How can we be expected to buy that Lex won't recognise Superman as Clark?

[Naomi]

Seriously. In the future what is Lex going to see Superman and think, "Wow he has hair just the same colour as Clarks, full lusious lips like Clark too. Now I wonder who he could be". Plus Lex has seen Clark in glasses and we didn't even get a silly throw away line like "Almost didn't recognise you with glasses on, Clark".

Maybe Lex will receive the kiss of forgetfullness...

[The Bat Dude]

I have thought of this same idea. Lex and the gang will probably get amnesia or something. Who Knows?

[Naomi]

In the comics you are expected to buy that stuff. But with Smallville they've blended the comics with drama and teen angst, so I would expect some realism in that area.

They shouldn't have brought in the glasses if they weren't planning to use them properly. I mean glasses are the whole basis of his secret identity, but Clark slips them on in Smallville and no biggie :lol:

[kryptonomicon]

In case you haven't noticed, Smallville is the "Amnesia Capital of the World" (at least that's what it should be called).

[SuperTal]

LOL, yeah, I thought the same thing... maybe we'll see if Tom gets the part in Superman V... ??

[daffodil_elel]

hehhee maybe Clark kiss him w/ his kiss of forgetfullness

[kaimore]

As much as I love to see MR and TW kiss I think this whole show is stupid, after everything Clark has done Lex would have to know it was him. Besides in the comics it never made sense anyway Superman was clearly Clark Kent. And in Smallville Clark totally has split personality disorder what with 'Kal-El' and all. Maybe Suerman becomes his third personality.

[Nerial]

I never thought the glasses-thing was ever a plausible disguise. I mean, I wear glasses--pretty-strong suckers that make my eyes look HUGE--and I've worn contacts. Never has anyone not been able to recognize me because I had them on or off.

You either buy it or don't for the sake of the story.

You might have to do the same with the Lex-thing, although, I would prefer some explanation, too.

[HalJordan4184]

Everyone keeps over simplyfying the glasses thing. It's not like as CLark he just throws glasses on and that's it. Then when he's superman he just takes them off, and that's it.

As Clark, and Superman, he acts almost like two completely different people. Now, don't get this confused with the reeve bumbling moron clark, and then super manly Superman. Superman, as he's currently portrayed, is almost a 2-D personality. He's an uber boyscout, who fights for truth, justice and the american way, and is completely confident in everything he does, and always has the answer. But there is no real depth to him as a person. His personality, is just everything I've listed above. The atypical nice guy.

Clark, is insecure at times. He doesn't have the answer. There are times when he's not confident enough in himself. THough don't mistake this for him being a wuss or something. Quite the opposite, Clark is a cool guy. And has been throughout the history of the comics.

But aside from their personalities, Superman stand out more. Clark is a big guy, but he's not overtly so huge that when he walks into a room you recognize him. He's good looking, and smooth, and confident. But he's just a guy. People work with him. He goes to ball games with Perry and Jimmy. He drinks beer with the guys after work. Superman doesn't do that stuff. Superman patrols the skies, seemingly 24/7. He pops up out of nowhere, and saves people all over the world. CLark, works at his desk in metropolis, and occasionally runs out to get a story, or lunch. It's a newsroom. Him not being there, is not out of the ordinary.

Also, they physically project themselves different. While they are the same guy, Clark just doesn't have the presence Superman does. Superman is wearing skin tight spandex, with red boots and a cape. Clark, is wearing a business suit and tie. Superman is rippling with power, and muscle. He projects an aura of pure power. CLark, is decently built, but then again, he lived on a farm. Just things like that set them apart.

And, the biggest thing people always miss. YOu are looking at it from the outside perspective. YOu know CLark and Superman are one and the same, so the similarities seem obvious to you. But in the comic world, why would they be. What reason does anyone have to suspect Clark and SUperman are one and the same. Superman doesn't wear a mask, he doesn't try to hide who he is. But his lack of mask, is his mask. People just don't expect this god, to walk around among them, and be buying teh hotdogs from the vendor in front of the planet, and then going to his steady, decent paying job.

[Drew]

I dont think it really needs an explanation. In the original Superman movie, Lois knows both Clark and Superman. She cant tell the difference.

[Nerial]

Originally posted by HalJordan4184
...And, the biggest thing people always miss. YOu are looking at it from the outside perspective. YOu know CLark and Superman are one and the same, so the similarities seem obvious to you. But in the comic world, why would they be. What reason does anyone have to suspect Clark and SUperman are one and the same. Superman doesn't wear a mask, he doesn't try to hide who he is. But his lack of mask, is his mask. People just don't expect this god, to walk around among them, and be buying teh hotdogs from the vendor in front of the planet, and then going to his steady, decent paying job.

I do have to agree with you there. Superman not having a mask, and people thinking he's this god-like person makes it seem almost unreal that he would ever try to lead a 'double-life' as a normal man. That is true.

Oh, and I HATE bumbling Clark. I love Chris Reeve, but I can't stand the idea that Clark has to embarrass himself and act so completely nerdy in order to hide his "true self." Puke.

[Coyote]

The problem with that explanation is that Smallville Clark is not a bumbling dork, he doesn't wear glasses, and people, including Lex, already do suspect that he might have special powers. Lex has been in close contact with Clark for years now, knows him very well, and already has been investigating the possibility Clark is a super powered mutant. Logically, he should instantly recognize Superman as Clark with a funny blue suit on. It's slightly possible that a complete stranger might not be able to put Clark and Superman together, but not Lex. For that matter, Lois probably also now knows Clark well enough that she could easily recognize him as Superman. If this version of the character even has a secret identity, it will just have to be one of those comic book suspension of belief things. If we believe a man can fly, we'll have to believe his best friend and future wife can't recognize him when he puts on a superman suit.

[dsv100]

As long as I remember two things, I have no problem "buying" that Lex, Lois, and others don't wise up.

One of the two things is: some people look like other people. Some people look like famous people. Say you meet someone who looks like, I don't know, Harrison Ford. But the guy you meet has a regular nine-to-five job that Harrison Ford wouldn't waste time doing. You wouldn't think, "this man MUST be Harrison Ford;" you would only think, "he looks like Harrison Ford." No matter how similar they look.

The other thing I remember is: in Superman/Clark's world, there are clones, there are shapeshifters, there are time-travelers from the future, there are parallel worlds where someone's double can come visit. Any lookalike can appear in public with Clark and make it seem like Clark and Superman are two people. If Lex or Lois, or the whole world, is watching, then there you go. Evidence seen with their own eyes will throw them off the trail. This could happen on Day One of Superman's crimefighting years or at any later day, but really, it's bound to happen sometime (and has, multiple times, in the comics).

[thehenry89]

super amnesia kiss that reminds me of that episode of drawn together with the superman spoof charchter captin hero holla if anyone else saw that

[UpandAtom]

The way Smallville has done it, it would be completely unbelievable for people to think that Clark and Superman are two separate people.

Clark isn't a bumbling dork. In "Jinx" he said that he hasn't tripped once. Even Lois and Lex sees that Clark shows some confidence and is willing to jump needlessly into danger.

Lex suspects that Clark has superpowers so if he sees Clark in Metropolis wearing the Superman suit, why wouldn't he recognize him?

Lois has seen Clark naked and since Superman wears skin tight clothing, she can see that the two have the same build.

Superman having a different hairstyle doesn't make sense as we've seen Lex recognize Samantha Drake even after she shaved her hair.

[vikingjedi]

Maybe Jor-El can help Clark. Use the fortress of solitude to alter their memories. Other than that I don't see any solution.

