Episode 2.12
“Insurgence”
Insurgence is an episode that showcases the ultimate difference between the Kents and the Luthors. A good indication why Lex and Clark diverge on different paths. More importantly, it shows that Lex’s start down the dark path was begun with a slight push.
After discovering that his office was bugged by his father, Lex decided to take revenge. Soon enough Lex decides to take matters into his own hands and turn the tables. He hires an insurgency team of his own to bug Lionel’s office. Unfortunately he doesn’t plan on Lionel working on Sunday with Martha Kent.
Meanwhile at home, Martha’s job with Lionel has added tension between the Kents. Clark tries to play peacemaker and asks Lex to fly Jonathan to Metropolis where he and Martha could share a romantic anniversary dinner. Jonathan balks and gives Lex the usual tirade, but Lex says he has done nothing but offer his hand in friendship and that he refuses to listen to Jonathan’s platitudes.
The insurgency team gets the job nearly completed when one of its members mutinizes, killing the leader and changing the plan to include robbing Lionel. When they discover Lionel and Martha, it turns into a kidnapping.
As soon as Lex realizes what is going on, he tries to get them to abort but it is too late. When he and Clark see Martha on the news, Clark hurries to Metropolis. Jonathan swallows his pride and asks Lex if he can still use the helicopter ride. Lex doesn’t rub his face in it and just allows him to go.
Clark attempts to find a way into Luthorcorp. but is caught by a hardassed Captain of the Police.
When the insurgency team gets the vault open, Martha is shocked to see refined meteor rock in bar form, as well as a secret confidential file on Clark, and the octagonal disk.
Clark eventually breaks in by entering the adjacent Daily Planet building and taking a flying leap across the buildings.
He takes the team out with help from Lionel. Martha pockets the disk while Clark burns the file. Lucky for them, Lionel is blind.
As the hostages make their way out we are treated to a cheerful happy family reunion for the Kents and a bitter, loveless reunion for the Luthors. An ominous shot of Lex ends the episode.
Overall it was exciting as it broke everyone away from the usual 90210 style showcase in Smallville High. It was great seeing Clark almost fly.
B+
References:
1. Maggie Sawyer is a DC character, a cop who is Superman’s friend
2. Clark Kent again claims to be afraid of heights
3. The Daily Planet makes it’s first appearance.