Re-watching Smallville without the crap

[Bored at 3:00AM]

A few years ago, I stopped watching Smallville because the show's weaknesses had begun to completely outweigh its strengths. This season, however, I was hooked back in thanks to the streamlined cast and the new show-runners' jettisoning most of the teen soap opera shtick in favor actually doing a show about Clark Kent in Metropolis working as a mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet with Lois Lane. Essentially, a revamped "Lois & Clark" done with better FX and without the star being forced to embarrass himself every episode by putting on a pair of bright red Depends undergarments.

As a result, my wife, who'd never watched the show previously is also watching the show regularly and wants to get caught up. However, I've warned her against this, given the staggering number of seasons the show's been on, each over-stuffed with frankly unwatchable episodes devoted Lana being doe-eyed and dull or whatever other nonsense and creative dead-ends the previous show-runners threw out there to fill airtime.

So, my question to you is to pick two or three episodes per season for us to watch that represent the very best Smallville put out out over the past eight years, NOT including the season premieres and season finales, which we'll definitely be watching.

[WorstThingUS]

A few years ago, I stopped watching Smallville because the show's weaknesses had begun to completely outweigh its strengths. This season, however, I was hooked back in thanks to the streamlined cast and the new show-runners' jettisoning most of the teen soap opera shtick in favor actually doing a show about Clark Kent in Metropolis working as a mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet with Lois Lane. Essentially, a revamped "Lois & Clark" done with better FX and without the star being forced to embarrass himself every episode by putting on a pair of bright red Depends undergarments.

If that bothers you then I have to suggest you're in the wrong hobby and the definitely the wrong character.

And honestly, I watch the show at fast forward now, only stopping for scenes that look interesting because it's just that poorly written. The worst it's ever been. Honestly, "The Red & Blue Blur"? That's the best a team of paid professionals could come up with?

As a result, my wife, who'd never watched the show previously is also watching the show regularly and wants to get caught up. However, I've warned her against this, given the staggering number of seasons the show's been on, each over-stuffed with frankly unwatchable episodes devoted Lana being doe-eyed and dull or whatever other nonsense and creative dead-ends the previous show-runners threw out there to fill airtime.

So, my question to you is to pick two or three episodes per season for us to watch that represent the very best Smallville put out out over the past eight years, NOT including the season premieres and season finales, which we'll definitely be watching.

Wow. A best of Smallville. This show has been my guilty pleasure for years now, so I'm down for this, but since economic conditions forced me to sell off my seasons, I'm going to have to do some online research first and get back to you. On the plus side it won't be too much because as far as I'm concerned there's not much worth thinking about after they killed Jonathan Kent and Mark Verheiden left (they don't mention Martha Kent's absence any longer). Onscreen and on-staff, they're the ones who made this show work. And in a show totally devoid of subtly, Jonathan Kent's temper eventually being his undoing was wonderfully set up from the first season to his last.

[Brother Justin Crowe]

Season 1:
1x06 - Hourglass
1x09 - Rogue
1x12 - Leech

Season 2:
2x13 - Suspect
2x17 - Rosetta

Season 3:
3x08 - Shattered
3x09 - Asylum
3x17 - Legacy

Season 4:
4x05 - Run
4x17 - Onyx

Season 5:
5x04 - Aqua
5x15 - Cyborg
5x17 - Void

Season 6:
6x04 - Arrow
6x11 - Justice
6x12 - Labyrinth

Season 7:
7x04 - Cure
7x11 - Siren
7x16 - Descent

I'm withholding the verdict on Season 8 episodes until its completion.

[Spiffy]

"The Red and Blue Blur" is one of the most astonishingly stupid things I've ever seen. It's like the show is afraid to man up and actually put a face or create a believable and interesting context for Clark's heroics.

I admire some of the steps the show has taken--jettisoning Lana at long last, creating a world of heroes (even if the damn legalities mean no Batman), but some of the shtick is just silly. Jimmy is silly. Lois is finally starting to click, so Chloe has outlived her usefulness. Doomsday isn't that bad, but I don't see why they couldn't have called him just about anything. And Martha Kent, an ESSENTIAL part of Superman mythos is missing in action, just to save money? Come on.

They're doing better, true. But they can do even better still.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

If that bothers you then I have to suggest you're in the wrong hobby and the definitely the wrong character.

Actually, no.

Costumes that work wonderfully on the comics page sometimes have a hard time not looking ridiculous when real people put them on. Superman's costume is one such case. With the notable exception of Christopher Reeve, nobody has managed to keep their dignity intact while wearing the tights.

[marshal99]

It's fine , i'm sure your wife wouldn't mind watching the series from start to end. It's actually better watching it the 2nd time through. I enjoyed the season where they had the witches , isabelle lana kicked ass. That season also had Jensen Ackles as a cast regular.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjcU3gKqJIQ

[WorstThingUS]

Actually, no.

Costumes that work wonderfully on the comics page sometimes have a hard time not looking ridiculous when real people put them on. Superman's costume is one such case. With the notable exception of Christopher Reeve, nobody has managed to keep their dignity intact while wearing the tights.

All things considered, Dean Cain simply got the worst one ever. It was shiny for god's sake.

Now I personally think the early seasons were enough silly fun you should watch them all not to mention ongoing subplots (the Native American caves, Whitley's tragic story), but you only wanted the cream so here we go. Oh, and if it doesn't make sense because the best episode of one season was the sequel to a previous season's episode or resolved a long-running subplot, that's on you. Also, episodes like Relic, where we see Jor-El on Earth in the past, are somewhat important, but I hated them. Finally, you said you were going to watch the season finales and openers, but in some cases the season finale needs the preceding episodes to work, but again, that's on you.

Season 1: Metamorphosis, X-Ray, Cool, Craving, Jitters, Leech, Drone
Season 2: Heat, Red, Rush, Rosetta, Calling
Season 3: Slumber, Perry, Asylum, Whisper, Obsession, Truth, Memoria, Talisman
Season 4: Gone, Run, Transference, Jinx, Spell, Bound, Sacred, Spirit
Season 5: Hidden, Aqua, Lexmas, Hypnotic

It's pretty much over after that. There are a few like "Bizzaro" and "Noir" but the salad days are over. But I still insist that watching the full seasons are important, especially 4. It's almost impossible to break them out and still understand the situations and importance of certain episodes. And now damn it, I need to see if I can find these cheap online, 'cause I wanna see 'em again. Thanks for nothing, dude.

[Mat001]

"The Red and Blue Blur" is one of the most astonishingly stupid things I've ever seen. It's like the show is afraid to man up and actually put a face or create a believable and interesting context for Clark's heroics.

