A Series Long review of Smallville

 Smallville (2001–2017) 8/10 stars

8 and 10 are epically stupid seasons the rest are SUPER COOL

Some of the innovations of the show like red Kryptonite having a consistent physical reaction and his pod landing obscured by a meteor shower were pretty inspired. Season four with awesome writing and character development, just seemed a little awkward. And rushed. It's like they didn't know if the show would keep going so they pushed ahead like a steam truck until they realized they were being renewed. Fortunately the show DID keep going because I LOVED Lionel's redemptive arc.  In season 4 Lionel seemed to grow if not a conscience an awareness of certain Kryptonian things. And is the 3 following seasons he was established as Jor-El's vessel and a dedicated Ally to Clark. Even if Clark didn't always understand why. At first Clark was understandably reluctant to trust him but came to the conclusion that they did need him. season 5 and season 6 finales had Clark's hand at Lionel's throat.  The beginning of Season 7 they literally embraced each-other as friends. and all of that went out the window because of something Lionel had done just before the series premiere. Suddenly Lionel had been nothing but a liar and a false friend these past 3 years and they never should have trusted him. And suddenly he was directly responsible for everything Lex was doing that season, he was behind it all...to Clark and Chloe's mind.  He died protecting Clark's secret, died murdered by his own son and even though they comforted themselves that they finally knew where he really stood and mourned thier loss/his sacrifice, they never actually admitted they'd been wrong, or how tragic it was that such a loyal friend died alone and friendless because they didn't believe him anymore. Because they "saw the truth about him". They never admitted they'd been wrong about him. Season 8 was horrible, contrived full of lies, betrayal and suspicions of infidelity. 2 new characters one misguided, one a liar and Jimmy Olsen goes so far off the deep end I'm wondering who ELSE was on drugs when they made that season. I don't know anyone who would watch a Superman show and want to see that. To sum up, seasons 4 and 8 are the stupid ones. Season 9 was awesome for so many reasons, most of them having to do with developing and humanizing both  Oliver Queen and Major Zod as well as Jor'el so effectively. The one thing I want to cure everyone from thinking is "The last 2 seasons sucked." Season 8 was the Jimmy Olsen, Doomsday, Davis Bloom soap-opera disaster that had Oliver actually use kryptonite on Clark while in control of himself. (he wasn't in control of himself at 8x01 he was in the end when he rallied the rest of his team against Clark) And ended in Jimmy Olsen's death. Season 9 was everything fans of Batman or Superman would want. It even had Julian Sands being Jor-el and the most awesome dark and broody General Zod one could hope for. Except he really was Major Zod...he hadn't destroyed Krypton yet. Season 10 was the other 'bad' season. That was because they were trying to fit every single bad guy from the DC animated universe in at once...into a show that was originally more about Clark than Kal'el at all. These were bad guys Justice League fans would love. But Superman never faced alone. I am a fan of Superman in stand alone animated or live action series. I hadn't seen ANY saw Justice League adventures at the time so I was completely lost. I'm glad I stuck it out even after the abysmal season 8. Everyone is in rare, even strangely enthralling form in the last two seasons. I'm sure you will be pleased to stick it out.

Nikita being a True Badass

 “Miri, please no, I'm not worth it.” Lancelot said, grasping Nikita's arm. Nikita dropped Lancelot to the ground.

“Sasha, what is it?” Gwaine said, rushing to my side.

“It's not Lancelot.” She said coldly. Her voice hollow. “Or if he is, Lancelot is not the man you'd be talking to.”

Arthur walked up to her, his hands clutching his sword. “What is wrong with you Sasha?”

“It's not Lancelot. He's a copy...an imposter.”

“Well, you're smarter than I gave you credit for.” The man said his voice suddenly deep and gravelly. With one hand he pushed Nikita...Sasha into the air, she fell to the ground with a soft thud.

“Remind me to stop doubting her.” Arthur whispered to me. He faced the...imposter. “What do you want here?”

“I am here to take either your crown or her life. Either will suffice.”

“Morganna's choice.”

