This is one of my favorite episodes. The sense of all coming to an end, the wind that's always blowing preparing you for what's to come.. Clark&Chloe combo works so well, and I really like the period when they're together. I'm a guy and there's just something about Chloe (Allison Mack) that's just very appealing you know. I always find myself rooting for Chloe. And right before they kiss something happens. Damn that was the climax. That should of happened man.. if only for a second. But hey they had to do it interesting and Clark wasn't gonna end up with her anyway. Tornados look awesome. Greg Beeman did this episode of course. He's the man! He directs the best episodes. final verdict: 10/10 a perfect way to end a season
6 Reviews
The Best and Last Episode of the First Season To Be Continued
claudio_carvalho9 April 2006
Lionel Luthor fires all the employees from the Luthor's Plant to force Lex Luthor to move to Metropolis. Clark Kent invites Chloe Sullivan to the spring prom, and Whitney Fordman joins the Marines. The snoopy and despicable reporter Roger Nixon (Tom O'Brien) from The Inquisitor steels the piece of Clark Kent's spacecraft from Lex's mansion and finds the truth about the Kents. Meanwhile, three tornadoes threaten Lana Lang and Smallville. A beam collapses over Lionel Luthor putting his life in danger.
"Tempest" is definitely the best episode of the First Season of Smallville; unfortunately, this is an episode to be continued. There are many action along this story, and as a curiosity, Remy Zero performs the theme song "Save Me" at Smallville High's spring prom. My vote is ten.
Title (Brazil): "Tempestade" ("Storm")
"Tempest" is definitely the best episode of the First Season of Smallville; unfortunately, this is an episode to be continued. There are many action along this story, and as a curiosity, Remy Zero performs the theme song "Save Me" at Smallville High's spring prom. My vote is ten.
Title (Brazil): "Tempestade" ("Storm")
Season One: Balanced On The Precipice Of "Great vs. Solid" (7/10 stars)
zkonedog3 July 2019
I originally watched this first season of Smallville at the perfect time for me: a few years after graduating a small-town high school and thus harboring a twinge of nostalgia for those times/events. I was immediately hooked and would watch the show--even through the rocky times--to completion.
Nearly 20 years later the time felt right for a re-watch, and I was intrigued by how I might react to the plucky little WB show that ultimately attracted an enormous following as the years piled up. What I found was an inaugural season that finds itself balanced on a precipice: On one hand, all the pieces are in place for true greatness; on the other it could very easily be standard teen/tween fare for its network and times. Both of those observations are readily apparent over this season's 21 installments.
For a very basic overview, S1 of Smallville introduces viewers to the basic Superman canon: a young boy in a spacecraft falls into a Smallvile, KS cornfield and is adopted by Jonathan (John Schneider) and Martha (Annette O'Toole) Kent. They quickly discover that this child has powers not of this earth. After that preamble, of sorts, this series picks up with Clark Kent (Tom Welling) now in high school and struggling with the normal adolescent angst--while also of course harboring an enormous secret that not even he fully understands. When not pining for the unrequited love of Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk), chumming with Pete Ross (Sam Jones III), or learning the journalistic ropes from HS newspaper editor Chloe Sullivan (Allison Mack), he also develops a unique friendship with a Smallville newcomer--rich young playboy Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum), exiled to farm country by father Lionel (John Glover).
The hallmark of Smallville's first season is that it clearly has a vision for the Clark Kent character and sticks to it pretty religiously. Series creators Al Gough and Miles Millar are adamant about the "no tights, no flights" rule--this is "high school Clark" only, not anywhere near "burgeoning Superman". It would be so tempting to push the cape-and-suit angle of a show like this right away, but this is all set up for the long game, which I respect tremendously.
Part and parcel to that, it largely captures the gravitas/feel of mid-2000s high school life. Because of that ability, it appeals to an almost embarrassingly large audience. For example, I was initially exposed to the show by a sister years my junior. She watched it for the soap-operatic content; me for the subtle hints at a large mythology. This is a show that worked for a wide demographic, and a handful of episodes here are truly compelling for both audience types.
