Why can't Clark tell Lois his secret?

[quinny06]

Just to be clear, why can't Clark tell Lois his secret?

Okay, I get that he can't tell her because... well because then Lois would know Clark had powers before he was Superman. And if they did that then comic fans (such as myself) might not be very happy about it.

But why, in the story, can't he tell her? She was completely fine about it before he turned back time, and as long as she doesn't write a story about him, I don't really see the problem.

And they never explained it in the episode. Lois asked if he would tell her again once he turned back time, and he said "Sorry." And then he told Chloe that Lois could never know who he was. But they never said why.

[-Nora-]

Just to be clear, why can't Clark tell Lois his secret?

Okay, I get that he can't tell her because... well because then Lois would know Clark had powers before he was Superman. And if they did that then comic fans (such as myself) might not be very happy about it.

But why, in the story, can't he tell her? She was completely fine about it before he turned back time, and as long as she doesn't write a story about him, I don't really see the problem.

And they never explained it in the episode. Lois asked if he would tell her again once he turned back time, and he said "Sorry." And then he told Chloe that Lois could never know who he was. But they never said why.

Maybe because there's no actual reason. Except for what Chloe said: he's using it as an excuse in order to not have to open up to Lois and potentially get his heart broken again. When Lois made her speech to Clark in the barn, he looked like it really got to him. And I think it scared him.

[wafflles87]

I'd actually want to know this too...

I have some theories, but all are a bit shaky.

I think:
1. He thinks she'll be in danger. But.. she's in danger either way. And in Bloodlone, she was in danger because she DIDN'T know it.
2. He thinks she won't be able to handle it. This can't be it. He saw first hand she can handle it just fine.
3. He's afraid of getting emotionally involved again, and telling her his secret would take away his biggest excuse. This is the one I'm going with for now.

[dunkman]

Clark's afraid of getting his heart broken again--it's a worse weakness than kryptonite! I think the writers could have given us a better reason, though. We know the real reason is because he has to become Superman before she can find out who he is, but at this point in time he wouldn't know that yet.

[SupermanRox]

I agree (with waffles) that he thinks it will endanger her but I think Lois can handle herself for the most part. I also think that he is afraid to open to Lois and become emotionally involved again after the Lana fiasco.

[-Nora-]

That's the thing about the Lois and Clark relationship in any version, though: they're both scared of revealing their true selves to each other. But when they finally do, it's always magical.

[wafflles87]

Clark's afraid of getting his heart broken again--it's a worse weakness than kryptonite! I think the writers could have given us a better reason, though. We know the real reason is because he has to become Superman before she can find out who he is, but at this point in time he wouldn't know that yet.

I think she'll find out before that.

The onscreen reason was a bit blury anyway, but the behind the scenes reason is obvious. Now that they have a S9, they want to stall Clois, so they'll have material for next year.

Apparently it's better business-wise, because drama and angst sell better than a good relationship. Cause once two people are in a relationship, it's all pink elephants and purple hearts floating everywheren, and there's absolutely no story to tell onc the relationship has started :rolleyes:

[Tompouce]

I think he has already feelings for her but it is not so clear for him at the moment. Lois is sure of her feelings, he knows it. But he is just not ready. To me, it is obvious he doesn't want to hurt her (though at the end, she is hurt but you know what I mean...), to be evolved in another love story which could go wrong (we can't say he has good experiences with love until there !).
And I think Lois being "so Lois", he is a little afraid by her "so Lois" side. She is special for sure. But he is not sure to be able to handle the "special Lois side". Though he told in "bloodline", "I can handle Lois". Sometimes, we just need to lie to ourselves to let things maturing. It is a matter of time.
And it is so Lois and Clark : Lois is a passionate person, she is "all or nothing", Clark is shy, undecisive. That is where we are for the moment...

[Showmaster]

The writers are afraid of the comics-fans.

[melissan02]

I'd actually want to know this too...

I have some theories, but all are a bit shaky.

I think:
1. He thinks she'll be in danger. But.. she's in danger either way. And in Bloodlone, she was in danger because she DIDN'T know it.
2. He thinks she won't be able to handle it. This can't be it. He saw first hand she can handle it just fine.
3. He's afraid of getting emotionally involved again, and telling her his secret would take away his biggest excuse. This is the one I'm going with for now.
I think you're spot on w/ number 3!

[quinny06]

I'm just surprised Lois didn't ask 'why?' in the barn. I really think she should have put up more of a fight to get him to tell her once time was turned back.

[SnowBird]

The same reason Clark didn't want Jimmy to know. 'To protect her.' After she found out his secret, she was put in danger and ended up in a fight with Linda Lake already. Because Lois is special in Clark's eyes, he wants to protect her even more. Eventually she will know but it is too early right now.

