Ep 5. Cool

Clark Kent begins to understand the extent of his powers when he puts the integrity of his friendships and his hometown of Smallville at risk. The episode "Cool" takes us through Clark's perplexing journey of handling his invincibility and adapting to his new life as a superhero.

The story begins with Clark accidentally destroying a school trophy case while shooting hoops with his friend, Pete Ross. Chloe Sullivan, a nosy journalist and Clark's love interest, is quick to inquire about the circumstances surrounding the incident. Clark, having no reasonable explanation, claims it was due to a gust of wind and convinces Chloe to drop the subject.

Meanwhile, a popular teenage boy named Sean Kelvin begins to freeze objects and people with his touch. This peculiar power greatly excites him, and he quickly rises to fame as the coolest kid in school. The story takes a dark turn when Sean's powers become uncontrollable, and he begins to cause chaos in Smallville.

As Clark investigates Sean's power, he realizes that his own powers have a direct link to the warmth of his heart. This realization instills in him a new sense of responsibility and identity.

The episode exposes various other subplots within the show's central storyline. For example, there is the rivalry between Clark and his nemesis meteor-infected jock, Whitney Fordman, for the heart of Lana Lang, Clark's long-time crush. There is also the narrative of Lex Luthor and his problematic relationship with his father. The episode juggles all these subplots skillfully and paints a broader picture of the show's larger world.

"Cool" is an essential episode in the series as it explores the overall morality of the Superman narrative. We see Clark, unsure of his role in the universe, terrified of the implications of his abilities, and questioning his morality. Furthermore, the episode broadens the show's emotional spectrum, portraying Clark as a typical teenager, struggling to fit in with the rest of his peers.

The episode takes a darker turn when Sean's powers start to spiral out of control, and he loses grip on reality. The show's theme of power, in this sense, is cautionary, highlighting the detrimental effects of having too much of it. Sean justifies his dangerous behavior, believing himself to be above the law because he is 'cool.' Despite Clark's attempts to show him the error of his ways, Sean continues to spiral into insanity.

The episode also delves deeper into the relationship between Lana, Whitney, and Clark. The love triangle is a common trope in high school dramas; however, Smallville handles it with grace and maturity. The love triangle adds a relatable, humanizing layer to the show, reminding us that Smallville is not just a superhero series but a coming-of-age tale.

Overall, "Cool" is an essential episode in Smallville's first season. It serves as a catalyst, propelling Clark forward in his development as a hero and finally coming to understand the magnitude of his powers. The episode also introduces crucial themes such as responsibility, morality, and the fine line between power and anarchy. Smallville season one episode five offers a wholesome, coherent narrative that keeps the audience engaged and invested.