Originally aired May 15, 2008
Written by Holly Henderson & Don Whitehead
Directed by Todd Slavkin
Kara tells Lex that Clark is the Traveler and that he must kill him to save Earth. After Chloe is attacked by Brainiac, Clark confronts Brainiac.
Tropes present in the episode:
- Anguished Declaration of Love: As the Fortress collapses with the both of them still inside, Lex tells Clark he loved him like a brother and regrets that things have to end this way.Lex:: [to Clark] I loved you like a brother, Clark. But it has to end this way. I'm sorry.
- Apologetic Attacker: See above.
- Cliffhanger: Season 7 ends with Lex using the Orb to cause the Fortress to collapse into the ice with himself and Clark still inside.
- Motive Rant: Lex launches into one after he goes to the Fortress and Clark shows up.Clark: I'm not your enemy, Lex. I've never done anything to hurt you.Lex: You didn't trust me with everything you had, with everything you could do. Did you ever think about what we could have accomplished together? I would have helped you become a hero!Clark: When have you ever thought of anyone but yourself?Lex: Right now, I'm doing this for the world. I have to protect the human race.Clark: This is my life. You have no right to control it!Lex: It's my birthright! After all my sacrifices, after all the pain...I finally understand—I was being prepared for a much greater destiny. Everything led me to this moment.Clark: And we're both here. We're in that moment. And what happens next is your choice. But no one is controlling you, Lex. No one is forcing you do this.Lex: Who am I to turn my back on my fellow man? Especially after you turned your back on me? I'm sorry, Clark, but you are the Traveler. You hold the future of the entire planet in your hands. I'm here to take it back. You'll never threaten the world again.
- Plot Device: Lex uses the Orb to bring down the Fortress with himself and Clark inside.
- Put on a Bus: Played with. Michael Rosenbaum departs here. However, the character of Lex Luthor would stay (via Fake Shemp, recycled footage and voice clips) until his demise next season. This also marks the end of Kristin Kreuk's tenure as a regular cast member; she would return next season for a mini-arc that would write Lana Lang out for good.
- Sealed Good in a Can: Kara is trapped inside the Phantom Zone, courtesy of Brainiac.
- Season Finale: The show's seventh.
- Taking You with Me: Lex causes the Fortress to collapse on himself and Clark.
- Wham Episode: Lex finally finds out Clark's secret and causes the Fortress to collapse upon himself and Clark.
- What Measure Is a Non-Human?: When Brainiac taunts him on how he can't take a life (because killing him is the only way to cure Lana and Chloe), Clark replies "You're not a man; you're a machine" right before exposing Brainiac to a huge dose of electricity, killing him.Clark: You will release Chloe! You'll release Lana!Brainiac: The only way to save them would be to kill me now, in cold blood, which goes against everything you stand for. You could never deliberately take another man's life.Clark: You're not a man; you're a machine.
