Get ready for a wild ride with Season 2, Episode 14, “Rush.” This one’s a doozy, with our favorite small-town teens acting totally out of character. Think mind-controlling parasites, a whole lot of reckless behavior, and some seriously questionable fashion choices (looking at you, Chloe!). You won’t want to miss the chaos as Clark tries to figure out what’s got everyone so… hopped up.
This week, we’re diving deep into the meteor freak phenomenon once again, but with a twist! Instead of super strength or invisibility, we’re dealing with something far more insidious: a parasitic bug that makes everyone super impulsive and truth-telling (in the worst way possible). It’s a classic Smallville “what if” scenario that throws our beloved characters into some truly hilarious and cringe-worthy situations.
Clark Kent’s life in Smallville is already complicated enough, but when Pete and Chloe get infected by alien parasites that turn them into adrenaline junkies, things go off the rails fast. Their newfound recklessness leads them to drag Clark into their antics—by exposing him to Red Kryptonite. Meanwhile, Lex hires a linguist to decipher the mysterious symbols in the Kawatche Caves, because when is Lex not meddling in ancient mysteries?
Expect high-speed chases, impulsive decisions, and Clark making out with Chloe in the Talon (yes, really). Buckle up—this one’s a wild ride.
Episode Review
This episode is Smallville at its most chaotic. Pete and Chloe, under the influence of alien parasites, go full thrill-seeker mode, leading to some truly reckless moments—including Pete jumping in front of a bus just for kicks. The real kicker? They use Red Kryptonite to get Clark to join their little rebellion, which means we get another dose of Bad Boy Clark™.
The episode does a great job of showing how dangerous Red Kryptonite can be, stripping Clark of his inhibitions and making him act on impulse. It also highlights the risks of Clark’s secret—Pete, despite being one of Clark’s closest friends, still ends up using Kryptonite against him when things get out of hand.
While the premise is fun, the execution has its flaws. The CGI parasites? Not exactly Jurassic Park level. And some of the stunts feel a little over-the-top, even for Smallville. But hey, it’s entertaining, and that’s what counts.
Sam Jones III’s performance anchors the episode, and the addiction metaphor works without being heavy-handed. While some of the special effects show their age, the strong writing and performances make this one of Season 2’s more impactful episodes.
Freak of the Week
Technically, the “Freak of the Week” here isn’t a person—it’s the alien parasites I call them Ed and Eddie, that infect Pete and Chloe. These little troublemakers turn their hosts into reckless thrill-seekers, leading to some truly dangerous situations.
Special Effects
Let’s talk about those parasites. They’re… not great. Early 2000s CGI had its limitations, and these little guys look more like rejected Starship Troopers bugs than anything truly menacing. The Red Kryptonite effects, however, are solid—Clark’s transformation into his rebellious alter ego is always fun to watch.
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
A fun, chaotic episode with some great character moments, but the CGI parasites knock it down a peg.
Synopsis & Plot Breakdown
Pete and Chloe attend a rave in the Kawatche Caves, where they unknowingly get infected by alien parasites. The parasites make them crave adrenaline-fueled thrills, leading to increasingly reckless behavior. Pete, now fully embracing his daredevil side, exposes Clark to Red Kryptonite, turning him into his rebellious alter ego.
Meanwhile, Lex hires Dr. Walden to decipher the symbols in the caves, furthering his obsession with their secrets. Clark, under the influence of Red K, joins Pete and Chloe in their reckless antics, leading to a wild night that includes making out with Chloe in the Talon.
Eventually, Clark snaps out of it, realizing the danger of the parasites. He manages to save Pete and Chloe, but not before Pete uses Green Kryptonite against him in a moment of desperation. The episode ends with Clark reflecting on the risks of his secret and the consequences of Red Kryptonite.
Lessons & Superman Connections
This episode reinforces a key theme in Clark’s journey: the dangers of losing control. Red Kryptonite strips away his inhibitions, showing how easily power can be misused. It’s a lesson that will stick with him as he grows into Superman—he must always be mindful of his choices and the impact they have on those around him.
It also highlights the burden of Clark’s secret. Pete, despite being a loyal friend, still ends up using Kryptonite against Clark when things spiral out of control. Trust is fragile, and Clark is constantly reminded that even those closest to him can be unpredictable.
Rush is a crucial episode for Clark’s character development because it forces him to confront his vulnerability—not just physically, but emotionally.
When people are under the influence of the parasites, they act purely on instinct and desire, leading to hurtful words, reckless actions, and serious consequences. This highlights the value of empathy, consideration, and thinking before you act – qualities that Clark embodies and must continue to develop.
For Clark, this episode is a subtle but important step in his journey to becoming Superman. It shows him the destructive power of influence and how people can be manipulated or compelled to act against their better judgment. As Superman, he will often face villains who try to control or influence others, whether through mind control, fear, or propaganda. “Rush” is a mini-training ground for him to deal with such situations, even if the “villains” are just tiny green bugs.
Furthermore, it reinforces Clark’s role as the protector. He’s the only one immune to the parasites, making him the sole person capable of saving his friends from themselves. This emphasizes his unique position and responsibility. He learns that sometimes, saving people isn’t just about stopping a physical threat, but also about helping them regain their sanity and control. It’s a precursor to the mental and emotional battles he’ll face as Superman, where he’ll need to inspire hope and rationality in people rather than just punching villains. It also forces Clark to confront some uncomfortable truths about his friends’ feelings and desires, which is part of learning the complexities of human nature that he will need to understand to truly help humanity as Superman.
1. Red Kryptonite Temptation
Every time Clark comes into contact with Red Kryptonite, we see a glimpse of who he could be if he let go of restraint—reckless, self-indulgent, and indifferent to consequences. In this episode, his Red K-fueled actions, like partying wildly and making out with Chloe, show how easily his impulses can override his better judgment.
2. Trust vs. Betrayal
Pete is one of the few people who knows Clark’s secret, yet he still weaponizes Kryptonite against him in a moment of recklessness. This is a wake-up call for Clark—trust can be fragile, even with close friends. The experience deepens his understanding that secrecy isn’t just about protecting himself; it’s about controlling who has access to his vulnerabilities. It’s one of the early lessons that will inform why Superman operates with caution when it comes to his true identity.
3. The Danger of Losing Control
Clark thrives when he has self-discipline. The contrast between normal Clark and Red K Clark highlights the importance of restraint in his journey toward becoming Superman. Throughout the series, he continuously battles the temptation of unchecked power, learning that the right choices define him, not just his abilities.
This episode adds another layer to Clark’s internal struggle—while Red Kryptonite might make life easier in the short term, it’s not who he truly is. His growth comes from the realization that strength isn’t just about power—it’s about control, wisdom, and responsibility.
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Talkville: RUSH (S2E14) SAM JONES Acting Reckless, Tom Macking Mack, Red K Returns & Lana Disappointed Again