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Recap / Smallville S 04 E 11 Unsafe

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Originally aired January 26, 2005

Written by Steven S De Knight & Jeph Loeb

Directed by Greg Beeman

When Alicia Baker returns to Smallville, having been given a clean bill of mental health, Clark is initially suspicious, but he and Alicia slowly rekindle their romance. But when Alicia pushes for more and Clark hesitates, she exposes him to Red Kryptonite. Lana considers taking her relationship with Jason to the next level. Lionel visits Lex at the Luthor Mansion.


Tropes present in the episode:

  • Broken Aesop: In the final act of the episode, Martha gives Clark a stern speech about his poor judgment in marrying Alicia, seeming not to consider the fact that her son was essentially drugged by Alicia. It's the equivalent of admonishing someone for getting roofied.
  • Disappointed in You: In the final act, Martha tells Clark such for his poor judgment in marrying Alicia (which he did while on Red Kryptonite). It's especially jarring since, in other episodes where Clark was exposed to Red K, Martha and Jonathan easily forgave Clark.
  • G-Rated Drug: Red Kryptonite, again. Clark even compares Red K to drugs after Alicia removes the necklace to restore him to normal during their "honeymoon."
  • Mundanger: Dr. McBride.
  • Near-Rape Experience: While starting to have sex with a Clark affected by Red Kryptonite, Alicia decides the relationship should be consensual and takes off the necklace with the Red Kryptonite.
  • Plot Hole: A gaping one. How did Alicia know exactly what effect Red Kryptonite would have on Clark?
  • Psycho Therapist: Dr. William McBride, Alicia's psychologist.
  • Public Service Announcement: The episode ends with one featuring Allison Mack talking about Teen Pregnancy.
  • Selective Obliviousness: The Kents outright ignore that Clark was affected by Red Kryptonite even if they know its effects.
  • Stalker with a Crush: Dr. McBride.
  • Taking the Bullet: After Dr. McBride shoots at Clark, Alicia teleports in front of Clark and takes the bullet in order to protect Clark's secret.
  • Very Special Episode: This episode is about sexuality. It intended to teach that you should marry responsibly (albeit with the wrong means) and that you shouldn't rely on sex to keep a relationship. Considering that Clark was basically roofied by Alicia, it's fair to say that the message didn't work.
  • Villain of the Week: Dr. William McBride.
  • What the Hell, Hero?: Martha gives one to Clark in the final act after he and Alicia "get married" in Las Vegas.
    Martha: (to Clark) Marriage is sacred, Clark. It's about two people who are willing to go through life together no matter how difficult gets. I thought we told you that! (Beat) You're an amazing young man, Clark. You make life-and-death decisions every day, but then you turn around and do this.

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