Episode 4.2: Gone

Clark and Lois go to the remains of the safe house where Chloe supposedly died but they are chased off by a military helicopter. The man in charge of the soldiers is Lois' father. General Lane warns his daughter to stop investigating. Someone else who is investigating Chloe's wareabouts is a budget T1000 working for Lionel. When Clark reluctantly goes to Lex for answers, believing that he must know something due to the Lionel connection, Lex lies to him and says that there were no remains in the coffin because there was nothing left to bury. But after further investigation Clark learns that Lex conspired with General Lane to make it appear as though Chloe had died in Lionel's bombing so that they could keep her safe until Lionel's trial. Problem is, budget T1000 has now killed the men guarding Chloe and kidnapped her, hoping to get Lionel to pay up more money before he kills her. When Lionel makes it clear why he can't, budget T1000 goes to kill Chloe but finds opposition from Lois and Clark, thanks to a tracker that Lex had planted on Chloe. Also, Lana returns to Smallville looking for answers to the tatoo that was burnt into her lower back. She finds the same symbol on the cave walls. Finally, Jason arrives in Smallville, determined not to let Lana be the one that got away.

I love the banter between Lois and Clark in this episode. The scene in which Lois won't leave Clark alone in the shower is a lot of fun and once again gives us some great chemistry between the two. Their relationship in this particular adventure almost feels like a throwback to their relationship in the 90's TV show, The New Adventures of Superman, which ain't such a bad thing.

The first meeting between Lana and Lois is pretty funny, as Lana comes to Lois' rescue, saving her from Budget T1000 before unwittingly referring to her as a psychopath for digging up her cousin's grave.

It's great to have Chloe back by the end and Alison Mack really sells the moment of her relief at seeing Clark once more. The joy she feels is such a beautiful moment.

There is a scene towards the end of the episode in which Clark and his parents suddenly sit on opposite sides of the fence to the ones they are used to, with Clark saying he can't trust Lex, while Jonathan and Martha all but applaud him for being true to his word in protecting Chloe. It is both refreshing and tragic at the same time.

When Clark states that he believes Lex might be the "enemy" that is painted on the cave walls, it makes me question the validity of the whole notion of destiny. Would Clark be looking at Lex this way if he'd never heard the prophecies concerning Naman? It's almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy, where if you believe something is going to happen, you are inclined to make it so.

Seeing Lionel enter the prison at the end gives Lex a great moment too, where he gets to taunt his father and cement his victory.

8/10