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!

Sometimes Smallville swings big and misses spectacularly—looking at you, “Jinx“—and sometimes it swings big and connects with something genuinely entertaining that works within the show’s established mythology while pushing it in new directions. “Spell” falls firmly into the latter category, delivering an episode that successfully introduces actual magic into the Smallville universe while giving its three lead actresses the chance to chew scenery as possessed 17th-century witches. It’s deliriously over-the-top in the best possible way, and unlike certain other Season 4 episodes, it never feels like the writers misunderstood the assignment.

After the disappointingly neutered take on Mxyzptlk in the previous episode, “Spell” arrives like a breath of fresh air that actually understands how to adapt supernatural concepts for the show’s more grounded approach. Rather than taking a cosmic-level threat and reducing it to someone who runs an underground betting ring, Steven S. DeKnight’s script creates an original magical mythology that fits seamlessly into the show’s existing framework while giving our main characters genuine supernatural stakes to deal with.

The opening sequence in 1604 France immediately establishes the scope and tone we’re dealing with. Three witches being burned at the stake, led by the deliciously named Countess Margaret Isobel Thoreaux, creates a backstory that’s both appropriately gothic and tied directly to the season’s ongoing Stones of Power mythology. When Isobel spits blood onto her spellbook and casts her final curse, tying her fate to Lana’s mysterious tattoo, the episode efficiently establishes rules and stakes that feel both magical and logical within Smallville‘s world.

The Joy of Possessed Performances

The real pleasure of “Spell” comes from watching Kristin Kreuk, Allison Mack, and Erica Durance completely transform into their 17th-century witch counterparts. It’s immediately clear that all three actresses are having an absolute blast playing characters who are nothing like their normal roles, and that infectious energy carries the episode through any potential logical hiccups.

Kreuk gets the meatiest role as Isobel, the lead witch whose regal bearing and casual cruelty makes for a fascinating contrast with Lana’s usual earnest sweetness. The scene where she breaks scissors trying to cut Clark’s hair, then smoothly lies about needing it for a scrapbook, shows Kreuk balancing Isobel’s supernatural confidence with the practical limitations of inhabiting Lana’s body. When she later seduces information out of Clark while he’s chained up in the barn, Kreuk brings just the right amount of predatory charm to make the scene work without crossing into uncomfortable territory.

Mack brings manic energy to Madelyn, playing her as the most pragmatic of the three witches. Her delivery of lines like “Oh. Uh… is that the same quest that got us burned at the stake?” perfectly captures someone who remembers exactly how their last supernatural adventure ended. Mack gets to show off comedic timing she rarely gets to use as Chloe, particularly in the scenes where Madelyn is trying to convince Isobel to let them enjoy some 21st-century pleasures before returning to their revenge quest.

Durance arguably has the most fun as Brianna, the most hedonistic of the trio. Her gleeful declaration of “I’m gorgeous. Look at these!” while fondling her own breasts is delivered with such shameless enthusiasm that it becomes genuinely funny rather than just gratuitous. Durance brings a playful sexuality to the role that shows off her natural charisma while establishing Brianna as someone who’s determined to make the most of her second chance at life.

The dynamic between the three witches feels lived-in and authentic, like these are people who actually lived and worked together for years before their untimely deaths. Their casual banter about 21st-century improvements (“The food is so good in this century.” “And the men actually bathe.” “And their bodies are so hard.”) creates genuine character moments while delivering exposition about their backstory.

Magic vs. Meteor Freaks: A Welcome Change of Pace

One of “Spell’s” smartest choices is how it differentiates magical threats from the meteor-enhanced villains that have dominated the series. Rather than giving the witches poorly defined “meteor rock made me crazy” motivations, the episode presents characters with clear goals, specific abilities, and a coherent belief system that predates Smallville’s 1989 meteor shower by several centuries.

The witches’ magic operates by different rules than meteor mutations. Where meteor freaks tend to have single-focused powers tied to their psychological trauma, the witches display versatile magical abilities that feel genuinely otherworldly. Isobel’s ability to freeze Lex and force him to play piano until his fingers bleed, or the way all three witches can collectively strip Clark of his powers, creates threats that feel fundamentally different from anything the show has presented before.

More importantly, the episode establishes that magic can hurt Clark in ways that meteor rock and physical threats cannot. When Isobel’s death spell actually wounds and stuns him, it’s a genuinely shocking moment that adds new dimensions to Clark’s vulnerability. The revelation that he’s not invulnerable to supernatural threats opens up storytelling possibilities that feel fresh after nearly four seasons of “meteor freak tries to hurt Clark, fails, gets defeated.”