[superclarkville]

I'd be extremely surprised if Al & Miles didn't have an answer for this as soon as the show was created. I mean, the fact that they set up this series with Clark and Lex as friends requires that this issue have a resolution.

I'm sure they knew this before the first script was written. Now whether they get the chance to show it, that's another story...

[Clark Kent 86]

You need to keep in mind that Clark has no idea that he is going to become Superman so why would he have to act like a bumbling nerd? Would you? Not if you wanted to get the girl.

Also I think that Lex will become fed up with Clark and Smallville and move away to Metropolis pushing his time in Smallville out of his head almost to the point where he kind of forgets it. So when he sees Clark again in Metropolis years later he won't reconize him.

I don't know its kind of hard to explain it. Hopefully Al and Miles have a better solution.

[KarrEl22]

I think Birthright is the perfect way to explain about lex not knowing the difference.

[johnny fogg]

This is pretty pointless to try and answer. I have plenty of friends who dislike Superman and embrace other superhero movies coming out lately because it simply is impossible for Clark Kent's disguise to work. Well, yeah.

I also know someone online who literally called buying into the Lex not-knowing-it's-Clark-thing an attempt to "dumb people down". If it makes someone feel like they're being patronized by trying to imagine Lex not recognizing Clark, all anyone can say is it's really sad you can't buy into probably the most charming (not to mention versatile) aspect of the whole plot. But it's your right, anyway.

Also, it's a little perplexing that with all the weird story arcs in SV people get really annoyed and hung up on the Lex/Clark thing instead. :\

[superman05]

electro shock therapy at belle reeve ring ne bells?

[totalwreckage]

a few things. first it is a comic book/tv show so there is already some things that are odd. If Lex not knowing the idfference between Clark and Superman are the only things you find unbelivable than that is pretty odd. Me personally find that a Superhuman is unbelivable to begin with. Or a city where a meteor rock can turn you into a freak. Obviously there is fantasy involved in telling the story. Why are we supposed to believe Lex cant tell the difference? Becasue thats the story. This isnt real life, you are using real life logic to try and explain comic book and television story lines.

[crn]

Lex didn't recognise Sharon with her glasses on in "Bound", so it seems likely that he won't recognise Clark as Superman.

[Amylopan]

Great point, I caught that too w/ Sharon and her glasses.

We must suspend our disbelief that meteor rocks can change people into bug-men, shape-shifters, teleporters, etc. so why not this?

I would like to add that they are setting up the whole Lois/Clark thing perfectly. No, Clark isn't exactly "bumbling", but Lois doesn't take him TOO seriously. He is, after all, a home-bred farm boy in her opinion. She may think he's a nice guy, but not nearly as imposing or impressive as she will someday find Superman. Lois is an independent, hard-nosed woman and Superman will make her a blushing school girl. In her mind, someone like Clark couldn't do that for her.

[UpandAtom]

Originally posted by crn
Lex didn't recognise Sharon with her glasses on in "Bound", so it seems likely that he won't recognise Clark as Superman.

Sharon was just a one night stand. Lex has known Clark for five years.

[greengoose]

Just recently I started finding old friends from high school. It's been 10 years, and while some haven't changed a bit, some I didn't even recognize. If Lex doesn't see Clark for about 10 years, I can imagine him not recognizing him as Superman. Believe me, the leap from 18 to 28 can be bigger than leaping tall buildings in a single bound.

[SuperRay]

Clark spends 12 years in the Fortress of Solitude before becoming Superman.

[Griphin]

Lex has a history of mental illness. Perhaps at the end of Season5 (assuming it is the final season) Lex is under extreme stress from a whole bunch of stuff and then he finally sees Clark for what/who he is and it pushes him over the egde into a catatonic shell. Part of his recovery could involve supressing ALL his memories. If we allow for another assumption, his father would be there to help foster his business sense back to recovery, hence why he's still a Billionaire, but why he doesnt recognise Clark.

[totalwreckage]

whatever the case may be I have thoroughly enjoyed the transformation they have made from friends to soon to be foes. They are handling it perfectly.

[UpandAtom]

Originally posted by greengoose
Just recently I started finding old friends from high school. It's been 10 years, and while some haven't changed a bit, some I didn't even recognize. If Lex doesn't see Clark for about 10 years, I can imagine him not recognizing him as Superman. Believe me, the leap from 18 to 28 can be bigger than leaping tall buildings in a single bound.

But we saw in "Hourglass" that Clark's appearance won't change at all.

[johnny fogg]

I wouldn't take Clark's appearance there very seriously. He probably doesn't wear glasses in the future because he hasn't decided to be Superman, based on some event that wouldn't have happened.

Secondly, doesn't anybody get tired or denouncing of justifying the Lex-not-knowing thing? Obviously it makes no sense, but I can't imagine why it would bother me unless I felt my intelligence was insulted. But a classic myth that's revolved around the glasses disguise for who knows how many years isn't insulting to my intelligence.

I just want to know if there really is someone out there who feels they're being dumbed-down if they accept this whole premise.

[Ulayo]

If Clark will never wear glasses on the show, there wont be any need for them to explain anything. They just wont go into that area.

[johnny fogg]

Yeah, but the longer the show goes on, the more you can point to this or that and say, "How is Lex supposed to not know he's Superman".

[totalwreckage]

again if this is the most unbelivable part of the show everyone has there priorites in disorder

[johnny fogg]

Originally posted by totalwreckage
again if this is the most unbelivable part of the show everyone has there priorites in disorder

:lol: Ha, very true.

[UpandAtom]

If Lex is stupid enough not to have security cameras then he's stupid enough not to know that Clark = Superman

[Martin le Magicien]

Originally posted by UpandAtom
If Lex is stupid enough not to have security cameras then he's stupid enough not to know that Clark = Superman

That's the whole problem, Lex (and Lois for that matter) are supposed to be smart people.

And yes, there are more weird things in Smallville than recognizing or not recognizing a guy in ten years when he change into his new identity. But even if some things seems almost impossible for us, like a boy who can fly, it still should have some kind of logic in this peticuliar universe, for example because the boy is from another planet and his body is like a giant solar battery, so he can fly.

But I would not have been happy if I would never have known why Clark have powers. A super-powered kid just don't pop out of nowhere. Knowing why is an interesting part of the story. So no, I would not be satisfied if TPTB decides to just not explain why Lex, a smart man, can't recognize a man he knew for at least 5 year juste because he has a suit.

Sorry for my lame english, I'm Québécois.

[johnny fogg]

What do you expect?? Lex knowing his secret? :confused:

[Martin le Magicien]

At this point, it would be kind of logic. And why not ? Il could make an interesting story. Lex could tell him "if you don't interfere directly in my business, I won't tell the world who you are."

[bababoozer]

I think Clark can be like the George Reeves Clark-a great reporter, capable, but not always around when needed.

[UpandAtom]

Originally posted by Martin le Magicien
At this point, it would be kind of logic. And why not ? Il could make an interesting story. Lex could tell him "if you don't interfere directly in my business, I won't tell the world who you are."

It would make sense for Lex to find out Clark's secret, but what about Lois? Most of the stories of Superman are centered around the Clark-Lois-Superman triangle.

[Martin le Magicien]

I had a theory a while ago, and I think it's pretty good. When I thought Chloe was going to be the future Lois, I imagined that Chloe could fall in love with Superman and ignore Clark to hurt him the same way he hurted her. She'd know deep down they are the same person, especially with all the suspicion she already had, but she'd refuse to see it so she could hurt Clark a bit. I don't konw how to say it in english, but it would be without bad intentions, you know, in her subconscient ? Subconscionnelly :confused:

But since EdLois is here and Chloe knows the secret, it doesn't apply anymore. But still, EdLois could have a crush on him someday, and he'd reject her in a hurtful way so this idea could still work a bit.

