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!

The Future Editor and the Future Superman Walk Into a Bar…

Smallville‘s third season was all about expanding Clark Kent’s world and laying more groundwork for his inevitable Superman future. Episode 49, “Perry,” brought us the series’ version of one of Superman’s most iconic supporting characters – Perry White, the hard-nosed, tough-as-nails future editor of the Daily Planet. But instead of the confident, cigar-chomping newsman we’re familiar with, Smallville gave us something far more interesting: a washed-up, perpetually drunk has-been on a quest for redemption.

And boy, was it a wild ride.

“Perry” begins with a premise as wild as its titular character – a comet hits the sun (sure, why not?), causing massive solar flares that play havoc with Clark’s powers. Meanwhile, our boy scout nearly gets run over by a car driven by none other than Perry White, a once-promising journalist whose career was destroyed by our resident villain, Lionel Luthor. Perry witnesses Clark using his powers during the rescue and becomes obsessed with exposing him.

Where We Are in Season 3

To understand the significance of “Perry,” we need to look at where we are in Season 3’s overall story arc. At this point in the season, Clark is struggling with his identity more than ever. Following the events of the Season 2 finale where he ran away to Metropolis and developed a red kryptonite addiction (still one of the show’s most bizarre yet compelling storylines), Clark is trying to reclaim his moral compass while facing increasingly complex challenges.

Season 3 has also been deepening the mythology around Clark’s Kryptonian heritage. Just a few episodes earlier in “Phoenix,” we saw Clark return from his exile in Metropolis, and in the previous episode “Slumber,” the show explored Clark’s dreams and subconscious fears. “Perry” continues this trend of pushing Clark toward his destiny while throwing interesting obstacles in his path.

The genius of placing the Perry White episode here is that it reminds us that Clark’s journey isn’t just about becoming Superman physically – it’s about finding his place in the world. What better way to foreshadow his future career than by introducing the man who will one day be his boss?

Solar Flares and Super Glitches: Clark’s Power Problem

One of the most interesting aspects of “Perry” is how it deals with Clark’s powers malfunctioning. Solar flares causing his abilities to go haywire is a clever plot device that accomplishes several things at once:

1. It creates genuine tension – for once, Clark can’t rely on his powers to save the day
2. It establishes the connection between Clark’s powers and the yellow sun
3. It allows Perry to witness enough strange events to fuel his suspicions

The scene where Clark accidentally throws a tractor miles into the air only to have it land right in front of Perry at the bus stop is both hilarious and a perfect example of Smallville‘s unique charm. The show always found ways to create Superman moments before Clark actually became Superman.

This power instability also serves as a neat metaphor for Clark’s ongoing identity crisis. Just as he’s struggling to control who he is becoming, his physical abilities are similarly unreliable. When Clark tells his mother, “Actually it’s a relief to be researching a cosmic disaster that has nothing to do with me,” the irony is delicious – because of course, it ends up having everything to do with him.

The Man, The Myth, The Alcoholic: Perry White Reimagined

Michael McKean’s portrayal of Perry White is a masterclass in taking an established character and completely reimagining him while somehow staying true to his essence. This Perry is miles away from the commanding presence we know from Superman lore – he’s disheveled, disgraced, and constantly nursing a drink. Yet McKean somehow makes us believe this man could eventually become the journalistic legend who will one day run the Daily Planet.

What’s great about Smallville‘s approach to Perry is showing us the character at his lowest point, making his eventual rise back to prominence all the more satisfying. McKean brings both pathos and humor to the role, delivering lines like “Life is a journey, grasshopper, and sometimes the trip is smoother with a little lubricant” with a perfect blend of world-weariness and charm.

Perry White Through the Ages: How McKean’s Version Compares

Perry White has been portrayed by numerous actors across Superman adaptations, each bringing something unique to the role:

• John Hamilton in the 1950s Adventures of Superman TV series gave us the classic, hot-tempered editor constantly shouting for “Kent!”
• Jackie Cooper in the Christopher Reeve Superman films portrayed Perry as more measured but still commanding
• Lane Smith in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman brought warmth and humor to the role with his “Great Caesar’s ghost!” exclamations and Elvis obsession
• Frank Langella in Superman Returns gave us a more corporate, modern newspaper editor
• Laurence Fishburne in the DCEU films reimagined Perry as a more serious, digitally-minded newspaper veteran

McKean’s version stands apart because it shows us Perry before he became the legend. It’s like seeing Bruce Wayne before he became Batman – fascinating because we know where he’s headed but he doesn’t yet. The episode even gives us a nod to Perry’s famous catchphrase when he calls Sheriff Adams “Chief” and she snaps back, “DON’T CALL ME CHIEF!” – a clever inversion of his future trademark line.

What makes McKean’s performance particularly special is his real-life connection to the show – he was (and is to this day) married to Annette O’Toole (Martha Kent). This added a delightful meta-layer to his guest appearance and likely contributed to the chemistry in their scenes together.

Journalism Ethics and the Price of Truth

At its core, “Perry” is an episode about journalism and ethics – a fitting theme for a character who will one day embody journalistic integrity. The episode asks important questions: How far should a reporter go to get a story? What happens when the pursuit of truth becomes an obsession? When does investigation become exploitation?

