurt the most. Knowing who Clark really is and how such a personality shift can happen, Jonathan forgives him, although inside he is still truly hurt by Clark's comments, knowing shades of it were true. Lana, not knowing Clark's secret, is obviously not able to forgive him so easily. In addition, after learning that the whore and his father were corrupt, Clark makes a stop to it- albeit while under the influence of the red mineral.

"Red" is important because it reveals the alter-ego of Clark and also reveals that no matter how good and pure Clark truly is, there is a way to expose this alter-ego. A great episode.

Amazing

[travioraptor · 10/10 · 29 June 2018]

One flaw tho, when the US marshal pulled out his gun, he cocks it, but it's in the position it would be if you ran out of ammo

Fun but lacks tension and suspense

[m-47826 · 6/10 · 26 July 2022]

Clark under red kryptonite is entertaining and sexy, but having him give in to his lowest instincts, made him your average teenage boy in rebel phase. The way he treats his father though, is a sorry sight. Like he was ever mean or overbearing with him. Another thing that makes me cringe about that episode, is how his bad boy alter ego, can be attracted by that Jessie character. She's so dull, has no sense of style, let alone a brain behind those hideous bangs. I preferred Sara Downing in Roswell, but it was like nothing was done to make her character worthy. It was interesting to see how each of his company reacted to his sudden change of attitude. But Chloe really needs to get a life. She's so stalker-ish this season, and now I suspect her getting closer to Lana, just to spy on her, and badmouth Clark whenever she can. She's a pitiful dumpee. I like that episode, and even though it has great songs like breakable and stop crying your heart out. It's not one I prefer either.