Gwaine and Arthur both looked at me. “Morganna believes that without Sasha here to help us, Camelot would soon fall to her sword. That she and I are the ones who keep you strong. “It's a demand of your defeat or her life' because without her to protect you, your defeat would soon follow.” Gwaine reasoned it out.

“Well, I can't say she's wrong.” Arthur began. “How it finally came into her head...”

“Is a discussion for another time.” Sasha finished, her voice regaining some resolution.

Nikita, or Sasha as most of us knew her stared at the monster in front of her. Her face was white, her eyes were wide with shock and if possible, with pain. Arthur, Gwaine and I stared at her. Lancelot, the real Lancelot lay wounded at her side.

“Please tell me,” The monster seethed in his silky voice. “How did you discover the truth. we went to great lengths to copy our test subject exactly.

“And you did an impressive job.” Nikita admitted. “You copied his mannerisms, voice even his personality convincingly...but not his word choice.” There was a bitterness to her tone that I could not have believed belonged there. Someone this monster had managed to wound her and in the exact same stroke...enrage her. I found myself thanking whatever God might exist that I was not on the other end of her attention.

He doesn't know me by that name. None of them do. But unlike everyone else here, he knows what it means to me... and would NEVER call me by it.”

“Is it that insulting?” Arthur asked blindly. He was the only person who wouldn't let the tenseness of the situation stop him from learning more about our friend.

“Not insulting, it's an honored name. Miri was my name when I was little. But the name barely exists for me anymore except as part of a memorable honor. Remembering a time and era long passed. It's a name I haven't felt worthy of since I was 13 years old.”

“Miri's Table...” I breathed. “It really is a time of remembrance. But not just for your friends.”

“Kris-taan, you and your friends will need a very, very long list of drinks as they 'fill you in' on what happened the evening before Morganna was once again brought down.”

Sasha smiled faintly as more memories seemed to catch up with her. “But for now, I'm going to find a way to prevent this thing from breeding.”

“Sasha, you don't kill.”

Sasha walked up to the creature, held her hand in front of its face and pulled down. It collapsed in pain, it's legs bent inward.

Gwaine laughed. “Breeding, not breathing.”

Nash Wells Flash Moment

I have been trying to paste a link to something I am glad is FINALLY considered Incorrectly Regarded as a Goof in the season 6 finale of the Flash. As far as why Nash Wells does not get arrested at the CCPD for being (mistaken for) Harrison Wells of season 1.

Nash Wells shouldn't make an appearance at CCPD because the police who are working there could have recognized him as Harrison Wells because of what happened in Season 1 in which Eobard Thawne was supposed to turn himself in because of his crimes such as the creation of the Particle accelerator and the murder of Nora Allen. However, it's possible Barry could have explained Nash being Harrison Wells' twin like he did with Hartley, though it is unknown when he could have done this.

But there is still another problem with this goof. Dr. Wells was never prosecuted for the 'crime' of the particle accelerator because it was deemed a tragic accident, something he never could have predicted and therefore can not be criminally charged for. He was never 'supposed to turn himself in'. It was a posthumous confession, only offered after his own death. You'd have to prove he was still alive before arresting anyone.

Also the crime that Nash would be mistakenly arrested for, is Barry's mothers death and Barry is right there beside him and obviously perfectly okay with him. It would be pretty obvious to the cops who work with Barry on a daily basis that this is not the man who killed his mother, no matter what he looks like.

The Flash S6.E19 Success Is Assured

Harrison Wells is and Isn't Back

Nash Wells has H. R.'s low opinion of himself and his unconventional approach to life. But he comes off more as Harry Wells in that he has the man's his passionate attitude and dedication his abrupt manner and devil may care attitude about almost anyone and anything. This much has been established for a long time. Throughout this episode Nash gives Barry the same encouraging 'what you need to hear' pep talks and kind of course correcting encouragements that Earth-2 Harry Wells was famous for. But the one Harrison Wells he does not come across as at all is the one in a wheelchair that everyone in Central City, outside of Star Labs thinks was Doctor Harrison Wells.

