"I think our not-so-normal son might be going through some classic teenage rebellion." – Martha Kent, Red

Kal is Clark Kent's personality when he is under the influence of red kryptonite.

Contents 1 Personality 2 Season Two 3 Season Three 4 Season Four 5 Season Six 6 Season Nine 7 Appearances 8 Notes 9 See Also

PersonalityEdit

Kal is not necessarily evil when it comes right down to it. He simply lacks a great deal of inhibitions and or social conscience, and is ultimately less inclined to care about the ramifications of his actions. Despite its influence on him, as shown through dialogue with a bartender, as well as through his own claims that he remained a virgin even after his time in Metropolis, and the fact that he still regularly attended school, indicate that he might have retained some subconscious inhibitions.

According to Clark, Kal "does things [Clark] doesn't want to do." But in reality, Kal acts out Clark's basest needs and wants without regard to the consequences. Without Clark's morals or obligations, he is unpredictable and belligerent. Kal is also sexually aggressive and flirtatious, easily wooing Lana, Lois, Alicia, Chloe and others (however, Lois was infected by Red K at the time and Chloe was infected by a parasite). He openly uses profanity, steals things and lies. Kal is disrespectful, uncaring of others' feelings, and can become dangerously violent. Kal is unconcerned with keeping his abilities a secret, even tempted to reveal them, because he believes that his "powers" will make him infallible. Kal also attempted to kill Lex when he tried to take Lana away from him, showing that without his inhibitions Clark could be a real danger, not above killing his enemies when angered.

Unlike most instances of odd behavioral changes that occur in the town, which result in the person having no memory of their actions, when Clark is restored to normal, he always has complete recollection and knowledge of the havoc Kal causes. He almost always causes trouble in Clark's relationships and Clark is tasked with apologizing and feeling guilty. Because he can never provide a full explanation for the drastic personality change, Clark's friends who don't know his true origins assume he is on drugs.

Based on Clark's experience, the effect becomes worse the longer exposure continues, but it is temporary. Once the red kryptonite is removed, Clark's personality is restored to normal.

Season TwoEdit

Kal has appeared so far on six separate occasions:Clark's first unintentional encounter with red kryptonite occurred his sophomore year when he purchased a class ring containing the rock. As Kal, he mouthed off to his parents, stole his father's motorcycle and started a bar fight. He went to school during this time, but then decided to run away to Metropolis to stay in Lex Luthor's penthouse. Jonathan and Pete had to overpower him with green kryptonite to smash the ring and restore him to normal. Clark had to face the fact that sometimes, he does wish they could afford expensive things and he has to fight the urge to tell everyone his secret.

Pete and Chloe became infected with cave parasites and were compelled to do impulsive and dangerous things. Clark tried to get Pete and Chloe help until Pete slipped a piece of red K into his shirt pocket. Kal demonstrated his powers to Chloe and made out with her in Pete's car and at the Talon, upsetting Lana. Chloe removed his shirt and he was restored to normal.

Season ThreeEdit

In an attempt to resist his Kryptonian destiny, Clark destroyed his ship, causing his parents to be injured in a car crash. Martha miscarried and Jonathan, upset and grief-stricken, told Clark that his actions have consequences. Clark sought to numb himself from his guilt with another class ring and ran away. He used his powers to steal money and commit crimes for three months. He reacted violently and angrily at Chloe's attempts to get him to come home. He was only restored when Jor-El gave Jonathan Kryptonian abilities. Jonathan was able to get through to Clark, who smashed the ring and returned to face his problems.

