DEREK & JOE….First time ever listening to the podcast. Nicely done I must say. Although, you were quite funny with the rambling and distractions (love the dog singing in the background by the way), you managed to cover the episode pretty well. Thanks for sharing your opinions and clarifying some questions I had myself. Tip for Joe…try not to analyze the episodes too much, it’ll drive you bananas XD. Looking forward to hearing more. Cheers!

Although thanks to JLU, John Stewart was my GL for a LONG time. I think the Timmverse did a great job of fleshing out his character.

I just want to point out how Hawkman’s costume looked much better on the tv screen than it did in the stills. Just to put that out there.

I wanna talk more about Zod and Clark walking away from the explosion…okay GO!

I also appreciated that Lois wasn’t calling the notion of a “traditional woman” pathetic or mocking those who fit that mold. Rather, she was calling her attempt to live up to that ideal pathetic. If she appeared to act like a child, it’s worthwhile to recall that Lois lost her mother when she was 6 years old, so for her to be taken back to that scared girl who felt like she had lost the possibility for home and family forever, is both logical and heart-wrenching. Indeed, I was very touched by Lois’ emotional displays throughout. She, to use Lois own words, “spilled [her] guts,” and we got to see Clark respond beautifully to her vulnerabilities with his persistent and sincere reassurances. It rivaled the Clois scene in the rain in RABID for me, because in both scenes Lois was a noticeable wreck, and in both scenes Clark demonstrates how he won’t let Lois go no matter what.

How comforting it must have been for Lois to feel that after she felt cast aside in her father’s esteem as lesser than her sister Lucy, and the weak link in the chain of command? This is a woman who we know has been left without a home because the General wouldn’t let her return to the base after being kicked out of college, teaching Lois that home can be denied if you screw up, and love may very well be conditional. Then there’s those times like in HYDRO/JUSTICE or BRIDE when Lois was finally feeling as if she had found something special only to have it ripped away from her because either a calling or another woman took precedence. To see Lois attempt to leave in an echo of her farewell scene in the hospital in BRIDE, only this time to see Clark reassure her, had a poignancy to me that was only heightened by the parallels to REQUIEM which aired precisely in the same spot a year prior.

Just like I felt it was interesting and important character for Clark when he was under the influence of red kryptonite in EXILE, and when Chloe transformed into Lois for a day in HEX, I also believe PERSUASION (as demonstrated above) marked some significant character development for Lois and Clark as individuals and as a couple. For Lois, any development is welcome to me considering she’s woefully behind Clark and Chloe (and Lana and Lex) in the episodes and arcs she’s been able to have on the show in years past. She’s emerging as the leading lady on the show and in Clark’s life and deserves to be treated as such.

Although they chose a silly way to do it, what happened for her character in the episode was important; since it helped her address critical issues from her past and helped both she and Clark move forward. Perhaps not everyone can see or agrees with the deeper meaning I was able to extract from the episode, and perhaps not everyone cares as much about Lois or Clois as I do, but I can’t help but think these things are important, and as a result, I cringe when others dismiss them so readily.

Now…. I never said “Shipper stuff”!! (those are playful exclamation points, not angry) – I didn’t like “Persuasion” but I still don’t think I used the term “Shipper” – I don’t even like that word…. Shame on me if I did.

Now… You’re going to hate me for this one (it’s ok). I would LOVE to believe that everything has a deeper meaning, but… I’m sorry, I just can’t. I love how you can extract that from those scenes and maybe you’re right but at some point it starts to straddle the apologetic line. That’s definitely not a bad thing, I think it’s awesome. I really really do. I for one can understand from being a devoted fan of Heroes. Give me anything from Heroes that people don’t agree with or don’t understand (almost anything) and I’ll come up with a way to make it proper and fitting. I don’t even try, it’s just a natural reaction. On the flip side it could be a subconscious thing that the writers do from being involved with certain characters for so long but I find it a little hard to believe that they wrote those scenes (like the Lois homemaker scenes) with that back story in mind. I honestly commend you for getting that out of the scenes and it makes me view them differently. See, now I’m starting to think it was intentional! You’ve convinced me.

