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Post by Jack Malone on Mar 7, 2012 0:42:53 GMT -6
REVIEW: "Alien"I'm gonna write this as I read so that I can make sure not to miss anything. That said, the review might be kinda long-ish. So I apologize ahead of time. But, hey, at least I'm trying to get into a habit of reviewing weekly XD Something I've needed to be doing for a while now. My god. Another review? You're on a roll! Thank you, Aimee. You have no idea how excited I am to come home and find a review from you. It means a lot, so before I start this response, I just wanted to express my huge level of appreciation and gratitude for this. Thanks! XD That opening scene was added in one of the final revisions, to act as a lead in to the meeting between Bruce and the other board members of Wayne Enterprise. The teaser felt a bit empty, so I decided to throw this in there. I love writing Oliver/Bruce scenes. I also wanted to try and set up the "brother" aspect of it all, which I find always is attached to the character of Zod. Zod always turns to someone who he wants to call family, who he wants to call his brother, and he tried with Clark, he tried with Oliver (on Smallville, that is), and so now he would turn to Bruce. I'm so glad to hear that you enjoy the Chloe/Oliver interactions. Their relationship has at least one more major obstacle in the way, that we'll touch base on and crack open at the end of this run, but this episode in particular was a touch more light-hearted in the way they were together. They're happy, and I really want to try and show that as much as I can before the storm cloud sort of explodes on top of their heads later this season. Originally, Vicki came off very Chloe-esque, and that sort of made me step back and think: "why have another character on the show who resembles the main character so much?" I think while Vicki shares some similarities in her support for heroes, and her desire to seek the truth, the way she goes about things, and the way she speaks, is very different. The qualities they do share makes it very fun to write interactions between the two, but as well as that, their differences are also fun to bring out. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is I love writing scenes between these two! And yeah, Superman is considered an alien. At least, I'm almost certain. I mean, in Smallville, he's considered an alien. Zod can definitely be described as Hitler. I mean, back on Smallville, he wanted to lead his own people (Kandorians) and take over the entire planet. And humans were slaves to him and his army. As for Bruce, this episode was very much about him being introduced to this world too, so it was important to see him fail so miserably in his encounter with Zod. He didn't exactly know Zod was bulletproof. His attempt did bite him on the ass in the end, though. Descriptions are something I always try to work hard on, and I'm still trying to find my own style. Its something I struggle with most in a script, so I appreciate the comment. XD Vicki's plot for the episode was quite large, and what she uncovers in the end is quite huge too: aliens exist, and Chloe is Watchtower! I never planned for her to find out this season, if at all, but it just made sense to have this episode culminate in her uncovering these secrets. And thanks! I mean, I didn't want the question of: "Why isn't Superman, of all people, dealing with this?" Which is a good question, but I wanted this to be something that Chloe and Oliver had to deal with themselves, so introducing a reason why Clark couldn't come in and save the day this time felt necessary to have. XD I didn't know HOW Chloe was going to obtain super powers for the episode, especially with her being pregnant and all, but I figured if I could just keep the severity of it all down to a minimum, I could do what I wanted with the story without too much rolling of the eyes, especially in terms of her being pregnant. I loved writing the scene where Vicki holds out the gun, and the act comes to a close, and you're like: "What the hell, Vicki?!" And then she sort of shrugs it off as an attempt to capture some 'dramatic effect.' I'm so glad I didn't have to deal with Vicki asking all these questions though. That could have dragged on for a good four pages, so Oliver is simply just: "I'll explain later." Haha. I'm so glad you like Chloe so much! XD Melanie is like my FAVOURITE virtual series character, next to Quentin O'Neal from Trinity, and so I would definitely love to see Chloe and Melanie kick some ass together. You have no idea how happy it makes me that you're giving Chloe so much praise though! She's my favourite character to write for, if that wasn't obvious before, and so it means a lot that you do like her. I love writing her sarcastic side, and her "you're about to get your ass kicked" side the most. And I think Chloe and Melanie would definitely get along! XD One of my problems with the episode, writing it, was that