Martha hits a young boy with her car. While awaiting Child Services to pick him up, he spends time at the Kent Farm, where he begins to bond with the family while exhibiting the uncanny ability to know what everyone is thinking. As he becomes a part of the family, his stepfather hunts him in attempt to retrieve the boy and his ability to read minds… a trait the man exploits for petty crimes. The exposure of people’s thoughts opens up some to dealing with secrets they’d rather not share… and teen chaos ensues. Meanwhile, Lex is dealing with a surprise visit from his father, Lionel Luthor, who wants Lex to return to Metropolis.
Starring: Tom Welling, Kristin Kreuk, Michael Rosenbaum, Allison Mack, Sam Jones III, Annette O’Toole, John Schneider, John Glover
Episode Review
“Stray” is another solid episode in Smallville‘s first season. It explores the idea of what it means to be different and how difficult it can be to fit in when you have extraordinary abilities. Ryan Kelley (Yes, Teen Wolf) delivers a strong performance as Ryan, a troubled kid with the power to read minds. His scenes with Tom Welling are particularly good, as they both portray the awkwardness and vulnerability of teenage boys trying to figure out their place in the world. The one thing that is never really explained in this episode is the source of Ryan’s abilities. So, is it meteor rock? radiation? mutation? It doesn’t really matter, but does illustrate how often Smallville just leaves plot points floating around in the ether.
This episode is particularly poignant as it deals with family dynamics and the Kent’s capacity for love and protection. The introduction of Ryan allows us to see how the Kents might have been when they first took in Clark.
Ryan’s telepathy serves as an interesting mirror to Clark’s own special abilities. While Clark has physical powers, Ryan’s mental abilities create different kinds of challenges and responsibilities.
The episode effectively uses Ryan’s mind-reading ability to reveal aspects of various characters we might not otherwise see. This includes Chloe’s feelings for Clark, and even glimpses into Lex’s complex thoughts.
Martha and Jonathan’s parenting is highlighted beautifully, showing their natural instinct to protect and nurture a child in need, much as they did with Clark.
It becomes clear that Ryan can read minds… except for Clark’s. This leads to a few nice scenes with the two bonding like brothers over basketball and a shared history of isolation. Nice story here, and Welling does a great job of showing the connection he feels… you really sense Clark wants a brother. The fact that Ryan reads Warrior Angel, a comic starring a semi-Superman character is a nice touch. It leads to the hero worship storyline between Ryan and Clark that mirrors Clark’s more brotherly approach to the relationship
One of the things I like about this episode is that it doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of having powers. Ryan’s abilities cause him a lot of pain and isolation. He’s constantly bombarded with the thoughts and emotions of others, and he can’t control what he sees. This episode also gives us some great scenes between Lex and his father, Lionel. John Glover is fantastic as the manipulative and controlling Lionel. He’s clearly a man who is used to getting what he wants, and he’s not afraid to use his power to get it.
The theme of family – both blood and chosen – runs strong throughout the episode. Ryan’s situation parallels Clark’s own adoption story while highlighting the difference between loving guardians like the Kents and abusive ones like Ryan’s stepfather.
Clark’s relationship with Ryan is particularly touching, showing his natural big brother instincts and giving us a glimpse of the protector he will become.
Overall, “Stray” is a heartfelt episode that breaks from the typical “villain of the week” format to explore deeper themes of family, belonging, and protection. It adds depth to the Kent family dynamic while introducing a compelling character in Ryan James who I really hope we see again.
Freak of the Week: Ryan Kelley gives a heartfelt performance as Ryan James, the telepathic runaway. This was one of his early roles, and he does a great job conveying Ryan’s vulnerability and fear.
Special Effects: The special effects in this episode are a mixed bag. Some of the telepathic sequences are well done, but others look a bit dated. The scene where Ryan causes a car to crash is still pretty effective, though.
Music: Like most episodes of Smallville, “Stray” features a soundtrack of popular alternative rock. Some of the songs featured in this episode include:
- “Fade” by Staind
- “Aerials” by System of a Down
- “Breakdown” by Tantric
- and my favorite “Superman” (It’s Not Easy) by 5 for Fighting (scroll down for lyrics just cause I love this song.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Synopsis and Plot Breakdown
Ryan has telepathic abilities and is on the run from his abusive stepfather and his wife. Jonathan and Martha welcome him with open arms and Clark seems to relish having a little brother figure around.
Meanwhile, Lex Luthor is dealing with a surprise visit from his father, Lionel. Lionel wants Lex to return to Metropolis and take his place in the family business. Lex is reluctant, but he also feels the pressure to please his father.
Ryan’s powers start to cause problems in Smallville. He accidentally reveals secrets and causes conflicts between people. Clark tries to help Ryan control his abilities, but it’s a struggle.
It turns out that Ryan’s stepfather wants to exploit his powers for his own gain. He tracks Ryan down, but Clark intervenes. In the end, Clark saves Ryan after his dad murders his new wife with a really cool scene in a bowling alley. Ryan has an Aunt and he and heads off with her to start a new life, hopefully finding some peace and happiness along the way. While Lex stands up to his father again and stays in Smallville.
In the end as Ryan is leaving with his Aunt he gives Clark his comics collection because he has a real hero now in Clark (Awww) and again warns him about Lex. Clark looks subdued as the Kents wave goodbye.
Lessons Learned and Superman Connection
“Stray” is a story about accepting those who are different and helping those in need. Clark learns that even though Ryan has powers, he’s still just a scared kid who needs help. He also learns that family isn’t always about blood; it’s about the people who care about you and accept you for who you are.
This episode connects to Clark’s journey to becoming Superman by showing his compassion and his willingness to protect the vulnerable. Clark sees a lot of himself in Ryan, and he’s determined to help him find a safe place in the world. This episode also reinforces the idea that Clark is a symbol of hope for those who are lost and alone.
Superman (it’s Not Easy)
… I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naive
I’m just out to find
The better part of me
… I’m more than a bird, I’m more than a plane
I’m more than some pretty face beside a train
And it’s not easy to be me
… I wish that I could cry
Fall upon my knees
Find a way to lie
‘Bout a home I’ll never see
… It may sound absurd, but don’t be naive
Even heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed, but won’t you concede
Even heroes have the right to dream?
And it’s not easy to be me
… Up, up, and away, away from me
Well, it’s all right
You can all sleep sound tonight
I’m not crazy
Or anything
… I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naive
Men weren’t meant to ride
With clouds between their knees
… I’m only a man in a silly red sheet
Digging for kryptonite on this one way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Looking for special things inside of me
… Inside of me
Inside of me
Yeah, inside of me
Inside of me
… I’m only a man in a funny red sheet
I’m only a man looking for a dream
I’m only a man in a funny red sheet
And it’s not easy, ooh, ooh, ooh
It’s not easy to be me
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: John Ondrasik
Review Notes
The title is perfect as the Kent’s literally take in Ryan as a stray.
Backstory for Lex with the little brother who died
This episode is so sad, great show but sad.
Ryan warns Clark about Lex and his darkness.
I hope we see Ryan again.