Originally aired May 11, 2006
Written by Brian Peterson & Kelly Souders
Directed by James Marshall
After Lex is abducted by Fine, Clark returns to the Fortress to speak with Jor-El, who reveals that Lex is the vessel of Zod and that Clark must kill Lex to prevent Zod from escaping the Phantom Zone. When Clark refuses to release Zod, Fine unleashes a powerful computer virus that causes chaos all across the globe.
Tropes present in the episode:
- Alien Abduction: In the teaser, Lex is drawn to a field where Fine/Brainiac kidnaps him by taking him aboard the black ship.
- Antagonist Title: Lex is the titular vessel for Zod.
- Badass Longcoat: Zod dons a black leather one in the final act of the episode.
- Bald of Evil: Zod in Lex's body.
- Batman Gambit: According to
Word of God, Fine pulled this on Clark to release Zod from the Phantom Zone. - Big "NO!": Lana, as she watches Lex get abducted by Fine in the teaser.
- Book Ends: This episode and the season premiere has a bad guy giving Clark a We Can Rule Together speech.
- Cataclysm Climax: Season 5 ends with the world descending into chaos as a result of Fine's virus.
- Cliffhanger: Season 5 ends with Martha and Lois unconscious on an out-of-control airplane, Chloe and Lionel being overwhelmed by an angry mob in Metropolis, Zod (possessing Lex) kissing Lana, and Clark trapped in the Phantom Zone.
- Deal with the Devil: Lionel remarks that Lex made one with Fine.Lex: You tried to warn me about Fine, but I didn't listen.Lionel: You never have. No matter what I give you, the things you've always wanted were beyond your grasp. This time, you've overreached yourself.Lex: Did you come out here to lecture me or to help me?Lionel: It's too late to do either, isn't it? You made a deal with the devil, and he always comes to collect.
- Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: Clark hurls the Fortress dagger at Fine, impaling him. Fine, however, uses the dagger to gain access to the Fortress, opening a portal that allows Zod to possess Lex.
- Plot Device: The Kryptonian dagger that Jor-El gives to Clark so he can kill Zod's vessel. Clark instead uses it against Fine, leading to Zod escaping from the Phantom Zone.
- Revenge: Zod explicitly states to Clark that this is his goal.Clark: Why are you here?Zod: For the same reason as anyone who's been imprisoned like a beast—revenge.
- Sealed Evil in a Can: Zod was imprisoned in the Phantom Zone for causing the destruction of Krypton. Thanks to Brainiac's machinations, however, he's released and body-jacks Lex.
- Sealed Good in a Can: Clark at the end of the episode, thanks to Zod.
- Season Finale: The show's fifth.
- Strong Family Resemblance: After possessing Lex, Zod looks closely at Clark and remarks he has his father's eyes.Zod: You have your father's eyes. Hello, Kal-El.
- That Man Is Dead:Clark: Where's Lex?Zod: Lex is dead.
- We Can Rule Together: Zod offers for Clark to join him in ruling Earth. Clark refuses and gets thrown into the Phantom Zone for his trouble.Clark: I won't let you destroy this planet like you did Krypton.Zod: You don't have a choice...unless you join me.Clark: I'll never join you.Zod: Well, I hope that's a decision you can live with...forever. [banishes Clark to the Phantom Zone]