Maybe this was the moment that you missed prior to Disciple. Either way, it’s been great chatting with you. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

The episode where they became official was in “Pandora.” Clark asked Lois if they could be a couple and she agreed. He promised her they could take it slow and “do it right.” Then they held hands in the elevator.

I think the Eciplise trailer comes on Friday? Did I hear that right? I saw the 10 second promo today. It was extremely dramatic. haha.

Timestamps please! ;) – I never said those things. Wait… Did I? I don’t even recall using the word Shipper. Although I don’t remember what I did this morning either so I could have said it.

What I was trying to say in my previous comment is when they first used the word “dating” on the show I remember doing a double take. Not because I’m against it, I just felt like I missed the moment where it became “official.” I guess that was it!

Tron! Eclipse! I like trailers…

Anyway, TRON!!!!

Clark flying or not flying doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is viewers of the show making comments regarding Clark’s mental state because he doesn’t fly. I love what Derek said about Clark not flying: it’s not because he can’t, because clearly he can, but that he doesn’t necessarily WANT to because he’s afraid of becoming too powerful. This is the argument I’ve been making for years because it’s the one that makes the most sense wrt this particular incarnation of Clark Kent who has spent years trying to be as human as possible. I’ve always stated that he won’t fly because he’s afraid of losing that one last grip on humanity. He can handwave the heat vision, the x ray vision, freeze breath, superspeed and strength, bulletproofness, and everything else because he’s seen meteor infected people and metahumans do pretty freaky things. But he’s never seen anyone other than aliens fly. Now, while he’s beginning to finally embrace his Kryptonian heritage, he still considers himself of Earth.

@ Joanna: I actually think your stance on Clark’s flying and Derek’s stance are the same thing. Finding his balance between Kryptonian and Human seems analogous to fearing becoming too powerful IMO. Once he finds that balance, he doesn’t have to fear that power. Clark’s afraid of swinging to far to the left or right; not using his powers is no longer an option for him, but neither is becoming a full time alien hero. It’s why he reconnected with Lois in Savior. It’s why he returned to his human life in Metallo. In other words, I think the “too powerful” thing is subconscious or implicit, but at the same time Clark has to find that balance, which is the more conscious or explicit theme of the season.

(This was not supposed to be this long)

Also @ Joanne, I do agree that Clark saving Zod was something he absolutely should have done. I think a good number of us on this site (at least the ones that comment here) agree with that decision regardless of the consequences. But I also agree that if Clark is somehow made out to be the blame for whatever crap Chloe and Oliver pull later this season, I will f***ing explode. And I’ll let the PTB know about it.

But I’m remaining optimistic :)

Conspiracy is not one my favourite episodes, however, there were certain elements that I thoroughly enjoyed while watching it.
Let’s start from Zod – just how brilliant is Callum Blue? :)
I really liked the scenes that Zod shared with Clark, especially the final scene. Now, I read (on other fan forums) that some people can’t stand the way how Callum Blue speaks (I guess they’re irritated by his accent or maybe diction?) and his acting (it is seen as overly dramatic, for example his “IN YOUR FACE” moments). I don’t have a problem with that, because for me those are the characteristic features of Callum Blue’s ZOD – he puts an act, he’s arrogant, proud and “in your face”– and the way he speaks and moves (his whole presence) only confirms that. Callum’s Zod greatly differs from the Zod I know from Superman movies, which is great by the way!

Just think about the scene on the rooftop: Zod pretends that he is hurt and that his wounds are not completely healed (oh yes, here he is “the Great Pretender” – “a changed man”!). We can see that he’s lying, but Clark doesn’t, which is understandable, because Clark believes in people and that they can change. So, when I watched the scene in which Zod delivers his speech to Clark, it reminded me of a solo theatrical performance – kneel before ZOD! It was like watching some kind of Shakespearean exchange between the two characters on stage. The audience knows that Zod is lying – he is the villain, and he doesn’t particularly hide it. Am I saying that Zod is totally evil? – no, I think he’s power driven and his craving for power is his Achilles’ heel, which will bring his doom.