No, it's following DC continuity from 1986 through 2006 and to a lesser degree, from 2006 on, only in his youth, where Clark was not wearing a costume when he went around saving lives. He flew in at super speed and those who could see him, thought he was an angel. Or an urban legend like it is today. Clark puts the costume on at the end of the show.

I admire some of the steps the show has taken--jettisoning Lana at long last,

Actually, she wanted off the show.

creating a world of heroes (even if the damn legalities mean no Batman), but some of the shtick is just silly. Jimmy is silly.

He's always been silly.

Lois is finally starting to click, so Chloe has outlived her usefulness. Doomsday isn't that bad, but I don't see why they couldn't have called him just about anything.

Because that's the name of the character.

And Martha Kent, an ESSENTIAL part of Superman mythos is missing in action, just to save money? Come on.

No, it was due to their running out of stories for her.


Actually, no.

Costumes that work wonderfully on the comics page sometimes have a hard time not looking ridiculous when real people put them on. Superman's costume is one such case. With the notable exception of Christopher Reeve, nobody has managed to keep their dignity intact while wearing the tights.

Toby Maguire did. Dean Cain did. Brandon Routh did. Adam West, Burt Ward and Frank Gorshin. Outside of the superhero comics world there's Errol Flynn when he wore tights as Robin Hood.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Toby Maguire did. Dean Cain did. Brandon Routh did. Adam West, Burt Ward and Frank Gorshin. Outside of the superhero comics world there's Errol Flynn when he wore tights as Robin Hood.

Yes, some people, like Chris Reeve and Toby Maguire pulled off the tights very well, but these guys are exceptions, not the rule.

Dean Cain most certainly did not. He looked absolutely ridiculous with those giant red granny panties and shiny blue spandex. Routh managed to get by reminding audiences of Reeve's Superman, but not enough to make an impression beyond that.

Adam West, Burt Ward and Frank Gorshin weren't supposed to be taken seriously. If you're going for camp, yes, tights are certainly the way to go. However, if you want audiences to take the hero seriously, sticking them in tights is generally not the best idea.

As for Errol Flynn's Robin Hood, that was 1938. Try dressing up an actor like that now and see how modern audiences react. Expect to hear a lot of laughing.

[dancj]

Toby Maguire did. Dean Cain did. Brandon Routh did. Adam West, Burt Ward and Frank Gorshin. Outside of the superhero comics world there's Errol Flynn when he wore tights as Robin Hood.

Really the only one of that bunch who didn't look silly was Toby Maguire, but he wasn't really wearing tights. He had a textured sturdier suit.

[WorstThingUS]

Yes, some people, like Chris Reeve and Toby Maguire pulled off the tights very well, but these guys are exceptions, not the rule.

Dean Cain most certainly did not. He looked absolutely ridiculous with those giant red granny panties and shiny blue spandex. Routh managed to get by reminding audiences of Reeve's Superman, but not enough to make an impression beyond that.

Adam West, Burt Ward and Frank Gorshin weren't supposed to be taken seriously. If you're going for camp, yes, tights are certainly the way to go. However, if you want audiences to take the hero seriously, sticking them in tights is generally not the best idea.

As for Errol Flynn's Robin Hood, that was 1938. Try dressing up an actor like that now and see how modern audiences react. Expect to hear a lot of laughing.

Really? Because when I watched Center Stage the guys looked fine in tights and were taken very seriously. Context, people. Dean Cain simply had a very, very, very bad costume.

http://www.patfullerton.com/superman/pix/dean/deancain3.jpg

And this looks fine to me:

http://thetvaddict.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/justice_league1.jpg

It helps when people are in shape. And speaking of Errol Flynn and tights, there was an episode where he was supposed to be Robin Hood, but is clearly the traditional comic book GA costume and it worked too:

http://www.smallville-cz.com/photos/wither11.jpg

[maczero]

A few years ago, I stopped watching Smallville because the show's weaknesses had begun to completely outweigh its strengths.I can relate. I stopped watching Smallville after the 2nd episode (the insect boy I think). Anyway back in 2007, I had a lot of free time on my hands and started watching the show from the beginning. Truthfully, it was painful sitting through the "Dawson's Creek" storylines but the stuff with Lex was actually pretty good. I also grew to enjoy the season long story arcs and really noticed that the show was pretty decent if you ignore the high school drama. By the time the future JL started appear, I was pretty much a fan.

[WorstThingUS]

Oh, and I bought the first four seasons off eBay yesterday, so thanks for nothing, you son of a bitch.

[herogirl]

Really? Because when I watched Center Stage the guys looked fine in tights and were taken very seriously. Context, people. Dean Cain simply had a very, very, very bad costume.

http://www.patfullerton.com/superman/pix/dean/deancain3.jpg

ACK!

And this looks fine to me:

http://thetvaddict.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/justice_league1.jpg

It helps when people are in shape. And speaking of Errol Flynn and tights, there was an episode where he was supposed to be Robin Hood, but is clearly the traditional comic book GA costume and it worked too:

http://www.smallville-cz.com/photos/wither11.jpg

I agree. Out of shape people cannot work the spandex and tights.

[Gadget3440]

I'm not really a fan of the show, but I hated the repetition of season 1 and stopped watching pretty rapidly, then boredom got me back in for one of the later seasons.

I don't know the name of the episodes or the seasons, but I particularly enjoyed:
1) that episode where Clark gets high on red kryptonite and then fights an empowered Jonathan
2) the one where Lex is in the asylum & treated with electro-shock therapy
3) the episode where Jonathan Kent dies. This was actually the last episode I've seen. I have a major guilty complex and for years I'd wished the character dead. Needless to say, my insanely high levels of irrational guilt kicked in.

Is he flying yet? Those episodes when he was Kal-El were pretty damn cool

[Kid Kyoto]

And Martha Kent, an ESSENTIAL part of Superman mythos

Um, she died in Action Comics 1, I don't think she's all the essential. Certainly not capital letters ESSENTIAL.

[WorstThingUS]

Um, she died in Action Comics 1, I don't think she's all the essential. Certainly not capital letters ESSENTIAL.

True, but she is an essential part of Clark's time in Smallville and for a show titled that, she should be there. They don't even mention her any more or why she's gone, which is hysterical.

[herogirl]

True, but she is an essential part of Clark's time in Smallville and for a show titled that, she should be there. They don't even mention her any more or why she's gone, which is hysterical.

I was kind of upset that they had an episode set almost entirely in D.C. after Martha became a U.S. Senator and they didn't even mention her.

