What's up with Lex: Lex is frustrated with his scientists because they have not opened the mysterious spaceship yet. But now the spaceship has a symbol underneath it, and Lex wants to know what it means. He also doesn't understand why Lionel has been speaking of Kal-el and krypton; Lionel does not recall saying these things.

What's up with the Kents: Clark's parents are not too happy to see Clark and Lana sneaking around their home the morning after Lana stays over. However, this soon because the least of their problems as Clark faces his mortality.

What's up with Chloe: Former Smallville High classmate Gabriel calls Chloe and advises her of the town's impending doom. Chloe enlists Clark's help to stop Gabriel from setting off the missile, despite the fact that Clark still does not have his powers back yet. Chloe and Clark break into Gabriel's home only to find the father, Colonel Duncan, dead and numerous newspaper articles about meteors in a room.

What's up with Clark: Clark attempts to stop Gabriel from destroying Smallville, but Gabriel shoots him. A bleeding Clark is rushed to the hospital. Clark is conscious for a moment while Lana pours her heart out to him. But then he flatlines and is pronounced dead. At that point he returns to the Fortress of Solitude to face Jor-El (in the form of Lionel Luthor). Jor-El tells Clark that Clark can return to Smallville with his powers but only in exchange for another's life.

What's up with Lana: Lana tries to convince herself that Clark is like everyone else and has no secrets, but his resurrection leaves many questions unanswered in her mind.

How it ends: After Chloe diplomatically tries to stop Gabriel, they fight over the gun. During the altercation, Gabriel is shot. However, the missile still launches. When Clark returns back from the Fortress of Solitude, he grabs onto the missile and is able to move it from its original path and send it into space.

Chloe encourages Clark to tell Lana about his special powers. In turn, Clark tells Chloe about his encounter with Jor-El. Clark worries that someone close to him will be hurt as a result of his return.