The magical power transfer scene, where the witches literally drain Clark’s abilities while he’s chained shirtless to a barn post, is both visually striking and narratively significant. It’s the kind of scene that could easily have felt exploitative or ridiculous, but the episode treats it as a genuine magical ritual with real consequences rather than just an excuse to get Tom Welling’s shirt off.

Clark’s Growing Understanding of His Place in the World

Beneath all the supernatural shenanigans, “Spell” continues Season 4’s ongoing exploration of Clark learning to balance his normal life with his growing understanding of his alien heritage and larger destiny. His horrified reaction to blowing his Princeton interview because of the witches’ party spell shows someone who’s still trying to maintain the illusion of a normal future, even as supernatural forces keep dragging him into increasingly cosmic conflicts.

The episode does a nice job showing how Clark’s attempts at normalcy are becoming increasingly impossible to maintain. His conversation with his parents at the end, where he has to explain that “it really was magic” and “magic can hurt me,” represents another step in Clark’s acceptance that his life will never be ordinary. Tom Welling brings genuine concern to Clark’s realization that he’s vulnerable to threats he doesn’t understand and can’t easily categorize.

The revelation that Clark is still a virgin (along with Lana) adds an interesting character note that contradicts some fan assumptions about his red kryptonite adventures. It suggests that even when Clark was acting without inhibitions, some core part of his moral framework remained intact—a detail that adds depth to both his character and his relationship with Lana.

Clark’s interaction with the possessed Lana also continues the season’s theme of him having to face threats that wear familiar faces. Unlike meteor freaks who are clearly identifiable as enemies, Isobel looks exactly like someone Clark cares about, making his emotional response more complex. The scene where he catches Jason after Isobel throws him out the window shows Clark’s protective instincts extending beyond just Lana to include people in her orbit.

The Stones of Power Mythology Deepens

“Spell” does excellent work advancing the season’s central Stones of Power storyline without making it feel forced or mechanical. The revelation that Isobel and her fellow witches were executed while searching for the same artifacts that Clark has been collecting gives the season’s mythology genuine historical weight and suggests that these objects have been influencing events for centuries.

The connection between Lana’s tattoo and Isobel’s final curse provides a logical explanation for why Lana has been drawn into the stone quest, while also establishing that some aspects of Clark’s destiny have been in motion longer than anyone realized. The episode doesn’t overexplain the connection, trusting viewers to understand that Lana’s involvement isn’t coincidental without spelling out every detail.

The scene in the Kawatche Caves where Isobel tries to claim the stone creates a nice parallel to Clark’s earlier successful retrieval. When the stone burns her hand and glows in rejection, it establishes that these artifacts have some kind of inherent judgment about who should possess them. Clark’s ability to catch and hold the stone safely reinforces his special connection to them while restoring his powers in a dramatically satisfying way.

The episode also plants seeds for future storylines by showing that Lex has acquired additional historical documents related to the stones, and his final scene studying the cave drawings identical to Lana’s tattoo suggests he’s beginning to piece together connections that could prove dangerous for everyone involved.

Lex’s Manipulation and the Jason Problem Continues

Michael Rosenbaum continues to excel at showing Lex’s capacity for strategic thinking even when he’s literally under a magical compulsion. The piano-playing curse sequence is both visually striking and character-revealing, showing Lex as someone who can endure physical pain while maintaining his mental focus. His bloody fingers and determined expression create a memorable image that reinforces his fundamental determination.

The episode’s handling of Jason feels more natural than in previous installments, integrating Jensen Ackles into the action without making him feel like an afterthought. His attempt to burn Isobel’s spellbook shows both his genuine care for Lana and his practical understanding that supernatural threats require supernatural solutions. The fact that he gets thrown out a window for his trouble adds appropriate stakes to his involvement.

Jason’s assistance in freeing Clark from the barn creates a nice moment of cooperation between potential rivals, suggesting that both characters can put aside their personal issues when faced with genuine threats. Ackles brings quiet competence to these scenes, making Jason feel like someone who can handle supernatural crises without needing everything explained to him.

Lex’s revelation to Lana that he was responsible for getting Jason fired provides a fitting conclusion to the subplot while maintaining his character’s essential complexity. His claim that he acted in her “best interest” is delivered with enough sincerity that it’s unclear whether he genuinely believes it or is simply trying to manage the situation to his advantage.

