Season 1, Episode 16: Stray

 

"Stray"

Episode 16

Air Date: April 16th, 2002

Awwwww, this episode never ceases to pull out an abundance of emotions out of me. Ehhhhhh!!! No wonder the writers decided to bring this character and his story back the following season as Ryan really is such a ridiculously heartwarming character, played with such brilliant innocence yet charisma in Ryan Kelley.  I just adore all his scenes and you can tell the entire cast is having a blast with their little brother co-star for an episode.  I especially enjoyed his scenes with the Kents, as it just brought out the wonderful warmth of the Kent out more in such a genuinely touching way and not sappy at all as you would think. It makes sense that Clark would get so close to Ryan, since they both are "strays" and have abilities that isolate them from the world while trying to find their place in it.  Tom in particular has such effortless chemistry with Ryan as it made his performance here much more endearing and natural. Nice!!! Also, the writers manage to interwove Ryan and his mind reading power so well with the ongoing plot of the show from Clark's alien origins as well as Lex possibly returning to Metropolis already as his father offers him a place at Luthorcorp again that is far beyond just a title.  I really loved how this story plays out, not just because we get the incomparable John Glover back as Daddy Luthor for an episode, but it is such a terrific progression in their relationship as well as Lex's personal journey to ultimate power and villainy (Sigh :()  I love how Lex releases his father's sudden realization of him doing so well and offering him what he's wanted since coming to Smallville is just a ploy to take his son back under his wing before Lex proves to over take him and his company.  Seriously, the Lionel and Lex conflict is one of the show's greatest achievements and I can't help but drown in the dark presentation of this father/son rivalry...it's just so good! :)

Of course, Ryan's abilities expose things we already know about said characters and where they are in terms of romantic interests from Chloe wanting Clark to ask her out to prom, which leads her back to not so subtly hinting at Clark to make a move on her already.  I mean Clark clearly sees this, but it's kind of upsetting the writers are having him be so oblivious to it in favor of his constant pinning for the girl next door.  Ewwww!!! Also, we get some awesome plot developments that will be further explored down the line of the show once again. One being the Warrior Angel character as well as comics that are clearly the shows in-universe tribute/satire of Superman himself and the fact that Lex had a young brother named Julian who died as a baby.  A tragedy that is just mentioned here to give Lex more of a troubling and sad backstory but truly is more horrifying once it is further explored during one of the show's finest seasons.  Also back to the Warrior Angel parallel, as clearly it's not only meant to show a comic book within a comic book world, but help emphasizes Clark's heroic calling, especially when it comes to the people he is constantly protecting from harm like Ryan.  I liked the illusions that were brought everytime Ryan would compared Warrior Angel to Clark, especially giving Clark his collection at the end because he has a real hero looking after him in Clark. Awwwwww! It really brings some depth to the Superman persona that Clark is developing within him and the way he comes to Ryan's rescue at the end is full of that tension filled sequencing that makes you breath a deep sigh of relief once Clark is able to come in for the save last minute.

Because it really helps Ryan is a kid (like 12 right? Cause Clark and the other teens are suppose to be 14-15....yeah! o_o lol), that he's such a terrifically realized character with so much heart and loveable personality...not to mention, his step father and his wife are truly gross and disturbing villains.  Both do an excellent job and were perfectly casted here.  The ending conclusion, like I said, it full of intense imagery and stakes are you really are horrified that Ryan maybe hurt or worse!  Some nice touches were also Ryan helping Lana with a kleptomaniac employee...but of course, he has to develop a crush on her! -_- As well as Ryan warning Clark of Lex's darkness before taking off with his aunt from Edge City.  Once again, eluding to their clash of the titans match up in the future but I like how they make Clark a bit naive here with thinking he'll see the good in him until he proves him wrong.....oh Clark! If only you knew! :) "Stray" works on sooooo many levels. A heartwarming family drama, a horrific child abuse storyline with frightening antagonists, a grinning progression of the Luthor family dynamic and an entertaining exploration of Clark's heroic influence of the people he saves as they see him as a true superhero....hmmmmm, you think??? O_o :)

Final Kryptonite: A