[petewillreturn]

I’m glad you asked this question, because I was thinking the same thing. Also about him telling her that she is special and that is why he wasn’t going to tell her.


That's the thing about the Lois and Clark relationship in any version, though: they're both scared of revealing their true selves to each other. But when they finally do, it's always magical.

I agree.


I'm just surprised Lois didn't ask 'why?' in the barn. I really think she should have put up more of a fight to get him to tell her once time was turned back.

I think it is because she believes that Clark doesn’t care for her. First she told him that he might have forgotten about her but the news world didn’t, and then she told him how he didn’t think she was special. Right now we have a very hurt Lois, and as someone else has mentioned, she will now put up the walls and Clark will have to tear them down.

[melissan02]

Right now we have a very hurt Lois, and as someone else has mentioned, she will now put up the walls and Clark will have to tear them down.
As well he should!:mad:
I just thought she should have returned with those walls already high and fixed. Oh well....

[eas]

Just to be clear, why can't Clark tell Lois his secret?

Okay, I get that he can't tell her because... well because then Lois would know Clark had powers before he was Superman. And if they did that then comic fans (such as myself) might not be very happy about it.

But why, in the story, can't he tell her? She was completely fine about it before he turned back time, and as long as she doesn't write a story about him, I don't really see the problem.

And they never explained it in the episode. Lois asked if he would tell her again once he turned back time, and he said "Sorry." And then he told Chloe that Lois could never know who he was. But they never said why.

Excellent question. Because that would make Clark mature? And he's not allowed to be until the series finale?

I guess we're supposed to walk away thinking that the only thing standing between him & Lois is his secret. That once he reveals himself completely to her, then Lois will become the most important person to him. Nothing will stop him from falling for her completely. I think that's what Chloe meant by saying that he wasn't telling Lois to protect Lois... that it was to protect himself from getting hurt & using it as an excuse to create distance between them.

It's total BS, though. He could tell her and they could be friends. He's not ready to get into a relationship right now and Lois would understand that.

[myankskent]

After watching this episode, romance aside, Clark should realize that Lois could handle the secret. I'm not saying that he should definitely tell her, but saying that he's so sure that he can't makes absolutely no sense.

[devilicus rebel]

I'm just surprised Lois didn't ask 'why?' in the barn. I really think she should have put up more of a fight to get him to tell her once time was turned back.


I am hoping that makes Clark realize the fundamental difference between Lois and Lana. Lana would've cried and whined about keeping secrets and ultimately drove Clark insane with guilt, but Lois understood and took it in stride which is something new to him I think. My feeling is that down the road this will somehow come into play when he starts a relationship with her.

[Mrs. Superman]

You know at first I was really annoyed with Clark, but now I really think it is because she's special. I mean, its bc he believes she deserves someone who can give themself to her completely and, with his powers, she'll never have him completely. She'll have to share him with the world. Im wondering if thats why Clark is so insecure. He knows she handles the secret well, but he believes its best for him to end it now with her a little dissapointed than later when they'd both be much more invested. I really do think he's protecting her in that sense, protecting her from someone who cant give her what he thinks she deserves/wants. Of course we all know this isnt true once they connect, but it makes sense at this point in Smallville's story. Even moreso if you think about the talk they had after the Oliver breakup, where she states that she could never date someone she'd have to share with the world (or something to that extent). At this point, I'm certain he realizes he has feelings for her. Part of him doesnt want to get hurt and I think another part doesnt want to put her in a relationship he believes she wouldn't be happy in.

[eas]

I'm just surprised Lois didn't ask 'why?' in the barn. I really think she should have put up more of a fight to get him to tell her once time was turned back.

She couldn't because she doesn't believe she has a right to know. (Unlike Lana and Chloe.)

Her speech about people working their whole lives to be special was about HER. She wants to be special... she wants to be an extra-ordinary person. And she's not there, yet, in her opinion. So when Clark tells her that Chloe & Lana already knew before she did (years, in fact) and then follows up by telling her that in the 2nd go around he will go back to hiding it from her, then what is she SUPPOSED to think? Basically that Clark went to her because he had no choice and that he arrived at the conclusion that Lois only really needs to know if the whole world knows. Otherwise, he'll just stick to Chloe and Lana knowing.

So, she responds in an honest way: "It's OK. Why would I be so special? I... understand." Meaning... she's used to not being special (remember her convo back in "Siren") and so Clark's attitude doesn't surprise her.

It was very sad... my heart was breaking for her. I'm glad that Clark responded that she had it wrong, but I felt that he wasn't very convincing for her.

