Season 9, Episode 5: Roulette

"Roulette"

Episode 5

Air Date: October 23rd, 2009

Mmmmmm they can't all be home runs can they?!? -_-  Ok this is just personal resentment because Roulette is actually a great episode that finally wraps up Oliver's downward spiral which was seriously getting annoying at this point.  As a matter of fact, Season 8 begins with Oliver the same exact way, partying and drinking himself silly because of finding out his parents were killed by Lionel and needing to be inspired to take on his Green Leather persona back again.  But unlike filling in for Clark as the Red Blue Blur, Oliver gets in way over his head when he meets a woman named Roulette at a small casino and takes a drug that leaves him waking up in a sick twisted game that only gets worse at it progresses.  Once again, Smallville shamelessly plagiarizes a well known classic film, this time David Fincher's "The Game" that similarly sees a billionaire put through hell and back during a twisted game he wakes up in.  But honestly, it's not a bad interpretation aka Smallville's version of it as we are introduced to a new DC character/villain, Roulette, played by the stunning Steph Song. While her performance isn't anything to praise really, the character is awesomely depicted as the ultimate gamer as she puts Oliver through the ringer from crashing trucks to rabid dogs to even making it look like his entire wealth has been stolen digitally.  She even manages to have a kick a$$ scene with Lois and turns out to be working for someone who isn't trying to kill Oliver but inspire him to be a hero again. It's a profoundly remarkable moment when Roulette reveals to Oliver it was all a test and it was a really unique take on her character. :)

I guess my real problem here is Chloe being the mastermind behind the Game and apparently using other members of the Justice League to get Oliver back to his true self.  While I appreciate a dark thriller scenario turning into a inspiring tale of triumph over your inner demons and all that, why did it HAVE to be Chloe???  She's been all the way in the back so far this season and her turning out to be the one behind it all makes sense since she has been spying on all the heroes!  But Chloe is in no place to be forcing anyone out of their rut when she needs to still deal and pay for the consequences of her own actions last season.  One could say she did it to not only get Oliver back to his heroics but making up for Jimmy's death by helping someone deeply effected by it (since it kinda is all her fault! -_-).  But that's not the case and Oliver is so touched and thankful for Chloe doing this! Meh!  I guess the end justifies the means here but Chloe's need to constantly be in control is looking like a serious character flaw that is developing here. YIKES! O_O

We don't get much Clark and Lois this episode but what we do get is signature golden comedy between them as Clark comes home to a frantic Lois trying to have a movie/laundry night as the Kents while Clark is more eager to Blur around Metropolis and do his thing! lol I especially love the awkwardness of Lois mentioning being shirtless and Clark's very shaky leg that annoys Lois.  HA! But we do unfortunately see yet another hurdle for them to work through before any progress in their relationship can lead to a romantic one as she discovers Oliver's suicide attempt and that Clark was there.  I honestly felt bad for Clark but completely understand Lois' frustration and emotionally charged reaction.  Even tho they aren't dating, Oliver is still a special person in her life she doesn't want to let go of as their friendship is still strong.  Clark was only upholding that information cause it would be too much for anyone to know while he's still dealing with it.  Not to mention, he's also Oliver's friend and clearly didn't want to let people know so....sigh.... :( While being an Oliver focused adventure this week, we do finally get some progression with the Kandorians arc this season on the hero front as Clark and Chloe finally discovering they've been appearing all over Earth, including the supposed dead Kryptonian assassin with the eyes from hell! :P  Great cliffhanger as usual for this show! Roulette is thoroughly enjoyable by wrapping up Oliver's descent into complete despair by getting him to put back on that green clad outfit and start saving lives again.  Despite my personal dislike of certain things about it, it has some very strong moments as well; reminding you how far this show has come with its hero representation.  Seeing both Clark and Oliver in their respective suits looking over Metropolis, ready to save the world together was just perfect comic book goodness.  Tho I agree with Oliver, that Clark could use some color again! ;)

 

Final Kryptonite: B-