Ep 3.9 - Asylum

[yellowqueen22]

Lex is institutionalized at the Belle Reve Asylum, and three past foes of Clark's decide to get their revenge. Lana, still recuperating from her accident with the horse, meets a mysterious young man named Adam (Ian Somerhalder) at physical therapy.

Notable Guest Stars: Jonathan Taylor Thomas as Ian Randall, Jesse Metcalfe as Van McNulty, and Shawn Ashmore as Eric Summers

[Jlandsw]

Clark takes on THREE meteor freaks....nuff said!

[LexLuthorMetropolis]

Originally posted by Jlandsw
Clark takes on THREE meteor freaks....nuff said!

That was stand out and the fact that Lex was instutionalized with restraints on himself, added to the fact that he knew Clark's secret added to it all. That electro shock at the end of the episode was a heart breaker for development, but it did play into Clark accepting the consequences of his actions....or at least it seemed it did.

[vyperman7]

Asylum is in the same boat as Phoenix for me. They were both decent follow ups, but the original of the two - Shattered and Exile, were much, much, better. Smallville has a hard time carrying momentum over into the second part. Anyways, this episode is still pretty cool. I loved seeing Eric from Leech make his return.

Although, it still bugs the crap out of me that they show Eric being affected by Kryptonite in this episode. The reason Clark is affected, is because the radiation level is lethal to those that are from Krypton. Eric is not Kryptonian. While he may have been able to take Clark's powers, that still doesn't change the fact that he is not from Krypton. Kryptonite is only lethal to people from the planet.

[jdot]

Originally posted by vyperman7
Asylum is in the same boat as Phoenix for me. They were both decent follow ups, but the original of the two - Shattered and Exile, were much, much, better. Smallville has a hard time carrying momentum over into the second part. Anyways, this episode is still pretty cool. I loved seeing Eric from Leech make his return.

Although, it still bugs the crap out of me that they show Eric being affected by Kryptonite in this episode. The reason Clark is affected, is because the radiation level is lethal to those that are from Krypton. Eric is not Kryptonian. While he may have been able to take Clark's powers, that still doesn't change the fact that he is not from Krypton. Kryptonite is only lethal to people from the planet.

Eric was affected by it when he swapped powers the first time as well, so this didn't surprise me at all.

As to what makes Kryptonite dangerous to Clark, it's never been stated what it is about it that does it in this series. Every time he's lost his powers he's lost his weakness as well, so it's not out of place with this series.

[UpandAtom]

Great episode. Loved the beginning. Lex saying, "I will never forgive you Clark." Very dark contrast towards the end where Lex feels he's lucky to have Clark.

[red-K glory]

i loved this episode!!! in some ways i like it better than shattered, but at the same time it is a hard decision, both are great episodes!!!! and I thought it was cool how they brought back Eric, Ian, and Van. having those meteor freaks returning made this episode very interesting. and of course Michael Rosenbaum's acting was amazing. especially his electroshock therapy, he made it look so realistic!! this is a great episode.

[UpandAtom]

Originally posted by jdot
Eric was affected by it when he swapped powers the first time as well, so this didn't surprise me at all.

As to what makes Kryptonite dangerous to Clark, it's never been stated what it is about it that does it in this series. Every time he's lost his powers he's lost his weakness as well, so it's not out of place with this series.

It's been implied that the only difference between humans and Kryptonians are the powers so once Clark loses the powers he loses his alien heritage.

[maryjanewatson]

one thing that really bugged me about this episode is that it takes place over the course of 3 or 4 days, yet Lana is able to go through and complete all of her rehabilitation/physical theorpy in that short amount of time. that just bugged me to no end.

[Superboy2]

So one Ian died in S2, and the one that lived can make another copy? Is it possible that he can make more than one copy?

Lex spent 7 weeks in that institution, and Lana was in therapy for that time as well.

[Welling_is_pretty]

I almost fell over when I saw Van, Ian and Eric! OMG, that made this episode so great! And MR was amazing as Lex in this one. The scene where he breaks out of his cell to go help Clark only to be restrained....simply fantastic.
And he had me squirming with empathy when they shocked him. I almost had to turn away.l

[Shadowlord367]

Im pretty sure that Clark killed Ian's twin. havent seen this ep in a while but realized that Ian's twin was back. What did Eric do?

[maryjanewatson]

Originally posted by Superboy2
So one Ian died in S2, and the one that lived can make another copy? Is it possible that he can make more than one copy?

Lex spent 7 weeks in that institution, and Lana was in therapy for that time as well.

well, at the first of the epsidoe, she wasn't very far at all with her physical therapy, but by the end of the episode, she was completely done, and just walking with a cane, and i know the episode only takes place over 3 or 4 days. that is impossible.

