----------

Teaser

The scene opens with a bee flying from flower to flower, collecting pollen. Eewww, big scary bee. We then pan across the Smallville High courtyard area, where students are roaming about, checking out the various tables set up by the candidates for the student presidential election. Chloe has her digital camera, and tries to interview Sasha, one of the leading candidates. Pete says that Sasha is "more of a worker than a leader." About Paul Chan, Pete says he is the "most qualified, but elections aren't about merit, they're about popularity." Then there is Felice Chandler, head cheerleader and president of the drama club, which gives her an edge (was she head cheerleader when Lana was still on the squad? Probably, I suppose, since Lana is just a freshman ...). Pete shows that while he is intelligent and well aware of complicated teenage politics, he's also not above falling prey to it, as he ogles Felice.

Felice makes her way over to Chloe, accusing her of bias since Chloe tried to take Sasha's picture and has not taken hers. Chloe explains that she plans to run photos and bios of all the candidates. Paul comes over and asks Chloe who she's going to endorse in her editorial (which I think is a bit iffy, given that The Torch seems to be a one-woman project). Felice is haughty and mean, telling Paul that if he wants to avoid the pain and humiliation of losing, he ought to drop out now.

Cut to Paul's home, where he is preparing a flyer for his campaign on his computer. Uh-oh; focus on a character this early in the episode, clearly something heinous is about to happen. As Paul is in the bathroom washing up his face, we notice a bee (eek!) on his towel. He is stung, and uses a pair of tweezers to remove the stinger. Unfortunately, this is not the end of the matter -- a swarm of bees fly out of the sink drain, and Paul screams.

Act One

Pete and Clark are roaming the school halls, discussing what happened to Paul, who was stung by over a hundred bees and is in the hospital. Pete says this puts a different spin on the elections. Chloe defends Paul, saying that his name is still on the ballot and wouldn't have to take office until the fall, so he could recover by then. Pete's analysis: "Out of sight, out of mind."

Pete then says that there is a new candidate who could make things interesting. Chloe asks who that is, and as the three of them round the corner, we see Clark's face go blank. There, hanging in the hallway, is a banner that reads: "Clark Kent for President." Clark seems less than happy, but Pete insists that Clark has the whole package: looks, brains, and farm-boy charm. Clark asks why Pete doesn't run -- Pete says that he knows his strengths, and it's more the power behind the throne. Pete starts a chant of "Clark, Clark, Clark" which the other students in the hall participate in, cheesily enough.

***

We see a gorgeous silver car speeding down the road, and there can be only one person behind the wheel. Lex is in his classic black suit/lavender shirt ensemble that makes him look ultra sexy (objectivity be damned). He passes a bright red sports car stopped at the side of the road, a woman in a sexy business suit (short skirt and all) and long legs working on it with the hood popped open. We hate her immediately, as Lex does the predictable thing and stops.

It's Carrie Castle, a Denise Richards look-alike who seems aloof and dismissive at first, but Lex soon figures out that she's just a fraud. In actuality, she is more than a damsel in distress (and not even that, as Lex tries the engine and it turns over just fine) -- she's a reporter with The Metropolis Journal. Immediately, Lex goes from flirtatious to ruthless. He prepares to leave, saying he's taken back entrances all his life to avoid people like her.

Castle wants to write an article about him, saying that in usual stories he's dismissed as a wild-child playboy or the spoiled son of Lionel Luthor. She continues, saying he's gotten some good press in The Inquisitor but The Journal isn't a tabloid; it's a respectable paper and could help change his image. (This comparative process of getting more media on his side, going from a tabloid then up to more respectable papers, demonstrating Lex's own growth in terms of power, is a neat one.) Castle wants to do a cover story, promising fairness and accuracy; a way to provide the kind of legitimacy he needs to make his way out of his father's shadow. Lex declines, and we are relieved that his shrewdness is not readily compromised by a pretty face and an even prettier story. He drives off, leaving Castle looking pissed.

***

Back in the Smallville High hallways (have you noticed that we've never once seen them in class?), Clark is still bemoaning to Chloe about how Pete could do this. Sasha approaches them, demanding rather shrilly to know why Clark is running. Clark explains that it's just a gag and will be removing his name from the ballot. Sasha, who is WAY too into it, says that the election is far to important to turn into a joke.