Besides that, I don't know except if Lois is an idiot, brainwashed or REALLY blinded by love to an almost pathological point.

[CodyM]

So, nearly all of you missed the point.

Figures.

No, Lex will not learn Clark's secret. No Clark does not have to bumble to be unrecognizable.

People expect superman to be superman all the time. They do not go about looking for "who superman really is" because they know in their heart of hearts that a being of godlike power doesn't need a 9 to 5 or a skyline apartment. Also, you're looking at a 10-12 year time gap between college age when clark and lex split finally and their late 20's/early 30's when they meet again. During this time lex becomes obsessed with extraterrestrials, losing focus on clark specifically to focus on the bigger picture. We already see this happening in the show to follow the comics, as lex has been investigating Brainiac's ship and the disciples of Zod, as well as the stones in S4; with all that, he's spending precious little time working on the vagaries surrounding clark.

Finally, when they do meet..... (and read this very, very carefully) Lex recognizes him.

As Clark Kent. The farmboy from smallville come to live in the big city. With the recent first appearance of superman on his mind, Luthor would have no reason to suspect a man he left as a farmer's son a decade prior was anything but the newspaper reporter he claims to be.



Please, please, please at least go read an origin story before you post on this subject, preferably Birthright, as that seems to be close to what the producers/writers are following.

[Martin le Magicien]

As you might have noticed, AlMiles don't really follow the comics, and there's a lot of proofs for that. If Lex could be his best friend for a good three years, why could he not learn of Clark's secret ?

Lex isn't the average guy who looks in the sky to watch Superman fly away and dream of someday meeting him. Lex, in this story, has been friends with Clark for long and has his ennemy will be talking to Superman a lot, studying him, trying to find a weakness and yes, spying on him. I'm not doubting for a minute than Superman will someday make a faux-pas, like going to Kansas too often, not knowing than Lex designed a satellite who could follow him even at great speed. Than Lex will wonder why he's going to Smallville so much.

I don't know about you, but if I would have studied one of my friend for 3 years, wondering how he could come back from the dead or survive a car impact, ten years without seeing him would not make me forget anything. It's too amazing. Even more, I would wonder where he was all those years. I'm Lex. I see Superman. Wow, he looks like Clark. And he is a boy scout like Clark. Clark is in Metropolis now, almost at the same time Superman appeared. He has the same friends than Clark. So many coincidences. I can't buy that SmallvilleLex woill not make the connection, or at least reopen his investigation on Clark.

Your points are good, but they are based on the comics. I read a lot too by the way, but that's not the point. Smallville is a different universe, and reading an origin comic is not going to help. A man like Lex who never got to meet Clark could not recognize him. But SmallvilleLex ? He would.

[CodyM]

No, see, let me clear up just a couple things.


None of that made sense.
What I did gather is that you didn't read my post before replying.
We're talking about later when clark becomes superman, lex recogznizing him as such. We're not technically talking about the smallville universe as it exists, or ever will; since Clark will never be superman in the series and thus giving lex nothing to recognize him as.


They will go over ten years without seeing one another after they go their sepaate ways. It has nothing to do with recognizing your best friend.

More like..... recognizing your next door neighbor you had for a few years back in the late 80's.

[Martin le Magicien]

Well, my mistake for thinking we were talking about the Smalville universe in a Smallville thread.

So then yes, in this other world you're thinking about he would not recognize him.

[CodyM]

how does that correlate at all with what i just posted?


Please explain.

[Martin le Magicien]

I think I just don't get what your point is. Soemone else can explain ?

Maybe it's because i'm from Qubec lol But usually, I do well on those boards :D

[son2380]

This reminds me of that episode of SNL guest staring the Rock. the Rock was playing clark and Lois and everyone int eh Planet was laughing at him because they new his secret. And clark actually thouhgt his disguise was fooling everyone. maybe SV will do that

[therip]

ok people, this should stop this discussion..the answer you've all been waiting for...

there are two ways to go with this..first the original way...after the death of luthor (died from exposure of his kryptonite ring combined with an accident) his "long lost son" (who is actually luthor after he cheated death) returns to metropolis from the australian outback to take over "his fathers" position...this isn't really the point, but after coming back he learns Superman's true identity but refuses to believe it's clark, someone he grew up with and has known most of his life, and also says "I know that no man with the power of Superman would ever pretend to be a mere human!"

the second way is the newer comic timeline "Birthright" which incorporates smallville into the storyline. in birthright it's pretty vague, mainly stating that something incredibly traumatic happens to lex in smallville and his brain literally wipes out all knowledge and memory of ever being there.

so there you have it...you now have TWO answers

[tjpw fanatic]

yeah i always thought that too..how do all the people around him not recognize him..cause lex is superman's arch nemisis..so how does he not recognize him?? they were like best friends..same thing with lois..wouldnt she know too?? it doesnt really make sense but oh well its a tv show right lol..i still love the show no matter what

[WildCard]

i remember reading something to the effect that sup's has a small mesure of mentel powers "profesor X" that he is able to use along with the glass's defernt personality ect to hide him being sups and clark. i dont remember were i read that but i remember something about it being in the comic's not the TV show's. i also remember it being stated that its only a thin vail.

[wyrm11]

At least with the Lex issue, the TPB Birthright might be used to lend some kind of explanation. In that story (which is, as of now, considered the Superman origin story...at least til Infinite Crisis is over), Lex was friends with Clark in Smallville, but left when there was an accident.

When Clark and Lex run into eachother as adults in Metropolis, Lex denies ever knowing Clark or having been in Smallville.

His hatred for the town and its people and his ego have pushed Smallville out of his mind. Also, he would never accept that someone like Superman would come from a place like Smallville, which he hates.

Obviously, it takes a leap of faith, but at least it's some kind of explanation.

[knightofkrypton]

Originally posted by HalJordan4184
Everyone keeps over simplyfying the glasses thing. It's not like as CLark he just throws glasses on and that's it. Then when he's superman he just takes them off, and that's it.

As Clark, and Superman, he acts almost like two completely different people. Now, don't get this confused with the reeve bumbling moron clark, and then super manly Superman. Superman, as he's currently portrayed, is almost a 2-D personality. He's an uber boyscout, who fights for truth, justice and the american way, and is completely confident in everything he does, and always has the answer. But there is no real depth to him as a person. His personality, is just everything I've listed above. The atypical nice guy.

Clark, is insecure at times. He doesn't have the answer. There are times when he's not confident enough in himself. THough don't mistake this for him being a wuss or something. Quite the opposite, Clark is a cool guy. And has been throughout the history of the comics.

But aside from their personalities, Superman stand out more. Clark is a big guy, but he's not overtly so huge that when he walks into a room you recognize him. He's good looking, and smooth, and confident. But he's just a guy. People work with him. He goes to ball games with Perry and Jimmy. He drinks beer with the guys after work. Superman doesn't do that stuff. Superman patrols the skies, seemingly 24/7. He pops up out of nowhere, and saves people all over the world. CLark, works at his desk in metropolis, and occasionally runs out to get a story, or lunch. It's a newsroom. Him not being there, is not out of the ordinary.

Also, they physically project themselves different. While they are the same guy, Clark just doesn't have the presence Superman does. Superman is wearing skin tight spandex, with red boots and a cape. Clark, is wearing a business suit and tie. Superman is rippling with power, and muscle. He projects an aura of pure power. CLark, is decently built, but then again, he lived on a farm. Just things like that set them apart.

