Yeah, I really love that shot! It does look like they're all gossiping--that's exactly what I thought. I haven't hunted out new icons since I got back--mine need refreshing. Always fun.

Yes, it is somewhat reminiscent of the Chloe-decides-Lex-is-evil thing. I see what you're saying. Sometimes the writers expect the audience to deal with these sudden and unexplained leaps in character. It's frustrating, to be sure.