Episode Preview
This week on Smallville, it’s a real Luthor family feud! After Lex discovers Lionel has been spying on him in the mansion (seriously, who hasn’t thought their parents were a little invasive?), he decides to return the favor by bugging Lionel’s office. Of course, this being Smallville, things go sideways faster than you can say “meteor freak.” Martha gets caught in the crossfire, working late with Lionel of all people, and they become hostages to some less-than-professional thugs. Can Clark save his mom without revealing his super-secret? And what shocking secrets will be revealed in Lionel’s vault? Tune in for some skyscraper shenanigans and family drama that’s more explosive than a kryptonite meteor shower!
Meanwhile, on the less hostage-y side of town, Lana decides it’s time to get to know her newly discovered biological father’s wife, Jennifer Small. Will this be a heartwarming family reunion or an awkward Smallville encounter? Considering Lana’s luck, place your bets now! This episode promises a tense standoff in Metropolis and some potentially uncomfortable family introductions back in Smallville. Get ready for secrets, surveillance, and maybe even a daring leap of faith!
Episode Review
“Insurgence” throws us headfirst into a classic Smallville-style crisis, blending corporate espionage with good old-fashioned hostage drama. The escalating tension between Lex and Lionel is a highlight, showcasing their toxic family dynamic in a way that feels both over-the-top and believable for these two. The stakes are raised considerably when Martha, caught in the middle, becomes a hostage. It’s a clever way to involve the Kents in the Luthor drama and gives Clark a compelling reason to get involved in a Metropolis-sized problem.
The Freak of the Week is technically a group of unnamed thugs hired by Lex, but the leader, Pine (Kevin Gage), stands out as the most menacing and ultimately meets a classic Smallville villain demise. Gage plays the role with a believable level of desperation and aggression.
The special effects this week are mostly focused on Clark’s big leap from the Daily Planet building to LuthorCorp. While it’s a significant moment in Clark’s journey towards becoming Superman, the visual effects are a bit dated, even for the time. It looks a little like a low-budget superhero movie, but the sheer audacity of the jump makes it a memorable scene nonetheless.
The music in this episode continues to set the mood effectively. While there isn’t a standout song moment that screams for a spot on a soundtrack, the score by Mark Snow does a solid job of building suspense during the hostage situation and adding a touch of heroism to Clark’s actions.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars – A solid episode with high stakes and important plot developments, even if the effects haven’t aged perfectly.
Synopsis and Plot Breakdown
The episode kicks off with Lex discovering a plethora of surveillance equipment Lionel planted in the Luthor mansion. Furious at this invasion of privacy and suspecting Lionel is trying to sabotage a business deal, Lex hires his own team to bug Lionel’s offices at LuthorCorp in Metropolis. Unfortunately for Lex, Lionel has asked Martha to come in on a Sunday, their anniversary no less (much to Jonathan’s chagrin, who had planned a romantic picnic).
As Lex tries to call off his operation upon learning Martha is there, the hired thugs, led by a man named Pine, decide to go rogue and attempt to rob Lionel’s vault. Martha and Lionel arrive at the office and are quickly taken hostage. News of the hostage situation reaches Smallville, and Clark is desperate to save his mother without revealing his powers to the world, especially with Lionel present.
Thinking fast, Clark realizes the only way to reach the office undetected is to leap from an adjacent tall building – the Daily Planet! Despite his fear of heights (a fun little character quirk), Clark makes the daring jump. Meanwhile, inside the vault, the thugs discover not money, but a large quantity of green kryptonite, files, and the octagonal key from Clark’s spaceship. Martha spots a file with Clark’s name on it, raising her suspicions about Lionel’s knowledge.
During the standoff, Lionel manages to trigger a silent alarm. As Clark bursts into the office, weakened by the kryptonite, Pine attempts to use it against him. However, Martha bravely pushes the kryptonite back into the vault, allowing Clark to regain his strength and subdue the thugs. In the chaos, Lionel, still seemingly blind, doesn’t witness Clark’s abilities. Martha secretly pockets the octagonal key and later tells Clark to destroy the files with his heat vision, hinting at the danger of Lionel’s discoveries.
In the B-plot, Lana meets Jennifer Small, her biological father Henry’s wife. The meeting is awkward and tense, with Jennifer implying that Henry isn’t the reliable father figure Lana might hope for.
Back in Smallville, Martha hides the octagonal key in a flour canister, keeping it secret from both Clark and Jonathan. The episode ends with Lionel realizing Lex was behind the initial bugging attempt and moving out of the mansion, further fracturing their already strained relationship.
Lessons from the Episode and Connection to Superman
“Insurgence” showcases Clark taking a significant step towards embracing his destiny. His desperate act of leaping between buildings, despite his fear, is a clear precursor to his eventual ability to fly. It highlights his unwavering commitment to protecting his loved ones, a core trait of Superman. The episode also subtly explores the theme of trust and the complexities of family relationships, contrasting the Kents’ protective instincts with the manipulative dynamics of the Luthors.
Martha’s decision to hide the octagonal key reveals a growing awareness of the potential danger surrounding Clark’s secret and a willingness to take matters into her own hands. This foreshadows her increasing role in protecting Clark as the series progresses. Lionel’s obsession with uncovering secrets, particularly those related to Clark, sets him on a path that will undoubtedly lead to conflict with the future Man of Steel. The episode underscores the idea that Clark’s journey to becoming Superman is not just about developing powers but also about navigating the complex web of human relationships and the ever-present threat of those who would exploit his abilities.
Featured Music
“Invisible Man” – Theory of a Deadman
“Bittersweetheart” – Ed Harcourt
“Tomorrow” – SR-71
Photos
Video
Talkville – Smallville Meets Die Hard, Clark Leaps Buildings & Blind Lionel Gets Creepy
Review Notes
Lionel is a creep.
Jon is such an asshole to Lex, well kind of to everyone lately quickly becoming not my favorite character.
The B story this episode with Lana and Mrs Small is distracting, sometimes one story line is better to follow than 2
Cloark got caught trying to get in the building… glad they didnt make him knock out the cop or whatever.
Stacks of Kryptonite or is that the fake kryptonite?
Lionel has everything, the ships key, kryptonite, a file on Clark….
I love how Clark is scared of heights.
Cheesy jump special effects, but cool anyway.
OK now Jon has a right to be mad at Lex and I dont blame him.
Mom saves Clark damn
I think Lionel can see???
Fuck he shot in the dark if not…
Clark burns the files and mom pockets the key.
Lex left alone again…
Moms going to quit but Jon says no need to keep an eye on Lionel she hides the key and doesnt tell Jon or Clark.
Next is Suspect… my guess is maybe Clark got seen or something in Metropolis? or someone else from our core cast is falsely accused of something.