Get ready for some teen drama, a seriously creepy “Freak of the Week,” and the blossoming of a new relationship for our favorite brooding billionaire.
TV Guide Preview
Tonight on Smallville, Clark finds himself in an awkward position as he tries to warn both Lana and Chloe about the seemingly perfect new student, Ian Randall. This overachiever is somehow managing to date both girls simultaneously, raising Clark’s suspicions. Could Clark just be jealous, or is something more sinister at play? Meanwhile, Lex’s frustration with his father boils over, leading to an outburst that lands him in anger management, where he meets the intriguing Dr. Helen Bryce. Get ready for double trouble and a potential new romance!
Episode Review
“Dichotic” throws us right into the classic Smallville mix of high school drama and meteor-freak mayhem. The central plot revolves around Ian Randall, an ambitious student who is secretly dating both Lana and Chloe, making Clark look like the jealous friend when he tries to intervene. Of course, as is often the case, Clark’s instincts are dead-on, and the girls eventually realize he was right, but not before things get dicey.
The “Freak of the Week” is Ian Randall, played by Jonathan Taylor Thomas (yes, that JTT!). Ian’s ability to duplicate himself due to meteor rock exposure is genuinely unsettling, and Thomas does a decent job of portraying the character’s creepy ambition and eventual descent into violence. It’s a far cry from his Home Improvement days! On the guest star front, we also meet Emmanuelle Vaugier as Dr. Helen Bryce, who makes a memorable first impression as Lex’s no-nonsense anger management therapist. Their initial interactions are quite amusing, setting the stage for their future relationship.
The special effects in this episode are a bit of a mixed bag. The visual of Ian splitting into two people is… well, it’s early 2000s TV special effects. Let’s just say it’s not exactly seamless and can look a little rubbery. However, it gets the point across and adds to the overall eerie vibe of the episode.
The music in “Dichotic” features some classic early-aughts tunes that perfectly capture the teenage angst and romantic entanglements. While there isn’t a specific standout track that defines the episode, the background music effectively underscores the emotional beats and suspenseful moments.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Episode Synopsis
The episode opens with Ian Randall, a highly driven student, receiving a less-than-perfect grade in shop class. His extreme reaction hints that something is definitely off. Meanwhile, Lana has moved in with Chloe and her father after her Aunt Nell leaves town. Soon, both Lana and Chloe find themselves charmed by the seemingly perfect Ian, unaware that he is juggling relationships with both of them. Clark notices Ian’s uncanny ability to be in two places at once and tries to warn Lana and Chloe, but they dismiss his concerns as jealousy.
In a parallel storyline, Jonathan breaks his leg while trying to fix the tractor, leaving Martha feeling guilty about her new job working for Lionel Luthor. While visiting his father in the hospital, Lex has a tense encounter with a meter maid and subsequently ends up in anger management classes, where he meets Dr. Helen Bryce. Their initial interactions are frosty but hint at a future connection.
As Clark continues to observe Ian, he becomes increasingly suspicious. He witnesses Ian seemingly having conversations with himself and realizes that Ian can duplicate himself. Ian uses this ability to excel in school and maintain his double dating life, hoping to secure a scholarship from Lex Luthor. Clark tries again to warn Lana and Chloe, but they remain unconvinced until they inadvertently discover Ian’s deception for themselves. Enraged, Ian uses his powers to kidnap both girls. Clark intervenes, and after a struggle involving two Ians, he manages to subdue them and rescue Lana and Chloe. In the aftermath, Clark confronts Lana and Chloe about their lack of trust in him, and they finally agree to just be friends. The episode ends with Lex asking Helen out for coffee, and she surprisingly accepts.
Lessons for Clark’s Journey
“Dichotic” highlights Clark’s developing sense of responsibility and his protective nature towards his friends, even when they doubt him. His unwavering commitment to their safety, despite their accusations, foreshadows his future as Superman, always ready to help those in need, even when they aren’t always appreciative. This episode also touches on the complexities of trust and communication in relationships, a theme Clark will continue to navigate as he forms deeper connections with others. Furthermore, Clark’s willingness to step back and accept friendship with Lana and Chloe, even though he clearly has feelings for Lana, demonstrates a growing maturity and selflessness, qualities essential for the hero he will become.