The Story is Complete
May. 16th, 2011 01:41 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sanalaylaI’m not going to get into the nitty-gritty analysis of the final episode. Or do an in-depth recap that explains exactly what happened, shot by shot, and my reactions to it. Needless to say, I feel much the way the majority of the fandom does.
The scene with the door separating Clark & Lois while they talk about their vows and their relationship is – to date – one of my most favorite shipping scenes EVER. And by that, I mean not just SVClois. I mean, all ships in the history of shipdom ever. The way they built up to Clark meeting Lois and walking her down the aisle? Beautiful. And how appropriate for this particular couple, who are – in the true sense of the word – partners in work, marriage, and life. Clark had just told Lois that she is not in his way – she is by his side. And he backed up those words by action – choosing to hold her hand and walk with her towards their future, rather than waiting passively at the front to wait for her to catch up to him.
Michael Rosenbaum’s scenes make me realize how much I missed Lex. How much more I would have been invested in the Luthor storyline this year if he had been a part of it. Was I crazy about the mind-wipe? No. But I enjoyed every single second he was onscreen and was left wanting more.
The 7 year wait has left me puzzled and quite taken aback. But I have reconciled myself to it and – at this point – can jokingly say, “Well, it isn’t Smallville if they haven’t made you at least fanwank A LITTLE for things to make sense.” It’s the last time I’ll ever have to fanwank and fill in the blanks for this couple. And the sadness of realizing that it’s over – that these are the final moments with SVClois - outweighs any frustration I have. After all, I spent years crafting fanfiction to explain all the things that happened offscreen with this ‘ship. One more time for the road, I guess.
Chloe was the only one who said “Superman”. Yes, I am feeling quite cheated by that. That will never change. No amount of fanwank and understanding of TPTB’s choice will make that OK. I waited 10 years for the moment where the entire world saw Clark Kent and uttered the word “Superman” and I will always think it was a terrible creative decision to give that to Chloe Sullivan and to do it in the narrative manner that they chose. The narrative device of Chloe reading her son a comic book that Clark’s entire history in it was poorly done and was a black-mark on the series finale.
The final scene – Clark on the roof; ripping open his shirt. It’s a scene I’ve played over and over again in my mind for 10 years. I think we always knew that this would be the final scene. It’s the obvious choice in how to end the series run. I think, perhaps, I would have liked a final flight (similar to the one we got in “Crusade”) but I understand the show’s limitations and how Welling felt about that.
What I will always remember about that final scene is the music. To have the full-fledged Superman score in the background made that scene for me. This is a series that started out in a town called Smallville where it rained meteor rocks. And that led to a young couple named Jonathan and Martha Kent finding a young toddler, while Lex Luthor – several miles away – became destined for great evil. THAT was a Superman show. And so it’s fitting that my heart was beating much the same way and I had the same grin on my face as I watched those closing credits.
There were scenes I didn’t care for – anything with Chloe in it, really. But that was to be expected. There were other scenes that I felt could be better; arcs that should have closed better. But – for the most part – I was able to say that it really didn’t matter. I have friends who were quite annoyed that the Green Arrow took out Darkseid’s minions in two seconds. Or that Aaron Ashmore was playing Jimmy Olsen. For me? It didn’t matter. They needed to give Oliver a heroic moment to compensate for his recent weakness. By having him kill the 3 minions, they killed 3 birds with one stone (so to speak). Aaron Ashmore playing Jimmy? I’m happy that AA gets to look at the DVDs and not cringe when he sees that he’s in the “Being Jimmy Olsen” featurette. That is no longer a lie for him and that makes me happy for the actor.
I would much rather have seen Perry White, but I appreciate that I at least got to hear his voice. (Did love the whole idea of Jimmy and Lois sensing the level of his ire by the number of “Great Ceasar’s Ghosts” he was on.)
Was it a perfect finale? No. But when has this show ever been perfect? But I’ve loved this show – imperfections and all. So I feel like I should embrace and love the finale inspite of its imperfections, as well. Or, perhaps, I should love the finale BECAUSE of them.
Before the finale aired, I said that no matter what happened, I would appreciate the hard work that went into creating this series ending for us. The love and investment that Welling and Durance felt as they approached those final scenes. That these folks – every single one of them – were thinking of their fans and trying to show their love for the fans in every way that they could.
As a fan, I can say that I saw that. And I acknowledge it and appreciate it. And I mourn what I know will be very hard to accept:
- No more spoilers at this year’s Comic Con. Or any Comic Con for that matter.
