Originally aired October 4, 2007
Written by Todd Slavkin & Darren Swimmer
Directed by James L Conway
While investigating Reeves Dam, Clark and Lois find a spaceship and are confronted by the mystery blonde who saved Lex in the previous episode. Clark later makes the discovery that the blonde woman is Kara, his Kryptonian cousin. Lois is hired by Grant Gabriel, the Daily Planet's new editor.
Tropes present in the episode:
- Blatant Lies: Clark and Chloe trying to convince Lois that Kara's ship was just a student prop.
- Booby Trap: Kara's ship is triggered to explode if forced open.
- Calling the Old Man Out: Clark confronts Jor-El about not saying anything about Zor-El, and then about judging Kara based on her father's actions.Clark: A Kryptonian girl showed up at my doorstep. Her name is "Kara." Last time that happened, you were behind it.Jor-El: I know nothing of her arrival.Clark: She says she was sent here by her father, Zor-El. You might remember him, since he's your brother. Care to tell me why you ignored that branch of the family tree?Jor-El: Whatever Zor-El wanted with you, it was not for the greater good of Krypton. He could not be trusted, and neither can his daughter.Clark: You can't blame Kara for the actions of her father. She's not here to cause any harm.
- Continuity Nod: Clark asks Jor-El about the Kara he met in Covenant.
- Death Faked for You: How Lana survives the car bomb and ends up in China is finally revealed.
- Dysfunctional Family: Kara describes the House of El as such, remarking that Jor-El and Zor-El never talked much.
- Emotions vs. Stoicism:Clark: You can't blame Kara for the actions of her father. She's not here to cause any harm.Jor-El: That is an emotional, human reaction. Be careful of your feelings, Kal-El. They can betray you.Clark: My feelings are part of who I am, whether you like it or not.
- Evil Uncle: Jor-El claims his brother Zor-El was not a good person.
- How Do I Shot Web?: Kara masters her super-hearing in time to find her ship before it explodes.
- Internal Reveal: Lex figures out for himself that Lana is still alive.
- Intrepid Reporter: Grant hires Lois because he recognizes her as this.
- MacGuffin: Kara's crystal.
- Not Me This Time: Lex is fully certain that he didn't set up the car bomb that killed Lana, but bides his time in prison until Lionel sets up a fall guy.
- Puny Earthlings: How Kara first views humans.
- Sins of Our Fathers: Jor-El insists to Clark that Kara cannot be trusted because her father, Zor-El, was untrustworthy.
- Surprise Incest: Clark was attracted to Kara at first, but is shocked and backs away when he realizes she's his cousin.
- Smug Super: Kara looks down on humanity and their "primitive technology."
