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April 17, 2002
Smallville - Stray - 04/16/02
Once again, she tries to do a plot summary...
A young boy sees what we later learn is his stepfather and his stepfather's girlfriend (or was it wife?) shoot a man, and runs away. Only to be hit by Ma Kent, as she is driving down the road at night. She takes him in (gee, they have a habit of doing that). It is soon revealed that this is no ordinary boy, but one who can read minds. And his stepfather is searching for him, so the boy can help him continue his crime spree. In the B plot, Lex's father returns to Smallville with Lex's reward for all his hard work at the Luthercorp plant there -- time to return to Metropolis and take his place at Daddy's side. Will he do it?
This was a good, solid episode. Nothing too outstanding, and it introduced a person with a power not supplied by the meteorites. Yay him! I really did love the interplay between Ryan (the boy) and Clark, and even Ryan and the Kents. The boy just fit right in.
But of course, the stepdad is not far behind.
It turns out the kid can only read surface thoughts, but it's easy (second nature) for him to ask a question or say something to get people thinking about what he wants to know. Leading to much wackiness ensuing as he spills the beans on Chloe's hopes of Clark asking her to a dance. And lo and behold, he can't read Clark at all.
This kid could easily have been turned to the dark side, save for his favorite comic, Warrior Angel. He knows the path of good, and he wants to be on it. The Kents, especially Clark, help him see that even more.
Good interaction with the kid and the rest of the cast too, Chloe, Lex, and Lana. He knows lots of stuff, or has inklings, as evidenced by his warning Clark of Lex at the end of the episode.
What of Lex? Ah yes...going back home to Metropolis. Of course he doesn't go, but once again they give him a great speech to deliver to Daddy Luthor. Will Lex one day return to Metropolis at the head of an army? Of course he will, but not until Smallville has run its course. They're keeping him home on the farm.
Rating - 7/10. The evil villain stepfather was the only downside - very one-dimensional, but that was most likely the intent.
Posted by Julia at April 17, 2002 9:42 AM
Comments
Ryan Kelley is soooo adorable! I think he is a really good actor and he's so cute! This was a really great episode!
Posted by: Elise at August 14, 2002 7:15 PM
I first saw Ryan on this episode, months ago, after a while I decided to make a website about as I found he hasn't got one, even though he's such a brilliant actor. Anyway I think his acting in this episode was very good and it really made him shine. To find more information on him go on my website above. Leave a message and if you have any info on him please email me! Thanx!
Posted by: francesca at December 19, 2002 3:45 PM
ryan kelley is so fucking hot!
Posted by: pam at December 27, 2002 1:42 PM
Just click on my name and you can go to The Ryan Kelley Forever Site!!!
Posted by: Francesca at February 12, 2003 4:15 PM
I think Ryan is such a cute guy and also a fantastic actor but why does he don't have any info like his e-mail address or his address in the internet?
Posted by: atifah at September 11, 2003 4:39 AM
this is a fantastic website. i gree ryan is so cute.the episode ryan made me cry it was so emotional. all my friends love ryan too
Posted by: fiona williams at October 20, 2003 10:18 AM
I just got finished watching "stray" on "smallville beginnings" and when I saw the credits, I was so surprised that someone actually has my last name, spelled a little different, but surprising. Hehe, other than family, not many where I live. :] I agree, Ryan is a great actor!
-krissi
Posted by: krista kelly at January 25, 2004 9:09 PM