Season 2, Episode 18: Visitor

 

"Visitor"

Episode 18

Air Episode: April 18th, 2003

Well, it would make sense, following the major revelation of Clark's homeworld/lineage and hearing the backstory of Krypton's destruction that this episode would follow up on that a bit by giving Clark some hope that he might not be the only Kryptonian on Earth.  Of course, it turns out to be the usual meteor freak of the week plot in disguise, but the writers do a pretty good job of building the possibility of Cryus being an alien as well.  But unfortunately, it just turns out that Cyrus is more 2 dimensional stereotype than a 3 dimensional follow Kryptonian like Clark.  Even the script penned by Phillip Levens mentions that Cryus is just your average anti social teenager making up a story just to explain his isolated personality compared to everyone else who just don't understand him.  Not to mention, Cryus himself doesn't really add something new to this type of character while his actor, Jer Adrianne Lelliot, does fine in the role but clearly is restricted by the limitations that Cyrus isn't anything new that we haven't seen before.  We've seen Clark befriend a good number of outsiders since now and this one should have been more special considering he feels like Cyrus is a little kindred spirit by being from his planet, but the script just implies then finally reveals that Cryus is just a meteor freak with a healing ability.  Gotta love Clark's enthusiasm and passion in believing in Cyrus' story at first, as you really sympathize with him just wanting to know if they're are more of his kind out there.  Also, it's nice to hear the word "kryptonite" used for the first time on this show so kudos! ;)

Meanwhile, Lex and Helen are having more trouble in paradise again when Helen isn't used to be torn apart by the tabloids and her career might be affected because of it.  Once again, Lex shows his vulnerability and Helen can't help but be there for him by trying to work things out.  It couldn't come at a more troubling time as Martha is getting more anxious and worrisome over her miraculous pregnancy despite her being healthy as all can be.  As much as Jonathan's hatred for the Luthors can get a bit grating, he had every right to have reservations about having Helen be her doctor during her pregnancy and trusting her with their family's secret when she's dating Lex of all people.  I understand Martha's fear and wanting Helen to be her doctor, but it's a huge gamble trusting her with a secret that can be overwhelming when she's dating a man that's all about wanting to know the truth! Yikes! It also doesn't help that when Helen is upset that her key doesn't unlock a specific door in the mansion, Lex finally reveals to her what's inside and it's a room completely dedicated to the Kents, the caves, the ship's disc, the accident and Clark in particular.  Honestly, Lex's curiosity is beyond disturbing and I'm surprised Helen stayed so calm while seeing all of this. Clearly she doesn't want to alert any suspicion of the Kents since she's looking over Martha but boy, this plot development is suspenseful and quite terrifying for her; making the upcoming episodes look more anticipated at this point.

It wouldn't be Smallville without Clark and Lana's romance being shoved in our faces, especially when Lana chooses Clark's farm to house Whitney's old horse and everyone can't stop pointing it out like it's the talk of the town.  Chloe, of course, mentions it, tho doesn't come off as mean and spiteful about it as usual.  Tho I admit, finding out she would be more than okay with finding out someone was an alien is a nice indication of future storylines for her character. Then Lex mentions it like Clark finally scored with her but I just don't understand why Lana is being so secretive about her feelings....apparently, it must be because of not hurting Chloe when I say, if the person that ask you to move in and be like a sister to her is getting mad because she has feelings for the same guy and her best friend; when her best friend feels the same way...why not be happy for them and find you're own man??? Ridiculous teenage drama is all I'm saying....just enough already! -_- Anyway, so Cyrus turns out to be a fraud but manages to save one of the school's bullies so relentless to pay him back for retaliating apparently??? Bullies can't handle being bullied back??? What a shock!!! Also, that transmission tower Cryus built is no small feet!!! How exactly does a high school freshman build something like that and a transmitter as well??? O_o  Shame he went all catatonic at the end and we'll never get an explanation.  All and All, "Visitor" continues from last episode with Clark's origin knowledge with a meteor freak storyline that builds on his passion for finding more Krypton survivors but ultimately average with some genuine moments of intrigue and suspenseful plot developments like Lex's secret room and Helen being caught in the middle of the Kent's family secrets and Lex's disturbing research of them.

Final Kryptonite: C+