July 5, 2009 | by Bruce Simmons 

Might Smallville Make It To Season 10?

tom welling as clark kent on smallville

The debate goes on and on as to whether Smallville is going beyond the upcoming 9th season.  In fact there are many things that are up in the air as far as what we know about the show.

The few things we do know:

  • Tom Welling, who plays Clark Kent, has signed a 2-year contract renewal with the CW network.
  • Allison Mack’s contract ends next year.
  • Callum Blue & Brian Austin Green are hopping on board to play a few characters.

Things have been up in the air ever since Al Gough and Miles Millar left the show to the supporting showrunners Darren Swimmer, Todd Slakin, Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson.  They’ve proven themselves, more or less with season 8, despite the emptiness of the season finale.

But after having stepped up, Swimmer and Slakvin are moving on to take over Melrose Place, leaving Souders and Peterson to run the shop.

Where does that leave the show?  My guess is that the power hitters of the foursome were asked to move on to take over the reboot gamble of Melrose.  I could be wrong with that conjecture, but things are piling up to lead this editorial writer to that conclusion.

More Questions

We are still wondering the obvious.  Will Clark Fly?  Will Clark put on the suit?  Will Smallville become Metropolis?  Last December TV Guide stated that the CW was looking at a spin-off with Martian Manhunter but we haven’t heard any other word on that since then.  We even have unsubstantiated rumors that there’s a Smallville movie on the horizon and things that we want to hear, like Rosenbaum might return for an episode or two.

More Conjecture From Justin Hartley

Justin Hartley Plays Oliver Queen in Smallville

Now we can add to the mixer of hope that calling the 9th season of Smallvile the last season may be premature – Justin Hartley who plays Oliver Queen / Green Arrow has stated this in a recent interview.  He further added to that by saying that the showrunners don’t know if they’re doing one or eight more seasons at this point in time.

Initially I thought he was chatting from some actual insider information, but I think all we’re seeing here is an actor being supportive of his own job.

While he was chatting, he added a little bit about his upcoming work in Smallville…

Hartley said that Oliver Queen might be going through some issues.  Those issues are a few saves gone awry and Oliver might start drinking again.  He also dropped the hint that he’ll be playing a younger Oliver Queen than we saw in season 8.

Is The Writing Is On The Wall?

If you recall, The CW moved Smallville to Friday nights for the 2009 / 2010 season as a lead-in to encore episodes of America’s Next Top Model.  It will also be up against the likes of Law and Order on NBC, Ghost Whisperer on CBS and Supernanny on ABC in its time slot.

It’s harsh enough that they moved it to Fridays, but the competition even on the awful TV night that is Friday looks like it might just guarantee the show’s demise.

Even if the move to Friday cuts its ratings in half (like the move did to the ill-fated Sarah Connor Chronicles), The CW says that if the show outperforms their previous Friday night fare, then “that would be super.”

To me, that seems to say an awful lot about just how the network feels about the show.  If they wanted it to go on, why Friday?

Here’s hoping all goes much better than it appears it might.  The 9th season of Smallville starts on Friday, September 25th and ends in May of 2010.

So is the writing really on the wall? Or do you think that Smallville could make it to season 10 and beyond?

Source: Sci Fi Wire

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  • Sue
    It doesn't matter, everyone I know has already stopped watching.
  • caroluz
    i'm so tired of smallville :(
    i rather read the comic books
  • Gary
    I am with Sue on this one .
    It doesnt matter because I have given up on the show.
  • Foopher
    Well then... i HOPE there is a season 10. I, actually, like the show. Unlike SOME people :P
  • There's a very big and dedicated fanbase out there hoping the show goes on. Personally I think they should quit while they're ahead.

    Vic
  • Foopher
    i do agree the show has somewhat "lost it's steam", but not enough to stop. i still enjoy the show as much as i have every season
  • I am remaining steadfast being a dedicated fan... DVR, Hulu or "whatever it" and watch it in whatever fashion. The ratings seem irrelevant at this point in time.
  • And Foopher, to answer your question from the other thread, no, I've not seen any other casting news yet. We'll crank out a new article when there is new info to be had!
  • Foopher
    Well good :D . And take it easy with the exclamation points Bruce. lol
  • JJ
    "Will Clark Fly?" No, because that would cost money.

    "Will he wear the suit?" No, because Tom Welling doesn't want to.

    "Will Smallville become Metropolis?" I get the sense that the producers just want their paycheques to keep coming, and they'll coast through season after season until the network shuts them down. This show's purpose started out as telling the story of how Clark Kent became Superman. Eight years later, that story remains untold.
  • Ken J
    10 seasons?? Damn, I stopped watching after season 2... lol. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it just became a teen soap opera after that didn't it? Or at least it seemed like it...
  • caroluz
    @JJ : you got it right.

    coolness meter :
    season 1 : 9 out of 10
    season 2 : 8 out of 10
    season 3 : 6 out of 10
    season 4 : 4 out of 10
    season 5 and so on : decreasing exponentially of my coolness meter (>-"-)>

    but again, it just me guys, don't take it generally :)
  • Matt
    Just to let you know Ken J the show was always suspose to be a teen soap opera, the show started on the WB where shows like 7th Heaven, Dawson's Creek also started. Now The WB had cool shows like Angel, so what the creators wanted was a combination of Angel and Dawson's Creek thus Smallville was born. Then the show moved to the CW in the merger. Both Networks are geared towards woman, thats why there is a soap opera feel to them. The thing with Smallville is the show becoming a little more adult as it got older. Watch season 1 compared to season 8 their is difference in the age group the writer are trying to connect with now.

