Holy sh*t.

Is there anyone here not blown away by that teaser? Or the Pete/Lionel confrontation? Or Chloe’s decision? Or the ending?

Martha’s loss was about as unforeseen as night and day, but everything that led up to it, and everything that happened as a result of it, and which resulted from the same root causes was so perfectly logical and seamless (with the debatable exception of Clark putting on the red kryptonite ring). The writing was a thing of beauty. The parallels between Clark and Lex trying to escape their preordained futures, the reaction of Chloe to Clark and Lana’s relationship, and the path on which she now seems destined, Clark’s attempts to escape the destiny of the ship, was so understandable, and yet had such horrifying results. You just know that Martha’s baby and Lana’s relationship with Clark couldn’t go on, but the way they got rid of them was such a sensible outcome of the events in the story. Somewhat predictable, and yet tragically inevitable.

---Incredible Scene:
Pete confronts Lionel Luthor at the cave. Although it’s a pretext, the words exchanged had a real underlying earnestness to them:

Pete: “Nobody in this town likes you! Don’t touch me! You know you hate him.”
Lionel: “I know that. But I value their hatred, I find it useful. You see, people are always at their weakest when they’re angry. Just ask your father.”

Lionel sees the key is gone from the platform.

Lionel: “No. No! N-O-O-O!! You! Search him. Search him.”
Pete: “Search me, what’re you doing?”
Lionel: “Where is it?”
Pete: “Where’s what?”

Lionel lunges at Pete.

Pete: “Careful, Mr. Luthor. You wouldn’t want to look weak.”

Clark’s motion blur: First, even if the motion blur can’t be seen, the disturbance it would cause in the air would be seen and heard. Second, the fact that Pete can see the motion blur

Why didn’t Clark just have Pete put the key into the ship instead of risking his own sking doing it?

Near the end of the episode, why were Lex and Helen getting on a Luthercorp plane, a plane owned by Lionel's company, rather than a plane from Lex's company, Lexcorp? A Luthercorp plane just screams, "Trap!" to me. And given what happens to the plane, I may not be too far off. Did Lionel get to Helen after all? Hmmm...

Why, specifically, did Chloe have to go off in a jealous raging fit at Clark? She's the one who played the "let's be friends" card, and she KNEW that Clark was in love with Lana forever, and that Clark was still interested in her.

So why did she have to act like a spastic monkey? Just because he didn't call her up to get her permission to kiss Lana?

(Note: I despise Lana with the passion of a billion burning suns, but Allison Mack did a splendid job in that scene - in that she made me despise Chloe more than Lana.)

Quite frankly, Chloe's always been exceptionally petty about the Clark-Lana thing. I've maintained an open mind about the 'destiny' factor in Clark and Lana's relationship, and figured there was always a chance that he and Chloe could wind up together. But Chloe's always treated it like anyone supporting Clark's feelings towards Lana has been some part of some big conspiracy to make her miserable.

I figure that the fact she'd long since figured out the truth about Clark and Lana, combined with the fact that Clark took his time to tell her, combined with the fact that when she made the first move in that confrontation he didn't have time to talk just brought things to a head. It's just been building up all this time. Having been on the giving end of similar 'inevitable' confrontations in real life (mostly giving), it's not unlikely that Chloe's been working herself up for unloading on Clark like that, plotting out things to say and such. But that's just mostly speculation, I'll admit.

And maybe when she originally played the "Let's be friends" card, she felt that going low-profile on her feelings for Clark might make him appreciate her more, and it backfired. Or maybe she's just mad because she's blaming herself since Clark made his move with Lana when she never really attempted a move with Clark.

Of course, there are about 50 theories we could go through, and that's what'll tide us over until next season. ;)

Is it possible that the voice from the ship isn't Jor-El at all? What it's a bad guy to trick Clark? Someone speculated that it was the Eradicator, which in the books, is an artifical intelligence that exists for the preservation of the Kryptonian way of life, and that when the ship was changing shape, it even LOOKED like the Eradicator briefly.

Personally, I think it's General Zod. Is it just coincidence that in the opening credits, Terrance Stamp, who played General Zod, is credited with playing Jor-El? Hmmmm.....

Clark trashes Chloe's office, looking for the red K ring. Hel-LO? X-Ray vision? Think, McFly!

