Episode Overview

Title: Craving
Air Date: November 27, 2001
Director: Phil Sgriccia
Writers: Michael Green
Plot Summary
In “Craving,” Smallville takes a turn towards horror as it explores themes of body image, self-esteem, and the consequences of obsession. The episode focuses on Jodi Melville, a high school student struggling with her weight, and how a desperate attempt to lose weight leads to terrifying consequences.
- Jodi Melville is a sweet but insecure girl who is constantly teased about her weight. Determined to slim down before her upcoming birthday party, she starts an extreme diet that includes drinking vegetable shakes. Unbeknownst to her, the vegetables she consumes are grown in soil contaminated by kryptonite (meteor rocks).
- The kryptonite causes a drastic and dangerous change in Jodi’s metabolism, allowing her to shed pounds rapidly. However, this rapid weight loss comes with a horrific side effect: an insatiable craving for fat. This leads Jodi to develop vampiric tendencies, as she begins to drain fat directly from animals and eventually turns her attention to humans.
As Jodi’s condition worsens, she becomes increasingly unstable and isolated, culminating in a series of attacks. Clark Kent, meanwhile, is dealing with his own set of challenges, including his growing feelings for Lana Lang and his concern for his friend Pete Ross, who has a crush on Jodi.
Clark discovers the truth about Jodi’s transformation after investigating the strange incidents in town. He eventually confronts her, and during a dramatic showdown, Clark manages to stop Jodi from harming herself and others. She is ultimately hospitalized and receives treatment for her condition, but the experience leaves a lasting impact on both her and those around her.
The episode ends on a bittersweet note, with Jodi missing her birthday party but beginning the long road to recovery. Meanwhile, Clark continues to struggle with his feelings for Lana, who remains oblivious to his secret and his affection for her.
Key Themes and Analysis
- Body Image and Self-Esteem: “Craving” addresses the pressures of body image, especially among teenagers. Jodi’s extreme measures to lose weight reflect the dangerous lengths to which people might go to fit societal standards. The episode critiques these pressures, showing the harmful consequences of obsession with appearance.
- Consequences of Kryptonite: Once again, the meteor rocks (kryptonite) serve as a catalyst for transformation, turning Jodi’s ordinary desire to lose weight into a monstrous hunger. The episode illustrates how kryptonite can amplify human desires and flaws, often with disastrous results.
- Friendship and Concern: Clark’s relationship with Pete Ross is highlighted in this episode, as Pete’s crush on Jodi adds emotional stakes to the story. Clark’s concern for both Pete and Jodi demonstrates his growing sense of responsibility and his innate desire to protect those he cares about.
- Isolation: Jodi’s transformation leads to physical and emotional isolation, a common theme in Smallville. As she loses control, she withdraws from her friends and family, reflecting how personal struggles can lead to a sense of alienation.
- The Burden of Secrets: Clark’s struggle to keep his powers hidden while helping others is a recurring theme in the series. In “Craving,” we see how this burden impacts his relationships, particularly with Lana, as he navigates his feelings for her while keeping his true self hidden.
Memorable Moments
- Jodi’s Transformation: The special effects and makeup used to depict Jodi’s transformation are both gruesome and effective, making her a memorable “villain of the week.” Her descent from a well-meaning girl to a monstrous figure is both tragic and terrifying.
- Clark’s Confrontation with Jodi: The climactic scene where Clark confronts Jodi in her greenhouse is tense and emotionally charged. Clark’s compassion for Jodi, despite her actions, underscores his heroic nature.
- The Party: The scene where Jodi’s friends gather, unaware of the horrors she is experiencing, adds a layer of poignancy to the episode. It highlights how disconnected Jodi has become from her peers due to her obsession with weight loss.
Final Thoughts
“Craving” is a compelling episode that blends horror with social commentary. It tackles the issue of body image with sensitivity while still delivering the supernatural thrills that Smallville is known for. Jodi Melville’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of extreme measures and the impact of societal pressures on self-esteem. The episode also continues to develop Clark’s character, showing his growing awareness of the complexities of human emotion and the responsibilities that come with his powers.
Overall, “Craving” is a strong entry in Smallville‘s first season, offering a mix of horror, drama, and character development that resonates with the series’ overarching themes.
Not quite as exciting or future looking as last week episode, but a decent one nonetheless. I continue to be surprised at how well this show holds up 23 years later.