Certain character interactions are also pretty memorable: Clark pining for Lana, any Lex/Lionel scene, and the overall Kent family dynamic are strong from beginning to end.
Yet, at the same time, Smallville's first season doesn't necessarily earn a "great" rating (8+ stars) from me. The "meteor freak of the week" formula gets stale about halfway through, moments of over-acting are sometimes a bit ridiculous, and the peppy dialogue is often as grating as it is humorous or clever. There are episodes that are a bit boring or tough to get through because it is so clear that time is being bided to fill out an entire-season order (20+ episodes).
This critique extends to some specific characters too: Chloe's ultimate S1 arc is underplayed until it is suddenly overplayed, Pete is pretty marginalized throughout, and Whitney (Eric Johnson) is a character set up to be so hated that it is basically impossible to empathize with him even when the show tries to pivot towards that angle again and again.
Overall, I still have a tremendous amount of nostalgia for Smallville, and that of course begins with this first season. That certainly counts for something in the overall rating. But I can't go higher than 7/10 stars because upon its conclusion, there is absolutely no way to know if it would grow to greatness or continue to be an entertaining-if-stretched "Superman's Creek" for the teen-focused WB network. Based on previous experience I can pretty confidently say that the show takes the former route and not the latter, but here in S1 that was still very much a 50/50 proposition.
Nearly 20 years later the time felt right for a re-watch, and I was intrigued by how I might react to the plucky little WB show that ultimately attracted an enormous following as the years piled up. What I found was an inaugural season that finds itself balanced on a precipice: On one hand, all the pieces are in place for true greatness; on the other it could very easily be standard teen/tween fare for its network and times. Both of those observations are readily apparent over this season's 21 installments.
For a very basic overview, S1 of Smallville introduces viewers to the basic Superman canon: a young boy in a spacecraft falls into a Smallvile, KS cornfield and is adopted by Jonathan (John Schneider) and Martha (Annette O'Toole) Kent. They quickly discover that this child has powers not of this earth. After that preamble, of sorts, this series picks up with Clark Kent (Tom Welling) now in high school and struggling with the normal adolescent angst--while also of course harboring an enormous secret that not even he fully understands. When not pining for the unrequited love of Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk), chumming with Pete Ross (Sam Jones III), or learning the journalistic ropes from HS newspaper editor Chloe Sullivan (Allison Mack), he also develops a unique friendship with a Smallville newcomer--rich young playboy Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum), exiled to farm country by father Lionel (John Glover).
The hallmark of Smallville's first season is that it clearly has a vision for the Clark Kent character and sticks to it pretty religiously. Series creators Al Gough and Miles Millar are adamant about the "no tights, no flights" rule--this is "high school Clark" only, not anywhere near "burgeoning Superman". It would be so tempting to push the cape-and-suit angle of a show like this right away, but this is all set up for the long game, which I respect tremendously.
Part and parcel to that, it largely captures the gravitas/feel of mid-2000s high school life. Because of that ability, it appeals to an almost embarrassingly large audience. For example, I was initially exposed to the show by a sister years my junior. She watched it for the soap-operatic content; me for the subtle hints at a large mythology. This is a show that worked for a wide demographic, and a handful of episodes here are truly compelling for both audience types.
Certain character interactions are also pretty memorable: Clark pining for Lana, any Lex/Lionel scene, and the overall Kent family dynamic are strong from beginning to end.
Yet, at the same time, Smallville's first season doesn't necessarily earn a "great" rating (8+ stars) from me. The "meteor freak of the week" formula gets stale about halfway through, moments of over-acting are sometimes a bit ridiculous, and the peppy dialogue is often as grating as it is humorous or clever. There are episodes that are a bit boring or tough to get through because it is so clear that time is being bided to fill out an entire-season order (20+ episodes).
