Buckle up, Smallville fans! We’re diving into “Ryan,” an episode that’s less about meteor freaks and more about heartstrings. Get ready for Clark to play big brother, and not in the “I’m gonna save you from a burning building” way, but in the “I’m gonna protect your mind” way. Think “Touched by an Angel,” but with superpowers and a dash of Smallville drama. This week, we’re asking: can Clark handle the weight of another person’s secrets, especially when that person is a telepathic kid?
This episode throws us into the emotional deep end with Ryan, a young boy with telepathic abilities who’s on the run. Clark, ever the hero, takes him under his wing, leading to some heartwarming moments and some seriously intense mind-meld action. Get ready for some serious feels, and maybe a few questions about the ethics of reading minds. Will Clark be able to protect Ryan from the shady folks chasing him, or will Ryan’s powers become his downfall?
Episode Review
“Ryan” is a refreshing change of pace, focusing on character development and emotional depth rather than the usual monster-of-the-week formula. It’s a touching story about trust, protection, and the burdens of extraordinary abilities.
The episode is strong because it allows Clark to show his compassionate side, and the guest star, Ryan Kelley, delivers a powerful performance. While the main plot is solid, some of the subplots feel a little tacked on, but ultimately, it’s a solid episode that tugs at the heartstrings. “Ryan” stands as one of Smallville’s most emotionally impactful episodes, balancing superhero elements with deeply human experiences of loss and grief. The episode avoids easy solutions, instead forcing Clark to mature through accepting Ryan’s inevitable fate. The final scenes, particularly Clark reading Ryan’s comics by his bedside, create a profoundly moving television moment that resonates throughout Clark’s journey.
The episode effectively uses Ryan’s telepathic abilities not just as a plot device but as a metaphor for true understanding and connection, something Clark rarely experiences due to his secrets.
What Stands Out: The episode powerfully explores Clark’s first real confrontation with the limits of his abilities. Despite his extraordinary powers, he cannot save Ryan from a natural human illness, forcing him to accept some situations are beyond his control. This creates significant emotional and philosophical depth for the series.
Ryan’s character provides a unique mirror to Clark – both possess special abilities that isolate them, but while Clark has a supportive family and growing strength, Ryan faces a tragic fate. Their relationship highlights both Clark’s humanity and his alien nature.
Overall Character Development:
- Clark confronts the boundaries of his heroism
- Shows vulnerability and emotional depth when facing loss
- Demonstrates his growing willingness to break rules to protect others
- Experiences profound grief that shapes his understanding of heroism
Thematic Elements:
- The limits of power and heroism
- Loss of innocence and confronting mortality
- Ethical questions surrounding medical research
- The importance of dignity in death
- Family bonds beyond blood relations
Cast:
- Tom Welling as Clark Kent
- Kristin Kreuk as Lana Lang
- Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor
- Erica Durance as Lois Lane
- Annette O’Toole as Martha Kent
- John Schneider as Jonathan Kent
- Ryan Kelley as Ryan James (Freak of the Week) – Ryan Kelley is a well known actor who has appeared in numerous movies and tv shows including Mean Creek, and Smallville.
Special Effects:
The telepathic effects are pretty decent for the time, though some of the mind-meld scenes look a little cheesy by today’s standards. The visual representation of Ryan’s powers are done through quick flashes of images, and sometimes a visual “wave” effect. The effects are mostly used to display the intense emotional strain placed on Clark when he experiences the thoughts of others. It is not ground breaking, but does it job. The Clark running scene is one of the best so far.
Rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars. – Going to be hard to top the emotional resonance of this episode.
Synopsis and Plot Breakdown:
“Ryan” marks the return of Ryan James, the telepathic boy Clark befriended in Season 1. The episode delivers a heartbreaking story as Clark discovers Ryan is suffering from a terminal brain condition and fights desperately to save him. It explores themes of loss, friendship, and the limits of Clark’s abilities in the face of human mortality.
Meanwhile, Lex is dealing with his own issues, as he tries to uncover the secrets of the organization that’s after Ryan. Lana is also dealing with her own emotional turmoil, as she struggles with her feelings for Clark.
Detailed Plot Breakdown:
- Ryan’s Return:
- Clark discovers Ryan is in a neurological research facility
- Ryan is suffering from a life-threatening brain tumor
- His telepathic abilities are causing him increasing pain
- Clark breaks him out to protect him from unethical researchers
- The Search for Treatment:
- Clark and the Kents seek medical help for Ryan
- They face the harsh reality of Ryan’s terminal diagnosis
- Clark’s desperate pursuit of specialists and treatments
- Highlights Clark’s inability to save everyone despite his powers
- Summerholts Research Facility:
- Revelations of unethical experiments on Ryan
- Dr. Garner’s obsession with Ryan’s telepathic abilities
- Shows disregard for Ryan’s wellbeing in favor of research
- Creates external conflict while Ryan battles internal health crisis
- Lex’s Assistance:
- Helps Clark locate specialists for Ryan
- Uses his resources and connections to assist
- Shows Lex’s compassionate side despite his darker tendencies
- Deepens his complex friendship with Clark
- Ryan and Clark’s Bond:
- Ryan serves as a younger brother figure to Clark
- Their shared secret of abilities creates unique connection
- Ryan’s telepathy allows him to understand Clark completely
- Final moments together demonstrate profound emotional impact
Lessons and Superman Connections:
“Ryan” explores the theme of responsibility and the burden of power. Clark learns that being a hero isn’t just about physical strength; it’s also about emotional strength and the ability to protect those who are vulnerable. This episode also foreshadows Clark’s eventual role as Superman, as he learns to navigate the complexities of protecting others while dealing with his own emotions. The lesson of protecting the innocent at all costs is a strong pillar of the Superman mythos. This episode really shows that Clark has that moral compass already. It’s one of the most “Superman” episodes to date showcasing Clark’s protective nature.
Talkville Episode Recap
RYAN (S2E08) Ryan Kelley Emotions, Tom Setting Boundaries on Set, Improv Outbursts & Sad Endings
Review Notes
Love this episode, heartfelt, maybe my favorite to date which is a surprise as it is extremely light on action.
Cool transformation shot with the Warrior Angel mask becoming Clark. (angel again)
I love when Lana calls out Clark for spying on her with the telescope 🙂
Next: S2 E9 Dichotic – Well I know dichotic listening is getting different sounds in each ear and being able to differentiate instructions in one or the other, so my guess is this will maybe be Super hearing related.