BTW: that vegetable from the psych ward? Not actually our villain. Rather, a father, whose son seeks vengeance on those who stole his father from him.

Gathered 'round the round table--quite literally--our unconventional knights discuss the past. Hawkman reveals a government task force targeted the JSA, arresting and institutionalizing those who refused cooperation. Consequently, the team fell apart and ultimately disbanded. Clark demands the heroes reband and defend themselves together and Carter reluctantly agrees, as Chloe arrives with information on Icicle Junior.

Chloe and Courtney monitor the team from Watchtower--and although impressed with the scope and capabilities of their headquarters, Courtney offers one simple recommendation: rather than a nuclear war room, treat Watchtower as a home. I second the motion! Any thirds?

Alone with Doctor Fate, Clark inquires concerning his destiny. Fate responds, describing Clark as a leader, Lex Luthor as his opponent and the dawn of a silver age of heroism. When Lois arrives unexpectedly--eagerly following those breadcrumbs--Fate describes her as the key. He informs Lois the Savior will need her...Can you say Superman?

Elsewhere, Agent Waller enters a checkered room where Icicle waits, photos of the Justice Society strewn all around him. Apparently, Waller plucked the delinquent from juvenile detention and trained him as an assassin. An assignment he accepted with one purpose--gaining the opportunity of destroying his father's enemies. The name of our secret government task force? Checkmate.

Clark tracks Lois' and discovers Tess rifling through Miss Lane's desk. He retrieves Lois' files and replaces them just as the lady returns. Ready, set, recap! Lois recounts all the details we already learned concerning the JSA and Icicle--with the addition of one significant detail. Icicle's not alone. An unknown entity secretly released from prison every villain the JSA ever fought, all of whom then disappeared. Checkmate collecting pieces for a chessboard, perhaps? Ask Agent Waller, who leaves Lois with classified files, a cell phone and no introduction...

Scouring the nitrogen depots, Doctor Fate and our favorite Martian discuss Clark. Fate senses Icicle and thrusts John away--for a moment we witness a vision of Mars and glimpse John's alien form--before Icicle pierces Fate through with an icy spear. He then claims the helmet of Nabu and leaves John for dead. Returning to the psych ward, Icicle bids his father farewell and disconnects the life support system, then places the helmet of Nabu on his own head. (Entirely insignificant, but anyone else constantly think Lost with the sight of Fate's golden ankh?)

Learning of Doctor Fate's demise, Hawkman seeks vengeance against Icicle--but Green Arrow follows him. Oliver recognizes his own self-destructive tendencies within Carter and reminds his frenemy of his responsibilities. If you listen to this speech with your eyes closed, you might actually forget Hawman's presence and believe Ollie chastened himself--especially when he mentions a young girl counting on him, along with the rest of his team. Great writing. Great moment.

The remaining members of the team gather within Watchtower, but without warning Icicle appears wearing the helmet of Nabu and knocks Chloe unconscious. Clark, Hawkman, Green Arrow and Stargirl respond simultaneously. Visualize icy winds, laser heat vision, flying men and arrows, flipping cheerleaders, and you might grasp a tenth of the greatness of this scene. Obviously Icicle prevails and Stargirl faces imminent skewerization (again), until Martian Manhunter appears. Powers restored! And the battle shifts. Our heroes corner the frozen fiend and Hawkman knocks Icicle unconscious, reclaiming the helmet of Nabu.

The remainder of the episode practically ties itself up with a bow. Carter encourages Clark as a leader and accepts responsibility for rebanding and training the remaining members of the JSA and their proteges. Chloe, Oliver and John gather together as friends, rather than simply allies. Lois' story steals the front page. Leaving only our villains unaccounted for...

Waller confronts Icicle, who pleads for another chance. She informs him he accomplished his mission--not to destroy the JSA, but reinvigorate their efforts. Her final words to the boy she used and abused before she shoots him in the head? "Welcome to the suicide squad."

Waller then walks into the hallway and greets the one and only...

Agent Mercer.

Are you as hyped for the remainder of the Smallville season as I am? Checkmate vs. Zod vs. Clark, here I come!