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 where a teenager with superpowers somehow manages to keep his identity secret despite saving people in broad daylight on a weekly basis. But I digress. Let’s dive into the 28th episode of this superpowered soap opera, shall we?

Previously on Smallville…

Before we get into the meat of “Lineage,” let’s catch up on some key plotlines. Lana Lang, our resident doe-eyed damsel in distress, recently found a picture of her mother with a mysterious man who might be her real father. Because apparently, one tragic backstory isn’t enough for Miss Lang.

Meanwhile, Clark and Chloe have been at odds over Chloe’s insatiable curiosity about Clark’s adoption. You’d think after Clark asked her to stop digging, she’d respect his privacy. But no, that would be too easy, wouldn’t it?

Oh, and let’s not forget Lionel Luthor, who’s been playing the blind card since the tornado incident at the end of season one. He’s hired Martha Kent as his personal assistant, which I’m sure won’t lead to any complications at all. Nope. None whatsoever.

The Episode: “Lineage” or “How I Met Your Mother (Who Isn’t Actually Your Mother)”

Our story kicks off with a mysterious woman breaking into the Kent farm. Now, in any other town, this would be cause for alarm. In Smallville? Just another Tuesday.

This woman, Rachel Dunleavy, shows up at Clark’s school claiming to be his birth mother. Because nothing says “I’m your long-lost mom” like stalking a teenager at his high school. Clark, being the good boy scout that he is, tells his parents about this encounter. Jonathan and Martha, understandably concerned, meet Rachel at the Talon.

Rachel insists she gave up her son, Lucas, to Metropolis United Charities, the same organization that handled Clark’s adoption. The Kents try to dissuade her, but Rachel is determined. Jonathan, in his best stern dad voice, tells her to stay away from his family. I’m sure that’ll work out great.

The Luthor Connection

Because no episode of Smallville is complete without some Luthor drama, Rachel decides to rope Lex into her scheme. She drops the bombshell that she had an affair with Lionel Luthor (who hasn’t at this point?), got pregnant, and was forced to give up the baby. So, according to Rachel, Clark is actually Lex’s half-brother.

Lex, ever the master of dry humor, quips to Clark, “Personally, I think I got all the looks in the family.” Oh, Lex. If only you knew what was coming for your hairline.

Chloe Sullivan: Investigative Journalist or Nosy Parker?

Meanwhile, Chloe “I-can’t-mind-my-own-business” Sullivan has been up to her old tricks again. She posted information about Clark on adoption websites, which is how Rachel found him. Clark, understandably, is furious. They have a heated argument that ends with Clark telling Chloe to “find her own mother.”

Now, I’m going to go out on a limb here and say Chloe is 100% in the wrong. Clark explicitly asked her to stop digging into his adoption, and she ignored his wishes. If it hadn’t been for Chloe’s meddling, Rachel Dunleavy would never have come to Smallville. But hey, who needs boundaries when you have an insatiable curiosity, right?

Flashback City

The episode treats us to some juicy flashbacks to 1989, the year of the meteor shower. We see Jonathan and Martha discover baby Clark in a cornfield, right after their truck does a somersault worthy of an Olympic gymnast. (Vehicular accident count: 1)

On their way to safety, they encounter a shell-shocked Lionel Luthor, begging for help. His son, the young Lex, is unconscious in the cornfield. Jonathan, being the good Samaritan he is, rushes them to the hospital.

These flashbacks reveal how the Kents managed to keep Clark, thanks to Lionel’s influence in producing fake adoption papers. We also learn why Jonathan has such a grudge against the Luthors. Turns out, Lionel asked Jonathan to convince the Ross brothers to sell their creamed corn factory, subtly threatening to expose Clark’s illegal adoption if he didn’t comply.

Jonathan Kent, feeling the weight of his guilt, delivers an Emmy-worthy performance as he explains to Clark how he got entangled with the Luthors. John Schneider really shines here, showing us a Jonathan Kent who’s both vulnerable and strong.

Lana Lang’s Daddy Issues

In a subplot that has nothing to do with axe-wielding maniacs or secret adoptions, Lana decides to confront Henry Small, the man she suspects might be her biological father. Their first meeting goes about as well as you’d expect in Smallville – which is to say, terribly.

Henry is initially hostile and dismissive, but later has a change of heart and agrees to a DNA test. Because nothing says “family bonding” like a cotton swab to the cheek.

Rachel Dunleavy: From Grieving Mother to Axe-Wielding Maniac

As the episode progresses, Rachel’s desperation reaches new heights. She kidnaps Lex and threatens to kill him unless Lionel admits that Clark’s adoption is a sham. Because that’s a totally rational response to your ex denying paternity.

In the climax of the episode, Rachel goes full Jack Nicholson in The Shining, coming at Lex with an axe. Clark, of course, super-speeds to the rescue, taking the hit and shattering the axe. It’s a pretty cool special effect, I’ll admit.

Michael Rosenbaum, despite limited screen time, steals every scene he’s in as Lex. His portrayal of a man caught between his manipulative father and his only friend is nuanced and compelling.

The Aftermath

In the end, Rachel realizes Clark can’t be her son (super strength and axe-shattering abilities tend to be a giveaway). Lionel, in true Lionel fashion, refuses to acknowledge Lucas’s existence to Lex. But in a private moment, we see him pull out a locket containing a picture of himself with a young blonde boy. Cue the dramatic music!

Final Thoughts

“Lineage” is a solid episode that delves into the murky waters of family secrets and the lengths people will go to for the truth. It gives us valuable insight into the Kent family’s history and sets up future storylines (hello, Lucas Luthor!).

Tom Welling delivers another strong performance as Clark, balancing the character’s inherent goodness with his struggle to understand his origins. And let’s not forget Bonnie Blair as Rachel Dunleavy, who manages to make her character sympathetic even as she’s swinging an axe at Lex’s head.

The episode also reinforces some of Smallville‘s core themes: Clark’s unwavering desire to help others (even axe-wielding maniacs), the complex relationship between the Kents and the Luthors, and the dangers of unchecked curiosity (I’m looking at you, Chloe).

In conclusion, “Lineage” proves that in Smallville, family reunions are never simple, adoption records are more closely guarded than Fort Knox, and it’s always a good idea to keep your axe collection under lock and key. Until next time, keep watching the skies… and maybe invest in some meteor rock insurance.