Lex Luthor’s Journey in Smallville: Protecting Clark or Exploiting Him?

Introduction

In the early seasons of Smallville, Lex Luthor's character faces a complex ethical dilemma, especially regarding his relationship with Clark Kent. Would Lex have protected Clark's secret if he had known it, or would he have eventually exploited it for his personal gain? This article delves into Lex's journey and the factors that ultimately led to his darker turn.

Lex Luthor’s Early Character

At the beginning of the show, Lex Luthor aims to be a better person than his father, Lionel, driven by his ongoing feud. His initial intentions toward Clark are noble, reflecting a desire to mentor and protect him. This care and concern, however, would quickly be overshadowed by his deeper motivations and the challenges of maintaining Clark's secret.

Lex's Transformation and Dark Side

The rivalry with Lionel and the responsibility of keeping Clark’s secret weigh heavily on Lex. As time progresses, these factors combine to push Lex toward a darker path. The pressure of maintaining Clark’s secret, coupled with his intense rivalry, would eventually lead him to cross the fine line between good and evil.

The Motivations Behind Lex’s Actions

Insecurity and Injuries: Lionel’s constant abuse and general mistreatment shape Lex’s character. His insecurity is rooted in a deep-seated resentment, which causes him to seek validation in other ways. This insecurity fuels his ambition and his desire to prove himself, often at the expense of ethical considerations. Trauma and Abusers: Witnessing his mother take the blame for what happened to his brother and seeing his own father’s violent outbursts contribute to a mindset where justice is less important than personal success. The trauma impacts his ability to distinguish right from wrong, making him more inclined to use any means necessary to achieve his goals. Secrecy and Stark Choices: Throughout the show, Lex grapples with the ethical implications of his actions. For example, in Season 5 and 6, his decision to keep genetic research related to curing cancer to himself highlights his willingness to prioritize his ambitions over humanitarian concerns. This decision showcases his younger, more morally complex self.

Lex’s decision to study alien technology in Lockdown further illustrates his willingness to exploit his position, even when it comes to his friends. His interactions with Lana and his subsequent revelations about his research show a pattern of prioritizing personal gain over loyalty and ethical considerations. While Lana champions the use of this technology for good, Lex’s true intentions become clearer as he pursues more nefarious goals.

The Future of Lex and Clark

While Lex initially attempts to act as a mentor and protector, the strain of keeping Clark’s secret and dealing with Lionel’s influence leads to his inevitable descent into darkness. By the end, it is clear that Lex is more interested in proving his worth than in genuinely helping others. His actions, including his experiments and manipulation of Lana, demonstrate a complete lack of ethical boundaries.

Given these factors, it becomes evident that Lex’s ultimate path is one of exploitation and self-interest, rather than genuine protection. The question remains: Would Lex have protected Clark, or would he have eventually turned against him to further his own agenda?

Conclusion

Lex Luthor's character in Smallville is a reflection of the complex interplay between ambition, fear, and a desire to belong. Early in the series, his intentions may have appeared noble, but his actions and ambitions inevitably lead to darker outcomes. While initial intentions may have been benign, the pressures and traumas of his upbringing, combined with the challenges of maintaining Clark’s secret, push Lex towards a path of exploitation rather than protection.