    I also agree the show lost a little bit of steam with Season 6 & 7, but season 8 with the exception of the Lana arc and the finale being less than Super Season 8 was one of the better seasons. I wanna see Smallville continue until Season 10, because you cant end on an odd number, but if they do end after 9 seasons I want the Smallville movie to be a reality.
  • tasouli
    @ Matt

    I agree with you 100% about the show being teen soap opera. The WB saw the success with Dawson's Creek, Felicity, ANgel, and Buffy and decided to implement the same traights of all those shows into Smallville.
    I am currently 25 and started watching it my senior year of highschoola nd have continued on ever since. Back tehn the show was targeted for my age group the 14-18 year olds and I feel that the writers have tried to have the show stay with taht same age group, making the show now more for the 21-30 year old age group.

    As I have said many times I think that this past season was HORRIBLE and the worse thus far. They really lost the story and have found a way to make me hate most of the characters. I DO NOT think that there should be a 10th season. End it this season for and go out on a high note before you get cancelled I would say (which is looking more and mmore likely). If the show does get cancelled without a series finale many fans (i was once one) will be infuriated with teh network and I do not think that would be good for the CW. SO like I said just end it please, and bring back LEX, put the Lana thing to REST, put the SUIT on, FLY in the last episode, and KILL off Cloe

    My breakdown of teh seasons
    1: 9/10
    2: 8/10
    3: 7/10
    4: 6/10
    5: 9/10
    6: 8/10
    7: 3/10
    8: 1/10
  • Andy S
    I still enjoy Smallville, especially compared to the other crap that is on tv. I'd rather watch the worst episode of Smallville than any of the so-called "reality" shows on tv. Well, except for Ice Road Truckers and Expedition: Africa. :P

    I'm hoping that if this IS the last season, they go out with a bang. Clark turns in to Supes and flys out of the fortress with Lois scantily clad on his arm. :D
  • Tricia
    JJ says:
    "This show’s purpose started out as telling the story of how Clark Kent became Superman. Eight years later, that story remains untold".
    What show have you been watching? It has been about nothing but Clark's journey- and many of you impatiently want it to be about Superman. When he reaches that destination, the show will all but be over anyway. Those of you who love to hate the show will be satisfied and the real fans will be sad that it's over. I think it will end after season 9, but if not, I will be watching until the end. I am patiently waiting until he flies and don't care about the suit- he can fly in his clothes, as Kara, Bizarro, and Kal El did. He can fly naked for all I care!
  • Tricia
    JJ, season 8 was about "Metropolis" but I don't think they will change the name. It is still about "Smallville" which is Lois's nickname for Clark. (Did she do that in the comics?) I think she used to mean it as an insult and it really ticked me off- one reason I didn't like her- but now she means it with affection, I believe.
    On another note, in season 9 I hope we get to see more of Martian Manhunter, Lex (he may have a new face), the Justice League members, Martha and Pete.
  • scott
    I'm a huge fan of Smallville and I hope it has a really great 9th season. I thought the season 8 finale was a kind of a let down but overall a solid season with some amazing episodes. Look what the did with Jor-el, there now more like friends instead of the enemies. The red blue blur was awesome addition as well as giving a solid story line to Allison Mack. There are many more reasons I liked this season, but after a show has been on this long people begin to have complaints that over shadow how good the show actually is. I want is the studio to give the show runners enough time to prepare for a series finale in order for them to close out 9 years with a spectacular series finale. I think the best way to do that would be for a two hour tv movie with a slightly higher budget. Smallville's 9th season begins on September 25th and I for one will be watching.
  • Tricia
    You can see that I am a true fan of Smallville. The funny thing is that I didn't start watching until mid 5th season, when I caught a couple of season 1-4 episode reruns on a Sunday afternoon. I don't remember why I didn't start watching back in 2001 (maybe I tho't it was just another Superboy), but when I finally saw a few episodes, I was surprised at how great it was. The thing that intrigued me the most was that Lex was so likeable and BFF with CK. I immediately bought the first 4 season DVDs and started from the beginning and finished in time for the 5th season DVD. By the time season 6 started, I was caught up. It was very hard at the end of season 6 to have to wait all summer for season 7 to begin, esp when CK tells Lana his origins (here we go again- he tells her and within hours she's dead, but they didn't fool me, I knew she was on that mail truck). Each year since, during the off-season, I start from the beginning pilot and watch it all over again. 1-5 are great, 6 is good for the most part, (except when I gag watching Lexana), season 7 ok at best- it is hard seeing Lex become so evil (I know he had to), and Lionel's character was all over the place. By the time season 8 DVD comes out I will have finished 7. Then I will watch 8 again, as well as the features and commentaries, and be ready for 9. This is one reason I remember more details from past seasons than some viewers, and have had plenty of chances to think about what the characters are going thru, esp Clark. Only during the last season has he finally embraced his destiny. He's getting there and I so hope it will be worth the wait. I believe the writers will do their best to not let us down.
  • Foopher
    Very much looking forward to season 9 and HOPING there will be a 10th season. (They can't get this close and not have atleast 200 episodes). At the end of season 9 they'll be like 4 away or something. If they change the name of the show, that would be... well... just plain stupid. " "Smallville” which is Lois’s nickname for Clark" " (thank you tricia. that's exactly how i feel)
  • Tricia
    Don't say, "Tricia, you need to get a life," and I know you want to. I'm also a big fan of LOST. Has anyone seen Merlin?
  • Tricia
    What were we talking about? Season 9 of Smallville. I will shut up now.
  • Josh R
    No Allison, no deal.
  • Frank
    Smallville is a show that could go on for a long long time it has so many different stories that could be introduced since Superman has so many different comics and different villians....But if they want to keep going they need to give us something they need to let Clark fly or even become Superman put on the suit I mean come on there is only so many times you can trick the viewers with him flying or even being in the suit before they get tired of the show
  • Luke
    I like Smallville, but to be honest I kind of hope that Season 9 is the last season. Unless this next season completely blows me away I think I'd much rather get that Metropolis TV movie than a Season 10 of Smallville.

