Admittedly, I am one of the many “Smallville” fans who have turned away from watching the antics and melodrama surrounding Clark Kent (Tom Welling). Season 5 was the high point. Then Season 6 presented a slight peak during episode 11, “Justice,” following the united Justice League. But, then the show went straight downhill.
Maybe, the death of Jonathan Kent (John Schneider) was too much for me. No Smallville fan will ever forget January 26, 2006 – when Pa Kent died. However, like Clark, I tarried on. It was what Pa Kent would have wanted. Then the back-and-forth battle between the Luthor’s was watered down. Lionel Luthor (John Glover) became a good guy, trying to supplant the void left by Jonathan. The good guy role just didn’t fit Lionel’s character. So, the creative staff quickly blurred his allegiances, claiming he was Jor-El’s earthly voice. I bought it.
Next Lionel died. Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) was now the crown prince of evil on Smallville. But, his stay on the throne was marred when Rosenbaum decided to pursue other acting endeavors. They dynamic duo of Alfred Gough and Miles Miller also decided it were time to look towards greener pastures. We were left with a shoddy season 7, featuring Kara Zor-El (Laura Vandervoort). That season was followed up an even worse season 8 – the season without a villain. Fans were forced to suffer through Tess Mercer (Cassidy Freeman) as the surrogate Lex Luthor. Needless to say, the character of Tess was a pale comparison to Lex. After so many seasons of watching Lex grow, there was no way this upstart could ever take his mantle. Davis Bloom (Sam Witwer), aka Doomsday, was another failed attempt at a villain. Bloom never presented the psychological and physical threat of either of the Luthors.
Season 9 has three episodes in the can. We thought season 8 would be Smallville’s last, we were wrong. Now, the hint of Smallville Season 10 is in the air. Surprisingly, after these first three episodes, I find myself once again mildly intrigued by the mythos of Smallville. This season has taken on a much darker tone. The annoying melodrama of Clark and Lana (or Clana) is a thing of the past. In Smallville Season 9 Episode 3, “Rabid,” Clark takes the picture of Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk) out and archives it in a photo album. He then closes the album, just as Lois walks in the door. Thus, the Lana chapter of Clark’s life has now been fully closed. Thank you.
We now have Zod (Callum Blue), a villain that most assuredly will present a challenge to Clark. Yes, Zod did appear before, but that was only through his spirit channeled in Lex. It’s confusing. I know. Zod also had two followers appear in Smallville at the start of Season 5.
This time, however, is different. Zod is back – flesh and bone. Also, much like the comic arc, “New Krypton,” there is an infestation of Kryptonians on Earth. Instead of going all out with a Zod vs. Clark battle, the creative staff has smartly decided to build up the personality of Zod first. We see how ruthless he can be, with or without powers. He turned John Corben (Brian Austin Green) into Metallo. Zod has also cut off the head of one of his own soldiers, who did a good job despite disobeying orders. Zod is definitely a villain fans can follow, and from the looks of things his saga is also worth following.
Clark has also embraced his heritage, which obviously involves graffiti. Like Zorro, Clark is going around burning his family crest everywhere he does a good deed. He’s asked Jor-El the question fans have asked for countless years. Why can’t Clark fly? Jor-El says Clark is bound by his Earthly attachments - meaning Lois. But, we the people also know that Gough and Miller, albeit departed, promised Clark would never fly on the show or dress up in tights. To date, he has only flown as Kal-El, and he wears black outfit, similar to his older grim-alternate future counterpart in the comic books.
Is that enough to commission a season 10? Hey, I still like Smallville, but I’d rather Smallville go out with a bang rather then be canceled mid-season without a definitive end. So, like Clark did with Lana, I’d like to close this chapter in Cark Kent’s life and file it away with a smile. That way I can just remember the good times.
In Smallville Season 9 Episode 4, “Echo,” Tess (Cassidy Freeman) forces Oliver (Justin Hartley) to come to a Queen Industries gala to put the Board at ease. But, things go awry when the Toyman (guest star Chris Gautheir) shows up with a bomb and a plan to take revenge on Oliver. The Toyman tells Oliver he must confess to murdering Lex or he will blow the place up. Meanwhile, as part of his training, Jor-El gives Clark (Tom Welling) the ability to hear other people’s thoughts. Allison Mack and Erica Durance also star. Wayne Rose directed the episode written by Bryan Q. Miller.
I’m sorry but seriously, c’mon, Season 8 was a vast improvement over Season 7, which in turn wa better than season 6. Yes this show dropped, most shows do at around the season 6 mark and they never recover, Smallville managed to recover by progresively improving everything, and then last season was a huge turn around. For all intents and purposes season 8 heralded the arrival of Superman and waved goodbye to Clark Kent and his youth. Sure he’s not in the red and blue suit, but he’s acknowledged the red and blue, sure he’s not gone public, but he’s given himself over to a persona as ‘the blur’, and yes he is in every position as you expect form adult Clark Kent, Daily Planet reporter, a mixed relationship with Lois Lane and a double life as the blur. What we are watching now IS Superman, not Smallville as it began. Its grown up, and along with it so have the stories, the writing and the tone of the show. Season 8 proved that, adn Season 9 is in good position with Zod to keep that moving. These are the last vestiges of Clark Kent the boy and truly the origins of Superman.
