 Erica Durance first appears in season four as Chloe 's cousin , Lois Lane . Lois comes to Smallville investigating the supposed death of Chloe , staying with the Kents while she is in town . In season five 's " Fanatic " , Lois takes a job as Jonathan 's Chief of Staff when he runs for state senate ; she continues these duties when Martha takes Jonathan 's place following his death . After some reservation , Lois decides that she is interested in journalism and takes a job at a tabloid newspaper called The Inquisitor . This eventually lands her a position at the Daily Planet . 