[Isabel14]

Actually, that's one of the biggest questions...Because he's too afraid getting emotionally involved. Man, I can't understand him...he could happily fight with the greatest monster, and not having a single doubt, but he's afraid to tell her secret? Oh, well...that shows he has some levels to reach for becoming Superman..

[eas]

After watching this episode, romance aside, Clark should realize that Lois could handle the secret. I'm not saying that he should definitely tell her, but saying that he's so sure that he can't makes absolutely no sense.

I think that's why Chloe called him on it. He's using the same line he used to use with Lana.

As I look back on Clana, I think that Clark was actually right about Lana. The fact was that Lana couldn't handle his secret. Again and again, we were shown this. Even in the end, the knowledge that he was super-powered being drove her batty & made her go on quest to his "equal". :rolleyes:

Lois, EVERY TIME, has been very blase about the knowledge of his superpowers. In "Blank", she has an off-hand respond. She's amazed, but not freaked. In "Crimson", it made her more attracted to him. In "Apocolypse", she had an instant attraction to him. Now, in this circumstance, Clark had a chance to see if his Lois - without any tricks or issues - would react the same as all those other times. And she did. She was very consistent.

And her speech about him not giving up? About fighting back and trying to get people to understand who he was? How she goes straight to the meat of the matter about him being a hero & being blind? Man... how could Lana have known for YEARS and not given him that speech. (I mean, for real, not when they chose to write her in a ret-con kind of a way.) How could Clark not notice that Lois handled it better and was more supportive in the span of ONE DAY than Lana was for YEARS?

[dreamsofnever]

Because she's "special"... come on, don't you see the logic there?

... Yeah, me neither.

But on rewatching the episode, I think I know his thought process. (which bugs me because we should be able to know his thought process without having to LOOK for it. He's the main character for goodness' sake)

Anyways, when his secret came out, the authorities were blaming Lois for being a co-conspirator and went after her because they believed she had been protecting his secret for awhile.

I think he's afraid of making her a co-conspirator and putting her in danger by telling her his secret. Maybe he's a little afraid that she'll react like Lana did and feel she didn't measure up and have to go seek out superpowers to become his equal.

And mostly, I think like Chloe said, he's using it as a way to avoid a relationship. Which is dumb, because he could tell her and be up front with her about what happened between him and Lana and tell her that he's not ready for a relationship yet.

But that would require Clark actually acting like an adult and thinking for himself without Chloe spoonfeeding it to him. That would be far too much of a stretch for the character to be believable.

[LUFC]

She couldn't because she doesn't believe she has a right to know. (Unlike Lana and Chloe.)

Her speech about people working their whole lives to be special was about HER. She wants to be special... she wants to be an extra-ordinary person. And she's not there, yet, in her opinion. So when Clark tells her that Chloe & Lana already knew before she did (years, in fact) and then follows up by telling her that in the 2nd go around he will go back to hiding it from her, then what is she SUPPOSED to think? Basically that Clark went to her because he had no choice and that he arrived at the conclusion that Lois only really needs to know if the whole world knows. Otherwise, he'll just stick to Chloe and Lana knowing.

So, she responds in an honest way: "It's OK. Why would I be so special? I... understand." Meaning... she's used to not being special (remember her convo back in "Siren") and so Clark's attitude doesn't surprise her.

It was very sad... my heart was breaking for her. I'm glad that Clark responded that she had it wrong, but I felt that he wasn't very convincing for her.

Excellently put and ITA. The barn scene was very sad, and although i felt a little better when Clark told Lois that she didn't understand and it was because she was special, i believe he could have said more to reassure her and sound more convincing. More dialogue was needed on Clark's part after Lois poured her heart out somewhat here. Up until now Lois has been doing all the initiating. This is why now i really hope that the writers build Clois up slowly and have Lois have her walls pretty high after being stood up by Clark on the "coffee date". Don't get me wrong, i loved that scene with the music and all, but now i want to see Clark's already present feelings for Lois build even further. We now need to see Clark doing all the chasing a la superman mythos.

----- Added 5 Minutes later -----




And mostly, I think like Chloe said, he's using it as a way to avoid a relationship. Which is dumb, because he could tell her and be up front with her about what happened between him and Lana and tell her that he's not ready for a relationship yet.

But that would require Clark actually acting like an adult and thinking for himself without Chloe spoonfeeding it to him. That would be far too much of a stretch for the character to be believable.

Yeah he would need to have grown a proper pair of you-know-what to act like that, which to be honest cannot be said about Clark Kent at present.

[Viper2369]

Just to be clear, why can't Clark tell Lois his secret?

