Cast

Tom Welling as Clark Kent
Kristen Kreuk as Lana Lang
Allison Mack as Chloe Sullivan
Erica Durance as Lois Lane
Aaron Ashmore as Jimmy Olson
Laura Vandervoort as Kara
Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor
John Glover as Lionel Luthor

Written by Aaron and Todd Helbing
Directed by Michael Rohl

Original Airdate

Hero originally aired on Thursday, March 13, 2008.

Synopsis

Pete Ross comes back to town as a roadie for "One Republic." He momentarily forgets all of the lessons in morals, ethics, and avoiding glowing green stuff that he learned when he lived in this town and gains superpowers from stolen Kryptonite enhanced gum. His plan to become a public superhero doesn't work out as he hoped, though.

High Point

Pete still holds his ground when he needs to.

Low Point

Though a step up from Gingold soda, chewing gum would be a corny source of superpowers even if it weren't saddled with the most obvious product placement since the "Red Zone" episode.

The Review

This really doesn't feel original. It's nice to see what Pete's been up to, but not nice enough to carry an episode. I give it 3 out of 6.

The effects were well done. They have definitely figured out how to elasticize a human in CGI form, even if they haven't figured out how to leave non-super clothing and watches unaffected. I give it 5 out of 6.

The story had some nice forward momentum in the Kara subplot, but the main plot needed to be much stronger to overcome being saddled by the extreme product placement. I give it 4 out of 6.

The acting was generally solid, but aside from Sam Jones III as Pete, nobody had a strong moment to shine. I give it 4 out of 6.

The emotional response was good, mostly for nostalgia for the days when I considered this "must see TV," with little to do with this episode itself. The irritation at the level of product placement with Stride was the most powerful emotion I felt. I give it 3 out of 6.

The production, thankfully, was still pretty solid. The use of purples in Lex's office and attire was nice to see, and is hopefully being used to set things up for a solid future. I give it 5 out of 6.

Overall, it's a pretty "bleh" kind of episode. I give it 3 out of 6.

In total, Hero receives 27 out of 42.

Additional Notes and Comments

I'm really feeling tired of this series. They should have put Clark's path to herodom on a much faster schedule, in my opinion. I don't expect to continue weekly reviews next year, but instead expect to switch to newer fare and maintain reviews of this show in the complete season form instead.