I'm catching up and really enjoying your take on this episode. I never analyzed it to see why I didn't like it, other than the Lois-as-editor's dismissive attitude towards Clark's story was reminiscent of the Pilot and early Season 1. And didn't fit into Season 4. That both of them were out of character makes the episode make more sense.
Yay! Lois unleashed Mad Dog Lane at least partially on Ralph. Wonder if he knows just how restrained she was? I can just see her thinking about doing bodily damage. And supporting Clark in his story and helping him is much more in character than the episode.