- No more hitting ‘refresh’ on the DI page, waiting for episode stills to come out
- No more frenzy of excitement over new Clois spoilers (from the little ones, like them being in the same scene together in S7 to the big ones, like they’re getting engaged in S10)
- No more waiting breathlessly for Durance and Welling interviews. (Welling’s being much more rare than Durance’s.)
-No more heading straight to the spoiler section of K-Site/DI every single morning (as I’ve done for the past 7 years.)
- No more countdowns to the season premiere every September. Some people think of September as the month where their kids go back to school. I always saw it as the month that “Smallville” came back.
More than anything… no more squeeing (and weeping) with the fandom during all the highs and lows.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share my love of “Smallville” and to read my fics. The comments you all left for me was such a huge confidence booster for me. It’s given me the ability to want to sit down to write my own book. To understand what kind of writing style works for me and what can resonate with an audience. So… thanks for all our years together. Hoping that we all manage to meet again and find a shared love & passion for other shows and ships.
See you around, Smallville fans.
The scene with the door separating Clark & Lois while they talk about their vows and their relationship is – to date – one of my most favorite shipping scenes EVER. And by that, I mean not just SVClois. I mean, all ships in the history of shipdom ever. The way they built up to Clark meeting Lois and walking her down the aisle? Beautiful. And how appropriate for this particular couple, who are – in the true sense of the word – partners in work, marriage, and life. Clark had just told Lois that she is not in his way – she is by his side. And he backed up those words by action – choosing to hold her hand and walk with her towards their future, rather than waiting passively at the front to wait for her to catch up to him.
Michael Rosenbaum’s scenes make me realize how much I missed Lex. How much more I would have been invested in the Luthor storyline this year if he had been a part of it. Was I crazy about the mind-wipe? No. But I enjoyed every single second he was onscreen and was left wanting more.
The 7 year wait has left me puzzled and quite taken aback. But I have reconciled myself to it and – at this point – can jokingly say, “Well, it isn’t Smallville if they haven’t made you at least fanwank A LITTLE for things to make sense.” It’s the last time I’ll ever have to fanwank and fill in the blanks for this couple. And the sadness of realizing that it’s over – that these are the final moments with SVClois - outweighs any frustration I have. After all, I spent years crafting fanfiction to explain all the things that happened offscreen with this ‘ship. One more time for the road, I guess.
Chloe was the only one who said “Superman”. Yes, I am feeling quite cheated by that. That will never change. No amount of fanwank and understanding of TPTB’s choice will make that OK. I waited 10 years for the moment where the entire world saw Clark Kent and uttered the word “Superman” and I will always think it was a terrible creative decision to give that to Chloe Sullivan and to do it in the narrative manner that they chose. The narrative device of Chloe reading her son a comic book that Clark’s entire history in it was poorly done and was a black-mark on the series finale.
The final scene – Clark on the roof; ripping open his shirt. It’s a scene I’ve played over and over again in my mind for 10 years. I think we always knew that this would be the final scene. It’s the obvious choice in how to end the series run. I think, perhaps, I would have liked a final flight (similar to the one we got in “Crusade”) but I understand the show’s limitations and how Welling felt about that.
What I will always remember about that final scene is the music. To have the full-fledged Superman score in the background made that scene for me. This is a series that started out in a town called Smallville where it rained meteor rocks. And that led to a young couple named Jonathan and Martha Kent finding a young toddler, while Lex Luthor – several miles away – became destined for great evil. THAT was a Superman show. And so it’s fitting that my heart was beating much the same way and I had the same grin on my face as I watched those closing credits.
There were scenes I didn’t care for – anything with Chloe in it, really. But that was to be expected. There were other scenes that I felt could be better; arcs that should have closed better. But – for the most part – I was able to say that it really didn’t matter. I have friends who were quite annoyed that the Green Arrow took out Darkseid’s minions in two seconds. Or that Aaron Ashmore was playing Jimmy Olsen. For me? It didn’t matter. They needed to give Oliver a heroic moment to compensate for his recent weakness. By having him kill the 3 minions, they killed 3 birds with one stone (so to speak). Aaron Ashmore playing Jimmy? I’m happy that AA gets to look at the DVDs and not cringe when he sees that he’s in the “Being Jimmy Olsen” featurette. That is no longer a lie for him and that makes me happy for the actor.
I would much rather have seen Perry White, but I appreciate that I at least got to hear his voice. (Did love the whole idea of Jimmy and Lois sensing the level of his ire by the number of “Great Ceasar’s Ghosts” he was on.)
