Episode Summary: Clark is brainwashed by Jor-El into his Kryptonian persona. Smallville rigidly kept to its 'no flights' vow until the finale except when it didn't, usually due to brainwashing or dreams. A Superman adaptation would be nothing without a thrilling first flight sequence, and Smallville doesn't disappoint. In the first episode of season 4, Kal-El declares to Martha that Clark Kent is dead, and that he must fulfil his destiny, and he shoots up into the sky. It's hard to overstate how huge this moment is after three years of earthbound action. Clark is momentarily incapacitated by a piercing ringing in his ears, then stands and glances up to the heavens. With Martha Kent in slow-motion next to him, Clark gathers the air around him, the music swells, and he takes off. We even get a cheesy version (is there any other kind?) of the bird/plane line. Smallville revels in grand gestures to Superman fans, and the first flight is notable for taking place in an episode which also introduces Erica Durance's Lois Lane, who confronts a naked and confused Clark in a corn field and remains totally unfazed. More on her later.
