Season 5, Episode 12: Reckoning

"Reckoning"

Episode 12

Air Date: January 26th, 2006

As far as 100th episodes go, Reckoning definitely delivers on a level that visually and emotionally celebrates such an occasion for the so to be long running series at that point.  At times, Reckoning feels like it could very well be the end of the season as the events that transpire are on the level of a season finale with how much is at stake for our characters here, especially Clark as he finally comes to his Kansas boy senses and tells Lana his secret.  But what makes Reckoning immediately special and sensational is how they treat Clark's massive reveal to the girl of his dreams.  The sequence of Clark traveling to Fortress with Lana, her seeing the enormous palace of crystals around her, Clark superjumping with her in his arms and finally him making that diamond ring to propose to her.....WOW!!! Never has the series felt so cinematic and literally breathtaking in its presentation.  Greg Beeman, a series regular director, really outclasses himself once again, especially during those scenes.  The grandiose nature of Clark finally telling Lana the truth at this point SHOULD be treated like an event and something as simple as transporting to the Fortress and directing that sequence from the point of view of Lana is one of the best camera work I've seen from the show thus far at this point. Both Tom and especially Kristin look gorgeous surrounded by the ethereal glow of the Fortress; almost signifying the joyous moment by being in heaven visually. :)

Of course I must mention the marvelous script written by Brian Peterson and Kelly Sounders as they do a wonderful job of being given the huge task of bringing the show to this milestone and succeeding in making the episode a shinning jewel of emotions, mythos and wonderful dialogue.  One of my favorite scenes is without a doubt Lana going to Lois of all people for advice about Clark after finding out the truth about him.  Who better to give Lana advice about her future than the true soulmate of Clark's and I love how Lois knowingly admits she would love to end with someone like Clark one day by telling Lana to choose her heart and go after him. Ewwwww, I want Clois!!! :(  Anywho, the episode also is major chapter in the Senate Race storyline as Jonathan finally wins the race; leaving a drunken Lex to have a moment of weakness, not to mention terror when Lana visits him and he lashes out at her for saying yes to Clark's proposal.  I honestly felt terrified for Lana and what comes next doesn't help as he unforeseen death after that horrific car crash is heartbreaking.  EVERYTHING about that moment is spot on in terms of direction from the moment Clark superspeeds in front of Lex to witnessing Lana's dead body to Jonathan arriving to console a grief stricken, hysterical Clark....my goodness! Such amazing performances, especially by Tom! Of course, Smallville's leading lady can't be gone forever as filled with raw emotion, Clark confronts Jor-El in the Fortress for her life back.  But like with any offer that comes for Jor-El, there is a dangerous price as he offers Clark a crystal that will send him back to before Lana's death...but not before reminding him that fate will always find a way to balance things out no matter if she succeeds in saving her.

Time rewinds and suddenly Clark is back to when he was first waiting for Lana to arrive to tell her his secret. And like Jor-El said, even with his powers or even the Fortress' capabilities, the consequences and chain of events are inevitable no matter how Clark tries to make things right a second time.  He can't find a good excuse to prevent himself from telling Lana the truth; leading to them having a break in their relationship that has been coming for a while now.  It's also crazy to see how Clark not telling Lana his secret caused potential other deaths like Lois in her apartment; almost getting electrocuted if Clark hadn't realized she was suppose to be there during the party.  Then of course, there is Clark figuring out how to save Lana but ripple effects of him trying to save all his loved ones not being able to stop fate from taking someone he loves.  Jonathan's death is something that has always been worrisome for fans since the show began since the series always seemed to follow the way of the films, not to mention his father's death in the comics, but here, you still aren't prepared for the moment Jonathan draws his last breath in the arms of Martha and his son....WOW! :_( The corresponding scene of Martha and Clark getting ready for Jonathan's funeral is too surreal and heartbreaking, yet I commend Annette and Tom for really bringing their performances to a place of genuine grief and sorrow that just oozes through the screen.  Now mother and son only have each other, but more importantly, Clark must rise to the extremely difficult task of continuing his journey without the man that raised him. 

Reckoning, for better or for worse, is a major turning point in the series, not just for the loss of Jonathan Kent or a long standing cast member, but how it deeply effects Clark and forces him to draw back from moving forward as a hero that the world needs to dwindle in the mistake that cost him his father's own life. Terrific performances all around from entire cast, especially Tom and Michael.  It's just jaw dropping to see Papa Kent go but it feels like a natural next chapter in Clark's life no matter how negative the impact will be on him for the next 2 years of the show.  While the script is filled with doom and gloom, I'm glad the writers managed to give us a hilarious moment of Chloe realizing Clark in fact has time traveled. Nothing like a timeless Back to the Future reference to add some levity in such a hard hitting centennial for this Superman Begins series! ;)

Final Kryptonite: A+