Regarding Zod flying and Clark being earthbound…
I’ve been patiently waiting for Clark to fly – so I can wait a little longer. Zod flying – I expected that – it wasn’t a big surprise when it happened…But I do believe that when Clark finally flies it will be a magnificent scene (I’m hoping it will be in 200 episode, but who knows what will happen until then). Now, I’m not sure if I agree with the notion that Clark doesn’t embrace flying because he is afraid of being too powerful, and that is the reason why he chooses not to fly. I believe that the reason why Clark hasn’t flown yet is because he hasn’t found the balance between his alien and human side – when he finally finds that balance, he will be able to fly (but that is just my opinion). Or maybe he will fly naturally, without being aware of it – you know, for example we will see him flying in order to save somebody?

The scene in which Clark saved Zod was also great. In my opinion, he had no other choice – he is the future Superman, and he couldn’t behave any other way. Again, I’ve read some arguments made by people who attacked Clark because he saved Zod. In their opinion he made a “stupid” mistake. I say to that: Superman who doesn’t save life is not Superman – this is who he is, he is pro-life. The similar discussion was taking place when Clark destroyed Zod’s towers – some people believed (or maybe wanted to believe) that by destroying the towers Clark was responsible for the death of people inside of the building, and lined up around it. And once again, I say to that – really? Do you watch Smallville at all? Do people honestly believe that Clark would be able to do it? to kill?

And finally Chloe-Oliver
I’m not interested in their rushed, out of nowhere relationship, because I know it won’t last – and I don’t care about them being together. I also don’t like when they keep secrets from Clark – way to go, team Justice! – not! :((
They really don’t trust each other… and I expected more from Oliver…Come on Green Arrow! – show more support for Clark? ehhhh…Honestly, I don’t know what to think about it… I just don’t want to see Clark being blamed for everything in the end…

I just watched it again, and crapped my pants, again!

Glad you liked the first one this morning. :)

It made me crap my FRIGGIN’ pants!

“It’s just a game!”
“Not anymore.” *BOOM*

F.Y.I Serinda Swann (Zatanna) is in it, if anyone cares.

The character development that some of us have talked about on here regarding Clark’s growth as a man with Lois in those scenes is the kind of stuff that can be easily overlooked if you categorize all of Clark and Lois’ scenes (or episodes that feature them heavily) as “shipper stuff” and deem it not as important to pay close attention to. It doesn’t mean that I’m right and you’re wrong or that you’re wrong and I’m right. Everyone watches this show for different things. However, I think it’s worth noting that sometimes you can miss important character growth for Clark or extremely consistent emotional story telling when you deem certain scenes as fluff or shipper stuff and as being less important to the overall arc. A lot of Clark’s personal maturity and character growth from boy to man has come in his scenes with Lois this year. And if you deem those scenes somehow less worthy or important….you miss the serious implications of it for the character.

Just food for thought.

I really appreciate you taking the time to respond to us on here and to clarify your points. It’s been really great to have an open discussion about this and talk about why we disagree. I think Brian would probably approve. :)

I meant the 1st really long comment, the one from this morning

AMEN! You actually made me tear up.

STEREK AND CLOIS FOREVER!

I will say this: I do think that Clark’s actions with Lois are so different from the way we’ve seen him behave with women in previous seasons that it might seem jarring. BUT–I think that’s the point. The Clark Kent of previous seasons would never have been mature enough to just flat out tell a woman the he wanted to be with her nor would he have been mature enough to just grab a woman he had feelings for and kiss her. For 8 years on Smallville, Clark Kent was the pursued. He was almost embodying the stereotypical “woman” role in that women desired him. Women asked him out. Women hit on him. He was put in comprosing situations by women. The only time he was EVER the aggressor with a woman was when he was drugged on Red-K.

