"Phantom" Advance Review
Written by Craig Byrne - KryptonSite Webmaster

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NOTE: This review contains some possible spoilers in the discussion of the Smallville sixth season finale, airing on Thursday night at 8PM on The CW.

Another season has come and gone, and on May 17, the sixth year of Smallville meets its conclusion.

One major requirement for a Smallville finale is that it has to be big... character interactions turn on their ears, and a lot of the most exciting material from the season all comes to a head. "Phantom" does that, but I do feel in some ways that the "Zoner" storyline for the most part was anticlimactic and badly handled this year, so seeing a conclusion from it all is a little unsatisfying since I never connected with it much in the first place.

The good parts? John Jones, the Martian Manhunter, makes a welcome return with some new revelations. There are some unique and good looking locations and as usual for Smallville, the show looks beautiful. There's some good payoff involving some other characters, and some questions are answered. That stuff is good.

There's a recap at the start of the episode showing scenes from the episode that all led up to this. Like the recap at the start of "Commencement," it makes the season itself look a lot better than it really was... but it totally gets you in the mood and caught up for a Smallville finale.

Clark & Lana (Clana) fans especially will like some scenes in the episode as they get some moments they've been waiting six years for. Some of that stuff might be as good as the oak tree for them. If you're one of those fans who's against the Clana, though, do not worry as it is not the primary focus of the episode. I didn't mind the Clana stuff myself, although I really don't understand why all of Lana's lines are whispered in a romantic scene.

"Phantom" gives us one of the scariest threats that Clark has ever faced, and this final Phantom - effects wise and in the things that he does - provides a formidable foe. I'm still not emotionally attached to the Zoners but for a one-shot deal, this seems to work.

We see some more of "Lois Lane, Reporter" in this one. I love seeing Lois in reporter mode although some fans will yell "lightswitch!" as the character seemed to have no interest in journalism at all before this year. Fortunately, this time she spared us from "drunk army base" references for the most part and there were no anvils in sight. Lois Lane's cousin, Chloe, didn't fare as well - serving mostly as a plot device and/or Lana cheerleader in characterizations that I know don't go over well for her fans.

John Glover shows in this episode that his portrayal as Lionel Luthor is one of the best parts of the show. I'm still confused about his intentions, but it's always clear that Glover gives it his all. I've always wondered why Clark doesn't use his super-hearing to detect Lionel's heartbeat to see if he is lying. Hey, that tactic would work for Sylar, why can't the world's greatest superhero do it? "Phantom" is one of those episodes that it's better to go into unspoiled; however, if you do happen to have some clues as to what's coming, all I can say is watch very closely, because everything may not be as it seems. Also, some story elements that had been spoiled have been altered or changed, so take from that what you may.

The effects in the final sequences of "Phantom" will probably be the highlight of the episode, so I'd really recommend sticking with it for the full hour. The final shot of the season is a payoff that looks even cooler than "Clark stuck in the Phantom Zone." I yelled at my TV with excitement.

Clark's final foe of Season 6 is (major spoiler warning) a "Bizarro" version of himself. I have to admit, I really like Clark a whole lot more when he's a bit more "bizarre." Tom Welling seems to have more fun playing him that way, and the battle between the two is one for the Smallville history books.

It has been revealed and hinted (even at KryptonSite's Rumorville) that at least one person will be leaving the show after this episode. In the case of one of those people, I surely hope that that person somehow returns in a guest shot, because their final scene really didn't give the character the send-off that they deserved.

As a Smallville finale, it might be one of my least favorites... but then again, that's in competition with episodes like "Tempest," "Covenant," and "Commencement" which were among the best of the entire series. There are still enough moments that you'll want to tune in and see it to see how certain things have been done. Personally, the highlight of Season 6 for me was the Justice League and not this Zoner stuff, so maybe it's my own inherent bitterness in missing their presence that would give this one only a 3 out of 5. However, if the final minutes are Season 6 are any indication, I have confidence that the Season 7 premiere will totally kick you know what.

Here are some K-Site-posted items to show you more about the episode:

Trailer Caps - Image Gallery - Spoilers - Forum

Note: The views of Craig Byrne don't necessarily represent the thoughts and feelings of everyone at KryptonSite. Discuss "Phantom" on the KryptonSite forum!

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