Created by Al Gough and Miles Millar, Smallville offered a fresh perspective on the Superman narrative, delving into Clark Kent’s formative years before he donned the iconic cape. The series populated its world with familiar faces from DC lore, including Kristen Kreuk as Lana Lang and Sam Jones III embodying Pete Ross. As Clark’s closest confidant, Pete held the distinction of being the first to learn Clark’s extraordinary secret in Smallville.
Across Smallville‘s decade-long run, cast changes were inevitable, and Pete Ross, portrayed by Sam Jones III, became the first major character to depart the series. While Jones continued his acting journey, experiencing both triumphs and tribulations, Pete’s life unfolded off-screen within the show’s universe. In Season 7, Jones briefly reprised his role as Pete for a single episode that left many fans underwhelmed. Even two decades after the show’s premiere, questions linger about Pete’s exit and subsequent return to Smallville.
Who is Pete Ross in the DC Universe and on Smallville?
In the DC comic universe, Pete Ross, conceived by Leo Dorfman and George Papp, made his debut in Superboy #86 in 1961. Following the Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline, which effectively erased Superman’s teenage superhero activities, Pete Ross evolved into a more understated character from Clark Kent’s Smallville past. He even shared a romantic connection with Lana Lang in some iterations. Originally depicted as a blond character of Caucasian descent, Sam Jones III, who is African American, initially doubted his chances of portraying Pete Ross in Smallville. However, the series’ interpretation of Pete became a defining version for many viewers, establishing a blueprint for Superman’s sidekicks in adaptations that followed.
In Smallville, Pete Ross was undeniably Clark Kent’s best friend. His departure in Season 3 left a void that no subsequent character truly filled. In the Season 2 episode “Duplicity,” Pete stumbles upon a crashed spaceship in a cornfield and immediately confides in Tom Welling’s Clark Kent. Eventually, Clark shares his secret with Pete, a revelation initially perceived as a profound betrayal. It’s only after Clark rescues him from a mind-controlled Dr. Emil Hamilton (played by Joe Morton) that Pete comprehends the reasons behind the Kents’ secrecy. From that point forward, Pete became Clark’s steadfast ally in confronting adversaries and safeguarding lives in Smallville.
Pete’s loyalty was repeatedly tested. When Clark succumbed to the influence of Red Kryptonite, Pete, alongside Jonathan Kent (John Schneider), played a crucial role in breaking its hold. Pete frequently provided diversions, particularly involving the Luthors, allowing Clark to discreetly utilize his powers. The history between Pete’s family and Lionel Luthor (John Glover) added another layer to Pete’s story, as Lionel had acquired the Ross Creamed Corn factory from Pete’s family under questionable circumstances. Pete directly confronted Lionel about this injustice, often creating further distractions to shield Clark’s secret from exposure in Smallville.
Why Pete Ross Was Written Out of Smallville in Season 3
Season 3 of Smallville marked Sam Jones III’s final season as a series regular, and it was a tumultuous period for Pete Ross. He remained committed to assisting Clark in protecting his secret and the inhabitants of Smallville. Pete was instrumental in safeguarding Clark’s secret identity and even played a role in saving the life of Perry White, portrayed by Michael McKean (the real-life spouse of Annette O’Toole, who played Martha Kent). Pete also offered crucial support to Clark when he temporarily lost his sight. However, the weight of maintaining Clark’s secret and the associated pressures began to overwhelm Pete in Smallville.
Pete openly confessed to Clark the difficulty of keeping such a significant secret, especially when it required deception towards Chloe Sullivan (Allison Mack). Later in Season 3, Pete declared his romantic feelings for Chloe, despite recognizing her affections lay with Clark. In fact, Chloe’s obvious attraction to Clark even led some fans to speculate she might eventually become Lois Lane. Adding to Pete’s personal turmoil, his parents divorced during Smallville Season 3, contributing to his increasingly erratic behavior. He became involved in street racing, which culminated in him asking Clark for help in stealing $20,000. Unsurprisingly, Clark refused to participate in illegal activities, and while he did assist Pete, their friendship experienced strain as a result of these events in Smallville.
