But I just wanted to say – Steve, you say Clark spoke out in Lex’s favour, and this is true. I admired Clark greatly in the early seasons when he was fighting the Luthor-prejudice in Smallville. But then, some time around season 4/5 he stopped and started speaking against Lex instead.

Why? What did Lex do?

If it was the secret chamber where Lex was keeping all that meteor rock info that hardly seems fair. Sure, Clark should have been freaked about that, but while that room seemed obsessive it never seemed malicious to me and it was never even solely about Clark, it was about the meteor rock and unexplained happenings in Smallville in general – ie. a swanky version of Chloe’s Wall of Weird, which Clark was never bothered about in the slightest. Plus Lex dismantled it as soon as he realised how upsetting it was to Clark. The room might have proved Lex was eccentric, but not evil/untrustworthy. Where Clark got the idea that it proved Lex had betrayed him by still investigating him (and thus breaking his promise to stop) I don’t know. The only stuff in there about Clark was stuff Clark knew Lex already knew.

If it was Lex’s dealings with Milton Fine then that’s completely unfair, because Lex was trying to STOP Fine from starting what Lex assumed was to be an alien invasion using biological warfare (hence why he made a antidote to the virus Fine told him to produce).

If it was because of what Lex did as Zod then that is irrational and hypocritical, because Lex wasn’t in control of himself over Dark Thursday, Zod had taken him over. And you don’t see Clark blaming Lana for what she did as Isobel or himself for what he did when body-swapped with Lionel.

Plus, when it comes to the latter two points, if at any moment during his dealings with Fine Lex had been told that there weren’t any Kryptonians getting ready to invade (which is how Fine got Lex working with him in the first place, playing on fears created by Zod’s disciples and Lex’s assumption that because one ship of them had landed on earth more must be on the way), the whole thing could have been prevented. Lex would have known he DIDN’T need to work with Fine to try and stop a future alien invasion and Zod would never have been released.

So see, it just seems to me that the way Clark continued to lie to Lex (not just about being an alien, but about the existence of aliens in general) was both UNNECESSARY and DETRIMENTAL to all concerned. I personally don’t get the impression that Lex would have been anything other than supportive and helpful to and for Clark should he have been told truth and there are a couple of times (Red is the only example I can remember off hand) when Clark himself admits he wants to tell Lex everything. Ergo, I genuinely DON’T UNDERSTAND why this changed and what made Clark think Lex couldn’t be trusted with his secret and was someone he start speaking out against.

I hope you do find the time to respond, either to me or Jen, because I’m very interested to know your understanding of these issues :)

Yes, Clark did stand by Lex when he was first incarcerated by Lionel, but he turned on him later. Lex was having a psychotic breakdown because Lionel was poisoning him with psychotropic drugs. Then Lionel wiped his mind with ‘electrotherapy’. At first Clark was on his side, but then he became paranoid about Lex regaining his memories, in case he remembered that Clark was an alien — even though it was Clark who had revealed this fact to him. He went to Lionel and said, ‘Oh, Lionel, you know your son who was working to get you sent to prison for murdering your parents, and whom you poisoned and mindwiped? Well, he’s trying to regain his memories. You have to stop him.’ (That’s a paraphrase, by the way, not the exact wording.) And Lionel said, ‘Oh, yes and he’ll remember your secret, too.’

It’s beyond belief to me, that anyone would act that way. But he might have regained my respect if he’d realized what he’d done, and tried to make up for it. But no, he went right over to Lionel’s side, even telling Lex that Lionel was more trustworthy. Why do you think such a betrayal deserves to be treated like an adolescent mistake, or a mere confusion about his role in life? I don’t think I was being overly harsh at all. I think the fans of this character either ignore his behaviour, or brush it off as unimportant because he’s Clark Kent. If it had been Lex who treated Clark that way, it would have been proof he was evil. But because he’s Clark, who is a good person no matter what he does, and he’s doing this to Lex, who is evil no matter what he does, it’s all okay.

Superman is supposed to stand for truth and justice. Justice should apply to everyone equally. In other words, if it’s wrong for me to betray a friend, it’s wrong for Clark to betray a friend — even if that friend is Lex Luthor. To say, as some people have said to me, that it’s okay for Clark to betray Lex because Lex is going to turn evil is just — I can’t find the words to describe that concept, because it is totally outside my concept of justice. How can Superman stand for justice, when he behaves so unjustly and never admitted to his error, even to himself? In order for him to truly grow up and become Superman, he needs to admit that he went wrong, and atone for it somehow, not just forget it and sweep it under that carpet. I don’t see him admitting to anything, let alone atoning for it.

I will try to respond more completely later.

All the time he was treating Lex like crap, by lying to him and pretending to be his friend, he was using Lex for favours, for himself as well as others. He brings fugitives to Lex’s house, and asks for help, and Lex gives that help, rescuing Ryan from Summerholt. The very next year, when Lex needs the same kind of help, suddenly Clark, who was so brave the year before, can’t possibly help Lex the same way. But Clark continues to ask for favours, even though he didn’t grant one of the few favours Lex ever asked of him.

The show never haves anyone criticize Clark for this sort of behaviour. In fact, most of the other characters, at one time or another, treat Lex the same way.

Fans of Clark say this is merely the process of growing up, and that young people make mistakes. This is true, but making mistakes only helps you to learn and to grow up if you admit to your mistakes, learn from them, and vow not to make them again. How often does Clark ever do that? How often does he even seem to know he’s made a mistake? His friends and family rarely point these mistakes out to him. In fact, they encourage him to go on being a user.

Clark hasn’t become a better person over the course of the show, just more judgemental, hypocritical, and self righteous. He thinks his physical powers give him the right to treat people however he pleases. This is a repulsive concept for a TV show — to say that such behaviour is heroic and good.