And, the biggest thing people always miss. YOu are looking at it from the outside perspective. YOu know CLark and Superman are one and the same, so the similarities seem obvious to you. But in the comic world, why would they be. What reason does anyone have to suspect Clark and SUperman are one and the same. Superman doesn't wear a mask, he doesn't try to hide who he is. But his lack of mask, is his mask. People just don't expect this god, to walk around among them, and be buying teh hotdogs from the vendor in front of the planet, and then going to his steady, decent paying job.

You know, I agree with everything you say, except, I really don't think Clark grabs a beer with the guys....I mean, not that there is anything wrong with that(beleive me) but in every incarnation of Supes, the most I've seen him drink is champagne or when he was undercover (such as in L&C when he downed a few glasses of alchohol.) Usually, he declines drinks.

But the whole problem is that in Smallville. Clark already has too many questions being asked about him, especially by Lex, even Perry.....If Clark decides to be Supes.....he won't be able to fool Lex much. Nor Lois. Especially since they have known him and still know him through college.

[UpandAtom]

I agree. Clark can't pretend to be the bumbling nerd in front of Lois when she's already seen him fight back against her insults.

[Tara-L]

I'd love to see how tptb will handle this..... but the blunt truth is that we can't expect Lex not to recognize Clark.... i wonder how they'll tie it all up.

[Martin le Magicien]

I guess what I said wasn't so weird after all. :rolleyes:

[totalwreckage]

again, Superman is a comic book. In the comic book Im sure it is tounge and cheek about his disguise. I would be more surprised that the people he works with Perry White dont know his identity. The whole concept of glasses and a suit as a disguise is tounge and cheek. People need to take it as such and stop trying to involve real life logic into these stories.

LMAO I just realized I typed Peryr Mason isntead of Perry White...Huuza

[knightofkrypton]

Real life logic works in some sense.

Case in point.

In the original Superboy comics.

Lex ONLY knew Clark as the guy with glases that had no friends and was meek and mild manered. He also ONLY knew Superboy as SUPER. Ergo - no correlation between Clark and Supes. Clark was an average, everyday earthling.

In L&C - Lois ONLY knew Clark Kent as the average guy with glasses. She ONLY knew Supes as the guy that was an alien and saved everyone. She NEVER had questions about Clark. Clark was from Smallville and had parents.

In Smallville, Lex AND Lois AND everyone know Clark as this gallant hero that saves everyone and is involved with some kind of mystic possible alien writings in caves and everywhere else in the world. THey KNOW Clark knows something, they KNOW Clark is hiding things and they KNOW Clark is ANYTHING BUT some mild mannered reporter that wears glasses.

Real World Logic can work with all of those EXCEPT Smallville where it would be more than stupid or even more than Comic Book Logic for them NOT to know he is Superman.


On a side note - I always felt that in Lois and Clark that Perry knew that Clark was Supes. he never said it, but there were so many looks and suggestions and knowing smiles he gave that I figured...he knows.

[Ra's Al Ghul]

No matter what happen or how it happen everybody must understand one thing. Smallville is it's own version of the superman mythology. Just like LnC is it's own as well as the movies and the animated series and the comics/graphic novels so it can very well be in this version Lex finds out. Though I believe he SHOULD NOT, and I agree the story from birthright would be the perfect angle to use with the history that Clark and Lex have in the Smallville interpretation of Superman mythology

[UpandAtom]

The creators of Smallville advertise their show as a realistic portrayal of Supes so I'm guessing they would have some explanation as to why Lex and Lois won't be able to recognize Clark as Superman.

[last man of krypton]

Originally posted by UpandAtom
The creators of Smallville advertise their show as a realistic portrayal of Supes so I'm guessing they would have some explanation as to why Lex and Lois won't be able to recognize Clark as Superman.

Exactly. Despite Gough going on about how things don't necessarily have to follow canon to any degree, he clearly tries to (example: the recent "we could kill off Lana, we don't have to follow the mythos" and "we decided to kill off JK since in every other version of the mythos he dies"). While it's a nice theory that Lex would know Clark's secret and keep it as long as Clark keeps a secret of his, it would really confuse all the viewers who's Superman-knowledge is sketchy as they apply the logic to other incarnations of Superman (L&C, Superman Returns, etc).

[Martin le Magicien]

Sometimes, I feel like AlMiles are not caring about this problem, because they will never have to adress this issue. We are never going to see the Lex-Supes rivalry in Metropolis, so they don't even have to care about this.

[UpandAtom]

Originally posted by last man of krypton
Exactly. Despite Gough going on about how things don't necessarily have to follow canon to any degree, he clearly tries to (example: the recent "we could kill off Lana, we don't have to follow the mythos" and "we decided to kill off JK since in every other version of the mythos he dies"). While it's a nice theory that Lex would know Clark's secret and keep it as long as Clark keeps a secret of his, it would really confuse all the viewers who's Superman-knowledge is sketchy as they apply the logic to other incarnations of Superman (L&C, Superman Returns, etc).

Actually, I think it would make more sense if Lex knows his secret. In all the versions of Superman we've seen, it's not Clark Kent that Lex is angry with. It's Superman. So either we're going to see Clark don the costume and do something that will irritate Lex or Lex will realize that he likes Clark's personality and he just hates his powers.

[knightofkrypton]

Well, I don't think thats the point.

We will see Lex's journey and Clarks(if you call it much of a journey) and where the show ends is supposed to be where (more or less) the rest of the Superman mythos takes place.

We already "know" Lex will hate Superman. We don't have to see Clark as a superman or hero pissing Lex off to where the hatred for Supes comes from.

But yeah, the show is supposed to be realistic.

I just think the producers, etc, just don't care. They don't want a TW with glasses on nor could they make him more mild mannered because he couldn't run around doing what he does.

[HalJordan4184]

UpandAtom, Lex usually has a very large hatred for Clark. Even pre crisis he didn't really like the guy, but he was the closest thing to a friend he had ever had.

Post Crisis, Lex hates CLark Kent almost as much as he hates Superman. Clark got the woman Lex was after. Clark is respected, and hionest, and people love him. Clark has never been afraid to publically bash Lex in the planet. And so far, he's the only person to get away with it, and it makes Lex madder than heck.

[UpandAtom]

But Lex has never tried to kill Clark. He always tries to kill Superman. To him, Superman is the thorn in his side. If Smallville's intent is to see how Lex will become Superman's greatest enemy then the producers need to find an explanation for Lex's hatred toward Superman.

[GooN]

smallville is similar to stories from "original" superman concepts, but it picks and chooses what to include and what not to.

lex and clark should never even be friends
lois shouldn't meet clark till he works in daily planet
the fortress of ice can't kill liquid black kryptonian robots or whatever, its just a glorified library, or sposed to be
jor-el shouldnt be able to influence things happening at present
and the kryptonite shouldnt be the most versatile substance ever imagined, with a million uses.

Who knows what they will think of for the clark-lex thing. maybe jor-el posessed lex to piss clark off.

yeah.

[The Petri Dish Kid]

Ah I guess it's the fact that in the comics, Lex Luthor never met Clark Kent/Superman till they both got to Metropolis but Smallville went ahead and mashed it all together which does indeedy pose this little problem.

I guess Lex'll probably go, "Oh who's this red caped mumbo jumbo? He kinda looks like someone I've trashed up before but meh, I've trashed up so many people, you can't seriously expect me to remember all of them right?"

[Martin le Magicien]

Originally posted by The Petri Dish Kid
Ah I guess it's the fact that in the comics, Lex Luthor never met Clark Kent/Superman till they both got to Metropolis but Smallville went ahead and mashed it all together which does indeedy pose this little problem.