Was it a perfect finale? No. But when has this show ever been perfect? But I’ve loved this show – imperfections and all. So I feel like I should embrace and love the finale inspite of its imperfections, as well. Or, perhaps, I should love the finale BECAUSE of them.
Before the finale aired, I said that no matter what happened, I would appreciate the hard work that went into creating this series ending for us. The love and investment that Welling and Durance felt as they approached those final scenes. That these folks – every single one of them – were thinking of their fans and trying to show their love for the fans in every way that they could.
As a fan, I can say that I saw that. And I acknowledge it and appreciate it. And I mourn what I know will be very hard to accept:
- No more spoilers at this year’s Comic Con. Or any Comic Con for that matter.
- No more hitting ‘refresh’ on the DI page, waiting for episode stills to come out
- No more frenzy of excitement over new Clois spoilers (from the little ones, like them being in the same scene together in S7 to the big ones, like they’re getting engaged in S10)
- No more waiting breathlessly for Durance and Welling interviews. (Welling’s being much more rare than Durance’s.)
-No more heading straight to the spoiler section of K-Site/DI every single morning (as I’ve done for the past 7 years.)
- No more countdowns to the season premiere every September. Some people think of September as the month where their kids go back to school. I always saw it as the month that “Smallville” came back.
More than anything… no more squeeing (and weeping) with the fandom during all the highs and lows.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share my love of “Smallville” and to read my fics. The comments you all left for me was such a huge confidence booster for me. It’s given me the ability to want to sit down to write my own book. To understand what kind of writing style works for me and what can resonate with an audience. So… thanks for all our years together. Hoping that we all manage to meet again and find a shared love & passion for other shows and ships.
See you around, Smallville fans.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2011-05-16 06:03 pm (UTC)I only found the series one day while zapping, looking for something to see, and there she was, Lois Lane in the Daily Planet bullpen, giving this look of longing and dare I say attraction to Clark Kent who was just leaving the Planet after saying that he was going to be "a little more closer to home"... because he was the new recruit of the Daily Planet and was going to be working just in front of Lois´ desk... and with just that look I knew, I needed to keep watching the series.
And Clois ship didn´t dissapointed me, this is the most amazing couple I´ve seen on TV ever.
And part of that ship for me were your fanfics Sana. You were always the author that for me, understood them better than anyone... and I loved to read your comments on DI and afterwards on Livejournal, because you could always see things that I couldn´t and you gave me another perspective that helped me understand the different inner struggles and emotions these two characters were experiencing.
Thanks for sharing all this with us.
And like you, I will miss TW and ED on screen, and the great Lois and Clark dymanic the Smallville crew was able to create. I doubt I will find another couple as endearing as Clois was for me... there will be others, I am sure, but it will be very difficult for them to surpass what SVClois represents for me now. Sadly they are gone for ever... no more new episodes to wait for, but at least I will be able to rewatch the old ones. The magic will still be there.
no subject
Date: 2011-05-16 08:15 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-05-16 06:47 pm (UTC)But you put that in plain and simple words and well, I have to admit that that's exactly how I felt and here goes my teeny tiny, insy winsy bit of Chloe love that emerged there for a time.
*sigh* Instead of that useless Chloe and the kid and seven years earlier/later crap (seriously, was it only to fit AA or what? I see no other point) they could have given us another small, private Lois/Clark wedding ceremony, or Clark's reaction to Lex's mindwipe, or Tess's funeral.
But no, Chloe ass kissing trumps all.
no subject
Date: 2011-05-16 07:41 pm (UTC)These two parts, though? No. I can't. The idea that the series ended with only Chloe saying the name "Superman" (and knowing that TPTB were PROUD of this) is just completely revolting to me. And that they were so hell bent on giving Chloe a happy ending that they didn't even pause to consider to the ABSURDITY of Chloe reading a Superman comic that TELLS THE ENTIRE STORY OF CLARK KENT BEING SUPERMAN is also just revolting to me.
According to them, the final season was about how the world needed heroes. And for these heroes to be the beacon of light and hope, they needed to come out of the shadows and allow the world to see their face (especially when it comes to Superman). We spent the entire season waiting for that moment where Clark would "come out" to the world and they'd all suck in their breath and go, "SUPERMAN!" And what happens? We don't get that scene. Instead, we get CHLOE saying, "And that's how the young man became Superman." To what purpose? To kiss Allison Mack's ass? To kiss the ass of all those Chloe fans who left the show and stopped watching? And spew hatred in all the forums? To pat themselves on the back that their "creation" is that important? She's not.