Why does Lionel tell Clark all about the kryptonite key when he knows Clark isn't on his side at all?

Can't believe I didn't finish that sentence about about Pete seeing the motion blur. It should read: "Second, the fact that Pete can see the motion blur as his cue that Clark has taken the key and that he should leave would indicate that it can be seen."

Luigi- I think Lionel was trying to coax Clark into giving up some information. The professor had used the disk in the wall and gotten the knowledge stored there, and now Lionel had another key, so he was basically saying "I'm going to learn all of this anyways, so why not just tell me what you know?" The thing I'm wondering about is why Lionel has such lax security that Pete can sneak in? Clark I can understand, but Pete?

It is going to be a long summer waiting to see what happens next. What will Clark do now that he has run away? How will his parents react? What about Chloe and Lana? So many questions left unanswered.

All in all, this was a great episode! I'm really upset that I won't be around to see Season 3! I don't have too much to nitpick, but here goes:

Why is Clark shouting in the first scene? Jor-El's voice isn't that loud, and the ship is a fairly advanced piece of equipment. It should have no problem hearing him.

Jor-El: I am...to guide you all the days of your life.

Really? And just where have you been the last 16 years?

When Lex is telling Clark that he confessed to Helen, he says, 'I did something very un-Luthor-like.' The captioning reads 'I did something very Luthor-like.'

Just how far is it from the Kent farm to the chapel? Clark's had more than a few minutes since Lana left to take care of the ship. Why hasn't he done it by the time Chloe shows up?

Why shatter the case that has the key? I mean, granted, he doesn't have any particular need for it, but is it really necessary to smash it open?

NANJAO: It looks like Superman's protective 'aura' hasn't kicked in at this point, judging from the condition of his shirt when the ship explodes.

I've never been on a private jet before, but I'd imagine that there'd be a similar rule of buckling up when the plane takes off.

Is it just me, or does anyone else think the doctor runs off a little quickly after giving Jonathan the news about the baby?

So, why doesn't the ring affect Clark until he puts it on? I know it's not a lot of kryptonite, but I'd think it could still affect him without it being in contact with his skin.

Why would the Kents bother putting a No Smoking sign up on the barn? They don't have any employees, and none of them smoke. Most likely, it's for the set people, and the cameraman just didn't realize he'd gotten it in the shot when they filmed this scene.

Marc

Jor-El: I am...to guide you all the days of your life.

Marc Lechowicz: Really? And just where have you been the last 16 years?

With the sands of the hourglass?

Hah! Thanks ScottN, I was thinking the exact same thing.

Marc

Perhaps Pete didn't see CLARK, but saw the key/case disappear?

I'll echo the popular sentiment here, a strong ending to a strong season.

Why didn’t Clark just have Pete put the key into the ship instead of risking his own skin doing it? - Luigi Novi
Clark had speculated earier that the ship was defending itself by neutralizing Lana's Kryptonite necklace. He likely feared what the ship would do to defend itself when the Kryptonite key was used on the ship, or what the result of the key would be on the ship itself. A good decision, Pete would have been killed in the blast. Not like Clark, or that staircase that survived!

Near the end of the episode, why were Lex and Helen getting on a Luthercorp plane, a plane owned by Lionel's company, rather than a plane from Lex's company, Lexcorp?- Duke of Earl Grey
Lionel gave Lex the honeymoon trip to the island and the use of his private jet as a wedding gift. He told Lex a few eps ago.

Why, specifically, did Chloe have to go off in a jealous raging fit at Clark? She's the one who played the "let's be friends" card, and she KNEW that Clark was in love with Lana forever, and that Clark was still interested in her.- MJenkins
Agreed! This has been the weak link of the last 6 episodes. As MythicFox said, Chloe is offended by their relationship, as well as being offended that her permission was not asked, nor was she privately informed of the change of status, yet she never made a real play for Clark.

And, c'mon now, Chloe, if you're such a smart girl, why accept Lionel's offer? The guy just oozes duplicity. He's made it clear that everything has a price, he'll use anyone to achieve anything, and he'll discard you when your usefulness is over. Why so eager to align yourself with him? Do you hate Clark THAT much?