Direction and Production Values

Jeannot Szwarc brings gothic atmosphere and energy to the episode, making excellent use of both the period flashback sequences and the contemporary supernatural scenes. The 1604 opening feels genuinely medieval without being overly theatrical, while the modern sequences maintain a sense of otherworldly threat that keeps the witches feeling dangerous rather than campy.

The party sequence showcases the episode’s willingness to embrace its ridiculous premise completely. The sight of Clark dancing shirtless while under a spell, combined with his mortified reaction when the Princeton representative arrives, creates genuine comedy that feels earned rather than forced. The aftermath shots of the destroyed barn effectively sell the scope of the magical chaos without requiring expensive special effects.

The cave sequences benefit from the show’s established production design, making the magical confrontation feel like a natural extension of the location’s existing mystique. The stone’s glowing effects and Clark’s power restoration are handled with appropriate dramatic weight, creating a satisfying climax that resolves both the immediate threat and Clark’s vulnerability.

The witches’ costume design strikes the right balance between period authenticity and contemporary accessibility, making them feel like genuine historical figures without looking like they stepped out of a Renaissance faire. The makeup work, particularly the violet eye effects during possession scenes, sells the supernatural transformation without being overly flashy.

Why “Spell” Works Where Others Don’t

The key to “Spell’s” success is its willingness to fully commit to its premise while maintaining internal consistency. Unlike “Jinx,” which neutered its supernatural elements to fit a more mundane storyline, “Spell” embraces magic as a legitimate force in the Smallville universe and explores the implications of that choice.

The episode understands that introducing magic requires establishing clear rules and limitations. The witches are powerful, but they can be defeated. Their magic is versatile, but it requires specific components and incantations. Clark is vulnerable to their spells, but his connection to the stones ultimately provides protection. These limitations create dramatic tension while preventing the magical elements from feeling arbitrary or overpowered.

Most importantly, “Spell” uses its supernatural elements to serve character development rather than replacing it. Clark’s vulnerability to magic teaches him about limitations he didn’t know he had. The possessed versions of Lana, Chloe, and Lois reveal aspects of the actresses’ range while creating genuine stakes for their relationships. Even Lex’s magical compulsion serves his larger character arc by demonstrating his capacity for endurance.

The episode also benefits from excellent pacing that balances its multiple storylines without any feeling rushed or underdeveloped. The witch possession plot, Clark’s power loss and recovery, the advancement of the Stones mythology, and the resolution of various character conflicts all receive appropriate attention and development.

The Broader Season 4 Context

“Spell” serves as a crucial turning point in Season 4’s larger narrative, introducing magical elements that will become increasingly important as the season progresses. The establishment that the Stones of Power have been sought after for centuries adds weight to Clark’s quest while suggesting that his alien heritage connects to Earth’s history in ways he doesn’t yet understand.

The episode also represents the season’s ongoing theme of Clark facing threats that require more than just physical strength to overcome. Like the intellectual challenge of Brainiac or the psychological manipulation of various human adversaries, the witches force Clark to think strategically and rely on his friends for support.

For the supporting characters, “Spell” provides crucial development opportunities that many Season 4 episodes have lacked. Giving Kreuk, Mack, and Durance the chance to play completely different characters showcases their acting abilities while advancing their characters’ relationships with both Clark and each other.

The Verdict

“Spell” stands as one of Season 4’s most successful episodes, delivering supernatural thrills while advancing character development and seasonal mythology in meaningful ways. It’s the kind of episode that demonstrates Smallville‘s potential when it fully commits to its premise rather than trying to hedge its bets with half-measures.

The episode succeeds because it treats magic as a legitimate storytelling element rather than a gimmick, creating genuine stakes and consequences while giving its cast members opportunities to stretch their acting muscles. The possessed performance sequences are entertaining enough to carry the episode on their own, but the underlying character work and mythological development provide substance beneath the supernatural spectacle.

Unlike some Season 4 episodes that feel like they’re marking time between more important installments, “Spell” advances multiple storylines while creating memorable moments that feel essential to understanding the characters and their relationships. It’s the kind of episode that reminds you why Smallville worked so well when all its elements came together successfully.

Most importantly, “Spell” manages to be genuinely fun while maintaining the emotional weight that makes Smallville‘s best episodes resonate. It’s supernatural Smallville at its most confidently entertaining, proving that the show could handle magical threats just as effectively as its more familiar meteor-enhanced varieties.

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What did you think of the witches’ 21st-century makeover? Did the magical elements feel like a natural expansion of Smallville’s universe, or did they clash with the show’s more scientific approach to superhuman abilities? And how do you feel about the revelation that magic can actually hurt Clark—does it add welcome vulnerability or undermine his unique status? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below!