Season 1, Episode 12: Leech

 

"Leech"

Episode 12

Air Date: February 12th, 2002

"Leech" is definitely one of the early fan favorites of the series and it's hard not to see why when moral of story is done in such wonderful way; finally showing that Clark's powers don't make him a hero but his incredible sense of doing what's right whether he has powers or not.  It's not surprise that once Eric gets Clark's powers, he would do what any regular angst driven teenager would, perform heroic acts, bask in the sudden fame and adoration of the town...before eventually succumbing to the dysfunctional family issues hw has with his parents, especially his strict and cold father who is also a teacher at Smallville High.  Shawn Ashmore does a fine job in the role, making you really feel bad for Eric and understand his sudden turn to the darker side of using his powers given his home life and how he's tried at school.  But then again, what also helps is the great script written by Tim Schlattmann who is able to balance the intense turn of events of rebellious superpowered teen and the charming hilarity of Clark realizing he is just like every other teen now.  I mean come on, that basketball game montage followed by Clark telling Pete how great it is that they lost to Pete's confusion is just priceless.  It really humanizes Clark and not just because he is temporarily powerless.  Tom does better than usual here, especially showing Clark's fear then automatic carefree nature when he realizes how easily he can get hurt, how running track can be a nightmare, not to mention the shocking way his nose would randomly bleed. Yikes!!!

But once again, the really strength of the script comes from how this particular meteor freak of the week episode is more than just a one off and has some seriously repercussions for Clark to deal with.  Not just because he must now face foe with limitless powers (his powers no less) without his abilities but realize his powers are HIS responsibility and unfortunately, his burden to bare whether he wants them or not.  Clark's struggle to remain normal but knowing that he needs to save the day because he is the only one who knows how to stop Eric is masterfully done, especially the writers showing that being a hero isn't something Clark does because he can, but because it is in his nature to save others when trouble is around.  It's excellent character development and I love how they show the Kents were essential in why Clark is so morally grounded and mature when it comes to what happens in Smallville. WOW! :)  Also, while probably unintentional, I find it comedic gold the fact that Nixon finally gives Lex some hard evidence that Clark is more than he seems...only for Lex to confront Clark about having powers the first time he doesn't! Sure, it creates some genuine animosity between them that's well acted but I doubt Clark would have been so full of conviction about being normal if his powers were present.  I kind of feel bad for Lex when he is so close to the truth but Clark chastises him for thinking he's invincible when he knows Lex was/is right technically! Just one of those few aspects of the series which will grow annoying as Clark's secret is protected all the time from convenience instead of outsmarting those who are close to it. Bah!!!

Also, once again, the scenes between Clark and Lana are very enjoyable, especially not having to do with their high school crush.  This time Lana gets her own little plotline with an old rundown theater in Smallville and wanting to preserve it's future after her aunt sells her shop as well as it.  It's really nice seeing Lana here during the very early days.  Innocent, sweet and giving Clark some solid advice instead of this glorified goddess that every villain can't resist and becomes too pretentious as well as self involved.  I liked her talking about Clark looking like he had the weight of the world off his shoulders and that potential of them getting closer because of it.  And not just personally but psychically since her kryptonite necklace can't make him sick anymore.  Speaking of her necklace, I love how Clark uses it to face off against Eric and quickly gets his powers back, even if the burden of having them comes back with them. :(

In Lex Luthor corporate land, we finally get some resolution between Lex's relationship with Victoria as it seems she was able to get her father Lex's shares of Luthorcorp through his research with C.A.D.M.U.S. Labs (Nice reference!) she stole from his laptop.  But it turns out, Lex was able to make it worthless without Victoria's knowledge and is able to buy Sir Harry's company right from under his noise.  Gotta love once seeing the cunning, business savy side of Lex showing itself again, especially capped off by that stunning line of "I plan to be great all on my own thank you."  Such an iconic Lex Luthor type of line!  But it doesn't end there as it seem Lionel and Victoria were having an affair behind Lex's back as Nixon gives him the very disturbing photos.  He also tells Nixon to stay clear of the Kents and drop the investigation with Clark and the accident that day....for now! "Leech" is a tremendously strong episode with some insightful development of Clark and his duty as a hero in training and Lex pursuit of being a powerful force in the corporate world while managing to give us some great stakes, a nice family dynamic with Eric and the Summers and even Lana's plot about the theater has some heartwarming substance to it.  A highlight for sure during the first run of the Superman prequel series.

Final Kryptonite: A