It is going to be a long summer waiting to see what happens next. What will Clark do now that he has run away? How will his parents react? What about Chloe and Lana? So many questions left unanswered. - jpintar
Speculations and strong hopes:
Clark will stay away for a while, like the entire summer. He'll stay in Metropolis and pick up odd jobs while observing the city and it's problems. Armed with the knowledge that he can use his powers to make the city a better place, he'll find the confidence to deal with the "Jor-El" voice and return home with a purpose. But it'll be too late to save his relationship with Lana.
Lana will pine over Clark, consider looking for him, but decide to stay in Smallville and keep up the Talon, in light of the fact that her business partner Lex is missing at sea. A new love interest will come along.
Lex will surface unexpectedly. To exact revenge on Helen. This will lead to a ruthlessness in Lex, culminating in the conquest of his father's company.
Chloe will find out what a double-edged sword it can be to be indebted to Lionel Luthor. So much so that she'll be forced to act against the Kents to appease Lionel. Naturally, she'll lose her nerve and confess, at which time Jonathan will run her car off the road in the middle of the night- NOT! The Kents will show sympathy and forgive her, but not in time to prevent Lionel from learing something about the Kent family secret. Chloe will learn Clark's secret, and reunite with Clark- as friends.
Lionel will become focused on the cave art and the secrets his research team unlocks, to the detriment of his company and allowing Lex the opportunity to secretly undermine Luthorcorp. Lionel will gain some damning info from Chloe on Clark, but lose it during a conflict with Lex. The info will eventually turn up in Lex' possession, but incomplete. Lex will know of a "superman" who is vulnerable to the meteor rocks.
Pete will... well, he'll... OK, he won't do anything, just like the last 2 seasons. But if he does anything at all, he'll end up being the "pipeline" Clark uses to get info on how his parents are faring in his absence. He'll help to convince Clark to come home.

Of course, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong...

And, c'mon now, Chloe, if you're such a smart girl, why accept Lionel's offer? -Obi Juan

H*ll hath no fury like a woman scorned.

It's been established that Chloe is petty and vindictive. She feels hurt and betrayed by Clark, so, naturally, she wants to do the same to him. It makes perfect sense. Don't forget, she's only 15 or 16. How many teenagers do you know that always act in a calm, rational manner?

Marc

One slight problem, Obi-Juan: what about Clark's ring? As long as he's got it on, he won't give a rip about the problems in Metropolis. Maybe he drops the ring down the drain while in the shower?

"Second, the fact that Pete can see the motion blur as his cue that Clark has taken the key and that he should leave would indicate that it can be seen."

It's likely that CK moved slowly enough at that point for Pete to see the blur and know he had gotten the key.

So how would he know that no one else would see it?

Because all attention was on Pete, everyone else had their backs to the key.

Don't know why he needed Pete in the first place, he's gotten past security without them seeing the blur on several occasions.

There is no reason to conclude that all attention was on Pete. The security guards holding Pete were facing the same direction as Pete, and could've seen it, especially since a disturbance of that nature should've caused a sound too. How can one run that fast, after all, without the their feet hitting the ground making a sound?

There's ample reason to conclude that all attention was on Pete, that's why he was there. If you were the security guard, would you be paying attention to the individual that had slipped past you and was arguing with your employer or would you be staring over Luthor's shoulder at a point (say) 5-7 meters in the distance (where the key was).

I agree about the sound, I was pointing out that even if Pete could see the blur here (it's also possible he may have just seen the key disappear and the blur might just have been for the TV audience) doesn't mean that it could always be seen.
As I've said in another board, Clark once zipped around a crowded room at a party without anyone see him. Also two episodes back we know that the little girl seemed to literally vanish when she zipped off. We also know that CK kept pace with her in the graveyard. Yes, he did lose her in a tomb but he was clearly not falling behind up to the point she entered the tomb, so therefore he was moving at the same speed. Admittedly he is bigger and so might be easier to see but not necessarily so.

It would be interesting if someone could work out how fast a person of CK's size has to move to be invisible to the human eye.

has anyone else heard a rumor about Bruce Wayne paying a visit to Metropolis?

Granted he would be around the same age as CK, (I always assumed Batman and Superman were around the same age since they look to be the same.)

someone also told me the original Flash (Jay Garrick) would make an appearence.

as interesting as these things seem, I feel skeptical.

anyone?

There was a recent report that they are considering a wealthy young Wayne, minus cowl, to visit Smallville. He'd be Lex's age.

