Smallville S3 E20 – Talisman

Time for a deep dive into the Kawatche caves as we revisit a major turning point in the series. This episode isn’t just about another “super” showdown; it’s about the legendary foreshadowing that defines the entire Clark and Lex dynamic.

In this week’s Smallville, Clark Kent finds himself up against more than just a rogue metahuman, he’s facing his own destiny. When Jeremiah Holdsclaw, a Kawatche man, steals a mythic dagger from the caves, he’s granted powers that rival Clark’s own. Believing himself to be “Naman,” the savior from the stars, Jeremiah sets his sights on Lionel Luthor, whom he identifies as the great enemy, “Segeth.”

As the blade’s legend unfolds, Clark realizes he isn’t the only one who might be written in the stars. With Lionel and Lex both desperate to get their hands on the artifact, the race is on to see who will be left standing. It’s a classic case of mistaken identity with cosmic stakes, leading to a climax that will leave the future of the Luthor-Kent friendship hanging by a very sharp, very old thread.

Episode Review

Director: John Schneider (Yep, Pa Kent himself stepped behind the camera for this one!)

Guest Star (The “Freak of the Week”): Nathaniel Arcand as Jeremiah Holdsclaw.

Jeremiah isn’t your typical “meteor freak” in the sense that he didn’t get his powers from a green rock shower. Instead, he’s a “Villain of the Week” powered by an ancient Kawatche artifact called the Starblade. Arcand does a great job playing a man consumed by a “divine” mission, and it’s actually refreshing to see a villain who is essentially a dark mirror of Clark.

Special Effects:

This episode leans heavily into the “power vs. power” visuals. We see Jeremiah utilizing strength and speed that look remarkably similar to Clark’s, which was a fun way to use the existing FX assets in a new context. The stand-out moment, however, is the “crumbling blade” effect. When the dagger finally meets its match, the CGI used to show it disintegrating is a solid piece of early 2000s TV magic—effective without being overly “video-gamey.” Also, look out for the healing scene in the barn; the glowy Kryptonian-tech vibes are peak Season 3.

Music:

The soundtrack for Talisman is a bit more mellow than the usual alt-rock ragers, focusing on the emotional weight of Clark’s journey.

1. “Chase Me” by Katie Herzig
2. “From Afar” by Red Letter Day
3. “Reason Why” by Rachael Yamagata

Rating: ★★★★☆

This is a “Lore Heavy” episode. If you love the Kawatche Cave mythos, this is a 5-star classic. If you’re just here for the teen drama, it might feel a bit heavy on the ancient history. But for the ending alone (that Lex/Clark conversation), it’s easily a 4-star outing.

Synopsis and Plot Breakdown

The episode kicks off with Jeremiah Holdsclaw stealing a ritualistic Kawatche knife from the caves. This isn’t just any kitchen utensil; it’s the Starblade, and it grants Jeremiah the powers of Naman: strength, speed, and invulnerability. Professor Willowbrook is convinced Clark is the real Naman, but Jeremiah isn’t listening. He believes his destiny is to kill “Segeth,” the bringer of darkness.

Naturally, Jeremiah identifies Lionel Luthor as Segeth (I mean, look at him, it’s a fair guess). Meanwhile, Lionel is obsessed with the blade because he believes it will lead him to the “Great Master.” Lex is also in the mix, acting as the “curious friend” who is actually just as obsessed as his father.

The conflict peaks when Jeremiah stabs Clark with the blade. Since the blade is Kryptonian in origin, Clark doesn’t just “bounce back”, he actually bleeds and nearly dies. Jonathan, still carrying some of Jor-El’s residual power from earlier in the season, manages to heal Clark in a really touching (and slightly mystical) barn scene.

In the final confrontation at the Luthor mansion, the blade flies through the air and is caught simultaneously by Lex and Lionel. Because the legend says the blade will crumble if Segeth touches it, and it immediately turns to dust, the show leaves us with a massive “Who is it?” moment. The episode ends with a chilling conversation in the barn where Lex admits he thinks the hero of the legend might actually be Segeth the man brave enough to stand up to an all-powerful alien.

Lessons and the Path to Superman

The biggest lesson here is about Perspective. Clark sees the legend of Naman as a heavy burden of responsibility a call to protect. Lex, however, sees it as a warning against a potential tyrant. This is the exact philosophical rift that eventually turns them into the world’s greatest hero and villain.

This episode is a massive stepping stone for Clark’s transition into Superman because it forces him to realize that his “secret” isn’t just a personal inconvenience; it’s part of a global, ancient narrative. He also learns that his greatest enemy might not be the obvious “bad guy” (Lionel), but the friend who views his power with fear and suspicion (Lex). The “cape” imagery at the end (Clark wrapped in a red blanket) is a beautiful, low-key nod to the suit he’ll one day wear.

Photos

Review Notes

Lex and Clark are drifting apart… their conversations are no longer even friendly in nature. More feeling each other out all the time.

Lex going to sell Talon… Basically hitting on Lana in the meantime… This show today with the age differences would be in trouble.

You could be the worlds greatest hero or its most mild mannered citizen…

I dont want anything pulling me back to Smallville.. ouch.

Clark and Lex’s end conversation where Lex basically says he is the hero.