Totally agree. Well… for the most part. I enjoy S6 and S7. But I agree that S8 breathed new life into the show and it happens to be my favorite.

When the author mentioned Tom Welling’s lack of dramatic acting abilities, I chuckled, as it reminded me of the scene from “Artic” after he had just watched Lana’s goodbye DVD. I yelled out, “Oh my god, he’s showing some emotion! Oh, wait, it’s gone.” For me, Tom and his character had become sort of one note, not being able to stretch his wings/acting abilities. But I believe that in the past couple years he has really amped it up, especially on the comedic side with all those wonderful scenes with Erica.

Speaking of Erica and Lois, I agree with the author that the writer’s have crafted a wonderful relationship for the two of them, but I do not agree with the bashing of his relationship with Lana. Smallville has always been about Clark’s life before becoming Superman and Lana was an integral part of that. I have always loved her and never understood the hate for her character. I also think that her and Clarks relationship, for the most part, was very realistic. Obviously they can’t stay together and be happy, as that would be boring and against the overall mythology. However, it would be completely unrealistic for those two characters to break up once and completely cut each other out of their lives. Or for them to quit trying to be together. That’s not real. I myself have had a long term on again, off again relationship (going on 9 years) where for the most part we have been friends, but have realized we can never be “just friends” and have been “together” several times over the years. I see so much of my own relationship in that of Clark and Lana’s, so many of the same conversations. Maybe that’s why I like them so much. I also hate when people complain about how Lana coming back in S8 made Clark’s character take several steps backwards. So? It’s realistic. It would be unrealistic for him to have not tried to be with her when she came back. However, I do agree that giving her that suit and forcing the two of them apart was a bad idea. I would rather them have finally realized that they are not the same kids they were back in high school and that they are on different paths. Would have been a better end for them.

… What was my point? Oh yeah. The article. I also wanted to say that I think that the special effects in S7 were waaaay better than the effects of S9. As for S8, I thought they were good for the most part, but I actually didn’t think about them as much because I was more focused on the good story of the season. Great special effects without a good story mean nothing to me. I’m actually not that impressed by the effects this year. Except for the wonderful job they have been doing of really making it look like they are in a city, with wonderful shots from the end of “Rabid” where Clark is holding onto Lois and we get that shot looking down the long city street, and also from “Idol” with Lois hanging off the side of the Daily Planet. I love moments like that, as it makes their world seem so much bigger than that single backlot they have.

Okay, enough rambling. Good article, I agree on most parts. Smalville is an underrated, wonderful show.

Hey Nerf,

I have to agree as well – Smallville is so underrated, and I’m so glad that this was recognized…and this season is kicking some serious butt!

Tom Welling is also amazingly underrated as well – and he plays the perfect Clark Kent, and he is, in my opinion, Superman. Tom is why Smallville has lasted 9-seasons, and he is why I am totally addicted to the show. I also agree with author (Cory Barker) about the supporting cast – they have all been amazing! Allison/Chloe & Erica/Lois…well that goes without saying, and I’ve always enjoyed Justin’s portrayal of Oliver/Green Arrow. One character I’ve really grown to like is Tess, and Callum plays a pretty good Zod.

I also miss Lana, and I too did not agree with the Lana bashing, and there was a lot of that going on, which was disturbing to read on different sites. Although I agree it was time for Clark to move on, and for the Clark & Lana chapter to come to an end, I don’t like the way it came to an end – with Lana absorbing the Kryptonite. I thought that whole concept was…silly.

I’ve really been enjoying Clark and Lois’ relationship this season, and you’re right, Tom has really amped up his comedic side. Watching the two of them on screen is so enjoyable, they play off eachother so well. I could totally see them both in a romantic comedy!

I think the special effects have been pretty good this season, and yes, the “Rabid” scene with Clark holding Lois was a beautiful shot, and one of my favorite screen captures!

I enjoyed reading your comment Nerf, and you can ramble on here anytime – I welcome it!