    At this point, I really don't see how Clark can progress much more as a character / move closer to "fufilling his destiny" without actually becoming Superman. He's already become a vigilante crimefighter, he already has a superhero nickname, becoming Superman is really just the next logical step. With him this close, there's only so much character development left to explore before he finally takes the plunge, and dragging it out over two more years is just going to be stretching it way too thin. I don't need another 40 episodes of the Red-Blue Blur, 15 to 20 will work just fine.

    So give me one last good season of Smallville, explaining what finally makes Clark go public with his superhero persona, with Clark and Lois both working at the Daily Planet under Perry White, and lots of appearances by other DC superheroes and villains. Have him finally become Superman as the series draws to a close (because I really doubt it will happen any sooner). Then, a few months down the road, follow it up with that Metropolis TV movie so we can see Clark as Superman in action. I think that would be the best way this series could end.
  • Daniel F
    "In fact there are many things that are up in the air"

    Not Superman lol
  • Luke
    For what it's worth:

    Season 1 - 8/10
    A great start to the series, but way too episodic and the freak of the week idea gets very formulaic.

    Season 2 - 9/10
    They actually start to dive into the Superman mythos, bring in characters from the comics, explore his origins, etc. They also flesh out the characters relationships with each other a lot more than in the previous season.

    Season 3 - 7/10
    Clark learns about his destiny and takes a more active role in fighting meteor freaks/ criminals (rather than a reactive one as in past seasons). Memorable supporting characters are introduced (Adam Knight, Alicia) but the occasional freak of the week is really starting to get old.

    Season 4 - 5/10
    Smallville takes a nosedive as it oddly tries to imitate the recently concluded "Buffy" and "Angel" by focusing on the occult. Clark's search for the stones is formulaic and redundant. Lois is a great addition as are gusest spots by Kid Flash and Mxyzptlk, but the good don't outweigh the bad.

    Season 5 - 9/10
    A return to form. Clark and Lana finally get together. We get the fortress and villains that are actually a match for Clark, as well as more cool guest spots by other heroes. Brainiac is handled better than we would've expected. It's the last season before Lana gets really annoying.

    Season 6 - 8/10
    They manage to up the action while still telling (mostly) good stories. The hunt for the phantoms is a cool recurring device that links the storyarcs. Oliver is awesome and Jimmy and Martian Manhunter are almost as good. We even get the JLA! The only negative is Lana becomes pretty annoying (yet it would've worked okay had she actually died in the finale).

    Season 7 - 2/10
    Oh no! The few things that were bad about Season 6 are magnified x's 100 and Smallville starts to really suck, i.e. Crappy retcons and copouts! Lana had a clone! Lex has a long lost twin brother... who's also a clone! Supergirl is hot, but also sort of annoying so they ditch her for half the season. Pete returns with Stident gum superpowers (for real).

    Season 8 - 6/10
    You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and then you have... Season 8. Some things are handled very well others incredibly poorly. Good = Doomsdays' intro, Red/Blue Blur, More Green Arrow and JLA. Bad = Emo Lana returns and now we get emo Chloe too. The writers start plot threads and then drop them like they're hot before they even get going.
  • Foopher
    "Not Superman"

    he's not here yet...
  • Foopher
    About Allison's contract; if you recall, her contract expired after season 7, (just like Michael Rosenbaum and Kristen Kreuk's did) but she decided to stay. So that might be a smaller factor than we think
  • Foopher
    As for it being on Fridays, There is always a mid-season finale/ break if the ratings aren't what the CW had hoped, they could always bump the Vampire Diaries (...gag) back to Fridays and put Smallville back where it rightfully should be.
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