posted
All the things I complained about Smallville last season? The weird signs that Kal-el was "foretold" on earth in years past, the logical inconsistencies, the apparent ease with which Kryptonian powers can be stolen, exchanged, or granted, and ever-more convoluted plot twists that drag the show farther away from Superman continuity? All exponentially worse in the first episode of the new season.
And the thing is, I loved this show. I loved the characterizations, loved the slow discovery of the powers, loved the real issues of family and responsibility, even loved the love triangles. And the actors playing Lex and his father should have been showered with Emmys already.
I don't expect the show to follow DC Comics canon. Lex becoming such close friends with Clark has its precedents in the early comics, for example. But how can Clark keep up his glasses disguise when he does become Superman when Lex knows him very well without them? And now Lois Lane has met him as a non-glasses-wearing Clark. I don't think the mild-mannered reporter thing is gonna work with her...
Ancient artifacts with Kryptonian writing? Mysterious relics that trigger a remarkably coincidental reaction in Kal-el? Black Kryptonite? Black Kryptonite that apparently dissolves only shirts? Will Lex have to set up a room in the mansion to analyze the ripped-open jet now? Doesn't Smallville law enforcement wonder why Clark disappears every summer? How did Mama Kent keep the farm by herself? Doesn't the Kent family have, like, millions of dollars in medical bills now?
I still watch, but more and more I'm watching with a "what the?" expression on my face.
Posts: 7790 | Registered: Aug 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've lost touch with Smallville--my schedule is just too weird to hang on to any shows but my absolute favorites--but on the Black Kryptonite front, that's nothing. Granted that that was one color that doesn't seem to have shown up in the comics, it's about the only one. Back in the day, the ordinary green variety became downright scarce under the barrage of new colors. (Blue K only hurts Bizarro-Kryptonians. White K kills plants.)
Posts: 1114 | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
I missed the season premeire due to another obligation, but video taped it (and haven't watched it yet)...so I guess I really shouldn't be reading in this thread,huh?
posted
Yes, too many plot holes already - Lois saw Clark get hit by lightning. She's not going to put that together later when Clark and Superman show up?
Posts: 26071 | Registered: Oct 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
On the plus side -- depending on your tastes -- Smallville seems to be embracing near-nudity in a big way. I'm waiting for the hot 'n' steamy Lionel Luthor prison shower scene.
Posts: 7790 | Registered: Aug 2000
| IP: Logged |
I was very happy with it. I'm not really interested in its following canon, though it is true that multi-color kryptonite was common in comics too.
The thing is, alot of this will depend on how things are explained. This episode is supposed to take the season to the next level. We sort of know where everybody is, but how did they get to that level? What happened to Clark? Is the Eradicator that library? What, exactly, is Clark's destiny, at least from a Kryptonian standpoint?
I think kryptonite freaks of the week (FOTW) are the past. This is discussed alot at www.kryptonsite.com and Gough/Millar (and others involved in the storyline) regularly read that site and respond.
I think the writers and producers want to create a consistant and satisfying show for the audience that really plays up the Superman/Messianic theme underlying the entire story. Hence, the prophecies and caves, the hidden artifacts. The story has become much more cosmic. One kid at the center of some destiny, conflicting with his earth values verses kryptonian.
The story is trying to become the modern Messiah myth, where things that happen seem to form part of a larger purpose. And in that myth lie many questions. For example, what is Swann's role? How does he know so much? How does he know about black kryptonite and what, really, is it supposed to do? As good as he seems, was he the person who 'killed' Chloe as a gift to Lionel? Since we have a new thread that it wasn't Lionel, who else would have been powerful enough to do it, and why? Who left these prophecies about Clark? Why? What is that library? What have kryptonians been doing with earth and why? They've been around awhile, it seems. So the launch the baby into space to save his life seems no longer to be the primary purpose.
This season starts off with a bang, promising to tie up last season's loose ends while expanding the story out of Smallville and into the world. Which is fitting, considering what Clark becomes.
Next to all that, I don't really worry about the future of Clark or how he hides his powers. Maybe secret identity is not important anymore. From day 1, it should have been obvious that once Clark put on the suit, Lex should have been able to put 2 and 2 together and figured out that Clark is Superman. So from the beginning, the mythos has changed and the whole "secret identity" thing has been a minor issue at best.
We'll see how things pan out. I trust these guys. They did Spiderman 2, after all. Look where the secret identity thing went there. Yet it was satsifying in the extreme. I love the new mythology. It's deeper and richer and makes for better characters and conflicts.
posted
Yeah, the near-nudity bothers me too. If you want to showcase Kristin Kreuk's body, let's not be half-assed about it.