Perry’s methods throughout the episode are questionable at best and downright dangerous at worst. He blackmails the Kents, harasses Lana about her traumatic meteor shower experience, and ultimately puts himself and Clark in mortal danger by jumping off a cliff to force Clark to reveal his powers.

Yet underneath all his scheming is a man who genuinely believes in the importance of truth. When he tells Clark, “Because I’m a journalist. It’s in my blood. And sometimes you have to push to get the truth, even when it hurts,” we get a glimpse of the principled newsman he once was and will be again.

This episode provides an interesting contrast to how Clark will eventually approach journalism – using his powers to find stories and help people rather than exposing others. Perry’s arc serves as both a cautionary tale and inspiration for Clark’s future career path.

The parallel between Perry’s failed exposé on Lionel Luthor and Clark’s secret is particularly clever. Both represent truths that powerful forces want to keep hidden, showing that sometimes the most important stories are the most dangerous to tell.

The Redemption Arc: From Tabloid Hack to Daily Planet Editor

Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of “Perry” is watching the beginnings of the character’s redemption. By the episode’s end, Perry has an epiphany – he realizes that exposing Clark would do more harm than good, regardless of the fame it might bring him.

His final scene with Clark at the bus stop is beautiful in its simplicity. When Perry admits that he now has the courage to finish the story he never wrote and is heading to the Daily Planet, we get a perfect glimpse of the man he will become. His parting words to Clark – noting his potential as a journalist – plant the seed for Clark’s future career.

This redemption arc is made all the more powerful by the fact that Perry doesn’t fully reform overnight. He’s still flawed and damaged, but he’s taken the first step on a journey that we, as viewers, know will lead him to greatness. It’s a reminder that even Superman’s most steadfast allies had their own origin stories.

Superman Lore: Seeds Planted for the Future

“Perry” is filled with delightful nods to Superman mythology that reward longtime fans while advancing Clark’s journey toward becoming the Man of Steel:

1. The Daily Planet connection: Perry’s decision to seek work at the Daily Planet foreshadows where both he and Clark will eventually end up.
2. The yellow sun revelation: This episode explicitly confirms that Clark’s powers come from the yellow sun – a fundamental aspect of Superman lore.
3. Perry’s investigative skills: Despite his current state, Perry quickly deduces that Clark has extraordinary abilities, showcasing the sharp journalistic instincts that will make him a legendary editor.
4. The “Don’t call me Chief” moment: A clever inversion of Perry’s famous catchphrase from the comics and other adaptations.
5. Clark’s journalistic beginnings: Perry’s comment about Clark’s boring high school article (“Principal Authorizes New Gym Mats”) and later noting his potential as a reporter sets up his future career.

The episode also establishes something crucial about Clark’s character – his willingness to help even those who might expose him. When Perry asks, “I don’t get you, kid. I strong-armed your parents, picked on your girlfriend, and ticked off your lady editor. And still, here you are trying to play the hero,” he’s identifying what makes Superman, well, Superman – the unwavering belief in helping others regardless of personal cost.

Fascinating Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes Notes

No discussion of “Perry” would be complete without mentioning some of the delightful behind-the-scenes tidbits:

• Michael McKean and Annette O’Toole (Martha Kent) are married in real life, making his guest appearance a family affair.
• The episode features a nod to The X-Files with Perry working for a show called “X-Styles.” McKean had previously appeared on The X-Files as a Men in Black operative who switched bodies with Fox Mulder.
• The song “Walking in Memphis” by Lonestar plays during Perry’s final scene – a possible reference to Lane Smith’s Perry White from Lois & Clark, who frequently exclaimed “Great shades of Elvis!” (Memphis being Elvis’s home).
• In a bizarre coincidence, the week this episode aired, the sun was experiencing large solar flares in real life.
• This episode marks the introduction of Dr. Claire Foster, who becomes Lex’s psychiatrist – a character adapted from Superman comics.

Final Thoughts: Why “Perry” Matters in Smallville’s Legacy

“Perry” might not be the most action-packed or mythology-heavy episode of Smallville, but it accomplishes something vital – it expands the Superman universe around Clark in meaningful ways while furthering his personal journey.

The episode succeeds because it takes a character we thought we knew and shows us a completely different side of him, making Perry White’s eventual transformation into the editor we know and love all the more satisfying. It also gives us valuable insight into Clark’s character by showing how he responds to someone trying to expose him.

When Perry tells Clark, “See, the way I figure it, you’re strong, you’re shockproof, you’re incredibly fast. Plus you’re cursed with this hero complex,” he’s essentially defining what makes Superman a hero. It’s not just the powers – it’s Clark’s moral compass and innate desire to help others that defines him.

In the grand tapestry of Smallville‘s 10-season run, “Perry” stands as a perfect example of how the show excelled at reimagining Superman’s mythology while staying true to its essence. It reminds us that even the most stalwart characters in the DC universe had their own struggles and redemption arcs.

And really, isn’t that what makes superhero stories so compelling in the first place? Not just watching heroes save the day, but seeing how they – and everyone around them – grow, falter, and ultimately find their way toward becoming their best selves. In that sense, “Perry” isn’t just about the future editor of the Daily Planet – it’s about the journey we all take to become who we’re meant to be.

Even if most of us don’t have to worry about accidentally throwing tractors into the sky when the sun acts up.