Episode 3.8: Shattered

With 'Shattered', Smallville really steps back up a gear, with a tour de force performance from Michael Rosenbaum, as Lex descends into what may or may not be a drug induced pit of dementia. It turns out that Lionel is responsible, using Lex's 'madness' to cover up any evidence Lex has found that might implicate Lionel and Morgan Edge in the death of Luthor Senior's parents.

Speaking of Morgan Edge, he resurfaces here, unfortunately no longer played by Rutger Hauer. This is explained away through means of plastic surgery in the character's effort to change his identity. Patrick Bergin takes over the role and does a more than adequate job of it, at times even displaying some of Hauer's mannerisms. Apparently, Bergin was good friends with Hauer at the time, which probably accounts for how well he takes him off.

Lex's journey into madness is totally convincing, and the discovery that he had previously lost it in the same way, after the death of his brother, adds further nuances to an already complex character. The scene in which Lex cradles the rolled up blanket is both creepy and sad.

Another scene, in which he tosses Lana under a horse, is also quite brutal and very realistic. You can almost feel the blows that she takes, and it makes her final words to Clark sting all the more, knowing that he is in some way responsible for putting her in harms way.

The final shot of Lionel staring through a double sided mirror at Lex, who stands in a padded cell wearing a straight jacket, is depressing, tragic, and deeply twisted. It sure makes for damn good television!

10/10