Then you cut to Season 9 and all of a sudden you’ve got a Clark Kent how is actively asking Lois out on dates. Going after her aggressively. Grabbing her and kissing her and clarifying in very certain terms that he wants to be with her. Now, you could say that came out of nowhere. BUT–I would argue that if you look closely at Clark’s emotional development over the course of the last season it not only makes a lot of sense but is also part of the natural progression of his maturity from boy to man. He’s growing up. He’s learning that it’s OK to go after what he wants. That it’s ok to be confident and not just to remain passive at all times.

One of Clark’s most defining character traits for almost 9 years is that he tends to worry about other people’s needs over his own. He never just goes after what he wants. But this season we’ve seen Clark finally start to stand on his own two feet. He’s standing up to people like Chloe and Oliver in a mature way when he disagrees with them. He acknowledged his mistakes to both Chloe and Oliver at the beginning of the season and apologized for his behavior—but he didn’t dwell on it or wallow in guilt as maybe he would have done in previous season. He let go of the dream of Lana and opened himself up to the idea of truly moving on. This is all real progress for Clark as a man. It started with his relationship with Lois but this growth is a part of every facet of his life—including his hero persona. This is a Clark Kent who is learning to stand on his own two feet and to stand up for what he wants.

From a specific episode standpoint I think the dialouge also makes a ton of sense. In “Savior” Lois returned from being missing for 3 weeks. Clark sees her on the train and we see from his perspective that he’s struggling to cut himself off from her. All of the feelings that he had bottled up all last year rose the surface. This continued in “Metallo” when he admitted with Chloe that he couldn’t stay away from her and he was drawn back the Daily Planet to be next to her again and to protect her. In “Rabid” we saw a very subtle but very important moment where Clark literally put Lana on the shelf and was ready to move on with Lois. The stopping of the arm punch was important symbolism there. In “Echo” he asked her out on a date and while he then had to miss said date, he still made sure to imply at the end that he wanted to try it again. In “Crossfire” Clark asked Lois out again and showed Lois how he felt in kissing her. In “Idol” Lois officially realized that the person she wanted to be with was Clark and not the Blur. (Fitting right in with the modern interpretation of the comics where Lois chooses Clark over superman.) In “Pandora”–Clark is trapped inside Lois’ memories and sees in vivid detail how sad and lost he felt without her after she went missing for a year. After he comes out of Lois’ mind, he realizes that he wants to be with her and tells her so in clear terms. We left for the hiatus with a clear indication that they were dating. No mind games. No immature childish behavior.
In “Disciple” we see that they are officially dating but that Lois wants to take it slow. And that last few episodes have basically been a continuation of that theme. They’ve only been dating for a short time period. It seems that they both care deeply about the other and are trying to figure out how to pursue the relationship further. I honestly don’t understand how anything about that seems to have come out of nowhere. To me, it makes complete sense with everything we’ve seen onscreen for the past two years with these two. I appreciate the show presenting this relationship as adult and mature in a stark contrast to the never ending melodrama that we endured with Clark and Lana over the years where NOTHING was never mature. The way it went down with Clark and Lois is, in my opinion, much more true to life when two adults decide they want to date.

So both in theme for Clark as a character and in actual dialouge, ,I just don’t really understand how you could argue that anything betweeen them came out of nowhere. If anything, I think it was the opposite. But that’s ok. We can agree to disagree. Different opinions make life interesting. But I just thought I would throw my perspective in on why I personally disagreed with your comments.

