Hug is another freak of the week episode. This one debuted on 5 February, 2002. It was written by Doris Egan.

We are introduced to Bob Rickman (Rick Peters) a conniving businessman who has his eyes set on Smallville. And there may be no one to stop him, because he has a strange ability to persuade everyone around to his point of view, even if it kills them.

He has his eyes on the Kent farm, something Jonathan (John Schneider) refuses to sell.. but how long will that last considering Rickman’s abilities? Martha (Annette O’Toole) and Clark are shocked to see that Jonathan has signed over the farm! How will the best an ironclad contract?

And it’s no surprise that Rickman’s abilities come from kryptonite… somehow.

Clark (Tom Welling) seeks out help against Rickman; it comes in the form of a hermit named Kyle Tippet (Gregory Sporleder). He agrees, reluctantly to help out Clark and Lex (Michael Rosenbaum) to stop Rickman.

If Rickman can persuade with a touch, how many of Clark’s friends are safe, and how many people will Rickman turn against Clark?

But it also causes some problems between Clark, Lana (Kristin Kreuk) and Whitney (Eric Johnson) because of this new found rapport between Kyle and Clark. There is some real static between Lana and Clark in this episode because of it.

Kyle, who has the same abilities as Rickman, lives in some local woods, which Chloe (Allison Mack) says is like the Bermuda Triangle of Smallville.

Oh and the Victoria (Kelly Brook) arc continues. And Lex, he sees something that makes him believe Clark has some explaining to do – but he may not remember it, thanks to the temporary effect of Rickman’s abilities.

And this is the episode we learn that Clark is bulletproof!

Leech gives Clark an episode to just being a regular guy. Written by Tim Schlattmann this episode debuted on 12 February, 2002.

Eric Summers (Shawn Ashmore) and Clark are on a geology expedition with his class and teacher, Mr. Summers (Kevin McNulty) – Eric’s dad.

Clark and Eric are struck by lightning while Eric is holding a kryptonite-infused rock. That transfers his powers to Eric! Is it permanent?

Eric has some emotional challenges, and it causes him to go crazy with his newfound powers, all while Clark explores his new found humanity and mortality.

There’s something going on with Lana and Nell (Sarah Jane Redmond). Nell is selling off the flower shop, and Lana is upset by it. As it also means the attached, closed down theater is going as well, and that means a lot to Lana.

And Lex checks in with Roger Nixon (Tom O’Brien) about the car crash from back in the Pilot.

Lots of narrative threads are touched on and moved forward – including the Victoria arc. Neither one, can trust the other in that relationship. And things aren’t going to end well for them.

Sure, its a bit of a freak of the week episode, but there’s lots of mythology stuff at work in this story. Great episode!