But really is anyone surprised by this? Considering Sam Lane is now being played by a Skrull (yes, I know DC has no skrulls, but that's the only explanation I can think of). And after all the stuff Lane has ordered (Zor-El's murder, inter-galactic war, etc.) the only way I can see this storyline ending is with him dead - again. Certainly once his plans are foiled (and they will be in the end) Robinson and Rucka have made him such a card-board villain that I don't think he'll be coming back ala Luthor.
And I hate Cat Grant's smug grin there. I hate what they've done to her too. Remember when Cat was friends with Lois and Clark (heck, she even dated Clark). I do (it wasn't THAT long ago) - but I don't think the current writers seem to.