thought the actress brought a surprising vulnerability to her and some nice layers
Definitely!

Because it's almost text at this point. Even Clark commented on it in a roundabout way.
I'd have mixed feelings on that because I feel the same way about Lex, but can't imagine them ever actually outing him officially... it would feel like a disturbing double standard if they did so with Tess.

t Chloe showed Clark the letter even as she was going on about how she's changed and moved on and Jimmy's her perfect love or whatever. It was just so passive-aggressive
It really was and I found it so horrible. I hate everything about that plot but just couldn't be bothered bitching about it.

Why is it so hard for them to write one line of dialog explaining where Gabe Sullivan is?
I knooooow! So lazy!