Matt, I would say the CW is saving their "money" for the season finale. They always tend to go "easy" on CGI shots/effects near the end of the season.
I'm not complaining, it didn't look that bad. A bit disappointing, but he basically 'had a controlled fall' to the ground with Tess in his arms.
Tess orchestrated the whole bit to "test" Clark, and now she's on to him. The Pilot was in on it, as he got payed at the end of the episode
