Season 9, Episode 17: Checkmate

"Checkmate"

Episode 17

Air Date: April 9th, 2010

After an escape from last episode in terms of characters and a break from the central arcs of the season, Checkmate returns the show back to the main story arc with a vengeance as the elusive Checkmate finally makes their move on Clark and the super friends in adding them against the alien invasion they are preparing for.  I think what makes Checkmate stand our the most tho is it delivers some of the most inspired and stylized visuals yet to be seen on this show. The opening sequence of Tess getting back in the game and setting up that elaborate fake confrontation between her and some Checkmate Agents to capture Green Arrow was extremely cinematic and exciting, full of over the top Zack Snyder-eqse slow mo shots and all! :P  It not only makes the story stand out because of said imaginative visuals but gives the show a flow to it that is fast paced and exciting without feeling rushed or contrived.  I honestly adore Pam Grier absolutely NOT being under utilized as Amanda Waller as she makes for an intimidate operator of Checkmate's organization.  I was a bit taken aback by her confrontation with Tess after Green Arrow escaped.  Pam really has a flare for commanding roles which is unsurprising given her legendary past in cinema. The interesting thing about Checkmate is that they are strategically impressive both visually and story stand point. For while there, it seemed Team Blur (:P) was about to get their hands fuller than ever unless Martian Manhunter wasn't around to be the undisputed heroic badass of the group.  Sorry Clark! :P

No but seriously, it seems the writers were thoroughly enjoying having John Jones back in action with all his powers being shown on full display as he tracks down Checkmate's whereabouts to protect the team.....and seems to be working for someone.....a Red Queen perhaps!??? Flying, Martian vision, phasing, shape-shifting, telepathy, etc. WOW and the effects looked more polished than ever! But it makes sense for John to work behind the scenes and protect the team....unlike Chloe, who apparently is the greatest asset of the team based on Waller.  Oh please! They even had to have a point of Clark apologizing to her after he saves her life again.  Chloe has been out of her mind and out of control since Doomsday and I'm just tired of the lack of accountability that she doesn't get.  She's the reason Jimmy died and the team disbanded in the first place but they are taking her for granted when she has cameras everywhere, including on the belt buckle of the guy she's currently dating.  And yes, there relationship is clearly moving for no strings to heart shaped feelings as that last scene is an indication of them falling for each other.  Ummmm.....anyway! -_-   Going back to the amazing direction in terms of the visuals this episode, Tim Scanlan definitely seems like a comic book fan behind the camera as I haven't even mentioned the best save that Clark has ever made in terms of cinematography and effects.  The stop motion of Clark saving Chloe while taking down Checkmate agents before stopping the bullet from hitting her has to be seen to be believed.  It's literally a comic book come to life with shots that a edited seamlessly with the flickering lights as the alarms at Checkmate's headquarters go off. Nothing more needs to be said...tho I wish Smallville had more mind blowing sequences like that during the show. Never seen anything like it! :)

Meanwhile, we get more plot progression between Tess and Oliver as they find out each other's secrets.  I love how it's done in a very Batman Returns moment of same words being said.  But I'm glad it brought out the more comical side of Oliver again as no one would stop mentioning his tights. Dude, they were so tights! :P  But it seems too much for Oliver to take as with her being on Checkmate's radar after her failure, he dismisses her heartfelt apology.  How sad! But then again Tess' intentions have always been mixed for me.  She comes off like an anti-villain, doing the wrong things for altruistic reasons to save the Earth but it always causes more harm than good.  She doesn't know which side to be on, so she often played both but maybe this will end up making her character more unique???  Tho her being superspeed to the top of a building to be hung over the edge by Clark is beyond hilarious! Who does he think he is??? Batman!?? :P Checkmate is a huge arc episode that pulls it off in stunning style and mostly substantial substance outside of Chloe's apparent importance on the team (Seriously, Emil could takeover as Watchtower and probably be more of an actual help than a backstabbing non-trusting control freak of the hero/best friend she supposedly believes in -_-) and the Chloe/Oliver relationship being pushed forward romantically. But it also leaves a lot to look forward to....who is the Red Queen??? Seriously! ;)

Final Kryptonite: A-