Season 9, Episode 4: Echo

"Echo"

Episode 4

Air Date: October 16th, 2009

Season 9 is on role so far that I can't but be so engrossed by the storylines being laid out not just for the season overall but for individual that focus on Clark's ongoing training with Jor-El as he tries to get close to Kryptonian side by embracing more Kryptonian knowledge of the world was sent to save.  After a incredibly cinematic opening teaser which continues to show the series has gotten a series budget increase since last season's clearly MUCH smaller budget, Clark begins hearing the thoughts of others as Jor-El is training Clark on how to harness his Kryptonian intuition to make better judgments out there while he's saving the day to make lesser mistakes.  And I love how this plot device is used for both helping Clark mature as a hero while he is interrogating the victims about the hostage situation and hilarious moments of him hearing Lois' thoughts....especially about him.  It leads to another heartwarming yet priceless scene of Clark getting the courage to ask her out...sigh...tho unfortunately, he has to stand her up AGAIN to save the day! Nooooooo!  But I absolutely loved the return of Toyman as Chris Gauthier really steals the show as the eccentric bomber who has even more of a grudge against Oliver after he framed him for Lex Luthor's murder.  But unfortunately, as Clark is on his trail to stop him, Lois catches on to his chasing of a story and arrives at to the Ace of Clubs, monster truck and all.  Ehhh poor Lois! She was so excited and then Clark has to be so cold to her to get her out of harm's way.  So close!

But luckily, Clark manages to use his new gift to help him stop Toyman from taking down Oliver and potentially hundreds in the building, even if Jor-El takes his ability at the most useful time he needs to use to already test him on what's he's learned.  Good thing Clark is a fast learner as of late as he manages to find Toyman and realize he wouldn't want to be in the same room with Oliver and the bomb by destroying the life like Toyman he confronts and destroying the bomb within him.  Not bad at all for a training lesson episode! :) Also, it looks like Tess will be using Winslow to find out more about Corben's kryptonite heart for potentially bringing him back online?!! Definitely exciting, especially the way Winslow acts so enthusiastic even after Tess shoots him in the leg.  Jesus, Tess is more ruthless than Lex sometimes I'm notching....at least directly! O_O  As for Oliver being the focus of the episode with his life being on the line, it's just another plot point in this whole depression arc.  Honestly, I'm kind already over it and the fact he tried to kill himself while Clark saved him is beyond morbid.  I know Oliver can have some issues but he's character is becoming too dark for his own good even if moments like him seeing Lex's reflection in the mirror was haunting.  I prefer Oliver as a lighthearted archer with shades of gray, not more brooding and gritty than Batman for god sakes.  Sheesh!

I'm noticing Chloe is being regulated more to plot device than actual any character growth as the other characters are taking more focus from her as she is left in Watchtower to just....watch people and wait to be needed.  Now I'm understanding her plight for attention and connection but considering how tragically the character has turned from supporting, inspiring ally to this deceitful, melancholy background character who seems more offended by the characters' around than actually being there for them isn't helping!!! O_O  Chloe needs to be more than just this watchful eye for the heroes, the girl needs serious help and it would be great with her coming to terms with how evil her helping Davis was.  In fact, if anyone should be wallowing in self pity and coming close to self destruction is Chloe, the one who led to all these events happening! But alas, no go on that so I'll settle for the writers giving her an extreme back set to the Clois storyline which ends with yet another great scene of their romance clearly growing but my god, that kiss between them NEEDS to happen already! All that tension and no lip locking after a while is starting to look insulting but given the amazing quality of the season so far, I'm not too worried. ;) Yet another strong and superb entry overall! ;)

 

Final Kryptonite: A