While I'm still on my shallow male mode, isn't the new Lois Lane a lot less attractive than Kristin Kreuk? Wouldn't Lois have to be hotter than Kreuk in order for us to believe that Clark would pick her over Lana?
Posts: 1592 | Registered: May 2000
| IP: Logged |
Did we just see the beginning of the confrontation between Lex Luthor and Superman? That was PERFECT.
Lex knows SOMETHING strange just happened, but he doesn't know what...he saw only glimpses of the Man who smashed into his plane. And there's no way he would ever think that Clark had anything to do with it. PERFECT, I say!
I wonder how many more seasons it'll be before the show changes its name to METROPOLIS... or if the moment where it would become METROPOLIS is where they'll end it...
I do love how it's taken 4 seasons to get to the point where a Supes vs Lex confrontation may be beginning.
Plus, I absolutely loved the introduction of Lois.
posted
I haven't followed the show religiously, but isn't Clark's attraction to Lana mostly hormone-based? I mean, what is so attractive about her personality? She seems whiny and indecisive, and most of her dialogue comes in breathless whispers delivered with a sexy helping of Kat-style eyelash batting.
Personality wise, isn't Lois Lane a lot like her cousin? If Clark went for personality, why didn't he date Chloe?
Posts: 1592 | Registered: May 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
It was kinda weird for me watching it. I only recently started watching the first season fo Smallville. I have enjoyed it more than I expected to. I'm only through the first 8 episodes, though.
Then I go and watch the season premeire last night. That was weird.
quote:Yes, too many plot holes already - Lois saw Clark get hit by lightning. She's not going to put that together later when Clark and Superman show up?
My father got struck by lighting, and I haven't suspected him of being superman. Although maybe I should start...
For all you guys that actually know what happens in the comic, could you tell me which Smallville elements come from the comics, and which are purely smallville. From what little I know, here's my guess:
(SPOILER WARNING!!!!)
Reasonable close to comics: Kent grows up in Smallville, Kansas Lana Lang is a childhood friend of Clark
Pure Smallville invention: Kryptonite turns citizens of Smallville into X-Men, at the rate of one per week Metropolis (which always seemed to be NY to me) is only an hour or so away from Smallville, Kansas Lois Lane met Clark when he was in high school Clark slowly discovers his new powers Lex and Clark are good friends when younger. Lex is bald at age six. Weird kryptonian artifacts, etc. Whatever happened to make Clark get posessed by some kryptonian dude (I haven't seen season 2) Clark's father is originally from Hazard County
Please tell me where I'm wrong.
Posts: 16551 | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
I think we're also seeing Clark grow up, too. From being the farmboy with the weight of the town on his shoulders, to the Man with the weight of the World.
Oh, and apart from Lex, the Kents are the best caracters in the show.
posted
Clark had a thing with Chloe. But he's still a boy and so went for the more physically attractive Lana. It's been his dream.
He's been a jerk for much of Season 3, especially to Lex. I hope he acknowledged that one of the reason Lex goes bad is because of his inability to be honest and then his self-righteousness over Lex's deceptions.
Posts: 1346 | Registered: Jun 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
we know Lex turns out to be a villian seeking world domination.
Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if Smallville shows us that Lex is actually the lesser of two evils. Perhaps Lex had to consolidate his power in order to keep something even more evil (his father, aliens, army of the rainbow kryptonite coalition) at bay.
Posts: 1592 | Registered: May 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I believe that in some final Oedipal confrontation, Lex will kill his father, completing the Cycle of what Lionel did to his own parents, and will don the title of the new Magnificent Bastard.
In that sense, this is a tragedy. And Clark is part of its creation.
Posts: 1346 | Registered: Jun 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
vwiggin -- It took several relationships before I realized what kind of woman I wanted to fall in love with. When I was in high school, it was all hormone/whim based. I honestly cannot say how interested I would have been in my wife if we had both known each other during high school.
Posts: 16551 | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged |
quote:Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if Smallville shows us that Lex is actually the lesser of two evils. Perhaps Lex had to consolidate his power in order to keep something even more evil (his father, aliens, army of the rainbow kryptonite coalition) at bay.
I hope not. It's like Galadriel said in FotR: "Yes - that is how it would start. But it would not end there."
posted
Of course! The crystal is part of the creation of the real Fortress of Solitude! A library that dwarfs the one of Alexandria!
Posts: 1346 | Registered: Jun 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
IanO - I would love it if Clark were the main reason that turned Lex into a supervillain.
MPH - I guess you're right. Just because Clark has super powers doesn't mean he is immune to the silly mistakes we've all made as teenagers.
