This review may contain spoilers.
"Smallville" is certainly embracing his comic book heritage this year, dabbling with characters like Zod, Metallo, Roulette and Speedy ... now it can add the Wonder Twins to the line-up.
In their series debut though, Zan and Jayna (David Gallagher and Alison Scagllioti) were relegated to a B-class story in which they provide a convenient way for Clark Kent (Tom Welling) to dodge the professional curiosity of Lois Lane (Erica Durance), who now believes him to be The Blur. Unlike most origins-themed stories, "Idol" dismisses the need to explain who the Twins are or why they can do what they do, instead entrusting the audience to already be fully initiated into the DC saga.
It was by no means a disaster, but with a couple of DC's more entertaining heroes on the scene you can't help but be disappointed by the encounter. Either unable or unwilling to delve into their backstory, no mentions are made of the Planet Exxor or their training as heroes. While to hardened comicbook fans this may seem like a travesty, but given the limited nature of their involvement in the episode this turns out to be a blessing in disguise; why waste time on a history lesson when the Twins can get right to work.
They are fun, energetic enthusiastic and come complete with their own catchphrase, "Powers, activate," and their intro was brilliant; a seedy crime boss examines his glittering quarry when a jungle cat lunged onto the limo. And, as the car tries to evade, a floor of ice spreads across the road and the car careens into a power station. Then, through some nifty visuals, the duo transforms into their teenage selves.
Gallagher and Scagllioti are, well, wonderful as the twins which is one of the many reasons that their backseat intro to "Smallville" lacks the impact it deserves. Secondly, the call out of The Blur by the D.A. is reminiscent of "The Dark Knight" only without the style, budget or scope that that big screen adventure was built with.
Twins aside, "Idol" serves as a way to bring the building Clark and Lois relationship back into the spotlight following their surprise kiss a few weeks back, and it does so without any of the enchantment that previous efforts have included. It's not quite a flat affair but when it comes to The Blur the couple always entertain.
What Worked
Without a doubt, Gallagher and Scagllioti were perfect for the roles of Zan and Jayna, and their enthusiastic portrayal carries a tremendous energy that comes as a breath of fresh air given some of the heavy elements that "Smallville" has dealt with recently. More than that, there is a chance they will be back.
The effects given to their powers comes with a feeling of childhood magic, particularly the lady bird sequence as Jayna flutters in through Watchtowers window and gives us a remarkable 360 shot of the facility. Not to mention, with a reference to meteor freaks, writers resisted the need to have their abilities explained by a meteor infection and instead drops hints at an extra-terrestrial origin (think Swedish transfer students).
And, for fans of the two characters, their phones are emblazoned with the image of Gleek, their space-monkey from the animated series.
"Idol" also included a brilliant new villain who, unfortunately, turns out to be a one-shot wonder instead of a new long running baddie. It comes as another misstep following the short-lived encounter with Metallo, but then again, with another villain on the scene, the absent Maj. Zod would be in danger of losing some of his appeal.
And of course, who can forget the twisted dreams for the future. How ominous ...
What Didn't Work
First and foremost, the screen time offered to the Twins is far less than what is deserved. But, if the duo does make a return, it will surely make it a more substantial encounter.
Secondly, Lois' therapy failed to capture any kind of emotional resonance and seems like an artificial way for the character to explore her conflicted feelings for Clark.
Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due
"Smallville" stars Tom Welling, Erica Durance, Allison Mack, Justin Hartley, Cassidy Freeman and Callum Blue. "Kandor" was written by Anne Cofell Saunders and was directed by Glen Winter.
"Smallville" airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on The CW.
About the Author:
Alan Stanley Blair is the news editor for Airlock Alpha and assistant news editor for its sister site, Inside Blip. Contributing from his home in Scotland, he is currently studying for a diploma in freelance journalism and feature writing.