Season 10, Episode 18: Booster

"Booster"

Episode 18

Air Date: April 22nd, 2011

As usual, it's time for Geoff Johns to pen an episode for a season since Season 8 and while for the most part, Booster is another well written comic adventure that not only introduces new DC heroes to Smallville but pushes Clark's story forward into becoming Superman.....I honestly wish it can earlier in the season.  This should have been placed around the middle of the season like Legion and Absolute Justice instead of at the tail end of the season.  I mean this is the final season and the second half hasn't really focused on the main arc with Darkseid outside Masquerade and has seeming disappeared from the hearts and minds of Clark and the others.  I mean there is clearly this looming threat of Darkseid still out there and still the biggest threat the world has ever seen, yet we are still getting more episodic episodes, while great, should really be developing the overarching narrative more as there is sooooo much more they could be doing with the Unholy Trinity alone.  I mean they've already been defeated and it seems Clark as well as the others are just waiting around until he makes his move.  Sigh.... But I digress as like I said, Booster is still a thoroughly enjoyable episode, if not for one major flaw. :(

I have to say, I don't think the casting director could have chosen a better actor for Booster Gold than Eric Martsolf (Seriously, this show had a good number of actors previously on Passions guest star or become a cast member! O_O :P lol)  It's almost annoying how easily he plays the arrogant, over the top conceit of the 25th Century hero as he has traveled back in time to rewrite history by stealing Clark's destiny of becoming the greatest superhero the world has ever known.  It's a really great story and really explores the essence of true heroism.  With Clark on the brink of rising as Superman, we not only see him being an overwhelming example of chivalry and strength that a real hero exudes instead of Booster's fame and fortune theatrics, but also see him beginning to perfect his Clark Kent persona.  I love how Lois was pushing him to work on it and stop whining, tho I don't exactly remember Clark being so dorky during the high school years. Well, except when he wasn't fumbling and bumbling around LAH-NAH!!! -_-  The highlight of the episode would without a doubt have to be when Clark is trying to get a quote from Ted Kord of Kord Industries and he complete nails the mild mannered persona that Christopher Reeves perfected so well during his run with the classic Superman films of the 70s and 80s. :)

I was also surprised how well the writers were able to use Cat here as she's been used rather sparingly this season.  This was probably the character's finest moment; becoming instantly a die hard fan of Booster and wanting to support his endeavors to win over Metropolis by becoming it's best hero unlike the Blur who continues to save people in the shadows.  It also gives Lois a more prominent role once again in building Clark's Superman identity and notoriety by making sure she keeps the Blur as Metropolis #1 savior.  I love how she clashes with Cat as usual as they both compete to back their heroes.  Of course, Clark is able to get through to Booster once he is forced to actually be a real hero and step in to save the day instead of playing the part.  I also loved how during the final confrontation, we get the classic Superman quick change in the phone booth as Clark suits up to quickly save Cat but stay behind to see Booster take his words and apply them to the situation to resolve the chaos.  But it's not only Clark who gives Booster some insightful, inspiring advice but after Booster gives Clark his backstory, he tells him the Blur has got to go and he seriously needs a name that starts with that S on his chest.  Something...."Super"! ;)

But like I said, this episode only has one flaw and it has to do with the Blue Beetle aspect of the story.  While I enjoyed Ted Kord and the introduction of Kord Industries, Jamie Reyes just didn't make for the best sub-plot attached to the main story.  I get the lesson of his learning how to be confident and believe in himself to become a true hero like Booster....but that Blue Beetle suit sequence was....horrifyingly bad!!! O_O  What a waste of CGI as the suit looks like something off of Power Rangers or rather Big Bad Beetleborgs than a legit alien enhanced suit that takes over its host.  It would make it hard for Blue Beetle to stick around but given the show was ending, I guess the crew took a risk but man, it just didn't work and looked cheesy as hell. O_O  Also, the final scene of the episode is bit off and random with Clark being all mopey about people judging Lois for being with this clumsy, bumbling Clark (Shirt rip and all!)  But he's not wearing a costume underneath so that little reference to Superman made absolutely no sense.  O_O  Either way, Booster succeeds far more than it fails as Geoff Johns' final script for the show is tightly written story of Clark's destiny and dual identity being built upon while introducing some nice new DC characters that entertained and hilariously stole the spotlight! Booster Girls and all! lol ;) 

Final Kryptonite: B+