Fans of Smallville have long been frustrated by the “no flights” portion of producers Al Gough and Miles Millar “no flights, no tights” policy established 7 years ago at the start of the first season. As a matter of fact, as the series has evolved, the fact that Clark (Tom Welling) still does not fly on the show has become pretty ridiculous.
Many other characters on the show have had the ability to fly, including Clark’s cousin Kara (Laura Vandervoort) and other Kryptonians. On toleapsp of that, portraying Clark, who is virtually indestructible as having a fear of heights is at this point ridiculous – especially as we enter Smallville’s 8th (and supposedly final) season.
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Sure, they’ve thrown us a bone here and there with him making giant “leaps” and actually showing him flying when he was possessed by other characters, but the producers have stubbornly clung to their original premise. As long as they were in charge we weren’t going to see Clark fly.
But they aren’t in charge any more.
Now we have Kelly Souders, Todd Slavkin, Darren Swimmer, and Brian Peterson running the show. Between them they’ve written 100 episodes over the course of seven years. That’s the equivalent of four full years of Smallville.
Comic Book Resources interviewed them recently and they had some interesting things to say about this upcoming season. While season 7 started to pull away from the arc of the previous six years and finally showed Lex go over completely to the dark side, it’s looking like season 8 will be a big leap forward in the evolution of the characters and the series.
Here are the highlights:
- They will not attempt to bring in a character to replace Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) as the prime antagonist.
- All of the characters will be moving on to the next phase of their lives.
- The show will be moving on to the next phase in the Superman mythology.
- They want to bring Clark closer to the traditional Superman character that we all know.
- There will be an episode that explores the relationship between Clark and Chloe (Allison Mack), and the underlying sexual tension that’s been brewing there for so long.
- On the other hand the season will move Clark and Lois (Erica Durance) towards the relationship that is well established in the comics and films.
- They will highlight the need for Clark to maintain a dual identity and move heavily in that direction.
Ah… but what about Clark flying?!
They dropped a couple of hints that leave me no doubt that he will indeed be finally taking to the skies this year:
“We have a lot of conversations [about flying and the costume], the only thing that we are saying is that we can absolutely confirm that there is no tights, so that’s pretty much all we can say on that.”
And:
“Saving people in Smallville was one thing — when he had to run to the factory to save Chloe the roads weren’t very crowded, the streets weren’t very crowded. Being alive in Metropolis as Superman is a very different experience and you will find very quickly in this season he discovers it’s not so easy when you’re running through crowded streets or your having to run into a crowded crisis situation.”
Take those two comments, along with their plan on moving the story towards the traditional Superman mythos and I’d say we’ll finally get our wish in the flight department.
Here’s what I’m hoping: This team of writers wants to really put their mark on the show as producers and will really hit it out of the park this year. It would be fantastic if this turned out to be the equivalent of Manny Coto coming on board Star Trek: Enterprise in its final season. That show had been ruined by the direction its producers had chosen, but Coto came in fresh in the final season and turned the show around big time.
And of course they’ve finally decided to get rid of Lana (Kristin Kreuk), thank goodness. That can’t do anything but help make the show better. And that’s NOT a slam on Kristin – they just ran the whole Clark/Lana thing so far into the ground that it became nauseating. Also gone is Kara, who never really worked for me as a character on the show.
Here’s hoping that season 8 of Smallville brings us better things than last season did.
Source: Comic Book Resources
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154 Comments
Lex Luther always escape from jail but this lex Luther is so well connected that he can’t even be arrested. i think he should be made to look more like himself “lex luther, the small time big genius crook”. and one thing, why is this lex luther always pays scientist to do his experiments and not by himself as in the movies and comics. i think in smallville, he is too rich to be bad and a genius
to whoever is charge, I think Clark must finally fly, he is probably tired of the low time romantic action hero stuff as i am here
i love smallville and every fan of the show, I think i’ll call myself a smallviller
People need to understand, Smallville IS NOT an exact re-imaging of the comics. It’s the same basic premise, but told in a different, fresh way. There’s no point in doing things exactly the way it was done in the comics, plus, let’s face it, comics take even more goofy twists and turns than soap operas, and are silly to everyone except the young kids that read them. I see the same damn complaints every time a Spider-Man or X-Men movie comes out. Studios that want people to watch a TV show or a movie have to change things to make them appeal to a wider audience of “regular” people, not just hard-core comics fans. That’s just the way it is.
If you want comics, stick to comics. But despite what some of you think, the stories in comics aren’t perfect.
If you want to experience a new telling of an existing story, then watching Smallville, and the new superhero movies that have been coming out since Michael Keaton played Batman are for you.