Season FourEdit

When Clark reunited with his girlfriend Alicia Baker, she could not face the stigma of her behavior the year before and decided to run away. She was unwilling to stay but did not want to leave Clark, so she made him a necklace containing red kryptonite. During a heated moment in the barn, Alicia asked if their relationship had any sort of commitment, so Kal removed Alicia's lead bracelet that prevented her from teleporting and suggested they go to Las Vegas and get married. On their wedding night, Alicia removed the necklace and Clark was restored. (Note, this is the first time Kal has been shown to remain interested in one girl, and not simply become bored with her when she annoyed him)

Season SixEdit

Lois purchased a lipstick containing the mineral which caused her to fall instantly in love with Clark. She cornered him and kissed him, transferring it into his system. Kal expressed Clark's desire for Lois and they crashed Lex and Lana's engagement party together. Kal told all the guests that Lana was only marrying Lex because she was pregnant. He offered his opinion on their upcoming marriage, Martha and Lionel's relationship, and said rude things to Chloe regarding her long-standing crush on Clark, admitting that he has considered acting on it. He dragged Lana out of the party and forced her to kiss him. Kal brutally choked Lex almost to death, but Martha arrived just in time to force green kryptonite onto him which caused him to sweat the red K out and restore him to normal. Kal's portrayal in this episode is similar to his early appearances. He had alway possessed a keen interest in Lana, which was more than physical. He does appear to actually care about her, however he is quick to ditch her when she annoys him. In this episode, he had only a passing interest in Lois, which was mostly Physical, and stated that he is in love with Lana, and remains interested.

Season NineEdit

Kal appeared again when Clark was infected with red kryptonite through dust inhalation in one of Tess' labs. Kal then discovered that Chloe was storing kryptonite weapons from all over the country and feeling betrayed by his friend, set out to destroy the shipments. He teamed up with Zod who he suddenly had a mutual respect for. They destroyed all of the stored kryptonite. Afterward, they visited Seattle where Kal used his super breath to cause a snow storm in the city. He then brought Zod to the Fortress to meet Jor-El but they were attacked by John Corben, who had been sent by Chloe to help return Clark to normal. Corben stabbed Clark with a chunk of green kryptonite, returning Clark to his usual self. Kal's personality differences were much less drastic from Clark's than ever before. Though he still displayed arrogance and a love for mischief, Kal's goals were much the same as Clark's own. He did appear desperate to remain under the influence of Red kryptonite as he had displayed before with the school ring. This time, when he saw that he was sweating the red kryptonite out of his system, he cooled the surrounding area and then went to the Fortress to prevent returning to normal Clark. The now more subtle differences between Clark and Kal may be a testament to Clark's development and confidence as a hero, and less of an unsure young man.

AppearancesEdit

• Season Two: Red, Rush, Exodus
• Season Three: Exile, Phoenix, Velocity (mentioned only)
• Season Four: Unsafe
• Season Six: Crimson
• Season Nine: Upgrade

NotesEdit

• Kal is the alias that Clark took when he went into exile for three months in Metropolis. Pete Ross later referred to this when, in need of money, he asked Clark to slip on a red kryptonite ring and "go Kal on an ATM machine."
• Kal departs from Clark's normal attire of red, white, blue, or yellow, and wears black, red, maroon or dark green, although when he runs he emits a dark red aura no matter what clothing his is wearing.
• He serves as an example of how red kryptonite affects Kryptonians. In the comics, when angered, powered-up, or under the influence of Red kryptonite, Clark exhibits red eyes.
• The name "Kal" was not used in Season Nine's Upgrade when Clark was infected by red Kryptonite.

See AlsoEdit

Clark Kent in Smallville Family Kents: Martha , Jonathan • House of El: Jor-El (ai, clone), Lara, Kara, Zor-El, Conner Kent 'Ships Chloe • Pete • Oliver • Emil • John Jones • Lex (destiny) • Lionel • Brainiac • Jimmy • Tess • Davis • Zod Relationships Lana Lang • Kyla Willowbrook • Alicia Baker • Lois Lane (destiny) Work Smallville Torch • Justice League • Daily Planet Details Powers (loss, vulnerabilities, training) • secret • attire • glasses • blood • fighting style Homes Krypton (knowledge) • Kent Farm (house, cellar, barn, loft, truck) • Fortress • Apartment (telescope) Other Kal • Kal-El (ship) • Superman (suit, crest) • aliases • destiny • vision • No tights, no flights • Near-death experiences • Episodes