“Obscura” centers around Lana developing psychic visions that connect her to a kidnapped Chloe. Meanwhile, a police deputy with a dark secret threatens to expose Clark’s abilities.
Smallville: Obscura (Season 1, Episode 20)
Introduction
In this thrilling episode, a gas explosion involving some meteor rock unleashes a new set of powers onto Lana Lang, granting her precognitive visions. Meanwhile, Chloe is kidnapped by a mysterious figure, and Clark must use his newfound abilities to save her before time runs out. It’s an interesting episode as it has a kind of horror/thriller vibe to it.
Episode Review
“Obscura” raises the stakes as Lana discovers her hidden potential. Her visions become a crucial tool in locating Chloe, adding a suspenseful layer to the episode. The performances are strong, with Kristin Kreuk delivering a compelling portrayal of Lana’s newfound powers and Allison Mack shining as the ever-resourceful Chloe.
While the special effects are relatively modest for the time (The explosion where Lana gets her power is particularly poorly done.), the focus remains on the characters and their relationships. The episode delves deeper into Clark and Lana’s growing bond, as well as the budding friendship between Clark and Chloe. The music complements the dramatic atmosphere, with tracks like “No Such Thing” by John Mayer adding emotional depth.
Overall, “Obscura” is a well-crafted episode that delivers suspense, compelling character development, and a satisfying conclusion while mixing in supernatural elements with crime drama. It ranks among the best of Season 1 and sets the stage for the upcoming finale.
This episode effectively builds tension through both supernatural and procedural elements. The combination of Lana’s psychic visions and a corrupt cop creates a unique and compelling narrative.
The relationship dynamics are particularly well-handled. Clark’s dedication to saving Chloe, while working closely with Lana, creates interesting emotional tension. Meanwhile, Chloe’s journalistic instincts leading her into danger feels true to her character.
Deputy Watts makes for an effective villain because he represents a more grounded threat than the typical meteor freak. His position of authority and knowledge of Clark’s abilities create genuine suspense.
Episode Rating: 4/5 Stars
Plot Breakdown
Lana’s Visions Begin:
- After a gas explosion at a meteor crater, Lana starts having disturbing visions.
- She’s able to see through the eyes of someone who has kidnapped Chloe.
- The visions are disorienting and frightening for her.
Chloe’s Investigation:
- Before her kidnapping, Chloe is investigating suspicious police activity.
- She gets too close to uncovering Deputy Watts’ criminal activities.
- This leads to her abduction.
Clark’s Dilemma:
- Clark must help find Chloe while keeping his powers secret.
- He works with Lana to interpret her visions.
- Deputy Watts becomes suspicious of Clark’s abilities.
The Investigation:
- Lex helps Clark investigate Chloe’s disappearance.
- They discover Deputy Watts’ connection to other missing persons cases.
- Lana’s visions become more intense and revealing.
Watts’ Threat:
- Deputy Watts realizes Clark has special abilities.
- He uses this knowledge to try to manipulate Clark.
- The threat of exposure adds tension to Clark’s rescue efforts.
The Rescue:
- Clark uses Lana’s visions to locate Chloe.
- He confronts Deputy Watts in a final showdown.
- Chloe is saved, but questions arise about how Clark found her.
Resolution:
- Watts is arrested.
- Lana’s visions fade away.
- Chloe’s suspicions about Clark grow stronger.
Lessons Learned
- Lana learns to embrace her newfound powers and use them for good.
- Clark realizes the extent of his abilities and his responsibility to protect others.
- The friendship between Clark and Chloe deepens as they face a common threat.
Connection to Superman
- This episode showcases Clark’s growing understanding of his powers and his potential to become Superman.
- Lana’s precognitive visions foreshadow Clark’s own telepathic abilities.
- The theme of responsibility and protecting others is a recurring motif in Superman’s story.
Photos
Music
| Song | Artist/Band | Scene |
|---|---|---|
| “Piano Fire” | Sparklehorse | Plays when Lana tells Clark about her first vision. |
| “Silent To The Dark” | The Electric Soft Parade | When Pete announces that he’s going to the Formal with Erica. |
| “Just Another” | Pete Yorn | Plays when Clark is describing to Lana how he first met Chloe. |
| “Two Stones In My Pocket” | Neil Halstead | Plays when Whitney shows Lana his dad’s medals from Vietnam. |
| “No Such Thing” | John Mayer | Played at the end, when Clark asks Chloe to the Spring Formal. |
Review Notes
- It seems weird to me that Chloe has a cell phone, I would guess that the odds of Smallville having a tower in 2001 are fairly slim.
- When the bullets hit Clark it actually clanks, man of steel, get it?
- I feel like we are getting a lot of horror/thriller vibes in the last few episodes.
- The effect when Lana sees the bullet from the policeman’s eye is kind of cool.
- The character of Lana Lang becomes more complex and interesting as she discovers her hidden powers.
- Will Lana continue to have powers?
- The friendship between Clark and Chloe continues to grow stronger will it become romance or is Clark forever screwed.
- Lex having a piece of the spacecraft will come back I am sure. Probably in next weeks finale and what will be I am sure a cliffhanger.
Freak of the Week:
Lana gets a S tier, because how could she not.
Next Week:
Season 1 finale: Tempest: Will Lex finding the piece of the spacecraft tie in, seems like it should. My guess is Clark will somehow get that piece back from Lex or otherwise make it disappear.