---

Quote:

"Our hope is in Season 3, and I put it out there, is that you will see Bruce Wayne. This year, we really want to make it happen. You could also see Perry White and Jimmy Olsen this year."

Although he can't reveal his casting wish list for Bruce Wayne, Gough has a type in mind. "Basically about Lex's age, and he's more of a darker, brooding figure. At this stage in their lives, I don't think Clark and Bruce get along, because they are, in a weird way, opposite sides of the coin.

"One's grown up under the guidance of very loving parents, and one has grown up without parents and feels the need to avenge their murder. Bruce is not Batman yet, but again you see, as you do with Clark, the seeds of the man he will become."

---

They want a visit by Bruce Wayne pre-Batman? Why? It doesn't add up.
- His parents were killed when he was 12.
- He devotes his life to his physical conditioning, education, and his desire to bring justice to Gotham before he turns 18.
- His father was a doctor, but he turns his father's personal wealth into a billion-dollar corporation before he is 30.
- Batman is roughly the same age as Superman, so in this timeline Wayne is assumedly a late teen like Clark.
- It's really doubtful that a teen Wayne would have anything in common with a teen Clark.
At what point is Wayne supposed to pay a visit to Smallville to cross paths with Clark Kent? How many millionairres are going to visit this little Kansas farmtown?

Al Gough: At this stage in their lives, I don't think Clark and Bruce get along, because they are, in a weird way, opposite sides of the coin.
Luigi Novi: Well, they don’t exactly get along perfectly as Batman and Superman, either, so this only makes sense. Aside from the fact that they will be meeting as young men instead of adults in their costumed identities, this shouldn’t be a problem, since it’s pretty consistent. I’d imagine Bruce to have a hard-lined position on crime and punishment (perhaps somewhat formative, since he’s still young), whereas Clark will have a more optimistic, forgiving viewpoint that indicates the type of outlook he’ll have as an adult.

Obi-Juan: His parents were killed when he was 12.
Luigi Novi: My understanding was that he was six.

Obi-Juan: Batman is roughly the same age as Superman, so in this timeline Wayne is assumedly a late teen like Clark.
Luigi Novi: “Roughly” is the operative word. Lex is apparently a few years older than Clark, so too then, can Bruce.

Obi-Juan: It's really doubtful that a teen Wayne would have anything in common with a teen Clark. At what point is Wayne supposed to pay a visit to Smallville to cross paths with Clark Kent? How many millionairres are going to visit this little Kansas farmtown?
Luigi Novi: A writer can easily write a situation make two people who do not seem likely to meet to actually do so. They did so with Lex, didn’t they? Suggested examples:

Bruce accidentally crosses paths with Clark, much as Lex did. Perhaps he sees Clark streaking by at supersonic speed, and tries to follow him.

Since Luthorcorp bought out Ross Corn, which is presumably in Smallville, perhaps Wayne Enterprises is try to acquire it.

Since Bruce has a keen, investigative sense of curiosity that will send him across the world to learn various skills that will one day aid him as Batman (martial arts, escape arts, criminology), it wouldn’t be surprising that he would visit Smallville after learning that it has the Roswell-esque reputation of being a place where weird things happen, perhaps to investigate some of the things he’s heard about it.

Obi-Juan: His parents were killed when he was 12.
Luigi Novi: My understanding was that he was six.

Okay, we need a Batman expert to answer this one... (I'll email a friend of mine who'd know and get back here) I always thought he was 8 when it happened, myself.

Hm. I checked with my friend. He looked through all the definitive books on Batman's past that he could, and he couldn't find an official answer as to the age of when Bruce lost his parents. The running theory, however, is 6-9 years old.

I also asked him how old Bruce would be compared to Clark, if they were going by comic book canon. The ages of Supes and Bats are a little unclear in the comics as well. He does know, however, how old they were when they became superheroes (I think he aid 24-25 for Clark, and around 27 for Bruce), and given that superheroes in comics tend to pop up at the same time, odds are Bruce is a couple of years older than Clark.

My friend pointed out, though, that if they were sticking to comic book canon in Bruce's case, then he wouldn't be going by the name 'Bruce Wayne.' At that point in his life where he'd be about the right age, he was traveling the world under assumed names in preparation for becoming Batman.