Review: Smallville, Episode 7.16, "Descent"

After nearly seven full seasons in the making, the moment finally arrives where Lex Luthor turns completely and irrevocably to the dark side. Smallville is one of those shows that's more about entertainment than great drama, and there's nothing wrong with that, but there are a few instances here where it seems to be channeling the spirit of Battlestar Galactica.

It's the best episode of the seventh season so far, and also one of the best episodes ever. Writers Don Whitehead and Holly Henderson deserve credit for this along with actor Michael Rosenbaum. I've said before that Rosenbaum is the best film or television portrayer of Lex by far, and that's confirmed once again here. He does the brooding Lex consumed by his own darkness so well, and he's always brought a certain note of realism to the role that was lacking in the performances of other actors who have portrayed Lex over the years.