FANATIC (S5E10) Life Imitating Smallville Politics & Uncomfortable Head Shaving Antics
Entertainment
Introduction
Welcome back to 'tville', the ultimate Smallville rewatch podcast! Your hosts Ryan Tas, Tom Welling, and myself, Michael Rosenbaum, are here to break down the latest episode we've revived from the archives: Season 5, Episode 10, titled "Fanatic," which originally aired on January 12, 2006. After last week’s thrilling "Lexmas," this week’s episode was a bit of a mixed bag—while it may not have reached the heights of its predecessor, there are still plenty of moments to unpack. We want to thank our listeners for their support and encourage you to check out my other podcast, "Inside of You," where we've had an array of fantastic guests. You can also show your support for the show at Patreon.com/talk, where you can help keep the magic alive.
Episode Overview
"Fanatic" dives straight into the political rivalry between Lex Luthor and Jonathan Kent, as tensions escalate and personal boundaries are pushed. We are treated to a dramatic recap which sets the stage for Jonathan’s campaign demeanor, juxtaposed with Lex’s cunning political strategies. Early in the episode, we see Jonathan Kent delivering a corn-filled campaign speech when a gunman, under the influence of Lex's political pressure, prepares to take a shot at him.
The episode’s tension picks up when Lex’s campaign gains dark undertones; his team will stop at nothing to get the upper hand. Lex tries to reach a youthful demographic in his campaign but faces off against Jonathan’s traditional farming values. The characters slowly reveal their moral quandaries. At one point, a mysterious voice modulated call implores Jonathan to step down, escalating the threat level.
Meanwhile, romantic entanglements complicate matters further, as Clark and Lana navigate their relationship while dealing with the intense pressure of the political landscape. This adds an interesting layer to their already complicated relationship.
Perhaps one of the most seminal moments of the episode occurs when Clark saves Jonathan from an assassin's bullet, demonstrating his ever-growing powers while reinforcing the show’s themes of family and protection. As Cold War-esque paranoia weaves through the political narrative, we witness Samantha, Lex's obsessive supporter, veer into dangerous territory.
Uncomfortable Head Shaving Antics
One of the more disturbing subplots involves Samantha's extreme show of loyalty—shaving her head to showcase her dedication to Lex. While this was a bold choice for the character, it brought about feelings of discomfort, especially considering the youthfulness of the actress portraying her. The scene illustrates her spiral into obsession, leading to major consequences as she becomes increasingly volatile in her support for Lex.
The episode leaves us reflecting on the blurred lines between support, obsession, and morality in the political arena, encapsulating a blend of drama, humor, and discomfort.
Conclusion
Overall, "Fanatic" encapsulates a series of strong performances while moving the plot forward in significant ways. The moral ambiguities of Ryan and Jonathan's choices dot the landscape of Smallville, set against the backdrop of relational dynamics that threaten to explode at any moment. So, as we prepare for next week's episode, "Lockdown," take some time to ponder the implications of politics in our own lives and how loyalty can often lead us to uncomfortable decisions.
Keywords
- Smallville
- Fanatic
- Lex Luthor
- Jonathan Kent
- Political rivalry
- Samantha Drake
- Head shaving
- Obsession
- Family values
FAQ
Q: What is the primary theme of the episode "Fanatic"?
A: The episode explores the tensions and moral dilemmas within political rivalries, showcasing extreme loyalty and obsession.
Q: How does Clark save Jonathan in this episode?
A: Clark uses his super-speed to intercept a bullet aimed at Jonathan, highlighting his protective instincts and growing powers.
Q: What uncomfortable action does Samantha take in the episode?
A: Samantha shows her extreme loyalty to Lex by shaving her head, which brings about a feeling of discomfort regarding her character's obsession.
Q: Who is the director and writer of Season 5, Episode 10?
A: The episode was directed by Michael R. and written by Wendy Mericle, marking her first and only episode in the Smallville series.
Q: How did "Fanatic" impact the relationships in the show?
A: The episode deepens the complexity of Clark and Lana’s relationship while further complicating Jonathan’s position in the political campaign against Lex.