"I am the villain of this story"

"I am the villain of this story", originally uploaded by andebos.

"You were right about me all along. I am the villain of this story."

Smallville has officially kicked off and the second show of the fifth season has passed. This show is fascinating - some of the dialogue is cheesy, special effects are fairly good for a television show, the plot is a bit too sci-fi, but, the themes are epic! The two issues that are flooring me this season are Lex and Clark's relationship (can't say friendship anymore) and the idea of Clark's identity and destiny, for that matter Lex's too. When the show first began I was initially frustrated with the fact that Lex was even in the show...not realizing that in the original story these two were the best of friends. Over time, they began to separate, but the question is why? The writer's are slowly unfolding the separation of this friendship and how they progress from one of story's most lasting friendships to enemies that span the ages. Perhpas as they both grow into their destiny they begin to separate - by that I mean Clark is meant for truth and justice whereas Lex is meant for the exact opposite. Deep down this friendship means a lot to them but they cannot get past who their true roles. It's a curious thought...is it possible that we possess friendships that can go from the most intimate of friends to the most hated of enemies? Even in the bible it explains that the Morning Star (Isaiah 14:12) and God were the most loved of friends...yet, they turned into the most opposed of all enemies. I pray there is no friendship I currently possess that could change into my worst enemy...but what could possibly separate friends in the reaility of our lives? We do not live in television or books...however, it's an interesting thought as we look at our lives - perhaps, its not that we move from best friends to worst enemies but best friends to non-exist friends, maybe that is the enemy formation of our lives...as we fight our own selfishness and time.

The other idea in this week's episode that really interests me is the idea of Clark's destiny and identity. In the past two weeks Clark has lost his powers...everything. He chose this as he made the choice not to return to his father. Now, many of you probably don't realize the intentional idea of Superman relating to God and the Father - it is present in the original story. It is made to represent and reflect the relationship of God the Father and God the Son. It's interesting in the story unfolding of Smallville that Clark chooses to turn from the life his father desires for him...to refuse to embrace his destiny and place with his father. In this choosing he also gives up his powers, which are, in essence, his identity. In terms of Christianity it's an interesting idea - as we choose to progress further from our Father in heaven...we also distance ourselves from our own identity, thus becoming something entirely different. Clark is beginning to realize that he is not made to live without his powers. Though he wants a normal life - he is understanding that a life outside of his identity will never be complete for himself or anyone else. Perhaps, my life apart from Christ and the Father do the same thing within me...I only find my identity in this bizzare love of God - whatever that means, and apart from that...I am just lost in the confusion of the world around me - desperately grabbing at everything to try and fill me, in the end, only going deeper into despair until I choose to return to the one place of my identity.

"Clark, you were tied to a pole in the middle of a field. Even the Romans saved that for special occasions."

"It's still strange to think that he and Rickman were once best friends. Think we'll ever end up like that?"
"Trust me, Clark. Our friendship is going to be the stuff of legend."
-Clark Kent/Lex Luthor