[tallville]

This episode doesnt really stand out for me (besides there being 3 old foes) but it was still good.

[Jason_S]

did anyone else notice the Daily Planet's headline when Ian was leaving Lex's cell (when he was trying to get Lex in on the plan to break out of the asylum)? It said something about the "Themyscerian (sp?) Queen" (Wonder Woman's mom I assume) and congress. You couldn't read all of the second line because it was covered by the handle on the cart.

Just wondering if anyone else caught that. :)

[Welling_is_pretty]

Originally posted by Jason_S
did anyone else notice the Daily Planet's headline when Ian was leaving Lex's cell (when he was trying to get Lex in on the plan to break out of the asylum)? It said something about the "Themyscerian (sp?) Queen" (Wonder Woman's mom I assume) and congress. You couldn't read all of the second line because it was covered by the handle on the cart.

Just wondering if anyone else caught that. :)
irony, Alanis? I was just talking about this on another thread with someone.
The headline reads "Themysciran Queen Addresses..." and then the rest can't be seen.

So yeah, others have noticed it (it even got a mention in the TV Guide back when that episode aired. There was speculation that it meant a certain Princess would be making an appearance!)).

[tibbit78]

What did I think of Asylum? I loved the episode. I loved it for the script, the scenes, the actors, etc. There are 5 things I loved about Asylum. They are:


1) The Clark and Lex scene (Clex):

Clark goes to the Belle Reve Mental Hospital to see his best friend Lex.

Lex says to Clark, "I was wondering when I'd see you again."

Clark answers Lex, "I've been trying to visit you for the last month. The doctors said you weren't ready to visit anyone. Are you okay?"

Lex answers Clark back, "I know your secret." (You should have seen the look on Clark Kent's face. Just to see the look on Tom Welling's face was worth watching this episode. Then Clark Kent looks at the video camera to see if anyone was listening).

Lex continues speaking to Clark. "Don't worry. I haven't said a word to anyone. I need you to get me out of here. I've seen what you can do. The car hit you at 60 miles an hour, and you just tossed it like a toy. Breaking me out is not going to be too much of a challenge."


2) The Pete and Clark scene

I loved Sam Jones' lines in this episode. It's one of the best Pete Ross lines I've ever heard on Smallville. Pete Ross gives Clark Kent advice on Lex Luthor.

Pete says to Clark, "And you think this is a good thing? Clark, Lex knows your secret. You can't trust him."

Clark tries to defend Lex by saying to Pete Ross, "And you've never given him a chance."

Pete argues back at Clark by saying, "And you give him too many chances. You think it's easy keeping a lid on your secret? I've got to think about it every time we're around other people to make sure I don't slip. I got to remember to say 'meteor rock' instead of 'Kryptonite,' and I got to cover your unexplained exits."

Clark feels bad about it and shows Pete some sympathy by saying, "Pete, I'm sorry. You've never said anything."

Pete continues, "Clark, that's not the point. The point is that I got your back. But Lex won't."


3) The Martha Kent & Lana Lang scene

This was one of my favorite scenes from Asylum, especially when Martha Kent tries to get Lana to understand Clark, and to not get angry at Clark. Martha Kent defends Clark Kent.

Lana asks Martha how Clark is. "How is Clark? I got his card."

Martha answers, "I'm sorry, he hasn't come by to see you."

Lana Lane answers, (this time defending Clark Kent). "To be honest, that was kind of my idea."

This time it's time for Martha Kent to defend Clark's actions by saying to Lana, "Lana, I know that Clark is not always the easiest person to understand, but he never meant to put you in danger."

Then Lana Lang thanks Martha for coming by. Martha Kent takes Lana Lang home.


4) Clark and Lex scene (Once again):

This is one of the best Clex scenes (Clark & Lex scenes). I loved how Lex told Clark that his friendship is important to him.

Clark comes by to see how Lex is feeling. "Lex, how are you feeling?"

Lex answers Clark, "Great, actually. Never better. I heard you came by to visit me, and I wasn't a very cordial host. If that's true, I'm sorry."

Clark looks very serious and asks Lex, "Did your dad tell you why he had you committed?"

Lex answers with a relaxed smile on his face, "He said I had a psychotic break. They think my island trauma precipitated it. I'm just grateful my father recognized it in time."

Clark says smiling, "Me too." (There was a relieved look on Clark's face. No mention of his secret).

Lex asks Clark curiously, "Do you want to tell me something, Clark?"

