Kyle Tippet, an old friend of Bob Rickman, is a loner who lives in the woods in Smallville. During the meteor shower Bob and Kyle acquired the gift of persuasion. Whenever either of them shakes someones hand, they have complete control over the person. While riding horses in the woods, Lana is thrown from the horse. Clark finds her on the ground and sees Kyle holding her to the ground. Clark urges him away and Kyle disappears into the woods. Later that day, Whitney comes to visit Kyle to talk about the way he treated Lana; Kyle protects himself. His self defense appears to others to be an attack. While in jail Clark Kent rescues him just before a police officer under the control of Rickman shoots him. While harboring the fugitive Clark learns of Kyle and Bobs power. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor, determined to save the Kent Farm from Bob Rickman, meets with Bob. During this time Bob shakes hands with Lex telling him to kill Clark and Kyle. Clark and Kyle get away safely, but Bob Rickman is killed after Kyle convinces Bob to turn the gun to himself. Kyle decides to go out into the world and share his gift, and he urges Clark to do the same.