Season 2, Episode 2: Heat

 

"Heat"

Episode 2

Air Date: October 1st, 2002

Once again, we get a power introduction episode and it's possibly one of the most entertaining ones to come out of the series.  You can definitely tell that the writers are finally becoming comfortable, even confident enough in the series where they are able to have not only fun with a story but fun with our leading Man of Steel to be as I can't imagine a better way to bring heat vision to this show's adaption of Superman's upbringing.  Why wouldn't sexual attraction aka raging teenage hormones be the result of Clark's heat vision finally manifesting.  It's so brilliant and the comedic bits that the writers use throughout the story to show how Clark is so awkward about it but enjoying the power as well once he hones on how to use it is just masterful.  Also once again, the writers tie in Clark's new power with the meteor freak of the week plot really nicely as Smallville's newest teacher aka Desiree Atkins, is not only deliciously sexy but has the power to control any man with her powerful pheromones.  Honestly, I'd usually give the show a hard time for once again making dumb ability plausible for a episodic foe one off, but Desire actually makes for a fun villain.   Clearly the writers know actress Krista Allen is beyond tempting and use her unbelievable sex appeal for  some of the funniest scenes in the show so far, like the perfect timing of Nelly's "Hot In Here" as Desiree introduces herself to her biology students while Clark and Pete become lost in their lust.  Then there's the fact that the students are watching a sex ed video about animals while Clark can't help but look at her or Jonathan confronting her topless about Clark getting unfairly arrested. Not to mention, Desiree coming into seduce Clark with her power as Clark leaves out a teenaged boy's wildest fantasy.  LOL

It just works because there is just this overwhelming sense of confidence in the show not to take itself too seriously this episode by acknowledging how silly this all is and playing it up for laughs to show they are in on the joke of it all.  I mean, there's also a heat wave hitting Smallville as the new school year begins for our now sophomore student characters.  I just feel bad for Lex tho, who is used mostly as Desiree's pawn and he manipulating his actions all episode.  I mean, there are instances where we see Lex realizing how out of control he has become as Desiree's actions force him to close the Talon and even get Clark arrested, but still he just ends up being a damsel Clark must save at the end with his new power.  Speaking of the heat vision, it's nice that the showrunners actually wanted Clark's heat vision to look like heat vision instead of the typical red lasers that we've seen prior from other Superman adaptions.  It really does look like heat is coming out of Clark's eyes as things become to up in flames.  It's really subtle and more realistic, I love the authenticity of the power being showcased here. :)  Also a nice touch is Desiree using the weird fire breakouts around Clark to frame him for her car's explosion.  Makes Desiree look like a very competent villain instead of some sexy substitute who's only talent is seducing men.  Her backstory is even played for laughs as she was having sex with her boyfriend in his car during the meteor shower and during a heightened state of..."arousal" we'll say, she gained the ability to control men with her pheromone seduction.  Sigh...only on Smallville can a women's pheromones be so powerful that men can't help but surrender to her without a single thought.  More on that down the line! ;)

I have to say the only problem once again is Chloe and almost every scene she's in. Once again, her feelings for Clark are justified by her deplorable behavior by being so resentful and jealous when Clark is around Lana; even trying to make him jealous of her by making up some story about Daily Planet intern she met over the summer.  Then of course, the Spring Formal is brought up again to remind us of Chloe's inner turmoil and heartbreak over the whole thing leaving Lana to make sense and me heavily agreeing with to put the Clark BS aside so they can be friends.  I just....I just don't understand how they can make her so transparent to make everything concerning her feelings for Clark as something that is defining her character when she's looking more obsessive than Clark is over Lana....at least so far.  Jesus, I know this teen drama stuff was so popular during the WB era but my goodness, not every teen in this show needs to be apart of some forced love triangle that makes them look so evasive and self absorbed.  Aren't reporters suppose to be fair minded and biased Chloe???? Ewwwwww!!! At least the episode ends with Lana finally making some progress with her story with Whitney...but she has to bring up her suspicions about Clark again and bring up the whole "secret and lies" angle being what can destroy a relationship.  See....see already with that!!! Ewwwww!!! -_-  Otherwise, "Heat" is a contagious hour of fun with the heat theme being used well all across the board from the hot Ms. Atkins or Allison Sanders to Clark's iconic heat vision being a visual and character progression highlight! :)

Final Kryptonite: A+