Season 3, Episode 20: Talisman

 

"Talisman"

Episode 20

Air Date: May 4th, 2004

You know for an unofficial sequel to last season's "Skinwalker", I wish Talisman had more of an impact in the overarching storylines this season, especially the Jor-El deal Jonathan made to bring Clark back home at the beginning of the season.  I guess I can find comfort in the fact that we get more extension of the Kawatche mythology with Naman as Lionel uncovers a sacred, ancient knife that happens to belong to Naman but ends up in the hands of Jeremiah, a recent college graduate and pupil of Mr. Willowbrook who is adamant of protecting the legacy of the Kawatche people, that he gains the powers of a Kryptonian as long as he has the knife in his possession. Of with Jeremaih all powerful and with the knife, it's up to Clark to stop him before he continues the prophecy of Naman and Sageeth.  I have the say, the special effects work was very strong this episode, especially the moment when Jeremiah gain Kryptonian powers from the knife and Lionel's guards open fire on him.  But as for Jeremiah he's rather forgettable as a sudden powerful foil for Clark to defeat.  Even when he stabbed Clark to death with the blade, I still didn't see him as much of a threat.  He comes off as your typical overzealous prophecy stealer, just wanting to be all powerful when he apparently is doing it for his people.  Even Willbrook makes the evaluation as Clark is doing the opposite, trying to not be someone he is.  I did find it hard to believe that Clark was all of sudden so skeptical of him being Naman when last season he was so intrigued and enamored by the possibility of being Naman.  I guess one could say since then, Clark wants to stay far away from his association with the caves since Jor-El came into his life and wanted to force him to leave Smallville, but all that denial didn't really have a reason on his part.

Also, for some reason, Jor-El gives Jonathan to power to heal Clark when he is stabbed by the knife, but why exactly??? I'm guessing it has to do with the deal they made but my goodness, it was only hinted at and never fully explained.  Makes me wonder what other storylines the writers were toying with like the possibility of Dr. Swan being far more than a renowned scientist. O_O Of course, the Luthor men aren't too far behind as Lionel is adamant about getting his hand on that knife to secure his survival from that deadly illness while Lex seems suspiciously concerned for him all episode, trying to protect him from Jeremiah.  The scene at the university between him and Clark had some surprising hostility between them. Jesus, these two ARE suppose to be best friends right yet accusations and frustration running through both of them.  No matter where this relationship of theirs is at this point, you can definitely tell there is some serious distrust between the two that being underlined in moments like this; hinting at their inevitable rivalry! But it just comes off strangely bizarre, especially Clark being so defensive.  Not helping his cause at all! lol But I would say this is all set up, especially as the prophecy is beginning to become more true as either Lionel or Lex can be Clark's greatest enemy.

After a climatic showdown between Clark and Jeremiah with some nice fight choreography and effects for the time despite being so short, the Star Blade falls right in front of the both of them and dissolves instantly...meaning one of them is Clark's ultimate foe.  Of course, we know it's Lex but the way that plays out does make it frustratingly interesting how Clark must already handle to the possible truth of Lex being the complete opposite.  Not to mention, the final scene is a chilling ending that really encapsulates Lex's anti-villain mentality that will lead him to face off against Superman.  He sees Sageeth as the hero since Naman is so powerful and would need to be stopped before he potentially conquers the world.  WOW! O_o  That alone gets me excited for the continued development of Clark and Lex's intertwined destinies on opposite sides. Meanwhile, the two sub-plots of the episode see plot progression for both Lana and surprising Pete making their exits from Smallville.  Lana finally makes her decision to leave and thanks to Lex, both financially and morally will let nothing stop her from going while Chloe inadvertently discovers Pete is hiding out from his parent's divorce at the Torch as their separation means she is moving away.  Sad, how things for Pete are finally given some real depth when he's about leave the series as a cast member for good.  Sam Jones III does really well with the material and once again, I just love how supportive Chloe has become as late.  Pushing Lana to follow her dreams and now being here for her best friend when he needs support and comfort toward a heartbreaking situation she heavily empathizes with.  But other than that, "Talisman" is decent, if not all too consumed with the Kawatche mythology it has create and tries to build on it while not making it a valid part of the overarching story in the season.  Tho I should be happy it pushes things forward with Clark and Lex's futures like I said, but maybe with a bit of rewriting and placement as the penultimate episode of the season, this would have fared better in enjoyment in my eyes. Hmmmm...O_o

Final Kryptonite: C