Let’s dive into Smallville Season 1, Episode 6, “Hourglass.”
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Episode Overview
Title: Hourglass
Air Date: November 20, 2001
Director: Chris Long
Writers: Doris Egan
Plot Summary
In “Hourglass,” Smallville continues to explore the theme of fate and destiny, a recurring motif throughout the series. The episode centers on Clark Kent and two elderly residents of a retirement home, Harry Bollston and Cassandra Carver, both of whom have connections to supernatural abilities.
- Cassandra Carver is a blind woman who has the power to see the future through physical contact. Her visions are often cryptic and disturbing, revealing glimpses of what is to come for those she touches.
- Harry Bollston is a seemingly frail old man who, after falling into a meteor rock-infused pond, reverts to his teenage self. Now possessing the vitality of his youth, Harry embarks on a revenge spree, targeting the descendants of the jurors who convicted him of murder decades ago.
The most beautiful retirement home in America is apparently in Smallville
As Clark interacts with Cassandra, she sees a glimpse of his destiny, including a cryptic image of graves and a scene of Clark standing in a desolate field surrounded by death. This vision hints at Clark’s future as a hero with a heavy burden to bear.
Meanwhile, the younger version of Harry, now calling himself “Jude Royce,” targets several of the jurors’ descendants, leading to a series of mysterious deaths. Clark and his friends eventually piece together Harry’s true identity and his vengeful motives. Clark confronts Harry and prevents him from killing Lana Lang, who is one of his intended victims. Harry ultimately falls back into the same pond, reverting to his elderly form and losing his powers.
The episode ends with Cassandra sharing one last vision with Lex Luthor. She sees Lex standing in the Oval Office, surrounded by a field of blood-red roses that turn black and wither away. This foreshadowing hints at Lex’s potential for darkness and the tragic path he might take.
Key Themes and Analysis
- Fate and Destiny: “Hourglass” is heavily centered on the theme of destiny. Cassandra’s visions serve as a narrative device to explore the characters’ futures, particularly Clark’s burden as Earth’s future protector and Lex’s potential for corruption. The episode raises questions about whether the future is set in stone or if it can be altered by choice.
- Justice and Revenge: Harry’s storyline embodies the classic tale of revenge, where the sins of the past haunt the present. His character highlights the dangers of holding onto past grievances and the destructive power of revenge.
- The Burden of Power: Clark’s journey is further complicated by the weight of the future he glimpses. The vision of death surrounding him reflects the loneliness and responsibility that will come with his powers. This episode marks an early moment where Clark begins to grasp the implications of his abilities on a larger, more cosmic scale.
- Lex’s Dark Path: The vision Cassandra shares with Lex is one of the most chilling moments in the series. It foreshadows Lex’s eventual transformation into a powerful, morally ambiguous figure, suggesting that his destiny might be as dark as it is great.
Memorable Moments
- Cassandra’s Visions: Her scenes with both Clark and Lex are some of the most iconic in early Smallville, as they provide crucial hints about the characters’ futures.
- Lex’s Vision: The sight of Lex in the field surrounded by bones while being pelted with blood rain is a powerful visual that stays with viewers long after the episode ends. It’s a haunting representation of the potential for darkness within Lex.
- Clark’s Heroic Rescue: The climax of the episode, where Clark saves Lana from Harry, showcases Clark’s growing awareness of his role as a protector and the moral dilemmas he will face.
Lex’s vision of the future is bleak as hell.
Final Thoughts
“Hourglass” is a standout episode in Smallville‘s first season, not just for its engaging plot but for the way it deepens the show’s exploration of fate, power, and morality. The episode is a turning point that begins to set the stage for the more complex character arcs that will develop over the course of the series, especially for Clark and Lex. With its blend of supernatural intrigue and character-driven drama, “Hourglass” is a must-watch for fans of the show.
By far my favorite episode to date in this rewatch.