Commentary With a Co-ed: Pete Ross returns to Smallville

by Ashley Gouveia

Last night, Pete Ross returned to Smallville, and massive product placement reared its not-so subtle head. (Hey, do you think Stride gum was a sponsor?)

When I heard that Pete was making his comeback for the first time since season three, I was thrilled. Of course, I was under the assumption that we were going to get tons of scenes with the old Torch gang back together. Nope, not a single one. I was holding out hope for Clark, Chloe, and Pete to have at least a farewell moment, but it never came. That was disappointing, to say the least.

I didn’t think it was going to be all hugs all the time, but because of the kryptonite-laced gum (was this a recycled season one plot?) Pete was pretty much awful to Clark. I guess I had expected him to return with a more meaningful purpose. I did like that Pete still had hostility toward Lionel and Lex. Apparently, Clark and Lana don’t hold any bad feelings toward Luthor, Sr, or he wouldn’t have been sitting in Clark’s kitchen having a cup of coffee, with Lana of all people.

There wasn’t a lot of Chloe in this episode, which was a little odd. I liked that she had a verbal sparring match with Lex in the Daily Planet office. Every time we get to see Chloe at the Daily Planet in reporter mode is a great thing. Allison Mack and Michael Rosenbaum always have top-notch scenes together. (Hear that CW?)

Kara still had amnesia and forgot that she was crushin’ on Jimmy. I had thought that there was still some sparkage in the opening concert scene. But Kara seemed to have Lex on the brain. He’s the only one she feels she can trust. Obviously, she has no idea what she’s doing. It also appears that Jim Bob is bored and wants Chloe back. For the love of all that is good television, please do not put those two back together!

Can someone explain to me Clark’s reasoning for not telling Kara who she really is? I don’t understand why he would take Lionel’s advice and keep it secret. Does he think she’s a flight risk (no pun intended)? With Clark not telling Kara, it’s only pushing her further toward Lex. He’s closer than ever to Clark’s secret.

Lionel’s a liar. I know, what a surprise! He had Kara’s bracelet not so safely secure in a safe, which Pete got his stretchy hands on. After that scene, the look on Clark’s face when Lionel helped him was awesome! “You and I need to talk.” Oh yeah!

Next week’s promo looked amazing! It looks like poor Clark is trapped in a kryptonite Rubik’s cube. Was that Chloe in the Fortress? I have a feeling that we are in for a memorable episode. ‘Till next week!

Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Friday.