Season 3, Episode 3: Extinction

 

"Extinction"

Episode 3

Air Date: October 15th, 2003

Continuing with a real resurgence of energy, "Extinction" is superb deconstruction of the show's own mythology as now the meteor freaks are being targeted by a crazed teen out to kill them all!. Yes, former Passions star, Jesse Metcalfe, guest stars as Van McNutty, angst ridden teen own a mission to eradicate the meteor freaks of Smallville in the name of his late father who was killed by Tina Greer. He does a solid job as Van, someone who is clearly unhinged but focused enough to get the job done in anything that resembles a superpowered human.  But I think my favorite part of the episode is how Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer's script, so excellently written, poses a lot of morally ambiguous questions about the meter infected and how whether should all be condemned or if assuming all of them are monstrous killers based on previous events that have happened in the past two years.  I love the conversation in the Talon between Lana, Clark and Chloe, finally stirring away from any relationship turmoil talk and really giving us a discussion with valid points on both sides.  It makes sense Clark would be against Van's personal manhunt for meter freaks because even if meteor freaks have proven to be dangerous so far, they don't deserved to be killed.  Of course, Lana is all for Van going terminator on the meteor infected considering what happened with Tina and Bug boy the past 2 years, not to mention bringing up Chloe being attacked by Sean and Justin.  Awwww memories....surprised she didn't bring up double trouble Ian from last season as well.  Would have been a hilarious moment between Lana and Chloe remembering how they go played like that!

But it isn't just a scene of continuity but bringing light that even though the meteor infected have been dangerous so far, doesn't mean there aren't those out there who are living peaceful, normal lives or even using their powers for good like Clark.  It really is tremendously well written, especially with Lana's terrifying near death at the beginning when yet another meteor freak is trying to kill her.  Also, it's good to note that Clark doesn't kill this freaks but merely stops them before they get arrest and put away.  It's funny how Lana brought up how Tina died by impaling herself but Clark reminding her she did it to herself and he didn't do it.  Lots of great dialogue and references that enhance the story's intensity! Also, it's great to see Clark back at the Torch and actively investigating Van.  Of course, Pete just shows up to be Clark's side kick as he investigates.  Seriously!? O_o But it does lead to some awesome moments like Clark superspeeding from Smallville to Metropolis to save Lex from Van killing him next.  Too bad it also leads to Van finding out Clark's weakness.  But more interesting enough, is discovering that Lex may in fact be meteor infected given him cheating death so much.  It's a really though provoking development which makes a lot of sense given Lex was directly in the path of one of the meteors. The extremely high white blood count and the fact his asthma went away the day of the meteor....not to mention, never getting sick. Just wish the show runner built on that from her...unless I forgot they did??? O_o

Also, I can't talk about this episode without mentioning the moment when Van, after a chilling sequence of him making kryptonite bullets, shoots Clark! Omg!!! That scene always gets to me, especially the scene directly after where the Kents are trying so desperately to save their son.  My goodness, John and Annette are a freakin' treasure of an onscreen father and mother.  I believed every moment of them trying to save Clark. Also, I love how resourceful Clark is once again, being smart enough to face Van with a led bulletproof vest after he recovers from his wound.  Of course, Lana gets a chance to unless her fighting moves she learned from last season again.  Those self defense lessons from Lex really paid off and weren't just a one off display of girl power. lol Of course, we get a last scene between Clark and Lana about their uneasy relationship now that they are no longer dating.  Clearly still in love with Clark but Clark for some reason unwilling to tell her the truth when she keeps specifying that she can handle it....ehhhhhhh!  But the true ending of the episode is beyond sinister as Lionel once again confront Chloe at the Torch and threatens her given her database of potential meteor infected is what led to Lex almost being killed.  I see the writers are trying to redeem Chloe, especially during early on in the episode where she wants to discontinue investigating Clark and actually acts like a friend.  Meh, too little too late but I'm glad the insufferable era of Chloe's demented feelings of Clark are coming to an end. All and All, "Extinction" is an tremendous hour of intense drama, a strong script and some moments of suspense as Clark must deal with a foe with a serious potential of killing him. WOW! O_O

Final Kryptonite: A