the fight ended too quickly, and it seemed to be resolved too easily. So I can udnerstand how it should have lasted a bit longer. If it were anyone other than Chloe dealing with Zod, the fight would have lasted longer, simply because a pregnant chick can only take so many hits before you're expecting something tragic to happen to her baby. But once I sent Zod on his way, I figured: "I need more..." So I introduced the fact he didn't come alone, and that brought Non and Ursa in for a little bit of a confrontation towards the end. I figured if I was setting up Zod's departure in a Superman II like fashion, I should have Non/Ursa on board. Vicki Vale is one of those characters who I know exactly who she will become at the end of the series, and what kind of person she'll grow into. So introducing her, I needed to sort of work backwards, kind of. Much like Lana Lang in the early days of Smallville, Vicki comes off as the "Damsel in Distress", only with more bark than a bite. Eventually, we'll get to see her grow physically stronger, and be able to hold her own in a fight, but at the moment, she gets into a lot of trouble. And that has a lot to do with her being too curious for her own good -- she wondered who the man was in the opening: gets attacked by Zod. She wanted to find out the truth behind Chloe: she uncovers Watchtower and comes face to face with Non and Ursa. So its all an extension of her role as a reporter, in a way. But you definitely will see that progression from a woman has a habit of being caught in the crossfire, with no way of fighting back, to a woman who will become confident enough to both bite and bark. Haha. That was a bit of a reference, yeah. The time I actually purposefully went out of my way to do that line was in the ninth episode of Season One, "Archer", where Oliver and Bruce work behind Chloe's back to deal with a certain situation, and Chloe refers to them as the "Dynamic Duo." XD Thank you! I really wanted to have that "welcome to the team" scene at the end, mainly because I wanted to integrate Vicki into the group more, as well as stress the fact that there is something coming, and Chloe can't deal with it on her own. I'm so glad you liked it! And I'm glad you're excited for Harley Quinn. There's definitely that build up present, and I hope I don't disappoint for when she makes her official debut (as I don't really count "Purpose" as her debut) in #16. Thank you sooo much, Aimee! Wow. That's extremely flattering. I appreciate it! I think, if I'm able to execute the five-season-plan I hope to do, then Bruce and Clark will eventually meet. Its a while down the road, but its something I want to do -- this episode does kind of tease the fact that Batman/Superman will eventually cross paths in the future. So yeah. Thank you for the review! I really enjoyed coming home to read it! And sorry for such a LOOOOONG response! XD |
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Amin
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Post by Amin on Mar 9, 2012 8:13:52 GMT -6
Little Review: Purpose
This, to me, was more or less there as one of the best episodes of the season, so far. It feels like we sort of take a step back and relax some, yet still dig deep into certain things like Chloe's past and character and see Helena acting like a "normal human". Those types of episodes always tend to be my favorites, now that I think of it.
Speaking of Helena, I am really liking how her character is turning out this season. I think it's a very intriguing and unique concept you're utilizing with her. A hero fighting to be normal. That's very refreshing and I think you've done great with her story so far.
Chloe, Chloe, Chloe. This episode was, probably, her highlight for me personally. This was where I go "Ah, Chloe Sullivan just may be higher on my favorites list than I'd consider." I really loved all the bits with her past. The bar scene she had with Oliver was great and all of her interactions with "Anne" were funny as hell, even when they weren't supposed to be. xD I remember when Anne first appeared and there was this very awkward beat before one of them spoke... I love those types of moments.
But what I most liked about Chloe here was her strength and this independence she's so stubborn about. I feel those things about her really showed a lot here and it made me appreciate her character all the more.
Though I'll have to say, the way she, Oliver and her mother all three brushed off her almost getting killed by a maniac felt kinda disturbing... I suppose that says something about the kind of lives they live with what they do.
And then Harley Quinn there at the end... pure brilliance. Her lines were spot on and the smile sticking to her face as she brings out the taser gun made me smile myself.
So Quote of The Day is as follows:
The use of "Mr. J" gave me shivers, I think. And I don't know the character of Harley Quinn all too well, but that sounds JUST like something she'd say for some reason.