@Enough Whinging,,,
“If you want comics, stick to comics. But despite what some of you think, the stories in comics aren’t perfect”
Lol,,,,
I could say the same thing about Smallville…
(If you want teen angst and teen superhero stories check Smallville…)
Its funny I’ve read comics that deal with adult situations, why would you say comics are for kids when Smallville is directed at Teenagers ???
Makes no sense.
Hello 790. I just want to know that if you think Smallville is so stupid why don’t you stop watching? You think it is so dumb but you keep watching. Something must be keeping your attention.
When did I say I watch the show ???
I’ve watched 25 min of the pilot epsiode, and bits and pieces of episodes…
(Its not for me),,,
The show is written for teenagers, its the same formula that Buffy used.
I’m not saying that adults can’t enjoy the show, I’m simply saying that the show is written for teenagers…
I’ve allready moved on from high school, therefore this show only insults me, and distorts my view of Superman…
Its not a big deal I’m just saying,,,
Adult-themed comics and stories are a fairly recent trend (maybe the last 10-15 yrs or so). But for most of their history comics and their storylines have been aimed at kids, so following those old stories and plotlines exactly wouldn’t be smart.
Smallville is, or at least was initially, marketed toward teens (as was their network), so that’s already one step up from comics. But as the characters grew up, much of the viewing audience also grew up as well…those teens are now young adults (or older). So it’s time for the storylines to change as well…more intensity, more grit, less romance, and when there are relationships, make them more complex.
Nowhere did I say Smallville was perfect. Just that there are good reasons why the storylines on the show are different from those told classically in comics, so comics fanboys should not expect an exact re-telling.
Good about dam time but it still pisses me off that they are only doing this for the last episodes which I knew they would do lex should of never been made the main protagonist for so long and I am sick of Lana and all her bull. Kara never worked for me either I really hope they come with their a game this last season and make it a good send off I love the show alot and hopefully they will start an all new show with him in the big city.
Smallville is what first introduced me to Superman. Since then, I have become a Superman fanatic. Having looked into greater depth at the Superman mythology, I have come to realise, like so many others, Smallville is indeed, quite different in many respects. And thank goodness for it.
I have loved and thouroughly enjoyed much of the Superman mythos I’ve read and watched, especially the original storylines. But, who wants to see the same story old again and again, just with progressivly better graphics and new acotros? That would be silly. Smallville has been a fresh and inventive take on the Superman mythos for the past 7 years (with its highs and lows) and I for one and looking forward to year 8.
I’m glad Lana is gone as I agree with others here that she hasn’t been the same since season 3 and was too repetitive a character. (Nothing against Kristin who played the role very well and I’m sure will have a great career. More power to her for walking and realising her character wasn’t adding much) Now Lois and Clark can finally start some serious interaction. As far as Lex, I think he’ll be back at some point. Despite his leaving and contract having ended, I think actors with such a history with a show are very willing to come back for stand alone, tieing loose ends episodes. (Like John Schnider -Johnathan- after his death) Also, while I feel Kara is important, she was never quite a good fit.
My predictions? (And hope!) Lana won’t make a reapearance, Lex will come back for an episode or two at some point to finish off loose ends, the Fortress of Solitude will be re-born, and season 8 will be amazing and leave off on an awe-inspiring cliff-hanger where Clark goes off to realise his destiny, embrace his Kryptonian heritage, and maybe never to return… dun dun dun Then, hopefully, there will be a season 9 after a supposed time leap forward, because come on, Clark can’t actually become Superman on Smallville unless they pull a One Tree Hill and speed forward in time (after having left for a good few years in that gap) because he hasn’t been wearing glasses. Despite the beloved ignoring the obvious that comic characters are capable of concerning secret identities, even that wouldn’t be enough for Clark to suddenly put on a pair of glasses, become Superman, and Lois to forget what Clark looked like without glasses in a day.
Yay Smallville!
Ashley
So how about the best of both worlds. Have the flying Superman we all know and love from movies, and then have him backflash or something, back to Smallville and filling us in on his past ?? sadayathink? Mar.
well, i definitely think its about time
i really love smallville/superman and i think its really unfair making clark look like a dumb fool all the time with lana lang
i think its about time he gets together with erica durance{loiuse lane}, i’m really looking forward to that
I wish they would’ve kept Kristin Kreuk and Michael Rosenbaum. From the very beginning the producers said that this wasn’t goin to be the typical superman story and I think that Smallville was incredibly refreshing. I am as big a comic book buff as anyone but why would you want to hear the same story told over and over again. I like the fact that Lana Lang was his love interest instead of Lois Lang. I also like the fact that Kryptonite finally affects humans because IT IS A RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL!! The only two beefs I have with the show is after seven years, he still can’t fly. I think that is ridiculous at best. I think he shouldve been flying by at least his senior year in high school. I can understand no tights but no flights for seven years was absurd. I also think he should’ve told Lana his secret way before the last episode of season six. Other than that, I really like the show and would love for it to go past season 8. Tom Welling made a great superman
Smallville is off to GREAT start!! It can only get better as the year progresses. Smallville and Tom Welling have a HUGE fan base and CW needs to realize this and keep Smallville on for seasons 9 & 10 and give Tom Welling a great incentive to sign on. More money and more directing. NOTEto Tom – do some more movies – you’re a great actor!!.
