Reaper is a different kind of freak-of-the-week episode. Written by Cameron Litvack, it was first broadcast on 23 April, 2002.

Tyler Randall (Reynaldo Rosales) is at the local hospital, trying to see his ailing mother’s request for euthanasia to be fullfilled. Something he attempts to do himself. When he falls from the sixth floor and dies, that should be it. But there’s a meteor rock involved (in the form of a bracelet) and he finds himself brought to life, now with the ability to render to people to dust with a mere touch.

So he decides to help in his way, targeting the sick and dying, in a hope of easing their passing. The next person on his list, Whitney’s (Eric Johnson) sick father (Dale Wilson).

Clark (Tom Welling) sees up front that even with his powers he can’t always help the sick and dying, but he can provide comfort for them. He also has to find a way to tell Jonathan (John Schneider) he doesn’t want to go on the annual fishing trip.

Lex (Michael Rosenbaum) is having problems (again) with his father, Lionel (John Glover) and sends an aide to go through Lex’s books. That man is Dominc Senatori (Jason Connery), and he is digging around all over Smallville.

There are themes of family, love, letting go, and lots on parents and children. And a good topic of discussion, euthanasia, and when is the best point to let go. I really like this episode. It’s well executed, though the hospital looks a little too Tim Burton for me.

Drone has a lot going on. There’s the freak-of-the-week aspect of the episode, but also lots of character things as well. Written by Michael Green and Philip Levens, this episode was first broadcast on 30 April, 2002.

Lana (Kristin Kreuk) is struggling with the Talon, which doesn’t seem to be drawing in as many customers as she and her financial partner, Lex would like. Lex is also dealing with an ambitious reporter from Metropolis, Carrie Castle (Marguerite Moreau) who has been investigating him, and perhaps found some horrible and dark secrets to exploit.

And at the high school, elections are underway, and it seems the candidates are falling to bee attacks? When Pete (Sam Jones III) suggests Clark run, he may be the next target. Clark is less than thrilled by this.

The bees that are targeting the candidates seem to be under the control of Sasha Woodman (Shonda Farr).

Everyone of his family and friends thinks he would be a great candidate, but has to decide if it’s something he wants. He does have a familiar slogan, ‘The Man of Tomorrow.’ Well, not everyone supports Clark, Chloe (Allison Mack) has to remain objective for The Torch, the school newspaper, and it bums him out that she doesn’t endorse him.

The character arcs, and the moving forward of the narratives is nice, the bee story (b-story?) isn’t as great as it could be, but I do like that we are seeing more character work and mythology building.

We are racing towards the conclusion of season one, lets see if it sticks the landing.