I find it difficult to understand the notion of the Lois and Clark relationship as rushed. Would people have thought a Chloe and Clark relationship rushed after “Vessel,” for instance? Clark and Lana had only been broken up for 6 episodes at the time “Vessel” aired, and up until that point, Chloe and Clark had just been good friends with, according to some, a few sparks of romance mixed in with a healthy dose of pining from Chloe. Had they decided to start dating, which is what Lois and Clark decided to do at the end of “Pandora,” would that have qualified as too soon? What about “Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” in which it took 34 episodes (1.5 seasons) for Lois and Clark to go on their first date, and handful of episodes after that Clark was proposing marriage? In contrast, the Lois and Clark on “Smallville” had known each other for about 5.5 years and been in 72 episodes before they started dating.

Sometimes it seems like too much is being projected onto Lois and Clark on “Smallville” that isn’t appropriate for who they are at this stage. WE know they’re going to get married one day, and WE know that their love story is an epic one, but THEY don’t know that. In “Pandora,” Lois and Clark decided to start dating–that’s it. Since then, they’ve been on a few dates, kissed, and been adamant about taking it slow. They haven’t even said “I love you” to each other yet. I think both of them realize how important it is to them to get it right with each other, and are committed to making that happen, but they’re still taking their time finding their way.

@Woo: You said, “I just feel they’re more important storylines to be dealt with here.”

That’s where I’m confused. “Conspiracy” was one of the least relationship focused episodes. The only Lois and Clark scene that was about their romance was the first one they shared, and that lasted less than 1.5 minutes. That’s about .03% of the entire episode. The rest of the time, Lois and Clark, as well as Chloe and Oliver, were doing things directly related to the larger storylines of the season, including Checkmate and the Kandorians.

@Woo: You also said, “The Clois stuff that could be re-introduced in the tenth season, especially IF Chloe is around any longer.”

I don’t see why Chloe should be a factor when it comes to how the Clois relationship is handled, and you can’t just postpone dealing with a relationship once it’s started. Clark’s relationship with Lois has always had a presence in the comics and the movies. There’s no need, in my mind, to neglect or ignore it on the show. That said, I would like to see Lois and Clark, especially Lois, have more independent storylines. “Conspiracy” is actually a good example of this. Lois can be the intrepid reporter, Clark can be the reporter and hero, and they can share some nice romantic moments here and there. I’d like to see the Blur/Lois dynamic return a bit as well, but not so much in a romantic sense. To imply, though, that the show should just put Lois and Clark as a couple aside for now seems a bit extreme to me.

@Woo: Finally, you said “Zod and presumedly the other Kandorians gaining their abilities under the yellow sun, what’s Amanda Waller’s role in this last half of the ninth season? How much does her role relate to Metallo’s return? What’s Chloe and Ollie’s role going to be in relationship to Zod and Kal-El. Lastly, are we going to see a Zod Kal-El showdown at the end of the ninth season possibly in the Fortress?

The shipper arcs, I’m interested but I believe there is more issues that need to be addressed.”

The issues you want addressed instead of the “shipper arcs” are themselves arcs that I believe will be explored in much greater depth in the episodes to come. Each episode can’t delve into every single aspect of the season’s stories or address all of your questions. Also, as I pointed out, only a very small fraction of “Conspiracy” was shipper related.

Bottom line for me is while I still enjoy the podcast and respect the diverse opinions expressed, I feel there’s a lot of misconceptions going on not only in terms of the pace of the Lois and Clark relationship, but also the proportion of time spent on it on the show itself. “Smallville” has always been a relationship based show, and since Lois and Clark is actually THE MOST important romantic relationship Clark will have, it deserves the attention it’s getting.

I do, however, appreciate that not everyone sees things as I do, and I acknowledge the positive things said about Lois and Clark in the podcast. Thanks for sharing your perspectives with us Derek and Joe, and for allowing us this forum to discuss our reactions in a respectful manner.

Baba Booey

It’s funny because my initial reaction was similar to some others in that I find it really strange that so many people have no issue with Chloe and Oliver seemingly coming out of nowhere but seem to find all these nitpicks and opinions about Clark and Lois.

