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!

In this week’s episode, “Shimmer,” we dive deeper into the world of Lex Luthor and the seemingly endless parade of people who just waltz into his mansion like it’s a public library. But more on that later.

The episode kicks off with Lana Lang being excused from gym class to chair the American Red Cross blood drive, despite her fainting at the sight of her own skinned knee in seventh grade. Meanwhile, Clark Kent feels a bit under the weather as an invisible assailant clobbers Troy Turner with some free weights in the locker room. Just another day at Smallville High.

Over at the Luthor Mansion, Lex is playing billiards with Victoria Hardwick when Amy Palmer, the daughter of Lex’s staff, accidentally spills drinks all over Victoria. Lex, ever the loyal employer, gives Amy the benefit of the doubt, but it’s clear that Amy has a bit of an obsession with the bald billionaire.

Clark, being the good farmboy he is, delivers an enormous order of white tulips to the mansion, only to find them flying across the room upon arrival. Lex is frantically searching for a watch given to him by his late mother, but even Clark’s X-ray vision can’t locate it. Upstairs, they discover Victoria’s room has been trashed, with torn bedding, askew pictures, and graffiti-covered walls. Just another day at the Luthor Mansion.

Lionel Luthor, Lex’s dear old dad, pops in to give his son a hard time about Victoria’s presence at the mansion. Meanwhile, Clark helps Lana with the blood drive, avoiding donating by claiming he’s afraid of needles. Smooth move, Clark.

As the episode progresses, we learn that Amy’s brother, Jeff Palmer, is the invisible culprit behind the attacks. He found a strange green rose on the grounds and used its oils to create an invisibility cream. Jeff attacks Lex, but Clark saves the day by dousing the invisible man with paint, revealing his whereabouts.

“Shimmer” is an important episode in the Smallville lore, as it showcases the early stages of Lex’s journey towards villainy. Despite his best efforts to be a good employer and friend, Lex is constantly faced with betrayal and deceit from those around him. This episode also highlights the strange and often dangerous world that surrounds the Luthor family, with invisible attackers and mysterious green roses.

Now, let’s talk about the security at the Luthor Mansion. Is it just me, or does it seem like anyone can just stroll in there unannounced? In this episode alone, we have Clark, Lionel, and the Palmer family all showing up without so much as a “hello” to the security staff. Maybe Lex should invest in a better home security system.

Oh, and let’s not forget the vehicular accident count: zero (unless you count the flying tulips). Looks like the Smallville residents decided to take a break from crashing their cars into each other this week.

Well, folks, that’s it for this week’s episode of Smallville. Share your thoughts on “Shimmer” in the comments below. Did you find yourself yelling at the screen, “Lock your doors, Lex!” or were you too busy trying to figure out where you could get your hands on some of that invisibility cream? Until next time!

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