As far as why the cops don't try to arrest Nash for being the guy who killed Barry's mom? The two cops who shot Harry Wells back in season 2, had already been warned Harrison Wells might be alive and walking. Without those warnings, even the physical resemblance wouldn't be enough to see Nash and go "Harrison Wells you're under arrest". Especially since the man gave a *posthumous* confession for killing Barry's mom. Also, at the station, Barry himself was standing right next to Nash. If the guy who had killed his mom was standing there, Barry would have had him against the wall choking the life out of him. As he'd tried to do once before actually. Wells cannot get prosecuted for his part in the accelerator and he is obviously not the man who killed Nora Allen. Barry himself is proof of that. H. R. Wells isn't in Nash's head because H. R. didn't survive Crisis...he was already dead. Cool thing that for the second time since Crisis, Nash does a first class Grade-A job of channeling Harry Wells to get Barry to pull his head out of his ....place that isn't on top of his neck.

The series ended episodes early because everything shut down for co-vid restrictions and the pandemic. This was never supposed to be the season finale. But it did a good job of closing everything up until things could get started again. It leaves enough "un-wrapped up" for whoever was at the helm when things started up again. To be able to continue both this story line and the greater Flash adventure. One thing they deserve props for is bringing closure and satisfaction to Nash and Allegra's relationship. It was a moment before stuff started happening. Nash and Allegra have a couple tender moments and become close once again. It's brilliant.

Something Was Missing...in Nikita's life

Something was missing. Like literally. This doesn't' exist in any copy of my D.E.O. Stories. But it is one of the most important moments or scenes in the whole narrative. Jeremiah is narrating. They are meeting J'onn for the first time.

She looked at me and instantly found her calm. “My being an empath is what makes me a good field asset. Not that I'm familiar with the patterns, tendencies and worldviews of a lot of alien races. But that I can sense the inclinations and intentions of the individual people we meet.” Gesturing to the man we'd practically stumbled upon, she continued. “What he THINKS of us I could not tell you if I wanted, short of literally asking him of course. But I can tell that he is by his very nature far more of a protector than an assassin. We are safe with him.”

“You sound as if this surprises you?” He said in a strange voice.

“As pleased as I am to learn those like you exist; I must admit to an extremely presumptive ignorance on the subject. Henshaw said you were a Martian. The only Martian I ever me did not look or act at all like yourself. “

“He must have been a White. Their aggression is__nearly unmatched in the galaxies.”

“That tracks.” I said quickly. “For the past 3 years I've been Nikita's...Guardian I guess is the best word for it. There's not much she..”

“We should get out of here.” Nikita interrupted. The stranger and I both looked at her. “There was a second...unit close behind us. Meant more to lend support than anything directly to do with our__ I'm sorry but the word fits__ quarry. We should find some deeper cover and once we leave this Kreec-ta behind we can leave together or go our separate ways. Agreed?”

“Most readily.” The alien replied.

“Unreservedly.” I answered. Then I saw something that I must admit brought a smile to my face: The stranger knocked Hank completely unconscious. But didn't hurt him. “By the way, Nikita...do I even want to know what you just called him?”

Nikita smiled faintly at me. “A very serious word that interprets as 'ignorant, arrogant asshole. And is not a word I would use very often.”

Twenty minutes later J'onn Jo'nzz sat about 12 feet away from a small campfire. I sat close to him on his left. I couldn't take my eyes off the man. Nikita lay on her stomach, legs straight out behind her, her cheek on the grass. “This alien is more human than most people I know.”

“I cannot disagree with that thought. Strangely enough. Listen, I know you are in no danger from each-other. It's one of the clearest things I have ever had any 'sense' about. But I still feel something dangling over us. What DO any of us intend to do tomorrow?”

“I'd go back home. Couldn't stay for long. But I'd want to make certain Kara and the rest were safe.” I realized J'onn would have no idea who they were and took out their photo. “Eliza is my wife. This one, Alex is my oldest child. She is stubborn, but strong. My youngest Kara is...why I'm out here. She is like Nikita in a way – From the stars.”

