LOIS LANE'S SISTER, LUCY, COMES TO TOWN

Lois' (Erica Durance) younger sister, Lucy (guest star Peyton List), with whom Lois doesn't get along, comes to town and charms everyone she meets. However, Clark discovers a darker side to Lucy after he catches her stealing money from a bar and forces her to reveal the truth about her sudden appearance in Smallville - a truth that puts Lois in grave danger. Meanwhile, the crystal disappears from Lana's (Kristin Kreuk) apartment and Jason accuses Lionel of stealing it.

Michael Rosenbaum, Allison Mack, Annette O'Toole and John Schneider also star. David Barrett directed the episode written by Neil Sadhu & Dan Sulzberg.

Lois (to Lucy): You're gonna find that Clark's charm is an acquired taste, much like his fashion sense.

Lana: Remember when our biggest worry was trying to find a place to steal a kiss?
Jason: Yeah. You usually preferred under the bleachers.

Lex (to Clark): Two Lanes under one roof. That's got to be interesting.

Lucy: I swear I'm not a criminal.
Clark: Well, you do a good job impersonating one.

Chloe (to Lois): Before you go all Lifetime heroine, remember this isn't the school bully she's dealing with.

Lucy: Are we there yet?
Lois: Have you ever been in a car and not uttered those words?

Becker (to Lois): You wouldn't want Lucy to be an only child, would you.

Lex (to Clark): Just because you have the same blood running through your veins doesn't make you family.

Clark: Do you ever miss not having a sibling?
Lex: I used to until I met you Clark. You're closer to me than any blood brother.

Lex (to Lionel): Dad, clearly the idea of personal space is lost on you.

Lionel (to Lex): Either you're the best con man in the world or you're truly unbelievably naive.

Lois (to Clark): There is something cathartic about telling a three star general to go to hell.

Lois: You're amazing, Smallville. You always look for the best in people even when they walk all over you.
Clark: I guess that explains why we're friends.
Lois: Oh, we're friends now?
Clark: Well, I won't tell anyone if you don't.

Lois reveals she has issues with her sisters while Lucy makes herself comfortable with Clark's circle of friends. A man arrives and appears to be watching her. Jason confronts Lionel who denies any knowledge of the stone's theft, and Lana walks in and sees Jason's continuing interest. Lucy breaks into the Talon and steals the money from the safe, but Clark catches her. She reveals she went to a loan shark, Marcus Becker, who was the guy watching her earlier. She owes $50,000 and Chloe identifies him. They go to Lex's manor where Lucy already is – she doesn't want anyone's help even when Lex chips in.

Lucy comes around and Lex puts up the bearers bonds, as he knows Becker's employer, a German syndicate. Lex takes the bonds in with Lucy and Lois, but en route they're pulled over by the police . . . who turns out to be Becker in a stolen uniform and car. Lex has a tracking device in the case but Becker transfers the bodns to a bag and then cold-cocks Lex. Lois attacks him but he takes both women prisoner in a semi while Clark goes to the warehouse, which turns out to be an innocent business.

Becker plans to use the Lanes for ransom for Lex's money, but both Clark and Lois figure out that Lucy is playing them – she's involved with Becker to get the money. When Becker calls, Clark uses his super-hearing to track the call while Lucy explains she's been doing the crimes out of jealousy over Lois' relationship with their father. Clark superspeeds to the rendezvous site and jumps onto the semi, then knocks out Becker and departs as Lex and his security arrive. Lex prepares to turn Lucy over to the authorities but she escapes.

Lex meets with Clark and notes he can use Becker as a bargaining chip, even though he's out the $50,000 that Lucy took. Lionel reveals that Jason visited him and accuses Lex of taking the stone, but Lex is unaware that Jason had it and seems innocent of theft. At her apartment, Lana reveals that she hid the stone herself without telling Jason or anyone else.

High Point
The single bound was cool, even if there weren't any tall buildings.

Low Point
Chloe is turning into Pete; used rarely, but used well. She could use some more screen time, given recent developments.

The Review
This wasn't that original in terms of plot, but you have to give them credit for setting up the comparisons and parallels between the families. I give it 4 out of 6.

The effects this week were some of those we've seen before, and one very nice new one. I give it 5 out of 6.

The story, predictable as it was, still managed to hold together well. It also allowed for some great character moments near the end. I give it 4 out of 6.

The acting this week wasn't too bad. Peyton List was an appropriate choice for Lucy Lane, and played off of Erica Durance well. Welling can still be stiff at times, but his heroic behaviour is shaping up nicely. I give it 4 out of 6.

The emotional response wasn't particularly strong until the rescue. That was a great scene, particularly when they kept some effect shots quite rapid, so it wasn't obvious what was going on. It played out with the effects, but not for the effects. I give it 5 out of 6, primarily for that great scene. Clark's behaviour from start to finish is exactly what I'd expect from a developing Superman.

The production was, again, well done. The Rockies are close enough to Vancouver to double nicely for the Swiss Alps, and the opening sequence managed to grab attention well with some difficult shooting. I give it 5 out of 6.

Overall, this wasn't spectacular, but it was a good episode. I give it 5 out of 6.

In total, Lucy receives 32 out of 42.