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!

Hey there, Smallville fans! Today, we’re diving deep into the 29th episode of our favorite superhero origin story, titled “Ryan.” Grab your flannel shirts and meteor rocks, because we’re about to unpack this emotional powerhouse of an episode faster than Clark Kent can sprint to school.

The Return of the Mind-Reading Wunderkind

Remember Ryan James from season one’s “Stray”? Well, he’s back, and things aren’t looking too sunny for our pint-sized telepath. Ryan Kelley reprises his role as the lovable mind-reader, and let me tell you, this kid’s got more problems than Lex Luthor has trust issues (which, as we know, is saying something).

When we last saw Ryan, he was heading off to live with his aunt in Edge City, leaving behind a collection of “Warrior Angel” comics and a warning about Lex’s dark side. Fast forward to season two, and Ryan’s calling Clark from the sinister-sounding Summerholt Institute, begging for help. Talk about a rough year for the kid.

Clark Kent: Big Brother Extraordinaire

Our boy scout in plaid, Clark Kent, wastes no time in rushing to Ryan’s aid. Tom Welling really shines in this episode, showing us a more protective and emotionally vulnerable side of Clark. It’s like watching a puppy trying to protect its favorite chew toy – adorable, but with super strength.

Clark’s determination to save Ryan pushes him to new limits, both physically and morally. He’s breaking into research facilities, kidnapping patients, and even gasp lying to his parents. It’s almost like he’s preparing for his future as a vigilante who occasionally bends the rules. Who would’ve thought?

The Summerholt Institute: Where Ethics Go to Die

Let’s talk about the Summerholt Institute for a hot second. Is it just me, or does Smallville have an unusually high concentration of morally bankrupt research facilities? This place makes LuthorCorp look like a Girl Scout cookie operation.

Dr. Lawrence Garner, played with delightful creepiness by Martin Cummins, is our antagonist du jour. He’s the kind of guy who probably kicks puppies for fun and unplugs people’s phone chargers when they’re not looking. His obsession with Ryan’s abilities leads to some seriously questionable medical practices. I mean, causing nose bleeds and migraines? That’s mad scientist 101, doc.

Lex Luthor: Friend or Foe?

Ah, Lex. Our favorite bald billionaire with daddy issues is back at it again, walking the fine line between hero and villain. Michael Rosenbaum continues to knock it out of the park with his portrayal of Lex, giving us glimpses of both his compassionate side and his darker impulses.

In this episode, Lex helps Clark protect Ryan, even going so far as to get a restraining order against Summerholt. It’s moments like these that make you want to believe in Lex’s potential for good. But then Ryan drops another ominous warning about Lex’s dark side, and we’re right back to square one. It’s like emotional whiplash, I tell you.

The Kent Farm: Where Strays Are Always Welcome

Jonathan and Martha Kent continue to be the parents we all wish we had. They take in Ryan without hesitation, proving once again that the Kent Farm is basically a halfway house for troubled teens with supernatural abilities.

Martha, played by the ever-wonderful Annette O’Toole, has a particularly intriguing moment in this episode. Ryan cryptically mentions that he knows “her secret” and wonders why she hasn’t told Jonathan and Clark. Ooh, mysterious! Is Martha secretly a champion yodeler? Does she have a collection of rare Beanie Babies hidden in the barn? We’ll have to wait and see!

Lana Lang: The Girl Next Door No More

While Ryan’s story takes center stage, we can’t forget about the ongoing drama of Lana Lang. Nell, Lana’s aunt and guardian (and apparently Smallville’s least considerate parental figure), has decided to move to Metropolis. Because uprooting a teenager in the middle of high school is totally cool, right?

But fear not, Lana fans! Our girl finds a solution in the most unlikely of places – Casa de Sullivan. That’s right, Lana’s moving in with Chloe. I can already smell the potential for late-night gossip sessions and passive-aggressive fights over bathroom mirror space.

The Emotional Gut Punch

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or should I say, the tumor in Ryan’s brain. This episode doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to the feels. Learning that Ryan’s telepathic abilities are actually a symptom of a fatal condition is like finding out your new puppy is actually a gremlin – heartbreaking and totally unexpected.

The scenes between Clark and Ryan in the hospital are particularly poignant. Ryan’s wish for an “Aerodome” like Warrior Angel’s floating fortress is a gut-wrenching metaphor for his desire to escape his illness. And Clark’s determination to give Ryan one last happy memory with the hot air balloon ride? Excuse me, I think I have something in my eye. It’s definitely not tears. Nope.

The Bigger Picture

“Ryan” is more than just a standalone episode – it’s a pivotal moment in Clark’s journey to becoming Superman. It forces him to confront the limits of his abilities and the harsh reality that he can’t save everyone, no matter how hard he tries. It’s a lesson that will shape his future as a hero, and one that adds depth to his character beyond “guy who can bench-press a tractor.”

This episode also continues to plant seeds of doubt about Lex’s true nature. Ryan’s warnings serve as a reminder that despite Lex’s occasional acts of kindness, there’s a darkness lurking beneath the surface. It’s like watching a slow-motion car crash – we know where this friendship is heading, but we can’t look away.

Easter Eggs and Comic Connections

For all you comic book nerds out there (myself included), this episode is chock-full of little nods to Superman lore. The mention of Warrior Angel’s “Aerodome” is a not-so-subtle reference to Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. And let’s not forget the continued use of Warrior Angel as a stand-in for Superman within the Smallville universe.

Also, did anyone else catch the mention of Hub City? For those not in the know, Hub City is the home of the DC hero The Question. It’s little details like this that make Smallville a treasure trove for eagle-eyed DC fans.

In Conclusion

“Ryan” stands out as one of Smallville‘s more emotionally charged episodes. It balances superhero drama with genuine human pathos, giving us a glimpse of the hero Clark will become while reminding us of his very human vulnerabilities.

Ryan Kelley and Tom Welling both deliver knockout performances, making the brotherly bond between Ryan and Clark feel authentic and heartbreaking. And let’s not forget Michael Rosenbaum, who continues to make Lex Luthor one of the most complex and compelling characters on television.

As we bid farewell to Ryan (for good this time), we’re left with a bittersweet taste of what Smallville does best – mixing superhero spectacle with grounded, emotional storytelling. It’s episodes like this that remind us why we fell in love with this show in the first place.

So, what did you think of “Ryan”? Did it hit you right in the feels, or were you too distracted by Clark’s impeccable flannel collection? Let me know in the comments!

P.S. In case you were wondering, this episode is surprisingly free of vehicular accidents. I guess they blew the car crash budget on Ryan’s hot air balloon ride. Safety first, kids!