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 penultimate episode of Smallville‘s second season, everything starts to come together – and fall apart – in spectacular fashion. “Calling” juggles multiple storylines that have been simmering all season: Clark and Lana’s will-they-won’t-they romance, Lex and Helen’s upcoming wedding, the mystery of the Kawatche caves, and of course, the looming question of Clark’s destiny. It’s a lot to pack into 42 minutes, but somehow the episode pulls it off while setting up what promises to be an explosive season finale.

The Perfect Birthday Gift… Or Is It?

The episode opens with what might be the sweetest scene in Smallville‘s run so far: Lana bringing Clark a birthday cake in his fortress of solitude (aka the barn loft). When Clark says he doesn’t need to make a wish because what he’s wanted since he was five is standing right in front of him, it’s enough to make even the most cynical viewer’s heart melt. But this is Smallville, where happiness comes with an expiration date shorter than milk left out in the Kansas sun.

Dr. Walden: From Linguistics Professor to Living Lightning Rod

Remember Dr. Frederick Walden? The arrogant linguist who was studying the cave writings before getting zapped into a coma? Well, he’s back and apparently picked up some new party tricks during his extended nap. Not only can he now shoot energy beams from his hands (a skill they definitely don’t teach at Harvard), but he’s also convinced that Clark Kent is an alien who needs to be destroyed. Talk about a rough academic review.

Walden’s transformation from skeptical academic to superpowered zealot is one of the more interesting aspects of the episode. His encounter with Kryptonian technology has literally opened his eyes – fixing his vision in the process – but also filled him with a dangerous mix of knowledge and purpose. It’s a clever way to move the plot forward while giving us a villain who actually has legitimate reasons to be suspicious of Clark.

The Course of True Love Never Did Run Smooth

Meanwhile, in the relationship department, things are getting complicated. Just as Clark and Lana seem to finally be getting together, Lana pulls back, worried about how their relationship might affect Chloe. It’s actually a refreshingly mature concern for a teen drama, even if it does feel like yet another obstacle in the Clark-Lana saga.

Speaking of relationship drama, Lex and Helen’s upcoming wedding is hitting some turbulence. When Helen discovers someone broke into her office and stole a vial of Clark’s blood, it kicks off a round of accusations that would make Agatha Christie proud. Jonathan suspects Lex, Helen suspects Jonathan, and meanwhile, we discover that Lex is the actual culprit. Classic Luthor move.

Enter the Father

The episode marks a significant milestone with the introduction of Terence Stamp as the voice of Jor-El. Stamp, who memorably played General Zod in Superman II, brings gravitas to Clark’s biological father. His declaration “Kal-El, it is time” sends chills down the spine, especially given the ominous cave prophecy about “the last son” beginning his “quest to rule the third planet.”

This interpretation of Jor-El is notably different from what Superman fans might expect. Rather than the benevolent scientist who saved his son from a dying planet, Smallville‘s Jor-El seems to have more imperial ambitions for his son. It’s a fascinating deviation from the traditional Superman mythology and raises interesting questions about destiny versus free will – a theme that will clearly become central to Clark’s journey.

The Chess Master

Lionel Luthor continues to prove why he’s one of the show’s most compelling characters. His scene with Chloe, offering her a column at the Daily Planet in exchange for investigating Clark, is masterfully manipulative. It’s the kind of offer that’s impossible to refuse, especially for an aspiring journalist, and shows how Lionel uses people’s dreams against them. When he wonders aloud whether Clark would sacrifice his dreams for Chloe the way she’s refusing to sacrifice hers for him, it’s a dagger wrapped in silk.

Technical Observations

The episode’s production values deserve mention. The effects for Walden’s energy projection powers are surprisingly good for early 2000s television, and the final confrontation in the barn is genuinely exciting. The scoring is particularly notable, incorporating strains of John Williams’ iconic Superman theme at key moments – a nice touch that ties the show to the broader Superman legacy.

Looking Ahead

As a penultimate episode, “Calling” does exactly what it needs to do: it raises the stakes, pays off several season-long plotlines, and sets up intriguing questions for the finale. Will Clark accept his destiny? What will Chloe do about Lionel’s offer? Will Lex and Helen make it down the aisle? And what exactly are Jor-El’s plans for his son?

The episode leaves us with Clark hearing his biological father’s voice as a bright light emanates from the storm cellar – where his spacecraft is hidden. It’s a cliffhanger that promises big developments ahead, while also serving as a metaphor for Clark’s situation: standing between two worlds, two fathers, and two possible futures.

“Calling” demonstrates what Smallville does best: mixing superhero mythology with teen drama, family conflicts, and science fiction elements to create something unique. It’s an episode that shows how far the series has come from its “freak of the week” beginnings, while setting up the show’s evolution into something even more ambitious.

Whether you’re watching for the romance, the action, or the mythology, “Calling” delivers on all fronts. It’s the kind of episode that reminds us why Smallville managed to run for ten seasons, and why it remains an important chapter in the Superman story.