Smallville: Season 1, Episode 11 "Hug"

 Smallville: Season 1, Episode 11 "Hug"

February 05, 2002

I think in this Smallville episode, “Hug,” all of our characters need a hug or two. Many things happen here. An evil tycoon able to manipulate people just with a mere handshake, Chloe literally pining for Clark (which is a nice pace change because it is always about Lana and Clark), Lex using a submachine gun and shooting bullets at Clark, and Clark coming to the realization that he is bulletproof (despite Pete’s foreshadowing words). The episode would not have work nearly as well without the great visual effects (once again, above average for a 2002 television episode). The episode is well-directed and the one that shows the extent of Clark’s and Lex’s friendship…and its future.

In this episode, Bob Rickman is a businessman who is not so friendly. His intention is to build a plant with high levels of pollution in Smallville. But he needs the Kent farm to build the plant the way he wants. He is famous around these parts for his ability to convince people to do his bidding. But little do people know that he can change people’s mind with just a simple handshake. His former partner, Kyle Tippett, helps Clark and Lex fight this foe. Because Clark formed a kinship with this hermit, a rift is created between him and both Lana and Whitney.

Overall, this is a fantastic, character-driven episode. Lots of foreshadowing here, especially with the future between Clark and Lex. It is nice that we have an adult villain for once. I am surprised it took a little long to bring in the jealously angle with Clark/Lana/Chloe. Better late than never, I suppose. Great visual effects and a great episode on the whole.

My Grade: A


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