10/10. Loved this one.
That said...
Little Review: Alien
I'll say it right away: I did not enjoy this one as much as I did "Purpose". It may also be the timing, coming so soon after an instant favorite of mine, but I had a few issues with it.
Firstly, let's take the good stuff. There was still a lot of that as in all of your episodes. I loved Chloe getting to do fighting and really carrying on that fierceness from last episode, though I'll admit to being uncomfortable during that FoS fight with Zoe because of the baby being RIGHT THERE.
Bruce was nice here too. I liked it when he went off to confront Zod all on his own and... I don't know, I just generally like his character. He has that "You can't really not like me" post-it stamped to his forehead. He's that type, if you will.
But the best part in this one was definitely... Vicki Vale. I remember saying in a past review (was it 2x07 or 2x08? I don't remember the exact episode) that she felt rather "ordinary" so to say and not-so loveable just yet. Well, that all changed right here in this episode. I think she's on my favorites list now... no, she's definitely there now. Loved that scene at the end where the others take her into their "Scooby Gang".
I hope we see much more of her before the season is over.
So... the bad part. I'll have to name it in a word: Zod. I felt he fell kinda flat here, even though I don't remember him too well from Watchtower's sister show. He felt rather cliched, honestly, and his lines were just so evil it became funny. That part where he threatened to tear out Perry's intestants and play with his dead corpse (was it?) made me want to pat his back and ask him to swallow these pills with a light chuckle.
I don't know, was he like that over on Smallville too? Eitherhow, I honestly wasn't impressed by him.
This is more of a personal preference, but I really cringed when Chloe prevented Bruce from stabbing Zod dead. I know they've got their morals and all that... but for the love of god, darling, this man will enslave all of mankind, including your child. It just annoys me, it did on Smallville too, when people do these things. Clark did it in "Doomsday" and I remember being soo frustrated over it the whole episode. "Davis Bloome or all of mankind... hmm, priorities, priorities."
And just a question... if Chloe lost her powers back at the fortress, how did she so quickly appear at The Watchtower to banish "Funny Alien Male Name" and "Funny Alien Female Name"? Ur and Nurna? Nur? I can't remember. One of them had an "Urna" in their name, I think.
Speaking of, I loved the way you did that. The main antagonist of the episode is banished... and then we find out he wasn't alone and Vicki bumps into those two. It was a literal gasp moment for me.
I'll have to say 7.5/10 for this one, simply because Zod was such a large part of the episode and didn't do it for me.
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Post by Jack Malone on Mar 9, 2012 8:51:46 GMT -6
Little Review: PurposeThis, to me, was more or less there as one of the best episodes of the season, so far. It feels like we sort of take a step back and relax some, yet still dig deep into certain things like Chloe's past and character and see Helena acting like a "normal human". Those types of episodes always tend to be my favorites, now that I think of it. I'm glad you liked this episode! A lot of it came about because I wanted to solidify Chloe's past before continuing on - now that Smallville has finished I could really bridge that gap together, and make sense of it all, before wrapping the season. Its something I couldn't do properly in the first season, so there was always that gap, and now I think its pretty tightly closed. XD Thank you! This storyline for Helena has been a lot of fun for me to write, and introducing Guido, and really pushing Helena towards that "normal life" has been a highlight for me, of the season so far. She's got a lot of ties into the main plot that is building up, which will become more evident in future episodes, so she's not taken too far out of the story while she steers clear of the "hero life", but yeah. I'm glad you're enjoying this direction for her. I was kind of nervous about this episode, because of how much it dug into Chloe's past, but either way, I wanted to bridge that gap, and