Smallville Season 9 Episode 6 Preview: Crossfire - Time for a JLA Comeback?

“Justice.” It was one of the greatest Smallville episodes ever made. Prior to Season 6’s legendary Episode 11, Alfred Gough and Miles Miller would give their viewing audience small doses of heroic cameos. The Flash had made multiple appearances. Then Aquaman and Cyborg joined the fray. Finally, we had our team lead, the Green Arrow.

Ever since the Justice League finally came together as a unified force on Smallville, fans have demanded the return of the JLA. Instead, we got more cameos and guest-spots. The Black Canary and Zatana both passed through Smallville for a quick “hi and bye.” The Martian Manhunter was a lynchpin in Clark’s growth, but then he lost his powers saving Clark from Bizarro and subsequently got the Smallville boot. The Green Arrow, ironically the only JLA member without powers, was the only hero to achieve longevity on Smallville.

To compensate for the lack of heroic face time, the Smallville creative team has constantly hinted at the presence of our beloved JLA, lurking in the shadows. In prior seasons, Chloe would be commanding the team on missions around the world, taking down LuthorCorp facilities. Now with Lex gone, the JLA has had no real reason to return. Or do they?

Season 9 began with the aftermath of Jimmy’s death. The burden weighed heavily on Oliver Queen, who fell into drunken stupor of self-pity. Without the Arrow to lead the Justice League, the JLA was disbanded. Once again, this all happened as a Chloe side note without, so much as a two-second cameo from our heroes. Queen’s fall could have been belittled into a quick two-episode arc, but, thankfully, the creative team took their time with the arc really earned the Green Arrow’s resurrection story. Queen’s soul was saved through the help of the JLA, under Chloe’s guidance. Of course, the group was never seen on camera. Most people probably didn’t notice Oliver’s quick rundown of how each member was involved in Chloe’s gambit to save his life. Nicely played, but why not give us more? Is it casting?

Smallville has always defied the urge to turn into a super powered fight fest. Outside of the occasional meteor freak or Zoner, there was no reason for an armada of powered-up vigilantes running the streets. Enter Zod – this time in the flesh and blood. Now that the world is overrun with Kryptonians, most of which are out for the blood of El, Smallville may once again need the likes of the Justice League. The creators are already bringing in Speedy, from the Teen Titans, to make a guest appearance. Why not the older heroes?

So far, the Zod arc has continued to impress. Even though we don’t see the general, we feel his presence. Zod’s threat rings more profoundly than Doomsday or Tess. Is it on par with Lex or Lionel Luthor? Unfortunately, the comparison can’t be made, yet. Lex and Lionel had several seasons to leave a lasting psychological effect on Clark. Zod only has one season. Why? Because the end of Smallville is imminent.

Surprisingly, I have not seen any filler episodes yet this season. And, this is probably the best Smallville season start since season 6. The show has taken on a much darker tone in Clark’s adult life. And, let’s face it; the “Bizarro” start of season 7 was a total joke, riddled with more Lana Lang debauchery. Unfortunately, the clock is ticking on Smallville. This is the longest running comic-inspired drama ever to grace TV. However, the time has come to call it quits. Let Clark fly. And, let the fans embrace the memory. But, before we finally wave goodbye, bring back the Justice League, and let them rain hell on the Kryptonians. We, the fans, demand “Justice.”

In Smallville Season 9 Episode 6, “Crossfire,” Oliver (Justin Hartley) tries to help a young street girl, Mia AKA Speedy (guest star Elise Gatien), get out of her dangerous life by offering to train her, but Mia double crosses him. Lois (Erica Durance) asks Clark (Tom Welling) to help her land a job as an on-air television host, but the two are shocked when the station wants to hire them as a team.

Allison Mack, Cassidy Freeman and Callum Blue also star. Mike Rohl directed the episode written by Holly Henderson and Mike Whitehead.