Season 10, Episode 17: Kent

"Kent"

Episode 17

Air Date: April 15th, 2011

While the show should be focusing more on developing the Darkseid story arc until the series ender (*sniff sniff*) the last round of episodes are way more episodic than you'd expect but luckily, while Darkseid and his Elite aren't getting much of any development or screentime anymore, Kent shows the writers continuing to move Clark as well as the show forward overall until its final episode(s).  Considering how much of a success Luthor was during the first half, it's no wonder the writers decided to return to Earth-2, not to mention, bring back Clark Luthor once again as a villain.  Tom Welling was inconceivably terrifying in the role the first time around, I'm not surprised the writers wanted to see the infamous Ultraman return for one more go around with the future Superman.  He quickly manages to return to Earth-! and trap Clark in his world for good.  While exploring Earth-2, Clark shockingly runs into that reality's version of Jonathan Kent while Clark Luthor tries to play off being Clark but quickly gets discovered by Lois and especially Tess.  What's so wonderful about the last season is seeing old cast members return as beloved characters and John Schneider is simply a gift to the show that keeps giving with his second appearance this season.  This time he's playing a more rigid, unforgivable, ruthless Jonathan considering what his world's Oliver cost him and the farm life he lost in the process.  I love how Clark immediately tries to reach out to him and even when Jonathan shockingly knocks him out and think he's Clark Luthor, he continues to try to reach the wise man inside he knows the true Jonathan to be.  Both Tom and John work so well with each other, even with this type of dynamic and I especially loved how he finally convinces Jonathan-2 that he is really his son in a different world.  Awwwww. :_)

Meanwhile, Clark Luthor is too eager to start his new life in Earth-1 but luckily, Lois catches on quickly that Clark is clearly not her Clark.  I love the moment he pushes over the telescope Lois set up for Clark and knows something is not right at all.  Then you have Clark Luthor going after this world's Tess again to track down Lionel and how she tries to stale him by playing along until Lois and Emil can somehow bring him back by putting the mirror box together again. O_O Once again, Tom gives a performance that sends chills through your entire body and not just your spine! The way he is so calm and cold around Tess, especially they dinner scene at the Ace of Clubs as he properly eats his steak while Tess is completely helpless is so profoundly well done.  Seriously, Tom should play MORE villain roles! I haven't seen Lucifer but I hope that his character is as masterfully menacing as his performance here.  Of course, with Clark Luthor being too smart and one step ahead, he figures out Tess is setting up a diversion to keep him from killing Lionel, which ends up with him hanging her out of the Luthorcorp office window.  

With Clark transported back safely to Earth-1 thanks to Emil and Lois, he manages to save Tess and lure Clark Luthor to the Fortress.  While Clark's solution is terribly naive (Redemption??? Seriously!? -_-), I suppose the Jor-El A.I. from his world is the best to watch over him and could just encase him in a crystal pillar like Jor-El did to Clark on Earth-1! :P  Also, with the show closing, Clark and Lois decide to move to Metropolis, especially when Martha sends Clark and Lois the deed to the Kent farm as a wedding gift.  One wonders why Clark and Lois don't ASK if that's what mother is implying with the gift but from a progression stand point, moving the two to Metropolis for good was the natural next step.  I just don't understand Clark of all people wanting to sell if, even after that heartwarming ending scene with Clark and Lois reminiscing about the farm but deciding to call the realtor is too abrupt and wished we had a scene of them at least discusses it with Martha first to clear up some possible miscommunication. O_0 But other than that, Kent is a strong journey back to the mirror world and the sinister glee of Clark Luthor reeking havoc in the main world.  The show continues to excel at this wonderful sense of closure that feels not only appropriate but thoughtful and done with lots of love for the show.  I mean else can you ask for during the last season of one of your favorite shows!? :_)

   

Final Kryptonite: A-