BUT, you know, I think I understand why some people might have an easier time with Chloe and Oliver because in the grand scheme of things….they don’t mean anything. Now, that’s not a dig towards Allison or Justin because obviously both Chloe and Oliver have a legacy on Smallville as individuals (particularly Allison) that is important and that people will remember. But no one has any expectations for a relationship between Chloe and Oliver. They aren’t going to end up together. We all know Oliver has a different ending. The relationship doesn’t seem to be based on love. There’s not as much at stake for either of them or for the audience. So I can see why some people might just think, “Hey cool. Let them have some fun. Fine by me.” Personally, I don’t enjoy them together but I can sort of understand why other people don’t have an issue with it. It’s easy to just take it at face value and not question it or have an opinion with how it’s going down. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t impact Clark’s story in any real way. It may matter in the short term for Chloe and Oliver, but there isn’t going to be some lasting impact in the Superman story from this relationship. It is what it is. People aren’t going to have a ton of opinions on how it should go down.

But then you have Smallville trying to bring their own version of Clark and Lois to the screen….and that’s a whole different ballgame, folks. It’s not even on the same level. You’re talking about one of the most famous couples in pop culture history. Not just comics history, but pop culture history period. These two are up there with Romeo and Juliet, King Arthur/Lancelot and Guinivere, Robin Hood and Maid Marian. They’re that famous. If you’re a Superman fan, you’re going to have an opinion on this couple. It doesn’t matter if you consider yourself a “shipper”–OF COURSE you’re going to have an opinion.

Clark asked Lois Lane out on a date in the very first Superman comic. She’s the only other character that’s been there right from the beginning. There were Valentine’s Day cards in my local Hallmark store that featured Superman and Lois Lane. Jerry Siegel fell madly in love with and MARRIED the woman that Lois Lane was based on. The 1950’s Superman show was a family show and didn’t really showcase romance but Lois Lane was there working right alongside Clark Kent and getting into trouble. One of the most famous scenes in film history is Christopher Reeve catching Lois from that building and then catching the helicopter, the flying sequence and the turning back time scream of agony. Outside of Zod, Ursa and Non and the infamous “Kneel Before Zod”, what do casual viewers remember the most from Superman II? Lois learns that Clark is Superman, they go to the fortress, they make love. People remember that even if they aren’t huge Superman fans. People can say what they want about “Lois and Clark” in the 90’s. Love it or hate it, in it’s prime, that show was one of the most watched shows on ABC. It brought in ratings that Smallville could only DREAM of. Those two were on the cover of every magazine back in the 90’s. Whether you liked the show or not, there was cultural impact. Superman Returns is a polarizing movie for many people, but I think most people agree that the rooftop flying sequence in that film was beautifully shot and well done. Then you add in the animated series and Dana Delaney’s popular portrayl of Lois.

I havn’t even touched the comics yet. Arguably, one of the most famous comic book covers of all time is a picture of her sobbing in agony while holding his dead body. How many millions of people who aren’t even comics fans have seen that picture for the Death of Superman arc? Their wedding issue in the comics brought almost every living artist that had ever worked Superman out of the woodwork to contribute to that book.

My point with this is that it makes total sense that people are going to have different opinions about how this relationship should be handled. It doesn’t matter if you’re a shipper or not. The cultural impact of this relationship has been huge. Everyone has their own vision of how it should play out and what they want to see. Most likely, those visions are going to differ from time to time. It’s why a lot of fans get angry when people call Clark and Lois a “ship” in the same way they’d call Chloe and Oliver a “ship.” To quote our hilarious Lois Lane, “That would be like Willie Mays being jealous of a bat boy.” (Plastique.) They aren’t even in the same league. There’s Clark and Lois, the central relationship of the Superman story. Then there’s everyone else. There is no comparison when you consider the overall cultural impact and expectations that people have for this particular love story. That’s not a knock towards people like Justin or Allison because they are awesome. It’s just a fact.