[artiepants]

they REALLY need to get him flying, and you'd think they could coem up with soem kind of Junior Justice League costume like Green Arrow rocks. sort of a pre-superman costume/

[eggie]

He needs to fly already!!! Every other kryptonian villian and Kara could fly instantly but Clark can't fly yet...OMG, that bothers me so much...otherwise I am a big fan of the show...I guess its my guilty pleasure.

[Oceanus]

I've got a site dedicated to ranking the shows. So far, it's got over 51,000 votes by lots of people, so it should give you a sense of what episodes think are best from what seasons. The link is in my signature.

[[]D[]/\/\[]D @ Nite/So-tite]

They need to bring back Pete.

[jgiannantoni05]

I have Smallvile Seasons 1-7. But, as one person said, I only watch them with the fast forward button, jumping to good scenes with characters I like.

I watched Smallville for 2 reasons: Lex and Lionel Luthor

Smallville's legacy IMHO will be it's great portrayal of Lex and his relationship with Lionel and Clark.

As for great episodes, I second this list (but make some edits):

Season 1:
1x06 - Hourglass
1x09 - Rogue
1x12 - Leech

Season 2:
2x13 - Suspect
2x17 - Rosetta

Season 3:
3x08 - Shattered
3x17 - Legacy
3x20 - Talisman

Season 4:
4x05 - Run
4x17 - Onyx

Season 5:
5x04 - Aqua
5x09 - Lexmas
5x15 - Cyborg
5x17 - Void

Season 6:
6x04 - Arrow
6x11 - Justice
6x12 - Labyrinth

Season 7:
7x04 - Cure
7x11 - Siren
7x16 - Descent
________
Easy Vape (http://vaporizer.org/reviews/easy-vape)

[Oceanus]

Another Lexmas fan :).

[jgiannantoni05]

Another Lexmas fan :).
It's a great episode. I love it because it shows the utter tragedy of Lex's fall to darkness. Lex gave up a better life filled with love for a cold solitary life futilely aimed at control and power and paved to hell with the blood of all the people Lex will murder.

I've seen similar "turn down love, then become hero/villain" stories for Batman (Mask of Phantasm, Andrea walked out on Bruce, causing Bruce to give up on a normal married life) and Dr Doom (he gave up a love-filled life with Valeria to rule Latveria, see Books of Doom).

I love tragic characters.
________
FORD TH!NK PICTURE (http://www.ford-wiki.com/wiki/Ford_TH!NK)

[marshal99]

D[]/\/\[]D @ Nite/So-tite;8715820']They need to bring back Pete.

No thanks , Pete sucks. The show got better after Pete left.

[WorstThingUS]

No thanks , Pete sucks. The show got better after Pete left.

The problem was Chloe and Pete both played the same role: best friend since childhood. You really didn't need both and Chloe had the computer hacking skills, the unrequited love angle and was Lois Lane's cousin, so she was obviously the one to keep.

[Toonimator]

they REALLY need to get him flying, and you'd think they could coem up with soem kind of Junior Justice League costume like Green Arrow rocks. sort of a pre-superman costume/
Agreed on both. At this point, Smallville's clearly its own universe, so the costume doesn't HAVE to be the 'traditional' one we're accustomed to. Come up with something similar to the Justice League's look, maybe with less 'panel' lines or whatever, with the emblem & a cape. No trunks. Then the series could end with some crack about needing something more skintight for better aerodynamics, (as has already been suggested IN the show) and Clark feeling he needs a bit more red in the suit (a hint that beyond the show he'd add the trunks)

Re: "Red blue blur" I look on it as a quick lame tag made for these reports of mysterious happenings, that just stuck in the public consciousness. Before Lois decides on 'Superman' in the future. Color, and identifying characteristics, just like Green Arrow (which I think Ollie didn't much care for at first, either). One thing I noticed in the Zatanna episode, Ollie needs to quit wearing green ties. Just like Clark needs to quit wearing blue & red everywhere if it's also supposed to be his 'costume'.

[WorstThingUS]

So, the results of my buying spree last week started to arrive yesterday and I couldn't help but laugh at some of the ridiculous crap that was there from day one, the epitome being Lana's parents staring at the meteor that kills them without moving a muscle! Now, even the best of shows have huge gaffs in their pilot episodes, but they tend to outgrow them. Not Smallville, buddy. It's as utterly stupid now as it was from the day it was born. From "Hey, let's just stand here while this giant meteor crushes us" to "the red and blue blur" just some of the dumbest television on god's green earth.

[Xybernauts]

The show has gotten alot better the last season. The show seems to flow alot better.

I think getting rid of Lana was an improvement. Although I have to admit her comeback wasn't too bad. She's refined her performances alittle. Maybe she needed a vacation. I really hate the way they gave her superpowers though. She was better as a human superhero fighting with her human strength and intelligence.

My greatest fear is that their going to apply that superficial romantic drama that we saw between Clark and Lana to Lois and Clark's relationship.

I'm hoping we don't see Jimmy anymore. Iceman's just isn't the Jimmy i know and love. Iceman as Jimmy kinda annoys me. Actually I don't think Iceman made a very good Iceman in the XMen movies either.

I really miss Supergirl. What ever happened to her? I really warmed up to her character.

I really want to see Clark put on his costume and fly too. Maybe they can use the SR costume if it fits? Recycle. I kinda liked that costume. Green Arrow and Zantanna have great costumes, but some of the other costumes on the show are subpar.

I am really surprised at how well they developed the character Doomsday. The thing is he kinda reminds me of the Hulk. A good man who is struggling to control the monster with him. And the only thing that helps him control that monster is his love for a certain woman. In Doomsday's case it's Cloe. I really love the idea that he came down to earth with Clark's on his spacepod. The story isn't perfect, but it has potential.

So what legal issues prevent Smallville from introducing Batman? And again, what happened to Supergirl?

[lou-bert vs. q-bert]

The problem was Chloe and Pete both played the same role: best friend since childhood. You really didn't need both and Chloe had the computer hacking skills, the unrequited love angle and was Lois Lane's cousin, so she was obviously the one to keep.It must have been tough for Pete to be the only black guy in Smallville, too.

[WorstThingUS]

And again, what happened to Supergirl?

Same thing that happened to Martha Kent?

[WorstThingUS]

Going through the seasons and I'd forgotten how affecting Allison Mack was Chloe.

[T Hedge Coke]

Lana being doe-eyed and dull or whatever other nonsense and creative dead-ends the previous show-runners threw out there to fill airtime.

