I just caught up with this story last night! It's really interesting.
I don't know why, because reading your intro. now, you specifically say it takes place in 2001. But for some reason I thought this was a season 1 story. (Which for the record, I don't usually like.) I'm glad it's not.
I really like the interaction with Cat, Perry, Clark and Lois. And Kara is a nice added touch.
What happened to Jimmy? Is he another Kryptonian or has he been hit by lightening?