Dag - There was this great "what if" cartoon episode where Superman and Lex teamed up to create a fascist state that exterminated all crime as well as all personal liberties. I hope Smallville continues to surprise us by expanding beyond the comic book canon.
Posts: 1592 | Registered: May 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I think it's been fairly obvious. Many people have commented on what a jerk Clark has been, especially last season. Also when he was on Red-K he'd treat Lex like crap and then come back to Lex like nothing was wrong and no explanation. Lex has been a better friend to Clark than Clark has to Lex. But Clark keeps accusing Lex and insinuating.
Posts: 1346 | Registered: Jun 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
In the comics, Metropolis is roughly Chicago, and is indeed a train ride away from Smallville; Gotham is New York. And Clark and Lex WERE friends when younger.
Posts: 37449 | Registered: May 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
I may have to do the TVWOP version of season 3, as I am STILL a season behind. Season 3 isn't out on DVD until November. I dunno if I'll ever catch up.
All I wanna know is, Do they keep coming up with nonsensical reasons for Clark to be shirtless/wet? Posts: 1664 | Registered: Apr 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Really? I always thought that Gotham was Chicago/Detroit, and that Metropolis was New York. Well, I'm allowed to be wrong once per day. I just got mine in early today.
quote:Do they keep coming up with nonsensical reasons for Clark to be shirtless/wet?
Yeah, they do. Chris wasn't kidding. They've been pushing the limits (though not to Nip/Tuck levels).
Posts: 1346 | Registered: Jun 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Tom Welling IS nicely put together and all, but I was mostly joking.
What I really want to know is, do they have lots of Lex In Jeopardy thingies like they did in the first two seasons? And does Clark, like, save him almost as often as he saves Lana?
I loves me some Lex.
The second season had this really funny blooper reel, with the Rosenbaum guy doing an Austen Powers impersonation in the jet (at the end of season 2, with Helen). I laughed until my abs hurt.
Posts: 1664 | Registered: Apr 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Concerning Lex, we'll have to see. I think both Clark and Lex have become (or are in the process of becoming) more independent, and as such, I think Lex will find his own way. Especially since he and his father are now warring (The line was "Don't wound what you can't kill, Dad.") And Lex has some kryptonite gifts himself.
The friendship, I'd say is pretty much over. They may talk and might be civil, but I don't think they'll be going to each other for advice anymore.
Michael Rosenbaum is hilarious. If you watch the two (season 2) episodes with commentaries, he's the one who is constantly cracking jokes about everything in the show: Luthor mansion security, impressions, etc.
Posts: 1346 | Registered: Jun 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
As Porter said, we are both starting to watch this series and are only in the first season (though we did watch last night's premiere).
I know a lot of people like this show, but from the beginning I have been intensely annoyed by silly little things--just how dumb the plots have been. I am having trouble getting around that to actually enjoy the show. For me, Lex is the most compelling part of the show right now. So the concerns Chris brought up about the primiere just seem to be "more of the same" to me. Posts: 7050 | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
I liked it. Mama Kent's actress did a terrific job when she confronted Kal-El in the yard. And flight? Hoo-boy. That was exhilarating.
The cameo's by Margot Kidder were just stupid, though. I didn't think Reeve did a bang up job, and I don't think Kidder did either. She's out of her league with the fine actors in Smallville.
I get the feeling Lana's going to become Wonder Woman. Anyone remember the necklace from the island Lex crashed on?
Posts: 14554 | Registered: Dec 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yeah, Wonder Woman would be lame. I'm not a fan of the crossover super heroes. I heard The Flash will show up in Smallville and I'm rather abivilant about that. And Batman would be ok since he doesn't possess any super-powers, so the universe is still relatively sane. But to start adding other actual superheroes would be too much for the believability of the series (such as it is.)
Posts: 1346 | Registered: Jun 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
I hope the time is never ripe for Wonder Woman. She's one of the lamest superheroes ever.
But then, she's less lame than Superman, who is the lamest superhero ever. They've managed, for the first time since I was 12, to like superman, so I'd be willing to give WW a chance if they did it.
posted
So do we ever seen any Kryptonian colonies or survivors? All this science and spaceflight and they never set up a colony off their homeworld?
Posts: 4953 | Registered: Jan 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
I hadn't thought about it before, but you *do* look like her, don't you? Have you ever been Wonder Woman for Halloween?
Porter, who was your favorite super hero when you were growing up? Wasn't Spiderman by any chance, was it?
Posts: 16059 | Registered: Aug 2000
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Monkeys]](graemlins/monkeys.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Blushing]](graemlins/blushing.gif)
I think I might be too embarrassed to wear that in public.
