Smallville S2 E2: “Heat”

“Heat” focuses on Clark developing heat vision during puberty, creating comedic and dangerous situations as he struggles to control this new ability while navigating high school drama.

A heatwave hits Smallville, and it’s not just the weather that’s causing tempers to flare. A seductive new teacher, Ms. Desirée Atkins, arrives at Smallville High and sets her sights on Lex Luthor. But there’s something different about Desirée… she seems to have a rather unique way of getting what she wants. Meanwhile, Clark Kent struggles to control his own heat-induced super-strength while trying to protect Lana from Desirée’s dangerous advances. Expect some shirtless scenes (thanks, heatwave!), relationship drama, and a fiery climax. Don’t miss this sizzling episode!

The father-son bonding between Clark and Jonathan Kent hits a sweet spot, showing us all the importance of family support.

“Heat” definitely turns up the temperature! This episode features the lovely Emmanuelle Vaugier as Desirée Atkins, our “Freak of the Week.” Vaugier, who you might recognize from Saw II or Two and a Half Men, does a fantastic job playing the seductive and dangerous teacher. Her performance is both alluring and chilling, making Desirée a memorable villain.

So there you have it, a fiery episode filled with laughs, drama, and heartwarming moments. What did you think of Clark’s new power? Let’s discuss below!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis

Smallville is experiencing a record-breaking heatwave, and everyone is feeling the effects. Clark Kent (Tom Welling) is struggling to control his enhanced strength, which seems to be amplified by the heat. Desirée, however, has a secret: she’s a meteor freak who secretes pheromones that make men obsessed with her.

Desirée sets her sights on Lex, who quickly falls under her spell. Clark, realizing that Desirée is dangerous, tries to warn Lex, but Lex is too infatuated to listen. Desirée, feeling threatened by Clark’s interference, tries to seduce him as well, but Clark’s powers make him immune to her pheromones.

In the end, Lex is left heartbroken and bewildered, while Clark continues to grapple with the unpredictable nature of his powers.

Lessons and Superman Connection

This episode explores the theme of control, both internal and external. Clark’s struggle with his heat-enhanced strength highlights the importance of mastering his abilities, a key aspect of his journey to becoming Superman. Lex’s vulnerability to Desirée’s manipulation shows the dangers of unchecked desire and the importance of clear judgment. The episode also touches on the idea of hidden dangers, as Desirée’s attractive exterior masks a deadly secret. This mirrors the classic Superman theme of appearances being deceiving, as Clark Kent’s unassuming persona hides the powerful hero within.

Episode Details:

• Title: Heat
• Original air date: October 1, 2002
• Director: James Marshall
• Writer(s): Mark Verheiden

Major Plot Points:

1. Clark Kent’s Heat Vision: This episode marks the first appearance of Clark’s heat vision. Clark discovers his new ability under humorous and awkward circumstances in his biology class. This leads to a series of comedic and challenging moments for him as he struggles to control his new power.
2. Jonathan and Martha Kent: The relationship dynamics between Clark and his parents are highlighted, particularly with Jonathan Kent’s reaction to Clark’s new ability. Jonathan tries to help Clark master his power, emphasizing their strong father-son bond.
3. Lana Lang and Lex Luthor: Lana continues to deal with the fallout of her relationship with Whitney Fordman, while Lex gets married to a girl he has known for a week who just happens to be some kind of succubus. This adds layers of complexity to the evolving relationships in Smallville.
4. The succubus tries to manipulate Jonathan Kent into killing Lex so she can inherit his fortune, but of course, Clark saves the day.

Detailed Plot Breakdown:

Clark’s Developing Powers:

• Clark begins experiencing uncontrolled heat vision.
• Triggers include sexual arousal and intense emotions.
• Causes accidental burning of objects around him.
• Jonathan and Martha help him understand this new development.

Heat Vision Challenges:

• Clark experiences embarrassing and dangerous moments.
• Learns to control his emotions and new ability.
• Jonathan provides guidance on managing his powers.

The Succubus:

• Clark gets his teenage experience in school.
• Turns out the hot teacher is married to Lex.
• A very strange freak of the week.

Notable Moments:

• Clark’s Getting Horny Scene: Clark’s heat vision is inadvertently triggered during a sex-education class, leading to a fire sprinkler activation. This scene stands out for adding a lighter, humorous touch to the episode.
• Parental Guidance: The heartfelt moments between Clark and his parents underscore the thematic elements of family support and guidance. Know that this episode is very PG 13 however.

Music:

• “Fever for the Flava” – Hot Action Cop
• “Raise Your Hands” – Stereophonics
• “Obsessed” – Nine Days

What Stands Out:

The episode brilliantly uses heat vision as a metaphor for teenage sexual awakening and loss of control. It’s a clever way of exploring puberty through a superhero lens.

The dynamic between Clark and his parents continues to be a highlight, showing their supportive approach to his developing abilities.

The comedic elements of Clark struggling with his new power provide levity to the episode.

Overall Character Development:

• Clark learns more about controlling his abilities
• Demonstrates the challenges of hiding supernatural powers
• Shows the complex emotional landscape of teenage superhero life

Thematic Elements:

• Puberty and self-control
• Secrecy and identity
• Romantic relationships and jealousy

The episode successfully balances superhero action, teenage drama, and comedic moments. It continues to develop Clark’s character while providing an entertaining exploration of his emerging powers.

“Heat” represents a typical “Smallville” approach – using superhuman abilities as a metaphor for typical teenage experiences while maintaining a sense of humor and character development.

Review Notes

I guess we just skipped Summer.

It feels like we are being set up for Whitney’s “death” ???

OK they just showed Lions straight up having sex

What a missed opportunity to use the song “Hot for Teacher”

Clark’s dick makes his eyes woirk, that is just objectively funny.

Ma and Pa doing the puberty bit with Clark is handled well although its a little weird as it seems like Clark should be past that.

I still feel like Lana knows.

My problem with this episode, I don’t get how no one saw anything wrong with telling a story about how a teenage boy’s teacher attempts to sexually assault him, and it’s all just brushed under the rug by the end of the episode. There’s seemingly no impact on Clark whatsoever, despite how young he’s meant to be. I know it was a different time, but still it seems like a missed opportunity.

No one believed Clark, even Chloe was non plussed in the beginning which just made her character look bad. Hell, he was even blamed by his best friend Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) for what happened with Desirée. Lex was, of course, being manipulated by Desirée, but Clark is just a kid! An underage boy, doesn’t have the power in the dynamic between Clark and Desirée. It is the one problem I keep coming back to with the Lex/Clark dynamic and though not said out loud it feels like that is part of Jonathan’s problem with Lex.

Next episode: Duplicity

My best guess is that someone can split in half. Like clone themselves and have the clone act for them.