Smallville: Clark and his powers....

[DR.MID-NITE]

Why does he think of his powers as such a burden. I understand it kept him from doing some things that other kids get to do. But, growing up. I did not know one kid that would not love to be able to have half of his powers.

[James Harvey]

Maybe they're a burden becuase he can't tell anyone or show them off, perhaps?

[Shriek]

Originally posted by Dick Grayson
Maybe they're a burden becuase he can't tell anyone or show them off, perhaps?

Good point. I could imagine how hard it would be not being able to show them off. I mean his own father had a fit when he used his powers in football.

[DR. BELCH]

I'd love power. But what about responsibility? That's where most people tend to shy away....

[Shriek]

You forgot the famous quote Dr Belch from Uncle Ben...

"With Great Powers, Comes Great Responsibility."

[DarkAngel]

Originally posted by DR.MID-NITE
Why does he think of his powers as such a burden.

Because it makes him different. He can't fit in and probably feels like a freak. No one wants to an outcast, particularly at that age. He wants to be normal like everyone else, to be accepted as the person he is, rather than living in fear of being found out or hated for being different.

[Robin2099]

Plus Clark's always saving people's lives, but he can't show it. That has to eat you up, when you do so many things to help people but no one knows it's you.

[DR.MID-NITE]

Maybe, he could create himself a secret identity and put a costume on. This way he can use his powers in public and help people. ;)
You guys make good points.

[DR. BELCH]

...it's worth it to note that originally young Bruce Wayne wore a red and green costume and fought crime under the name "Robin" with his mentor, a police detective whose life he saved. So perhaps Clark's original costume is far removed from the red and blue and yellow cape/tights combo...perhaps a black sweatshirt and ski-mask? :p

[Calhoun07]

Clark understands that people at heart are fearful of the unexplanable. I am sure he knows that if his powers became exposed at the wrong time, under the wrong circumstances, he would be finished. Also, another thing about how is powers affect him, his weakness to kryptonite makes him vulnerable at critical times when people around him seen to be able to keep things in control. That has to be quite torturing as well.

[Nightwing]

I think what Cal says here is a major factor, but as far as Smallville's case is concerned, I think that is the major factor because of Clark's father, and not Clark's unconcious feelings. We saw a little of this in the last episode, with the pyrokinetic football coach. Johnathan seems to be pushing the responsibility angle a bit too much, and I think, as far as story is concerned, that's a really cool aspect for the show to look from. I sure hope they play that out more.

[Calhoun07]

I just wonder if there will come a time where Clark will be a bit rebellious and go against his father's advice and use his powers at an inappropriate time. The consequences, and an episode with that in it, could turn out to be rather interesting.

[DisneyBoy]

Despite how much the show seems to emphasize Clark being "responsible enough" to control his powers, the first chance he had, he didn't. I mean, during that football practice scene, he visibly leaped over three 6 foot guys with room to spare! Then, whenever he needs to fight someone, he just totally ignores the fact that they will know he has superpowers. Remember Volt-boy, bug-guy and Pyro-coach? In the end, he beat them all up so badly that they couldn't even see straight! Or they "died"! I don't think that the writers are really trying to keep Clark responsible. The question is, are they doing it on purpose or unintentionally?
I, for one, hope that they drop the episode formula they are using before it gets really flat: Normal person gets powers due to kryptonite, Clark and father discuss his powers (teen angst scene), Clark saves someone, insert Lex Luthor scene, Lana and Clark have a moment, villain does something worse, insert Lex Luthor scene again, Clark cripples villain, family hugs, Lana and Clark share another "aawww" moment, fade to black! It's getting a bit predictable.
I would like to see a few episodes that stray away from a "villain" with Kryptonite enduced powers. Instead, I would like to see Lana yell! She's becoming a wee too sweet to be a real person. I would also prefer a few less close ups before commercials on Clark. I think he needs to have a better control of his facial expressions because sometimes he doesn't look believable. Lets have an episode where Lionel Luthor (was that his name in the comics?) is the corporate baddy, or where Clark and Lana get stuck inside a lead-lined elevator while the city has a draught! Less flashy villains, more interaction with action on the side!