Season 2, Episode 7: Lineage

 

"Lineage"

Episode 7

Air Date: November 5th, 2002

One thing "Lineage" does so well is the writers creating their own mythology behind Clark's adoption with the Kents outside of the comics and further explores it by finally explaining a lot of character motivations that have been a mystery until this point in the show. In particular, Jonathan's personal hatred toward the Luthors seemed more personal than based on Lionel's infamous reputation and we finally see in well shot and written flashback scenes that it is because the day of the meteor shower, Jonathan helped Lionel with Lex the same day he and Martha found Clark in that field when he landed.  But of course, Lionel uses this opportune time not only to help the Kents with their adoption of Clark with the Metropolis United Charities...but to blackmail Jonathan into persuading the Ross' to sell their land so that Lionel could begin corrupting parts of the town.  It's a heartbreaking backstory and one that makes you feel truly sympathetic toward Jonathan having to make that decision.  Sure he did it for Clark, but he rather take the responsibility for it instead of Clark blaming himself for it.  Ehhhh what a wonderful character and solid performance from John Schneider throughout, especially during that last scene.  But the more interesting part of the story is Rachel Dunleavy and how her arrival in Smallville pushes all of this in motion.  I thoroughly enjoyed the opening teaser as the Kents get ready for a normal day with Clark using his powers at breakfast and Jonathan giving Martha a ride to work before Clark speeds off to school.  It's just really creepy and eerie seeing her come out of nowhere and just enter their home before holding a picture of Clark.  Then the revelation she drops on Clark at school about being his mother.  I'm just saying, the actress they cast is just beyond creepy and exudes this menacing glee that you just know something bad is about to happen.

It also leads to some conflict between Clark and Chloe as it turns out she's the reason why Rachel has come to Smallville in the first place looking for Clark.  That scene at the Torch was pretty heartbreaking....even tho Chloe had it coming and Clark was completely in the right for being so upset.  Seriously, I know Chloe is a journalist and all but she needs to desperately back off and know her boundaries especially when it comes to Clark.  First her borderline narcissistic, self loathing feelings for Clark and now putting her nose into Clark's adoption once again behind his back.  I just don't get Chloe! There is literally nothing likable about her at the point in the show, yet we're suppose to have some empathy for her when her mom leaving her and dad gets brought up as well as her not wanting anything to do with her daughter.  Yeah, ouch, but Chloe as a character just doesn't make me care that much, even if Allison Mack gives such genuinely great performances as the character.  Also, the plot point about Clark and Lex possibly being brothers is hilariously, especially Lex being so happy by the idea.  Yeah, turns out Lionel had a child with Rachel named Lucas that she gave up for adoption at Metropolis United Charities.  I just think it's just so messed up how Lionel is so adamant to keep his affair with Rachel so out of sight, especially when she holds Lex hostage and plans to kill him if he doesn't met her demands.  Even worse is Lionel justifying almost getting Lex and revealing that his son, Lucas, was given away and died as a child....only to be further revealed his son is still alive and well as he's been seeing him for years with a piece of his hair in a locket.  WOW!!! Just astounding in the most despicable way! No words.....

But it isn't just Clark and Lex who are having trouble with their family's secrets but Lana finally finding out the location of her father and who the man in the pictures with her mom is.  I gotta say, the scene between Lana and Henry Small really is a tragic and saddening moment. I'm glad that it's a storyline that feels really genuine and a nice progression of her character.  I liked once again Clark was just being a friend and gave her some good advice about continuing to try to have a relationship with him despite their not so heartwarming first meeting. Nice to see that Lana will be getting a chance to possibly know her real father and get a chance to have a part of her life she thought she'd never have: a bond with a parent and getting to know who they are.  Also, the mini-mission for Clark to gain back his DNA sample was cool, if not only to obviously give Pete something to do.  But overall, "Lineage" does a tremendous job in filling in a lot of questions, especially the massive animosity the Kents have toward the Luthors and overarching theme of our main three characters struggling with family origins.  Tho if Lionel was that bad and blackmailed Jonathan, why would Martha work for him knowing that??? Ummmmm, huh??? I mean sure, she would be grateful for him helping them adopt Clark and there's nothing they can do to change him or stop such financial corruption but still, some morality and integrity is kind of lost here.  Oh well....just nit picking at this point I guess. *Shrugs*

Final Morph: A+