Zod

I have to admit that when I first saw this episode air in 2006 I was a little disappointed. Seeing it again years later I've come to realize that my original disappointment was a result of having too high expectations after the fantastic season 5. This season 6 premiere is a strong and exciting episode. The fight scene between Clark and the Zod possessed Lex is by far the best part of the episode, and maybe one of the best action scenes ever on Smallville. It's not often that Clark gets a real fight with someone of his strength, so it was a nice change of pace. I do have 2 small complaints that remain today. First off, I've never been a fan of how the Phantom Zone is portrayed. I think the look and feel of a post apocalyptic wasteland is all wrong. I would have rather seen the Phantom Zone as more of a nightmarish place. It would have benefited from being more surreal and frightening of an environment. The other minor complaint unfortunately comes from Rosenbaum's portrayal of Zod. He has some great scenes, but Zod should have been much more over the top.

Overall I only have the minor complaints. While "Zod" is not nearly as strong as some of the other premieres, it's still one of the better offerings in an otherwise weak season 6.

Clark is released on the hostile and inhospitable Phantom Zone, attacked by flying ghostly creatures and saved by the former assistant of Jor-el, Raya. She tells that there is a portal where Kal-el can leave the Phantom Zone and Clark believes on her word. Meanwhile, in the chaotic Metropolis, Lionel saves Chloe from the raged crowd, while the city is turning apart due to the powerful Kryptoninan computer virus unleashed by Fine. Martha awakes near the Fortress of Solitude and Kal-el tells her that she must use the dagger he gave to Clark and destroy Lex to save Earth. Lana believes Lex had gone and offers to stab Lex/Zod with the dagger.

The conclusion of the last episode of Season Five is excellent, with all the situations being satisfactorily resolved. The original concept of the Phantom Zone is great, but in my opinion it was very easy to Clark to lure the powerful Zod. Like in other episodes, there are no consequences to the chaos on Earth and no further investigations from the authorities on what might have happened in the planet. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): "Zod"