Clark stole Lex’s car, and lied about it when Lex asked him and told him there would be no trouble if he confessed.

Clark mindraped Lex to find out where Kara was, invading his mind with a machine invented by Lionel’s LuthorCorp team to interrogate terrorists. His only concern about this was that Lex not remember after, not the ethical considerations.

Clark mindwiped Chloe, even though she was begging him not to remove her memories. He never confessed this or asked her pardon. She gets her memories back, but doesn’t seem to recall what Clark did, and that’s all that Clark cares about — that he doesn’t get caught.

And yes, Superman doesn’t tell people what his civilian identity is, but that’s the only thing he lies about. Clark lies and lies and lies. He only recently starting creating an identity as the stupid Red Blue Blur. Before that, he’s rescue people as Clark Kent, and then lie, telling them nothing happened. He even told Lex that he was crazy over all this. He allowed him to be mindwiped to protect himself. I can’t see Superman behaving in such a way. This… character isn’t Superman, and never will be.

How could Smallville possibly be regarded as a failure, when it has provoked this much passion, this much debate?

Oliver Queen is a bully and a terrorist. He’s not some great hero who feels guilt and is quietly destroying himself. He was always a bully and a terrorist. Lana lies and steals and fakes her own death to have Lex accused of murder, and gets away with it.

And if any viewers point these things out, they’re accused of character bashing. Well, in my opinion, this bunch of characters deserve some bashing. They’re not just young people who are a little confused about their course in life.

I have watched every episode many times on TV and DVD and still find things to enjoy, even about the episodes that I maybe didn’t like as much, and the first two episodes of this season have blown me away. How Clark has developed character-wise just makes my little fangirl heart sing for joy. He’s on his way to becoming Superman, because let’s face it, isn’t that what Smallville is about? HIS origin story? I watch the show for Clark and want to see him getting lots of screentime and things happening that affect HIM. Having said that, I am also a dyed-in-the-wool Lois Lane fan, because she’s amazing and is the only woman equal to Clark, and what Smallville has done so effectively is show WHY she is the best and only woman for Clark.

So I say, yay for the show and the showrunners and the cast and all the other people who work on it, and double yay for people like you, Steve, who care about the show and love it enough to talk about it every week. I’m looking forward to Friday already.

I wanted to point out something you’re missing, though, in regards to those of us no longer watching the show (of which I am one), and that is the portrayal of Lex. Everything you mention about Chloe, Lois and Oliver’s developments HAVE effected my viewing opinions at some point, but it was what the show did with Lex that really drew the line for me. I won’t lay out all the details here because that would be boring! But the crux of the matter for me, and ex-fans like me, is a moral one as opposed to a canonical one. We feel Lex has been portrayed as a morally upright character for a great deal of the show and that his transformation into a villain is NOT clearly documented and therefore highly debatable. Moreover, as the show went on (esp. in season 6 and 7), it seemed the ‘heroes’ started labelling Lex as ‘evil’ for no reason while they (Clark, Ollie, Chloe etc.) seemed, to us, to be the ones who were actually acting immorally. Clark’s treatment of Lex is a particular sore point in this regard. Not that that in itself was terrible as a plot – if Clark had inadvertantly ‘turned Lex evil’ as it were, this would have fine (something similar happened in a Superboy comic, I believe, where Lex blamed a lab accident on Superboy). But it felt more like Clark was treating Lex poorly throughout the show and this fact was never acknowledged. That Clark’s immoral acts towards Lex were, in fact, heralded by the majority of other characters as ‘heroic,’ as thus in a nutshell, the show seemed to be promoting immoral acts (not a good message for the younger viewers! :p)

So, yes. Just dropping by to represent my section of the fandom and say the direction taken in regards to LEX was my reason for dropping the show. Even if every other character DOES develop perfectly, since Lex is such a vital part of the Superman mythos I just can’t continue to enjoy the show knowing that his story was not presented satisfactorily for me. I’d be interested to know if you have a response for this issue as I’m always interested to know other interpretations of the show :)

Oh, and I think criticising the cast and crew about these matters is just ridiculous. This isn’t about them at all. I MAY go as far as criticising specific writers if I find myself continually disagreeing with their work, but constructive criticism and bashing are two very different things. Sorry to hear such things are still a problem for this show.

I, for one, feel that one of the main reasons why the show has lasted so long is because it is detailing the journey of Superman; while there might be some objections as to how such journey is being manipulated, bashing should not be used as a tool to express one’s issues with the show or characters, or even take it as far as the actors themselves. Such “fans” have failed to realize that this is not Junior High (even then it would unacceptable).

I, too, have been to enough sites to know the main female characters, be it Lana, Chloe, Lois have had their equal share of attacks. Maybe it has become more apparent now that Lana is no longer in the picture and it is down to Lois and Chloe.

The individuals who participate in such vile acts are not fans, but extremists. At the same time, pointing fingers towards one specific fandom as the trouble makers is not realistic; it is ignoring the fact that the problem lies across the board.

I LOVE what you said about Lois. She is one of my favorite characters, both on SV and in the “canon.”

As for Chloe, she has been the placeholder and sometimes the voice of the audience, but lately, as the mother figure, she bores. I also like how you explained Chloe’s journey from high school. Crap, I have a master’s degree in Literature, a BA in Philosophy and now I am an accountant. Talk about your light switch moments.

I’m excited for this season, and I’m excited to discuss it with fans who also love the show, whether they agree with me or not. I know a lot of us have been saying this lately, but I’m glad that you said so distinctly to your readers what should be clear to us all. Nice job.

I’ve only been a part of the online fandom for a little over a year now and sometimes it has made me want to cheer or tear my hair out. The worst part is that you so eloquently touched upon: attacking the professionals who work hard to deliver this show to us every year.

