Season 2, Episode 17: Rosetta

 
"Rosetta"
Episode 17
Air Date: February 25th, 2003

Hard to believe that this show would go on to drastically and sometimes embarrassing lose sight of its purpose into telling Clark's journey to becoming Superman.  Seriously, the middle seasons will be the hardest to sit through and even sometimes become pointless that it's no wonder the show was practically revamped into a more Superman-esqe show without Superman yet to arrive.  But during the early seasons, it is clear Al and Miles had a strong vision for the show and where they wanted to take their 21st Century adaption of a pre-Superman Clark Kent.  "Rosetta" is their first penned episode together since the Pilot and honestly, it is a tremendous reminder of why Superman is one of the most powerful, inspiring tales of heroism, identity and destiny.  Sure, this is when the show would heavily start using the original Superman films of the late 70s/early 80s as a reference to where to take the show thematically (especially considering it has one of, if not, the most iconic Superman legacy guest star appear on the show for the first time here!) but I find it hard to blame them.  The original 1978 Superman and the 1980 sequel are cultural landmarks in comic book cinema and how most people visualize Superman with that eternally epic score created by John Williams.  That adaption of Superman has become just a synonymous with the mythos just as much as Lex Luthor himself so why not bring in the one and only Christopher Reeves to truly peak in this season's overarching tale of Clark finding out more about his origins.

Like I said, Al and Miles write a very spectacular script filled with suspense and mystery, especially opening up with Clark seemingly flying over Smallville to put the octagonal disc into the slot in the cave wall but actually is in the middle of the road before getting almost hit by Lex of all people.  Well, at least he didn't hit him this time! ;) lol But honestly, the cast do a wonderful job here, especially our Kent family when Jonathan and Martha are worried, even frustrated over the lengths Clark is willing to go to find out who and what he is.  I really enjoyed both kitchen scenes when Clark arrives home after being out all night and when Clark tells them about Dr. Swan but his parents incredibly apprehensive of this man who seems to know exactly the answers Clark has been searching for.  John Schiender is as usual exceptional but truly kicks it up as notch as Jonathan Kent with a sternness and strength that'd you'd expect from Superman's adoptive father.  But this is Tom's moment and he sells his scenes more than ever so far; showing the immense responsibility of not only being a young Clark Kent but as the successor of the Clark Kent/Superman role especially during his astounding scene with Christopher Reeves...sadly, the late Christopher Reeves as of 2004. :(  Don't let his tragic accident confuse you or put any doubt in your mind, his performance is just as heartfelt, spirited and captivating as his legendary performance as our Man of Steel himself. Finally we hear words Krypton and Clark learns of his real name "Kal-El".  Things we of course know about but the presentation of Clark finding these stuff out for the first time is so well played and directed by James Marshall.

If that wasn't enough, Clark's calling to the disc itself and finally putting it in the cave wall in real time gives him the ability to read and understand the Kryptonian language but clearly his heritage calling to him has some unforeseen side effects like him burning  Kryptonian symbol for hope on the side of his barn.  Just the whole set of Clark's progression in learning his origins and how Dr. Swan's arrival are interwoven is just masterful work from the show's creators. Shame they lost purpose and vision for their adaption of their prequel by the middle point of the show but I digress, what they had planned here so far was stellar beyond words.  Especially the final scene where Clark is lamenting about being the only one of his race left since Krypton was destroyed but finally opening up the ship with his dad by his side to read that startling message left by his real father.  Just the way Jonathan reassures him that writes his own destiny and he was meant to be a force for goodness was so beautifully done; especially John Williams score undercutting the scene as Jonathan hugs his son who is clearly fearing who and what his destiny may be.  WOW!!! :_(  Now I realized why I stuck with this show for so long. These moments of truly capturing the Superman story we all love and know but making it refreshing and touching in new ways.  Ehhh!

Unfortunately, I wish there was all good here but I'm just going to mention the sub-plot with Chloe finding Lana searching through her computer and finding the Spring Formal pics of her and Clark was so superfluous and forced when there literally is far more interesting things going on with the story.  Once again, displaying Chloe as the most selfish, nonsensical and constantly hormonal teen who doesn't know how to express her true feelings without hurting those around her because of her transparent insecurities.  Sure she finally admits that her feelings for Clark make her irrational (also a resentful, passive aggressive b!tch! -_-) but too little to late.  Both Clark and especially Lana don't need to constantly be on their tones and argue with Chloe when she has another episode of being hurt by them. They both don't owe her anything and she's a horrible friend period.  The reminder of when she told Clark about her feelings in "Fever" is stupid and more forced melodrama as it just shows Chloe is more pathetic and dumb with telling people how they feel more than Clark and Lana are so..... If anything she's the one they shouldn't be talking too and Lana apologizing for how Clark feels about her to Chloe....wow......the creators are the worst when it comes to writing teenage romance.  It's nauseating and I officially blame them for this crap we've endured and will continue to endure throughout their run of the show.  Chloe getting immediately pissed off at for defending Lana...in the same episode that Clark reminds us that Chloe is always overstepping her boundaries but when someone does it to her, she snaps???!!! BULLSH&***!!! -_- Other than that, "Rosetta" is one of the many classic hours from this show when finally dealing with Clark's Superman calling and the comic book lore that has become a staple in pop culture.  Christopher Reeves was wonderful here and Tom as well as John Schiender give some of their best performances of the show so far. An undeniable diamond surrounded by the constant crap named Chloe Sullivan! :P

Final Kryptonite: A+(++++)

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