So, yeah, they cheated me. 10 years watching this young man turn into Superman and THAT'S what I get as closure? Nope. I don't think so.
no subject
Date: 2011-05-17 01:21 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-05-17 08:53 am (UTC)Exactly. This made no sense at all, especially since that kid was so young which means that in less then say tens years there's going to be comic about Clark himself out there. Unless Clark comes out in the next few years or someone who knows him wrote that, how is this even possible?
This was like a weirder (and more irritating) version of Chloe's random narration in Thirst. When she ended it going on about the DP being the home to future superheroes. It made no sense that she would know that back then and this was ten times more ridiculous. But yeah, I sure the producers just wanted an "awesome" moment so they once again completely ignored everything else and went ahead with it.
He should have been named Superman on the show. There was so much build up to that for a long time now... and then nothing. I did feel cheated by that. Even a shot of a newspaper with Lois' first interview would have done. Just something. Though I guess it makes sense now why they didn't name the finale "Superman".
As for Chloe, her presence there made sense (still didn't like it though), especially with Oliver's situation. I'm still amused by the fact they came up with ten different ways to bring her up before she returned and yet didn't mention her in Dominion when it actually counted. Where was she doing while Tess and Lois waited for them? But Oliver;s storyline and a maybe even the goodbye with Clark should have been it.
Unfortunately I knew they'd find a way to give her more importance then she should have gotten in the episode. The only other character they would do this for is Lana, whose character they were even more obsessed with. It's the exact reason why I didn't want either character back in the finale. I've seen these two characters propped up at the expense of most of the characters on the show for years for me to believe that they could just bring them back for a cameo, without a chance to glorify them once more.
I enjoyed the finale and I think that knowing this was the last episode made me a lot more accepting of a lot of the stuff that happened. But there was a lot to love her as well, especially with Clark, Lois, and Clois. Even with all the nutty things these producers have done, I'm still going to miss this (crazy) show.
no subject
Date: 2011-05-18 04:01 am (UTC)How does any of this makes sense. Answer? It doesn't.
If I think about the Chloe stuff and Chloe pandering too much I'll just get too angry and rant for days. But she ended on the show as she started for me - as nothing more than a Mary Sue who continually took away from other characters and the real story of the show.
no subject
Date: 2011-05-23 10:14 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-05-16 07:25 pm (UTC)Glad to read your thoughts on the finale!! I have to say that the 7 Year thing really took me out of the explosion of excitement I was in while watching it live and I missed the last few minutes and had to go back and rewatch. It dimmed my enjoyment in that way. And for a few minutes I was even thinking that I would have just rather they didn't get engaged if they planned to end it without them being married. But the more I think about it the more it just makes me kind of roll my eyes and not pull out my hair/gnash my teeth. LOL
There were some nit-picky things (that comic Chloe was reading, mostly for me) but overall I LOVED it. I agree the scenes at the doors were some of the best shippy scenes of any couple ever. And since I've 'shipped a lot of couples that's saying something.
I think my favorite part was Clark saving Air Force One and the love theme playing? Wow. I was cheering!
Anyway, sorry for the novel here. I just enjoyed reading your comments on a show/couple who mean so much to you.
no subject
Date: 2011-05-16 07:36 pm (UTC)Yes, that does mean that "World's Finest" took place in 2018. *grrr*
I completely agree with you when it comes to the engagement. I was so stoked to see them bump into each other and then BAM! - we find out they're not married. And I'm like, "WTF?" But the Superman theme pulled me through. And THEN I went back and said, "Now that's over -- WTF????"
I was one of those who kept telling people, "Relax. OF COURSE the series will end with them married. Why WOULDN'T it?" I was completely bemused that they chose to go that route. That they thought it was an appropriate ending for these two. They got them to the altar - had them exchange vows TWICE - and then said that it took them 7 years to put on those rings? To what purpose? What was going through their minds with that one?
But I am not going to allow that WTF moment to make me hate the finale. I confess that my mind and heart first went in that direction. It's taken me time and energy to process it all and decide to embrace it. And so I've opted to go that route and go, "Well, that's SV's way. Make the fans work for it." LOL If I stop to think about it too much, I'll just start getting bitter.
And thanks for the lovely compliment! I've also enjoyed reading your take on things. Hopefully, we'll keep talking about all the other ships we love.
no subject
Date: 2011-05-16 07:57 pm (UTC)I am in so much agreement with so much that you said here.