I can understand being dissatisfied with the direction of a particular story or character, but to take it out on others like that goes too far. That’s why I really appreciate the spirit with which this essay was written and while I join others in disagreeing with some of the finer points with regards to Lois, the other points about going along with the journey this show has taken us on, ring all too true.

As I’ve gone grown from the teenager I was when I first started watching, so has Smallville. I have enjoyed the journey for the most part, and at the core of that enjoyment has been my love for some of the show’s key characters and themes. As it heads more towards Superman, I feel like the investment I made in the show years ago is finally paying off. Discovering podcasts like SHoE, fans like those who put it together, and who have commented here, have enriched my viewing experience. I can’t wait to go on the rest of this journey with my fellow fans, so thank you for addressing some of the discord that has crept up amongst us. Hopefully things will get better as we go forward.

I think there are far too many who blur the line between fiction and reality. The actors get attacked as if they are responsible for the direction of the show.

Personally, I don’t get continuing to watch a show you profess to hate just so you can complain about it. But then again, I watch television to have fun. Not to pick it apart to find everything I hate, and I certainly don’t see the point in bringing down people who ARE enjoying a show just because I don’t.

While I agree that Lana has been dragged through the mud alot, for the most part I find the fans respective towards the actress on boards I go to. While I haven’t really cared for the character since about S3, I know the line between a fiction character and the actress who plays her, and would never see need to bash KK because I dislike that character.

All that being said yeah I do see a handful of posts from bozo’s who feel the need to bash the actress as it somehow makes a difference to the character she plays.

Your words are your own. I disagree on some points but I do agree with the sentiment. I don’t know if it’ll help, though. When people can’t see things beyond their own perspective and accept their differences, harmony is unlikely. Hatred is an ugly thing and it reflects on people. I hope it ends.

I watch Smallville because I love Superman. I admire his ideals. His story is an example to strive in doing right. He is a symbol of hope and I love that. If people take away something positive from his story, then we’d be all right.

The whole problem with the Super Lana storyline was it basically left stuff unresolved, while the show was moving forward. It was like the producers didn’t even care about the next 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 seasons and just wrote an ending that would satisfy people who most likely weren’t going to watch anymore.

What makes it even worse is the ending has many plotholes. Why didn’t they explore options to fix the issue for instance? The show has already given 2 easy ways to fix the problem(The Legion ring in Infamous and Blue K showing up in Savior)

As a long time Lana fan, I admit finding it just the teensiest amusing that so many fans are acting like the latest escalation of character and actor bashing is anything new for the fans of this show. It makes sense that people tend to not really pay a lot of mind to this stuff until it affects them directly.

This show is in its 9TH season. That’s a whole lotta journey to write for our hero. The show is making logical progress with these characters based on the established canon that they are now trying to align with. Lois’ character has very believably evolved towards the reporter we know she’s going to be. This isn’t a lightswitch, it’s us (the viewers) getting to know her more. Having Erica for more episodes this season is one of the smartest things TPTB did in order to continue our familiarity with our Ms. Lane, and to see why she ends up with Superman.

As you said, Chloe is the wild card that they have the most flexibility with in regards to her endgame. I’ve never been a huge fan of the character, but I do hope that whatever they ultimately do with her character makes sense in light of where she is now, and isn’t done simply to cater to a vocal fanbase. Even though I am a Lana fan, I do think there was a bit of that done in her case, and I don’t believe it was necessarily the best option for her character’s exit.

I still love the show, primarily for Clark Kent and his continued effort to embrace and reconcile both his Kryptonian heritage with his humanity. Tom Welling manages to bring us a Clark Kent so full of heart and honor, no matter where the storyline tends to wander. I think that some people tend to forget exactly who the star (character and actor) of this show is and always will be. Granted, the supporting characters are integral to the story as well, but to watch primarily for one of them is going to be a lesson in frustration.

I read a lot of fans comments who said to hate an episode just because focused on other less important characters and not their favourite ones, and that, even before watching the episode… the only thing I can say to them: if you watch a show just for your shippers club, please turn off your tv and let us watch them freely without absurd complains!

Like you pointed out, all these characters are turning into what they will become, and aside from Chloe, we all know who theyll be.

I think the fun of SV is to see how they get there, and since
Chloes future is the only uncertain one -unless they pull another Jimmy, which I doubt since it was so obviously stupid- I get that their fans are a bit scared about it.

I have always liked Chloe, that is, till season 8. She didnt begin this season any better, but after reading this I remembered why was it that I like her. And Ive always be willing to give her a chance, but when Jimmy died I just thought that was it for me and Chloe. Now, reading you put things in perspective, I may get her more, I still dont like her, but isnt that suppost to happen as well?

Why are we suppost to like everyone? Why is only the bad guys that are suppost to be hated? Why cant we like not liking someone?
I do not like how Chloe is behaving, but I think this season is taking her to a different place, hopefully away from its season 8 annoying self, and into a more likable and suiting spot, as it should have been all along.

That said though, I on purpose wrote before that “I get that their fans are a bit scared about it”. I think those people youre mainly adressing here arent her fans at all.
They arent Superman/Smallville/ Clark fans, and they sure as heck arent Chloe fans either.

From my POV, they are just haters.
They wanted Chloe to be who Lois be. When it came down to the fact that it wasnt going to happen, their hate took over.

Theres no more being happy for Chloe for them, its all about hating Lois now.
Its not about what Chloe is, its about whats shes not, and what Lois is.

I, as the Chloe fan I was, was thrilled when she began her relation with Jimmy, they instead hated on Jimmy since day one because he wasnt Clark. And I think that Chloe was at her happiest ever.
They hate everything Chloe is, because of who shes not, they dont care if the character is happy, not when they arent happy.

