Season five of Smallville got underway on 29 September, 2005. It was written by Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer.

Lots happens in the opener, coming off that cliffhanger season four finale. What came down in the meteorite shower? A pair of super-powered Kryptonians, Aethyr (Alana De La Garza) and Nam-Ek (Leonard Roberts), and they are going to be a problem for Clark (Tom Welling).

And on the Clark front, his throwing of the combined Kryptonian crystal helps create his crystalline Fortress of Solitude (which is obviously influenced by the one in Superman The Movie), where Jor-El (Terrence Stamp) begins Clark’s continued education. That is until Chloe (Allison Mack) ends up in some trouble at the Fortress.

Jor-El allows Clark to leave, with his promise that he returns before sunset.

And speaking of Chloe, she reveals to Clark that she knows about his abilities.

After Clark saves Chloe he learns what happened in Smallville and races home to confront the Disciples of Zod… Aethy and Nam-Ek. Lionel (John Glover), seemingly possessed, reveals to Lana (Kristin Kreuk), recovering at the mansion from the chopper crash, that their home is their poison… kryptonite!

And is Lex (Michael Rosenbaum) beginning to shift to villain mode? Can he be trusted after his actions in the finale?

The Kryptonians are intent on finding Clark, and one of them has a familiar looking tattoo on their back. But hey, if you saw Superman II, you can figure out that the pair of Disciples will end up in the Phantom Zone.

Lois (Erica Durance) arrives at the Kent farm, which was hit by a meteorite… and Martha (Annette O’Toole) has been hurt. The home will need to be repaired, and Clark will need to learn about his abilities.

But he misses sunset… violating his promise to Jor-El, and Clark loses his powers. But maybe that will finally give him a chance with Lana, as they reunite at the end of the episode.

It’s a big season opener! And that finale reveals that LuthorCorp has the ship, and out of it comes a liquid form that becomes humanoid and looks a look like James Marsters.

The series also gets a new opening titles sequence!

Mortal first aired on 6 October, 2005 and was written by Steven S. DeKnight.

Lex has had the possessed Lionel locked up for observation in a LuthorCorp research facility. What does this portend for the season? And in that same facility, well there’s a trio of meteor-powered baddies who make an escape and a beeline for Smallville.

And how will Clark be able to deal with them if he doesn’t have any powers?

The Kent farm is being rebuilt with lots of help from the locals.

Clark’s relationship with Lana seems to be blossoming, while his friendship with Lex seems to be floundering a bit.

Clark has his hands full first with Lana, and then with the baddies from Belle Reve. How will he be able to save the day? He tries his best to protect his parents and Lana as things begin to escalate with the villains.

Maybe some help from Chloe? They need to get something out of LuthorCorp for the baddies, but this is all new for Clark, now that he can get hurt.

And what if this is all Lex’s plan to figure out if Clark has any abilities? Happily, Clark is mortal, so Lex’s plans, as villainous as they were, come to naught.

And Clark and Lana… they finally consummate their relationship! Maybe being mortal isn’t so bad.