Originally aired May 7, 2010
Written by Jordan Hawley & Anne Coffel Saunders
Directed by Glen Winter
Martha returns to the Kent Farm with her new boyfriend Perry White. Lois and Perry team up to investigate the Book of Rao and the mysterious Red Queen. Tess is held captive by Maxwell Lord.
Tropes present in the episode:
- Anti-Hero: Martha, revealed as the Red Queen, has evolved into a Type III. She even notes to Tess that she doesn't approve of Lord's methods but acknowledges he gets the job done.
- Bad Guys Do the Dirty Work: The reason Martha hired Maxwell Lord.Tess: Sorry that I sent your mind reader packing.Martha: Don't be. I'm not a fan of his tactics, but he got the job done.
- Batman Gambit: Martha, as the Red Queen, pulled one on Tess to find the Book of Rao.Tess: You meant for me to get away. How did you know I'd come here?Martha: You're predictable.
- The Bus Came Back: Both Martha Kent (who left the show at the end of Season 6) and Perry White (who was last seen in Season 3's "Perry") return in this episode.
- Cliffhanger: The episode ends with Martha's reveal that using the Book of Rao will banish all Kryptonians, including Clark, from Earth.
- Knight Templar Parent: Martha created the Red Queen guise in order to deal with people who threatened Clark/The Blur in a way she couldn't do as Senator.Martha: [to Clark] When I went to Washington, I found there were forces working against you. I wanted to protect you, but I couldn't do it as Martha Kent. So I became the Red Queen.
- "The Reason You Suck" Speech: Martha, as the Red Queen, gives one to Tess in the final act.Tess: You may be really good at staying one step ahead of Checkmate, but you don't know the first thing about me.Martha: You say you're saving the planet, but you really only care about yourself. You figured out Maxwell's charade because you knew in your heart that Oliver's declaration of love was a lie. You can't comprehend what it means to truly protect someone you love. And stay away from Clark Kent. If you're not careful, you'll end up on the wrong side of the coming apocalypse.
- The Reveal: Martha Kent is the Red Queen!
- Secret Identity: Martha learned that there were people within the US government who wanted to hurt Clark/The Blur; knowing she couldn't oppose them as Kansas State Senator, she created the Red Queen identity.
- Vagueness Is Coming: Martha mentions something about "the coming apocalypse" after her speech to Tess in the final act.
