Joseph Cavanagh was the cult leader of the congregation that lives at Meeker Springs in the CW TV series Smallville.
He served as the main antagonist in the episode "Harvest" of the 10th and final season.
He was portrayed by Ron Lea.
Biography
Early life
When the 1989 meteor shower rained on the Smallville area, the meteors not only reached the outskirts of Smallville, but also the town of Meeker Springs where it destroyed the village and killed Joseph's daughter Esther leaving Blue Kryptonite all over. The Kryptonite purified the water and helped their crops grow and they have been healthy.
Driven by grief and subsequently insanity by the loss of Esther, Joseph believed that her death had led to the town's subsequent good health. As such he decreed that the town would sacrifice a young woman on the anniversary of the first meteor shower.
Season Ten
Clark Kent decided to cover the Cherry Blossom Festival with Lois Lane to draw her away from the Vigilante Registration Act but as they were driving through Meeker Springs, their two back tires blew out. Joseph's younger daughter Charlotte gave Clark directions to the nearest mechanic while she took Lois to her village in Meeker Springs.
Bringing her home, Lois was invited to stay for dinner by Ruth and although she found the Amish-like community unnerving, Lois agreed to stay.
Charlotte meanwhile was greeted by her father, who told her that she has done well. Lois shared a very awkward dinner with the Cavanagh family, during which she tries to make conversation and suggests that she'll find her own way back to Metropolis since Charlotte's father, Joseph appeared to be busy with his dinner.
Joseph made rudely dismissive comments about how his faith demands that Lois remain silent while eating. While Joseph and Ruth cleared the table, Lois tried to leave but Charlotte prevented her and stated she just had her last meal.
As Lois tried to escape, the villagers captured her outside the house and Joseph announced they had their sacrifice. The villagers brought Lois' companion Clark Kent to the Cavanagh house while Ruth had dressed Lois in a white dress.
Finding an escape route through the cellar, Lois and Clark attempt to blend in with the crowd and sneak away, dressed in farmer clothing and a cloak. They were soon recognized and as they attempted to reach the gate entrance, Joseph and the other villagers intercepted them while wearing scarecrow masks.
Joseph declared that Clark was a mere mortal and he would not defy the will of their Lord. Clark attempts to protect Lois, but is sliced open by a scythe; Lois screamed as she was dragged back towards the town square, which is also the sacrificial altar, while the villagers removed Clark.
They tied Lois to the altar as she attempts to reason with the villagers that what they were doing is wrong.
But Cavanagh sneers at her, saying she doesn't have their faith. Lois retorts she has faith, but she knows that killing is wrong. Being removed from their presence long enough, Clark's body was able to heal and with a shotgun in hand, he heads to the town square just as they were about to pour a large dose of blue kryptonite fire on Lois.
Clark races to Lois, using his body as a shield to protect her from the blue fire, receiving a dire burn on his back in the process.
With Clark having survived the fire, the townspeople lost faith in Joseph's "message", Lois proclaiming a warning to the townspeople to end their sacrifices or face Clark's wrath. Clark plays along after he realizes Lois' plan, he then grabs her up into his arms and super-speeds away.
In awe of what they just witnessed, Joseph and the entire town fall to their knees in total amazement.
