The second episode of season two drops us right back into the freak-of-the-week cycle, while continuing to develop the overall character and mythology arcs. Heat first aired on 1 October, 2002 and was written by Mark Verheiden.

Clark (Tom Welling) discovers his heat vision, which gets out of control pretty quickly, and hurts Lana (Kristin Kreuk). And at school, there’s a new very sexy teacher, Ms.Desiree Atkins (Krista Allen) who is using kryptonite-enhanced pheromones to beguile, and is proving very tempting to everyone, and she seems to have her eyes set on Lex (Michael Rosenbaum).

It seems the pair are engaged and the wedding is happening way too quick! But what is she really up to? Clark is doubly confused when Desiree shows up at the farm and attempts to use her powers on him.

Her effect on Lex is troubling. He’s shutting down his friendship with Clark, and closing the Talon! Will Clark be able to find a way to stop her, and save his friendship with Lex?

Desiree’s plan, one she’s done a number of times, is seduce a rich man, get married, then have someone kill him so she gets all their money.

The character stuff is great as you see Chloe (Allison Mack) still struggling with her feelings for Clark. Lex asks Clark to be his best man, Whitney gets name-checked. And, of course, there’s the ongoing will they-won’t they with Lana. All the major characters get their moments in this episode. There’s some nice stuff with the Kents (Annette O’Toole and Jonathan Kent).

I love the scene between O’Toole and Rosenbaum. Really solid stuff.

In fact, for a ‘freak of the week’ episode, there are some pretty solid moments, character, narrative, and bits. The Jiffy Pop scene is executed brilliantly. And that final scene with Lana. Love it.

Duplicity was first broadcast on 8 Octobere, 2002. It was written by Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer.

Dr. Hamilton (Joe Morton) is back. After a confrontation with Lex, where its revealed the scientist is suffering physical ailments from his exposure to the kryptonite meteorite, he ends up running a car off the road.

Pete (Sam Jones III) is there to help the injured driver, and discovers, in the cornfield, Clark’s ship. He gets it back to his workshop, and shares this knowledge with Clark. But when it’s stolen out from under them, Clark reveals his secret someone outside his family.

What will that do to their friendship? Can Pete handle he truth? And what happens when Pete gets in trouble?

And who stole it? Hamilton has discovered it!

And Lionel Luthor (John Glover), still blind, moves into the mansion with Lex (and that is going to add a whole new dynamic for Lex). And Hamilton, who is becoming increasingly erratic and belligerent is able to connect with him, and Lex fires him. And Lionel now has a new obsession.

Hamilton grabs Pete and demands to know where the octagonal key is (the one from Lex’s desk), and Clark is going to have to find a way to stop Hamilton, save his friend and hopefully, their friendship.

The pair are able to save each other, but what happens to Hamilton? Is he dead?

In other character beats, Lana is uncomfortable that her Aunt Nell (Sarah Jane Redmond) has a new, affectionate beau, and marriage may be on the cards.

I love the ending of this episode. It’s perfect, and showcases the Pete/Clark friendship stronger than before.