I wouldnt care much if it were just that, because its simply resentment and denial behind it, but when I started hearing how they were treating Erica because of this… I just cant write how angry it made me.
They’ve been bashing Mack herself because of what shes told in Comic Con this year, further proof that they do not care a bit about SV. They are obsessed, with something that wont happen, so they are like little kids, kicking and screaming trying to get the anger out cause they dont know any other way around it.

I agree with many about not agreeing with two Lois’s point, even more now after you said:
“I feel like I need to make a point about something above…the “sleep around” comment was made to be a bit tongue-in-cheek and to be somewhat conciliatory to the Lois naysayers.”

I dont think you have to include any conciliatory comment towards them, specially not when its something untrue and one of the many arguments they use agains that character.

I think that if anything, they wont even care for this entry, they wont care enough to read it, just as they dont care enough to actually watch Smallville as they should and as it is.

I love the podcasts, and I want them to keep coming, Im not very informed of what transpired between you and that part of the fandom, but I think that as you said of SV, it cant please everyone, and neither can you.
If they dont like or agree with your POV, then they should stop listening to you, and they should stop watching SV.
Instead, they rather continue a pointless war, thats based on nothing. So they try and kick and scream real hard to be noticed, because at the end they know that all those things they want, wont happen.

I hope that you’re right and the reason for there being no spoilers on Chloe is because of a great storyline coming up. I think that a Chloe death now won’t have the emotional punch that it would’ve in the earlier seasons. I remember when the safe house exploded (best season finale ever) I was shocked, I couldn’t believe they had killed Chloe. Now it’s expected. I mean, they had the Legion allude to her death, they’ve shown her die in 3 AU’s (including Lois’ dream) would anyone be surprised, or upset now? I don’t want her death to spur Clark on, he’s not Batman, and I don’t want her to sacrifice herself. I’d like for Chloe to forge her own path.

And while I might not agree with every decision of the producers, Super Lana in particular, I still look at this and say, yep, this is so much better than Melrose Place, Law and Order, Etc……

I am no doubt a die-hard fan of the show. I think the stories are very entertaining and keeps me tuning in every week. What annoys more than is the nit-picking. Like Derek said on his rant (which I loved BTW), if the direction of the show isn’t where THEY want it to be then they start throwing a hissy-fit and start bashing the cast, producers & writers.

What do I still watch Smallville? The journey. Not just Clark’s but that Of Lex, Lois, Chloe & even Oliver. Except for Chloe, we all know how these characters will end up. Its how they get there is what interests me. And the writers do a fantastic job in coming up with great stories from week to week.

Do I have some issues with the show? Sure. Now for every season there are going to be a couple of stinkers (i.e. Power, Fierce, Wither, Thirst, Forever..well u get the idea). That’s fine. But one thing I just couldn’t get over is the fact that the death of Jonathan Kent is Clark’s fault. It is. Clark Kent killed Jonathan. John Schneider said so in the famous SHoE interview. I have issues with that. I also had issues with the direction of Lana Lang’s character. I enjoyed her character for the first five seasons. Lana took a dark turn in season six which rolled into season 7. I thought Lana would get a chance to redeem herself in season eight. Instead we got Super-Lana. I have issues with that.

I love Smallville, love SHoE. I hope both have another season left in them.

As to Choe’s story having very few spoilers leaked thus far, it gives me hope that her story is going to be so huge that the creative staff is doing their best to keep a lid on specific details. Allison has said that regardless of the show’s future, this season is the last for her, and I completely respect that. While I have been in fear of a Chloe death for years now, I can accept that if it’s a) a “good” death and/or b) it further pushes Clark to a place where he more fully embraces his future role as Superman, then it can be a really good thing. As I’ve said before, I wasn’t really on the Jimmy “fan”wagon until his story in Doomsday. It wasn’t because he died, but because of how readily he accepted Clark and was ready to be one of Clark’s biggest supporters, and the fact that in his dying breath he saved Chloe’s life.

Finally, I think the difference between myself and “Chloe fans” or “Lois fans” is that I’m a Smallville fan. For me, to completely devote myself to one character above all others and base my like or dislike of the show based on that takes away from my enjoyment of the show as whole…I guess that’s a point I didn’t make and really should have made.

Other than that, great article!

I couldn’t agree more. The bashing of characters AND actors happens on BOTH sides of the fandom. Neither Chloe NOR Lois fans are innocent. To make it seem like it’s only Chloe fans, is ignoring the fact that it happens on BOTH sides. I’ve seen some Lois fans call Allison a “wh***” when she was negotiating for her contract renewal, I’ve seen it implied that the only reason Ausiello gives Chloe spoilers is due to Allison performing certain acts on Ausiello, just as I’ve seen some Chloe fans call Erica nasty names.

If people truly want there to be a “peace” between the fans then BOTH sides need to acknowledge that they are BOTH in the wrong, and take the high road when the few from BOTH sides try to create drama. Saying it’s only Chloe fans , and calling Chloe fans vulgar names, isn’t going to put out any flames, it’ll only add to it. Because it’s NOT just some Chloe fans who engage in hurtful remarks about an actor or a character.

To me, Smallville has taken the story of Superman to the next level to a point where one cannot help but hope for dreams that may or may not take effect (such dreams could be Chlois or Chlark).

From the start, my favorite characters have been Clark and Chloe. However, that does not mean the remaining ones are subject to ridicule and harassment. And I am quite certain I am not the only Chlarker, Clois, etc. who feels this way. What is saddening is the mere fact that there are some rather immature individuals who seem to take pleasure in bashing the character they feel is standing in the way of their favorite’s progress, and I have been in enough forums to firmly declare that the immaturity lies with some Pro-Lois as well as Pro-Chloe fans; NO EXCEPTION for one has to be fair.

