(S09E14) There goes that possible future. Actually, the destruction of the solar tower was probably a good thing. Since we already saw where that would lead in that "future" storyline, we now have no idea where the season will go. Obviously, there will be some sort of Clark/Zod confrontation down the line, but the context remains a complete blank.

Here's hoping the writers think of something good and it doesn't become one of those 30-second final confrontations with the season's Big Bad in order to save on the special effects budget (so much for 'Doomsday').

When Lois dressed in her retro housewife outfit in an attempt to become a "submissive" wife, it was disappointing not to see Erica Durance wear a pillbox hat as an homage to the Noel Neill version of Lois. The Lois vs. Chloe pseudo-catfight was entertaining. Given the sheer number of costumes she hangs out with, it comes as no surprise that Chloe has learned how to defend herself. Remember the good old days when she actually had meteor powers?

This episode ended up being the 'Smallville' version of 'The Naked Time.' It did, however, have enough of a variation on the theme to keep it interesting (rather than drunk, the characters were mind-controlled). It was curious about how the meteor-rock-infected pixie dust didn't hurt Clark, but rather gave him this strange power. It was also curious about how the cure seemed to be good old-fashioned Kryptonite. I would make a comment about the speed at which Chloe found Clark and Tess at the end (and with the Kryptonite rock to boot), but it's 'Smallville.' It needs more of a suspension of disbelief.

It's also a good thing that they ended any pretense of Clark helping Zod and the Kandorians. It seemed odd that he was doing it in the first place. Who else noticed that Zod's flag looked a lot like a Nazi flag? Even worse, Zod was wearing some sort of Nazi commandant outfit during the funeral at the end. We get it. He's evil.

(On a side note, if anybody wants to see more excellent work by Callum Blue, I recommend the second season of 'The Secret Diary of a Call Girl.')

Also, could Tess have used the word "mercy" more times? We get the point of that one, as well. Just start calling her Mercy

Tonight's episode was a bit of a let-down compared to recent episodes, but it had some good points. Not all of them can be winners. There was some nice development of the Lois/Clark relationship in this one. The phone call between Ma Kent and Lois while she was in dancing bride mode is a nice set-up for the return of Annette O'Toole to the show, even if it's just for an episode.

There is still no official word from The CW about the show's tenth season. It would really suck for a series to make it this long and end on a cliffhanger.

(Check out free episodes of 'Smallville' at Slashcontrol.)