“What planet ARE you from?” J'onn said suddenly. Nikita never got the chance to answer.

I finally found the one moment that was missing from my story about Nikita standing up to J'onn like a mouse to a lion. I'm not sure I ever even typed up this scene and was having serious trouble figuring out how to say it. I think I finally found it. A single moment in the scene anyway. 

I finally found the moment that was missing from my story about Nikita standing up to J'onn like a mouse to a lion. I'm not sure I ever typed this scene and was having serious trouble even starting on writing it. I think I finally found a single moment in the scene.

Me'gann Mor'zz, a White Martian asks Nikita why she would defy J'onn who is not only her direct superior officer but someone she so clearly respects, on her behalf. "Because this is the second time history has repeated itself and I didn't know what else to do." Taking a breath, without looking at Me'gann, Nikita explains. "J'onn is wearing  the face of his predecessor, a man I served under before him. And that is an epic misnomer. He took the identify of a man named Hank Henshaw. It is disheartening to say the least when J'onn lives up to that man's face. But slightly more importantly you are my guest and this is my home!"

Nikita turns slowly to face Me'gann. "Knowing what I know about the history of your races, if he'd found you at a restaurant or something and tried to arrest you, that is to take you back to the D.E.O  I wouldn't have objected, not publicly. I would have made my case to give you a fair hearing when we were at the D.E.O. Just as I did when the former prince of Daxam was thrown in a cell for a crime he literally couldn't have committed. Mon'el was believed to be guilty and the hero who arrested him assumed the worst of him just because he was from Daxam, didn't even bother to ask his name. Yeah that actually happened, and that was the first time it felt like Hank was still running things. God I don't even know why I call him that! Given that he and I did not exactly get along and what he originally was to me, I should call that asshole by his surname, not his individual one. I should refer to him as 'Henshaw'. J'onn cannot force me not to be true to myself, no one can and J'onn would be a fool to knowingly try it. He's known me for six years and doesn't realize that, whatever else is going on, I know you well enough to know that I can trust you. And no one with a brain in thier skull insults a friend of mine IN my house. Not even my closest friends can get away with that and nothing can force me to permit it."

The entire scene titled Dining on Ashes is J'onn telling Superman that his biggest regret from this day isn't that Nikita compared him to Henshaw, but that she was actually right to do so. This one moment changes everyone's mind and opens everyone's eyes. Though it takes nearly losing Nikita to Queen Rhea months later for J'onn to face Nikita about it. Now Nikita is Mon'el's fiancé and Queen Rhea, Mon-el's mother tries to flat out kill her in order to reclaim her son. Which as you might imagine does not sit well with J'onn, Mon'el, Superman, Martin Stein or Me'gann Mor'zz.

Magic to Wake the Soul

Any of my friends whether you know the superhero world or not, whether you're writers or not (and actually non-writers are more helpful) lend me your thoughts on where to go from here...what  to expand upon.

Jeremiah Danvers: Okay son, I do not think I have seen that look on your face, ever. Tell me what is the matter.

Superman: Nikita says to apologize to you, she wasn't able to keep her promise.

Jeremiah Danvers: I don't understand she never promised me anything. Any promise she had the chance to make in the time we knew each other she has undoubtedly kept."

Superman aka Elias Danvers: She called me by my birth-name when she first saw me, staring at the symbol on my chest, and later broke down in tears and apologized for failing you. 'Tell your father I'm sorry, I couldn't keep my promise.' I mean calling Superman Elias would be one thing but who else could have told her my Kryptonian name?"

Jeremiah: Well someone else must have...because I never did.

Superman: Jeremiah, she said to tell my father she's sorry. What father have I except you?

Jeremiah: The one who would have given you the name Kal'el.

Superman: (floored) You're saying she knew my Kryptonian father?”

Jeremiah: You have to admit...I have to admit, it would explain a lot. Not the least of which how she ended up in the D.E.O. in the first place. She is not obviously an alien herself. But if she made a habit of sheltering aliens...it would have put her on their radar.

