Season 4, Episode 5: Run

"Run"

Episode 5

Air Date: October 12th, 2004

We are soooo spoiled as comic book fans now a days as we have a plethra of superhero shows airing on primetime as well as streaming on various streaming apps.  After last year's "Crisis On Infinite Earths" culminated several seasons of team-ups with multiple DC heroes as well as Oliver Queen's journey throughout the Arrowverse, it's not special to see Supergirl and the Flash teaming up or The Falcon and the Winter Soldier are missions that may include other MCU Avengers popping by for an assistance (Not like that has happened yet!).  But back when Smallville was airing, the news of a fellow comic book hero stopping by for an episode was AN EVENT! and thanks to Steven S. DeKnight's wonderful spirited script, Run is the first and one of the finest superhero dropbys of the series.  This was the first time the show was teasing us with the much grander universe that is DC comics and it's pantheon of superheroes but many did find it bizarre how of all the versions of the Flash they used, they chose to portray Bart Allen aka Impulse who was the newest Flash in the comics; not to mention an incredibly new character at the time. O_O 

Well whatever the case, Bart Allen is a breath of fresh air and fits in perfectly with the shows more colorful, brighter feel this season as a very young Kyle Gallner shines in every scene and interaction with the main cast.  I especially love how they used Clark to be an unofficial mentor to him by teaching him his street stealing ways are no way to live despite his unfortunate circumstances.  But they also use it as a way for Clark to also find comfort in a superpowered kid like him and giving him a much more fun perspective on his powers instead of just saving people all the time.  Tho Clark saying he's never met a person with powers not from Smallville is a lie considering he's encounter metahumans like Chrissy ("Redux") but whatever, I'm just nitpicking since I've been rewatching this show right through. lol  Anyway, I remember during this time, fans were so amazed by the visual effects of Clark and Bart racing...which seriously has aged incredibly well, my god!!! I found the racing sequences between Bart and Clark more compelling and exciting than a lot of the recent superspeed sequences of the Flash. I like the way they showed Bart's speed with the red/yellow streaks like the Flash comics but also showing how he is so fast he can run on water unlike Clark can who is just so amazed how did that.

But the most important thing is that Clark manages to get through to Bart about his stealing and living a life of crime by the end of the episode; showing hope for his more heroic destiny.  I also really loved the comic references through like hearing the names of previous 3 Flashes like Barry Allen and Jay Garrick as well as Bart wanting to find others like him and Clark to "form a club or league or something!" Hmmmmm....Keep that in mind 2 seasons later! ;)  Also, if that final race between Clark and Bart before Bart leaves Clark in his dust doesn't leave biggest smile on your face, I think you need to check your pulse.  Such a terrific topping on this sundae of an episode. In other plot news, Lex acquires an old manuscript that Clark sees has a map to one of those other crystals that Jor-El had him collecting.  One wonders why Jor-El has been silent since then but its plot progression for this season's overarching stone search storyline.  I just find it hilarious yet disheartening these two just became friends again and they're hiding more things from each other....like Lex finding the map underneath the manuscript as well.  Oh boy!!! 

Then there's Lana and her tattoo issues again as Jason finally becomes aware of it and she pulls a Clark apparently to keep the truth from him.  Oh Lana, you're so much better than that right??? O_o  Jesus, at least empathize with Clark now instead of trying not to be like him but whatever. Jason finds out from Lana when they go down into the caves.  Ehhhh, this kryptonian symbol tattoo storyline is just gonna get soooo much dumber than it needs to be so all this intrigue and build up is beyond laughable in hindsight.  What isn't is seeing Martha working through her fears of losing Jonathan and managing to find time to be with him despite being the new owner of the Talon.  Yeah, there's been a thing the past few episodes and I just find it funny Martha is having a hard time running the small coffee shop when Lana seemed so able to do it and juggle school at the same time like Martha comments. Uhhh huhhh??? O_O But either way, Run is a home run of an episode that propels the season's overarching story forward while also introducing a fun and new DC superhero to the show who will be even more fleshed out down the line. :)  A series classic! :)

Final Kryptonite: A+