Oh yes, once again you put into words everything so beautifully, and in so doing bring me completely around to an episode I was ambivalent about by pointing out so clearly all the good things in it. I really especially liked Clark's personal growth in this episode--you can see him becoming an adult, a very alone adult. And yes, that scene in which he lied to Lana so lucidly and calmly, despite the weight of the lie, really was chilling--there's no other word for it.

My main frustration was with how stupid Lex seemed to be in this episode. I didn't mind it so much in relation to Clark's sudden strength... because he's always turning a blind eye to Clark, even as he is obsessed with discovering his difference. I'm certainly okay with Clark being Lex's blind spot :) But I couldn't come up with an acceptable reason for it being *so* easy for Fine to play Lex for a dupe. However, you're completely right, it really is believable, as Fine plays Lex masterfully, which suggests that his research into Luthorcorp and Lex goes beyond just how Lex is a ruthless business magnate with dangerous aspirations to who Lex is as a person. That could lead to very interesting developments in the future. (Keeping in mind that I am completely unspoiled...)

So thank you for making me think and bringing me round :)