I guess Lex'll probably go, "Oh who's this red caped mumbo jumbo? He kinda looks like someone I've trashed up before but meh, I've trashed up so many people, you can't seriously expect me to remember all of them right?"

lol

Another way I'd like this little issue resolve, would be to bring back Ryan. The way I see it, Lex could clone him to research his PSI powers. While it would make a very emotional episode, it could push Clark and Lex relationship to the point of no return, after Clark discovers Lex is the one who cloned Ryan (By point of no return, I include also Clark not barging in Lex mansion anymore to ask for favors).

Afterward, Ryan could develop his psychic abilities to the point where he could erase someone's memories. I can see him something like "Clark, I saved your butt, but please stop being such an idiot and start hiding your powers a bit more".

I just loved Ryan.

[knightofkrypton]

Originally posted by UpandAtom
But Lex has never tried to kill Clark. He always tries to kill Superman. To him, Superman is the thorn in his side. If Smallville's intent is to see how Lex will become Superman's greatest enemy then the producers need to find an explanation for Lex's hatred toward Superman.

Well, basically he's supposed to hate anything more powerful than him.

Originally he blamed Superboy for the "destruction" of his greatest creation AND his lose of hair. Ergo, he devoted his life to destroying Supes.

In the current comics he was basically put in his place by supes and shown that he was NOT the most powerful man in Metropolis. ERgo, he devoted his resources to destroying Superman.

In SV NEITHER can happen because Superboy NOR Superman exist.

I guess they could make him a major xenophobe. He thinks Supes is out to take over man kind, etc, etc. Alexander does mean "Defender of Man" maybe Lex, just has deslusions of granduer.

[~*Lois & Clark Fan*~]

They're never going to deal with this aspect, if they did would probably be a complete and total memory wipe of everyone but Clark's mom

[AManLookingForADream]

although i haven't read through all the comments...so this may have been said before.....i may have some kind of explanation. my friend has this book that lists everyone from DC Comics...ever. Lex is in there and it shows a picture of an explosion and says something about "an accident caused lex to forget all about his days in smallville" or something to that extent. that might be a good explanation. or i may be way off. take your pick.

[neo_nate]

Originally posted by AManLookingForADream
although i haven't read through all the comments...so this may have been said before.....i may have some kind of explanation. my friend has this book that lists everyone from DC Comics...ever. Lex is in there and it shows a picture of an explosion and says something about "an accident caused lex to forget all about his days in smallville" or something to that extent. that might be a good explanation. or i may be way off. take your pick.

Actually in the orginaly comics Lex Luthor was mad at Superman because when Lex was younger Superman stopped some bad guys but accidently triggered somekind of machine that caused Lex to lose his hair........Keep in mind, this story was written in the 50's or 60's Comic book version

Whoops, I guess I should have read the ENTIRE thread b4 I posted this, already been explained

[UpandAtom]

Maybe Lex kills Chloe in a fit of rage. Clark wants to reveal him to the police but Lex threatens to expose his secret if he does so Clark decides to keep quiet feeling that it's his only choice.

[knightofkrypton]

But how stupiud would that be? The whole point of having a secret identity is to protect your loved ones from enemies. If Lex knows then he'd know just how to hurt Superman every time.

Lex, CAN'T know, but SV has made it virtually impossible for him NOT to know (unless of course Clark kisses him...lol - Brokeback Kansas)

[UpandAtom]

But Lex does know how to hurt him. How else would Lex find out that Superman's weakness is kryptonite? Clark isn't dumb enough to tell him.

[Martin le Magicien]

Originally posted by UpandAtom
But Lex does know how to hurt him. How else would Lex find out that Superman's weakness is kryptonite? Clark isn't dumb enough to tell him.

No, but he is dumb enoug to tell the world his powers and weaknesses :rolleyes:

And if I remember correctly, he told Lex that he wanted to call Shelby "Krypto". And the day everyone will know Superman is form Krypton (assuming he does tell Lois or "Clark" in an interview like in most continuities), I can't help but think that Lex will put two and two together.

Then again, it's assuming Lex is a smart man :lol:

[UpandAtom]

If the real Krypto comes along, Lex would have to be braindead if he can't figure it out.

[Radioflyer]

Originally posted by superclarkville
I'd be extremely surprised if Al & Miles didn't have an answer for this as soon as the show was created. I mean, the fact that they set up this series with Clark and Lex as friends requires that this issue have a resolution.

I'm sure they knew this before the first script was written. Now whether they get the chance to show it, that's another story... Exactly. My guess is that memory wipe guy will retun near the end of the series. Not a problem. Why let it bother you? Sounds like we are looking for an excuse to pull the plug on a good thing.

[knightofkrypton]

I personally don't think they care.

I don't think the series is anything about Superman anymore.

I think SV is a product of the here and now with no regard for the future story.

I mean, if they mind wipe Lex, they have to mind wipe Lois too.

Its the same thing.

How can Lois and Lex NOT know Clark is Supes. They've both known him through college (where he is or hased reached full maturity).

They both know Clark runs around saving EVERYONE. They know for sure he's not timid and mild mannered.

Lois and probably Lex know that Clark has the body of a greek god.

Lex more than Lois but they BOTH know he's hiding something. Lex KNOWS for a fact he is regarding the caves, and the artifacts, etc.

The INSTANT Superman shows up, Lex will either
1. automatically recognize him as Clark.

2. Instantly realize he's numan and that he's what the caves talked about, relating it to Clark, kryptonite, Krypto, Smallville, etc, etc. and eventually realize its Clark.

3. Or when Superman shows up Lex's memory will be jogged and all those memories from Memoria will come floding back and AGAIN he'll know its Clark.

Again, I think the producers, etc - don't really care about the future of Clark being SUperman because, they are never going to show that part (supposedly) and don't have to worry about the logistics of it.

[UpandAtom]

Originally posted by Radioflyer
Exactly. My guess is that memory wipe guy will retun near the end of the series. Not a problem. Why let it bother you? Sounds like we are looking for an excuse to pull the plug on a good thing.

The mind wip wouldn't make sense. Smallville is supposed ot be about Lex's road to evil. If his entire mind is wiped, he'll be in the same position he was in the "Pilot". By doing the mind wipe, the producers are telling us that the entire show has been worthless and that Lex would've become evil anyway.

[last man of krypton]

Originally posted by UpandAtom
The mind wip wouldn't make sense. Smallville is supposed ot be about Lex's road to evil. If his entire mind is wiped, he'll be in the same position he was in the "Pilot". By doing the mind wipe, the producers are telling us that the entire show has been worthless and that Lex would've become evil anyway.

While I agree a total mind-wipe would be pointless, a partial one (if written properly :\ ) could work out good. What better way to totally conceal Clark's secret from Lex than to remove all knowledge of him? (Mindwiping seems to be a common theme in DC comics right now).

[brainiacowen]

I'd rather have him just know. Don't beat around the bush...Lex usually finds out anyway doesn't he?

If he knows, we don't get those cleche superhero shows where one of the key parts of the story is finding the hero's identity.

Lex and Clark should just be going at it.

[UpandAtom]

Knowing Clark's secret would make Lex his greatest enemy. Imagine if Pete suddenly turned on Clark. It would be like the episode of "Rush" where Pete could control Clark and there was nothing he could do about it.

[MBCorp]

What's Luthor going to think in the future when Superman bursts into his office crying out, "LUTHOR!" in an accusing voice and starts accusing him of everything under the sun? Won't he be kind of suspicious? Think of how Superman vs. Luthor the Clex scenes were in Cyborg.

[Timester]

I really don't care if Lex knows that Clark is Superman. Lex's real enemy is the image of Superman, what he represents, not the man behind the suit. He want to destroy the Icon, the Hero, he doesn't want a martyr.

