Originally aired February 4, 2003
Written by Todd Slavkin & Darren Swimmer
Directed by Rick Rosenthal
Pete and Chloe are infested by alien parasites that cause them to engage in thrill-seeking behavior, and Pete exposes Clark to Red Kryptonite to get him to join them. Lex hires a linguist to decipher the symbols and paintings in the Kawatche Caves.
Tropes present in the episode:
- Big "NO!": Clark yells one when Pete jumps in front of a bus. (Fortunately, he saves him.)
- Crazy-Prepared: After Clark is freed from the effects of Red Kryptonite and he insists that Pete and Chloe need to get to the hospital, Pete uses a chunk of Green Kryptonite to punch Clark and send him flying against a newspaper dispenser.Chloe: How'd you do that?Pete: [opens his hand to reveal a chunk of Green Kryptonite] Clark's Achilles' heel. He may be a Boy Scout, but I'm always prepared.
- Easily Forgiven: The Kents pretty much let Pete off the hook.Pete: [to the Kents] Listen, I'm really sorry about what happened. I don't even remember what I did; Clark filled me in. I just want to say that if you guys never want to speak to me again, I'll understand.Martha: Pete, we knew the risks when Clark told you his secret. Our concern was always that it was an unfair burden on you. And as much as we'd like to take it off your shoulders, we can't.Jonathan: Besides, everybody stumbles. The important thing is you're safe, you're alive, and you're still a member of this family.Clark: Whether you like it or not.
- Eating the Eye Candy: At one point in the episode, Pete takes notice of Chloe's rear.Pete: [as Chloe climbs into the backseat with Clark] Dang, Chloe, never knew you had all that!
- Erotic Eating: Chloe, while infested, suggestively licks a lollipop while speaking with Clark in the Torch office.
- Evil Costume Switch: A mild example. After being infested by one of the parasites, Chloe dyes parts of her blond hair black.
- G-Rated Drug: Red Kryptonite, again. Pete exposes Clark to the stuff to get him to join him and Chloe.
- Guardian Entity: Dr. Walden theorizes that the parasites were placed in the Kawatche Caves to ward off intruders.
- Insufferable Genius: Dr. Walden.
- Jerkass: Dr. Walden is an egocentric and condescending asshole who insists that Lex work on his terms (which include barring Clark, who actually made the discovery, from the caves).
- Make-Out Kids: Clark (under Red K's influence) and Chloe (infested by a parasite) make out in the Talon.
- The Masquerade Will Kill Your Dating Life: Clark is forced to break a planned date with Lana because he has to help Pete.Lana: [after Clark enters the Talon] Hey, you're early. Wasn't expecting you for another hour. Not that I mind. I'm really excited about our date.Clark: So was I.Lana: [smile fades] Why are you speaking in the past tense?Clark: Lana, I can't go out with you tonight. If it wasn't a life-and-death situation, I wouldn't break this date for anything.
- Not Himself: Pete and Chloe (due to the parasites), and Clark (due to Red Kryptonite).
- Remake Cameo: Rob Labelle (Dr. Walden) previously guest-starred on Lois & Clark.
