Smallville -- “It’s a Wonderful Armageddon”

Show: Smallville
Episode: “Apocalypse”
First Aired: 5/1/08

The 150th episode of “Smallville,” as directed by star Tom Welling, falls into line with Marvel’s “What If…?” and DC’s Elseworlds comic books - stories that offer readers a glance at alternate versions of their favorite characters. “Apocalypse” does the same for the viewer. In this case the question is, What would Smallville be like if baby Kal-El had never arrived? The answer is Clark’s own version of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and Smallville proves to be much bleaker than Bedford Falls ever was. Whereas evil Mr. Potter opened up bars and strip clubs, evil Mr. Luthor starts a nuclear war.

Clark and Chloe somehow surmise that Brainiac traveled back in time to Krypton’s dying days in order to kill baby Kal-El, which will prevent grown-up Kal-El from stopping General Zod’s takeover of Earth - or something along those lines. Motivations for various characters get muddy along the way, but the main point is that Chloe urges Clark to stop Brainiac and save himself, but Clark - feeling guilty for wrecking everyone’s lives - would rather see Brainiac succeed. Jor-El overhears this through the Kryptonian artifact in Clark’s hand and, like Clarence the angel, grants his biological son a chance to see what life would be like if he’d never come to Earth.

At first life is good. Clark learns that Jonathan Kent is still alive and the Kents have their own son named Clark. Perhaps he’s adopted, perhaps Martha was able to conceive after all – it’s never made clear. The real Clark also learns that Chloe and Lana are happily engaged, though not to each other (get your minds out of the gutter). Clark is convinced that his absence has made the world a better place. And then he learns that Lex is president of the United States, which understandably puts a damper on his day.

Lex somehow became leader of the free world through his exposure of meteor freaks (though he chooses to lead from his Smallville mansion rather than the White House. Hmm… could the interior decorators be budget-conscious producers perhaps?). High up in his cabinet are Kara (now known by her comic book secret identity of Linda Danvers) and Milton Fine, whom neither suspects is Brainiac. Clark enlists his cousin to stop Brainiac, who’s manipulating Lex into starting World War III. The android’s goal is to wipe out human life and repopulate with Kryptonians through Kara and Zod.

Taken as is, this episode is pretty good. There are quality details here and there - Lex’s white suit/black glove ensemble is a nice nod to the early episode where a precognitive woman foresaw his future presidency, the budding relationship between Lois and Clark finally offers some genuine chemistry, and an outer atmosphere shot of nukes striking continents is both horrifying and peaceful.

Taken as isn’t, however, this episode could’ve been great. Imagine for a moment an alternate version of THIS alternate version - What if this episode had been made a few seasons back when the full cast was in session? We’d actually get to see Martha Kent enjoy Jonathan Kent being alive, rather than only hear about them being on a cruise from a character we’ve never met before. We’d also get to see Clark interact with Lana and meet her fiancé, rather than just see a photo of them in Paris. The #1 rule of storytelling is show, don’t tell, but that’s tough to do when half of the actors have left the series.

UP NEXT: The 151st episode.

- Steve D’Arcangelo

Comments

[Jamie H.]

Being a constitutional scholar, I take umbrage with Lex's presidency as a strict violation of the 35 year old requirement. THe show respected the laws governing the drinking age by substantiating that Clark is over 21 (and allowed to join Lois for a drink - Hey lois! I'm 33 and would love to grab a cold one with you!). Perhaps a little respect for the presidential age limit, huh?

Likes from the show: Jimmy's bowtie

Dislikes: Clark & Kara's awkward incestual moment together in the kitchen (Stage Direction: Touch hand, look longingly into Tom's eyes and say " I'll always be here for you" - despite the fact she's been out of the last few shows with amnesia and globetrotting with Braniac)

[Gaius]

We don't know which year the AU takes place, so the age factor doesn't matter, also, if you use your imagination a bit, you could think the law could've been changed, whatever. And what about a President wearing a white suit, no big deal, is just an alternate world created by Jor-El, is not real to start with.

And sorry Jamie, but the incestual moment was in your head, typically puritan thoughts. What is wrong with showing feelings and some caring? Nothing, but it seems touching someone, even family is a sin, again, typical puritan mentality, thank God most people in this world are not cold and repressed like you are. Learn something about other cultures, is good for your intellect and tolerance.

"Apocalypse" is considered by many fans of the best episodes of the series, most people like it, Clark is getting closer to his Superman destiny (finally!).

[Dora]

I'm not sure what 'fans' you are referring to who liked this episode, the ones I know thought it was horrible.

As for Clark getting closer to his destiny - that destiny seems to be that of a judgemental, arrogant, cruel, holier that thou a**. This Clark could NEVER be Superman.

[20WilliamRoad]

I agree w/ Jamie H and Dora the Explorer -- This episode was not good. Sure, Gaius is right that it took place in Jor-El's made-up world but that world should be more based in reality (seriously, Lex runs USA from his mansion). And made up or not -- the near-kissing cousins moment between Clark and Kara is downright creepy. Jamie doesn't sound repressed or adverse to other cultures. he seems pretty normal. The Kara/Clark moment, however, is not.