I thought this way would be best to do it. I loved bringing in the future self, it was fun to write those two together. Again, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'm glad Chloe is moving up your favourites list, especially now that Emil is gone, lol. XD Chloe is still adjusting, and while they do brush it off in a way, Oliver's concerns were more related to him, and so he knows in his head that Chloe can hold her own, pregnant or not, and Moira helped him realise that Chloe isn't the problem here, and he has his own doubts. I didn't want this pregnancy storyline just focus on Chloe, or "Chlollie" -- I think its important to look at Oliver in the situation too, so thats what this episode was for him. I'm beyond stoked you enjoyed her little cameo at the end. I have had way too much fun writing for Harley so far this season. There's a lot more to come! XD I'm rather surprised, because I was more nervous about "Purpose" being a least favourite one than "Alien", but I'm glad it was the other way around because #13 was more Chloe-based, and I felt like it was something I've always wanted to do, whereas bringing Zod in was more of a spur-of-the-moment wish kinda thing. I had a lot of fun writing "Alien", though. That was my MAIN concern. But I tried to make the fight scenes as straight forward as possible to show that there wasn't any extreme physical harm done to Chloe, or her stomach-region. Plus, with the addition of the Kryptonian powers, she was kind of invincible on that front, but nothing EXTREME happened to her in the FoS fight. I understand the concerns though. I was worried about it too. Hahaha. I knew if I brought on Zod it'd have to tie into Bruce somehow, mainly because I wanted to have a little bit of a power play, minor, but still there. Zod goes to him because he is the most public figure in Gotham, and he does have that power, so I wanted their paths to cross first and foremost. Plus, I needed to welcome Bruce into that world, so it made sense for him and Zod to meet. *drops to knees* Thank you! I've been testing Vicki Vale out since I introduced her, and I really hoped she'd catch someone's eye, and I'm so glad it was your eye that she caught. Ugh. I'm so happy right now, haha. XD I have quite a bit planned for this character, and like I said to Aimee, she may seem like the "Damsel in Distress" type character, that gets thrown around, or caught in the crossfire too much, but its all part of a journey and she's definitely not a "dumb" character, so she's definitely going to grow, and learn to hold her own. But yeah, I'm not going to get into a rant, lol. Yeah, that line I hated. Why didn't you take it out Jack? Good question. I did. But then I saved one copy on my hard drive folder of WTS2, and 'My Documents' and uploaded the one with the line in there, and then thought: eh, its just one line... But yeah, that line I did not like. I removed it completely because it felt like it went too far. It does sound like Zod, to a certain degree, but in that scenerio, its too much. I think I channelled a bit of "Illyria" (Angel) in that dialogue, haha. Other than that, I, personally, writing it, enjoyed Zod's role in the episode, mainly because of what he brought to Bruce's character -- but yeah, he was a huge part so it was a bit of a risk bringing him in and not having him be a highlight of the episode. I think also, he seems to be doing so much in the episode that there should have been more of a build up, maybe? I don't know. I can understand your views on it -- thats what I'm trying to get at. XD Naww, I thought it was noble? Hah. They did do it a lot on Smallville, but the point of it was that Chloe had another way out, and she's learned her lesson on Smallville that there is always another way, and it was a rather pivotal part in her journey in the last few seasons so I didn't want to go against that, even when it is Hitler from Hell she's dealing with here. I understand what you mean, and this is definitely NOT a "feel-good-show" that teaches us moral lessons every week, but in terms of Chloe's character, I would have felt like I was betraying a certain aspect of her development, and would be in more crap than NOT having that "we can't kill him" moment. The fortress teleported her home. I could have explained it better, I'm not