Originally aired September 25, 2008
Written by Holly Henderson & Don Whitehead
Directed by Rick Rosenthal
Clark's first day at the Daily Planet gets off to an explosive start when a bus blows up outside the Planet building, and he rescues Tess, his new boss, from the wreckage. Chloe befriends a young girl named Bette and also meets Davis Bloome, a paramedic who's harboring a dark secret.
Tropes present in the episode:
- Antagonist Title: The episode's title refers to Bette Sans Souci supervillain name Plastique, but she's not refered as such until her next appearance.
- The Artful Dodger: Bette acts like this when Chloe tries to take her under her wing.
- Bridal Carry: In the teaser, Clark does this with Tess after rescuing her from the wrecked bus.
- Broken Bird: Bette has a hard time trusting anyone ever since her time at Black Creek.
- Escaped from the Lab: Bette's escaped Black Creek and has been on the run since.
- Fetal Position Rebirth: Davis at the end of the episode, as he transforms back into a human.
- Frame-Up: Bette tries to have Tommy take the blame for blowing up the bus as revenge for selling her out.
- Glowing Eyes of Doom: When Bette uses her powers her eyes glow a fiery orange/purple color.
- Having a Blast: Bette's powers.
- History Repeats: Clark's first meeting with Tess mirrors Lex and Clark's first meeting in the pilot.
- Mad Bomber: Bette is as unstable as her powers.
- Mentor: Lois tries to be one for Clark in the Daily Planet.
- Recruiting the Criminal: Tess recruits Bette after she's arrested.
- Save the Villain: He didn't know she was evil yet, but Clark rescues Tess from the exploded bus at the intro.
- Shout-Out: "My cousin's babysitting Psycho Spice!"
- The Stool Pigeon: Tommy gave up Bette to Luthor Corp, which is why she kills him later in revenge.
- Troubled Fetal Position: David at the end of the episode.
- Underdressed for the Occasion: Clark shows up for his first day of work dressed like a farm boy. Lois has to step in to get him to suit up.
- Villain of the Week: Bette Sans Souci, Psychopathic Womanchild with explosive powers.