I don't think they were just trying to "fill airtime" with the soap opera and angsty young cuties. That - essentially - was the show. You may not like that show (I quit keeping watching regularly fairly early on), but it's like complaining about sketch comedy in SNL or all those courtroom scenes showing up in Boston Legal.

Why even bother to "catch up"? There shouldn't be much significant you can't get through a succession of recent episodes.

[Xybernauts]

Going through the seasons and I'd forgotten how affecting Allison Mack was Chloe.
What do you mean be affecting?

[WorstThingUS]

What do you mean be affecting?

Affecting adj. touching: moving

Watching her, you want canon to be changed so she can be Clark's love. In the context of the show, she's more deserving than either Lana or Lois.

[marshal99]

Affecting adj. touching: moving

Watching her, you want canon to be changed so she can be Clark's love. In the context of the show, she's more deserving than either Lana or Lois.

Clark's one true love in high school has always been lana in smallville and in the comics.
Even back in the first season when Lana had a boyfriend and clark was pining for her and remember the first season finale where he ditched chloe in the school dance to go check on lana. Chloe had her chance at happiness with Jimmy and she blew it big time.

[dfb8084]

The guy who plays jimmy is not the guy who plays iceman... i know they are twins, but they are two separate guys

[pariah-1972]

"The Red and Blue Blur" is one of the most astonishingly stupid things I've ever seen. It's like the show is afraid to man up and actually put a face or create a believable and interesting context for Clark's heroics.

I admire some of the steps the show has taken--jettisoning Lana at long last, creating a world of heroes (even if the damn legalities mean no Batman), but some of the shtick is just silly. Jimmy is silly. Lois is finally starting to click, so Chloe has outlived her usefulness. Doomsday isn't that bad, but I don't see why they couldn't have called him just about anything. And Martha Kent, an ESSENTIAL part of Superman mythos is missing in action, just to save money? Come on.

They're doing better, true. But they can do even better still.I don't think the town of small/metropolis only seeing a red and blue blur is "astonishing stupid" he doesn't wear a costume so he has to make sure noone sees him by doing superhero things at super speed.
and John Byrne also used almost the same technique in his run to explain why noone was able to put two and two together with Clark and Supes looking so much alike.


and Chloe has become even more useful now to be an Oracle for the Justice League especially when they don't have anyone on the team with the brains.

I'm not sure they ditched Martha because of money (unless you have a link to prove it to me) but Clark has finally become a man and doesn't need his hand held by his mother anymore (that doesn't mean she couldn't be a support system like she is in the comics and i do miss her)
As far as doing better... i guess it's possible but i'm enjoying this last season even more than any of the Superman movies (ironically because i'm not a hardcore Superman fan anymore)

[WorstThingUS]

Clark's one true love in high school has always been lana in smallville and in the comics.
Even back in the first season when Lana had a boyfriend and clark was pining for her and remember the first season finale where he ditched chloe in the school dance to go check on lana. Chloe had her chance at happiness with Jimmy and she blew it big time.

The show is obviously not the comics and doesn't feel bound to them, so having them be together for a brief period is hardly some sort of Superman blasphemy.

And the true testament to Allison Mack's performance as Chloe is that Kurt Busiek was going to introduce her into the comics before it all fell apart.

[Spiffy]

I don't think the town of small/metropolis only seeing a red and blue blur is "astonishing stupid" he doesn't wear a costume so he has to make sure noone sees him by doing superhero things at super speed.
Okay, then Clark wearing the same clothes all the time is the stupid part then...

[pariah-1972]

Okay, then Clark wearing the same clothes all the time is the stupid part then...Actually he's been wearing a suit and tie to work lately.

[marshal99]

The show is obviously not the comics and doesn't feel bound to them, so having them be together for a brief period is hardly some sort of Superman blasphemy.

And the true testament to Allison Mack's performance as Chloe is that Kurt Busiek was going to introduce her into the comics before it all fell apart.

Thing is , in the show , Clark never really felt anything for chloe , just as a good friend. This season , as the hex episode illustrated , it's even more apparent that she's getting to a point where she doesn't have a big role in clark's life anymore.

[WorstThingUS]

I don't think the town of small/metropolis only seeing a red and blue blur is "astonishing stupid"

Okay, then Clark wearing the same clothes all the time is the stupid part then...

When I called it stupid it wasn't that they wouldn't name their hero or the obviously long-running in-joke that Clark only wears the colors that will one day be his uniform. No, it's astonishingly stupid that a group of professional writers couldn't think of a better name than "red & blue blur" and I literally cringe every time I hear it. Given how many dumbass Superman in jokes this damn show has done you'd think "metropolis marvel" would have come to them easily.

Thing is , in the show , Clark never really felt anything for chloe , just as a good friend. This season , as the hex episode illustrated , it's even more apparent that she's getting to a point where she doesn't have a big role in clark's life anymore.

You and I are clearly talking about two different things. Obviously I've seen the show. I know what's going on. I'm just talking about how the character of Chloe and Allison Mack's performance makes me feel.

And for the record, Clark was ready to give it a shot once, but Chloe gave into her insecurities and backed away.

[CaptainFrxz]

I have been watching this the last few months, i am curently watching season 4, and i have to say i really like this show but season 4 have more ups and downs than the pervious ones.
With being said i can`t wait for season 6 with proto leauge and all.

[pariah-1972]

When I called it stupid it wasn't that they wouldn't name their hero or the obviously long-running in-joke that Clark only wears the colors that will one day be his uniform. No, it's astonishingly stupid that a group of professional writers couldn't think of a better name than "red & blue blur" and I literally cringe every time I hear it. Given how many dumbass Superman in jokes this damn show has done you'd think "metropolis marvel" would have come to them easily.



You and I are clearly talking about two different things. Obviously I've seen the show. I know what's going on. I'm just talking about how the character of Chloe and Allison Mack's performance makes me feel.

And for the record, Clark was ready to give it a shot once, but Chloe gave into her insecurities and backed away.Metropolis Marvel sounds more like a Superhero name than some Unexplained mysterious benefactor to me.

[Solaris01]

"Re-watching Smallville without the crap"


:confused: How does one do that?

:evilsmile:

Seriously, I think most of this show is bad. It caters waaay too much to the 'Dawson's Creek' and the '90210' crowd.

[Kid Kyoto]

"Re-watching Smallville without the crap"


:confused: How does one do that?

:evilsmile:

Seriously, I think most of this show is bad. It caters waaay too much to the 'Dawson's Creek' and the '90210' crowd.


It's also the longest-running (first run episodes) Superman show since the 50s?

Ever?

how long did George Reeve's show last?

