Smallville reinvented red kryptonite as a drug allegory, reflecting Clark's darker desires and actions. The show's version of red kryptonite removed Clark's morals, leading to reckless behavior. In Smallville, red kryptonite represented the dangers of young people succumbing to harmful influences.

The TV series Smallville was based around the early days of Clark Kent, and in telling this story, it featured a unique take on the Superman mythos. Characters and concepts from the comic books were radically reinvented for the show's scope, namely in order to fit the "no flights, no tights" mandate. Most of the show's initial seasons dealt with "kryptonite freaks of the week," with one variant on the toxic rock being handled in a very special way.

Usually seen in Silver Age Superman and Superboy comics, red kryptonite is much different from its poisonous green counterpart. Removing Clark's strong sense of heroism and morality, this reflected one...