Smallville: Hypnotic

The way Clark treats Lana is abominable. We know that he has to wind up with Lois eventually but a different kind of relationship with Lana could have been written in the first place.

Two kinds of people learn Clark's secret, those who die and those who will not reveal it. Simone, employed by Lex, finds out but does not tell Lex. Lana is turning to Lex who, however, is becoming more manipulative, e.g., sending Simone to entrap Clark.

The whole series is doom-laden, not like a Superman prequel. The theme song is called "Save Me." Is the message that Clark will overcome his problems or that he would have been better off without his powers?