The Ville of Small

[bassguitar115]

I know I'm a little slow on this, but after seeing some recent stuff I wanted to check out the tv show Smallville. I've only seen a few random episodes of the newer seasons. I'm starting at S1 E1 and going from there. . .

Right now, I'm halfway through season one and I have mixed reactions. It has peaked my interest a little, but for the most part it is just to simple and relies on a "monster-of-the-week" formula. However, I'm probably going to stick with it for a little while longer because I've heard it gets really good.

Any thoughts or opinions?

[jaylaf]

Wow, don't know how I missed this thread!? Yeah, I'll give you some input. It's funny, 'cause I was just talking to some of the guys from this forum about this, in a PS3 chat session.

The show definitely starts out, like you said, as a monster/villian-of-the-week fiasco. It was especially prevalent in the first 6-8 episodes, but started diverting from that path pretty quickly. And, if you can live with the WB teen drama junk, the show's great.

Wait til you get to the episode in season 3 (I think), when Christopher Reeves plays a vital role! It's the only time we've heard the real Superman music! It was one of the very best episodes so far.

I've always had to watch the show on DVD, so I haven't seen any of the current season, but starting with season 6, all of the Justice League stuff starts rolling. Some of the guys have been introduced earlier, but it's only recent that it starts coming together.

My favorite thing about the show was how Clark gained his abilities, one at a time. Very cool!

[scootman]

just watched the season finale last night. everyone does know Michael Rosenbaum leaving right? just mentioning. but i like the show too.

[masherscf]

Both the actor playing Lex Luthor Michael Rosenbaum and the actor playing Lana Lang will no longer be permanent cast members. They obviously can't kill Lex Luthor and I can't imagine them recasting the roll. The "Smallville" story of an adolescent Superman is kinda played out. Most Superman retelling start his period of major public activity around the time he's thirty. I'm not sure I'm that interested in finding out about Clark Kent and his "Saint Elmo's Fire" years.

On a happier note, the actor Allison Mack will be returning to play the perpetually endangered Cloe Sullivan, arguably the best original character to spring from "Smallville."

[jaylaf]

The "Smallville" story of an adolescent Superman is kinda played out. Most Superman retelling start his period of major public activity around the time he's thirty. I'm not sure I'm that interested in finding out about Clark Kent and his "Saint Elmo's Fire" years.



It may be easier to say that the story Smallville tells is played out, having watched 7 seasons, but the person asking has just started at the beginning. If they enjoy it, they're in for some good stuff. I would love to be at the beginning, watching it for the first time. Just sayin' :D

[masherscf]

It may be easier to say that the story Smallville tells is played out, having watched 7 seasons, but the person asking has just started at the beginning. If they enjoy it, they're in for some good stuff. I would love to be at the beginning, watching it for the first time. Just sayin' :D


I think they can keep the show going. But, they need to make it a more traditional Superman story rather than "Dawson: The Vampire Slayer," I as originally dubbed it seven-years ago. I love the show, but the original concept was a bit derivative of other popular shows at the time. Happily, it has found itself in the intervening years.

The main quest for the writers is solving main incongruity between "Smallville" and the traditional "Superman" mythos. That is, in "Superman", Clark Kent is Superman's secret identity. In "Smallville," Superman is Clark Kent's secret identity. The "Smallville" writers need to accomplish that juxtaposition or roles. Once they do, the "Smallville" story will be over.

[kilroyperrywinkle]

My wife and I tried to get into this show a couple years back... it was terrible. I mean I like corny superhero stuff, but I found the angst, the terrible characters, and the fact that it should of been moved to "Metropolis" after he graduated high school way too grating. Drama for just stupid drama's sake is a big turn off. (This from a guy who's favorite show is about an alien traveling around in a big blue box...) I bailed after the first couple of seasons, I think we made it to season 4 but I can't be certain.


Spoliler:


It was the one where they had Flash Gordon show up for no reason that pushed me over the edge. "Maybe we can get together... maybe start a league..." Har har har-just kill me. Bionic Woman looked like Shakespeare next to this show...

[jaylaf]

You guys have described, in great detail, what I meant by "WB teen drama junk." Thank you.

It's funny that Flash Gordon was mentioned (though Flash was who showed up, as did Aquaman and Cyborg (?), at different points). Now that was a show that was drowning in camp! I had to stop watching it.

Yes, there is that undeniable high school drama that can be a bit tiring at times, and those guys do pepper the writing with Superman mythos and symbolism all the time (i.e. Clark designing the Superman symbol, as in "S for Smallville," in shop class). But, while it definitely lacks when comparing quality, it's still kinda cool as the origin story, the way Batman Begins hit that spot with Bruce's story. Please note, I very clearly just said that the quality of writing is difficult to compare!

Yes, the story usually jumps from the Kents finding him, up to him being a reporter in Metropolis (just like the gap in Bruce Wayne's story). But, I say the best part of Smallville is Clark growing into the guy we know as Superman. They take some liberties, like meeting Lex, but that fulfills the idea that arch-enemies usually start off as friends. It's often goofy, but pretty cool sometimes, as well.

[gornstar]

I won't waste your time getting into it now. I use to love this show, like really love it. Especially during season 4, it gets absolutely crazy good. Now it seems like they don't really know what to do with it.

The only reason to watch is if you really like the other stories of Superman, including 'The Adventures of Superboy' from the 80's. While it fills in some parts from other story lines, they really change some big ones to make the show work out, and they're not all bad.

But every once in awhile they hit something perfectly and it makes it all worth while. But you usually need to be a fanboy to pick those up.

[blacksymbiote]

I'm still really liking Smallville. Yes, it's not as good as it was in previous seasons, but i'm still enjoying it.