Superboy: The Jewel of the Techacal

"The Jewel of the Techacal" is the first episode of season one of the superhero fantasy series Superboy, and the first episode of the series overall. It was directed by Reza Badiyi with a teleplay written by Howard Dimsdale and Michael Moris. It originally aired in first run syndication on October 15th, 1988.

Synopsis
Professor Thomas Lang (father of Lana Lang) and his assistant Gerald Haines return to the United States after uncovering an ancient Mayan treasure known as the Jewel of the Techacal. They are putting the jewel on display at Shuster College.

At Shuster, Clark, Lana and T.J. White wait for Professor Lang's plane to arrive. Lana has a bad history with her father, citing that he always chose his career over his family. His obsessive nature ultimately resulted in divorce some ten years back. Lana herself hasn't seen her father in two years. While waiting for the plane, Lex Luthor and his confederate Leo approach Lana. Lex offers her concert tickets, but Lana is disgusted by him and rebuffs his offer. Lex swears to get revenge against her for publicly embarrassing him.

As Professor Lang's plane taxis in, the landing gear malfunctions and he runs out of fuel. He radios an S.O.S. and response crews begin sending out fire trucks. Lang receives orders indicating that he cannot land the plane.

Clark excuses himself from Lana and T.J. and changes into Superboy. He performs a quick repair job on the landing gear and the plane lands safely. Lana meets her father, but their reunion is bittersweet. It quickly becomes obvious to her that he cares more for his Mayan treasure than his own daughter.

Sometime later, Lang and Gerald Haines are setting up the display in the museum when the jewel begins radiating a strange energy. Great electrical surges discharge through the room and tornado force winds blow the windows out. Clark Kent enters the museum wing and finds Lang protecting the display case covering the jewel. He uses his super-strength to prevent a collapsing beam from falling on top of Gerald.

Later that day, Lana asks her father to have dinner with her. He cannot make it however, because he's going to spending all night cleaning up display room. Lana walks away in tears.

That night, Professor Lang and Gerald are prepping the jewel case. When Lang gets close to the Jewel of the Techacal he falls to the floor. He is taken to the hospital and placed into intensive care. The doctors are not optimistic about his condition.

Lex Luthor and Leo break into the museum wing and uncover the glass case covering the jewel. Lex plans on stealing the jewel and selling it off to the highest bidder. Lex places it inside of a lead-lined box. As they turn around, they find Superboy blocking their path. The two exchange quips with one another and Superboy snatches the case from Lex's hands. He opens it to inspect its contents and the radiation given off by the jewel causes Superboy to collapse. Lex scoops up the jewel and takes off with Leo. When Superboy recovers his strength, he flies off after Lex. He finds the two thieves speeding down the highway in a mustang. Superboy tells Lex to pull over, but he ignores him. A police vehicle notices Lex's speeding car and gives chase. Lex violently swerves to avoid capture and drives the car into a swampy ditch. Superboy pulls the car out of the water, then flies the jewel of the Techacal back to South America.

Back at the hospital, Professor Lang recovers and pledges to improve his relationship with Lana. Clark and T.J. visit him in the hospital room.