sure if I mentioned an octagonal disc or anything, but thats pretty much how you can get out of the fortress so quick. I'm glad you liked the "Non" and "Ursa" twist. I was worried it would feel forced, but I wanted a "its not over yet" feeling. So I'm glad that worked out well. XD Thank you, Amin! I always love your reviews, and I loved both of these. What I'll take back from your "Alien" review is that if I choose to have an episode that so heavily requires mythology from Smallville, a TV Show not everyone has watched before "Watchtower", I should better explain more things (like the Fortress escape route, and the sudden power-loss). That, and more Vicki Vale. Hahaha. No, but mainly that first point. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the rest of this run, as there's more Harley Quinn, and you-know-who, so I'm looking forward to that, and hopefully you enjoy the rest of the run, and the last handful of episodes that lead up to the finale. Thanks again! These reviews have made my night! XD ...I've missed quote of the day.  |
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Post by Jack Malone on Mar 9, 2012 8:56:14 GMT -6
SCREENTIME: ALIEN  Chloe: 23 mins Oliver: 21 mins Helena: 0 mins Selina: 0 mins Perry: 5 mins Guido: 0 mins Dinah: 3 mins Bruce: 18 mins ------------------------------------------- SEASON TOTALS (SO FAR)------------------------------------------- Chloe: 317 mins [14/14]
Oliver: 194 mins [14/14]
Helena: 74 mins [10/14]
Selina: 92 mins [10/14]
Perry: 77 mins [12/14]
Guido: 38 mins [11/13]
Dinah: 40 mins [7/14]
Bruce: 158 mins [14/14] |
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Post by The Doctor on Mar 13, 2012 1:59:26 GMT -6
So i have to know Jack....what month was/is 2.13,2.14,2.15,2.16,and 2.17 in? |
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Post by Jack Malone on Mar 13, 2012 2:10:36 GMT -6
So i have to know Jack....what month was/is 2.13,2.14,2.15,2.16,and 2.17 in? Well the Christmas Special was in December, and Chloe is three months pregnant in "Purpose", so its March during "Purpose." I know that much... haha. XD |
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Post by Jack Malone on Mar 13, 2012 2:14:54 GMT -6
SCREENTIME: CURSE  Chloe: 14 mins Oliver: 9 mins Helena: 10 mins Selina: 12 mins Perry: 6 mins Guido: 4 mins Dinah: 6 mins Bruce: 7 mins ------------------------------------------- SEASON TOTALS (SO FAR)------------------------------------------- Chloe: 331 mins [15/15]
Oliver: 203 mins [15/15]
Helena: 84 mins [11/15]
Selina: 116 mins [11/15]
Perry: 83 mins [13/15]
Guido: 42 mins [12/15]
Dinah: 46 mins [8/15]
Bruce: 165 mins [15/15] |
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Post by The Doctor on Mar 13, 2012 2:34:23 GMT -6
haha. Sweet. So im assuming the next couple of episodes up to 2.16 are in march as well and 2.17 is in April |
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Post by Jack Malone on Mar 13, 2012 2:41:42 GMT -6
^I really don't know. There is a week between each episode (except 16 starts where 15 ends, and 17 starts where 16 ends). Its just... I really don't think about the 'months' too much, to be honest.
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Post by The Doctor on Mar 13, 2012 2:46:00 GMT -6
Well we should.haha. Karl needs these types of things. So I...I mean he....I mean me.....you knwo what i mean  , can keep track of the year. I know right now that its 2013 already . Since WT picks up after season 10 of Smallville. Which was in 2011. And then Season two starts in 2012 and heads into 2013 after christmas |
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Post by Jack Malone on Mar 13, 2012 2:52:19 GMT -6
There is more than likely huge continuity errors in terms of the months/year, simply because the show started before Smallville ended, and I really don't look too much into what year/month it is. I'm so confused, my brain hurts. I know Watchtower takes place three months after Smallville ended, so around August. Season Two starts -- three months after Season One? I can't remember, its written down somewhere ... and yeah, so the rest of Season Two is March 2013.
NOTE: By the time Season Three starts (fingers crossed), we'll probably be caught up with the show, so its 2013 in the show, and episodes are airing in 2013.