This critique extends to some specific characters too: Chloe's ultimate S1 arc is underplayed until it is suddenly overplayed, Pete is pretty marginalized throughout, and Whitney (Eric Johnson) is a character set up to be so hated that it is basically impossible to empathize with him even when the show tries to pivot towards that angle again and again.
Overall, I still have a tremendous amount of nostalgia for Smallville, and that of course begins with this first season. That certainly counts for something in the overall rating. But I can't go higher than 7/10 stars because upon its conclusion, there is absolutely no way to know if it would grow to greatness or continue to be an entertaining-if-stretched "Superman's Creek" for the teen-focused WB network. Based on previous experience I can pretty confidently say that the show takes the former route and not the latter, but here in S1 that was still very much a 50/50 proposition.
The Weakest Season, But a Solid Stary
themanofhope29 October 2016
Smallville: Season 1 is the start of a great origin story for superman. The show is actually the best superhero show I have ever seen and the first season is no exception. The effects are actually great for a made for TV program and the acting is amazing especially from Michael Rosenbaum who plays Lex Luthor. The weakest actor in the first season is probably Lana Lang, who is played by Kristin Kreuk but after a couple of episodes she starts to get the hang of it. The biggest bugger in the season would probably be that their are way to many filler episodes and not enough continuous plot. But I could understand that coming from a show that just started but the freak of the weak story lines get old, fast and some of the action sequences are way too short. But the show is just so down to earth, relatable and fun to watch that the viewer forgets about the flaws and digs right into the excitement. The best episodes in the season were probably the pilot, rogue,leech, nicodemus and the finale. The worst episodes were probably craving and reaper. Otherwise the show is a great start to the superman legend with great casting, visual effects and just being so much fun. I'm giving season 1 of Smallville a 7.6/10.
Season Ends with a Bang!
gab-147121 February 2022
"Tempest" is Smallville's first season's finale. Some people considered the episode a letdown, but I was rather enthralled. There are some major cliffhangers that riled people up but ain't that a point of a cliffhanger? The season was a great one overall. The producers had to change the villain-of-the-week storyline for a more substantial story midseason, and color me surprised with how well it worked. All of the characters were fantastic. Tom Welling makes a great Clark Kent. In my mind, Michael Rosenbaum is the season's MVP. The way he made Lex Luthor to be a good guy with darkness lurking is incredible. Sooner than later, that darkness will find its way to the forefront. The season is also all about its relationships, romantically and otherwise. Clark spent most of the season trying to express his love for Lana. He did manage to find some sweet moments with Chloe much to Pete's chagrin in this episode. I am doubtful that will last. Chloe says she will never talk to Clark again if he leaves her. Prom night is here...and what does he do? You better watch to find out.
Lionel Luthor makes his return to Smallville to shut down Lex's plant so Lex can join in him in Metropolis thus firing 2,500 workers. He does not wish to join his father, so he schemes to buy back the plant and have it run under local management. Lionel is not about to be outdone by his son. In other plot points, Whitney tells Lana he is dropping out of school to join the military. He tells Clark to watch over Lana. Roger Nixon, the despicable reporter, is back in the picture when he steals a piece of spacecraft from Lex's mansion and eventually finds out the truth about the Kents even going as far as to threaten Jonathan. Then, to change the lives of many, a tornado appears. Lana might just happen to be straight in the path of the twister. Clark cannot leave prom, right?
This is a great way to end the season. I am excited to see how everything is resolved in Season Two. In terms of storylines, I am glad the Whitney storyline is over. Eric Johnson did a decent job, but that was the weakest plot of the season. I am excited to see what happens between Lana and Clark as we progress forward. The episode has some good visual effects. The tornado was convincing enough. I am also ready to see what happens between Lex and his father. There is some bad blood, and I am there for it.
