SV: 7-13 "Hero" Review

 

I'll admit that I didn't care for Pete one way or the other. This episode seemed to be a rehash of "Velocity" and "Wrath". Bff/gf gets powers; it goes to his/her head; they hurt Clark (!!); Clark forgives them. In the case of the gf, Clark continues to shack up with her. Yeah. The good in this episode? Lex. Clark's onto Lionel. And, of course, Chloe.

Stride Gum factory - venue for One Republic concert: Jimmy and Kara walk around hand in hand. Kara asks Jimmy if they used to go to places like this together. Jimmy nods. Kara replies that she doesn’t remember any of it. Jimmy tries to assure her that it’ll come back. He suggests reintroducing her to her favorite bevy and leaves.

Pete walks through the crowd and comes over to the sound guy. He asks him if he’s got gum. The guy tells Pete to look around; they’re in a gum factory. Pete walks into the factory, spots an open box of Stride gum and smiles. He takes a pack. Pete stops a few feet behind Kara while Kara sways to the music. Pete pops a gum in his mouth. I get a craving for gum and pop an Excel gum in my mouth.

 

Jimmy comes back. He pauses to take a picture of Kara. Suddenly the speaker above Kara starts to move. Pete looks up. The speaker falls. Pete screams at Kara to watch out. He goes toward Kara; his arms extend right to her and he pulls her out of the way just in time. One Republic stops playing. The lead singer asks what happened. Is this good press for One Republic? They have speakers falling on their fans during their concerts.

Kara turns to Pete and thanks him. She walks back to Jimmy. Pete looks at his arms in wonder. Jimmy looks at the pic he took. He smiles.

 

Kent Farm: Clark comes down the stairs. He jokes that at least Kara didn’t forget how to use all the hot water. Man, Clark is really not too lucky with the house guests; first Lois, now Kara. He stops. Lionel is sitting in the kitchen with Lana (who’s wearing purple). For some reason, Clark looks surprised. Is this the first time Lionel’s in his kitchen? Lionel asks if Kara has managed to recover her memory. Clark replies that Kara still thinks she’s from Minnesota. Clark adds that the more Kara looks into her past, the more she’ll realize it’s a lie. Hmm, Lex looked into Kara’s past and couldn’t find anything but Kara somehow can? Lionel suggests taking Kara to the Fortress. Clark replies that the last time he went to the Fortress, Jor-El kept him prisoner. Clark suggests telling Kara the truth. Now that makes sense. Lana says that Kara won’t believe him. Oh give me a break! Lana believed it when Clark told her he was an alien. Why wouldn’t Clark be able to convince Kara? Stupid contrivance. Furthermore, Lana’s been spewing crap about secreths and lieths for seven years now – suddenly she’s okay with keeping secrets and lying to Kara? Bah!

Lana adds that they have to protect Kara. Protect her from what exactly – the truth? Lionel agrees. He adds especially since she’s been visiting with Lex. Oh, please. Clark, go talk to Chloe. Clark’s got his thinking face. Lana says that it makes sense; Lex found Kara so she trusts him. Shut up, Lana. Clark says that Kara’s bracelet connects her to Krypton. Lionel reminds him that it went missing. Clark replies that there’s got to be some way to find it. Lionel looks at his watch and heads to the door. He suggests Clark keep a sharp eye on Lex’s latest endeavor. Come on, Lionel. Lex is your son. I hate this.

 

Lionel opens the door and comes face-to-face with Pete. Lana runs to hug Pete. Clark comes up to shake Pete’s hand. Clark asks what Pete’s doing in Smallville. Pete asks what Lionel is doing there. Clark and Lana share a look. Pete guesses that more has changed than he thought. Clark glances at Lana and replies that it’s a long story. Yeah, a long boring Clana story.

Luthor Manor: Lex opens a box containing his toy soldiers (from "Fractured"). He stares at the symbol on the soldier’s shield then looks to the crest on the glass behind him. Kara comes in. Lex notes that the fresh farm air isn’t as invigorating as it’s cracked up to be. Kara replies that she walks around the Kent farm trying to find something that’ll jog her memory. Lex asks if anything stood out; anything out of the ordinary. Kara says that she doesn’t feel connected to any of it. She hands Lex a folder. She says that what’s in the folder matches the girl formerly known as Kara (a Prince reference?) but the girl in the folder isn’t her. She asks if Lex trusts Clark. Lex replies that he wishes he could say yes. Kara says that she feels he’s hiding something from her. Kara says that it’s weird that she doesn’t have dental or medical records. She asks who doesn’t get sick. Lex says that Clark can be evasive. This story arc is a rehash of the Lex-Lana arc of s5-s6. It was somewhat interesting then... until it was all retconned away.

