Season 2, Episode 5: Nocturne

 

"Nocturne"

Episode 5

Air Date: October 22nd, 2002

Oh no!!! It's the superpowered poet episode!!! Ok, so it's not as bad as that quick description makes it sound.  There are elements of "Nocturne" that are actually plot moving and interesting to say the least, it's just the tortured poet angle is beyond heavy handed...well until it's revealed that Bryon, Lana's latest stalker is a product pharmaceutical company who tested drugs on him that literally turns him into a vein covered, scarred super strong mutate when he's in the sunlight.  I have to admit, Brian Peterson and Kelly Sounders' script actually does a great job on building up on the twist of what's truly going on with Bryon and his seemingly monstrous parents who have taken their abuse on their child to some terrifying lengths. Guest stars Richard Moll and Gwynyth Walsh do a fine job as Bryon's parents who seem so unpredictable and potentially unhinged, especially the scene where Clark, Lana, Jonathan and the sheriff ask them about their sons whereabouts only to act like he's been dead and disgusted by such accusations of abuse.  Tho the writers don't so much with the revelation of Metron Pharmaceuticals as well as Lionel's involvement with the whole thing.  Clearly, Daddy Luthor has been using drugs to enhance and transform these socially awkward teens into raging hormonal monsters literally...but it's all kind of swept under the rug in the end with no real consequences besides Lionel getting hurt during Bryon his attack on him.

One sore spot for me was the animosity between Clark and Lana carried from last episode to this one, with Lana using her seemingly and obviously creepy poetry from a stalker as an excuse to give Clark a hard time about not being honest with her and sharing his feelings/secrets, blah, blah, blah! -_-  Even worse, Clark comes off extremely jealous at first and upset that Lana would let Chloe and Pete see the letter of love before he does.  Ehhhhh!!! Luckily, once the story turns to both of them concerned about Bryon, we get a break from the angst a bit, as I just can't understand Lana being so hurt by Clark's secrecy when he is always there for this girl.  Also as if their mutual concern and care for each other during their Season 1 friendship never happened and they have always been problems between them as friends when....ewwwww! Anyway! Nice that Lana put that to rest for now, especially when Clark warns her about Byron and she learns the hard way that confronting the powerful poet was a bad idea.  Nice to hear her acknowledge Clark in a positive light again and giving him some resemblance of an apology.  God knows this show will go on to make everything Clark's fault as characters can seem to stop blaming him and forget the guy is always saving them despite the secrecy so...ease up Lana and friends!!! O_o  Even the final scene between them was more enjoyable even if it was Clark once again trying to understand if Lana would ever see past the truth about him like how she cared so much for Bryon despite being Mr. Hyde on steroids! She actually gives Clark some good advice about taking a risk despite the fear of rejection for being different and makes it seem like Lana, even in this stage of the show, would be able to handle it.  Eehhhh but a las, a couple more seasons until that bomb is FINALLY uttered to her.  Jesus! 0_0

Meanwhile, tension and conflict arises between the Kents and the Luthors as Lionel decides to hire Martha as his new assistant considering his blind limitations and Jonathan couldn't be more upset about it.  I do enjoy in the inner struggle in the Kent family when it comes to trusting the Luthors but I'm glad the writers chose to give Martha a more active role besides being the concerning housewife and mother on the farm.  Anette O' Toole is very capable actress and he scenes with John Glover just show how much of a more interesting character Martha can be outside of just Jonathan's confidant when it comes to Clark and the issues they face as a family.  Also, I can't help but feel sorry for Lex as he mentions how he's been trying to get in the Kent's good graces with his financial offers to help while Martha just accepts a job by his father is kind of cruel and insult right to the face.  Glad the writers acknowledged that even if Jonathan said absolutely no to the offer given by Martha.  It just sucks that Lionel is clearly no a good man while Lex is desperately trying to be, but he never seems to get a break, especially from his father.  I'm so glad John Glover is now a cast member this season after various guest spots last season as Lionel definitely brings such a strong dynamic and class to the series.  I love his mythological metaphors as usual during his talks with Lex as well as knowing Lex's smugness as he is obviously falling for Martha so fast. lol  These two could carry their own series, seriously is all I'm saying. :)

But outside of those pretty outstanding developments, "Nocturne" isn't really that great despite the shocking twist with Byron and seemingly reconciliation between Clark and Lana after their falling out in "Red".  But with the Kent family being test with Martha's newest position and the potential conflict between the Luthors and Kents down the line, it definitely holds you attention enough to promise more to come. :)

Final Kryptonite: C+