My Grade: A+
Lionel Luthor makes his return to Smallville to shut down Lex's plant so Lex can join in him in Metropolis thus firing 2,500 workers. He does not wish to join his father, so he schemes to buy back the plant and have it run under local management. Lionel is not about to be outdone by his son. In other plot points, Whitney tells Lana he is dropping out of school to join the military. He tells Clark to watch over Lana. Roger Nixon, the despicable reporter, is back in the picture when he steals a piece of spacecraft from Lex's mansion and eventually finds out the truth about the Kents even going as far as to threaten Jonathan. Then, to change the lives of many, a tornado appears. Lana might just happen to be straight in the path of the twister. Clark cannot leave prom, right?
This is a great way to end the season. I am excited to see how everything is resolved in Season Two. In terms of storylines, I am glad the Whitney storyline is over. Eric Johnson did a decent job, but that was the weakest plot of the season. I am excited to see what happens between Lana and Clark as we progress forward. The episode has some good visual effects. The tornado was convincing enough. I am also ready to see what happens between Lex and his father. There is some bad blood, and I am there for it.
My Grade: A+
What a Finale!
Rcwilkinson12314 September 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Wow. What a finish to Season 1. Several characters stories' come to a temporary climax in Tempest.
Lex is surprised when his father, Lionel Luthor, arrives in Smallville and officially closes down the Luther Corp Fertilizer Plant, firing all 2,500 employees, forcing Lex to move to Metropolis to help Lionel run his evil corporate empire. Undaunted, Lex tries to hold off his unscrupulous father by meeting with the foremen to buy back the plan to put it under local management. But Lionel tries to stop the workers by threatening to have the banks forgo on their mortgages.
Meanwhile, Clark Kent invites Chloe Sullivan to the spring formal, upsetting Pete, who now has nobody to ask. At a picnic, Whitney tells Lana that he is going to join the Marines and will be leaving Smallville for boot camp the following day. The snoopy and despicable reporter Roger Nixon from The Inquisitor steals the piece of Clark Kent's spacecraft from Lex's mansion and finally discovers Clark's secret. Before leaving town, Whitney tells Clark to watch over Lana and essentially gives Clark his blessing to date her.
However, after Lana drops off Whitney at the local bus stop, a series of massive tornadoes strike Smallville, and threatens Lana in her trapped car. One tornado hits the Luthor mansion, where a fatally threatening beam collapses over Lionel Luthor. A wounded Lex stands over his father deciding whether or not to let him die. Nixon threatens Jonathan for more information about Clark, as Martha watches the spaceship activate. At the dance, Clark senses something wrong, leaves Chloe and races to find Lana being whisked up by the tornado in her parked car...
Lex is surprised when his father, Lionel Luthor, arrives in Smallville and officially closes down the Luther Corp Fertilizer Plant, firing all 2,500 employees, forcing Lex to move to Metropolis to help Lionel run his evil corporate empire. Undaunted, Lex tries to hold off his unscrupulous father by meeting with the foremen to buy back the plan to put it under local management. But Lionel tries to stop the workers by threatening to have the banks forgo on their mortgages.
Meanwhile, Clark Kent invites Chloe Sullivan to the spring formal, upsetting Pete, who now has nobody to ask. At a picnic, Whitney tells Lana that he is going to join the Marines and will be leaving Smallville for boot camp the following day. The snoopy and despicable reporter Roger Nixon from The Inquisitor steals the piece of Clark Kent's spacecraft from Lex's mansion and finally discovers Clark's secret. Before leaving town, Whitney tells Clark to watch over Lana and essentially gives Clark his blessing to date her.
However, after Lana drops off Whitney at the local bus stop, a series of massive tornadoes strike Smallville, and threatens Lana in her trapped car. One tornado hits the Luthor mansion, where a fatally threatening beam collapses over Lionel Luthor. A wounded Lex stands over his father deciding whether or not to let him die. Nixon threatens Jonathan for more information about Clark, as Martha watches the spaceship activate. At the dance, Clark senses something wrong, leaves Chloe and races to find Lana being whisked up by the tornado in her parked car...
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