First and foremost, I would like to address the return appearance of Laura Vandervoort in her fan loved role of Kara Zor-El/Supergirl. When Kara last returned in this season's third episode, "Supergirl", Kara had obviously matured and grown up. She was more confident, she was more serious, and she had obviously outgrown being Clark's younger cousin. In this episode, Kara maintains her strong, independent personality as she seaches for the bow of Orion without Clark's help (nor is he aware of her activities). While we do not see Kara do anything "super", she does make an extremely grand final appearance. It was very nice to see Kara not only become her own person as a hero, but how she has become more of an equal for Clark. She no longer seeks his approval or advice, nor does she seek to accomplish Jor-El's missions so Clark won't have to. She realizes not only Clark's ability to embrace his destiny, but she takes on her own. Laura did a fantastic job of portraying Kara in this final episode for the character, and if you read the comics, then you will know that they gave Kara a very proper, comic-correct send off. I don't think that anyone will be disappointed with where they allude to Kara's future heading.
Back in season 7 of Smallville, we were given the episode "Wrath". Through sheer accident and a chance strike of lightening mixed with the presence of Kryptonite, Lana Lang was given Clark's powers. While this gave Lana the opportunity to experience what it is like to be Clark, it led to disasterous results. In "Prophecy", we are given a somewhat similar story. At the beginning of the episode, Clark addresses to Lois the fact that he told her father about the wedding, but he had yet to tell his. To honor Kryptonian tradition, Clark takes Lois to the Fortress to ask Jor-El's permission to form a life bond with Lois. When Jor-El asks if Lois feels the same what and she responds with, "I do," Lois is then suddenly infused with Clark's powers for 24 hours, while Clark is left powerless. This, to me, was the weakest part of the episode. Most of the Clark/Lois relationship in "Prophecy" consisted of Lois super speeding around and swelling her ego to a rediculous size. In the 10 years of the series, Clark struggles with controlling his powers and focusing them, yet every time someone else on the series gets them, they control them with ease. That really annoyed me. Then, even further, was Lois's interaction with Toyman (special guest Chris Gauthier). Lois talks and presents herself with such arrogence that she forgets that she not only has to protect her identity, but Clark's as well. This portion of the episode was very poorly written in my mind. The only positive thing to come from all this was that Lois experienced what it's like to be Clark in that she learned how many accidents and tragedies he can't stop and how many people he can't help. This is what leads to one of the most sincere, beautiful, and emotional scenes between Clark and Lois that I have EVER seen on this series. Of course, we all know it won't stick (you'll know what I mean when you see it), but it's still heartwrenching.
When last we saw Oliver Queen, we see him learn of the Omega symbol that was branded onto his skull back in the episode "Masquerade". In "Prophecy", like Kara, Oliver is seeking the bow of Orion. While Kara is seeking the bow to give to Clark to help him fight Darkseid, Oliver is seeking the bow in hopes that its purity and light will remove the Omega branded on his skull. For those of you who don't know, even though Kara has appeared on Smallville since Season 7 and Oliver has appeared on the series since season 6, this is the first time that these two characters meet face to face, and the meeting does not disappoint. While the Oliver/Kara relationship is basically an homage to Indiana Jones, it is extremely enjoyable to see these two heroes work together. Their professionalism and their trust and loyalty to Clark proves just how heroic and good these two characters are. Perhaps my favorite part of this team-up is the reveal of Orion's origins, which stay entirely true to the DC Comics origins of the character. Kara tells the story of Orion to Oliver, telling him that Orion is the son of Darkseid who rejected his darkness and joined the Father of the Light (meaning the DC character Highfather, of the New Gods comics). For comic geeks like me, this was a real treat. If these scenes could not get ANY BETTER, we were graced with a return appearance of Granny Goodness (special guest Christine Willes). I will not reveal what she does or says in this episode, but I will say this: She shows just how strong Darkseid's control/will over Oliver is and makes him do something that will NO DOUBT pose a HUGE threat to Clark in the finale!
Another geek-gasm in "Prophecy" is the appearance of the Legion of Doom (LOD). The LOD consists of Toyman, Metallo, Dark Archer, Black Manta, Solomon Grundy, Roulette, and Captain Cold. Their plot in this episode was nothing major, but there is a very AWESOME scene where Toyman gives them each mission folders and they are each given their targets. It is fairly obvious that the producers/writers of the show added this scene to appeal and appease the hardcore comic geeks out there. Also, that should be noted, is the appearance of Starro, the star conquerer. In the comics, Starro is an alien parasite that looks like a star fish. Starro latches onto the bodies (usually the face) of heroes and villains in the DC Universe and then takes complete and total control of their bodies. In "Prophecy", Starro is a device created by Toyman and is used against Courtney Whitmore/Stargirl (special guest Brit Irvin) and Lois. Again, it was not really necessary, but it did help a remote controlled Lois realize how strong her love for Clark it, so it wasn't totally without purpose.
Overall, the writing in this episode was fairly weak, but the episode does serve several purposes. While we are on the eve of Clark's destiny and future as Superman, Kara/Supergirl's destiny and future needed to be addressed. Kara is given a very proper send off with a very touching final moment. Granny Goodness's appearance serves a powerful reminder of the presence and coming of Darkseid and that we should be careful of everyone who could be under his will, even those we've loved and trusted for 5 years. And lastly, in their last mile before the wedding, Clark and Lois must face the trials and tribulations that come with their relationship. Lets face it: It just wouldn't be Smallville if everything went smoothly for a couple, especially a couple involving Clark. In the end, this episode was good, but not one of the strongest of the season. It is definately worth watching as we see some important send offs and even more important setups for the 2-Hour finale, which will air next week. Please be sure to tune in as our favorite show comes to an end and we close the chapter of Smallville!