Season 3, Episode 10: Whisper

 

"Whisper"

Episode 10

Air Date: January 21st, 2004

Awwww yes! Our season requisite "power development" episode and this time, it's our man's ability of super hearing! But it's not just the the fact that Clark develops super hearing that's exciting, but how the writers have him develop it.  One thing the writers have done a fine job of when it comes to Clark's story is how his classic powers develop.  This time, after an unfortunate incident where Clark's heat vision reflects off a piece of kryptonite jewelry right back into his eyes, he becomes shockingly blind.  But because of his body having to compensate for his lack of sight, his hearing is effected and suddenly he can hear sounds and voices on a whole other level. It's a very clever and understandable way for Clark to develop this ability because certain disabilities cause the human body's other senses to become incredibly heightened to make up for it.  Tom does a find job with the blind acting as well....seriously, he has come a very long way from his acting hiccups of the first season.  It's also really interesting to see Clark attempting to save the day this time while being impaired, especially with that weird meteor freak who can created high pitched sounds strong enough to shatter glass.  Seriously, the guy doesn't even get given a name or an explanation of his powers and just goes by the accomplice of Walt Masterson, the thug who attempted to rob the jewelry store.  

But what also is so great about Clark's new ability is that the writers use it for plot progression, especially when Clark overhears Chloe and Lionel on the phone talking about him and Lex.  Let's just say it was about time Clark let Chloe have it over the whole deal she made with Lana, especially pointing out how hypocritical it was to do so when it comes to always giving him a hard time about keeping secrets.  Also, good thing for pointing out it was all because of him getting with Lana at the time.  Yes, Chloe, go away and cry about it; using your vulnerability as an excuse to betray your friend and using his running away to Metropolis as way to defend her actions.  Ehhhhhh!!! That's why Lionel gets her column at the Daily Planet taken away and her father gets fired from the Luthorcorp Plant.  Just saying, it's good to finally have Chloe pay for the consequences of her incredibly idiotic, selfish actions the past 2 seasons of her insufferable victim behavior.  But I gotta admit, crazy, obsessed Clark girl has some b@lls for standing up to Lionel like that, even if cost her family virtually everything. :( Anyway, another cool aspect of the episode is the teasing of the classic Clark Kent disguise, as when Clark's blindness turns to blurriness thanks to an acetylene torch to the eyes (Ouch!), his parents get him a pair of prescription glasses.  Awwwww ole Tommy looks so adorable and it's shame the writers didn't just have Clark keep the glasses from here on out on the series.  Would have definitely helped with setting up his disguise further down the line instead of what we go as the official introduction to the disguise. 

In Lana Lang world, she and Clark are still angsty as always despite Clark's condition, tho I find it funny that when Clark finally decides to put the whole pushing her away aside, Lana begins questioning her feelings for Adam.  Sigh....but then again, even if she has feelings for him, clearly Adam isn't some lovesick school boy after her....at least not yet! :P Also, we get some development from Lex as he knows his father isn't completely satisfied with his miraculous recovery and stands up to him after Clark reveals what he overheard him saying about Lex.  I'm just glad seeing Clark and Lex being genuine friends to each other.  Moments like this makes you realize it's truly sad that they will become sworn enemies one day. In other friend news, Pete plays damsel in distress this episode as Clark must find out a way to save him while navigating the town visually impaired.  We even get an appearance of Judge Ross, aka Pete's mom....who strangely never appears again.  Seriously, why even bother introducing her??? Poor Pete, just 12 more episodes to go before it's splitsville for you. :P  Overall, "Whisper" does a pretty superb job of one again incorporating Superman elements into Clark's journey here with both super hearing and the teasing of the glasses.  Another strong and solid entry to such an awesome season so far! :)

Final Kryptonite: A-