“Warrior”

The major criticism of Smallville during its first season was its “Freak-of-the-Week” structure.  Clark would face a new meteor rock-infected villain each episode, and they would amount to little more than one-off’s.  Things could not be more different nine seasons in.  Smallville has gotten so deep into its Kryptonian and Kandorian mythology (a mythology that I am pretty sure differs notably from the comics mythology).  So now it is actually nice when we have a one-off tale such as “Warrior,” in which a boy discovers an enchanted comic book that turns him into “Warrior Angel,” a superhero destined to turn evil.  Highlights of the episode include Chloe lightening up for the day and playing Microsoft’s Wii-like Project Natal with the boy, Lois dressed as Wonder Woman at a comic book convention, and the return of the charming Serinda Swan as Zatanna.  There was nary a geek-out moment to be found, but still plenty of fun.

Next up: Desperate Housewives