Clark smiles and says, "No. It's good to have you back, Lex. Welcome home."

Lex: "You know, Clark, there is one thing I'll never forget."

Clark asks, "What's that?"

Lex comes over to give Clark a big hug and says, "How important your friendship is to me."

(This was a very great and emotional scene of Lex and Clark. It almost made me cry).


5) Clark talks to his parents about Lex and the shock treatment he received.

Mama Kent says to Clark, "I'm sorry, Clark."

Papa Kent says to Clark, comforting Clark, "Lex is okay. Your secret is safe. You got to find some consolation in that."

Clark looks very sadly and says to Ma & Pa Kent, "In a way, I envy Lex. He seemed so happy. I wish I could erase the last few months of my life."

Martha tries to console Clark by saying, "I heard they're having a welcome back party for Lana at the Talon. Why don't you go?"

Clark smiles at Mama Kent and says, "You never quit, do you?"

Martha Kent smiles back at Clark. "It's called tough love. Come on. Go on."


Loved this episode!

[jaydee85]

I am rewatching all seasons of Smallville this summer and I have a question about Asylum. At the beginning, when Lex is painting, (I know nothing is random in Smallville) --- so who is he painting?
There are various symbols involved. What is the meaning?

[euterpe]

Originally posted by maryjanewatson
well, at the first of the epsidoe, she wasn't very far at all with her physical therapy, but by the end of the episode, she was completely done, and just walking with a cane, and i know the episode only takes place over 3 or 4 days. that is impossible.
You're right, that is impossible. But the final scenes of this episode, starting with Lana's visit with Adam in the hospital actually occur weeks later.

Later episodes in the season repeatedly refer to Lex having spent seven weeks at Belle Reve. When Clark visits Lex in the opening scene of the episode, he makes mention that it has been a month since Lex was admitted. So, there was a two to three week gap between the scene of Lex's ECT and Lana visiting Adam with her muffins.

That would explain Lana's sudden improvement as well as the complete healing of Lex's bruises and cuts from the beating he received from Ian, as well as his recovery from the ECT. He would not have just awakened from that event bright-eyed and bushy tailed completely back to normal and released the next day.

[Mattchew]

I know this is a thread from the dead but I also loved this episode, the clex scenes and the 3 returns not sure if any1 noticed any bloppers in this 1 but i notcied 1

When lex is getting fried he has like a gum shelid thing in his mouth so he dosent bite his tounge when the treatment finishes the doc takes it out, the camera changes ot the doc and back to lex and its back in again lol

[Ryan James]

Why didn't they put Rachel Dunleavy in this episode? She could have been in Bell Reve still claiming to be Clark's mother or something.

[xrayvision]

Maybe she was in another institution. But I think the main reason was that it wasn't the focus of the episode. The focus was mainly on Lex being stuck there knowing about Clark's secret while Clark thinks of a way to get him out and his past enemies (Eric, Ian, and Van) conspiring to get revenge on him.

I do think that last season they should have brought Lucas back along with Rachel.

[Baron Karza]

Isn't this the episode where Lex uses the "s" word (the four-letter one)?

[Lex Dance]

No - I think he calls Lionel a "bastard". If not, it could have been "son of a *****".

Just noticed it automatically edited the 'female dog' word but not the 'illegitimate child' word. That's strange.....

[Baron Karza]

No, I mean while he's tied up and one of the mutants is trying to extort him. I think he says, "I'm not giving you [s-word]!" (not "Superman, lol).

[Lex Dance]

I don't really remember that. The "incident" I'm thinking of is when Lex is strapped in that bizarre cage and Lionel comes to see him. I honestly don't recall any use of the "s" word. Maybe you could post in one of the trivia threads on the general discussion - one of the hardcore is bound to know! :)

[ClarkyBoy14]

No, I mean while he's tied up and one of the mutants is trying to extort him. I think he says, "I'm not giving you [s-word]!" (not "Superman, lol).

They're not allowed to say that word.

Has anyone ever noticed a black smudge in the corner of the screen when Lex is talking to Ian in his room? It seems like it's a microphone or something.

[hiler1988]

Does he not say something like "I'm not giving you anything, now go bother someone else with a bank account"?? Smallville is a teen show...They wouldn't use cuss words in that context.

[Sunny8]

This was a cool continuity episode. I like that they brought back 3 FOTW's. Also, I liked when Clark was walking through Belle Reve in the beginning of this episode and how everyone knows him. If Lex and Lionel really wanted to know about Clark all they had to do was ask some of the residents at Belle Reve about him. I also liked the way Lex goes off on Clark like a crazy person. :)Clark is totally stunned.