Superman: I'm still a little confused why she called me Kal'el. I mean she's been calling me that since I met her. I figured it was her name for me, in her own language.

Jeremiah: What changed?

Elias Danvers: The Atraxi you brought with you, Sarrin. She said this (touches the emblem on his chest) is a Kryptonian family crest, the symbol of the house of El.

Jeremiah: And how the heck could Nikita know your individual Kryptonian name.

A reformed and confused Director Henshaw asks Nikita, a prisoner turned agent of his organization why she doesn't hate him. Considering the jerk he once was to her and that he is the reason her friend Jeremiah Danvers is dead. To the second she answers thoughtfully. "And you're right I do miss Jeremiah, but I also trust him. You must as well, if you want me here to say what he would have said. As weird as that sounds, I get it. But for the love of anything solid in this world, Hank, if Jeremiah thinks you're worth dying for, I'm pretty sure you're worth forgiving!"

Hank just kind of sheepishly lowers his head. Jeremiah Danvers: I swore I would stand with you J'onn, that I would not leave your side. From what I understand that was a 'til death do us part' oath of loyalty, brotherhood even."

J'onn Jo'nzz: The oath is in-valid if you are staying only out of obligation, do you not see that? We will always be brothers Jeremiah. You don't have to live under my roof for that. But if there is someone else in this world who needs you, I would never knowingly keep you from them. That's part of what brotherhood Means!

Nikita: (To Superman and his human parents) I met J'onn briefly, that's all. I knew him less well than I knew your fa--your Kryptonian father. What's his real name? He only gave me a human one.
Superman: His name is Jor'el. And...I asked. He doesn't remember you.
Superman seemed almost apologetic as he said this, as if he was trying to cushion a blow. But instead of the shock or disappointment he had anticipated the only reaction his words prompted was a thoughtful look.
Nikita: No, he doesn't remember *Nikita*. the name means nothing to him. I didn't use my birth name back then but my human one. I've been 'Nikita' every day I've spent here because they know what I am. Ask Jor'el if he remembers a young woman named Sasha Jordan Scott. I expect you'll get a different response.

Jeremiah as a solid rock. It takes patience to be calm, stubbornness to be good and a willingness to be wrong before you really learn to listen. These three are together on the mission that leads them to the Martian Manhunter...the Green Martian named J'onn J'onzz. Who still assumes Hank Henshaw's identity and still tries to reform the DEO. Also he was even more impressed by the understanding and respect Nikita and Jeremiah shared for each-other than in how either of them spoke to or regarded him that night. In the show Supergirl even though Jeremiah and Hank are both presumed dead, it turns out both of them are alive, having been brought to Project Cadmus. Hank Henshaw is the human name for a DC comic villain named Cyborg Superman. This story, which I haven't come up with a name for it's just National City on Earth-27, takes place in the past and present about equally. And opens with Superman knocking on Jeremiah's front door. In Earth-27 Central City, Barry marries Caitlin, not Iris. Joe West legally adopted him after his parents were murdered, as a result Iris is legally his sister. The native Wells, modeled after grumpy-genius-passionate-loyal Harry Wells of season 2 is a close friend of the team and paralyzed from multiple sclerosis; some condition that his legs work fine, his nerves don't cooperate.

When I wrote down the scene of Henry and J'onn Jo'nzz I wrote their host as someone other than Nikita because I didn't want to involve her in the story. I didn't want to force this stand alone scene, unrelated to any other work into the narrative. And when J'onn Jo'nzz of Earth 9 had a companion, an alien at Arias that could not be Nikita and spoke with Elana, I used that story/memory as an unneeded explanation for the connection between this young, quiet alien and the green Martian J'onn Jo'nzz. But then Nikita and J'onn met, and they would be strangers, and they cannot be strangers. But also, this scene, the scene in the girl's apartment is separate and alone by definition. In that story Henry and J'onn's host never called herself by name. I called her Atraxi for the very reason that this was not part of the same narrative. So there is no reason to work that into this story. Solving both problems, When J'onn returns Jeremiah to the DEO, he will recognize Nikita...as that same human-looking alien host with whom he had an epic 'open mouth insert foot' experience.

