Hi, Beth.
The reaction to the TV was funny.
I think there are a couple of reasons why Kal's not interested in a secret identity. One is, like BJ said, he doesn't understand the benefits of it. If he decides to have a lasting relationship with Lois (particularly get married or something, but that's a long way off), then he would probably see it as more useful.
But the other reason is that Kal isn't "ordinary" in this story. He doesn't feel ordinary at all. (Clark always felt different, but there was a degree of "ordinaryiness" from growing up with the Kents.) As much as he wants to HELP the people of Earth and learn about them, he doesn't seem to have a desire to BE one of them. (Not that he considers himself better than Earthlings, or anything, just that he doesn't see himself as one of them.)
In essence, Clark always said, "Superman is what I can do. Clark is who I am."
In this story, "Superman is what I can do, and Kal who I am." And the difference between Kal and Superman are not nearly as different IN HIS MIND than the difference between Clark and Superman were IN CLARK's MIND.