It is high time we, the fans, embrace the previous poster’s signature, and respect one’s opinion (not insult, but opinion) for it is indeed a strong indicator of maturity.

While I don’t have a problem with her as Watchtower (I really liked the ending of Hex) I don’t want to see her stuck behind a computer 24/7. I’d like to know that she’ll be out in the field investigating events versus staring at a computer spouting exposition. I don’t want her only role to be the “exposition girl.” It’ll be very boring (very fast) if every episode she’s telling Oliver/ whoever to take a left at Main Street and the bad guys are in the building next to the Grocery store. I hope she’s more involved than that.

I would like to see that she’s happy doing what she is doing. The happiest I’ve ever seen her is when she was a reporter for the Torch and the DP. I’ve yet to see her that happy. I’d also like to see that she’s good at her job. At Isis she was terrible, and so far Lois was able to track Oliver via paparazzi. If she was looking for Oliver on the computer, why didn’t she see that the paparazzi was following Oliver? There must be the equivalent of TMZ on Smallville. This is the same girl who was able to link kryptonite with all the craziness happening in Smallville via her Wall of Weird, yet couldn’t search for Oliver Queen? Okay then.

Why can’t she have a side job? Everyone else does. Maybe she should start her own underground blog, or something. How does she pay her bills? Her electrical bill alone will be very high.

I really enjoy Chloe and Clark’s friendship, and think it’s great to have such a strong friendship on the show. It makes me nervous what the producers will do to that friendship. I think that both have their reasons for the tension (and I hope the Jimmy issue is a “cover” for that) so I hope that we are able to hear both sides of the issue. I also hope that neither will be made to look bad in the process.

I don’t want Chloe to be jealous of Lois because TPTB have a habit of making Chloe look like a shrew (seasons 2 and 3). The only reason it didn’t bother me in seasons 2 and 3 was due to the knowledge that Allison was coming back so the character could be (and was) redeemed; however, Allison has given two interviews where she has stated that this season is it. If TPTB screw up Chloe’s character there won’t be any chance at a redemption.

The fact that there are no Chloe spoilers hasn’t given many Chloe fans reason to be hopeful/ excited for this season. What is Chloe’s storyline? What will she be doing? Is the friendship going to be repaired? Will she be happy? There are more questions than answers. When the CW released the writ up for the season and used the words, “manipulate,” “spinning her web” to describe Chloe many became concerned that they were/are going to turn her into a villain. Those are words that’re usually used to describe the Luthors and, in the same write up, used to describe Tess. Nobody is talking about Chloe so I’m left with coming to my own conclusions. There aren’t any spoilers to paint any picture of what Chloe will be up to. If they muck things up with Chloe this year there won’t be a next year to try and make things right.

It’s been said that there’s going to be “cool twist” for Chloe within the first ten episodes, where are the hints/spoilers for that? The only thing being told to Chloe fans is to “keep watching” and after last season many don’t believe what is told to them by TPTB. Last season Brain Peterson gave an interview and said that “Chloe fans will be happy and to enjoy the ride” and I haven’t seen any Chloe fan who was happy or enjoyed the ride in season 8. Now when a producer, or someone associated with the show, says something about Chloe it’s taken with a grain of salt. There aren’t any spoilers to back up the claim being said.

I hope Chloe doesn’t die because that’ll be too predictable. This is Allison’s last year, let Chloe go out with her dignity intact. If Chloe happens to get a love interest that’ll be okay too. As long as it’s not Dr. Hamilton, the guy becomes a villain and the characters don’t have any chemistry, then I’ll be fine.

Thanks for reading.

Other than that though, I think you did a great show and I do really respect that you took the time to try and make peace.

I, for one, feel outraged that some fans would insult/belittle/berate the actors. Those fans need to realize that there is a fine difference between passion and harassment. I commend the actors for always going above and beyond.

“RESPECTING ONE’S OPINION IS THE PINNACLE OF MATURITY”

one more thing, how can you have a girlfriend, a job, several podcasts and still manage to write awesome articles like this. you must have a time turner or a blue police box.

As for Smallville if the show did not have the characters grow up I wouldn’t be tuning in. This season if Lois and Clark was going to have the same story as last season I wouldn’t be enthusiastic about the show this season especially after its move to Friday. But this year there is going to be change in their dynamic which has me very much interested in the show. Also I am very eager to see how Clark is going to handle his relationship with the rest of the JL members after the events from Doomsday.

I don’t care about the haters who constantly bash the actual actress,PTB and the fans of the show and I don’t have any sympathy for them.

Thank you so much for this great article. Most of all, thank you for having the guts to address the discord in the fanom in a mature, honest and thoughtful way. As a fan of this show from Day#1, I appreciate it.

I have to say that I also disagree with some of the finer points of your analysis. I have to second what a few people said above: Lois Lane is not a whore and I don’t think it’s far to even suggest that she “sleeps around.” Show canon has told us that she slept with Oliver–a man who was her boyfriend and who she loved. We have no idea if she slept with Grant, but again, they were in a relationship. Was it an inappropriate relationship? Sure. Was she trying to get over Oliver? Yes. But it’s clear that she cared about him and he about her. So again, I’m not seeing how that makes her some kind of whore. Lana slept with both Clark and Lex, not to mention Bizarro. Chloe slept with Jimmy when she was only 15 years old during a summer fling at the Planet. Yet, no one ever calls either of those girls whores. Lastly, so now Lois has slept with Clark. Her future husband. He’ll probably be the only person she sleeps with for the rest of her life and vice versa. Not really seeing a problem with that. :) I totally understand where you were coming from and I know that you were actually trying to defend Lois Lane with your comments. But I just think you need to be careful to not suggest things that aren’t actually true in show canon. The people that you are writing this article to have spent a lot of time painting Lois as a whore and saying that she sleeps around when in reality that is just not true based on show canon. And I have no issue whatsoever with her choosing to sleep with Clark because I think it was pretty clear last season that she was madly in love with him.