I also am in an agreement with Mervyn, Season 10 needs to be the absolute last. Not that I WANT to lost the show, but considering that Superman is soon to revert to Shuscter/Seigel away from DC, WB only have about 2 years left to make Smallville. Better they use Season 10 if its needed, and choose to finish then and build up to it han keep going and risk being stopped prematurely.
GJP is, in fact, incorrect. Established continuity throughout years of “Superman” mythos, establishes, not only the character’s name to be Kara Zor-El, but the traditions of Kryptonian females to take the whole of the name of her partner. Thus Kal-El’s mom is Lara Jor-El, and Kara’s mom is thus Allura Zor-El.
GJP:
Sorry to say it, but your argument is completely wrong. If you could read, or were familiar with the comics at all, you’d know that they call her Kara Zor-El.
So, maybe you should take a hike to whatever alternate bizarro reality you came from and suck a fat one - which you’re probably doing right now.
And, if you don’t believe me. Just check out Wikipedia — the ultimate source for all information in our universe:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supergirl_(Kara_Zor-El)
It is NOT “Kara Zor-El”!!! She is of the House of El..
Jor-El his Father
Zor-El his Uncle
Kal El his name
Kara El her name.
Get it right or take a hike to an alternate universe where shrimp are the ultimate life force!!!
Season 9 of Smallville is the pinnacle darkest of them all. Clark/Kal-El has finally after in sublte teases in Season 8, has now finally embraced his Kryptonian heritage, and going simply as “The Blur”. Myself like many firmly believed Season 8 should of indeed been the last of the series. Yet, as we are all fresh into the new season of number nine, and knowing officially like a few individuals out there, the yet possibility of a tenth season, does make clear sense to issue, but the The CW and the producers clearly absolutely know amongst themselves, that season 10 has to be the last. Having this show and it’s re-imaging of the mythology has been a great advantage to the shows overall creative and professionl direction. Season 8 was the turn around point of maturity into a complete adult realm, that was much needed and about time in the progression of the show, otherwise the ratings would have plummeted and the last season of indeed been the last.
Now with two remaining original showrunners helming the show, Smallville still has life in it to end off in a bang. Season 10 for all purposes for The CW Network, cast & crew of the show must know in some way, that to go this long on this interesting journey that for all them to give to the casual and die-hard fans a sound and logical closure to the series.
To make this clear, even though Tom Welling is the only lone actor and cast member to have a 10th season contract for 2010-2011, all things are remained to be consider, the showrunners have officially stated - “it must still come down to proven ratings throughout the season.
Should season 10 be exact and happen after the current season, we all well know without prejudice, Smallville season 10 must be the series final chapter of Clark’s now adult saga.
I think season 9 looks really good so far but all I really want is Lex back.
How many people who have, or are about to comment on S9 of Smallville have actually watched it, or any of the other seasons? Not all, I’ll bet. I’ve watched them all and agree that not everything was perfect in all seasons, but S8 was a real doozy and S9 looks like it is going to be better. I’ve seen the first three episodes and they were fantastic! I can’t wait to see more!
As for the long black coat, etc, there has to be some transition between the Red-Blue Blur and Superman in full togs and it seems to me as good a choice as any and at least isn’t goofy.
Tom Welling has obviously put a lot into his physical self as well as his acting ability in portraying the young Superman - his physical development over the years is impressive and must be commended. And Alison Mack is a superb actress and is a joy to watch. I wish they’d bring back Michael Rosenbaum as he was great, but nothing is perfect…
So, I reckon Smallville S9 is well worth a watch and I hope that viewer ratings will reflect that. In comparison to so many of the shows on TV these days, it is excellent. So, give it a break already! It sure has my vote.
I think you need to take another look at season 8, it’s far better than you give it credit for. While the ratings are down from last year, it is on Friday nights now where it is the HIGHEST RATED FRIDAY NIGHT SHOW IN CW HISTORY. So while the ratings may be down vs. last year, they’re up vs anything else the CW could put on Friday.
I think you are correct all the way around. However, there has been so much junk (seasons 5-8) kept in continuity, that it pales to its high school years. The idea behind Zod is good, but the show is tired. Everyone knows Clark’s secret. They killed Jimmy when it should have been Chloe…ugh! It might be more entertaining if Krypto comes back with the others. I watch it like a car wreck. I look away when it’s appropriate, but I am fascinated how much of this could have been prevented and needless damage was done.