Looks like Clark has an old friend coming to dinner. IGN recently broke the news that Smallville's very own Pete Ross will be swinging by for a visit. Sam Jones III is slated to return to the series for a guest appearance in an upcoming episode entitled "Hero."

The first person outside of his parents to learn Clark's secret, Pete departed the series at the end of Season Three to the disappointment of many. Since then, rumors have surfaced about Pete making a guest appearance but, until now, they've never materialized. Smallville's producers say scheduling conflicts have always gotten in the way. Fortunately for fans, those conflicts have been avoided this time around.

The airdate for "Hero" has yet to be determined, so look for it in 2008. The next episode of Smallville set to air is "Gemini" on December 13^th.

Now the inevitable spoiler warning: if you don't want to know the details of Pete's return?

STOP HERE. 

Ever on the cusp of spoilers, Kryptonsite has posted a few tidbits about the episode (and many others) on their spoiler page. Unsurprisingly, when Pete does return he's in for a little bit of a shock. He discovers that Clark has been rather loose lipped about his secret in recent years with Chloe, Lana, and Lionel Luthor all in on the news. The emotional fallout of the changes in Clark's life alone should make for some tense moments. Poor Pete, if he only knew just how many people really know...

But that's not all.

Having been under the influence of the wild and whacky before, Pete inherits his own (albeit temporary) meteor-induced powers during "Hero". They're touted to be stretching powers similar those of "Elastic Lad" and he uses them to save the lives of Kara and Jimmy.

One thing is for sure, the return of Pete's going to stir things up for all concerned. Welcome back, Sam, even if it's only for a little while.