[Watching Smallville]

Originally posted by brainiacowen
I'd rather have him just know. Don't beat around the bush...Lex usually finds out anyway doesn't he?
I agree. They just need to find a good reason for Lex not to tell everyone it's Clark.

[UpandAtom]

Clark would probably have something against Lex and the two would have a deal that they wouldn't reveal each other's secret.

[Watching Smallville]

But would Superman make a deal with Lex Luthor? I think it would have to be some reason that Lex believes would give him the upper hand.

[knightofkrypton]

Originally posted by MBCorp
What's Luthor going to think in the future when Superman bursts into his office crying out, "LUTHOR!" in an accusing voice and starts accusing him of everything under the sun? Won't he be kind of suspicious? Think of how Superman vs. Luthor the Clex scenes were in Cyborg.

Exactly, theres too much in SV that has happened for Lex to beleivably NOT know who Supes is.

And I also agree that a mind wipe would completely do away with the "intention" of the series to show Lex's journey. Although I beleive the series has lost all intentions and is just intent on making a show that makes ratings.

I don't beleive the show has ANY intention of solving this problem, and will leave it to us to just think, "Oh, he's got glasses on so, there's no way Lex will know."

[Martin le Magicien]

Originally posted by UpandAtom
Clark would probably have something against Lex and the two would have a deal that they wouldn't reveal each other's secret.

You stole my idea :D

[brainiacowen]

Originally posted by Timester
Lex's real enemy is the image of Superman, what he represents, not the man behind the suit. He want to destroy the Icon, the Hero, he doesn't want a martyr.

Exactly.

I think if he knew, he wouldn't go around telling everyone Clark's secret. One thing that Lex loves is power. He said it in "Lexmas". "Do you know what brings happiness? Power. Money and Power."

If went and told everyone Clark's secret, then everyone would know. If they all know, then Lex loses some power-the power of knowlege. It's a big one.

I think a great motive for a supervillain is the one being portrayed in Smallville.
Think back to "Talisman" he said that anyone willing to go up against Naman(Superman) would have to be pretty brave, and that if not kept in check, Naman could take over the planet. He said that maybe the real hero in the story is Sageeth(Him).

If Lex thinks of himself as a hero, then just "outing" Clark to the world wouldn't make sense. Then he is just a jerk and Clark would get sympathy, Lex wants people to think the way he does, that Clark or Superman rather, is dangerous and needs Luthor to "keep him in check."

[Mrs.Bizzaro]

well, superman doesnt really take lex down...even with evidence or whatever, clark just fouls up his sh** but it never results in lex going to jail ....

i like the idea brought up by brainiacowen and UpandAtom - kinda mixed tho....

lex knows but wouldnt tell because its good leverage against clark and also maybe a quiet agreement about identities....

but its not all black and white...remember that lex isnt all evil nor will he ever be - he's still going to do the charities and all that and to the majority of the public he's a good guy...and so is superman - they're both seen the same why to the public - heroes in their own right...so they're always going to be at a stalemate whether lex knows clark's superman or not.

[UpandAtom]

right now on Smallville, Lex is seen as the villain partly because of the Luthor name. I doubt that would change 10 years from now.

[HalJordan4184]

Braniacowen, i disagree on some points.

On the hero point, that is roughly how Lex sees himself in the comics, and I think, to an extent on Smallville. He's just one of those, the ends justify the means kind of guys.

He believes, in the future at least, he's saving humanity from unwanted alien influence. He doesn't want some alien, from god knows where, showing people how to live their lives. Humans should captain human destiny, not fancy aliens with superpowers and capes.

Though I will disagree on the Lex outing Clark thing. If done properly this can be a very valuable tool to Lex. What better way to win sympathy to your cause, then showing the people, that their superhero, is living among them, gathering intel, and pretending to be normal, until the time is right. An individual person may be able to reason Clark's choices out, and sympathize with him, but not sociiety as a whole. The biggest blow Lex could ever make to Clark, is to oust him. Deprive him of that one thing he wants the most, his normal life, and turn society, the government, and possibly the world against him.

[Watching Smallville]

Originally posted by brainiacowen
I think if he knew, he wouldn't go around telling everyone Clark's secret. One thing that Lex loves is power. He said it in "Lexmas". "Do you know what brings happiness? Power. Money and Power."

If went and told everyone Clark's secret, then everyone would know. If they all know, then Lex loses some power-the power of knowlege. It's a big one.

I think a great motive for a supervillain is the one being portrayed in Smallville.

Think back to "Talisman" he said that anyone willing to go up against Naman(Superman) would have to be pretty brave, and that if not kept in check, Naman could take over the planet. He said that maybe the real hero in the story is Sageeth(Him).

If Lex thinks of himself as a hero, then just "outing" Clark to the world wouldn't make sense. Then he is just a jerk and Clark would get sympathy, Lex wants people to think the way he does, that Clark or Superman rather, is dangerous and needs Luthor to "keep him in check."
Nice take. :cool: I would believe Lex would keep the secret for that reason.

[Craig-El]

I agree that Lex should know Clark's secret but what if he could never prove it. Take Clark Kent then tell everyone "this guys superman" but not actually have any proof then maybe everyone would laugh at him and accuse him of talking rubbish. Just a thought.

[Sabre]

You all should also know that on a few occasions Superman and "Clark" have been seen together. During the Death of Superman storyline for instance. While Superman was dead "Clark" was missing and presumed dead due to the damage the city received after Doomsdays rampage.

When Superman was resurrected Supergirl (back then she was a shape shifting character named matrix or something). She shape shifted into the form of Clark Kent. Superman and Supergirl came up with the idea that the reason "Clark" was "missing" was due to the fact he was buried under rubble. Superman rescued "Clark" from the rubble in front of everyone. They stood next to each other. So of course no one will suspect Superman was Clark.

Also when Superman is Clark his body language is different, he stoops over more, speaks more softly, etc.

[hopeless]

I like the idea that ultimately Lex still sees Clark as a friend but believes that someone has to keep a check on him in case at some point in the future he'll "turn to the darkside" as a result of absolute power corrupting absolutely which is what is happening to Lex himself.
No matter how much he will eventually hate Superman, Clark will always be the younger brother he feels obligated to protect and whilst sibling rivalry will inevitably loom I wonder which way the show will eventually explain itself.
Will they take the route of Birthright and have Lex become obsessed with correcting the part of his past that undermines his ego and growing amorality, moving his hatred of those more powerful than himself to the ultimate image of superiority or just maybe, just maybe Lex may take the villain path not so much to prove himself Clark's superior but rather to become Clark's ultimate protector a foe to compete with and shield when the "real" enemy appears like Zod for example.
What better way for him to prepare humanity for what lurks out there by testing his genius against the one person who would rather he succeed than become the monster that Clark is slowly learning about as he discovers the history of his now long dead homeworld...

[Zungas]

Glasses are the best disguise ever.

[hopeless]

Yes I have to admit that would be a nice link to the Christopher Reeve era.
Only time will tell.

[ginnyfan]

Originally posted by Zungas
Glasses are the best disguise ever.

heeheehee... :)

[smallvillefreak24]

This is a good forum..im guessing the writers haven't thought that much into tieing the show into normal mythology... in real life he would recognize him plain and simple but this is Smallville i guess

[knightofkrypton]

they've virtually made it even MORe imposible than just glasses....I mean with him moving from SV and putting on glasses I could almost beleive it with a stretch of the imagination.....but with Smallville...Lex, Lois, Perry, and now Jimmy....knowing Clark throughout his college career.....it's impossible for him to become Superman without all of them getting a mind wipe.