Second, I don’t necessarily agree that the only reason that Clark can’t give Lois up is because she thinks he’s perfect and doesn’t know his failures and weaknesses. I think that’s a small part of it. I do think that there is special allure for Clark when he is able to see “The Blur” through the eyes of Lois. To see himself through her eyes. And I would argue that that fits well with established Superman canon. Superman has always been inspired by the way that Lois sees him and Lois Lane’s unconditional faith in Superman is iconic. She always believes in him and she never gives up hope. And I agree that being able to let go and see himself through Lois’ eyes is appealing to Clark, particularly when he is in such a dark place. But I think another part of it lies in the fact that through “The Blur” Clark is able to see a different side of Lois. She shows him a side of her that is more vulnerable and more in need of love. It’s a side that she rarely shows him when he is Clark. And he is drawn to that side of her. It taps into the connection that they share and it is part of the reason why ultimately Lois winds up being the right woman for him: because she is in love with both sides of him unconditionally and in a way that no one else ever has. She remains in awe of his alien heritage and believes in him as a hero but she loves the goofy, normal, farmboy side to him as well. Clark loves to be “the hero” for Lois as Superman and he loves being able to bring out her more vulnerable side but he also loves the more tenacious side of her that she only shows to Clark. That’s the weird contrast to their relationship, they really BOTH are two people with each other and it’s the combination of those different identities that makes their relationship so interesting for the past 70 years. Smallville has done a great job continuing this tradition.

Lastly, I really love what you said about Chloe. I’ll be honest that it’s been hard for me to like Chloe lately. But I WANT to like her again. I’ve watched Smallville since it premiered back in 2001. And I’ve always loved Chloe. To me, her journey from the Torch to becoming the Watchtower is not only not a lightswitch…but completely realistic and in fitting with who she is as a person. Yes, I think the rift between her and Clark is sad….but like you…I remember all the friendships in my life that have had bumps along the way only to emerge stronger on the other side. My closest friend from high school and I had a pretty major falling out a few years ago….and I’m the maid of honor in her wedding in a few months. Friendships change over time but that doesn’t mean that they need to end.

Sorry for being so long. Thank you for everything that you said and thank you for being such a positive voice in the SMallville fan community! I appreciate it!

One thing about Lois, we’re made to believe that she has slept with Ollie and Grant. Both of the times she was in a serious relationship. She was invested in it and wanted the relationship to work. She didn’t just sleep around with anyone.

Now coming to Chloe supporters. Your post is full of sincerity towards them but you’re being too nice to them. Their problem is not that Chloe isn’t a journalist anymore. Their problem is that Lois is a journalist and Chloe isn’t. Their problem is that Lois is in the place that they dreamt Chloe would be in.

Intelligence? Well Chloe’s super gadgets weren’t able to track down Ollie in 3 weeks. Lois did it in 5 minutes. Need I say more?

Lois was never supposed to be, never is and never will be a ’super nerd’. The people who ‘think’ she is, don’t know a thing about Lois Lane. Or perhaps, all they know is that Lois Lane works as a journalist in Daily Planet and she ends up with Clark Kent one day.

THAT FACT, is the only reason for Lois hatred and the only reason why Chlarkers/Chloe supporters give a damn about Chloe’s journalism career. It’s a “Lois Lane thing” hence it brings Chloe, a character that has no identity in the comic books, closer to the heroine of the story. It’s all about who “wins” the “trophy” called Clark Kent in the end.

Have you seen the things they say about Clark Kent? I can never believe that a fan who loves Superman would label him insensitive and a jerk just because he doesn’t think Chloe is the most awesome person in the world. Somewhere down the line for them, it has become Chloeville, not Smallville.

Lois off course is the #1 threat, the reason why Chloe couldn’t have the “guy she deserved” hence Lois Lane must be bashed. It becomes from insane to tragic when the don’t even draw the line between the character and actor. Since Erica Durance plays Lois Lane, hence she should be bashed to. An actress who has been nothing but awesome to the fans and always promotes the show, plays her part with utmost dedication and loyalty, is to be bashed for her acting and appearance and everything else because, uh, she’s playing the ‘role of the woman who ends up with Clark Kent’.

So while your points are extremely valid and make perfect sense for someone who is a real fan of Chloe, you should know that you’re dealing with a fandom who believes that it would have been an awesome twist if the 70 year old legendary character of Lois Lane would have been killed off in this series and Chloe would take up her “name” and “end up” with Clark Kent.

Chloe’s story is not pre-written so no one can say that she ends up being a journalist. It’s the only character whose fans can enjoy the new twists and turns in her character without worrying whether she’s true to her comic counterpart or not, because there is no Chloe in the comics. But it isn’t about journalism, it’s about who works side by side with Clark, who’s the “leading lady” and who ends up with Clark. If Lois Lane wasn’t a journalist, I doubt any Chlarker would give a damn about Chloe leaving the profession.

It’s all about a ship and winning this war that they have in their head between Chloe and Lois and worst, Mack and Durance.

Thanks for the essay again.

I have been watching since day one and I am still loving every minuet of it. I think your character analysis were on point. No one is the same person they were when they were in high school. Everyone is on a journey, and that journey can be altered by events (such as Chloe quitting journalism), but those events help shape us to who we will eventually become. Who wants to watch a show with no character growth?

