Season 9, Episode 19: Charade

"Charade"

Episode 19

Air Date: April 23rd, 2010

Over the course of Smallville's 10 seasons we have seen a good number of love triangles.  And I by good I mean terribly drawn out and vomit inducing moments of romantic drama and over the top proclamations of love.  But honestly, the only love triangle real Superman fans love to see is the one between Lois and Clark's two identities.  It has always been so priceless that the bubbling reporter that Lois works with day in and day out is just an average joe who pines for her attention when she's so in love and devoted to the world's greatest superhero....who happens to be the same guy.  Since last season with the Blur calling Lois, we've seen glimpses of that triangle but Charade takes it to a level that is truly reminiscent of the Clark/Lois/Superman triangle.  With Lois busy working for the Blur, her and Clark's relationship has become more strained but the two decide it's about time to take things to another level to fix that by saying their "I love yous" to each other as well as being completely honest about any secrets she has.  It's a wonderfully entertaining dynamic seeing Lois bouncing between the two men with no idea that they are the same while Clark wrestles with finally telling Lois the truth considering the Blur gets one side of her and Clark gets the other.  Honestly, this is one of the most emotional episodes in a while as Clark and Lois really have to deal with the unfortunate friction in their relationship when they both are only trying to do what's best for the world.

Clark's shock at Lois talking to the Blur again and then changing back into his reporter wear to confront Lois about her relationship with the Blur was actually pretty hard hitting.  Honestly, this is the first time in a while I felt bad for Clark choosing to hide his secret from someone when all the signs are pointing to telling them.  After Lois' outburst and confession about why the Blur won't reveal himself to her to Clark was very painful to watch, feeling bad for both of them.  It's also great to see the both sides of Clark getting the girl but not having all of her.  During the last scene between Chloe and Clark in the barn, it completely encapsulates the irony yet tragedy of Clark's dual identity as himself and Superman.  The tremendous guilt and responsibility he feels that he has on his shoulders is so well played by Welling and I'm glad we got to see this side of the Superman mythos pre-Superman.  Things only get worse when Ray Sacks returns from being incarcerated and sentence to death row to join with DC comics villain, Maxwell Lord to find out the identity of the Blur to finally take him down.  I love how both Lois and Clark investigate while Clark plays it cool while Lois finds herself once again in a sexy outfit; this time a sexy golden bunny who pops out of Ray Sacks' celebration cake! I swear this show and only Lois!

But I think my favorite part of the episode was the revelation of Maxwell's ties to Checkmate as the Black King and using his metahuman abilities to rip the memories of the Blur from random people who only got a small glimpse of him to finally reveal his identity.  That poor pizza delivery getting caught up in all this.  Should have listened to Lois.  Speaking of Lois, after getting fired by their new editor and yet another fight, she becomes one of Maxwell's victims to learn the Blur's identity.  It leads to a pretty pivotal moment for Clark and Lois as we see her even protecting the Blur in her memories...because she might love him! WOW! Once again adding yet another layer to the triangle and even after Clark manages to save her.  All he can do is put his hand on her shoulders to make sure she's ok as Lois just tells him to go as she sees that S Shield glowing in the dark before speeding out! Ewwww! If that wasn't emotional enough, Clark calls Lois as the Blur one more time to tell her they can't speak to each other anymore.  It's heartbreaking to see that dynamic between them end but I can think of no better episode to conclude it.  The last scene tho plays out like a classic Smallville sequence with Lois trying to move with her relationship with Clark while Clark feels her pain of losing that connection with Blur.  It leaves things unanswered between the two moving forward as Clark questions is he enough for Lois with the Blur no longer in her life??? Sigh......  But on a more mysterious note, the Red Queen recruits Maxwell Lord by episode's end....and she has some of the most amazing legs! Who is she tho??? You'll find out soon! ;)

Final Kryptonite: B+