Smallville was given a real challenge with Clark and Lois. How do you take a 70 year old love story, one of the most famous love stories EVER, and make it fresh while STILL paying homage to the mythos from which it came from? (In reality, isn’t this the challenge that they face PERIOD with Clark Kent? How do they keep him fresh and new while still embracing who he is in the mythos?) How do you bring a relationship to life where the expectations are so so high? It’s a tough tough job. Not everyone is always going to agree. How could they? There’s too much at stake. But it does make me feel grateful to the producers for doing such a good job in bringing such a classic story to life with a fresh twist. I think they’ve done a beautiful job thus far with the story. It helps me to remember in times where we don’t all agree that the reason we might not agree is because the Superman story has such an incredible legacy for so many people and that in and of itself is pretty awesome. Whether you consider yourself a shipper or not really is inconsequential. The impact is there.

This is a relationship that means a great deal to a lot of people. I know it means a lot to me. People are protective of it and with good reason: in a world full of celebrity affairs, a sky high divorce rate, rampant infidelity and booty calls it’s pretty inspiring to have a 70 year old story out there that reminds us all of what can happen two people really and truly love each other. This incredible idea that a hero can face his darkest villians, fight battle upon battle, go to hell and back….and in the end, find joy and solace with the person he loves. Ideally, isn’t that what everyone wants? It gives Superman humanity. It makes him tangible in a way that we can all understand. It also reminds us that you can have flaws. The idea that Lois Lane is flawed is so very very important to this story. You can make mistakes. You can be HUMAN and you can still be worthy of true love. Personally, I don’t think you have to be a shipper to realize the value in that. :)

Sorry for all my rambling. Those were just some thoughts I had about some of the recent conversation.

“There was a [production] meeting last year that I walked in on and the conversation was about how much Clark was in love with Lois. I sat there and I said, ‘Wait a minute, Clark’s in love with Lois? When did this happen?’ I said Clark doesn’t know he has feelings for her. If he does and people see it, that’s one thing, but he doesn’t know.’ … So last year Clark wasn’t necessarily aware of these feelings. There was something, there was a reason why he found himself next to Lois. And this year, that’s what’s beginning to change, he’s starting to realize he has feelings for her.”

I think what some people are overlooking here is that he’s saying that this season is about that realisation. Clark may not have been obviously in love with Lois before Savior, but since then, and especially with the alternate future we saw in Pandora, we’ve seen that awakening play out. And I think whatever your views on the mythos, the various ways the story’s gone before, Smallville has never done ANYTHING quite like any other version, and I don’t see why the Clark and Lois relationship should be the one sticking point. Furthermore, I think it is so completely refreshing to have two people go, okay, we have feelings for each other, we’ve been dancing around this for a long time now… let’s admit it. Let’s just be together and see where it takes us. When has Smallville ever had a relationship progress so naturally? I may be a ’shipper’ but I value the show as a whole, and I like the way this storyline has gone. I think it is well-developed, and I do appreciate that while some people may not, they’re also capable of phrasing it in a non-offensive way.

First off, loved how you guys started off the episode, doing your take on the Small Talk trailer. I was in stitches.

Big Honkin’ still missing, Derek having to do two podcasts in a row – it’s all part of Steve’s master plan to get Derek back to SHoE full-time even before Season 10 – Great plan Steve and with that I am doing the Lois happy dance that Mr. Derek Russell is coming back to SHoE.

Next, it is a truly amazing feat for SV to be now on for 10 seasons and in particular to last a decade on a struggling, fledgling network(s) that isn’t even carried in all areas and also the fact that it is not on a major network and does not get the promotion nor respect it deserves because honestly, SV (and Supernatural) is the show that the CW stands on. SV is the rock of this network and really should get more respect. The Society/Legends big two-hour event and this newest trailer are steps in the right direction.

I must say that was a very funny visual of Clark flying over Lex and Lana on a beach (seeing the scene of Lex and Kitty from SR) and Clark gets near Krypto Lana and drops out the sky and creating a huge crater – much like the image of all those Kandorians flying towards Oliver in Pandora and when the towers blow up, all of the dropping out of the sky like flies. Also, totally cracked up at the intervention bit between Clark and Chloe. I was rolling.