The show runners/actors/actresses/crew/etc are doing a wonderful job. They are keeping true to the Superman mythos, but are also taking creative freedom, which is fine. Just because a plot line doesn’t go the way someone would want, that’s not enough reason to stop the show. I’m sticking with this show until the end!

I look forward to the next SHoE, keep up the good work!

What I’d like to add is more of a request.

Can we have more articles like this, on various topics. This sparked some great conversation, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now that Smallville magazine has gone by the wayside I miss reading “articles” about my favorite show. I don’t have a lot of time to sift through fan sites – so SHoE is it for me. I’d love to see more of this from Derek and Steve!

I agree with you that “SV” has lasted a lot longer than anyone expected and – as such – the characters had to evolve. We could not Clark Kent in S9 behaving the same way as he did in S3. That just wouldn’t work.

Excellent, excellent, article.

The main thing is enjoyment, and if you’re not getting that then why are you watching? That’s my question. Because putting negative stuff out there about a show for no constructive reason other than to turn others against the show or just spew hate (because to be honest that’s what it can sound like – especially towards poor Erica Durance, and you guys even)… I’m all for hashing out the not-so-great parts of Smallville but in a nice SHoE podcastey way lol.

And just people really shouldn’t take it so seriously. I will happily admit to my friends that Smallville isn’t exactly the Wire, has numerous plot holes, occasional bad dialogue, stupid situations e.t.c. but then I’ll turn around and say “But you know what? I love it! I’m totally gripped no matter how ridiculous or over dramatic things get because it’s just plain awesome!”. I looove watching Thirst and laughing hysterically at Vampire!Lana. In fact I would say the Spell commentary with Erica, Kristin and Allison is pretty much how I watch Smallville, at least when I’m with my friends – I completely take the piss out of everything but that’s okay. And when a great episode comes along (most recently Savior! :)) I’m sitting there barely breathing with excitement cos it’s just so great.

So all in all thanks! Keep up the awesomeness!!!
Love, Olivia xxxx

I have watched this show for many years and will watch it till that final scene where hopefully it will be Clark ripping off his civvies, taking flight and fading out on the red and yellow House of El shield. I like any fan of a TV show have had complaints about the direction of the show, story arcs, what a character did or said but in the end I have continued to watch because Smallville is entertaining and fun but also it is about the journey of Clark Kent to Superman.

The show has to progress, the characters have to change and evolve because we are watching the greatest superhero’s hero’s journey unfold. There will be bumps and failures along the way that will make this fan grumble and grouse at the screen but there will also be successes and ‘hell yeah’ moments. All of it, the good, the bad and the ugly, is bringing us to that ultimate end – Superman.

Kudos to you, Derek and everyone at SHoE for doing such a great job and being true fanboys (and fangirls – sorry Edna don’t want to leave you out ;)).

I do have a problem with one thing you said, though. I’m sorry, but how exactly did Lois “sleep around with various and sundry men”?
In the past 5 years we’ve seen her in two relationships. She had sex with two people, both her boyfriends. 2 people, 5 years.

I love Superman and I will watch/purchase anything that has to do with the him.lol. On Smallville I love Clark and Lois’ character the most..surprise, surprise=)
I welcome criticisms of these characters but have no time for people that can’t seem to differentiate between actors and characters. I get so angry when I read people bashing Tom and Erica for doing their jobs or the people promoting the show.

I understand everyone has their opinions and expectations of what the show should be but what really annoys me is people constantly telling us they are not going to watch (and its the same people saying it over and over). If you are not watching anymore, great for you but please don’t use it to ruin others enjoyment of the show.

I remember these same people saying the same thing last season and yet the ratings went up in the first half (so they were less vocal). But because the season premiere’s ratings wasn’t so high, they feel they can now become more vocal about not watching (as if they are the only people that account for any loss in viewership).

I enjoy Smallville for what it is and I really appreciate the hard work people put into giving us a great show =)

I think the only thing I didn’t agree with was this quote about Lois:

“Sleep around with various and sundry men? Ok. ”

To be fair to the character of Lois, there’s only the proof of the one man that she slept with; Oliver.

On show cannon, she was shown to have lost her Virginity at some past point before the episode “Spell”, but other than that, there is no long list of men to constitute the assumption she ’sleeps around with various and sundry men’.

I don’t believe that Lois slept with Grant, but while I can’t argue that there’s any valid proof to support either the belief that she did or did not, it shouldn’t matter all that much, in my opinion.

All I can say is that even if she did, it doesn’t make her a whore, like some people like to portray her as, and that is the main reason I do not agree with the wording in that statement you made about the Character of Lois Lane on the show.

Now, besides my one opposing view on your character analysis, I really did enjoy all of your personal views on each of these characters.

Their evolutionary progress from who they were in season 1 as opposed to where they are at the start of Season 9 is quite an astounding angle.

There are many an aspect of your post that I never foresaw as applicable, and yet its compatibility to each mention makes complete sense to me.

It is wholly appreciated that you bring this example to us of why you believe certain characters are on their current paths, especially for those who didn’t believe or understand why beforehand.

The fact is, I have watched this show from its very beginning. Heck, I was super excited to see it before the first episode aired, and I am thoroughly overjoyed that its finally transitioning and bringing in aspects of Superman’s inception.

It was the whole reason I started watching in the first place. To see those missing years before he became Superman.

Truth be told, if the cast of Smallville re-used the exact same scenes from the old show “Lois and Clark, the New Adventures of Superman”, I wouldn’t mind, because they have a whole fresh new ambiance that is all their own. They would make it their own. I love this new version, and am peaked with anticipation to see what they have in store for us next.

All in all, I have rambled incessantly, and apologize because I can’t properly narrow down my babbling to an acceptable limit.

