Originally aired April 29, 2011
Written by John Chisholm
Directed by Justin Hartley
Clark and Oliver journey to the Phantom Zone, where they are captured and brought before Zod. Lois learns that Clark trusted Tess with a shocking secret.
Tropes present in the episode:
- Batman Gambit: Clark and Oliver pull one on Zod in order to escape from the Phantom Zone.
- Beard of Evil: Zod sports one now.
- Brought Down to Normal: Neither Clark nor Zod have powers while in the Phantom Zone.
- Cain and Abel: Zod compares himself and Clark to these two.Zod: Do you remember that most famous story about two brothers from your adopted planet? You've got Cain and Abel. Which brother are you, Kal-El?Clark: Well, I'd never murder you. I saved you.Zod: You exiled me. I'm in charge here and you're about to find out what that means, brother.
- Cool Chair: Zod's throne is made of skulls.
- Deal with the Devil: Zod reveals to Oliver that he made one with Darkseid to gain rulership over the Phantom Zone in exchange for killing Clark.Zod: [to Oliver] After the Kandorians sent me here, a very powerful entity came looking for me. Darkseid promised lordship over this dominion if I solve one problem for him.
- Fusion Dance: Zod reveals that he merged with his Phantom self after being imprisoned by the Kandorians.Clark: I will find a way to defeat you.Zod: You'll have to work twice as hard. Because when I arrived here, I made a very special acquaintance, someone you know, and someone I'm very, very fond of.Clark: Who?Zod: Me.Clark: The original Zod's phantom.Zod: Finally back in the body that you stripped me of. Now I have the full knowledge of two lives, and you, you are my enemy in both.
- He's Back!: Zod. An interesting example, too, given the Fusion Dance mentioned above.
- In the Hood: Zod's re-introduction.
- "Not So Different" Remark: Zod tells Clark such during their first confrontation.Zod: We're blood brothers, Kal-El. Have you forgotten how you healed me with your blood on Earth?Clark: We're not brothers. I saved you because it was the right thing to do. We have nothing in common.Zod: We're from the same world. Do you really think that having powers is the only thing that makes you Kryptonian? It's not. We share the same instincts. We're decisive, single-minded, headstrong. We were meant to be leaders.
- Sealed Evil in a Can: Major Zod was imprisoned in the Phantom Zone by the Kandorians.
- Sealed Good in a Can: Clark and Oliver travel to the Phantom Zone and end up being taken captive by Zod's goons.
- Title Drop: Done courtesy of Major Zod
- Villain of the Week: Zod, who pulled a Fusion Dance with his predecessor's spirit.
- Year Outside, Hour Inside: At the end of the episode, Clark learns that even though he and Oliver only experienced hours in the Phantom Zone, back on Earth, it's been three weeks. All of which Lois waited patiently for his return and set up their apartment.
