Cast

Tom Welling as Clark Kent
Kristen Kreuk as Lana Lang
Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor
John Glover as Lionel Luthor
Annette O'Toole as Martha Kent
John Schneider as Jonathan Kent
Jensen Ackles as Jason Teague

Guest starring Margot Kidder as Bridgette Crosby, and Erica Durance as Lois Lane.

Written by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar
Directed by Greg Beeman.

Original Airdate

Crusade originally aired on Wednesday, September 22, 2004.

Synopsis

Lois Lane, coming to Smallville to look into her cousin's death, finds Clark naked in a cornfield suffering from amnesia. From there, we see that Jonathan is still in a coma, Lex has survived but requires frequent medical care, Lionel will probably walk when he comes to trial, Dr. Swann has been talking to his staff, and Jor-El has managed to get a pretty good hold on Clark.

High Point

Is there anyone John Glover can't generate perfect chemistry with? Erica Durance had some weak moments in this episode, but her scene with Glover just worked perfectly, as do Rosenbaum's scenes with Glover. Has John Glover ever been in a scene in this show that didn't work?

Low Point

That last line of dialogue isn't necessarily the conclusion I'd jump to. (My first instinct, given what we knew of the situation, would have been "there mustn't have been enough left.")

I should mention that I'm giving the show some breathing room. The black kryptonite seems to be pretty convenient, and I wonder how they knew it would work. They may be able to neatly explain this when we learn more about Dr. Swann, so I didn't choose that moment.

The Review

The introduction of Lois has really generated a new and original feel for the series. Homage is paid to some major events in the history of the character, but it doesn't feel like outright duplication. I give it 5 out of 6.

The effects were well done, and there were a lot of them to fit into this hour. I give it 6 out of 6.

The story was very well done. My only complaint was the sappy scene. Yes, it's appropriate to the characters, but it's a completely different tone than the rest of the episode, and it just doesn't fit. Personally, I'd have gone without dialogue, and just had Clark and Martha walk in together, and move directly to the group hug in seconds. The questioning about Clark's abilities could have been wrapped up later, possibly in next week's episode. I give it 5 out of 6.

The acting has improved. Tom Welling's Clark is still stiff, but that was appropriate for Kal-El. Long time readers will know that I have been underwhelming by Kristen Kreuk in the past, but this week, she did a really good job. Her interaction with Jensen Ackles was extremely natural. Erica Durance had a couple of stiff moments, but several good ones as well. I give it 5 out of 6.

The emotional response was very good. These people know how to tell a story, and how to build momentum going into a new season. Very well done. I give it 6 out of 6.

The production was another aspect that was well done. I was extremely pleased to see the letterbox broadcast. (That was almost my high point.) There have been times in the past when the truncation of the picture was very obvious, and now, that's not an issue. (Now if only my cable company would add the WB to the HD stations they offer.) Mark Snow's score was fantastic, really nailing every scene. I give it 5 out of 6.

Overall, this was a fantastic season premier. Let's just hope that they can keep this up. I give it 5 out of 6.

In total, Crusade receives 37 out of 42.