Episode 2.18: Visitor

The ‘visitor’ of the title is a young boy convinced that he is in fact an alien. But, when the stories he tells of his past start to sound a lot like those of our favourite Kryptonian, Clark becomes convinced that the boy is telling the truth. Meanwhile, Lex gives Helen a key to the mansion, even going so far as to let her see what lies hidden in his most private room.

Visitor is actually a rather intriguing episode. It plays on the mystery of Cyrus’ true origins quite nicely, even if the outcome is an inevitable one. However, it is let down by an ending that forces some unnecessary action into what is an otherwise fairly character driven piece about obsession, and our need to discover the truth.

I can accept the fact that the Jocks who are bullying Cyrus would continue to do so after realising that the fire he started was just a trick. But not the second time after it appeared to them that he had destroyed their car with the power of his mind. They would be far too freaked out to consider going for him again.

The performance from the actor playing Cyrus was rather wooden, to the point of distraction. Maybe he was trying too hard to play it alien, but the choices he was making were obvious, making it hard to root for the character.

The most interesting part of this episode was when Lex reveals what is inside his private room, what he refers to as ‘my obsession’, to Helen. The look on her face suggests that it might also be her obsession.

In all, a good episode, brought down by some bad acting and a dull final act.

6/10