Smallville, Season 9 Episode 1, 'Savior'

Show: Smallville
Episode: 9.01 'Savior'
Air Date: Friday, September 25, 2009 on the CW

The long running show of the origins of Superman enters its ninth season with yet another change to its storyline and characters. Clark Kent is dead and the Red Blue Blur, now known just as The Blur, has transitioned from a few modest saves to leaving his mark at the site of every save. Embracing his destiny, we find Clark has been making camp in the Fortress and starting the training Jor-El wanted him to do back in season 3. We are shown a side of Clark that has never been explored before - his dark side and not only in his new fashion choice. Every hero has a dark side and while Clark has chosen to let go of his hold on humanity, there is something - or should we say someone - keeping him from completely letting go.

Lois Lane, the growing intrepid reporter, has returned after having been MIA for three weeks with no recollection of where she's been and determined to meet The Blur. Unaware of the tragic death of [Henry] James Olsen, Lois brushes off a grieving Chloe [Sullivan] at the hospital and tracks down a guilt-ridden Oliver Queen cage fighting.

Chloe Sullivan has been hiding out in the home Jimmy bought for her trying to keep the Justice League together with her part as Watchtower. She meets with Dr. Emil Hamilton who eventually agrees to help Chloe. With his help, Chloe discovers two rips in the space-time-continuum and realizes that Lois was not the only one to have come from the future.

A mysterious woman is after her and Lois needs a hero's help to figure out why. Just as her hitwoman catches up to her The Blur appears and speedily takes her to the barn where, with the help of Blue Kryptonite, Clark defeats his apparent enemy but before doing so Clark is told he will be the cause of the end their world in one year's time.

Meanwhile Tess Mercer is being held hostage in the Luthor Mansion by Major Zod. Just when you think they're going to repeat a storyline, we discover this is not the General Zod we met in season 5. While he is ruthless as ever, it is quickly made evident he does not know exactly what his purpose is yet in this world. With a doubting team of Kryptonians, Zod manages to regain their allegiance with a powerful speech after which is revealed that the mysterious woman from the future Clark defeated is among Zod's army in present time.

While some may think this show should have ended years ago, Smallville has rejuvinated its purpose - telling the story leading up to that of the Man of Steel. We are no longer being shown a struggling outsider running from his destiny trying to fit in among the human race. Now we see an outsider embracing his destiny struggling to balance humanity and heroism. Clark has grown up and learned from his mistakes as is evident when he refuses Chloe's request that he use the Legion ring to go back in time and save Jimmy. He altered time before in season 5 and paid a steep price. It is refreshing to see characters that are moving forward and who aren't trapped in a cycle doomed to repeat their mistakes.

I must admit I had my suspicions about a season 9 in Smallville. Season 8 pushed Clark so close to breaking flight [which we get a glimpse of in this episode] and dawning that red and blue spandex suit that another season could ruin the purpose of the show. But with a brilliant writing staff, 'Savior' has proved to me that season 9 will be just as good, if not better, than season 8. As stated at Comic Con 2009, there are many sides to Clark Kent still to explore. As a loyal viewer of this series, I am excited to see how this season plays out. This premiere, possibly the show's best premiere yet, has set up for exciting story arcs from the possible Nazi-like regime of Major Zod to the growing love [triangle] between Clark, Lois and the Blur. And with the introduction to more comic book villains, such as John Corben [soon to be Metallo based on the next episode's title], the show keeps that side of the story interesting for its viewers. So in the end, I give this episode a 5/5 and personally cannot wait for the next episode.

Preview for 9.02 'Metallo':