In the Kent homestead, Martha reads one of Clark's flyers, apparently prepared by Pete. Clark says that he's going to withdraw tomorrow, but Jonathan pipes in and says he thinks it's a terrific idea. He and Martha say that Clark can do whatever he wants, but "quitting is a hard habit to break." And you're just sitting there, appalled by these people who basically pressure Clark into doing one thing or another -- don't play football. Run for the election or you'll be a quitter. Incredible.

***

At The Talon, Lana is putting centerpieces on the tables. The place is deserted and she seems supremely put out by the fact. Apparently, The Beanery has been trying to put The Talon out of business ever since it opened. She's tried all sorts of things -- coupons, ads, price cuts -- but nothing has worked. (One wonders exactly what The Beanery has been doing to overcome all of that.) If this continues, Lana says they'll have to close their doors in a month.

Clark asks if Lana has spoken to Lex, who is "an investor." Huh. I was under the impression that Lex owned the place -- has this changed? Lana, still put out, says that Lex has been "uncharacteristically silent." Lana says that this is her battle to win or lose, and that she is determined to win. KK delivers this with such vehemence that we believe her. Then suddenly she changes the subject to Clark's election, and turns back into the smiley Lana we all know. Clark says that he's not really running, and Lana says it's too bad -- she thinks he would make a great class president.

CLARK: Really?
LANA: Yeah. You're honest. People trust you, and you have this innate sense of justice. I can see it on your face how upset you get every time you think somebody's being mistreated.
CLARK: You see all that in me?
LANA: Yes, I do.

Can we all literally SEE Clark changing his mind about running?

***

Lex is preparing a drink in his office. "Clark Kent for President," he says as Clark walks in. Apparently, Lex is so in the know that even Smallville High student elections are not beyond notice. Or, Pete put a Clark flyer on Lex's windshield.

Lex asks if Clark has come by for a campaign contribution; Clark wants to know if Lex knows about The Talon.

LEX: You mean the fact that it's been practically empty the last two weeks?

Apparently, he does know.

CLARK: Do you plan on helping Lana out? She's been trying everything.
LEX: She's doing an admirable job.

Lex says that he's not going to subsidize a money-losing operation; The Talon has to find its own feet. It strikes me how much Clark, despite his claims to the opposite, coddles Lana. On first viewing, I thought it was a bit cold and cruel of Lex to be so indifferent; however, I've since realized that his very willingness to let Lana hash it out on her own speaks of a certain confidence in her abilities; not to mention that it wouldn't be like Lex to let sentimentality get in the way of business. That was his attitude when Lana first made her proposal to him wrt The Talon, and he has not changed -- nor should he. Still, Clark suggests that maybe Lex could swing by, to show some solidarity. We can tell that Lex considers this, as he says that Clark is already working for his constituents.

Lex then says that Clark needs a new slogan, and we learn that Lex also once ran for student office. He, of course, won -- though he admits that his aspirations weren't very noble. (That's all they say about it, but I for one would like to know what exactly those aspirations were!) Clark asks if Lex has any tips, and Lex says that Clark doesn't need his methods; Clark will win on his own terms.

LEX: Just remember, the man of tomorrow is forged by his battles today.

Clark is captivated by this, and asks Lex if he can use that for his slogan. "Knock yourself out," Lex says. Oh, is there anything sexier than a man who can spout profundities like that and make you believe it?? I swear, if Lex started a cult, I would be the first to join. And this, KNOWING who/what he is.

***

Back in the school hallway (where else?) Clark has his campaign booth set up, and flyers with his new slogan (Clark Kent: Man of Tomorrow) posted everywhere. Chloe asks what changed his mind; it soon becomes apparent as Lana comes over to praise his efforts. Clark suggests that he have his election rally at The Talon, which will help bring people by. Chloe rolls her eyes through the whole exchange ... poor bitter girl. She's dismissive, and he's a bit upset, saying that Pete and Lana believe in him; it's interesting that she doesn't.

CHLOE: I just want to know what you stand for.
CLARK: I stand for truth, justice, and ... other stuff.

She then reels off a whole list of school issues and doesn't let Clark get in a word edgewise -- a bit obnoxious, if you ask me. Her parting shot: "Okay, well I think the man of tomorrow needs to get a platform for today."

