Originally aired October 29, 2003
Written by Mark Verheiden
Directed by Jeannot Szwarc
Clark saves the life of Perry White, a down-on-his-luck, alcoholic reporter who decides to do a story on Clark after witnessing his powers, and must also deal with solar flares affecting his abilities. Lex is furious when his therapist refuses to give him a clean bill of health.
Tropes present in the episode:
- The Alcoholic: Perry, until the end of the episode after his antics nearly get himself and Clark killed.
- Antagonist Title: Perry is the titular antagonist of the episode.
- Anti-Villain: Perry isn't evil; he's just an alcoholic, reckless jerkass who tries to expose Clark but ultimately realizes the error of his ways and ends up turning over a new leaf.
- Badass in Distress: Clark in the final act, thanks to Perry. Fortunately, Lana and Pete save him along with Perry.
- Brought Down to Normal: Whenever Clark's powers fail due to the solar flares. Conveniently, it convinces Perry that Clark isn't superhuman.
- Call-Forward: Perry mentions that he might still have a couple of friends on the Daily Planet, and that Clark's writing shows some potential.
- Don't You Dare Pity Me!: When Dr. Foster refuses to give him a clean bill of mental health and recommends more sessions under the belief that he needs to talk about his problems, Lex angrily rejects her help.Lex: What the hell are you trying to do?!
Dr. Foster: Lex, calm down.
Lex: Why? You've already made up your mind about my mental state. You're refusing to sign off on my psychological release. You're recommending even more sessions to be continued on an indefinite basis?!
Dr. Foster: I have an ethical obligation to report my conclusions honestly.
Lex: Or maybe the nothing shrink from Metropolis wanted more face time with her celebrity patient. You must be loving this.
Dr. Foster: I took no pleasure in my recommendation.
Lex: Then how do you explain it?
Dr. Foster: I think you need help, Lex. Between the island, your failed marriage, and everything that's happened since you came to Smallville, you have experienced incredible emotional and physical trauma.
Lex: And your prescription's more time on the couch? We just spent five sessions exploring my psyche!
Dr. Foster: No, we spent five hours discussing your art collection, your fascination with expensive cars, everything except the most traumatic moments of your life. Lex, if you don't let your demons out, they could consume you.
Lex: We've been over this, Doctor.
Dr. Foster: Oh, we haven't even scratched the surface. This control-freak thing might fool your father, but did you really think you could snow me? Lex, please—
Lex: Get out. Get out! - Fallen Hero: Perry used to be a highly respected reporter until he incurred the wrath of Lionel Luthor, at which he ended up being disgraced and turned to the bottle. Meeting Clark and almost getting him killed causes Perry to quit drinking and start rebuilding his life.
- Get Out!: Lex yells this at Dr. Foster after she tries to persuade him he needs to open up about his feelings.
- Going for the Big Scoop: In the final act, Perry ties his ankle to a bungee rope and jumps off a railing over Saunders Gorge in an attempt to get Clark to reveal his powers. Problem is, Clark is powerless, so Pete and Lana are left to save both Clark and Perry.
- Kick the Morality Pet: Lex referring to Dr. Foster as "the nothing shrink from Metropolis."
- Monster of the Week: Perry White, Intrepid Reporter, whose quest for the big scoop almost gets himself and Clark killed.
- Mythology Gag: At one point, Perry calls Sheriff Adams "chief," to which she snaps, "Don't call me 'chief.'"
- The Name Is Bond, James Bond: How Perry introduces himself to Clark in the teaser after Clark pulls him from his wrecked car.Clark: You okay?
Perry: You pulled the door right off the car with your bare hands?! You walked right through the power lines.
Clark: You're a little drunk, Mister...
Perry: White. Perry White. - No More for Me: After Perry sees the Kents' tractor fall out of the sky right in front of him, he pours out whatever's left in his flask. In the final act, he gives up alcohol for good.
- Power Incontinence: The solar flares affect Clark's powers, causing them to either go into hyper-drive or fail completely.
- Put on a Bus: Perry leaves Smallville on a bus and doesn't return until late Season 9.
- Too Fast to Stop: When his mother calls him in for lunch, Clark tries to get back in the house, only to find himself at Lake Tahoe. When he tries to run back, he only makes it to Colorado Springs before his powers shut off, forcing him to take the bus home.