[IvCNuB4]

ack ! Double post .....

[IvCNuB4]

It ran for 6 seasons, from 1952 - 1958 (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044231/) .....

[Solaris01]

It's also the longest-running (first run episodes) Superman show since the 50s?

Ever?

how long did George Reeve's show last?

The George Reeve's show Was pop culture in its time. Smallville isn't, at all. It's a tiny show in a obscure tiny network. It gets renewed because it is the highest rated show the CW has, with about 3.7 mil viewers, which doesn't mean much.

[Xybernauts]

The George Reeve's show Was pop culture in its time. Smallville isn't, at all. It's a tiny show in a obscure tiny network. It gets renewed because it is the highest rated show the CW has, with about 3.7 mil viewers, which doesn't mean much.
I disagree. How big does something have to be to be pop culture? Yes, the show is somewhat mundane and seemingly inconsequential when compared to other modern trends, but ultimately it is a part of pop culture non-the-less. The fact that it's associated with Superman, alone, solidifies that notion. On another note, Smallville conforms to the trend of Dawson Creek/Felicity/90210/ type shows that the WB/CW are famous for. It's a part of pop culture.

[WorstThingUS]

Metropolis Marvel sounds more like a Superhero name than some Unexplained mysterious benefactor to me.

Well, given they've shown a kid with a towel around his neck saying, "I'm the red-and-blue-blur" his status as a superhero is pretty much established.

And Unexplained Mysterious Benefactor is a better name than f#*$ing "red-and-blue-blur." Everyone who signed off on that should be docked a paycheck.

[Xybernauts]

Well, given they've shown a kid with a towel around his neck saying, "I'm the red-and-blue-blur" his status as a superhero is pretty much established.

And Unexplained Mysterious Benefactor is a better name than f#*$ing "red-and-blue-blur." Everyone who signed off on that should be docked a paycheck.
Actually, I don't see why they just don't call him Superman. Typically, in Superman mythology, Clark Kent doesn't name himself; but instead someone gives him the name Superman. I don't think it's necessary for him to show himself or to wear the costume for him to use the name.

[Solaris01]

I disagree. How big does something have to be to be pop culture? Yes, the show is somewhat mundane and seemingly inconsequential when compared to other modern trends, but ultimately it is a part of pop culture non-the-less. The fact that it's associated with Superman, alone, solidifies that notion. On another note, Smallville conforms to the trend of Dawson Creek/Felicity/90210/ type shows that the WB/CW are famous for. It's a part of pop culture.

Then you don't know the meaning of the word pop culture.

Smallville is a niche show. And it isn't exactly a Superma show; it lacks some of the most basic elements recognizable with the character.

Now, Star Trek TNG, as well as the original series (TOS), those were (and arguably still are) pop culture. They were so popular with general audiences that they made feature films out of them.

[Xybernauts]

Then you don't know the meaning of the word pop culture.

Smallville is a niche show. And it isn't exactly a Superma show; it lacks some of the most basic elements recognizable with the character.

Now, Star Trek TNG, as well as the original series (TOS), those were (and arguably still are) pop culture. They were so popular with general audiences that they made feature films out of them.

Main Entry: popular culture
Part of Speech: n
Definition: contemporary lifestyle and items that are well known and generally accepted, cultural patterns that are widespread within a population; also called pop culture

from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/popular%20culture

Smallville is clearly an 'item' that is 'well-known' and 'widespread'. Smallville may not be one of the biggest shows on TV, but I think it's big enough to have an impact on our culture. And come on, you mean that the show we're talking about that happens to be in the Superman forum about Clark Kent, in Metropolis, with Lois Lane isn't a Superman show? While originally it was a Superboy show, it has 'developed' (and I use the word loosely) into a Superman show. Technically it's more of an unofficial prequel; so your kinda right.

[WorstThingUS]

Smallville is a niche show. And it isn't exactly a Superma show; it lacks some of the most basic elements recognizable with the character.



Not really. We've seen everything from Krypto to the Legion to the "S" and flowing red cape. The only thing we haven't seen are tights, because he's flown and he's always in red and blue. There's zero separating this from being a Superman show.

And I'm now going through the third season after my massive purchase last week (have I cursed you all for that recently?) and I while I'm definitely skipping a lot, there's a lot I'm enjoying more than I thought I would.

[WorstThingUS]

That last post made me wonder just what we haven't seen on Smallville that's Superman. So far it's been:

Krypton
kryptonite (green, red, black)
Jonathan & Martha Kent
Red, blue, yellow motif
Jor-El & Lara
Kara Zor-El
Zor-El
Super powers (strength, speed, invulneability, x-ray vision, heat vision, hearing, breath, flight)
Red cape
"S"
Lex Luthor
Lois Lane
Jimmy Olsen
Lana Lang
Pete Ross
Perry White
Morgan Edge
Maggie Sawyer
Metropolis
Justice League (Aquaman, Green Arrow, Zatanna, Martian Manhunter)
Zod
Brainiac
Doomsday
Mxyzptlk
Bizarro
Krypto (though called Shelby)
Phantom Zone
Fortress of Solitude
Superman Revenge Squad
Legion of Superheroes
STAR Labs
Cadmus
Dr. Emil Hamilton

Did I miss anything?

[Xybernauts]

That last post made me wonder just what we haven't seen on Smallville that's Superman. So far it's been:

Krypton
kryptonite (green, red, black)
Jonathan & Martha Kent
Red, blue, yellow motif
Jor-El & Lara
Kara Zor-El
Zor-El
Super powers (strength, speed, invulneability, x-ray vision, heat vision, hearing, breath, flight)
Red cape
"S"
Lex Luthor
Lois Lane
Jimmy Olsen
Lana Lang
Pete Ross
Perry White
Morgan Edge
Maggie Sawyer
Metropolis
Justice League (Aquaman, Green Arrow, Zatanna, Martian Manhunter)
Zod
Brainiac
Doomsday
Mxyzptlk
Bizarro
Krypto (though called Shelby)
Phantom Zone
Fortress of Solitude
Superman Revenge Squad
Legion of Superheroes
STAR Labs
Cadmus
Dr. Emil Hamilton

Did I miss anything?
In the Justice League (Aquaman, Green Arrow, Zatanna, Martian Manhunter), you missed Impulse and Cyborg.

Also Lex's powersuit
The Daily Planet
The Kent Farm
And how could you miss Smallville of all things, shame on you!

[WorstThingUS]

In the Justice League (Aquaman, Green Arrow, Zatanna, Martian Manhunter), you missed Impulse and Cyborg.