Kara asks why Clark would lie to her. Shouldn’t she be asking Clark? She wonders what in her past could be so horrible that Clark doesn’t want her to know about it. Lex promises that he’ll help Kara get her memory back. Lex asks if Clark mentioned Kara bracelet. Kara says no. Lex tells Kara that the design on her bracelet matches others that have appeared around Smallville. Lex tells Kara about the symbols from the caves and shows her a pic of the symbol on the Kent barn. Lex says that whatever Clark’s hiding it’s connected to the symbols. Lex adds that the bracelet could be the clue to uncovering Kara’s true identity. Duh, duh, duh!! Yeah.

Clark moves a load of posts into a brand new truck (man, it looks sooo fake! SV, you're losing your touch) as Pete and Lana (she’s wearing white) look on. Pete pops another gum in his mouth. Lana says that she’ll see Clark later. They kiss. Oh, boy – the Clana is back. *sigh* Clark’s okay with lying, thieving, deceitful, stupid but pretty twits with shiny hair. *sighx2*

Pete sinks a basket and notes that the secret of the century is not so secret. Lionel, Chloe and Lana all know about Clark’s extra terrestrial crash landing. Clark says that he didn’t want to tell anyone after the danger he put Pete in. Pete guesses that Clark couldn’t stop saving the world and got caught. They start to play one-on-one basketball and Pete uses his stretching abilities to get the upper hand (so to speak). Pete asks what Jonathan would say about a Luthor in his kitchen. I think Jonathan's been spinning in his grave for awhile now. Clark replies that since his dad’s been gone, Lionel’s done a lot for him and his mom. Pete sarcastically says that Lionel did a lot for his family too. He took their factory; caused his parent’s divorce (I doubt it – unless Mrs. Ross was having an affair with Lionel). Clark says that he doesn’t expect Pete to understand as he’s been gone for over three years. He asks what Pete’s been doing.

Pete says that they don’t all land their dream career like Chloe. Pete says that he’s been doing the roadie gig; it pays the bills. Clark says that he could have returned one of his calls. Pete asks if Clark thinks it’s easy saying good-bye to your best friend. Duh, of course Clark knows what it’s like – he said good-bye to Pete. Who comes up with the dialogue? Pete says that he couldn’t risk anyone using him to get at Clark’s secret. He figured it was better leaving it in the past. Clark says that he never asked that of Pete. Pete says that it doesn’t change the fact that he’s been looking over his shoulder ever since. Pete’s pretty paranoid. Pete says that he left his life behind because of Clark but it was better than living in Clark’s shadow. Oh stop the guilt trip, Pete. Pete smiles and says that luckily everything’s changed. He goes around Clark and dunks a basket by stretching his legs.

Pete boasts that he’s finally brought his game to Clark’s level. Clark looks stunned. He asks what happened. Pete smiles. He says that he saved a girl the night before and finally got a taste of what it felt like to be Clark – a hero. Clark says that whatever it is, they need to reverse it. Pete says that he should have known Clark wouldn’t be happy for him. Clark replies that he wants Pete to be careful. Pete asks if Clark wants him to hide like him (Clark). Clark insists that the Kryptonite warps reality. Pete should know that. He’s lived in Smallville. Pete replies that the only thing that’s warped is the number of lives Clark will ruin by keeping his powers a secret. Pete says that he won’t let anyone live with that burden like Clark did. Pete adds that times change and warns that if Clark tries to stop him, his secret won’t be the only one being exposed. Shut up, Pete.

 

Daily Planet: Chloe is on the phone. She says that she’s been locked out of her files. She hangs up the phone. Jimmy walks over. He asks if Chloe opened his email yet. Chloe apologizes. She says she’s been in IT hell all morning. Network issues have got her surfing the slow lane (oh, you mean the Lois Lane?). Chloe opens Jimmy’s email. It’s an image of Pete saving Kara with his stretch ability. Chloe zooms in on Pete. Chloe says that that’s Pete Ross – her best friend in high school; back before Clark. Huh? I thought it was at the same time? Jimmy asks if Chloe ditched Pete for Clark. Chloe continues to stare at the pic. She says that no; they were all best friends. Jimmy says that Pete’s going to be an overnight superstar. He says that he’s just got off the phone and Pete’s the first meteor fre- Jimmy pauses. He reconsiders his words and continues with "biologically enhanced individual who’s willing to be interviewed about his powers". Chloe is surprised that Pete’s willing to be interviewed about his power. Jimmy tells Chloe to image what a person like Pete could do to the perception of the meteor enhanced. He’s smart, funny, and his story is beyond amazing (eh – only Lana is beyond amazing), it’s great. Chloe looks doubtful. She replies that Pete’s a walking personal ad; but as much as she appreciates Jimmy’s socially conscious attitude adjustment, the press would turn Pete into a circus freak. Jimmy replies that it’s just an interview. Chloe reconsiders. She asks if it’s okay if she adds some "purple prose" to smooth out the rough edges. Jimmy says it’s okay. He says that he’s going to Stride factory to interview elastic man’s comrades before they go to their next gig. Chloe picks up the phone. She tells Clark that they’ve got a problem and it appears to be growing. Chloe tries to access Jimmy’s image but gets an "Access Denied" message. Then she gets an "Uploading in Progress" message.

