6 Times Smallville Improved Superman Mythology (& 4 Times It Failed)

The rivalry between Lex & Clark took on much greater meaning with watching these two develop a great friendship, and then watch it deteriorate to the point of no return. The series cannot lay claim to being the first to portray them as young friends, however, it was the first to make it a more nuanced dynamic and dramatic conflict.

The beginning of the TV show's friendship starts with a rescue. In the pilot, Clark saves Lex from a car wreck that went into the lake. The really extraordinary part of this incident is that the car first hit Clark head on at full speed. This starts their relationship off on a note of appreciation and admiration, but also the suspicion that there is more to the young man whom Lex clearly recalls hitting. Their friendship is based on part with each other's fascination for what the other has.

Clark marvels at Lex's freedom in celebrating his worldly strengths, whereas Clark is forced to be repressive of his other-worldly gifts. Lex envies the love Clark receives from his family, so unlike Lex's cold and withholding father. Their curiosity leads to a friendship, but one with a fatal flaw that would only grow to forever divide them; Clark's secret. Lex's suspicions about Clark lead him to increasing levels of investigation, which raise Clark's defenses against his friend. It is a cycle of distrust that ultimately turns them into bitter enemies.