News Break: We interrupt your regular programming for an update on the Kandorian civil war effort. The 'I Love Lois' show will return at its usual day and time next week.

Now, I know the lack of Clois may cause symptoms of withdrawal for some, but personally? I say bring on the history lesson! I know. I am a nerd. But stories are hollow and characters merely cardboard cutouts without a tangible history. For those who constantly ask: Who? What? Why? Where? When? And how? This episode offers answers...While raising even greater questions. Just the way I like my puzzles.

PAST: 20 years before the destruction of Krypton, civil war rages on the Kandorian border. As a medic gathers blood samples from Major Zod (Callum Blue) and his batallion, the renowned scientist Jor-El (Julian Sands) interrupts. Zod defends his friend, but warns against the wrath of the ruling council. As the sounds of battle suddenly cease, the men turn and witness as Kandor is razed, Zod crying out: "My wife. My son!"

Charged with treason, Jor-El defends himself, reminding the council that he intended his technology for healing, not resurrection through cloning. He further claims that by sending the orb, the Kryptonians only doom the future of earth. The council condemns Jor-El, decreeing death, but Zod saves him--witnessing on behalf of his friend. Offering mercy, the council reverses its' judgment on the condition that Jor-El complete the orb.

As Jor-El prepares the orb, Zod begs that his friend use the technology to bring back the son he lost in the fall of Kandor. But Jor-El denies him, refusing to change the past. Furious, Zod declares: "You are as dead to me as my son."

PRESENT: Chloe (Allison Mack) and Tess (Cassidy Freeman) simultaneously hunt Kandorians, while Zod hunts Jor-El. The teams? Chloe chooses Clark (Tom Welling) and Oliver (Justin Hartley), while Tess partners with Zod. On your mark. Get set. Go!

Since Clark's wings are still clipped, Chloe enlists Queen airlines for a quick trip to the Turkish desert where our heroes uncover a familiar Kandorian symbol buried in the sand--the symbol of the House of El. Clark also discovers Kandorian military tags belonging to his father as halfway around the world a mysterious stranger arrives at the Kent farm. Coinky-dink? I think not.

Chloe 'accidentally' happens upon Jor-El and while she reveals the fate of Krypton and tells him about his son, he explains the experiment with the orb and his history with Zod. He also shares that he visited earth as a young man and retained fond memories of Smallville and the Kent family...and Chloe is down for the count! Not due any yawn-worthiness of their reminiscence either. Jor-El used the Kryptonian sleeper hold on her--also known as the Vulcan death grip. Random interjection: but anyone else think Jor-El rather resembles Spock? Unfortunately, Tess' commandoes are not defeated so easily and Jor-El falls the victim of a taser.

Clark's father awakes chained as Tess greets him. He might not trust her motives, but he recognizes the sense underlying her plan: convince Zod he is the Blur, thus protecting his son's secret from the Kandorians. Only catch? Zod recognizes the lies and realizes the truth. The major releases Jor-El, believing he will lead them to the one that will give them their powers--his son.

Elsewhere Clark corners Tess for information regarding his father and luckily for her, she attached a tracking device to the elder El's clothes. Clark races home and comes face-to-face with his Kryptonian father for the first time. (Sorry, but I do not count meetings in the fortress as 'face-to-face'). Tragically though, a wounded Jor-El dies in Clark's arms. His final words: "Save Zod."

So, answers gained and questions raised?

1. The Kandorians are clones, shadows of their former selves, remembering only their lives up until the moment their blood was taken and nothing beyond. Can they change their destinies? Can Zod be saved?

2. Jor-El used blue kryptonite and corrupted the orb, thereby robbing the Kandorians of the powers usually developed under a yellow sun. Is it reversible? Are their powers reclaimable?

3. Clark admitted his Kryptonian heritage before Tess. How will she use that information? Does it even matter?

4. Jor-El retrieved an object hidden on the Kent farm. What is its significance? Where is it now?

On an entirely different plane (pun intended), this episode gave Clark and Oliver serious male bonding time. The understanding and friendship allying our two heroes deepened as they shared the personal turmoil that comes through losing a parent. I know the mythos defines Superman as friendless, but I live for the interaction between Clark, Chloe and Oliver and I dread a future where he stands alone. Tell me your thoughts!