Airdate: February 26, 2002
Teaser: Clark Kent, the boy who’s faster than a speeding bullet, takes a break from farm chores to attend a class field trip. But when a freak lightning storm strikes, Clark finds himself powerless and vulnerable. Meanwhile, a troubled classmate named Eric Summers absorbs Clark’s abilities, and let’s just say he doesn’t exactly use them for good. Looks like Smallville High just got a whole lot more dangerous!
What to Watch For: Will Clark survive without his powers? Will Eric use his newfound abilities to rule the school, or will he become Smallville’s newest supervillain? And will Lana Lang finally notice that Clark is the most interesting guy in town, even without the super-speed and heat vision? Tune in to find out!
Episode Review
This episode stars Tom Welling (Clark Kent), Kristin Kreuk (Lana Lang), Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor), Allison Mack (Chloe Sullivan), Sam Jones III (Pete Ross), Annette O’Toole (Martha Kent), and John Schneider (Jonathan Kent). Our “Freak of the Week” is Eric Summers, played by Shawn Ashmore, who you might recognize as Iceman from the X-Men movies.
“Leech” is a fun episode that explores what happens when Clark loses his powers and someone else gets them instead. It’s interesting to see Clark navigate high school as a regular guy, and Ashmore does a good job portraying Eric’s descent into darkness. The special effects are a bit cheesy in some parts (that lightning strike looked like it came straight out of a 1950s B-movie), but overall, the episode holds up pretty well. The music is your typical Smallville fare, with a mix of dramatic orchestral pieces and angsty pop songs.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Synopsis and Plot Breakdown
Clark and his classmates visit the Smallville Dam (who knew Smallville even had a dam?) on a school trip. A sudden storm rolls in, and wouldn’t you know it, there’s a healthy dose of kryptonite that they have been picking up around in the rain. Clark tries to save Eric from falling off the dam, and they’re both struck by lightning. Thanks to the convenient plot device of kryptonite-charged lightning, Clark loses his powers, and Eric gains them.
Clark enjoys being normal for a while, playing football without accidentally hurling the ball into orbit and finally working up a sweat at the gym. Eric does some hero shit, but quickly decides to use his powers not for good, but using his super-strength to bully his classmates.
Things take a dark turn when Eric, feeling rejected and angry, decides to take revenge on the people who have wronged him. Clark, realizing that Eric is out of control, confronts him. They fight (well, as much of a fight as Clark can put up without his powers), and eventually, another kryptonite-infused lightning strike restores Clark’s abilities and takes away Eric’s.
In the end, Eric is back to being a regular, angst-ridden teenager, and Clark learns that even without his powers, he can still make a difference in the world. Aww, how heartwarming.
Lessons and Superman Connections
This episode explores the classic superhero theme of responsibility. Clark learns that having powers doesn’t make you a hero; it’s how you use them that counts. He also realizes that he doesn’t need superpowers to be a good person and help others. This is an important lesson for Clark as he grows into his role as Superman, who is known for his compassion and selflessness as much as his super strength and flight.
The episode also touches on the idea that power can corrupt. Eric, who starts out as a somewhat sympathetic character, becomes increasingly arrogant and reckless as he gets used to his newfound abilities. This serves as a warning to Clark about the dangers of abusing his powers and the importance of staying grounded.
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