I love smallville. I do agree that it got alittle off track over the last 2-3 seasons, but this year has been great. The reason this year has been so great is because it has addressed issues relevant to him becoming superman. If anyone remembers the X-Files…..they used to have episodes that addressed the main theme and then freak of the week episodes that had nothing to do with the shows main purpose. I feel Smallville was having to many meteor/freak of the week episodes and now they are having more about superman mythology. I think if this season continues as it has, they should start Season 9 with a name change to “Metropolis” in which Clark fully becomes Superman and get rid any characters that are not in the typical superman stories. I just hope that if the series ends in season 8 that the ending does justice to the show (ie havin clark fly and possibly becoming superman)….just my two cents.
I personally am against a romance between Clark and Chloe, and here’s why: Call me a purist, but traditionally all Clark’s (Superman’s) women – and even some of his enemies – have had the traditional LL in their names. This has been a tradition throughout Superman history. Lana Lang. Lois Lane. Lex Luthor. And many others. Chloe is a great character, but she just doesn’t fit that mold. Sorry. Can’t happen if we are to have continuity…
I personally am hoping and pulling for further seasons – or a spinoff maybe called something like “Metropolis”. That is why I went to this website – because I was hoping to find something out to that effect….!
Superman has always been my favorite superhero of all time. Watching and following the Smallville story has been very interesting and controversal. It has been hard at times (for me) to agree with all that is written in this new saga, but yet I have attached my self to this show loyally every year. However, I will agree with a lot of previous people that the last two years focused on too much little and mello drama crap. In my opinion, Lana should have been written off a long time ago…. like after high school. I don’t really like the fact that Lex is gone. I thought that his character was great and even getting better. I found myself getting to the point where I was hating him, and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. Chloe… on the other hand. Who is Chloe?? I like her character, but I think that she is too involved in the Superman / Clark Kent relationship. The writers of Smallville created her and I’m not sure if I like her romantic interest in the show with our hero. One thing I really don’t like is how many people through the last 8 seasons have had superpowers… It’s crazy! Superman should really be the only one with powers. That is what makes Superman so unique and what makes him… well… SUPER. So many times has someone else taken Clarks powers… Annoying! The developement into the “Metropolis Clark Kent” has taken so long and maybe a little too late. Let’s see…. Clark has been out of high school for what 2 or 3 years now. That puts the character around 20 to 22 years old. Hmmm. He has sooo many friends and aquaintences that know him for NOT wearing glasses. Not to mention… he started working at the Daily Planet WITHOUT glasses. How is he supposed to have a disguise??? Not only that… but most of all…. FLIGHT. This Superman is less than 10 years from hitting his 30’s and he afraid of heights and doesn’t fly. WHAT A MESS! There is alot of work to get done to get this storyline on the right track. I’m hoping to see many many improvements this season to put Superman back in the path where he needs to be. Thanks for reading!
Margaret, thats the whole point of smallville. The directors said they were goin to take superman in a completely different direction than the comic books and that is refreshing. Aren’t you tired of the same old story. I like the fact that they make chloe and lana big deals. The only beefs I have is that superman doesn’t fly and people can take his powers. I have a couple more but they aren’t that big. Superman-Kal El’s powers come from his physiology. The radiation from the sun is the source of his powers. How can you take that from him?! That was crazy but everything else I have to say that I find enjoyable and refreshing
I do agree that this story has taken a different turn. But as any good writer of a series knows, having characters that can move the story line along, like Chloe is helpful. Think of all the story lines that would had to have been different had Chloe not known Clark’s secret. It would have been a story full of ‘excuses’ and really really dumb people. I do like the way this season is shaping up, but it almost appears as though the writers are winding the show down. I would be disappointed as I am a new fan of the show.
This is all good input, but I’m no stranger to the Superman saga. I’ve been following Superman since around 1962, followed the Superboy comics, Action comics (where they brought in Supergirl) and the Legion of Superheros. Numerous characters with super powers has been a continuous part of the Superman saga for many years – that is part of the legend that the DC writers configured around Clark and we were delighted to see Smallville bring them into the picture. I, too, am curious over how they will bring in the Clark/Superman/secret identity thing considering that Clark is working at The Planet without his glasses. The memory stealer would have been a great segway to that and I think the writers missed an opportunity there…
My only point is that classically, part of the Superman saga is that all his love interests have always been identified by the “LL” in their names. Unless Chloe eventually identifies herself as a superhero (not a stretch considering her “super” mind, thanks to Brainiac) with LL in her name, she doesn’t qualify! I suspect they will have to kill her off.
