Smallville (TV Series)

Identity (2008)

Cassidy Freeman: Tess Mercer

Quotes 

• Clark Kent : I'm not sure where Jimmy Olsen got the idea that I wanted to write his Good Samaritan story, but I'm not interested.

  Tess Mercer : Not interested. In a potential front-page story? Makes me wonder what you would be interested in.

  Clark Kent : Well, it just doesn't feel right to put my name on some manufactured story that's based on an out-of-focus photograph.

  Tess Mercer : From what I remember, the only thing out of focus on that photo was our red-and-blue white knight.

  Clark Kent : But you can't even tell who it is. You can't even tell what it is.

  Tess Mercer : Exactly. That's what makes it so brilliant. It's mysterious, tantalizing... full of hope, and just a hint of danger.

  Clark Kent : And I'm sure it'll sell a lot of newspapers, but to do it by running a tabloid picture? I doubt that's even something Lex Luthor would do.

  Tess Mercer : I'm not gonna listen to some lecture on journalistic excellence from a reporter whose biggest by-line concerned a kitten-adoption fair. Okay, you asked to be taken off the story. I have no problem with that.

  Clark Kent : It's not a story.

  Tess Mercer : Know what? You're right. It's a tease. But Jimmy Olsen tells me he's up to his elbows in research. With a few more leads, we'll have a face and a name. When that happens... then we'll have the real story.

• Tess Mercer : So, did Lane steal that crystal?

  Sebastian Kane : It takes a little more than a handshake.

  Tess Mercer : Well, then I guess you're gonna have to get a little more intimate.

  Sebastian Kane : It's already in the works, but not under your employment. I'm done being your personal peeping Tom.

  Tess Mercer : Hmm. For a memory thief, your own recall is surprisingly spotty. Do I need to remind you that I'm the one that released you from Black Creek? That without me, you'd still be staring at four gray walls, waiting in vain for your freedom.

  Sebastian Kane : That favor's been repaid three different times. This woman Lois, she's a good person. I'm not gonna steal her memories.

  Tess Mercer : That's unfortunate. Because I'm one of the few people that know what a sick, voyeuristic predator you really are; about the women that you stalked and killed before you ended up in Black Creek.

  Sebastian Kane : Those things I did... that was before I could control my abilities. I want a fresh start.

  Tess Mercer : You'll get it. You will. When you find me that crystal. Or I'll have to place a call to my friends in law enforcement. Tell them about the trail of bodies in your wake.