Frank Loder (Gary Hudson), a conflicted FBI agent with ties to the Luthor family, was tasked by Lionel Luthor to investigate Pete Ross in the penultimate episode of Season 3, aiming to uncover the truth about Clark. Loder resorted to physical force in an attempt to extract Clark’s secret from Pete, but Lex Luthor intervened. This incident proved to be the breaking point for Pete. He sought out Clark at the Kent Farm and announced his decision to relocate to Wichita, Kansas, with his mother. Pete Ross effectively left Clark Kent and Smallville behind, unable to cope with the burden of the secret any longer.
How Pete Ross Came Back to Smallville, and Why It Disappointed Fans
Sam Jones III made a return to Smallville in Season 7, Episode 13, portraying a “roadie” for the band OneRepublic. The show’s dynamics had undergone significant transformations in the intervening four seasons. Lionel Luthor had transitioned into a protector of Clark’s secret, shielding it from an increasingly villainous Lex. Pete had acquired stretching abilities by chewing “Kryptonite gum,” motivated by his “long-standing jealousy” of Clark’s powers. He yearned to be a hero, but Lex manipulated his desire, steering him toward villainous actions in Smallville.
When Clark attempted to dissuade Pete from using kryptonite for powers, Pete threatened to expose Clark’s secret. He even incapacitated Clark with green kryptonite to steal a Kryptonian bracelet worn by Kara Kent (Laura Vandervoort) upon her arrival in Smallville. Pete also reconnected with Chloe, who was then in a relationship with Jimmy Olsen (Aaron Ashmore) at the Daily Planet. By the episode’s conclusion, Pete resolved to relinquish his powers and discover “another way” to become a hero. He even admitted to Clark that he had never truly grasped the immense difficulty Clark faced in living a life shrouded in secrecy.
While Sam Jones III’s return to the role of Pete Ross was initially welcomed, many Smallville fans expressed disappointment with his portrayal in this episode. Pete’s desperation for superpowers and subsequent betrayal of Clark arguably damaged his character. Previously, Pete had been a steadfast “hero” alongside Clark since learning his secret. He was instrumental in saving Perry White’s life in Season 3 when Clark was temporarily depowered. Despite his character being written out of the series, Jones publicly stated his willingness to return to Smallville whenever the writers envisioned a role for him.
Sam Jones III Explains Why He Left Smallville on the Series Rewatch Podcast
Confusion persists regarding the precise reasons for Sam Jones III’s departure from Smallville, but according to the actor himself, it was ultimately the producers’ decision. Rumors circulated suggesting Jones sought more substantial storylines for Pete and increased compensation. While these factors may have been present, they weren’t the primary drivers of his exit. Typically, series regulars receive pay raises every three seasons. However, Jones clarified that he desired to remain on Smallville, and it was the producers who ultimately decided to write Pete Ross out of the narrative.
At a 2022 Comic Con in Liverpool, Sam Jones III addressed the question of whether he left the series to pursue “bigger and better” acting opportunities. “I would definitely have stayed for more seasons,” Jones affirmed, emphasizing the financial benefits of being on Smallville. He recounted being informed by producers that Pete’s character was struggling under the weight of Clark’s secret. “I remember being so sad when I was going to leave the show,” he shared, expressing his deep connection to Smallville as “a family” and how being written off nearly diminished his passion for acting.
Michael Rosenbaum and Tom Welling, hosts of the Smallville rewatch podcast Talkville, welcomed Sam Jones III as a guest in December 2023. During the episode, he recounted being informed of his departure by producers shortly before a public panel appearance. He was restricted from discussing Pete Ross’s exit or his desire to return to Smallville at the time. However, reflecting with hindsight, Sam Jones III expressed gratitude for the enduring fan affection for Pete Ross and acknowledged the positive impact of his experience portraying the character, even though his tenure was shorter than he wished in Smallville.
Smallville is available to own on DVD, Blu-ray, digital and is streaming on Hulu in the U.S.
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