Things get a little complicated in Smallville this week as Clark’s secret gets a bit closer to being exposed. Pete Ross, after accidentally witnessing Clark’s powers firsthand, becomes the keeper of a very big secret. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor deals with some family drama as his shady father Lionel comes to town, and Lana Lang struggles with her own family issues and finds herself in a compromising situation. Expect some serious teenage angst mixed with a healthy dose of Kryptonian intrigue!
Episode Review:

“Duplicity” is a pivotal episode in the early seasons of Smallville. It delves into the complexities of friendship and trust as Clark confides in Pete, showcasing the burden of carrying such a massive secret. The episode also gives us a glimpse into the dysfunctional Luthor family dynamic, setting the stage for the ongoing power struggle between Lex and Lionel. While the special effects might seem a tad dated by today’s standards (hey, it was 2002!), the emotional core of the episode still resonates. Plus, any episode with more screen time for Michael Rosenbaum’s deliciously sinister Lex Luthor is a win in my book.
This episode is a major milestone for the series, as Pete becomes the first friend to learn Clark’s secret. The dynamic between Clark and Pete is particularly well-handled, showing both the strain of years of lies and the strength of their friendship.
Pete’s initial reaction – anger and hurt over being lied to – feels genuine and adds depth to his character. His eventual acceptance and support of Clark demonstrates the power of their friendship.
Dr. Hamilton’s return and deterioration serves as a dark warning about the dangers of obsession with the meteor rocks. His tragic end emphasizes the serious consequences of meteor rock exposure.
The episode effectively balances:
- Friendship and trust
- The burden of keeping secrets
- The dangers of obsession
- The importance of loyalty
Overall, “Duplicity” is a pivotal episode that changes the dynamic of the show by giving Clark a confidant his own age. It marks a significant development in both Clark and Pete’s characters while maintaining the show’s themes of friendship, trust, and the price of keeping secrets.
I guess we can’t call him Token Pete anymore 🙂
Who Stars in This Episode:
- Tom Welling as Clark Kent
- Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor
- Kristin Kreuk as Lana Lang
- Sam Jones III as Pete Ross
- Allison Mack as Chloe Sullivan
- John Glover as Lionel Luthor
Freak of the Week:
Well, technically there’s no “freak” this week, unless you count Lionel Luthor’s questionable morals. The real conflict comes from Clark’s struggle with his secret and the repercussions of sharing it with Pete.
Special Effects:
Okay, let’s be real, the early 2000s weren’t exactly the golden age of CGI. Some of the effects, particularly Clark’s super-speed, haven’t aged particularly well. But hey, we can’t blame the show for the limitations of the time. The focus on practical effects and stunts still holds up, and the raw emotion of the performances more than makes up for any visual shortcomings.
Rating:
I give “Duplicity” a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a crucial episode for character development and sets the stage for many future storylines.
Synopsis and Plot Breakdown:
Pete accidentally sees Clark using his powers and, after some initial disbelief (and a healthy dose of denial), Clark decides to trust his friend with the truth. Meanwhile, Lex deals with the arrival of his manipulative father Lionel, who wastes no time in stirring up trouble. Lana, struggling with her grief over her parents’ death and feeling suffocated by her aunt Nell’s well-meaning but overbearing guardianship, finds herself in a dangerous situation that forces Chloe to make a difficult decision to protect her friend.
Lessons Learned:
- Trust is a precious commodity, and sharing a secret can strengthen a friendship.
- Family relationships can be complicated, and sometimes the people closest to us can hurt us the most.
- Even with superpowers, it’s impossible to protect everyone from everything.
How This Relates to Clark Eventually Becoming Superman:
This episode highlights the importance of human connection for Clark. By confiding in Pete, he takes a step towards building the support system he’ll need as he grows into his role as Superman. It also shows the burden of responsibility that comes with his powers, a theme that will continue to be explored throughout the series.
Detailed Plot Breakdown:
The Ship Discovery:
- A tornado uncovers Clark’s spaceship in a field.
- Pete finds it and takes it home.
- Clark realizes his secret might be exposed.
Pete’s Investigation:
- Pete begins investigating the ship’s origin.
- He becomes suspicious of Clark’s behavior.
- Their friendship becomes strained by secrets.
Dr. Hamilton’s Involvement:
- Dr. Steven Hamilton returns, now severely ill from meteor rock exposure.
- He’s desperate to find the ship for his research.
- Becomes increasingly dangerous as his condition worsens.
The Truth Comes Out:
- Clark finally reveals his secret to Pete.
- Pete initially reacts with disbelief and anger about years of lies.
- Eventually comes to understand and accept Clark’s situation.
The Confrontation:
- Dr. Hamilton threatens Pete for the ship.
- Clark must save Pete while dealing with meteor rocks.
- Pete helps protect Clark’s secret during the crisis.
Resolution:
- Pete accepts his new role as Clark’s confidant.
- Their friendship becomes stronger.
- Dr. Hamilton dies from his meteor rock exposure.
Review Notes:
- Zombie walking Dr. gonna die
- This episode marks the first time Clark reveals his secret to someone outside his immediate family.
- Pete is pissed about the lack of trust etc. Good points.
- No more Token Pete 🙂
- Lionel is a dick
- The episode explores themes of trust, family, and responsibility.
Next Week:
S2 E4:
Talkville Episode