 

Lex sits in the DP CEO’s office and looks at the image downloaded from Chloe’s computer. Chloe bursts into his office. Isn’t that a Clark thing? She mad as heck. She says that the IT department told her that Lex was monitoring everything on the DP computers. Chloe adds that unauthorized surveillance is unethical. Lex doesn’t look to worried. He replies that Chloe’s using pretty big words for a cub reporter. He asks if she should be using them to write stories. Chloe replies that Office Espionage has a nice ring to it. Chloe starts to walk out. Lex replies that while he’s new here, he was under the impression that Lois was the one with the conspiracy theories. Chloe turns around and angrily says that Lex hacked into her computer and copied her files. She has rights. Lex replies that she doesn’t have rights. She has responsibilities. He adds that owning the DP includes everything within its walls and if Chloe has a problem with how Lex runs the Planet, she’s free to find out if the Inquisitor offers a more considerate environment. As much as I love Chloe, Lex is completely right in this. He adds that Chloe is excused. She storms out.

 

Stride Gum Factory: Clark wanders in and spots Jimmy. Jimmy excitedly asks if Clark’s heard about Pete’s stretch save; Pete snapped his arms out like silly putty. Clark says that maybe Jimmy didn’t see what he thought he saw. Oh, come on Clark. That excuse only works if there’s no picture. Jimmy asks if Clark doesn’t want to believe that one of his friends is a meteor freak (hey, what happened to "biologically enhanced individual"?). Jimmy says that he’d hate to think that Clark’s got something against the meteor enhanced (that’s more like it). Clark says that he doesn’t want to see anything happen to Pete. Jimmy asks what could happen to Pete; he gets the credit he deserves? Jimmy says that Pete is a hero who saved Kara’s life. He says that having the courage to reveal that to the world is a big deal. Clark replies that he’s not sure the rest of world will see it that way. Jimmy says that the world needs a hero now more than ever. He adds that maybe meteor freaks can walk among them without being afraid. He asks wouldn’t Clark want that if one of them was his friend. I guess Jimmy doesn’t know that Clark’s in on Chloe’s secret. Clark doesn’t answer. Jimmy walks away.

Clark takes a few steps and feels the effects of Kryptonite. He walks toward some boxes and moves them out of the way exposing liquid Kryptonite seeping into Stride gum boxes. Er, why isn’t Clark on the floor in pain?

 

Daily Planet: Pete walks to Chloe’s desk. He says that he always knew the Torch would lead to the big leagues. Chloe gets up with a huge smile and hugs him. Chloe says that Pete shouldn’t be too impressed. She went from being a big fish in a small pond to a minnow in the Atlantic. Pete says that he’s read all of Chloe’s stories. And as much as some things change, some things remain the same. He points to Chloe. Chloe agrees. She says that she’s currently mopping up Lex’s daily carnage. Pete picks up Chloe’s name plate. Chloe explains that Lex is playing big brother on all the DP computers. All of Chloe’s work is under his cyber lock and key. Pete asks why Chloe doesn’t use her virtual voodoo to get it back. Hey, I know. Why doesn’t Chloe ask Lana to work her magic?

Chloe replies that short of a massive virus, all her files will forever be in the clutches of Citizen Lex. Pete smiles. He says that maybe he can give Lex something else to focus on. He stretches his hand and grabs a rose off another reporter’s desk. Chloe looks stunned. Hey, didn’t she see Jimmy’s photo? Pete proudly gives her the rose and asks if it’s cool. Chloe pulls Pete aside and says that Pete really doesn’t want Lex or anyone else to see that. Pete replies that Clark’s got Chloe running scared because of his secret. Chloe says that it’s not about Clark. Pete replies that he remembers what it was like covering for Clark; watching what you say; lying... to Chloe. Chloe says that sometimes there’s no choice. Pete says that he does have a choice and, for once, he’s glad not to be following in Clark’s footsteps. Pete says that he’s got no secrets. He tells Chloe to put in on the front page. Chloe asks what about the meteor infected who appreciate their privacy. Pete says that if they want to live a lie, it’s their problem. Pete spots Lex. He says that it’s time for people to realize that a real hero doesn’t hide in the shadows. He heads toward Lex.

