The final episode of Smallville, titled “Finale,” culminated in Clark Kent finally embracing his destiny and becoming Superman, saving Earth from Darkseid’s influence. After a decade of trials and tribulations, Clark overcomes his fears, dons the iconic suit, and takes to the skies to fulfill his heroic purpose.
Clark’s Final Test: Overcoming Doubt
The central conflict of “Finale” revolves around Darkseid’s arrival and his attempt to corrupt humanity. Lex Luthor, resurrected by the alien being, plays a crucial role in Darkseid’s plan to plunge the world into darkness. Clark, however, is plagued by self-doubt and the lingering fear of becoming the symbol of hope the world needs.
Facing the Darkness Within
Much of the episode focuses on Clark grappling with his insecurities. He believes he’s not ready to be Superman, fearing he’ll fail humanity. This internal struggle is personified by the presence of Lionel Luthor’s spirit, acting as a manipulative force, attempting to sway Clark towards darkness and convince him that humanity doesn’t deserve saving.
Love as an Anchor
Lois Lane serves as Clark’s anchor, providing unwavering support and reminding him of the good he’s capable of. Their relationship, cemented throughout the series, is pivotal in his journey. Her belief in him strengthens his resolve to confront Darkseid and embrace his destiny. Lois’s encouragement is the catalyst that allows Clark to ultimately shed his doubts and step into the light.
The Resurrection of Lex Luthor and Darkseid’s Influence
Lex Luthor’s resurrection, orchestrated by Darkseid, marks a significant turning point. While Lex retains his memories and intellect, he is initially a vessel for Darkseid’s power, spreading darkness and despair.
The Battle for Lex’s Soul
The episode depicts a compelling struggle for Lex’s soul. While Darkseid’s influence is strong, a flicker of humanity remains within Lex, hinting at the possibility of redemption. This internal conflict is further emphasized by Lex’s own realization of the devastation he has caused throughout his life.
Stopping Darkseid: A Global Effort
To defeat Darkseid, Clark needs to unite humanity and inspire them to resist the darkness. The episode showcases various characters fighting against Darkseid’s influence, highlighting the collective effort required to overcome such a formidable threat. This unity is a key theme, emphasizing the power of hope and collaboration in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Dawn of Superman: Taking Flight
The climax of “Finale” sees Clark finally accepting his role as Superman. He dons the iconic suit, a gift from Martha Kent, and uses the power of the sun to defeat Darkseid.
The Symbolic Suit
The Superman suit represents Clark’s complete transformation and his acceptance of his Kryptonian heritage and Earthly responsibilities. It symbolizes his willingness to serve as a beacon of hope for the world.
A New Era Begins
With Darkseid vanquished and Lex seemingly on the path to redemption (although memory-wiped), Clark embraces his destiny and takes to the skies. The episode concludes with a glimpse of Superman saving Metropolis from a catastrophic event, signifying the dawn of a new era of heroism. The final shot is a powerful and iconic image solidifying Clark Kent’s ultimate transformation into Superman.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Smallville’s Conclusion
FAQ 1: Why did it take ten seasons for Clark to become Superman?
Smallville’s central premise was to explore Clark Kent’s journey to becoming Superman. The creators wanted to delve into his formative years, his struggles with his identity, and the relationships that shaped him. The slow burn allowed for a more nuanced and relatable portrayal of the iconic hero. The journey was as important as the destination, allowing viewers to connect with Clark on a deeper level.
FAQ 2: What was the significance of Lionel Luthor’s presence as a spirit?
Lionel Luthor, despite his death, served as a symbol of Clark’s inner demons. He represented the temptation to succumb to darkness and the belief that humanity is inherently flawed. Overcoming Lionel’s influence was crucial for Clark to embrace his role as Superman, a symbol of hope and inspiration. Lionel served as the ultimate test of Clark’s moral compass.
FAQ 3: How did Lex Luthor get resurrected?
Lex Luthor was resurrected by Darkseid as a means to further his plan to corrupt humanity. Darkseid used a Lazarus Pit-like process (though never explicitly called that) to bring Lex back to life, albeit initially under Darkseid’s influence. This resurrection was a key element in creating chaos and despair, paving the way for Darkseid’s takeover. His resurrection was a strategic move by Darkseid.
FAQ 4: Why was Lex Luthor’s memory wiped at the end?
The memory wipe for Lex Luthor served multiple purposes. It allowed for a fresh start for the character, potentially opening the door for future appearances (which later happened in the Arrowverse). It also allowed the series to end on a hopeful note, suggesting that even someone as deeply flawed as Lex could have a chance at redemption. The memory wipe was a somewhat controversial, but ultimately hopeful, ending.
FAQ 5: What was the significance of Martha Kent giving Clark the Superman suit?
Martha Kent giving Clark the Superman suit was a powerful symbolic moment. It represented her unwavering belief in him and her acceptance of his destiny. The suit, crafted from Kryptonian cloth, connected him to his heritage and served as a tangible representation of his role as Superman. It was a passing of the torch from mother to son.
FAQ 6: Did the “Finale” episode deliver on the promise of seeing Superman in action?
While many fans found the “Finale” satisfying, some felt that the actual screen time devoted to Superman in action was limited. The focus remained on Clark’s internal struggles and his final acceptance of his destiny. However, the brief glimpse of Superman saving Metropolis was enough to confirm that he had finally arrived. Opinions remain divided on whether enough Superman was shown.
FAQ 7: What happened to Chloe Sullivan in the final episode?
Chloe Sullivan, played by Allison Mack, had a relatively minor role in the “Finale” episode. She was pregnant with Oliver Queen’s child and primarily served as a source of support for Clark and Oliver. Her reduced role was attributed to the actress’s own scheduling conflicts at the time. Her story was largely sidelined in the finale.
FAQ 8: What happened to Oliver Queen/Green Arrow?
Oliver Queen/Green Arrow plays a significant role in assisting Clark against Darkseid. He is temporarily possessed by Darkseid but is eventually freed. He continues his role as a protector of Star City, working alongside Superman in the future. He remains a key ally to Superman.
FAQ 9: Why didn’t Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor) appear in more episodes of the final season?
Michael Rosenbaum’s availability was limited during the final season. He only agreed to appear in the “Finale” after much negotiation. Scheduling conflicts and his commitment to other projects prevented him from having a larger role. His appearance, however brief, was crucial to the storyline.
FAQ 10: How did Smallville’s portrayal of Superman differ from other adaptations?
Smallville uniquely focused on Clark Kent’s formative years, exploring his relationships, his struggles with his powers, and his gradual acceptance of his destiny. Other adaptations often start with Superman already established as a hero. Smallville offered a more intimate and nuanced portrayal of the man behind the cape. It’s origin story focus set it apart.
FAQ 11: Was there any mention of Lois Lane’s knowledge of Clark’s secret identity?
The “Finale” confirms that Lois Lane is fully aware of Clark’s secret identity. This is a significant turning point in their relationship, solidifying their bond and allowing her to fully support him as Superman. Their relationship reaches a new level of trust and understanding.
FAQ 12: Did the ending of Smallville leave room for a potential continuation or reboot?
While the “Finale” provided a satisfying conclusion to Clark’s journey, it also left room for potential future stories. The emergence of Superman opens up a whole new world of possibilities. In fact, the Arrowverse later incorporated aspects of Smallville, indicating a willingness to revisit the world and characters. The ending was both definitive and open-ended.