And dammit, there IS something to be said for having someone in your life that tells you how it is without rose-colored glasses, no matter how painful; Chloe does that for Clark, just as Lex does that for Lana.

Pete shows up to tell Clark where he has to show up next to court votes, and says that as long as people like Clark, they'll vote for him -- doesn't matter about a platform. In real life, this is very, very true -- and particularly in student elections.

Sasha rips one of Clark's flyers off a locker, staring at it balefully.

***

Sasha enters a shed of some kind that boasts a banner: "Campaign Headquarters." A bee is buzzing around her head and she waves it off impatiently. She enters the shed, which is filled with your usual shed-junk. On a corkboard, she puts up Clark's flyer next to that of Felice's. There is a loud buzzing sound that gets louder and louder, and she turns away.

"STOP!!" she yells angrily, and the huge swarm of bees that we now see quiet down. "Not now; I have work to do," she says in a lower, more calm voice. Some of the bees band together, forming the shape of her face, which makes her smile.

Act Two

Chloe's in The Torch office, typing on her computer. Clark enters, asking if she can help put up flyers. She says that she's still working on the bee story; apparently, beekeepers from all over the state have found their hives empty.

CHLOE: It's like the colonies just up and left.
CLARK: That's weird; bees are notorious followers. They wouldn't desert their hive without good reason. My mom's addicted to Discovery Channel.

She asks about his platform; he says he hasn't gotten a chance to work on it. He's been so busy meeting new people that he's even gotten invited to parties on the weekend.

CHLOE: I can't believe it only took one day for you to be compromised by the lure of popularity.
CLARK: Remind me to pull your funding after I'm elected.

Clark then asks to see her editorial; she tries to stop him, and with good reason: She's chosen to support Paul. Clark is pretty angry and upset by this. He clearly feels betrayed.

CHLOE: It's great that you're all gung-ho and slogany now, but the truth is, the only reason you ran is because Pete suckered you into it. Paul has a clear stance on issues you have yet to articulate. It's nothing personal.
CLARK: I understand, Chloe.

Clark stalks off, still furious. Great delivery by TW there.

***

At The Talon, the place is not exactly buzzing (it takes a stronger person than me to resist such a gimme pun) with customers. Whitney is there with his friends, but of course, they're mainly there to support Lana. Pete says that he and Clark wanted to take advantage of the two-for-one deal.

LANA: I figure that's the last step before I institute topless waitressing.
PETE: Well, here's to hoping it fails miserably.

Clark says that when he passed by The Beanery it seemed pretty busy; Lana shares that The Beanery's owner stopped by earlier to say that it was his mission to run The Talon into the ground. Dear me. And of course, to tie in with the election stuff, Lana says that the guy had the nerve to tell her that it wasn't personal, just business.

CLARK: Why does everyone over 40 quote The Godfather?
LANA: I don't know, but it's really annoying.

Lana asks how the political front is going; Clark says that it shows who your real friends are (interesting distinction, considering). Lana offers to help Clark with his speech, which he's stoked about.

Enter Lex. Wheeeeeeee!

LEX: Glad to see business is booming.
LANA: It's hard when even your regular customers blow you off.
LEX: I haven't been blowing you off, Lana. I've had my eye on the situation.
LANA: Waiting for me to fail. (KK delivers this with more sadness than bitterness.)
LEX: Most new ventures don't make it. You have to prepare yourself for that possibility.
CLARK: I thought you didn't like to lose. (Oh butt out, Clark! This is a conversation between the two Ls!)
LEX: I don't. But it's not my fight. As an investor, you have to know when to cut your losses.
LANA: So what do you suggest I do? (Very vulnerable-like.)
LEX: The Beanery has declared war. If you want to hold on to this place, you need to get creative. Be willing to get your hands dirty. (Lana looks uncertain.) Don't worry, I'm not suggesting anything illegal. To quote The Godfather, "It's time to go to the mattresses." (I agree, capital solution, Lex. Will that be your bedroom or hers?)
LANA: That movie should be banned from basic cable.

She and Clark share the joke. Lex seems a bit put out. Poor Lex.

***

Back in the schoolyard (oh dear God that I'm watching a show where I can say that), Sasha approaches Felice, saying that she's made the decision that Felice needs to drop out. Oh, sure, that's gonna go over well. Felice says that she's the frontrunner, so that is not going to happen. Sasha makes painful metaphors, such as the fact that the situation is like a hive with two queens -- and one always goes down.