By the way, classically, Lana Lang continued to pop in and out of Clark/Superman’s life for many years out of high school. According to the comics, she became a Television commentator in another city and was Lois’ biggest rival for his affections, if my memory serves me correctly.
I’m also delighted to see Kara back. The acting of the young man playing Green Arrow (senior moment! His name just slipped my mind. OOPS!) I thought was a little lame this last episode, but overall this has been the best season yet.
I feel, to solve the whole glasses thing, they should ‘end’ Smallville on season 8, very dramatically with Clark joining Kara to look for their home world remenents. Done. Finito. No more Smallville. …
But…
Then, start a new show called ‘insert’ whatever -Metropolis seems to be populare – with all of the same cast. There can be a time gap of like, 5 years, where Clark has been gone. (very Superman Returns in essence) People will have ‘forgotten’ in that comic book way what Clark looked like without glasses.
The character of Superman can be created and boom, new show with the same cast for all of us to watch and the story can continue on =D
Did anyone catch the preview for when the show returns in January? It looked like there was a quick flash of a red blue flying and I didn’t catch if it was Clark….but on the CW website they also have a preview of what appears to be a compelation of future shows and there is one part where he is holding Lois and defenitely flying….but it could be a flash forward type episode or something like that…….Let me know if anyone else caught that part of the preview for when Smallville returns in January ‘09…
If they were smart they could when they decide to end the series, go right into the movies, with Welling playing Superman, and it would work. 9 or so years of fan base would love it, and Tom could finally don the tights here.
I don’t feel a movie with the Smallville cast would feel right, it would have to be too changed to work for the silver screen; it wouldn’t be the same Smallville we all know and love. Plus, the current Superman Movie franchise with Brandon Routh has an entirely different mood and feel.
As much as I love the Smallville cast and think they would all do well in movies, I don;t think a Smallville movie is the right fit. It should stay (for a LONG time =D ) in tv land. ^^ Maybe even branch off into a new show…
People this is not a story about Superman this is a story about Clark Kent who will someday in future become Superman. I think that they should ended the show in season 7 with Clark and Lana together and began with another show named Metropolis in near future. And just one more thing to all you big fans who are against Clark and Lana and who want to see Clark and Lois together in true story Lois fall in love in Superman not in Clark Kent. So if that is different I don¨t see a reason why these TV show could not end different for once. And I truly hope that he never wears a tights in Smallville because he would look like a idiot in it.
Erica is such a cow and as Lois she looks like Clark’s mother. Smallville needs to stop at season 8. Forget Lois, just have Clark get ready for training with Jorel and fly. Done. series needs to end.
Clark and Lana were the heart and soul of the series. Smallville is not supposed to be a superman prequel. It is a fresh take on the comics and that is why it was a hit. I don’t want to see Lois and Clark, it destroyed the story arc for the past 8 years. Lois can’t act. Lois needs a laugh track with her scenes because I find myself laughing at the her overacting at the worst places.
Don, I do agree that this series is more about his life as a teen/early twenties. Lana was his life then. Lois was for when he had already had his training, and was wearing the cape and tights…but for true die hard fans, character development is necessary. Fans are a bit curious how Lois became a part of the story as well. If you are to tell a tale, you have to tell it from all sides…that way the story would be successful for a wide fan base…ratings…it’s all about the ratings…your show doesn’t get ratings-it gets cancelled. This most likely will be the last year, but who knows?
Tom Welling does not need to wear tights inorder to keep smalville afloat. CW should renew smallville for 1 to 2 seasons and with the new writers, there are many areas yet to be explored!! CW should realize the loyal fan base of tom welling as well as smallville and approach tom welling with a contract he can’t refuse. Also let tom welling to more directing and CW should try and help Tom do more movies. As for the negativity that I read about being last season, that it can go no further and tights are a must – get your act together!!! Why people can become so negative is a mystery. Support tom welling and smallville and pray Tom would do another season or two. They(CW)really can’t loose one ot its top shows. If smallville falls, others will fall right behind – namely supernatural and others. Bring the new year in on a positive note for smallville and tom welling!
Ive watched Smallville since it was shown on channel4 about 8 years ago. I was instantly hooked.
Reading through all the comments above I agree with CK flying, but then at the same time it keeps viewers coming back, is this the episode that he finally flies?
The story telling so far has been super, twists and tales that are complete off the track with regards to the old way it was show. Although sometimes you question it, I think that the writers have done a brilliant job season after season with Smallville.
I really hope that this is not the end of Smallville. Since CK has moved to Met lets see the story line develop, even bring back “White” as the editor of the daily planet………
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