We Smallville fans are, I think, an optimistic bunch; we've stuck with the show since the beginning, from way back to 2001, and watched as, gradually, Smallville was sucked into a vortex of mediocrity.

Maybe we're gluttons for punishment.

In any event, here we are in Smallville's ninth season.  I'm cautiously optimistic so far. Smallville just might be getting better!

And then we have the latest episode, "Rabid."  Yeah, show, you're killing me.

We open to an unconscious Clark, laying on a gurney.  He awakens, moaning, noting a latex strap at the crook of his elbow.  He pulls off the strap and we see that he is bruised; it appears that a syringe had been used on him, and a shot of said syringe dripping a green liquid (kryptonite!) confirms this.

Clark struggles to get up.  The building he's in appears to be the Watchtower.  After a few moments his cell phone beeps.  Clark walks over; it's a message from Oliver: "I Lost Her," it says.

Making his way outside, Clark notices a seemingly deserted Metropolis.  Hmm, something is not right.  Vancouver — I mean Metropolis — is usually pretty busy this time of day!

Clark uses his superhearing, and the sounds of heavy metal music stream into his ears.  Must be nice to be able to stream music without the need for an Internet connection or a WiFI hotspot! It's Lois.  Clark whooshes to the Daily Planet.

The building, much like Metropolis, is deserted.  Clark does discover someone at the copy machine, making copies.  It's Lois! She turns to Clark, drooling and making zombie noises.  "Lois, are you okay?" asks Mr. Obvious.  To demonstrate just how fine and dandy she is, Lois attacks Clark.

And then...

12 Hours Earlier, the show tells us.  Thanks, show.

Clark, having hit the police scanners, is on the streets as the horribly-named Red-Blue blur (although now I suppose he's just the blur, since he dresses in black; maybe he could be called the Goth Blur instead?)

It seems there is a motorcyclist wreaking havoc and speeding all over the city.  Clark pushes a truck out onto the street to block the cyclist's path.  It's Oliver! He and Clark snark back and forth about Clark's failure to kill Davis Bloom, and Oliver accuses Clark of wanting to be a "modern Jesus."  I'm not sure Modern Jesus would be dressed in black as if he were on his way to a Dead Can Dance concert, but you never know.  Oliver eventually speeds off (thanks for helping the cops out, Clark!) and a police car take chase.  Clark watches.

Article Author: Scott C. Smith

Scott C. Smith is a freelance writer from Happy Valley, Oregon. He has a cat and likes pop culture a little too much.

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