One of the most iconic moments in Smallville’s ten-year history was the first appearance of Dr. Virgil Swann in the episode “Rosetta.” Clark Kent (Tom Welling) learned of his Kryptonian origins at last, and as an added bonus, legendary Superman actor Christopher Reeve played the part. Reeve would return again in the Smallville Season 3 episode “Legacy.”
The part of the story that has not been talked about as much, though, is that Dr. Swann was originally set to appear at the start of Season 4, but unfortunately, his health would not allow and he died on October 10, 2004. It is to be assumed that some material was cut from the season premiere “Crusade” that may have reunited him with his Superman III co-star Annette O’Toole; instead, Swann’s envoy Dr. Bridgette Crosby, played by former Lois Lane actress Margot Kidder, filled in when the episode was finally shot and aired.
Sadly, we don’t know much about a possible Reeve version of “Crusade” but here at KryptonSite Central we do have a script draft of the episode “Gone” which includes a scene of Clark confronting Dr. Swann about the helicopters that were sent after him and Lois at the top of the episode. With Michael Rosenbaum & Tom Welling’s TalkVille podcast covering the episode this week, today felt like a great time to share.
For some background, the episode was written by future showrunners Brian Peterson & Kelly Souders, and the scene takes place right after Clark and Lois tell Jonathan and Martha about what happened. The next shot is Clark going through the double doors of Dr. Swann’s office in Metropolis. The office is described as having a lot of mahogany lit by a noirish green desk lamp.
“You sent them, didn’t you?” Clark asks, confronting Dr. Swann.
“I’m beginning to understand why Jor-El felt the need to employ such severe parenting techniques,” responds Swann.
Clark apologizes for barging in, but asks: “The guys in the helicopter — you sent them after me because it was your jet I broke into, wasn’t it?”
“When was the last time I sent helicopters after you, Clark?” Swann asks. “All I’ve ever offered you is guidance.”
“In exchange for what? There has to be a reason why you’re always so eager to help me,” Clark accuses, clearly unaware of the “Veritas” storyline that is about three seasons away.
“Does there?” Swann asks.
“That’s usually how it works,” Clark tells him.
Swann tells Clark that he’s becoming jaded, and Clark gives Swann the same routine he’d often give others. “Thanks to people like you. It’s like you know about some big puzzle out there but you won’t tell me what it is. You’re just using me to solve it,” he says, before asking Swann why he didn’t tell him about the crystal.
Swann is surprised to hear the word “crystal” and begins to look alarmed. “The crystal you’re referring to — did it bear the Kryptonian description for the word ‘Crusade?'” he asks, and Clark confirms that it did.
“That crystal may be intended for you, but the quest for it is centuries old,” Swann says before activating a large screen behind them. On the screen, Swann shows Clark locations across the world where there are etched Kryptonian symbols, inscriptions, and paintings, and he tells Clark that “every culture has its predictions” but none knew where the crystals actually were. He reveals that by his interpretation, there are three crystals, and that only Clark could find them.
Clark is confused – if they’re Kryptonian, why would anyone else want the crystals?
“Answers. Strength. No one knows for certain what power the crystals hold, but for 1200 years people have killed each other seeking them out,” Dr. Swann tells him. “The crusade for the crystals has been a bloody one, and there are dark forces who will stop at nothing to get them.”
“That must be why Jor-El sent me back. It was like he reprogrammed me to find them,” Clark says.
“But you didn’t listen,” Swann admonishes. “You’ve continually refused to accept your destiny, Clark. It was only a matter of time before someone accepted it for you.”
Sadly, Christopher Reeve was never able to film this scene or this episode of Smallville, though it would have been amazing if Dr. Swann had set the stage for the season arc of Smallville Season 4. For now, 19 years later, we can only reflect and think about what might have been….
Follow @KryptonSite on Twitter/X for continued Smallville news – KryptonSite still exists! If you would like to quote this in another article, PLEASE include a link and do not reproduce the whole thing, so people can read the rest here. Thanks!