I would really love to talk about the finale in more depth with you later. I don't have a ton of time right now.
I have come to peace with the 7 years thing. I was so taken aback by it at first that I almost missed the end of the episode trying to process it. I had to go back and watch again because I seriously almost missed how SEXY that final Clois scene was.
I truly do think the show was trying to have it's cake and eat it too. And isn't that typical Smallville? I think the show gave us the vows and the wedding but still tried to line up with the mythos at the same time.
We saw Clark and Lois take vows in front of God and a minister. They were in a church. There was a cross on the alter, holy water in the back etc. They pledged their love. So, in the eyes of God....they were married. There is no take backs on that kind of thing in that world. They'd have to seek an annulment if they wanted to undo it. But, in order to line up with the mythos, they left the formality of the rings and the legality in the world of "man" until after Clark was firmly established as Superman. I think this was truly pandering to the very end to the people who bitched and moaned all those years that they weren't supposed to be married until he was Superman. I truly think they were trying to have it both ways.
They took vows in a church---so people couldn't say they were "living in sin" for the last 7 years. But they made sure to pander to the complaining fanboys by making it clear that they were the same ages---early 30's--as they were in the comics when they got married. I also think they pandered to the idea that Clark had to fight Doomsday, die and come back to life to Lois before he and Lois got married. (Since we know that the show thought they were lining up with the mythos by burying Doomsday underground.)
I've made peace with it. Like you, I can't let it pull me out of what was a fantastic episode for Clark and Lois.
I love that their final scene on the series was playful and sexy. Just as it should have been. That is the heart of Smallville Clois. They went out the same way they went in....teasing and playful. It's just that now...the teasing was kinky foreplay. I love it.
no subject
Date: 2011-05-16 08:42 pm (UTC)It would be understandable that they became so crazy busy that they couldn't get to it. Just look how busy they were in season 10. But I wouldn't put it past them to have multiple botched weddings during the 7 year gap. Heck, Clark was going to be 10 minutes late at the end of the series.
no subject
Date: 2011-05-17 12:36 am (UTC)Smallville was my soap opera for the past several years. A slightly campy soap at that, that often required hand-waving to plow threw the plot points. Why should the finale be any different? LOL For me, it was a very Smallville finale.
I am bereft. I have been a Clois fan for 30+ years, and SVClois were my very favourite incarnation. My head knows there will always be more Superman, but my heart is heavy right now with the finality of this particular era.
no subject
Date: 2011-05-17 03:33 pm (UTC)I took her worry more as a freakout over the fact that all those people were gathered there for HER wedding. To me it was more like 'OMG my life is about to change forever. After this moment I'll be a married woman'.
no subject
Date: 2011-05-18 01:53 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-05-17 12:47 am (UTC)Anyway, you're right it wasn't a perfect finale, but with the exception of the 7 years married thing, the Clois that was presented was absolutely perfect. I could watch these two read the phone book and I would probably still gush over these actors and their chemistry. I felt like the writers put a lot of thought into this relations ship in the finale. The vows carried a lot of weight. Such simple words, but really rang true to this couple and what they mean to each other. One of Clark's deepest fears was to end up alone, and by putting that in his vows meant something. And for Lois, being dragged around the world, never having a home, to find it in Clark was right too.
Okay, I'm rambling. Thank you again for all your stories and I was excited to read you are thinking about a book of your own. You can do it and to quote Lois - "I believe in you." Take care and hopefully you have a few more Smallville stories in you.
no subject
Date: 2011-05-17 01:34 am (UTC)[url]http://www.imagebam.com/image/cf1b16132598781[/url]
no subject
Date: 2011-05-17 09:32 am (UTC)And thank you for all your great fics and reviews. I've always enjoyed reading your thoughts and you are one the absolute best Lois and Clark writers out there. :) I hope you'll write more Clois fics in the future.
no subject
Date: 2011-05-17 04:44 pm (UTC)My Smallville experience was enhanced and made colorfull and so entertaining thanks to your great fics and your comentaries.
It is hitting me also bit by bit that my show and most importantly my favorate ship is over.
I would love to see and read more fics and am crossing my fingers that the inspiration muse visits everyone of my favorate authors .. cough-you-cough..
Yes there where lots of places that need closure and I like to see them as oportunities, cause SV writters often would swing and miss when it came to the Clois relationship.
I send your way hugs and kisses and hope to follow you in our next Series.
Thank you,
Ana