I just wanted to close out my novel-sized mini-thesis by saying that my favorite part of your entry/review, was your final quote. (Ironic, I know):

**Finally, to quote so many of our great listeners in their e-mails, “sorry I went on so long.**

What a wonderful reflective piece on the series! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us because they are just beautiful and very insightful.

Hope

I started watching Smallville because I am a life long Superman who was intruiged with the notion of young Clark Kent living his life and doing heroic things, while not being Superboy. I was there in my dorm room with my popcorn on the night it premiered and have not stopped watching since.

Why I have stayed watching, even through all the well, crap I guess you could say; is a combination of I want to know how it is going to end, my love of Tom Welling and Erica Durances portrayals of their charecters, and the fact that I enjoy the show. I really do.

There may be plot elements that I did not like, or charecters that I would rather see exit stage left, but my overall enjoyment of the show has never changed.

“I still watch Smallville because it still entertains me. It’s still a show about the rise of the greatest super hero of all time, and my favorite super hero of all time. It’s still a fun show, a surprising show, and I’m still invested in these characters after all these years. That’s why I still watch Smallville.”

Has to be the best part.

That’s my hope too :) Great post Trisha

If there is one thing I hate it’s the constant “lightswitch” noises. Chloe leaving the DP was a lightswitch (not really since she had only written a few articles and it was after Clark did the footwork. She was more his sidekick than she was a reporter and I could count probably on one hand the number of times she used the DP as a reporter and not as Clark’s go to gal). Lois becoming a journalist was a lightswitch (not really since we’ve seen her investigate with Clark or Chloe or by herself, or even all three of them together, since she came to the show (which was actually investigating Chloe’s death LOL). Clark and Lois falling for each other is a lightswitch (really… so they fell in love at first sight when they met at Chloe’s grave site in the episode Crusade? I don’t think so). No, we had to wait 4 seasons for even ONE of them to fall for the other. Hell we had to wait 2 and a half seasons before they could even kiss, and even then it wasn’t “real”. But now it’s been 5 years, and that doesn’t scream rushed or “lightswitch” to me.

This show probably has maybe 1 more season left after season 9 (providing they actually get a season 10), and I would really like to enjoy it. Despite my dislike for Chloe now, providing she doesn’t die by the end of the shows run, she will be Clark’s and Lois’ family member. I’d like that to happen without her being unhappy and sourfaced all season when it comes to them. I actually would like her to find her guy (I’m still saying bring her Apocalypse fiance to the Real World and let them meet, she was so happy during that little scene), and for her to be happy in her career whether it be Watchtower or something else. Hell I’d even wish her to go back to the DP with Clark AND Lois, if it didn’t mean that online fandom would blow up as a result. We know that Clark and Lois get the happy ending and the successful careers and the Superhero persona, but I hope we don’t have to have too many unhappy moments along the way of that journey as well.

And wow, so this turned out long, I guess that is all!

I know there are fans that have a problem with the “mythos”, but Smallville is not The Simpsons and the longer the show went on meant that there had to be a progression of things. Everyone knows where the story is headed, this can’t be a surprise to anyone (see the last 70 years).

So, I will tune in each Friday to watch the best season yet. Thank you Smallville for moving forward in this incredible journey, the one that Clark Kent was born to make.

Smallville is my passion now, and has been for a long time and it saddens me when I read how other people are not seeing it the way I see it, and then when they feel the need to be offensive in their criticisms of the show’s production, writers and actors.

It so refreshing to listen to your podcasts and read your reviews as they are just filled with enthusiasm, optimism and passion for a show that I love dearly.

Thank you so much!

As a fan of the series and one who has came to know many of the fans you speak of, these things needed to be addressed. Any issue one has with the show should not be taken out on the people who bust their butts to entertain us on a weekly basis, nor to the media inviduals who are gracious enough to give us articles and scoops about our favorite show to get us ready for the upcoming episodes.

We all have our reasons to watch the show, and while they may vary, it should never cross the line of attacking these people personally. Characters grow and plots change, and shows mature -as they always do. To expect things to always be the same is unrealistic, and to take them out on other people only minimizes whatever concerns there are.

I speak for myself but I know I am not alone when I say: Steve, Derek, and media alike.. keep doing the great work you guys are doing and know that the vocal bunch who want to tear down your work do not speak for the masses. We have your back.

And to the people at SV who grace us with this great series – there are legions of us who support and love the fantastic work and changes that has taken place this season. This Superman fan is one happy person and can’t wait to see what happens next.

Grateful and forever a Smallville and SHOE fan.

By the way I still watching the series …

I also couldn’t agree more that people HAVE to change in a show in order to keep the audience engaged. I can’t imagine wanting to watch Clark – or any character – in the same place in Season 9 as they were in Season 1.

Thanks for the great post. It helped me appreciate a few things somewhat more than I had. I may politely debate a finer point or two with you at some point, but that’s part of what makes fandom discussion so interesting!

Whether we liked it better in Season 1, Season 9 or somewhere in between? At some point we all liked it. We should not root for it’s failure, we should root for it’s success.

–How characters change and become different people than they used to be, because that’s a fact of life.

–Clark and how he really is finally on his way to Superman, since hey, that’s what this show is really all about.

–Notating on how hard the cast and crew work to make the show good.

And might I add…as my own addendum, separating CHARACTERS from the ACTORS who play them.

Kudos SHoE!

Once again, I give you a standing O!

Smallville Rules!

Your optimism is inspiring, Steve. Your passion for the show isn’t any less so. If the one thing to come out of this ordeal is an open dialogue between fans, then I say it was well worth it. A show about Superman should have a certain kind of fan, and I think a lot of us haven’t been striving to be that kind of person lately. Let’s all just hope to change that.

I for one am enjoying the season and can’t wait for Metallo.