This episode establishes Lex's early role as a mentor to Clark , famously advising him that "a high school boyfriend is not a husband, he's an obstacle".
"Cool" is often cited as a solid example of the show's early formula. While some reviewers felt the villain lacked depth compared to others, many praised the "slow burn" of the overarching plot involving Lex's true motivations and the Kents' financial struggles. According to ratings on sites like IMDb , the episode is well-regarded for its atmosphere and character progression. Smallville: Season 1, Episode 5 | Cast and Crew Watch Smallville S01E (5)
The episode centers on , a high school athlete who falls into an icy, kryptonite-filled lake. He survives but emerges with a dangerous condition: permanent hypothermia that forces him to absorb the body heat of others to stay alive, effectively freezing them to death. This episode establishes Lex's early role as a