Season synopsis
Contains spoilers for this season and earlier seasons.
Three months after leaving home, Clark is living in Metropolis as Kal, robbing for crime boss Morgan Edge under red kryptonite’s influence. Lex, presumed dead after the plane crash, is actually stranded on an island; Jonathan makes a bargain with Jor-El to bring Clark back, and Clark returns to the Kents. Edge then comes after the vial of Clark’s blood that Kal stole from Lionel’s safe. Later, Edge resurfaces with a changed face; when Lex tries to kill him, Clark intervenes and exposes his powers to Lex. Lex also uncovers evidence tying Lionel and Edge to the tenement fire that killed Lionel’s parents, and Lionel manipulates events to make Lex doubt his own memories and judgment.
Clark’s secret remains a source of pressure. Pete has known since the previous season; Jordan Cross finds that his visions show no death in Clark’s future, and Clark confides in Alicia Baker after she witnesses his powers. Lionel has Lex committed and uses treatment to erase his recent memories. A meteor-gas accident gives Chloe the ability to compel the truth, and she tries to use it to uncover Clark’s secret. Lex and Chloe help build the case that sends Lionel to prison for the murders; the Kents also confront the cost of Jonathan’s earlier bargain with Jor-El. In “Covenant,” Clark discovers Lex’s hidden room devoted to investigating him and ends their friendship. The closing images are cliffhangers: Clark is pulled into the cave gateway, the farm burns, Jonathan appears gravely hurt, Lex collapses after drinking poisoned brandy, and Chloe and her father’s safe house explodes. The episode does not confirm these apparent deaths or resolve what happens next.