Thirteen years ago, a meteor shower burst from the heavens, raining destruction on the unsuspecting citizens of Smallville, Kansas. A boy in a ship crashed in a cornfield, where it was found by the Kents, who adopted and raised him as their own. As much of a family as they are to him, Clark sought for answers last season, which sent him in denial of his fathers prophecy that he was sent to conquer. He responded by roaring off on a motorcycle to Metropolis where he stayed to start a new life under the influence of red kryptonite. Though green kryptonite affects him physically and can ultimately kill him, red affects his emotions and causes him to turn into a cold being with the identy of Kal. To try to rescue his son, Jonathan visits Clark's biological father Jor-El for help. He is given Clark's powers temporarily and is able to bring Clark home, but at a price. He's now facing challenges with his health, and the deep fear he may not always be there for his son.

Clarks best friends have always beent there for him. Theirs Lana Lang, who he loves but can never be with; Pete Ross, his best friend who knows his secret and has to carry around the burden and its threat to his well being; Chloe has always had feelings for Clark but has put them aside after he admitted his feelings for Lana. She's a bright journalist, and the closest to finding out Clark's secret. Then Lex Luthor, another close friend of Clarks, who will ultimately betray him and become Superman's greatest enemy. But now during the fourth season Clark must deal with the fact that all his friends are feared dead, and he has to live on to face his destiny.