Pete Ross learns about Clark Kent’s extraordinary abilities in the Season Two episode, “Duplicity.” This episode marks a significant turning point in their friendship, as Pete becomes the first of Clark’s close confidantes to be let in on the secret that has defined Clark’s life since arriving in Smallville.
The Significance of “Duplicity”
“Duplicity” isn’t just another monster-of-the-week episode; it’s a pivotal moment in Smallville. It lays the groundwork for the dynamic between Clark, Pete, and the responsibility that comes with knowing such a profound secret. The episode delves into themes of trust, loyalty, and the burden of keeping secrets, particularly for someone as close to Clark as Pete. The ramifications of Pete knowing this secret will ripple throughout the series, shaping his character arc and influencing his relationship with both Clark and Smallville itself.
How the Discovery Unfolds
The discovery isn’t a grand reveal or a deliberate confession by Clark. Instead, it’s a gradual unravelling of the truth precipitated by a series of events. Pete unwittingly becomes entangled in Lionel Luthor’s manipulative schemes. Lionel, increasingly aware of Clark’s unusual abilities (though not entirely comprehending their full extent), engineers a situation where Pete witnesses Clark using his powers. Pete sees Clark moving with superhuman speed to save him from an oncoming car, leaving him stunned and disbelieving. This direct observation, coupled with Pete’s past suspicions and observations of Clark’s seemingly impossible feats, confirms what he had long suspected: Clark is not ordinary.
Pete’s Initial Reaction
Pete’s initial reaction is a mixture of fear, disbelief, and wonder. He is naturally apprehensive, as the implications of Clark’s powers are immense and potentially dangerous. He struggles to reconcile the friend he knows with the seemingly superhuman being he has now witnessed. This confusion quickly morphs into a protective instinct, a desire to help Clark and keep his secret safe. This burgeoning loyalty is tested throughout the season, as Pete grapples with the weight of his newfound knowledge and the potential consequences of its exposure.
The Aftermath: Pete’s Role as Confidante
Once Pete knows Clark’s secret, he becomes an active participant in Clark’s life, offering support, advice, and assistance in dealing with the challenges that arise from his powers. He becomes a sounding board for Clark’s anxieties and a trusted ally in his battles against the various metahumans and threats plaguing Smallville. While his role isn’t always easy, it strengthens the bond between the two friends and demonstrates Pete’s unwavering loyalty.
The Burden of the Secret
The burden of keeping Clark’s secret takes a significant toll on Pete. He struggles with the temptation to reveal the truth to others, particularly Lana, and is often frustrated by his inability to fully understand or control the consequences of Clark’s actions. This internal conflict adds depth to Pete’s character and explores the challenges of being a confidante to someone with such extraordinary responsibilities. He feels responsible for safeguarding Clark, adding immense pressure to his teenage life.
The Impact on Their Friendship
While knowing the secret brings Clark and Pete closer in some ways, it also creates a new layer of complexity to their friendship. Pete is constantly reminded of the fundamental difference between them, the power imbalance that exists. He struggles with feelings of inadequacy and sometimes resentment, wondering if Clark truly trusts him or if he is merely being tolerated. These tensions contribute to the ups and downs of their relationship throughout the series.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Pete’s Knowledge of Clark’s Secret
Here are some frequently asked questions about Pete Ross’s knowledge of Clark Kent’s abilities in Smallville:
1. Why did the writers decide to have Pete discover Clark’s secret so early in the series?
Having Pete discover Clark’s secret early allowed the writers to explore the dynamic between Clark and a close friend burdened with that knowledge. It provided a compelling narrative arc and allowed them to examine themes of trust, responsibility, and the impact of secrets on relationships. It also provided Clark with an ally early on, making it easier to justify certain narrative choices later.
2. Did Pete suspect Clark’s powers before witnessing them in “Duplicity”?
Yes, Pete had long harbored suspicions about Clark’s abilities. He had witnessed Clark’s incredible feats of strength and speed on numerous occasions, but initially dismissed them as coincidences or exaggerations. His suspicions were fueled by the constant unexplained events surrounding Clark and the Kent farm.
3. How did Lionel Luthor’s involvement influence Pete’s discovery?
Lionel Luthor intentionally manipulated events to expose Clark’s powers to Pete. Lionel, already suspicious of Clark and his otherworldly origins, used Pete as a pawn to confirm his suspicions and gather more information about Clark’s abilities. This act highlighted Lionel’s ruthless nature and his willingness to exploit others to achieve his goals.
4. What were some of the challenges Pete faced in keeping Clark’s secret?
Pete struggled with the burden of responsibility, the fear of accidentally revealing the secret, and the temptation to share the truth with others, particularly Lana. He also faced the emotional toll of knowing something so profound and feeling powerless to fully understand or control its consequences. This made him a very relatable character to the audience, who often identified with his frustrations.
5. How did Pete’s knowledge of Clark’s powers change his relationship with Lana?
Pete’s knowledge of Clark’s secret created a barrier in his relationship with Lana. He was unable to fully confide in her, leading to misunderstandings and ultimately contributing to their romantic failure. This was a major source of tension and sadness for Pete.
6. Did Pete ever betray Clark’s trust by revealing the secret to anyone?
While Pete never intentionally betrayed Clark’s trust, he did come close on several occasions. The pressure of keeping the secret and the desire to help those around him sometimes led him to the brink of revelation. This added a dramatic element to his character and kept the audience guessing about his loyalties.
7. How did Clark feel about Pete knowing his secret?
Clark initially felt a mix of relief and anxiety. He was relieved to have someone he could confide in, but also fearful of the potential consequences of his secret being exposed. He trusted Pete, but also recognized the burden he was placing on his friend.
8. What ultimately led to Pete leaving Smallville in later seasons?
Pete’s decision to leave Smallville was largely driven by the constant danger and the overwhelming burden of knowing Clark’s secret. He felt increasingly vulnerable and powerless in the face of the growing threats, and realized that he needed to distance himself for his own safety and well-being. He wanted to live a normal life, something he couldn’t do in Smallville.
9. How did Pete’s knowledge of Clark’s powers affect his own personal growth?
Knowing Clark’s secret forced Pete to mature quickly and confront complex moral dilemmas. He developed a strong sense of responsibility and learned the importance of trust and loyalty. He also gained a greater understanding of the sacrifices required to protect others.
10. Was Pete’s knowledge of Clark’s powers ultimately a positive or negative thing for their friendship?
While it added complexity and challenges to their friendship, Pete knowing Clark’s secret was ultimately a positive thing. It allowed them to form a deeper bond and to support each other through difficult times. It also provided Clark with a trusted ally and confidante, which was crucial to his development as a hero.
11. How did Pete’s departure impact Clark’s journey in the series?
Pete’s departure forced Clark to rely more on other allies and to further develop his own sense of responsibility. It also highlighted the sacrifices that he would have to make in order to protect those he cared about. He had to learn to cope without his best friend there to help him.
12. Did Pete ever reappear in later seasons, and if so, what was his relationship with Clark like?
Yes, Pete reappeared in a later season, revealing that he had developed superpowers after experimenting with kryptonite gum. His relationship with Clark was strained, as Pete’s powers were unstable and he struggled to control them. Eventually, he lost his powers, and he and Clark were able to reconcile, reaffirming their friendship. His return showcased the long-lasting bond they shared, despite the challenges they faced.