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 the vast landscape of superhero television, there’s a peculiar sub-genre that never fails to intrigue: the “sick episode.” You know the one – where our seemingly invulnerable hero suddenly finds themselves at death’s door, usually due to some contrived plot device that temporarily strips them of their powers. Yet Smallville‘s “Fever,” the 37th episode of the series, manages to transcend this tried-and-true formula by delivering something far more meaningful than your typical “kryptonite of the week” story.

When Superman Gets the Sniffles

“Fever” begins with Martha Kent doing what the Kents do best – hiding alien artifacts in mundane household items. Because nothing says “secure storage” quite like a flour can in a storm cellar, right? But when she inadvertently inhales some glowing green spores (somewhere, OSHA is having a conniption), we’re launched into an episode that masterfully balances physical and emotional vulnerability.

What sets this episode apart is its unique position as the first Smallville episode without a clear antagonist. There’s no meteor freak of the week, no scheming Lionel Luthor (who’s notably absent), and no teenage drama blown to supernatural proportions. Instead, we get the DCA (Disease Control Agency) doing their job with professional competence, which in Smallville‘s universe feels almost revolutionary. The true antagonist here is microscopic – those pesky kryptonite spores that manage to do what countless villains couldn’t: bring both Martha and Clark Kent to their knees.

Family Secrets and Silent Struggles

The episode’s real strength lies in how it uses physical illness to expose emotional vulnerabilities. Martha’s pregnancy revelation – apparently a gift from Clark’s ship during the tornado incident – comes with layers of complexity. She’s kept this miracle hidden, fearing that speaking it aloud might make it disappear. It’s a touchingly human moment from a character who’s spent years helping maintain the biggest secret in Kansas.

The ship’s healing abilities add another wrinkle to the series’ mythology, suggesting that Kryptonian technology isn’t just about cool space travel and crystal fortresses – it can also play celestial fertility clinic. It’s a plot point that could have felt forced but instead adds depth to the Kent family dynamic, particularly when Martha confesses her deeper fear: that learning more about his origins might lead Clark to leave Smallville behind.

Love in the Time of Kryptonite

While Clark and Martha are fighting for their lives, the episode doesn’t forget about its ongoing relationship dramas. Lex and Helen’s storyline continues to develop, with Lex asking her to choose him over a prestigious fellowship at Johns Hopkins. It’s a rare moment of vulnerability from Lex, though anyone familiar with Smallville knows that relationships involving a Luthor tend to have the life expectancy of a red shirt on Star Trek.

But the real emotional gut-punch comes from Chloe’s bedside confession to an unconscious Clark. Her letter, which she reads aloud in one of the series’ most memorable scenes, perfectly captures the agony of unrequited love. Of course, because the universe has a cruel sense of humor, Clark mumbles “Lana” in his sleep right after Chloe’s heartfelt confession. Ouch. As far as dramatic irony goes, that’s about as subtle as a meteor rock to the face.

The Power of Vulnerability

What makes “Fever” stand out in the superhero sick episode pantheon is how it uses illness to explore deeper themes. Unlike Flash‘s “The Runaway Dinosaur” or Supergirl‘s various power-loss episodes, “Fever” isn’t just about our hero learning to appreciate their powers or finding strength within. Instead, it’s about family, secrets, and the vulnerabilities we all carry – superpowers or not.

Jonathan Kent’s desperate mission to retrieve the key and activate the ship showcases this perfectly. It’s not just about saving his family; it’s about a father facing the limitations of what he can do to protect those he loves. The scene where he tells a weakened Clark that he “can’t just sit by and lose his family” ranks among John Schneider’s finest moments in the series.

Legacy and Impact

The episode’s effects ripple throughout the series, particularly regarding Martha’s pregnancy and the growing emotional distance between Clark and Chloe. It’s also worth noting that this episode establishes the ship’s healing capabilities, a plot point that would become increasingly important as the series progressed.

“Fever” demonstrates what Smallville did best: using its superhero framework to tell deeply human stories. Yes, there are glowing green spores and alien spaceships, but at its heart, this is a story about family, love, and the secrets we keep from those closest to us.

Final Thoughts

While “Fever” might not rank among Smallville‘s most action-packed episodes, it stands as one of its most emotionally resonant. It proves that sometimes the most compelling superhero stories aren’t about epic battles or world-ending threats, but about the everyday struggles of people trying to protect the ones they love – even if those people happen to be from another planet.

In the end, “Fever” reminds us that even Superman can get sick, Luthors can be vulnerable, and sometimes the most powerful healing doesn’t come from alien technology, but from the bonds between family and friends. Though it probably wouldn’t hurt to invest in better storage solutions than a flour can. Just saying.