Episode 2.01
“Vortex”
Vortex is a good example of taking a good setup, and not doing too much with it…just delivering a solid followthrough.
Jonathan and Roger Nixon go all WWE style in the tornado until a mobile home came crashing down on them forcing them into an abandoned crypt where they spend the episode in bitter dueling verbal spars. Roger bashing Jonathan for keeping the most amazing being on earth doing chores on a farm. Jonathan then fights back about how Clark is a person, not a story.
In the meantime Clark goes up in the tornado and saves Lana who slips into unconsciousness. Later on he describes going into the tornado as if he was willing himself to move towards the truck…almost as if he was flying.
Back in the mansion, Lex hesitates for a moment longer before saving his father. Afterwards Lex goes to Clark to vent his frustrations about his evil thoughts. Lex joins in the search with Clark for Jonathan who is still missing.
The story then all mixes into one as they intertwined. Lex damages his friendship with the Kents as it both father and son discover that Lex is in fact mixed up with Nixon although they only get a vague connection.
Lionel is rushed to surgery and Lex is forced to make a quick decision on whether or not Lionel undergoes surgery. The surgery could save his legs but could damage his optic nerve. Lex opts for the surgery and Lionel is left blnded and bitter. It further severs whatever bond there is between Lex and Lionel.
Clark discovers the underground crypt, but it is covered in meteor rocks, so Clark can’t help further. Jonatha and Roger continue their battle above ground, until Roger gets the drop on him and is about to kill him. And Lex arrives to shoot Roger in the back, effectively silencing the man forever.
Lex and Jonathan forge a new beginning as if not friends, than respected associates.
Overall it’s a great beginning to season 2 and a good finale to the end of season 1.
B
References: Clark: “You were like Supermom”