In the Kent barn, Kara rummages through Clark’s chest (okay, that doesn’t sound right). She finds Clark’s high school jacket. Lana walks up and asks if Kara is looking for something. Ooh, boy. A Klana loft scene. Lana says that Clark wouldn’t appreciate Kara going through his things. Er, Lana, did you forget the events of "Tresspass"? Kara shows Lana a picture of the Kryptonian House of El symbol and asks what she (Lana) knows about them. Lana replies that they’re from a local Indian tribe. Lana asks why the symbols were on the bracelet she used to wear. Lana lies that maybe Kara bought it when she visited the Kents. Or maybe the Kents sent it to her. Kara doesn’t look like she believes Lana. Kara notes that it’s amazing how Lana and Clark can lie on autopilot. Kara says that she knows about the symbols on the barn and in the field and about the symbol that was tattooed on Lana’s back. Lana asks where Kara got the pictures. Kara says that Lex gave them to her. Lana looks all dewy eyed and sad. She says that Lex has a way of being a hero at the exact moment you need to be saved. Oh, save it, Lana. Lana says that she knows how enticing it can be. Oh, shut up, Lana. Lana says that one day Kara will realize that everything was a lie (unlike how Lana and Clark are so forthcoming with the truth). Kara counters that if Lana really wants to prove that Lex is lying, Lana should come clean with the truth. Touché, Kara. Kara begs Lana for the truth. Lana stays silent. Kara says that eventually she’ll find out the truth. It’s a pointless scene because Clark should have just told Kara the truth. That would have jogged her memory.

Daily Planet: Jimmy walks into Lex’s office holding his story on Pete. He spies Pete typing away at Lex’s laptop and hides. Pete is infecting Lex’s laptop with a virus. Lex comes in. He says he didn’t mean to disturb Pete. Lex says that Pete’s quite the hero. He saved Kara and now he’s trying to impress Chloe by erasing her extra-curricular projects. Lex says that things never change and that they (he and Pete) have more in common that Pete thinks. They both had a friend that let them down and Pete knows what it’s like to love a woman that’s still infatuated with Clark Kent. Jimmy looks baffled? I don’t know what his expression’s supposed to convey. Pete notes that Lex is more messed up than before. Lex says that he controls Chloe’s fate and if Pete wants to be Chloe’s hero, he’ll put his amazing ability to work for Lex. Er, why doesn’t Pete just give Lex a piece of gum and tell him to do it himself? Lex says that he’s looking for a bracelet that locked in Lionel’s safe. Pete says that Chloe wouldn’t want him using her job to make Pete do anything. Lex asks if Pete wants to be the reason the world finds out Chloe’s a meteor freak. Jimmy is stunned; as is Pete.

 

 

Daily Planet: Clark tells Chloe that the Stride Gum Factory was used as an venue for bands until it was shut down a few months ago. Chloe quips that maybe next time Stride won’t let the flavor last quite so long. Clark says that he found the source of Pete’s power – Kryptonite enhanced gum. Chloe quips that nothing is sacred. Clark says that Pete is changing and they both know what happens to people under the influence of Kryptonite. Chloe adds present company excluded. They come to the bullpen. It looks like something is going on. Chloe checks her computer. It’s a virus that’s fried all the computers. Chloe thinks that Pete wiped out the Planet’s server to protect her. Jimmy rushes in. He says he’s got a major scoop (that’s just so Lois and Clark!) - Pete is on his way over to Lionel’s to steal something for Lex.

 

Lionel’s Office: Pete walks over to the safe; stretches his hand into the safe to open it. He spots a box. It’s got Green K in it. He sees another box. Bingo. It’s Kara’s bracelet. He turns around to find Clark standing at the door. Pete guesses that Clark’s world is only big enough for one hero. Clark replies that that’s not the way to be a hero; the Kryptonite is affecting his (Pete’s) judgment. Pete says that he’s been in town one day and Lex is squeezing him to learn Clark’s secret. Pete shows Clark Kara’s bracelet. He says that it always comes back to Clark. Pete adds that Clark didn’t know that his new best friend had the bracelet. Touche, Pete. Clark says that there’s got to be a reason. Pete says that Lex and Lionel are the same person and they won’t stop using people till they get to the truth about Clark. Lionel already knows the truth about Clark. Clark turns his back to Pete. Pete apologizes and opens the box with the Green K. Clark drops to the floor in obvious pain. Pete puts the Green K on Clark and says that the only way to stop everything is to take Lex out of the equation. He adds that it’s his turn to save Clark and everyone else from Lex.

