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!

Well, well, well, ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to dive into the nineteenth installment of Smallville, and boy, do we have a lot to unpack! In this episode, titled “Crush,” we’re introduced to the troubled artist Justin Gaines, who, after a tragic hit-and-run accident, develops telekinetic abilities and a thirst for revenge. But wait, there’s more! We also have a love triangle brewing between Clark, Chloe, and Lana. Buckle up, folks, because this episode is a wild ride!

First things first, let’s talk about the vehicular mayhem in this episode. We’ve got a grand total of three accidents, and surprisingly, none of them involve Clark Kent. That’s right, our resident hero manages to keep his hands clean this time around. The culprits? Well, we have Danny Kwan, who was behind the wheel during Justin’s initial hit-and-run (accident count: 1), and then there’s Justin himself, who uses his newfound powers to exact revenge on Principal Kwan by crashing his car into the garage (accident count: 2). Oh, and let’s not forget the poor elevator in Metropolis Children’s Hospital that plummets to the ground, courtesy of Justin’s telekinetic tantrum, but we’re not counting long vertical drops unless they happen in a car.

Now, let’s talk about the importance of this episode in the grand scheme of Smallville. “Crush” delves into the consequences of acquiring powers and the temptation to use them for personal gain. Justin’s story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that even those with the best intentions can be corrupted by their own abilities. It’s a theme that will continue to resurface throughout the series, as we witness the journeys of various characters, both good and evil.

Speaking of evil, let’s not forget about our favorite billionaire bad boy, Lex Luthor. In this episode, we see a softer side of Lex as he grapples with the memory of his deceased mother and the surprising reappearance of Pamela Jenkins, his former nanny. It’s a rare glimpse into Lex’s past and the emotional baggage he carries with him. Of course, Lex being Lex, he can’t help but be a little suspicious of Pamela’s motives. After all, people seem to just waltz into the Luthor mansion like it’s a public park.

On the romance front, “Crush” throws a wrench into the Clark-Lana-Chloe dynamic. Chloe’s growing feelings for Clark are becoming increasingly apparent, much to Clark’s oblivion. Enter Justin, who sweeps Chloe off her feet with his artistic charm and shared passion for journalism. It’s a refreshing change of pace to see Chloe taking center stage in the romance department, even if it does end in a telekinetic showdown.

All in all, “Crush” is a solid episode that showcases the show’s ability to blend superhero drama with teenage angst and romance. It’s a testament to the writers’ skills that they can make us care about a one-off character like Justin while still advancing the overarching narratives of Clark, Lex, and the rest of the Smallville gang.

So, dear readers, what did you think of this episode? Did you find yourself rooting for Justin, or were you firmly on Team Clark? And how about that love triangle, huh? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!

Driver	Number of Accidents
Johnathan Kent	1
Lex Luthor	3
Martha Kent	1
Whitney Fordman	2
Freak of the Week	7
Random	2
Total:	16