As Kristin notes, "Buzz surrounding this episode is already huge, and not just because of the Mr. and Mrs. Hartley doubleheader. 'Abandoned' also marks the debut of Lois Lane's mom Ella, played by Teri Hatcher—who was, of course, TV's Lois Lane in the 1990s. We're told that the arrival of Ella is an emotional roller-coaster ride, so brace yourselves for another hour of Smallville magic."