Okay, I get that he can't tell her because... well because then Lois would know Clark had powers before he was Superman. And if they did that then comic fans (such as myself) might not be very happy about it.

But why, in the story, can't he tell her? She was completely fine about it before he turned back time, and as long as she doesn't write a story about him, I don't really see the problem.

And they never explained it in the episode. Lois asked if he would tell her again once he turned back time, and he said "Sorry." And then he told Chloe that Lois could never know who he was. But they never said why.

Why can't Clarke tell his secret? Easy, there is a season 9.

If Season 8 was the last one, he would have had coffee with her, imo.

[LoisLaneKicksAss]

im relieved she doesn't know. how horrible would that be for the comic book fans? HORRIBLE! i love that Lois is back though! she got to kick some linda lake ass! it was fantastic! :)

[Tompouce]

You know at first I was really annoyed with Clark, but now I really think it is because she's special. I mean, its bc he believes she deserves someone who can give themself to her completely and, with his powers, she'll never have him completely. She'll have to share him with the world. Im wondering if thats why Clark is so insecure. He knows she handles the secret well, but he believes its best for him to end it now with her a little dissapointed than later when they'd both be much more invested. I really do think he's protecting her in that sense, protecting her from someone who cant give her what he thinks she deserves/wants. Of course we all know this isnt true once they connect, but it makes sense at this point in Smallville's story. Even moreso if you think about the talk they had after the Oliver breakup, where she states that she could never date someone she'd have to share with the world (or something to that extent). At this point, I'm certain he realizes he has feelings for her. Part of him doesnt want to get hurt and I think another part doesnt want to put her in a relationship he believes she wouldn't be happy in.
Excellent post, I like your POV:)

[jim mayniam]

because he doesn't want to almost immediately reenact the pete, chloe or lana debacles. his torture over the matter, IMO, is that he wants to tell her. look at their lives though. you could argue that knowing enriches their relationship with clark and you'd be right. however, two are gone never to return and one is the number of knowers he feels he can reasonably protect.

this doesn't explain why pete and lana can't be struck at independently but most of clark's nemeses seem fixated on clark, to so much of a degree that they are willing to let outta sight be outta mind. a story telling devise, to be sure, but one that retains a method to the madness.

mainly, though, its because he is afraid. like most of us, it is just too soon to commit everything he is to someone again.

i can relate.

it does not explain why he couldn't have a cup of coffee with a friend. regardless of your moral compass, thats a pretty low blow.

[oldblackmagick]

Thats all I'm saying. Talk about work/weather/the gosh darn coffee but at least show up for a minute:(

[Silly Dilly]

Just to be clear, why can't Clark tell Lois his secret?

Okay, I get that he can't tell her because... well because then Lois would know Clark had powers before he was Superman. And if they did that then comic fans (such as myself) might not be very happy about it.

But why, in the story, can't he tell her? She was completely fine about it before he turned back time, and as long as she doesn't write a story about him, I don't really see the problem.

And they never explained it in the episode. Lois asked if he would tell her again once he turned back time, and he said "Sorry." And then he told Chloe that Lois could never know who he was. But they never said why.

well everyone think its too protect his secret and thats the superman mythology, but i think since its smallvillle the reason clark didn't tell her is becuase hes afraid to fall in love. he already got hurt by lana.

[skugers]

Cuz he feels, at this point, he can't deliver what a great woman like Lois deserves. That's why he said she's special. The way I see it, Clark admires the most in Lois her humanity and the way she is special throughout her mortality.

[Aries83]

they're both scared of revealing their true selves to each other. But when they finally do, it's always magical.

That's what I want to see more than anything else, including whatever new villains they bring in from now till next season :cool:

[Iluvgreen]

He's just trying to protect her! I love it so much. I love Clois! I loved how at the end, Lois had this huge umberella, and Clark was soaked!!! He's so cute!!! Except he didn't cross the street.... but I kinda respect him for that. That part made me cry a little bit.

[workshyslacker]

When I heard Clark say "Lois can never know my secret".. all I could remember was that scene from "Reunion";

Clark: Sometimes people keep secrets to protect the ones they love

Lois: That is totally retarded.

:rotfl:

And I think this illustrates how I feel about the ending of "Infamous". I dread to think that this is going to be a re-tread of the angsty Clana relationship and I'm hearing the same tired excuses tripping out of SVClark's mouth.

[BULLITT]

He's a wuss. She handled it great.

[j-kent]

He's realizing that he's starting to care about her alot...and anybody that he cares about and knows his secret can potentially be endangered in the future and is quite the burden given his previous experiences...I mean look he's already tried to and would do anything to reverse Chloe's memory..those that carry his secret are circulated into his dangerous life....