I am not going to say much about this episode in regard to plot, etc. But I do want to congratulate the director Ken Horton and all the other cast and crew for making one of the best episodes of Smallville, but also the best episode for a long time, in my opinion. This episode has it all, but most of all a deep intrigue and it is moving on to show Lex's and Clark's/Kal-El's futures, both individually with Lex becoming Truly Evil and Clark knowing that his destined enemy will for real be Lex.
"Descent" is very exciting to watch and it is also sad, to lose another great character in the story, having lost already for example Clark's parents already. But it's done in a great way, so to speak. With great effect. Anyway we also get some hints that Clark doesn't stand totally alone in protecting himself and his secret... The visual storytelling in this episode is enchanting, as well. Every scene is so well thought through. I truly like to see Tom Welling dressed up in a costume - he looks so handsome and respectful! Casting him as Clark Kent was maybe the best achievement in the making of Smallville as a series. He doesn't only have "moments of greatness", but he always shines through and delivers. On a personal note it is also kind of cool for me to know that he and I are almost exactly the same age. In either way, I hope very much for things to get truly amazing after having watched this episode now! I am for real a fan of the series. (No, I haven't watched any other episode after this one so I don't know how things will end up and turn out. I am only familiar with the "official" Superman story from the original magazines.)