Smallville - The Complete Third Season DVD
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 Rating: - The Insanity of Lex Luthor-Smallville's Complete Third Season
Season Review-

3 months later...Clark still own on the influence of red kryptonite and is wrecking havoc in Metropolis as Kal, Lex has pronounced dead, and The Kents are worried sick about Clark's whereabouts as well as his friends. These are the events that jump starts Smallville's electrifying third season. Beginning with probably it's best premiere to date, "Exile" is an emotional, action-packed episode that sets up the season perfectly as character make some desperate decisions to bring Clark home, the most dramatic being Jonathan Kent's. Unlike the glimmer of hope theme of the first 2 seasons, Season 3 is significantly darker, or should I say, the darkest season of the series. After all, Season 3 was about the harsh reality of Clark dealing with the consequences of his actions after "Exodus" and "Exile", which you could obviously see it wouldn't be easy for the character. Tom Welling matures so well as Clark Kent himself matures throughout the season learning from his mistakes. Kristin Kreuk is good as usual as Lana Lang, especially as Lana has to deal with the fallout of her first (of many!) break-up with Clark. The two try to remain friends, but it's obvious that their romantic feelings will get in the way. Allison Mack as Chloe is also good as she continues her minor storyline from Season 2 as Lionel's own personal investigative reporter with he wants to know the secret of Clark Kent. Sam Jones III's Pete Ross is once again underused, underwritten, and unnecessary for the whole season. It's no wonder that the character was finally written out of the series by season end. Annette 'O Toole remains an amazing asset as Martha Kent but it's Schneider's Jonathan Kent that has to deal with the mysterious deal he made with Jor-El at the beginning of the season, one that with cost his family...and even his life in the near future.

Now we all know Smallville is about Clark's journey toward becoming Superman, it's also about Lex Luthor's journey toward become Superman's greatest villain. The first 2 seasons we saw very little hints of Lex's dark, but Season 3 is where the writers begin to explore the dark world of Luthor family, as well as getting into the psyche of Lex Luthor. The writers really outdid themselves with the storyline of Lex's descent into madness. Not only that, but it gives a chance to show just how immensely talent Michael Rosenbaum is. "Shattered" is one of the most gripping hours from Smallville that involves Lex slowly loses his mind and Micheal Rosenbaum's performance is truly stunning. John Glover is also a tremendous talent portraying Lionel as his cruelest yet when Lionel puts Lex through some harsh situation throughout this season. Another classic episode involving the Luthors is "Memoria", as we see how Lionel and Lex's rivalry began as well as other revelations about Clark's origins.

Other Season 3 highlights are "Phoenix" an explosive conclusion to the premiere, Perry White aka Clark's future boss makes a unforgettable, hilarious appearance in "Perry", "Relic" reveals the reason why Clark was sent to the Kents, "Asylum" is possibly the darkest episode of the series and "Covenant" is one of Smallville's most ambitious finales when a young blonde girl named Kara arrives at Clark's doorstep. Could she truly be the one and only Supergirl? You'll have to find out! Lana also gets a disturbing storyline when she meets Adam Knight, a handsome young man whose mysterious past seems similar to a certain caped crusader! Ending the season off with a powerful sequence of shocking cliffhangers, Season 3 is easily the finest season of the series as storyline go far beyond the mythos of Superman and gives the series a wonderful edge. Even the season's weakest efforts like "Magnetic", "Velocity" and the surprisingly disappointing return of Christopher Reeves in "Legacy", can't take away from the fact that the character development, acting, storylines and overall quality of the series peaked here which is a shame since it would never regain its focus after this season.

Season Rating: 9.5/10

Video and Audio Review-
I have to say while watching the first episode of the season; I could tell that the show looked a hell of a lot nicer than the first 2 seasons. The colors seemed clearer and more vivid. The audio is also much more toned and fuller.

Video and Audio Rating: 8.5/10

Extras:

With each season box set, the extras just seem to get better. There 3 commentaries for "Exile", "Memoria" and "Truth". Part 2 of the Chloe Chronicles are featured and are fun. There are over a dozen deleted scenes from individual episodes, a gag reel, and a DVD rom. But the best of the bunch is the Hero behind the Cameras which is a great behind the scenes look of the cast and crew working on the show. I even hear there's a hidden Easter egg extra with Michael Rosenbaum, wonder if I'll ever find it!

Extras Rating: 8/10

Overall Score: 8.5/10

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