Episode 2.08
“Ryan”
Ryan is another good episode which deals with some actual development of story and characters. We are reintroduced to Ryan James, the boy who could read minds from season 1. We learn that after he went away with his aunt he developed headaches to the point where his aunt couldn’t deal with them or his abilities so she turned him over to Sumerholt institute where Dr. Garner does research on him. Garner cares little about the boy and really treats him as an asset. Ryan hurts and wants to leave and stages a break that lasts long enough for him to make a call to Clark.
Clark of course decides to save his young friend, to the point of kidnapping him from Summerholt where Dr. Garner is his legal guardian now. Clark hides the boy at Lex’s mansion at first and Lex agrees to help for Clark and gets enough support to stop Garner from getting the boy back but it is quickly discovered that Ryan has a brain tumor that is worsening and will kill him.
Honestly little happens in the way of action throughout the episode but it’s alright. We get to see Clark slowly having to come to the realization that he can’t save everyone. No matter what he tries, even his loved ones will have to die. He does his best, even running over 400 miles to stop the best hope Ryan has from getting on a plane and leaving the country for a few weeks. It buys Ryan a few extra days.
In addition Clark does his best Make A Wish Foundation by taking Ryan up in a hot air balloon before he passes.
There is some filler in the epsiode as Lex duels with Mayor Tate who is a corrupt politician. After Tate tries to get Lex to bribe him, Lex declares that he will throw all his clout to whomever runs against Tate.
Aunt Nell and Dean plan to move to Metropolis which of course Lana does not want to do. In an interesting twist, Chloe invites Lana to stay with her and her father until they graduate.
The best parts of the episode are the ones involving the transparent metaphor of the Warrior Angel comic books. We learn that Warrior Angel’s nemesis Devilicus was once Warrior Angel’s best friend before he turned to evil. There are a few moments that we see the shadow over Lex’s life and how he too will ultimately go bad.
Overall it’s a great episode dealing with mortality, visions of the future and where Clark and Lex stand now in their journey.
A-
References:
- We learn of Warrior Angel’s flying aerodrome, which foreshadows Clark’s own Fortress of Solitude
- Hub City is mentioned, home of DC hero The Question.
- The cover of the first Warrior Angel comic book is nearly identical to the first comic book that Superman appeared in, Action Comics #1
- Lex and Ryan discuss Devilicus’ journey to the darkside to which Lex states: “…the road to darkness is a journey, not a light switch.” Ryan answers him: “You should remember that, Lex.”
- Ryan: “It’s Warrior Angel’s aerodome. A floating fortress where he can get away from his troubles on earth. Clark: “Sounds like something everybody should have. I’m not sure about the floating part, though. ” Ryan: “Why not?” Clark: “I have this little fear of flying.”