Season 3, Episode 8: Shattered

 

"Shattered"

Episode 8

Air Date: November 13th, 2003

You know a series has reach its full potential when it delivers an episode that literally knocks every aspect of the production out of the park: the writing, the directing, the plot twists, the suspense and of course, the acting by such a remarkable cast.  Michael Rosenbaum's Lex has been a solid character so far, with some shades of his darkness showing itself every so often; teasing us about Lex's impending demise of humanity and ascension as the master supervillain that even the Godly powers of Superman couldn't even withstand. But "Shattered" is a major turning point for not only Lex's journey to becoming the main arch-nemesis of the world's greatest superhero, but solidifies why Michael himself has been celebrate as the best incarnation of Lex Luthor to this day.  Yes, even Gene Hackman's iconic mustache twirling criminal mastermind from the classic Donner films couldn't compare to the truly outstanding and powerful performances that Michael would go on to deliver on this series.  "Shattered" is all Lex's story and Michael sells every inch of Lex's descent into madness that has been building up since "Exile".  I honestly believed every moment, every line and terrifying outburst from our resident billionaire playboy as he finally finds out the truth about his grandparents' murder but is quickly driven to delusions and psychological vulnerability as his father and a newly faced Morgan Edge have planned an elaborate scheme to make Lex look insane so the truth about said murders would never see the light of day.

You would think bringing in a new actor to play Edge after Rutger Hauer did such strong work at the beginning of the season would be disappointing and just a way to cover up the original actor not being able to play the part, but Patrick Bergin does a fine job of taking up the mantle of the Metropolis' heaviest hitting criminal boss, especially when he is confronted by Lex at the very beginning then towards the conclusion of the episode.  Also, one can't deny how truly exceptional John Glover is here as well. Playing the concerned father yet obviously being so deceitful and cavalier about what he is truly doing to his son.  Sure, Lionel doesn't want to kill his son like he killed his parents but forming an elaborate scheme like this to force him into a life of confinement via a sanitarium at the end of the episode is beyond cruel.  The final scene with Lionel looking at a crazed, jacketed Lex through the mirror in his room is the most chilling moment from the series thus far.  Truly horrifying the lengths Lionel would go to cover up his murderous past....yet truly seeing in some twisted, upsetting way...he really does care for his son and rather make him insane than kill him.  Jesus, this is definitely Al and Miles' best story arc they ever had for the series before they left and Kenneth Biller pens the best written script for the show thus far! Easily playing this story as a paranoid fueled mystery/espionage thriller than the angst ridden teen drama with superpowers that the early years tended to fall into. Not to mention, the rest of the cast is used excellently throughout from the Kent being skeptical and advocates for Lex to get help while Chloe is terrified by being in the middle of this but believes there's a strong possibility that Lex may in fact be crazy.

Also, it's a shame what happens to Lana when Clark asks for her help in looking after Lex and gets trampled by a horse during that horrible scene that literally leaves her almost dead and leg twisted to the side like that. Seriously, DAMMMNNN!!! It's a shame that this put another serious wedge in their relationship as that final scene between them in the hospital even left be feelin' beyond heartbroken for Clark. Especially when this was a wonderful showcase of his strength and willingness to be there for Lex. Tom Welling gives a solid performance here as Clark struggles to be there for his clearly ill best friend but wondering where the truth lies.  I especially love how badass Clark gets toward the end of the episode as the stakes get higher by holding Lex's bodyguard down and finding out how Lex was drugged to the awesome moment of him catching that shooter at the stables and threatening to tell him where Morgan Edge is.  Just love seeing the take charge, heroic side of Clark on display here and the twist with Morgan being ready to run into him with the kryptonite bracelet was another awesome plot twist, especially when Lex turns the gun on Clark for knowing Morgan! Ahhhhhh, this episode man! :) Of course, I can't forget to mention how twisted yet amazing is it that Lex finally witnesses Clark's powers in front of him but is made to look like a rambling fool because of his growing insanity.  Seriously, the look on Lex's face.....my god, Michael deserved AT LEAST an Emmy nomination for his work here.  Thoroughly superb acting! O_o 

But at the shame time, this episode ends with such a disparaging feeling as despite Clark's incredible efforts to save the day as well as Lex, he's lost both his friend and his friendship with Lana for the moment.  Lex is in an asylum with his father now under his observation with every from Lex's psychiatrist to his staff at the mansion in on it for reasons unknown outside of being paid to shut up or they die! Yikes! "Shattered" is a superlative effort from the entire cast and crew of the show as we witness the show truly becoming more than the usual WB teen drama with sci-fi/supernatural elements to a real prime time hour of masterful acting, daring directing, wonderfully strong written conflict and a standout performance from Michael Rosenbaum that should definitely be seen by future Lex Luthor actors who are about take on the role and need some insight on how to play this brilliant complex comic book legend who was given new life by him. :)

Final Kryptonite: A+(+++)