Also Lex's powersuit
The Daily Planet
The Kent Farm
And how could you miss Smallville of all things, shame on you!

Impulse and Cyborg aren't part of the Superman mythos so it was deliberate. It's also why I left out Vandal Savage. I can't believe I overlooked The Daily Planet, though. And I totally forgot about Lex creating a battlesuit recently. It's what I get for fast forwarding these days.

[marshal99]

That last post made me wonder just what we haven't seen on Smallville that's Superman. So far it's been:

Krypton
kryptonite (green, red, black)
Jonathan & Martha Kent
Red, blue, yellow motif
Jor-El & Lara
Kara Zor-El
Zor-El
Super powers (strength, speed, invulneability, x-ray vision, heat vision, hearing, breath, flight)
Red cape
"S"
Lex Luthor
Lois Lane
Jimmy Olsen
Lana Lang
Pete Ross
Perry White
Morgan Edge
Maggie Sawyer
Metropolis
Justice League (Aquaman, Green Arrow, Zatanna, Martian Manhunter)
Zod
Brainiac
Doomsday
Mxyzptlk
Bizarro
Krypto (though called Shelby)
Phantom Zone
Fortress of Solitude
Superman Revenge Squad
Legion of Superheroes
STAR Labs
Cadmus
Dr. Emil Hamilton

Did I miss anything?

You missed out blue and silver kryptonite although the silver was artificially created by Brainiac.
Toyman
maxima
Intergang

[WorstThingUS]

You missed out blue and silver kryptonite although the silver was artificially created by Brainiac.
Toyman
maxima
Intergang

Crap. I called the "silver" black, but I definitely don't remember blue. And I just realized I forgot:

glasses
blue suit
Phantom Zone villains

[Solaris01]

Well, good for you guys. But it doesn't work for me. The show is just so full of gimmicks and teases. It rarely delivers. It's cheesy, silly and dumb a lot of the time. It really feels more like a bastardization of the mythos, IMO.

I like the way this person put it:

"Don't forget this is a " re-imagining " of the Superman/Clark Kent mythos. The one where Clark dosen't fly, is in love with Lana no wait now he loves Lois, nope back to loving Lana, oh wait it looks like he is having feelings for Lois ( but only after she gets passed around the Justice League ), and instead of becoming Superman he grows up to be the red...blue...blur????

I am also surprised this show is still on the air."


But let's agree to disagree. To each their own, really.

[WorstThingUS]

Well, good for you guys. But it doesn't work for me. The show is just so full of gimmicks and teases. It rarely delivers. It's cheesy, silly and dumb a lot of the time. It really feels more like a bastardization of the mythos, IMO.

I like the way this person put it:

"Don't forget this is a " re-imagining " of the Superman/Clark Kent mythos. The one where Clark dosen't fly, is in love with Lana no wait now he loves Lois, nope back to loving Lana, oh wait it looks like he is having feelings for Lois ( but only after she gets passed around the Justice League ), and instead of becoming Superman he grows up to be the red...blue...blur????

I am also surprised this show is still on the air."


But let's agree to disagree. To each their own, really.

True, but the same complaints are leveled at the comic are they not? Byrne's re-imagining of the Superman/Clark Kent mythos was the one where Superman has a force field around his body, Lois once dated Luthor, he was never Superboy, Lana knew his secret while Pete Ross did not, The Kents are alive and well and Krypton was a soulless place.

I've been the first to rip Smallville for being cheesy crap, but it's not bad simply because it's different and uses the mythos as source material (like it's supposed to) rather than some sacred text to be followed to the letter (and which sacred text would you follow anyway?). That type of complaint reminds you that "fan" is short for "fanatic."

[CannonFodder]

Run, Arrow, and Justice were by far my 3 fav episodes.

[WorstThingUS]

So I'm up to Season 4 now and it never really dawned on me that Lois wears nothing but tight, primary colored tank tops. I'd loved to have seen her face at that first wardrobe meeting.

"Um, I'm a small."
"Yes?"
"But all these tank tops are extra smalls"
"And your question is?"
"Seriously? It's like that?"
"Honey, your first scene with the star of the show was him naked. What did you think it was like? Oh, and as long as you're here we need you to try on your stripper outfit."

[maczero]

So I'm up to Season 4Hang in there. If you made it through the high school years then it gets a lot easier.

Personally, I recommend fast forwarding all the Clark/Lana interactions. It's usually Lana tells Clark that he's hiding something and Clark denies it.

[Xybernauts]

So I'm up to Season 4 now and it never really dawned on me that Lois wears nothing but tight, primary colored tank tops. I'd loved to have seen her face at that first wardrobe meeting.

"Um, I'm a small."
"Yes?"
"But all these tank tops are extra smalls"
"And your question is?"
"Seriously? It's like that?"
"Honey, your first scene with the star of the show was him naked. What did you think it was like? Oh, and as long as you're here we need you to try on your stripper outfit."
I don't get it? What do you mean by small?

Anyway, I think Smallville, has had alot of great ideas, but they weren't always executed in a way that was tasteful. For example, I always like that Indiana Jones like quest and all those interesting Kryptonian artifacts we used to see in Smallville, but the idea that they lead to HIGHLIGHT TO READ SPOILER. THERE"S AN * BEFORE & AFTER EACH SPOILER *...the Fortress was solitude was a bit anti-climatic. It might have been better if it lead to the South American Fortress instead. *

The biggest problem with Smallville is they try to milk each story for everything it's worth and then some. They don't develop the story in a way that natural to their logical conclusion. Alot of the stories they show are too forced. They also make the mistake of not developing a lot of stories that had a lot of potential. For example, *when Ursa and Nod (I think that was their name) kidnapped Lex and Lana at Lex's mansion, * they ended that story in one episode. To me that story had potential to be drawn out for at least three or more episode. Instead they end the story with Clark *miraculously beating the two of them. At the time I thought they were gonna show Clark training at the Fortress of Solitude learning to be a hero under Jor-El's tutelage, which had the potential to be so cool. Instead he rebels against Jor-El in the most annoying and childish way possible.* Instead of developing the story they cut it short. And most annoying, they make *beating Ursa and Nod look easy. * That's just one example of many. Just ranting I guess. And don't forget about the bad acting and casting. The show used to have so much potential too. It still does I guess, but it seems like it'll never be fully realized.

[WorstThingUS]

Hang in there. If you made it through the high school years then it gets a lot easier.

Personally, I recommend fast forwarding all the Clark/Lana interactions. It's usually Lana tells Clark that he's hiding something and Clark denies it.