FELICE: You know what? You're a freak! (Sadly, we have to agree with the airhead.)

Felice gets in her car and drives off.

***

Lex is getting a massage. MmmmNekkidChest!Lex. He tells his masseuse that she's the best part of her day (show of hands -- who wants to be Gaby?) -- she says thank you, and he apparently recognizes that it's not Gaby at all. It's Carrie Castle (show of hands -- who wants to be Carrie?). Lex looks like he's trying to control his temper. She continues to massage him, asking isn't she doing a good job? "Lucky for you," he replies, and lies back down.

CASTLE: It took a while to figure out what would tempt you. And then it hit me. It's not your picture on the cover of The Journal so much as the words "Son Outshines Father" in the caption. (Or as the headline, given that it's a cover, but whatever.) How am I doing?

Lex capitulates, and she's ready with her tape recorder ... but he stops her, saying he paid for an hour. Bwahahaha.

***

Principal Kwan is trying to drive off the school parking lot, but there is a white VW Beetle blocking the way. He honks a few times, but there is no response. He gets out to ask Felice what the hell her problem is (impressive that he knows the students' cars), knocking on her window. Still no response. He opens the door, and is horrified to find Felice's corpse being eaten up by hundreds, possibly thousands, of bees. Siiiiiiiick.

***

Clark and Pete are in the cafeteria discussing Clark's chances, when Chloe shows up. The two guys are clearly still bitter about her "defection" -- Pete more apparently so than Clark. Clark asks stiltedly if she's heard about Felice; Chloe says that Felice was stung far worse than Paul and is in a coma. Pete breaks his stoicism to note that that's two candidates stung in a week; a pretty freaky coincidence. The ice is broken. Clark reminds them of the time last year when Sasha was stung by a whole hive of bees.

CHLOE: You think because of that, she's somehow controlling them?

Oh, don't play the skeptic, Chloe. You know you're totally turned on by this theory.

The lunch bell rings, and suddenly things are awkward again. She tells him to watch his back; oh, the irony.

Clark gets some books out of his locker and turns around to find Sasha. She says she's just heard about Felice; Clark is on his guard. Sasha says the good news is that Clark doesn't have to run anymore; with Felice out of the picture it's best just to let Sasha run things.

CLARK: What about democracy? Don't you believe people should have freedom of choice?

Sasha is pissed off that Clark's not capitulating. She says that she really needs this, that her parents are really putting pressure on her to win the election or she won't get into a good college. Clark doesn't back down, and Sasha makes what sounds like a threat. He asks if she wouldn't happen to know something about the bees that attacked Felice; Sasha asks if he's accusing her of something. He replies that it seems odd bees would attack two people in the election; his thought is that somebody is behind it. Sasha narrows her eyes and her lips go in to a thin line. Ooh, he's touched a nerve. But really, how suspicious would it look if all the candidates were taken out in the same manner, with one candidate left standing? Duh.

***

Clark is in The Talon staring at a blank notepad. Speech writing is apparently not going well. Lana shows up with a couple mugs of hot drink (or cold, I suppose), and they commiserate about how much work they both have to do. Lana says that her dream was to restore the old theater completely.

LANA: Come on, Clark. Back to the speech. You have to decide what you believe in.
CLARK: I believe in my friends and their dreams.

That was delivered nicely, and has resonance beyond simply Lana (even if that's not intended).

Lana hears a noise, and they both start looking around. It seems to be coming from all over, and we know it's the bees, the skeery, skeery bees. Clark uses his X-ray vision to see that they're coming, and as they start pouring out of the vents he hides Lana in a closet while he goes into another room and grabs a pipe that sprays cold air (I think?). Soon there are frozen dead bees everywhere, looking like pebbles. Clark's own hand is encased in ice (I think?), and he looks around at the frozen landscape.

Act Three

Clark is sitting with Lana on her porch, apparently helping her put some antiseptic on a bee sting. She says she still can't believe he didn't get stung. He tells her that he needs to find Sasha; Lana asks if he thinks Sasha had something to do with it. Clark says yes, but he just doesn't know how she's controlling the bees. Lana, I'm glad to see, does not get all skeptical and hide-her-head-in-the-sand; she says that Clark should call Chloe.

