Smallville S2 E19: Precipice

Preview

Trouble is brewing in Smallville, and this time, it’s not from a meteor-infected villain with strange powers. This week, we’re diving into the more human side of our characters as they face threats that money and power can’t fix. After a frightening incident at the Talon, Clark’s protective instincts go into overdrive, leading to a confrontation that puts the Kent farm in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Lex’s new relationship with Dr. Helen Bryce is tested when a figure from her past shows up, threatening to tear them apart.

Get ready for an episode that proves the most dangerous villains aren’t always the ones with superpowers. Clark will have to confront the real-world consequences of his actions, and Lex will be pushed to a moral precipice that could define his future. It’s a tension-filled hour that will force our heroes to question their abilities, their loyalties, and just how far they’re willing to go to protect the people they love.

Episode Review

This episode is a masterclass in character development, particularly for Clark and Lex. It explores a classic “what if” scenario: what happens when Clark’s strength is used not against a super-powered baddie but against a regular person in a moment of rage? It’s a gripping story that forces Clark to deal with the very real and mundane fallout of a legal battle, which is a surprisingly refreshing change of pace.

The subplot with Lex and Dr. Helen Bryce is a fantastic look into Lex’s psyche. He’s often portrayed as a man of intellect and control, but here we see him pushed to his limits by jealousy and a desire to protect the woman he loves. It’s a crucial step on his journey toward the darker side of his character, showing us his capacity for violence and his struggle with moral gray areas.

Starring:

• Tom Welling as Clark Kent
• Kristin Kreuk as Lana Lang
• Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor
• Sam Jones III as Pete Ross
• Allison Mack as Chloe Sullivan
• Annette O’Toole as Martha Kent
• John Schneider as Jonathan Kent
• John Glover as Lionel Luthor

Guest Stars:

• Freak of the Week (kind of): Paul Wesley as Lucas Luthor. Okay, so Paul Wesley isn’t a freak of the week in this episode, but he’s a notable guest star playing the villain of the week. Before becoming a household name as Stefan Salvatore on The Vampire Diaries, Paul Wesley played the “Jerk of the Week,” Lex’s long-lost half-brother Lucas, in a previous episode of Smallville (“Prodigal”). Here, he’s a different kind of guest star, playing Helen’s obsessed ex, Ryan James.
• Emmanuelle Vaugier as Dr. Helen Bryce: She would go on to have a long career in television, with recurring roles in shows like One Tree Hill, CSI: NY, and Two and a Half Men.
• Jesse Hutch as Andy Conners: He was a very busy actor in the early 2000s, with a number of television and film credits, including the sci-fi show Dark Angel.

Special Effects:

The special effects in this episode are kept to a minimum, which is a good thing since it focuses on the more human drama. When Clark gets mad and pushes Andy, the effect of the kid flying back into a car looks pretty convincing for the time. The most notable visual effect is Clark’s super speed, which is used sparingly but effectively, especially during the climactic chase scene on the train. The effects for a show of this era hold up pretty well, and since they aren’t overused, they don’t distract from the plot.

Music:

The music in this episode is as good as ever, providing a great backdrop to the high-stakes drama.

• “Becoming” by Adam Tenenbaum
• “Don’t Fear the Reaper” by Gus
• “Princess” by Matt Nathanson
• “Don’t Forget Me” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
• “Let Me Be the One” by Sammi Morelli
• “Shakedown!” by TheSTART

Rating:

I give this episode 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a fantastic episode that explores the complexities of Clark’s humanity and the early signs of Lex’s darker nature.

Synopsis and Plot Breakdown

The episode kicks off with Lana at the Talon being harassed by a college jock named Andy Conners, who refuses to take no for an answer. When Lana’s attempts to fend him off fail, Clark arrives and, in a moment of pure anger, shoves Andy back with his super strength, sending him flying into a car. Andy suffers a compound fracture and, after his lawyer gets involved, the Kents are hit with a lawsuit that could cost them the farm. Clark is wracked with guilt and shame, questioning his ability to control his powers.

Meanwhile, Dr. Helen Bryce’s past comes back to haunt her when her obsessed ex-boyfriend, Dr. Ryan James, shows up in Smallville, determined to win her back. He begins stalking her, becoming a major threat to both her and Lex. Lex, protective and jealous, tries to deal with the situation legally, but the police are unhelpful. After Ryan attacks Helen, Lex takes matters into his own hands, tracking Ryan down.

The two storylines converge as Clark, trying to find a way to help his family, discovers that Andy is faking a lot of his injuries. He and Chloe team up to expose the scam. Simultaneously, Lex confronts Ryan at a train yard. A brutal fight ensues, and Ryan gains the upper hand. Just as Ryan is about to kill Lex with an axe, Clark arrives and, using his super speed, moves a train car into the path of the axe, saving Lex’s life. The episode ends with Lana exposing Andy’s lie and the lawsuit being dropped, while Lex, shaken by his near-death experience and the realization of how close he came to murdering Ryan, proposes to Helen, bringing his and Clark’s story to a close for the moment.

Lessons and Superman Connection

This episode is a critical stepping stone in Clark’s journey to becoming Superman. It’s a harsh lesson about the duality of his powers. For the first time, he sees that his immense strength, even when used with good intentions, can have devastating real-world consequences if he doesn’t control his emotions. The lawsuit plot forces him to confront the moral and legal ramifications of his actions, something a hero must always be aware of. He learns that a true hero isn’t just about saving lives, but also about exercising self-control and restraint.

For Lex, the episode is equally, if not more, important. We see the beginnings of the ruthless, calculating man he will become. His willingness to kill Ryan to protect Helen is a major leap into darkness. While Clark learns to embrace his humanity and control his god-like powers, Lex is beginning to shed his humanity in pursuit of control and a twisted sense of justice. Their parallel journeys continue to define their complicated relationship.