Actually, I think the show peaked in the 3rd and 4th seasons. Season 5 they kill Jonathan Kent and that's the beginning of the end.

Well, the Clark/Lex and Clark/Lana interactions all become the same, Clark lying to someone becoming clearly more hostile because they know he's lying---except the Clark/Lex ones have actual sexual tension.

I don't get it? What do you mean by small?



Her shirt size, hence them putting her in an even smaller one. But it's funny that I never noticed it before. I guess I was too distracted by the fact everyone from Clark to Lionel Luthor did a shower scene that I missed the more minor bits of exploitation.

[marshal99]

Depends on your definition of peaking , season 5 was the season that introduced other heroes that were not meteor freaks that later formed the justice league in season 6 - arrow , bart , cyborg , aquaman etc as well as zod & brainiac.

Season 6 introduced the phantom zoners , the justice league , martian manhunter , bizarro

season 7 introduced supergirl , death of lionel

season 8 saw doomsday , legion , daily planet

So all in all , it's not all bad.

[Mat001]

I don't get it? What do you mean by small?

Anyway, I think Smallville, has had alot of great ideas, but they weren't always executed in a way that was tasteful. For example, I always like that Indiana Jones like quest and all those interesting Kryptonian artifacts we used to see in Smallville, but the idea that they lead to HIGHLIGHT TO READ SPOILER. THERE"S AN * BEFORE & AFTER EACH SPOILER *...the Fortress was solitude was a bit anti-climatic. It might have been better if it lead to the South American Fortress instead. *

The biggest problem with Smallville is they try to milk each story for everything it's worth and then some. They don't develop the story in a way that natural to their logical conclusion. Alot of the stories they show are too forced. They also make the mistake of not developing a lot of stories that had a lot of potential. For example, *when Ursa and Nod (I think that was their name) kidnapped Lex and Lana at Lex's mansion, * they ended that story in one episode. To me that story had potential to be drawn out for at least three or more episode. Instead they end the story with Clark *miraculously beating the two of them. At the time I thought they were gonna show Clark training at the Fortress of Solitude learning to be a hero under Jor-El's tutelage, which had the potential to be so cool. Instead he rebels against Jor-El in the most annoying and childish way possible.* Instead of developing the story they cut it short. And most annoying, they make *beating Ursa and Nod look easy. * That's just one example of many. Just ranting I guess. And don't forget about the bad acting and casting. The show used to have so much potential too. It still does I guess, but it seems like it'll never be fully realized.

The duo were Nam-Ek and Aeyther.

[WorstThingUS]

Depends on your definition of peaking , season 5 was the season that introduced other heroes that were not meteor freaks that later formed the justice league in season 6 - arrow , bart , cyborg , aquaman etc as well as zod & brainiac.

Season 6 introduced the phantom zoners , the justice league , martian manhunter , bizarro

season 7 introduced supergirl , death of lionel

season 8 saw doomsday , legion , daily planet

So all in all , it's not all bad.

But five pretty much marked the end of him "growing" (which is appropriate given the loss of his father) which the raison d'etre of the show. Also, Mark Verheiden left for Battlestar Galactica and I think the overall quality of the show dipped as a result. Not to mention, once the JLA shows up it's pretty much his adventures as Superman. And so much of all that was so poorly done (The Legion, Doomsday and Bizarro being the exceptions). Fatigue definitely sets in after a show has been on for a while and phoning it in because inevitable. Witness the careless dismissal of Martha Kent. Shouldn't the death of Jonathan have made them closer? Not here. She's not so much as even mentioned any longer.

Oh, and either I never got a disc in the set I bought or I managed to lose it in my freaking bedroom. Sigh. Of course it's the one where Lana, Lois and Chloe all become witches which is actually one of my favorites.

[WorstThingUS]

So against my better judgment I gave season 5 another shot...and regretted it. I let the whole "kryptonian stones scattered across time" thing slide because I hoped the conclusion would explain it all, but of course it never did. Isabel just vanished as the stone was shoved into the heart of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, which strangely caused a meteor shower making me wonder if the producers knew the difference between science and magic. But they actually answered that when bringing Clark back to life required Jonathan Kent to die. No, they don't see the difference between science and magic. Nor do they understand "logic." It was just events without reason to see a desired result. Simply awful.

And yet I continue to watch. Sigh.

[Slaughter]

Actually, no.

Costumes that work wonderfully on the comics page sometimes have a hard time not looking ridiculous when real people put them on. Superman's costume is one such case. With the notable exception of Christopher Reeve, nobody has managed to keep their dignity intact while wearing the tights.


That's because you need to be VERY mainly and VERY awesome to use the tights and the S. Otherwise, the Tights reject you and look ridiculous. Only Reeve was awesome enough in RL.

[Slient_Knight]

i don't understand why they brought doomsday in so early. making him and young clark clash now makes no sense. it just as bad as him fighting zod in lex's body. clark hasn't even mastered all of his powers yet.

[Solaris01]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bored at 3:00AM
Actually, no.

Costumes that work wonderfully on the comics page sometimes have a hard time not looking ridiculous when real people put them on. Superman's costume is one such case. With the notable exception of Christopher Reeve, nobody has managed to keep their dignity intact while wearing the tights.



That's because you need to be VERY mainly and VERY awesome to use the tights and the S. Otherwise, the Tights reject you and look ridiculous. Only Reeve was awesome enough in RL.


I absolutely and totally disagree with you guys. :cool: So glad the internet is NOT the real world. Jeez... Oh, and I don't care if people here disagree with me. I just go, lalalalala... :tongue:

[herogirl]

Does anyone else think that they created the relationship thing between Doomsday and Chloe because she was too popular a character? i.e. We all want to defy convention and have her end up with Clark?

[Mike Smith]

i don't understand why they brought doomsday in so early. making him and young clark clash now makes no sense. it just as bad as him fighting zod in lex's body. clark hasn't even mastered all of his powers yet.

I love the way they've handled Doomsday and hope DC makes this origin canon for the character.

[Xybernauts]

i don't understand why they brought doomsday in so early. making him and young clark clash now makes no sense. it just as bad as him fighting zod in lex's body. clark hasn't even mastered all of his powers yet.

I used to feel that way, but I kinda warmed up to the idea. The guy who plays Doomsday is actually doing a real good job. Honestly, I kinda wish they'd replace Welling and use him as Clark Kent instead.

I mean I don't think they should have brought him so early, but I do like some of the highlights of the story like the idea that he came to earth with Kal-El with the pod.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bored at 3:00AM
Actually, no.