CLARK: We're still not really talking. Can you believe she didn't endorse me?
LANA: Well, if I were in her position I probably would have done the same thing. She's just trying to be objective, and she endorsed the person who she thought was most qualified for the job. (Meaning ... if she were trying to be objective, Lana also would have chosen Paul?)
CLARK: Yeah, but still.
LANA: Clark. You said you believed in your friends. She only did what she thought was right.

Of course, when Lana speaks, Clark listens. I'm glad Lana was brutally honest with him and defended Chloe, at the same time that it's annoying she's the only one who seems to be able to reach him.

***

Clark goes to Sasha's campaign headquarters -- aka, the shed. Once inside, he is startled by Chloe. He tells her that he doesn't hold her endorsement against her and that he doesn't like to be in a fight with her. She concedes that she could have warned him.

CLARK: Everything has changed in my life in the last year. My parents, Lana ... the only thing constant has been you. I'm glad for that, Chloe.

We know this is supposed to be a compliment, but we're not sure it really is. Chloe isn't sure either. She says, "Me too," but obviously we know that she WANTS things to change. And anyway, how has his relationship with his parents changed?

Honey drips onto Clark's jacket, and when they look up they find that the ceiling looks like the inside of a hive. Mmmhoney. Chloe says that she thinks Sasha is emitting the Queen Bee pheromone. Clark wants to know how Sasha picked that up.

CHLOE: She was stung over a thousand times. They were Africanized honey bees, and the doctors didn't hold out much hope because she was allergic.
CLARK: How do they account for the miracle recovery?
CHLOE: They don't, and neither could I until I found out the accident happened in Schuster's Gorge.
CLARK: That's the deepest crater in town.
CHLOE: Yeah, you do the meteorite math. The bees did something to her to make her their queen bee. (Yay, finally, the correct use of "meteorite"!)

Of course, it's allllll coming together. Clark is afraid of what will happen if Sasha loses the election.

CHLOE: Bees are only loyal to a point. Once she loses control, her scent will change and the bees will know. They won't be happy.

***

Castle meets Lex at The Talon -- she's looking pretty sharp in a tailored pantsuit. She thanks him for agreeing to meet with her to get a few more quotes, and Lex smiles really big. This is never a good sign for the person at the other end, bwahahahaha.

He tells her he's gotten the chance to read the rough draft of her story; she's upset he's been able to find it. Oh, we love Lex. The headline: Paper Tiger. "It's hardly the flattering expose you promised," he says regretfully.

CASTLE: It's fair and accurate.
LEX: It's a hatchet job. You twisted everything I said.
CASTLE: My journalism professors says, "If you want to bring down Goliath, you better know his Achilles heel." Yours is your ego.
LEX: I see they like to mix metaphors at East Tennessee Community College.

Bwahahahaha, gotta love the disses he hands out. He continues to smile, which makes us smile, because he's clearly got the upper hand. He wants to know how much his father has paid her. She calls him paranoid.

CASTLE: I plan on making a name for myself as a hard-hitting journalist and you're a very visible target. (But hello, you said yourself: There have been dozens of articles on Lex and he's ALREADY been a target for so many other people. This is old news.)
LEX: What's it gonna take to make this article go away?
CASTLE: Unlike your whore at The Inquisitor I'm not for sale. (Oh, I doubt that very much. You whore.) Goodbye, Lex. Thanks for being my first.

Lex looks pretty pissed. Oh, NO. We don't like anyone to get the better of Lex. Luckily, there's still plenty of time for him to work his magic. You have until the resolution of the bee thing, Lex.

***

Sasha goes into Clark's barn, and is startled by his sudden appearance. She's got a note; apparently he asked her to meet him. He tells her that he's decided to drop out of the election and wanted her to be the first to know. She makes a very arrogant speech about how she will provide strong leadership for the student body. Clark confronts her about putting her opponents in the hospital.

She realizes he hasn't dropped out at all, and says that no one can stop her. Being a smart cookie, she also realizes that he plan was to get her to lure the bees over to him, though she doesn't know how exactly he was going to take care of matters. So instead, she summons her bee posse to go attack his mother, who is outside using the tractor.

