Season 3, Episode 9: Asylum

 

"Asylum"

Episode 9

Air Episode: January 4th, 2004

How exactly does a series follow up one of its most prolific episodes??? Well, you continue to deliver without any restraints for the incredible story you're telling by giving us possibly the darkest episode of the series.  I don't think ANY episode of Smallville so far has displayed such demented agony and psychological exhaustion as this episode has. I mean just that opening alone with Clark visiting Lex at Belle Reve and Lex snapping at Clark for not using his powers to break him out.  Chills once again from Michael Rosenbaum's epic performance as the fractured Lex, especially the following scene where he attempts to break out of Belle Reve but gets tasered trying to climb over the wired fence.  Seriously, what a continuous masterful display of direction and flawless execution of this story arc.  That asylum setting in particular is haunting, especially the moment after Lex snaps at Clark, the entire room of patients going out of control, even one going to Clark for help before a guard takes him away. I just have no words for the tremendous increase in stakes and storytelling this season, its marvelously crafted so far. :)

One again, Michael cares the vulnerability and heartbreaking weight of Lex's madness here and knocks every scene out of the park.  After the opening, my favorite scene would definitely have to be when Lionel comes to visit Lex after his escape and he just patronizes Lex when he tries to talk his father out of letting him go.  Seriously, John Glover and Michael Rosenbaum have such a profound chemistry between them that makes you beyond any doubt believe that they are in fact a twisted relationship of a father and son.  I really felt so sorry for Lex, almost reverting back to the mentality of a child to plead to his father for mercy but Lionel just showing how heartless he is in his mission to cover up his past. Ewwwwww!!! :_(  Not to mention, John is just as riveting here as we see Lionel truly embrace his mastermind persona here as the main antagonist of the series so far when Lionel decides to force radical electroshock therapy on Lex that could in fact leave him a vegetable!!! Jesus Christ! I think it's even more compelling that even after Lionel is so adamant about possibly leaving his son mentally dead and killing Claire Foster to ensure that the procedure happens, the moment Lex begins to be shocked and convulses from the pain....Lionel with heavy tears in his eyes just asks the doctors to shock him again....almost like a father having no choice but to discipline his son, even it is killing him inside as a loving parent to do so.  I just can't imagine! Can you believe I have such sympathy and sorrow toward our main villain here??? O_0  Just shows you how strong this writing is this season by bringing out the full potential of such veteran actors like John Glover.  Amazing! :)

But it isn't just Lex who is tested beyond comprehension here, but Clark as he races against time to save Lex from his father doing even more harm to his son and performing the dangerous procedure on him.  Doesn't help that this episode features the return of several meteor freaks from the past 3 seasons as Eric ("Leech"), Ian ("Dichotic")  and Van ("Extinction") are return after seeing Clark at Belle Reve and plan to escape their prison while also taking sweet revenge of the small town hero who got them there in the first place.  I gotta say, this is probably the best use of the meteor freak storyline so far, so impeccably interwoven with Lex's story by giving Clark his most challenging battle yet! Shame Van couldn't make it to the end, but seriously, that line before Ian and his double kill him is hilarious tho.  Almost getting exactly what he deserved for killing off those meteor freaks. Also, it gives the episode a seriously frighten Arkham Asylum vibe with the psychotic inmates after our hero and bringing to areas of the sanitarium that are genuinely creepy as hell.  But once again, Clark is fearless even with overwhelming odds, managing to outsmart Ian once again with his own weakness and switching back his powers again!  Pretty awesome special effects too during the power swap spectacle. :) It's just a shame that because of that horrific inconvenience of old enemies after him, Clark isn't able to save Lex.....yet he surprisingly survives the dangerous treatment and goes back to normal like nothing happened. It's just so eerie how happy Lex is, especially considering how his father drove him insane and literally violated his mind to the point where he could have been a mindless body for the rest of his life. Not to mention, feeling bad for Clark, knowing he wasn't able to save his friend despite being ok.  But the following scene with the Kents is just astounding work as Jonathan intelligently reminds Clark that despite his immense powers, there are still people out there more powerful than he is.  A tragic yet truthful piece of writing that also reveals the challenges Clark will continue to face in his future while growing as the hero we will come to know and love.

More surprisingly, even Lana's recovery sub-plot is very well written and for once, I'm glad that Adam, a new character introduced during her physical therapy, isn't instantly in love with her at first sight.  Adam actually can't stand her and rather be brutally honest with her than hold her hand through her ordeal.  Ian Somerholder does a fine job in the role that thankfully has strong characterization to begin with as Adam challenges Lana in her state of vulnerability instead looking all sappy and lovingly in her eyes to get her through the pain by treating her like a princess like every other guy does.  No, Adam pushes Lana to be stronger and more resilient on her own; making their bond feel more real and authentic than most guys who interact with her.  Also, thank goodness the episode ends with Lana not only getting much better but her and Adam not immediately jumping into a new romantic relationship but wanting to both have a more platonic one.  Wow! Is this REALLY Smallville??? Even Kristin Kreuk seemed more challenged yet relaxed by the material than usual.  But of course, the writers have to show us that things between Lana and Clark are beyond strained since last episode she told him to stay away from her.  Even tho Clark spends most of the episode advocating and trying to rescue Lex, the episode ends with both of them seeing each other but sharing an awkward moment where Lana is distracted by friends and Clark feels he should go instead of making things even more awkward. Ouch! But none-the-less, "Asylum" is jammed packed with some of the show's most daring and gloomiest material that shows the darker side of the show in a remarkable way.  Every character is being used so well and the overarching story this season has only begun to be so vibrant in excitement and conflict.  Truly the show at its best once again! :)

Final Kryptonite: A+(++)