Stride Factory: One Republic starts another concert. I fast forward through all the singing. Pete walks over to where Lex is waiting. Lex says that Pete’s late. Pete says that he should have done this three years ago. He stretches his arms and grabs Lex by the throat. Pete asks how many people Lex is going to hurt. A loyal minion knocks Pete down. Lex kicks Pete. Lex wants to know where the bracelet is. Pete yells that he didn’t find it. Loyal minion drags Pete up. Lex says that Pete’s trying his patience. Pete says to bring it on. The truth is not going to change. Lex says that maybe they can help. There’s a crunch. Pete screams and I wince.

Lionel’s Office: Clark is still on the floor when Lionel walks into his office. Lionel rushes to Clark and disposes of the Green K. Clark looks angrily at Lionel and says that they need to talk but first he has to stop Pete from making a huge mistake.

Stride Factory: Loyal minion ties Pete’s arms behind his back. Lex says that he needs the bracelet. He warns Pete that it’s the last time he’ll ask where the bracelet is. Pete insists that he doesn’t have it. Lex nods to his minion. Pete screams in pain. Suddenly loyal minion is flying thirty feet into the air and Lex is knocked out. Clark unties Pete. Pete says that the best part about knowing Clark’s secret is that he gets to say thank you.

Kent Farm: Clark and Pete walk into the house. Pete’s arm is in a sling. He says that one-on-one was more fun when he had powers. He says that now he’s really at a disadvantage. Clark says that even without powers Pete was always at a disadvantage. Huh? Does Clark mean that even with no injury, Pete was at a disadvantage? Or Pete was at a disadvantage even with powers? I’m confused. Pete says that he didn’t mean what he said. Clark says the Kryptonite had Pete amped but Pete wasn’t wrong. Clark wonders what it would be like not to live a lie. Pete says that Clark can’t ever know. He adds that he never understood how hard it was being Clark. Didn’t we already get this scene in s3 followed by Five for Fighting's Superman song? Pete says that he was jealous and it was easier to blame Clark. He apologizes. Pete says that he knows there’s a hero inside him, he just has to find another way to save the world.

Daily Planet: Pete says that he dropped by to apologize to Chloe. Chloe says that Clark told her what Pete did. Chloe says that Pete risked his life for her, it’s not only Webster’s definition of hero it’s hers too. Pete admits that Lex told him that Chloe had a power but she doesn’t have to tell him what it is. He takes out a rose from the sling on his arm. He says that that’s for ruining her computer. Chloe wants Pete to promise not to let another light year pass before she sees him again. Er, Pete for s8? They hug. Jimmy comes up behind Pete. He looks... jealous? Chloe calls him over. Pete tells Jimmy that he decided to live his life in anonymity. Jimmy says that some secrets are better kept. Pete tells Chloe he’ll see her soon and pops a gum in his mouth. Chloe is surprised. Pete smiles and assures her that it’s Kryptonite free and throws the pack of gum to her. Hey, how come Jimmy doesn’t ask what Kryptonite is?

Jimmy asks if Chloe will be hanging out with Pete any time soon. He adds that it looks like Gumby found his Pokey. Huh? Chloe assures Jimmy that they are just friends. Chloe asks about Jimmy’s date night with Kara. Jimmy says that the spark fizzled. Uh oh. Chloe says she’s sorry. Jimmy trips all over himself. I absolutely love AA's portrayal of Jimmy. He plays awkward Jimmy very well. Jimmy finally asks if there’s a way to breathe some fire into this ember over a cup of coffee. Why does Jimmy insist on speaking in riddles? Chloe replies that she’ll bring the butane. Oh, Chloe. Why? Jimmy’s an ass who lusted after Kara while he was dating you. Have you no self respect?

** Cue One Republic "Apologize" **

Kent Barn: Clark hides Kara’s bracelet.

 

Luthor Manor: Lex stares at the "V" symbol on the stained glass in his office. Maybe!Mercy comes in. She says that she checked with Met Conservatory about the constellation in his family’s crest. The last time the stars were configured in the exact arrangement was on October 7, 1989. Lex notes that it was the day of the first meteor shower. Maybe!Mercy says that there is something else. But before she says what it is, Kara walks in. Kara says that she can’t live at the Kent farm because she doesn’t trust Clark and Lana. She asks if she can stay with Lex...