Act Four

Martha runs for her life, but clearly can't outrun the bees. I wish she wouldn't keep turning around to make sure they're still there -- it slows her down and anyway, can't she HEAR them? Clark races over using super speed and brings her to the storm cellar, and safety.

Sasha goes back to her shed, but Clark has beaten her there. She's shocked that he's there, but of course is not yet remorseful. She's clearly being pressured by her parents, and as she's giving an impassioned speech about there being leaders and followers, bees start to bang on the windows, wanting to be let in. She didn't tell them to come back; clearly she has lost control.

The bees crash through the window and Sasha panics, crying out that she's allergic. She passes out. Clark thinks quickly and using the available material, blows the shed to pieces while covering Sasha with his own body.

***

Clark and Pete are at Paul Chan's victory party at The Talon -- Chloe is taking pictures since Paul can't be present. Pete bemoans the fact that even though Sasha and Felice dropped out, Clark STILL lost. Clark tells Chloe that she was right to endorse Paul; he clearly was the more qualified candidate. But she tells him that he's exhibiting dignity in the face of defeat; a quality all great leaders possess.

Lex shows up, and clearly since he doesn't know Paul from Adam, he must be there for ... ah, yes. Lana. "Nice crowd," he says, and she's beaming, saying she thinks there will be more nights like this.

LEX: How can you be sure?
LANA: Let's just say I went to the mattresses. (Lex looks proud and a bit turned on, if you ask me.) Check on page three of The Ledger tomorrow.
LEX: Can you give me a preview? (Translation: You didn't institute topless waitressing, did you?)
LANA: (confidentially) Apparently, our rival coffeehouse has had several health department violations they've been trying to cover up.
LEX: (grins delightedly) How'd you hear about that?
LANA: Our vendor told me. (Plus, come on, didn't you work there for a time?) So Chloe had her reporter friend look into it. And sure enough, it's true. (I like that Lana helped Chloe, and Chloe helped Lana.)
LEX: Very creative. I'm impressed.

Lana grins widely and looks very proud of herself indeed. Enter Clark. Lex says he's sorry about the election, but Clark shares a nugget of wisdom from Jonathan (sorry, can't help the sarcasm): You learn more about yourself when you lose.

LEX: What did you learn?
CLARK: I'm not destined to be a politician. You need two different personalities.
LEX: You don't need to be an elected official to change the world, Clark.
CLARK: Have you ever thought about getting into politics?
LEX: Some day, I'd like to be President.

Auuughh, foreshadowing! Or rather, more foreshadowing to support previous foreshadowing!

***

Castle makes her way into Lex's office. Ah yes, forgot about our intrepid reporter, didn't you? She's cocky and determined to keep her upper hand; Lex tells her he doesn't want her to change a word of her story -- but there's a Managing Editor position at The Journal if she wants it. The only catch is that if someone tries to blackmail her, she now has something to hide.

CASTLE: I don't know if you're better or worse than your father. (Lex seems delighted by this.)
LEX: What are you going to tell him when he finds out you killed the article?
CASTLE: Who says he's behind it?
LEX: Please, Ms. Castle. I've never insulted your intelligence; don't insult mine.
CASTLE: I'll tell him I got an offer I couldn't refuse. (Bwahahaha, more quotage from The Godfather)

Lex and Castle shake hands.

***

Lana visits Clark up in his Fortress of Solitude. She apologizes for not being able to talk more at The Talon, but the place was packed.

CLARK: I'd assume that was a good thing.
LANA: It is. It's just ... I'm not sure I liked what I did. You know, playing dirty with The Beanery. (First, she didn't seem to have any second thoughts whatsoever when she was with Lex, and second, I think "playing dirty" would have been to CREATE the health-code violations, not just reporting them.)
CLARK: Maybe the mattress isn't for you.
LANA: I felt I had to choose between doing the right thing and being successful. The weird part is, I kind of enjoyed being underhanded. (You weren't THAT underhanded. You have a ways to go. Let Lex show you the way. <g>)
CLARK: Lana Lang, seduced by the dark side? Who woulda thunk?

Sure, joke now, Clark. It won't be so funny when the woman you love falls for Lex. BWAHAHAHAHAHA. Ahem. </evil laugh>

Clark says that he himself got caught up in the whole popularity thing. Lana asks to hear his speech, and that's how we cut out ... Clark reading his speech to Lana as she listens attentively.

The End