Ruth Cavanagh is the wife of Joseph Cavanagh and mother of Charlotte Cavanaugh in the CW Television series Smallville.
She appeared as a minor antagonist in the episode "Harvest" of Season 10.
She was portrayed by Merrilyn Gann, who also played Madame de Bossé from Barbie and The Three Musketeers and Madge in A Very Supernatural Christmas.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Ruth lived in the town of Meeker Springs with her husband and daughters. Tragically, her oldest daughter Esther was killed during the first meteor shower that struck the town in 1989. The aftermath left blue kryptonite scattered all over the town that contaminated the water supply, providing the residents with increased health and bountiful crops.
Under the effects of the Kryptonite, Joseph believed Esther's death was a sign from God for their good fortune and convinced Ruth and the town of what needed to be done. Every year, the town would sacrifice a young woman in return. Ruth eventually gave birth to her youngest daughter Charlotte.
Harvest[]
After their car broke down, Clark Kent went to a mechanic while Lois Lane was brought to Meeker Springs by Ruth's daughter Charlotte. When Charlotte brought Lois to their home, Ruth happily greeted them and insisted that Lois stay for dinner, promising that her husband will take her to the train station after supper.
She was secretly part of the cult that would offer Lois as a sacrifice for their harvest. Ruth made a bountiful meal of ham, potatoes and vegetables for supper and shared with Lois who found them to be awkward as they remained silent during dinner. After Joseph and his wife went off to put the dishes in the kitchen, Lois attempted to leave but was captured. Ruth and Charlotte dressed Lois in a old-fashioned white lace dress with a bonnet on her head.
Clark Kent had been captured and brought to the Cavanagh house where Lois explained how the local villagers were conducting a bizarre annual tradition they've had for their harvest every year, involving human sacrifices. Lois and Clark managed to sneak out of the Cavanagh house and attempt to blend in with the crowd dressed in farmer clothing and a cloak. However a female cultist saw Lois' pink nail polish and alerts the others, Lois punches her out as she and Clark attempt to run to the gate entrance, but they were immediately intercepted by the villagers, who have donned scarecrow masks.
Ruth stood among the congregation holding flowers as they prepared to sacrifice Lois. Lois was tied to the altar and she attempted to speak reason to the villagers, stating that killing her will not make God happy, and what they are doing was wrong. Joseph said she knew nothing of faith but Lois reiterates that killing is wrong. Ruth stood in bewilderment when a resurrected Clark came back and rescued Lois from the blue kryptonite fire.
After he heals, the villagers believed that Clark is a messenger sent by God, which Lois played up because she saw his back healed as the villagers moved a great distance away from Clark. Ruth watched as the townspeople lose faith in her husband's message. Clark then grabbed Lois and both super speed away leaving Ruth, her husband and Meeker Spring citizens in shock and awe. She was presumably arrested along with all the town.