Costumes that work wonderfully on the comics page sometimes have a hard time not looking ridiculous when real people put them on. Superman's costume is one such case. With the notable exception of Christopher Reeve, nobody has managed to keep their dignity intact while wearing the tights.


So are you saying that Routh didn't do a good job wearing the tights?

I think Welling could pull of the tights, but even if he doesn't wear the costume, they should at the very least give him a better outfit. Wearing outfits like the one we see him use on the show should be a crime. I know Clark Kent has simple country roots, but that doesn't mean he's also fashion retarded. Traditional Kent always seemed to have a good fashion sense at the very least. The red and blue blur outfit makes me wanna shoot myself every time i see it. At least wear a costume like the one Kon-El wears in the comics. even a simple black t-shirt would be an improvement.

Does anyone else think that they created the relationship thing between Doomsday and Chloe because she was too popular a character? i.e. We all want to defy convention and have her end up with Clark?

I think they did it because she was a popular character, but they didn't have anything to do with her. She can't have a relationship with Clark cause that's Lois' and Lane's dept. and 3s a crowd and her relationship with Jimmy was getting alittle boring. They wanted to make her more then Clark's sidekick. Although i really miss her Brainiac technopathic hacking superpowers. They really made her character so cool that she had a cold snap. They should have made her a good Brainiac.

[celticguy]

I did not see the death of Jimmy olsen coming, of course their work around Jimmy being supermans pal in the future was cool.

[Xybernauts]

I did not see the death of Jimmy olsen coming, of course their work around Jimmy being supermans pal in the future was cool.
Thank the gods they killed his character. The actor who played Jimmy annoyed me to death. This cool version of Jimmy just wasn't cool. I think the show implied that Jimmy Olsen wasn't the Jimmy we know and love. It's possible his little brother is the Jimmy of the comics. And before I get 100 posts telling me I'm wrong I just want to say it's possible Jimmy's father was named Jimmy and his sons were junior and the third. Yeah, I know it's a little out there, but that's the impression I got from the funeral scene.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

I'm also glad they finally got rid of Jimmy, who never felt like Jimmy Olsen at all. I'm curious what they'll do next season despite what will obviously be some extremely tight budget restrictions.

I mean, from what I've heard, they had to dump a truck load of cash into Tom Welling to get him to come back and the budget had already been slashed pretty heavily this season, which is why Lois, Oliver, Tess & Davis only appeared in a few episodes each---they simply couldn't afford to have them appear in the whole season.

Given that both ratings and fan approval seemed to rise noticeably this year, maybe the network will shell out a few more bucks next season...

[Bored at 3:00AM]

So are you saying that Routh didn't do a good job wearing the tights?


He managed to get by on his resemblance to Reeve, but that's not exactly a home run.

[Solaris01]

He managed to get by on his resemblance to Reeve, but that's not exactly a home run.

Well, to me, to many fans and professional film critics, Brandon Routh made a great Superman in both looks and in his performance. He won some popular fan awards; for instance, he won as Best Superhero at the Scream Awards 2006, beating Bale and Hugh Jackman, :cool:
http://www.movieweb.com/news/NEIwlILJAWBSNI

He also won as Best Newcomer at the Empire Awards 2007, and Breakout Star of the Year at Total Film magazine the same year, where thousands of people voted for him. Yep, he was a hit in the role, and I hope he returns to reprise the role in the next Superman movie. He totally deserves it. If anything, the script let him down a bit.

http://www.empireonline.com/awards/malenewcomer.asp

http://www.totalfilm.com/features/review-of-the-year-and-total-film-readers-awards

.

[jediracer]

This is a Smallville thread, let's keep Routh out of it please. Thanks.

[pariah-1972]

Well, to me, to many fans and professional film critics, Brandon Routh made a great Superman in both looks and in his performance. He won some popular fan awards; for instance, he won as Best Superhero at the Scream Awards 2006, beating Bale and Hugh Jackman, :cool:
http://www.movieweb.com/news/NEIwlILJAWBSNI

He also won as Best Newcomer at the Empire Awards 2007, and Breakout Star of the Year at Total Film magazine the same year, where thousands of people voted for him. Yep, he was a hit in the role, and I hope he returns to reprise the role in the next Superman movie. He totally deserves it. If anything, the script let him down a bit.

http://www.empireonline.com/awards/malenewcomer.asp

http://www.totalfilm.com/features/review-of-the-year-and-total-film-readers-awards

.Unfortunately there's not going to be a new Superman movie for some time according to WB.

[WorstThingUS]

I'm also glad they finally got rid of Jimmy, who never felt like Jimmy Olsen at all. I'm curious what they'll do next season despite what will obviously be some extremely tight budget restrictions.

I mean, from what I've heard, they had to dump a truck load of cash into Tom Welling to get him to come back and the budget had already been slashed pretty heavily this season, which is why Lois, Oliver, Tess & Davis only appeared in a few episodes each---they simply couldn't afford to have them appear in the whole season.

Given that both ratings and fan approval seemed to rise noticeably this year, maybe the network will shell out a few more bucks next season...

The budget cuts have really hurt this show. When your writing is good, you can work around it, but this never really had that advantage. You had the Justice League and Doomsday and almost zero action, the money clearly going into that one "super leap" which was nice, but a cherry without any ice cream underneath it. The fight with Bizarro was better.

[Mat001]

Thank the gods they killed his character. The actor who played Jimmy annoyed me to death. This cool version of Jimmy just wasn't cool. I think the show implied that Jimmy Olsen wasn't the Jimmy we know and love. It's possible his little brother is the Jimmy of the comics. And before I get 100 posts telling me I'm wrong I just want to say it's possible Jimmy's father was named Jimmy and his sons were junior and the third. Yeah, I know it's a little out there, but that's the impression I got from the funeral scene.

The younger Jimmy is James Bartholomew Olsen. The producers told the folks at DC that they had a plan regarding Jimmy on the show. This was pretty much it. That's why the revealed Aaron Ashmore as Henry James Olsen, who liked his middle name more and used it when he went to work at the Daily Planet. This way, when young Jimmy is older, he'll be at the Daily Planet and become Superman's pal. And thus they also get around his seeing Clark's face without the glasses. As well as the whole age issue which many fans brought up at the outset.

[Animation]

I loved the Jimmy on Smallville, and yes I am familiar with Jimmy from the comic books. After years and years of Jimmy being Jimmy, killing him and retconning him as "not Jimmy anyway" turned me against Smallville. I thought the show's best seasons were 6 and 8 ... even with the last 2 crappy Lana episodes. Then they killed Jimmy and did the de-Jimmy on him. Now I hate the show and regret they are having season 9 (and probably 10).