[MyOwnSuperhero]

I think that you expect Lex and Supes to have an amount of personal interraction and familiarity with each other, but I don't think that's the case. To everyone else, Superman is an incredibly public figure, but also an ambiguous one. He flits from place to place, wearing an incredibly distracting out fit (A bright red cape? Red undies that probably don't minimize the Super-Package? Tights with a giant S on the chest? Totally distracting.) and never giving all that much time to any one location or person.

Plus, as Clark, his wardrobe will also be different - drab colored business suits that are a little big to obscure his physique. He'll stoop a little to change his height and give a less impressive image. His hair is combed differently (that alone makes some people look completely different) and he wears glasses. Add to that the fact that Clark and Superman are always viewed in completely different contexts. One is an average guy from SV. The other flies.

It's always been a simple idea.

Additionally, he's instilled serious doubt into every single person who has suspected his powers. Lex has seen him hurt and bleeding on many occassions. Lana as well, she even saw him dying in the hospital. Heck, Perry saw him with some nasty rope burns on his hands. Once that kernel of doubt has been planted, it's harder for any of these people to connect the apparently mortal and vulnerable Clark to the aptly named Man of Steel, who takes bullets without so much as an eyeblink.

Beside, Clark keeping the secret from those who may suspect has always been a key element in Superman. That's half the fun.

[knightofkrypton]

yes, bt in the world of Smallville....once clark decides to become a reporter for the Daily Planet. he will have already spent a good portion of his high school and college career, running around saving people, wearng red and blue, being brave and never wearing glasses.

Suddenly when clark starts wearing glasses and acting mild-mannered. some guy wearing red and blue starts saving every one?

Superman screaming, "LUTHOR!" won't sound the same as Clark screaming it??

A man doing all the things people suspected Clark of being able to do shows up right when Clark suddenly stops saving everyone?

In the comics Luthor, Lois, Jimmy, and Perry are all people that have close contact with Superman, and Clark. But none of them knew Clark before he was meek and mild mannered. Therefore the theory could work of people not recognizing Clark

In Smallville that won't be the case.

[ginnyfan]

^I think... (unfortunately) that Smallville won't ever get to that point. At it's core it's a Superboy show... they don't have to worry about things matching up when he becomes Superman at a very detailed level...

[xrayvision]

I already posted a solution to this problem, and one that can be done only in the next 1-2 episodes.

By having Clark propel himself to the Moon and heating the green-k that landed there (from Commencement) to black-k, he can completely split Kal-El off from himself and have a temporary ally (which he needs) to stop Zod & Brainiac. Then (back on Earth) once Zod has been exorcised from Lex, Clark can help Lex up while Kal-El destroys the ship portion of Brainiac (which Lex witnesses). At this point, Lex sees both Clark standing next to him and Kal-El flying (through the smoke of the destroyed ship) and knows that Kal-El is an alien, but can't make out his face through the smoke. He realizes that Kal-El was the one in the cave during the 2nd meteor shower in Commencement and notices that he has a similar height and body shape compared to Clark, but thinks they are 2 different people. Then after Kal-El flies away, Lex vows to track him and in the future will know that Kal-El is Superman once Superman appears on the scene.

This can finally get Clark off Lex's radar and have them both do their own things. Clark can then get into journalism without Lex always on his case and can track down Kal-El himself so he can prevent Lex from finding out that they are 1 and the same and to stop that ruthless Kryptonian part of him that Jor-El brought about from ruling the Earth.

I have heard criticism of this, but if you look at the good it will do in the end of this season to progress the characters, it is a great idea. And when compared to the "corruption of good" theme that TPTB supposedly said about S6, I would choose that idea any day over such a stupid S6 theme as they have planned.

[ginnyfan]

Originally posted by xrayvision
I already posted a solution to this problem, and one that can be done only in the next 1-2 episodes.

By having Clark propel himself to the Moon and heating the green-k that landed there (from Commencement) to black-k, he can completely split Kal-El off from himself and have a temporary ally (which he needs) to stop Zod & Brainiac. Then (back on Earth) once Zod has been exorcised from Lex, Clark can help Lex up while Kal-El destroys the ship portion of Brainiac (which Lex witnesses). At this point, Lex sees both Clark standing next to him and Kal-El flying (through the smoke of the destroyed ship) and knows that Kal-El is an alien, but can't make out his face through the smoke. He realizes that Kal-El was the one in the cave during the 2nd meteor shower in Commencement and notices that he has a similar height and body shape compared to Clark, but thinks they are 2 different people. Then after Kal-El flies away, Lex vows to track him and in the future will know that Kal-El is Superman once Superman appears on the scene.

This can finally get Clark off Lex's radar and have them both do their own things. Clark can then get into journalism without Lex always on his case and can track down Kal-El himself so he can prevent Lex from finding out that they are 1 and the same and to stop that ruthless Kryptonian part of him that Jor-El brought about from ruling the Earth.

I have heard criticism of this, but if you look at the good it will do in the end of this season to progress the characters, it is a great idea. And when compared to the "corruption of good" theme that TPTB supposedly said about S6, I would choose that idea any day over such a stupid S6 theme as they have planned.

That's PERFECT! hahaha! I love that idea... But I think Kal-el and Clark should become one again before Clark becomes Superman of course... and how would Clark stop Kal-el without powers... but that's a cool idea...

Perhaps Clark and Kal-el could work together to stop Lex-zod and then rejoin right away... anyway... I like it! :)

[xrayvision]

Thanks. My idea is that for an entire season, they would remain apart, and the viewers would see a comparison of the 2 destinies of Clark: his ruthless Kryptonian side which would sacrifice or injure people to make the ends justify the means vs. his Earthly self raised by Jonathan, but one that would rely on Jor-El to help explore his own powers.

By this, I mean they would temporarily team up since both know how bad Zod & Brainiac are, and they would agree to battle for control of the Earth once those 2 are defeated. Clark would get his butt seriously kicked by Kal-El, which would humble him and make him want to learn more about his own powers. During the episodes where they aren't fighting, we see Lex tracking down Kal-El and Kal-El ruling Metropolis with an iron fist, with no regard if people get hurt. Lex in the meantime witnesses this and considers Kal-El a threat for this reason (just like how in the comics he considers Superman a threat to his fellow humans). It would give Lex those twisted morals that will make him want to be president. As the season progresses, Clark gets better and better and eventually (after about 4-5 battles) draws a battle with Kal-El. Finally in the last episode of S6 and into S7's premiere, Clark defeats & once again merges with Kal-El to master both his human & alien sides (including his powers) to finally become Superman (only without the costume). He would have all the powers at this point. They could have him learn superbreath from Jor-El midseason as part of his training.

It's such a good idea, that it would leave basically no time for fillers. And it would give us some real good, long fights. The only thing is the expense of the effects needed.

I made a post a while back including this and a bunch of side plots/arcs that run through S6 and into S7. You can read it here:

http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=2108974#post2108974

It starts at the "What I’d like to see in S6:" section. That would be my ideal S6.

[knightofkrypton]

Originally posted by xrayvision
I already posted a solution to this problem, and one that can be done only in the next 1-2 episodes.

By having Clark propel himself to the Moon and heating the green-k that landed there (from Commencement) to black-k, he can completely split Kal-El off from himself and have a temporary ally (which he needs) to stop Zod & Brainiac. Then (back on Earth) once Zod has been exorcised from Lex, Clark can help Lex up while Kal-El destroys the ship portion of Brainiac (which Lex witnesses). At this point, Lex sees both Clark standing next to him and Kal-El flying (through the smoke of the destroyed ship) and knows that Kal-El is an alien, but can't make out his face through the smoke. He realizes that Kal-El was the one in the cave during the 2nd meteor shower in Commencement and notices that he has a similar height and body shape compared to Clark, but thinks they are 2 different people. Then after Kal-El flies away, Lex vows to track him and in the future will know that Kal-El is Superman once Superman appears on the scene.

