Smallville: Season 1, Episode 12 "Leech"

 Smallville: Season 1, Episode 12 "Leech"

February 12, 2002

“Leech” has to be my favorite episode yet of this blossoming series. The producers played a switch-a-roo and turned Clark human…only if for an episode. On the flip side, we get to see him play basketball, grow closer to Lana, and work up a sweat/lose energy when building a fence. The episode still excels with its special effects, but it is a nice change of pace to have someone else take on these effects other than Clark. Michael Rosenbaum continues to murder it as Lex. He is still dealing with Victoria Hardwick. She is playing checkers…while Lex is playing chess. The end result? Lex figuratively blowing her to smithereens. He got the last laugh. While the teenage drama is all very interesting and relatable, it is Lex Luthor which elevates the series into a must-watch.

In this episode, Clark and a classmate Eric Summer transfer powers when struck by lightning with Summer holding a meteor rock. With Eric having Clark’s powers, Clark gets to live a normal human life. When Eric’s abusive father wants to have his son checked out in Metropolis, he goes on a rampage. Clark might need to take his powers back before too much damage is done. Victoria and her father have a plan to take over LutherCorp by asking Lex to join their business. Lex has a plan up his sleeve to turn the tables on them. Lex is still investigating Clark about the car crash, but Lex sees proof that Clark is human. Lana becomes more distant when she reveals her Aunt Nell plans to sell the floral shop.

Overall, this episode is a winner. I would not necessarily classify Eric (played by Shawn Ashmore, whose brother would later be an important member of the cast) as a villain, but as a rather misunderstood person. There is just so much praise to be bestowed among Lex. His storylines are always riveting. Sorry Gene Hackman, I think Michael Rosenbaum is making the power moves to be the best Lex Luthor of all time.

My Grade: A+


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