They even go as far as to have several other comic-heroes on the show with full abilities, but Clark still can’t figure out how to fly. By avoiding the premise they have failed to evolve the character of Clark Kent while everyone around him has evolved, turning a killer show into Smallville-90210. At least when 90210 hit that wall of un-evolving characters, the producers evolved it into Melrose (note: I hated 90210 post season 2 and Melrose post season 1).

Another, more recent example is NBC’s Bionic Woman. Why, when chasing a dangerous bad guy, does Jamie not always use her bionics? Last week she ran almost 2 blocks before she turned on the bionic-speed. Again, the show continues to avoid the premise. Even the genius change of having Jamie programmed with combat training is underused. Avoiding the premise is the cause of the flub that this series has become.

Let’s look at when it is done right…Pushing Daisies. They have weaved the premise into an integral part of the show. Ned’s powers are an essential ingredient in each and every episode. If they were to forget the simple and basic premise of Ned’s touch they show would fail. It would become pretty looking pie-crust with no filling (sorry).

There are many more examples of this phenomenon, I just wanted to touch on a few. Let me know what you think.

Good: I thought that Laura Vandervoort did a good job playing Kara. That type of character is so often screwed up with poor acting, or with the actor not knowing the character well enough. Also, having Kara with her full powers, and still needing Clark to help her along was good storytelling.

The tongue-n-cheek is just enough to keep the character fun, with enough emotion to keep it grounded. It was a good introduction to the character, much better than evil-Kara.

Bad: Clark not being able to fly is really getting on my nerves. I know that Gough said, “no flight, no tights”, and doesn’t want to go back on that assertion. But now after having Flash, Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter and now Supergirl with their full powers, it just seems silly. They even winked their eye at us with the discussion about flying between Clark and Kara.

Also, having Jor-El tell Kal-El that Kara is dangerous is also tired. Why can’t we just have interesting stories about Kara coping with her life on Earth, and her interaction with Clark? Also, after Kara tells Clark about how she hurts hearing of the destruction of Krypton, why wouldn’t he take her to his Fortress. It just doesn’t make sense.

Conclusion: In all, it was a solid episode, other than the new Chief who is awful young to be in that position (also, I wish Lana would have stayed dead). I am really looking forward to see how the Supergirl storyline continues.

First, was anyone fooled that Lana was in the truck, and is dead?  How convienent is that her vehicle was blocked from view just before it exploded.  Even though I wish she would die, she won't.  Her character keeps the teen girl demographic, and isn't annoying enough to ward off the others.

We've been teased that someone was going to die in this episode.  Well, the only one that it could possibly be is Lionel.  That is a shame because  John Glover brings allot of class and style to the show.  He is a great performer, and every scene he is in is riviting (even involving Lana).

I know they make it look like Chole could be dead, but that would be a horrible move.  Chloe is the one character that crosses demographics with her appeal.  The addition of her character into the Superman mythos is the best thing to come out of Smallville.  

I am a little conflicted with the addtion of Bizarro.  Bizarro is the most recognizable character in Superman mythos for non-Comic book geeks (beside Lex Luthor & Zod) mainly because of the old Superfriends cartoon.  But, his character has always remained constant in the comics and cartoon incarnations.  For Smallville, they are going to have to depart from his traditional character so much, I hope it doesn't seem too forced.  

In all I was entertained, and am excited for next season.