Season 9, Episode 12: Absolute Justice, Part 2-Legends

"Absolute Justice, Part 2-Legends"

Episode 12

Air Date: February 5th, 2010

Part 2 of the Absolute Justice movie event aka Legends is by far the superior of the two halves as getting all that extremely heavy exposition out the way in Part 1 helps to get right to the teaming up portion of the film that sees Clark's team butting heads with the members of the Justice Society before joining to stop Icicle once and for all.  I have to say this was definitely a much more fun episode with John Jones returning alone! This show hasn't given Phil Morris much to do as the character and it's criminal, especially when his scenes here are tremendous; giving a commanding, noble presence that you'd expect the Last Son of Mars to have. I love the opening discussion scene between the two teams as they talk about a more of the JSA's history and why Icicle is after them while forming a temporary alliance.  From there, the episode splits off with their pair of teams with Hawkman and Green Arrow being the funniest of the bunch.  I love their lines and how both actors played it.  Oliver being a snarky, sarcastic jerk while Hawkman being an aggressive bully.  It really highlights the best of the film, especially taking a lot from Green Arrow and Hawkman's relationship in the comics.  Meanwhile, we get a touching scene between Courtney and Chloe about their team being more than just coming together to save the world and rather a family that spends time together between having to join up to save the day.  And I enjoyed that plot point because it would definitely flesh out some underused characters like Martian Manhunter more.  Speaking of.....

I loved John being paired off with Dr. Fate.  I was a really awesome scene, getting some more in-depth backstory on both characters as they hunt down Icicle.  I have to mention, John's detective uniform resembling his comic book costume is a bit tacky, but Morris pulls it off for the most part.  Also, I absolutely loved hearing about John's wife and daughter.  Sooooo sad. :_( An unforeseen and amazing twist is Dr. Fate using his powers to return Jones' especially during that gorgeous SFX moment where we get a quick glimpse of John's Martian form.  WOW!!! :)  But my favorite scene tho would have to be prior to this one when Dr. Fate takes a moment to talk to Clark about his destiny.  It's so inspiring, chilling and well written! Not only do we get a reference to the Legion but we learn specifically how Lex is still destined to be Clark's greatest foe and that he will become the leader of the new generation of heroes!  OMG!!! You damn right he is! The Superman music playing while Dr. Fate delivers that speech is just glorious and everything you could ever want from Smallville! Not to be forgotten is Lois exceptionally coming into the story as she receives a package containing all the info of the Justice Society's members and convictions.  Not only does it reveal Tess has a connection to said package but we get a hilarious comedy gold scene of Lois confronting Dr. Fate.  OMG!!! :)

We also get more development on Icicle as there's a major organization backing up his mission of vengeance against the JSA as we are introduced to Checkmate and their head agent Amanda Waller, played by none other than Pam Grier herself.  She is truly excellent in the role, showing the immediate attention and intimidation that Amanda Waller has in the comics as well as recent films.  I especially enjoyed her "Chicago" line toward Icicle Jr. about the cold.  So badass! And it also turns out that she's the one who sent Lois the information on the JSA to investigate their story and get it on the front page of the Daily Planet.  Their scene at the Daily Planet is very intense and telling; setting up for more to come as Amanda gives Lois her own personal Checkmate phone to "keep in touch". Ooooooo! The writers also manage to squeeze some classic Lois and Clark journalistic banter while also giving Hawkman and Oliver some development as well.  Geoff really knows how to make those tip of scenes bounce with emotion and energy.  You can really tell the cast was having too much fun with the script. I haven't mentioned much about Tom Welling's direction when it comes to the previous episode but he definitely is a talented one behind the camera.  He definitely has a nice visual flare and the way he directs the actors shows he knows this show better than anyone.  Yes, it really does show and he should honestly! :)

I especially loved his direction during the climatic battle between JSA/young Justice League to be and Icicle who takes the Helmet of Nabu and wears it to take out the rest of them at Watchtower.  Some awesome special effects, especially John Jones returns with all his powers back and phases through Icicle's magic boosted ice powers.  Not a long brawl by any means but a satisfying one showing the heroes of old and new forging a new age of heroes.  I loved the final scenes like Hawkman being inspired by the new heroes and telling Clark more about the Dr. Fate's vision of his legendary ascension into the skies when he finally flies and Martian Man having some wise words for Chloe's sadistic watchful eye on everyone leading to her insanity (told you!) before her, John and Oliver go out to hangout like a family like Chloe suggested.  But honestly the ending is more than just an conclusion as it sets more of things to come. Amanda Waller mentions that an apocalypse if coming and only used Icicle to bring out the old heroes to join the new generation of superheroes to prepare an army as the world's defense.  It's a breathtaking comic book moment with even a Suicide Squad reference to boot.  Also, Tess turns out to be an old Checkmate Agent?!! GASP!!! WOW Concluding this epic movie event on a justifiable high note ;), Legends is an action packed, entertaining second half that not only wraps everything up in a tremendous manner but also builds on such an exciting future ahead with Checkmate and the coming apocalypse they are trying to ready themselves for. :)

Final Kryptonite: A