Teenager Frankie Harris is in a jam: his parents are dead and his uncle and guardian, crime lord Duke Dillon, has been locked up, so legally he needs to be put in someone else's custody. Clark Kent volunteers, but Kent and his alter ego were responsible for getting Duke incarcerated, so Frankie wants nothing to do with him. However, Duke convinces him to accept on the grounds that he can act as a mole, finding out what evidence Clark has against Duke.
Frankie feigns an interest in the reporting business, while at the same time trying to covertly corrupt Jimmy Olsen, who's also staying with Clark. He also arranges his uncle's escape with a character called the Fixer, who demands more money for the job than Frankie has available. Then Frankie learns that the Daily Planet has a ready supply of cash on hand for job-related expenses...
This episode contains examples of:
- Badass in a Nice Suit: Discussed. Frankie, coming from a group of well-dressed gangsters, tries to draw in Jimmy by pointing out how nice his suit is, and lending Jimmy one of his jackets.
- Double Reverse Quadruple Agent: Jimmy's story changes so many times, it's not clear even to the audience when he's telling the truth. Being Jimmy Olsen, however, he's ultimately with the angels.
- No Honor Among Thieves: Frankie eventually learns that his uncle planned to sell him out, leading to his Heel–Face Turn.
- Not Himself: Jimmy starts acting rude and entitled under Frankie's influence, leading Clark to ask what the heck is going on. He later claims it was an act.
- Revenge: Frankie vows this on everyone who crosses him, including Superman. He eventually changes his mind, however.
- Toxic Friend Influence: Frankie attempts to be this to Jimmy, trying to lure him into a life of crime.
