I know I took an extreme position with Ellen but I thought there was enough evidence that she could potentially react this way. I admit I took some liberties with her potential for xenophobia. I had a picture that she was uncomfortable with the fact that Clark is not “exactly” human but had chosen to look past any of her personal discomfort and go along with her daughter’s wishes. I figured that because of her own marriage issues, she would be quick to jump on the idea that Clark was replacing Lois with a new, more compatible wife. Once she thinks that Clark has taken up with another alien, this makes the fact that he is an alien part of the problem and thus the xenophobic reaction.
I admit that the “you aren’t my daughter” reaction is a bit over–the-top, but Ellen “knows” that Clark can only do the things he does because he’s an alien and she “knows” her daughter can’t do those things so this can’t be her daughter. I guess she watched “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” too many times growing up.
Hi Kathryn:
I’m glad you enjoyed this. You have to remember that Ellen is in a very confused state. For a moment, she honestly didn’t think this was Lois anymore. She isn’t striking out at her daughter, she’s addressing the doppelganger that has replaced her.
Sara:
If Lois just would have listened to Clark, this could have been avoided. As for Sam and Lucy, stay tuned.
FHawk:
Obviously, I had been saving Ellen for a special role. Who else could I use to explore this type of reaction?
CMom:
I’m glad Ellen’s reaction didn’t disappoint. As I’ve said, this approach left me feeling very nervous.
Marcus:
Thank you. I struggled with what would be “fun” (extreme?) and still be within the bounds of plausibility for her character.
Michael:
I have to wonder just what Ellen thought in LotF when Lois showed up in that harem costume. Also, do you think anyone bothered to tell Ellen that it is the custom for members of the ruling class to have concubines? As for
He’s in love with that purple – person.
Actually, I went back and forth on this several times. The other version was:
He’s in love with that purple bitch!
But I gave Ellen the benefit of the doubt and figured she might be trying to get her temper under control. I realized that I’m not being entirely fair to Ellen but I still think that due to her history of marriage problems she would jump immediately to the wrong conclusion and then spiral out of control from there.
Thanks everyone. Now we get to see how the rest of the Lane clan handles the news.
Bob
about. I wanted to explore a worst-case scenario and poor Ellen won the prize to be the lead in this act.
