Saturday, March 15, 2008

What I'm Watching: Smallville

Smallville: Season 7, Episode 13 “Hero” (F)

Welcome back, “Smallville”! And welcome back Pete! I figured I should say it, since no one seemed the least bit surprised that after several years off the show, he just waltzed back in as if nothing had changed (save for some unconvincing bit about having to travel around to get jobs where he can). Pete’s presence is completely overshadowed by the horrific nonstop shameless advertising for Stride gum. Unlike say, “Pulp Fiction”, where a fake burger chain is invented for Samuel L. Jackson to rail on about, there is not even any attempt to cover up the fact that this whole episode is just an ad for Stride gum. Seriously, meteor-infected gum? Chloe even directly quotes the slogan (like when someone gave Ellen an Olive Garden gift certificate on “Damages” and said “When you’re there, you’re family”) and Pete tosses Chloe a pack and says “it’s Kryptonite free!” The e-mail program and virus computer simulations are horrendous, and all the popular music played live in this episode feels horribly out of place with all the kryptonite and everything. The last scene is the only redeeming part, but the way that it got there almost ruins it.

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