Lionel in this episode was downright heartless. I guess he really didn't want to go to prison and he would destroy Lex to avoid going. I'm glad he got his comeuppance when he found out that he erased Lex's memory of Clark's secret.

Adam was cool in this episode because he does not fall for Lana like everyone else automatically does. I still don't see why Lana is blaming Clark for something that Lex did to her. Why she thought Clark sent Martha to talk to her on his behalf is interesting. She never knows when something is over. Did she forget already that Clark dumped her? The music that plays (I guess Lana's theme) is something that I ended up not liking even though it was probably done by Mark Snow. They played this a lot whenever Lana was on the screen in an angsty scene.

One thing I learned early from SV from this season on is that scientist and doctor's must not make that much money. They are so easily bought it pitiful. :( Or either they are very greedy.

[jon-el87]

Lex is institutionalized at the Belle Reve Asylum, and three past foes of Clark's decide to get their revenge.

Notable Guest Stars: Jonathan Taylor Thomas as Ian Randall, Jesse Metcalfe as Van McNulty, and Shawn Ashmore as Eric Summers

So, Ian, Van and Eric formed a proto-Superman Revenge Squad?

[xrayvision]

They're not allowed to say that word.

Has anyone ever noticed a black smudge in the corner of the screen when Lex is talking to Ian in his room? It seems like it's a microphone or something.

I did hear some 4 letter words in the Gag Reel, but they're allowed to say it in that. Man, I miss the Gag Reels.

----- Added 3 Minutes later -----


This was a cool continuity episode. I like that they brought back 3 FOTW's. Also, I liked when Clark was walking through Belle Reve in the beginning of this episode and how everyone knows him. If Lex and Lionel really wanted to know about Clark all they had to do was ask some of the residents at Belle Reve about him. I also liked the way Lex goes off on Clark like a crazy person. :)Clark is totally stunned.

Lionel in this episode was downright heartless. I guess he really didn't want to go to prison and he would destroy Lex to avoid going. I'm glad he got his comeuppance when he found out that he erased Lex's memory of Clark's secret.

Adam was cool in this episode because he does not fall for Lana like everyone else automatically does. I still don't see why Lana is blaming Clark for something that Lex did to her. Why she thought Clark sent Martha to talk to her on his behalf is interesting. She never knows when something is over. Did she forget already that Clark dumped her? The music that plays (I guess Lana's theme) is something that I ended up not liking even though it was probably done by Mark Snow. They played this a lot whenever Lana was on the screen in an angsty scene.

One thing I learned early from SV from this season on is that scientist and doctor's must not make that much money. They are so easily bought it pitiful. :( Or either they are very greedy.

I had always questioned if Eric Summers was a freak and Wrath settled that question. Eric is definitely not a freak since Lana took Clark's powers the same way, but instead the kryptonite didn't make direct contact with Clark's or Lana's body, allowing only a partial transfer of his powers to Lana. With Eric, the kryptonite did touch Eric's body (Leech) & Clark's body (Asylum). Smallville's version of Parasite is a meteor freak who doesn't need kryptonite to steal powers.

[SGuthrie27]

I enjoyed "Asylum" pretty well. It was by no means as good as "Shattered," but an episode would be hard-pressed to live up to the standards that episode produced, especially with Michael Rosenbuam's incredible performance as a mentally and emotionally unhinged Lex Luthor. Here, though, we did get to enjoy the reappearance of some of the memorable members of Clark's Smallville Rogue's Gallery. Whether or not Eric Summers should be construed as an actual freak or not, he was still one of my favorite villains from Season 1, and I'm glad they decided to give him a return appearance. Ian Randall was never one of my favorites, but they used him pretty well here, too. And Van McNulty was an interesting character who departed from the FOTW norm, but ended up reaping what he'd sown by the killing of so many meteor freaks previously. And it's chilling to see how far Lionel was willing to go to protect his dark secrets (even though they all ended up coming to light in the end anyway).

--SGuthrie ><>' :)--

[Twelling_SV_L0VE]

Has anyone ever noticed a black smudge in the corner of the screen when Lex is talking to Ian in his room? It seems like it's a microphone or something.
Yeah, I've noticed that too! I thought that something was wrong with my DVD or something lol.

The ending scene made me cry a bit. I dunno, but I felt so sorry for Clark.. .

[olivermask]

Do you remember the painting Lex does? what does it mean?

[Nimkong]

I loved this episode!!My first favorite of the season and my 4th favorite episode ever!Lex was still crazy,the begening was awsome,three FOTWs and Eric is my favorite FOTW ever!! 11/10!!