Episode 1.17: Reaper

This episode walks a very fine line between being both something great and an absolute stinker. The plot with the meteor freak who can kill with a mere touch is the part that stinks. He is played with zero conviction by guest actor Reynaldo Rosales, though in fairness to the guy, the character isn't particularly well written. This is because the main focus of the episode shifts between the relationships that Clark, Lex, and Whitney all have with their fathers.

Any scene between Lex and his father is a delight to watch, so it goes without saying that the episode comes alive whenever the two of them are on screen together. The same can be said of Clark and his father. Their relationship is never anything less than convincing and is often the beating heart of the show. We also get a few scenes between Lex and Jonathan Kent which are very enjoyable. In one of these we finally get to see Mr Kent lower his defences as he acknowledges a kind act by Lex.

Finally, we have Whitney, still moping around and feeling sorry for himself. The sooner they axe this character the better. Watching Eric Johnson trying to strain the slightest emotion from his face is just painful! Their is a touching moment between Whitney and his father at the end but the emotional impact comes more from Lex's act of kindness than any real care for Whitney.

Watch this for the character moments that Clark and Lex have with their fathers. 6/10