Welcome back to Rewatching Smallville, my weekly dive into the iconic series that explores Clark Kent’s journey before becoming Superman. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the show, you’re invited to join in each Tuesday as I revisit episodes and share my thoughts and observations. Be sure to share your own memories and theories in the comments below!

Ah, Smallville. The show that keeps on giving us reasons to fear public transportation and trust no one. In the ninth episode of the first season, appropriately titled “Rogue,” we dive deeper into the seedy underbelly of Metropolis and witness Clark Kent’s first encounter with the delightful concept of blackmail.

The episode kicks off with a bang (literally) as a bus driver suffers a heart attack, sending the vehicle careening through parked cars like a hot knife through butter. In a heroic display of superhuman strength and impeccable timing, Clark stops the bus from crashing into a bus stop, saving a sleeping man from an impromptu nap in the afterlife. The vehicular mayhem count stands at 1, with the bus driver being the unfortunate culprit.

Enter Detective Sam Phelan, a corrupt cop with a penchant for beating people up and a keen eye for exploiting superpowered teenagers. Phelan blackmails Clark into doing his dirty work, threatening to expose his secret if he doesn’t comply. This marks the beginning of Clark’s journey into the morally gray world of adult responsibilities and questionable decision-making.

Meanwhile, Lex Luthor finds himself caught between his father’s shady past and his own ambitions. Victoria Hardwick, a sultry businesswoman with a knack for double-crossing, proposes a deal to help Lex exact revenge on his dear old dad. As Lex navigates this tangled web of deceit, his fascination with Clark grows stronger, fueled by the mysterious photograph of the two at the charity gala.

Back in Smallville, Chloe Sullivan faces the wrath of Principal Kwan, who suspends The Torch due to its focus on the town’s weird and wacky happenings. Lana Lang steps in to help, inadvertently becoming the new editor and causing a rift between her and Chloe. The drama is as thick as the sexual tension between Clark and Lana, which is saying something.

As the episode unfolds, Clark finds himself in increasingly compromising situations, breaking into apartments, stealing files, and nearly becoming a super-powered accomplice to grand larceny. Jonathan Kent’s attempts to protect his son lead to a heated confrontation with Phelan, resulting in Jonathan’s arrest for a crime he didn’t commit. The mayhem only increases as a generator falls on Clark in the barn, but thanks to his invulnerability, he walks away unscathed.

The climax of the episode takes place at the Metropolis Museum, where Phelan coerces Clark into stealing a jewel-encrusted breastplate once worn by Alexander the Great. In a twist of fate, Clark outsmarts Phelan, and the corrupt cop meets his end in a hail of bullets. Clark, being the superhero he is, dodges his first bullet, a milestone moment in his journey to becoming the Man of Steel.

“Rogue” serves as a pivotal episode in the Smallville lore, showcasing the early challenges faced by Clark Kent as he navigates his powers and the responsibilities that come with them. It also highlights the growing obsession Lex Luthor has with uncovering Clark’s secrets, a theme that will play a significant role in their future rivalry.

So, dear readers, what did you think of this action-packed episode? Did you find yourself yelling at the screen, urging Clark to make better life choices? Or were you too busy admiring Lex’s impeccable baldness and Victoria’s scheming ways? Let us know in the comments below, and remember, always wear your seatbelt when riding a bus in any vehicle in Smallville.

Driver	Number of Accidents
Johnathan Kent	1
Lex Luthor	1
Whitney Fordman	2
Freak of the Week	4
Random	1
Total:	9