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, “Skinwalker,” the 31st episode of Smallville and the 10th of Season 2. Or as I like to call it, “The One Where Clark Falls for a Girl Who Can Turn Into a Wolf.” Because apparently, in Smallville, your love life isn’t complicated enough unless your girlfriend can sprout fur on a whim.

The Cave of Wonders (and Claustrophobia)

Our episode begins with Clark and Pete doing what any sensible teenagers would do near a construction site: riding motorbikes. Because nothing says “safe recreational activity” like speeding around heavy machinery, right? In a twist that surprises absolutely no one, Clark ends up crashing and falling into a hidden cave. Talk about a teen rebel without a cause – or a helmet.

This cave, however, isn’t just your average hole in the ground. Oh no, it’s the Kawatche Caves, complete with ancient drawings that might as well have “Clark Kent’s Destiny” written all over them in big, bold letters. It’s like the universe decided subtlety was overrated and went for the celestial equivalent of a neon sign.

Enter Kyla: The Girl, The Wolf, The Legend

And who should be conveniently hanging out in this newfound cave of destiny? None other than Kyla Willowbrook, played by the talented Tamara Feldman. Kyla is everything Clark could want in a girl: smart, beautiful, and capable of transforming into a wolf. You know, your typical high school crush.

Kyla introduces Clark to the legend of Naman, a prophesied hero who will fall from the skies in a rain of fire, have the strength of ten men, and be able to start fires with his eyes. Clark, being the master of subtlety that he is, probably thought, “Gee, that doesn’t sound familiar at all!”

The Luthor Chronicles: Like Father, Unlike Son

Meanwhile, in the land of bald billionaires, we have the Luthor family drama unfolding. Lionel, proving once again that he’s gunning for the “Worst Father of the Year” award, is trying to bulldoze over the caves for his latest corporate project. Lex, in a rare moment of not being morally ambiguous, decides to side with Clark and protect the caves.

This, of course, leads to one of those classic Luthor father-son confrontations that we’ve all come to know and love. It’s like watching a chess match, if chess involved millions of dollars and thinly veiled threats.

Martha Kent: From Farmer’s Wife to Luthor’s Assistant

In an interesting twist, Martha Kent is now working as Lionel Luthor’s personal assistant. Because nothing says “small-town values” like working for a morally bankrupt billionaire, right? It’s a testament to Annette O’Toole’s acting chops that she can make this unlikely career move seem almost… normal?

The Wolf Among Us

As the episode progresses, we learn that Kyla isn’t just your average cave-dwelling teenager. She’s a skinwalker, able to transform into a white wolf. Because of course she is. This is Smallville, after all. If you’re not meteor-infected or from another planet, are you even trying?

Kyla’s wolfy alter-ego gets up to some mischief, attacking a foreman and nearly mauling Martha. It’s like a very special episode of Lassie, if Lassie had anger management issues and a vendetta against construction workers.

Clark Kent: Teenage Cave Defender

In true Clark Kent fashion, our hero decides that the best way to protect the caves is to stand in front of a bulldozer. Because when you have super-strength and invulnerability, why not use it to play the world’s most high-stakes game of chicken?

This leads to a standoff between Clark, Lionel, and Martha at the construction site. It’s like a family picnic, if your family picnics involved corporate takeovers and ancient prophecies.

The Tragic End of Kyla

Sadly, Kyla’s story comes to a tragic end when she’s mortally wounded after attacking Lionel. She dies in Clark’s arms, leaving him with her bracelet and a whole lot of questions about inter-species dating.

Behind the Scenes: The Cave of Discontent

According to the Talk Ville podcast hosted by Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum, the cave set was unanimously voted as the worst set to work on during the series. Apparently, pretending to be in an ancient, mystical cave loses its charm when you’re doing it day in and day out. Who knew?

Tom Welling also shared his experience working with the wolf on set. Spoiler alert: it was intimidating. I mean, can you blame him? Acting opposite a wolf is probably not covered in most drama schools.

The Curse of Knowing Clark’s Secret

The podcast also touched on the “curse” of knowing Clark’s secret. It seems that in Smallville, being privy to Clark’s alien origins is about as safe as being a red-shirt on Star Trek. Pete, who learned Clark’s secret earlier in the season, must be sweating bullets by now.

The Importance of the Cave Plotline

Despite the cast’s dislike for the cave set, the show’s creator, Al Gough, emphasized how important this cave plotline was to the vision of Season 2 and the origin story of Clark Kent. It’s like the writers said, “You know what this alien-in-Kansas story needs? More ancient prophecies!”

Annette O’Toole: The Real MVP

Both Welling and Rosenbaum gave props to Annette O’Toole for another stellar performance as Martha Kent. It’s nice to know that even when surrounded by wolves, aliens, and mystical caves, good acting still shines through.

The Legacy of “Skinwalker”

While “Skinwalker” might not be the most beloved episode of Smallville, it does introduce some key elements to the series’ mythology. The cave prophecies become a significant part of Clark’s journey, providing yet another way for the show to foreshadow his destiny as Superman.

It also gives us a glimpse of the Luthor family dynamic, with Lex showing signs of the heroic tendencies that will eventually lead him to clash with his father. Of course, we all know how that turns out in the long run. Spoiler alert: not well.

In Conclusion

“Skinwalker” is one of those episodes that reminds us why we love Smallville. It’s got it all: teenage angst, ancient prophecies, shape-shifting girlfriends, and Clark Kent standing in front of heavy machinery. It’s not afraid to be a little silly, a little serious, and a lot supernatural.

As we bid farewell to Kyla and the wolf that scared Tom Welling, we’re left with the image of Clark, holding a Native American bracelet, pondering his destiny and probably wondering if there’s a support group for people whose girlfriends turn into animals.

In the end, “Skinwalker” serves as a reminder that on the road to becoming Superman, Clark Kent’s journey is filled with caves, wolves, and the occasional prophecy. It’s not always smooth sailing, but it’s never, ever boring.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where Clark will undoubtedly find new and exciting ways to keep his secret, save the day, and make us all wonder how Lana Lang remains so oblivious. Until then, remember: in Smallville, always check your caves for ancient prophecies and shape-shifting girlfriends. You never know what you might find.