Smallville (TV Series) Phoenix (2003) User Reviews

Disappointing and Totally Flawed Conclusion

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 2 May 2006]

The conclusion of the three last episodes of "Smallville" is very disappointing and totally flawed. The writer has opened so many situations that was impossible to give a satisfactorily and coherent end. I may list many examples: (1) Lana Lang kills one criminal of Morgan Edge (Rutger Hauer)'s gang in the barn of Kent Farm; Morgan himself and another gangster die in Metropolis later, but there is no investigation, connection or consequences; (2) Along three months, Clark Kent had stolen banks and spent the money in night-clubs, expensive cars and girls. In the end, a simple phone call to the police telling where "the rest" of the money is redeems his previous actions; (3) Why Clark Kent did not use his "super-speed" to save both Jonathan and Martha Kent from Morgan Edge criminals? Just because they were a few meters apart? (4) Why Clark Kent need to show his vulnerability to kryptonite to Morgan Edge? The criminal had no idea what he was looking for, so it would be much easy to deceive him. (5) Dr. Helen Bryce falls from Lex Luthor's airplane immediately after his return. There is no investigation, and nobody suspects of this tragic accident? (6) Clark Kent spent practically all the episodes trying to reach the heart of Lana Lang. When she is absolutely fallen for him, he simply gives her up? (7) Jonathan Kent's attitude towards Lex has always been of arrogance, scorn and disdain. But he easily accepts that Lex buys his farm in the auction and puts it back on his name. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Fênix" ("Phoenix")

Excellent and Surprising

[Rcwilkinson123 · 9/10 · 16 October 2007]

The second half of a two-part series to start Season 3 doesn't disappoint. Though the explanations behind some crimes are not mentioned much, it doesn't take much away from this killer episode.

Somebody needs to stop Clark from his heists in Metropolis, and bring him back to Earth- er, make that the farm. It's surprising who gets the power to do this. Lex finally gets back in town and sets in motion his revenge on Helen. A new evil figure comes into play in Morgan Edge, and he threatens main characters until Clark is able to help. Most of all, Clark and Lana's relationship takes a surprising turn, thanks to Clark.

I loved how this episode resolved, both how Clark was brought back and how Lex works on vengeance. I also love how Clark turns away Lana for the first time when everything looks good in their relationship. For all three of these reasons, the episode surprised me, which made it all the better.

Makes a great advance with the protagonist.

[felipeandresrodriguezberrocal · 10/10 · 27 February 2020]

That chapter besides of make a great advance on Clark and Lex's stories, leave us more close of see clark becoming Superman.

Mixture of moving and mushy

[preciouschild · 6/10 · 9 February 2007]

There were some bits about this that did not really work. For me it was particularly Jonathan's acceptance of Lex's gift. I guess he had to accept it back to make the story work, but still, come on, we know Jonathan. On the whole, this episode was okay, but I think my biggest problem with it is that there were bits that were just too mushy. Lex's conversation with Lionel at the end and the compass story. The whole Helen bit just seemed like the writers/producers were not sure what to do with the story, so they just did the best they could. And it's also quite typical that everyone that knows Clark's secret is killed off. My best part was when Clark saw Lex, after he came back. That part was well acted and quite moving.