This can finally get Clark off Lex's radar and have them both do their own things. Clark can then get into journalism without Lex always on his case and can track down Kal-El himself so he can prevent Lex from finding out that they are 1 and the same and to stop that ruthless Kryptonian part of him that Jor-El brought about from ruling the Earth.

I have heard criticism of this, but if you look at the good it will do in the end of this season to progress the characters, it is a great idea. And when compared to the "corruption of good" theme that TPTB supposedly said about S6, I would choose that idea any day over such a stupid S6 theme as they have planned.

except....that's not going to happen. Therefore we are still at the core of our problem......it's impossible in SV for anyone not to recognize Clark as Superman.

[Dor el]

Sometimes people see what they want and/or expect to see or not see.

Sometimes people see what they want and/or expect to see or not see; not the things as they are.

[HeimdallGrim]

Well, for starters it took Chloe 3 and a half seasons, and someone ended up showing her first hand anyways. And, she's an investigative reporter.

Also, it took Lois like 70 years worth of comics to figure it out.

I don't think it's too big a stretch.

Also, I remember a quote I once heard. Someone suggests to Lex that Clark is Superman, and Lex basically says that someone with the power of Superman would never lower himself to the level of a human being and live a normal life. Lex just can't fathom that Superman would even bother being a normal human at any time.

[knightofkrypton]

Originally posted by HeimdallGrim
Also, I remember a quote I once heard. Someone suggests to Lex that Clark is Superman, and Lex basically says that someone with the power of Superman would never lower himself to the level of a human being and live a normal life. Lex just can't fathom that Superman would even bother being a normal human at any time.

Again, that only works if Lex didn't grow up with Clark, suspect him through there entire relationship of keeping a secret....and know that Clark has saved lots of people in Smallville....and isn't meek and mild-mannered.

[timbojill]

From what we have seen clark wont get the suit this season. So even if lex see's clark use his super power it wont be as superman.

[knightofkrypton]

Yes, but knowing clark has powers....knowing clark saves everyone, knowing clark isn't meek and mild mannered, and seeing clark as a mature adult with no glasses and always wearing red and blue.......I'm pretty sure Lex would recognize him.

[lee_the_flee]

Originally posted by HeimdallGrim
Also, I remember a quote I once heard. Someone suggests to Lex that Clark is Superman, and Lex basically says that someone with the power of Superman would never lower himself to the level of a human being and live a normal life. Lex just can't fathom that Superman would even bother being a normal human at any time.

Yeah, there's this comic i read before written sometime ago (80s?) where Lex has this supercomputer that can do all sorts of computations, and it computed Superman's height, weight, physical appearances, etc. and compared it other humans and it came to the conclusion in the end that Clark Kent = Superman. Now as a reader you'd be thinking "Oh crap! His secret is out! (well, not really... cuz you know they writers would never let the world discover his secret... well, not yet...)" BUT, lex just freaks out when the computer says this and tells everyone else that the computer is f*cked up cuz Supes would never "lower" himself to being a human.

[knightofkrypton]

Originally posted by lee_the_flee
Yeah, there's this comic i read before written sometime ago (80s?) where Lex has this supercomputer that can do all sorts of computations, and it computed Superman's height, weight, physical appearances, etc. and compared it other humans and it came to the conclusion in the end that Clark Kent = Superman. Now as a reader you'd be thinking "Oh crap! His secret is out! (well, not really... cuz you know they writers would never let the world discover his secret... well, not yet...)" BUT, lex just freaks out when the computer says this and tells everyone else that the computer is f*cked up cuz Supes would never "lower" himself to being a human.

Again, this only works if Lex didn't grow up with Clark. Knowing he's responsible for saving everyone in Smallville. Knowing he's hiding something. Seeing him be brave and angry, etc. Seeing him wear red and blue everyday. Seeing him grow up through college into a mature adult.

That comic issue you are talking about is like the 2nd Superman issue after Crisis. Sure it works cause Lex, never knew clark before he came to Metropolis.....by then Clark was wearing glasses and acting mild-mannered.

[Angel_Eyes]

They will pull the 'Everyone around Clark is stupid' thing and Lex- evil genius- will just flat out not recongize him- because Clark does something different with his hair- oh- and now he's wearing glasses.

[xrayvision]

Originally posted by Angel_Eyes
They will pull the 'Everyone around Clark is stupid' thing and Lex- evil genius- will just flat out not recongize him- because Clark does something different with his hair- oh- and now he's wearing glasses.

I don't think they'll have to. It's not something that will happen on the show, so they'll be lazy and avoid it and leave it up to the viewers' imagination of how he will deal with it based on Smallville mythos. I know it sucks, but that's what I think will happen. It's too bad, since they could have really pulled it off if they would have wrote a plot like what I suggested. I suppose they may be able to do something like that later on (i.e. Lex seeing Clark standing next to him and Kal-El flying in the distance after a black-k split), but now is the perfect time & would make the most sense.

[Angel_Eyes]

... interesting... a black K split...

[xrayvision]

Yes. That would give Clark a body double so that he can appear to be normal in front of Lex while Kal-El is the one in the distance who flies and displays his powers. Perhaps some acknowledgement from Clark like "Hey, I remember seeing him run away that day on the bridge" would further convince Lex.

[knightofkrypton]

Originally posted by xrayvision
I don't think they'll have to. It's not something that will happen on the show, so they'll be lazy and avoid it and leave it up to the viewers' imagination of how he will deal with it based on Smallville mythos. I know it sucks, but that's what I think will happen. It's too bad, since they could have really pulled it off if they would have wrote a plot like what I suggested. I suppose they may be able to do something like that later on (i.e. Lex seeing Clark standing next to him and Kal-El flying in the distance after a black-k split), but now is the perfect time & would make the most sense.

I agree because:

1. Wellings was only willing to do the show if he didn't have to be Superman and wear tights and be type cast for the rest of his life. I think he will not want to do Superman.

2. Smallville is of the here and now with no thought to the future of Superman. They've made that clear by how much they've messed with his mythos until there's no way he can be Supes without everyone knowing he is.

[Balauru]

Yeah smallvilel is full of amnesia!

[Balauru]

God i hate this amnesias!

[kal-el03]

I think they are going to go with one of the ideas of birthright, since in smallville lex is already experimenting with kryptonite, i think he's going to do an experiment on his own and the lab is going to blow. After that he'll probably get amnesia and go all crazy.

[knightofkrypton]

But that wouldn't solve the problem of all the other people that know about Clark unless that explosion covers most of the state of Kansas.

The only reason Birthright worked was because Lex only knew Clark at 15, and anyone else that would know Clark in his later life NEVER suspected him of being something different. Never saw him grow up into maturity, never saw him save a life. Never knew that Clark was courageous, nor did Clark always wear red and blue.

Lex, Lois, Perry, Jimmy, etc, etc in Smallville have seen all these things and more. They always suspect Clark. they knows Clark isn't some bumbling moron. They've seen Clark grow up into maturity without wearing glasses slumping and acting mild-mannered.
There's a reason why all these key players introduced into Smallville aren't susposed to show up until Clark moves to Metropolis, unless Clark is already wearing the glasses in Smallville and had an alter identity.

See, pre-crisis Superboy knew that if he was going to save lifes, etc, in Smallville that he needed to come up with an alter identity, because it would cause all kinds of trouble and questions for him if he didn't. There's a reason why post-crisis Clark didn't run around aving that many lives in Smallville and the few times he did, he made sure no one knew he was ever involved.