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Post by The Doctor on Mar 13, 2012 3:07:14 GMT -6
Aww Jack....You will get Season three....Even if i have to beat everyone up and force them to pick Watchtower. *pulls out plate of cookies* Would you like a cookie? |
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Post by Jack Malone on Mar 13, 2012 3:19:25 GMT -6
Aww Jack....You will get Season three....Even if i have to beat everyone up and force them to pick Watchtower. *pulls out plate of cookies* Would you like a cookie? Hopefully we'll hear some news soon -- Chris seemed impressed with the pitch, and this season has done pretty well so far. But you know, the rest of the season could be complete horse sh!t. HAHA. XD |
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Post by The Doctor on Mar 13, 2012 3:34:47 GMT -6
hahaha. Doubt it  . With the Joker and Harley Q showing up i sincerly doubt it |
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Post by Jack Malone on Mar 20, 2012 2:26:03 GMT -6
SCREENTIME: TORN  Chloe: 17 mins Oliver: 7 mins Helena: 16 mins Selina: 0 mins Perry: 0 mins Guido: 9 mins Dinah: 7 mins Bruce: 7 mins ------------------------------------------- SEASON TOTALS (SO FAR)------------------------------------------- Chloe: 348 mins [16/16]
Oliver: 210 mins [16/16]
Helena: 100 mins [12/16]
Selina: 116 mins [11/16]
Perry: 83 mins [13/16]
Guido: 51 mins [13/16]
Dinah: 53 mins [9/16]
Bruce: 172 mins [16/16] |
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Post by Jack Malone on Mar 27, 2012 4:03:58 GMT -6
SCREENTIME: ROGUE  Chloe: 19 mins Oliver: 16 mins Helena: 0 mins Selina: 0 mins Perry: 11 mins Guido: 1 mins Dinah: 17 mins Bruce: 3 mins ------------------------------------------- SEASON TOTALS (SO FAR)------------------------------------------- Chloe: 367 mins [17/17]
Oliver: 226 mins [17/17]
Helena: 100 mins [12/17]
Selina: 116 mins [11/17]
Perry: 94 mins [14/17]
Guido: 52 mins [14/17]
Dinah: 70 mins [10/17]
Bruce: 175 mins [17/17] |
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Post by The Doctor on Mar 28, 2012 11:31:30 GMT -6
So Jack....My mom basically loves the Idea of Oliver and Chloe together. BUT when we were watching Season 7 and some of Season 8 yesterday....she HATED her with Jimmy.hahaha Her exact words were: "Why in the HELL is Chloe dating him? With all the fine men on this show. Especially Oliver and Davis. WHY is she marrying that Weasel?" Well I told her the reason Oliver and Chloe arent together yet is because they have to get through the drama of this season.hahaha. Just thought i would share that OH BTW.....LOVE the ending of Rogue . Cant wait to see what happens next |
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Post by Jack Malone on Mar 28, 2012 19:56:33 GMT -6
So Jack....My mom basically loves the Idea of Oliver and Chloe together. BUT when we were watching Season 7 and some of Season 8 yesterday....she HATED her with Jimmy.hahaha Her exact words were: "Why in the HELL is Chloe dating him? With all the fine men on this show. Especially Oliver and Davis. WHY is she marrying that Weasel?" Well I told her the reason Oliver and Chloe arent together yet is because they have to get through the drama of this season.hahaha. Just thought i would share that OH BTW.....LOVE the ending of Rogue . Cant wait to see what happens next Haha. Your mum sounds AWESOME. My mum is a fan of Chloe and Oliver as well. I remember when I started season one, and I delved into the Bruce/Chloe/Oliver triangle, and I said to mum: "Who do you prefer? Chloe and Batman, or Chloe and Green Arrow?" And she went on, and on about how Chloe and Oliver would be a better couple -- and my mum is not the biggest fan of Smallville at all. It was great to hear her say that, though. (Her favourite seasons were four -- because she's in love with Jensen Ackles -- and season six.)I didn't mind Chloe/Jimmy during S6, mainly because it was Chloe's first relationship on the show, and it had that adorable/teenage kind of thing about it, but when it turned serious during S7, and S8, it just became painfully obvious they did NOT belong together. Besides, Jimmy was always so insecure about himself compared to Clark, yet Chloe has chosen him over Clark many times before, and ugh, it just got so irritating towards the end. Thanks, about "Rogue." This episode was the last one on the season that I planned, and put into the season, so the storyline with Dinah's mum is very fresh, and will alter some of the plans I had for her during this last run that's coming up in May. You're going to get to see her try and find her mum, and really go on this solo mission that gets her in a lot of trouble. As for the "breakup" of Chloe and Oliver, there's a LOT coming up with those two in this final run, and its very much about finding their way back -- can they do it? Should they do it? Those sorts of things, you know. |
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, can keep track of the year. I know right now that its 2013 already 
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