Elana Stien and her Crime Fighting Friend

That title was more of a description than a title and the most descriptive I could be. I haven't written the transition yet, from Elana in the D.E.O. with Martin to her living here in Central City as Martin Stein's adopted daughter. And this really only the first couple of pages. But stay tuned.

Elana Stien: The breakage indicates the door somehow had zero viscoelasticity when it hit the ground.

Detective Eddie Thawne: You're doing that thing where you're not speaking English.

Elana Stien: (at first taking it literally) What? Oh sorry. The Steel shattered like Glass. (picks of a fragment of the steel door) Oh crap. Crap, crap CRAP!

Barry Allen: Okay what's that about?

Elana Stien: It was frozen solid, like Flash-frozen...no pun intended. There's only one place I know with enough bleeding-edge tech to create a weapon like this: Star Labs. And there's only one person I know who would want to. Someone with whom I have an...unconventional history. His name is Lenard Snart. I'm not sure I'm correct in either of my suppositions.

Detective Eddie Thawne: Maybe not, but it's a good place to start.

Elana starts to walk away, Barry catches up with her. “Hey, you okay?”

“Yeah, I guess, why?”

“I don't know it just, seems like you're in pain. Maybe you should see a doctor.”
“Not for this.” She looks Barry in the face. “Sajen, I take care to avoid getting X-rays.”

“Okay, listen you want to come over for dinner, my dad's making lasagna.”

“Appreciate the invite but I better not. Not until I figure out what exactly is going on.”

“Cool, just a thought.” He starts to walk away, she catches up with him.

“Wait Barry. I don't always sense things that should be obvious, were you...asking me on a date?”

“Just dinner, between co-workers. Wanted to get to know you a little better.”

“I'm from National City, California. Mount Shasta originally. My mother wasn't from here.”

Barry ponders this for a moment. “Cool. Thanks, for that.”

The Flash: (in distorted voice) Why the freaked out look on your face?

Elana Stien: 'Freaked out' is not the right word. More 'devastated' mixed with 'confused'

The Flash: What's got you so nervous? I hope you know you can trust me. Does this have anything to do with why you won't get an x-ray?

Elana Stien: No, but thank you Barry.

The Flash: (Still in disguised voice) I don't understand.

Elana Stien: Barry Allen was super-interested in a weapon that would almost have to be designed to hurt the flash. I theorized you either were the Flash, or were friends with him. It wouldn't be  any good to ask Barry because he'd just deny it. So I was going to ask (points) you, if you knew him. But you just quoted me to myself. Besides, you called me by my name the first time we met. Beyond those I work with, there's exactly 2 humans on this god-damn planet who even know my name. Well, three I suppose.

The Flash: (no distorted voice) Snart.

Elana Stien: I kept being present at his crimes, as a civilian. He high-jacked my car with me in it to hide from the cops one day. He had a gunshot wound in his ribs. I while he was hiding out at my place, I got him to lower his gun,  treated his wound and we literally just sat in my apartment talking for 7 hours. When the cops came, I didn't press charges.

The Flash: Why not?

Elana: Well for one thing I know a desperate man when I see one and a dangerous man when I see one, and I can recognize when the two do not overlap. I opened up to him enough to share that my mixed heritage causes some pretty severe problems with me, that I'm in constant pain and while it comes close to a lot of different pretty severe conditions humans have, there's no way to effectively treat it since it's literally the result of conflicting physiology. Also my home is a sanctuary. You're under my roof, you're safe. PERIOD.

The Flash: I'm sensing there is more to it than that?

Elana: Well, he sees you as his ultimate opponent. Actually not quite more...the only person who can stand in the way of him being the best at what he does. Hence a cold gun that slows the Flash down. Speed and cold are opposites. Plus it just matches his stoic personality. 

The Flash: Yeah, I can see how this would worry you. And I hate to ask but...humans?

Elana Stien: There are two individuals I was associated with but did not strictly-speaking work with who know my individual name, who are aliens themselves. Covering my bases.