As for Season 10 wishes – outside of the obvious, Clark flying, I would love to see Jeph Loeb come and pen an episode in the final season. I think that would be truly awesome. I’d also love to see more Martian Manhunter and more Dr. Emil Hamilton.

I also love how we’ve come full circle with the season premiere and the season finale titles – Savior and Salvation – truly hopeful sounding. Can’t wait.

With respect to the Lois & Clark, I understand what you’re saying that right now on SV between Lois and Clark, the famous triangle built for two is missing or at least backburnered and that we should see more of Lois trying to figure out/discover/uncover that Clark is the Blur because that is very much a part of that dynamic. However I do believe that will be coming more to the forefront in the upcoming episodes. I think they wanted to somewhat establish the Lois and Clark side now that Lois has “chosen” Clark over the Blur but as Steve had said in the Idol podcast, Lois’ radar is now up and will be more suspicious/attuned to the weird things that happen around Clark and that was evidenced twice in Warrior – her questioning the whooshing sound and in particular his quick reflexes with the phone catch. Judging from spoilers, I think the triangle will start up again and didn’t Brian Peterson hint that there will be a twist to the triangle for two which will have Zod involved in the equation. Also, with the show being renewed, they might start pushing the triangle more next year.

I admit that some of the teasing banter that we were so used to is missing or at least toned down at this moment but I think it’s more the two trying to figure it all out, they were once friends and now they’re dating each other and neither one wants to screw this one up because they both believe deep down that this is the one, this is the one they want to get right. Once they figure out that they aren’t going to scare each other away, we’ll see some of the old interaction back, at least that’s my thought.

As has been said on this podcast in episodes past, what I love about this Lois and Clark relationship is that this Lois doesn’t totally dismiss Clark unlike in the Superman movies or the Silver age comics. Does she tease him, bust his chops of course but it’s not done out of being mean or being rude or being dismissive but she’s having fun just as he has fun in return. She deeply cares for Clark, is friends with him so Clark falling Lois and Lois falling for Clark before her falling for the superhero is wonderful, great and beautiful and it makes sense.

I will say that I am in the camp with Professor Bailey in that with Lois and Clark they can explore Clark’s relationship with a woman whom he is in love with and who loves him in return on a level that they could never do with Lana and that is what I believe is unfolding before our eyes.

While I absolutely love the Lois and Clark relationship and enjoy their scenes immensely and love watching this iconic relationship unfold, I do not watch SV for that. In fact most of my favorite episodes of SV do not include Lois Lane at all.

I watch SV for the development of Clark Kent. Did I get incredibly frustrated at the show over the past couple of seasons because of what I believed were some missteps, of course but as I have always stated that while Clark is highly influenced by those around him and those people are important in who and what he will become and that we should understand and see the development of their characters, this ultimately is the story of Clark Kent. Not Lex, not Chloe, not Lana, not Lois’ story but Clark’s and Clark’s alone and that is why I watch SV and have watched it for these many years.

I liked Conspiracy. I didn’t love it. It certainly wasn’t on the level of say Metallo or Idol or but I think it did set up a lot for the rest of the season – Vala representing the Kandorians that might turn away from Zod and see Clark as their leader and who want to assimilate into society than rule, the Chloe and Oliver betrayal (Chloe, WTH?!?!?!?), Zod having powers, Checkmate and Amanda Waller, John Corben and Metallo.

I know I missed a lot but I think I’ve written more than enough.

Oh one more thing before I sign off, I am so frigging happy. One of my S9 wishes have come true – BAG is coming back to SHoE and Derek I really, really hope you will be joining BAG and Steve this time around.

No disrespect to the Chollie shippers and the Clois shippers out there. That’s good material not the best, but good. I just feel they’re more important storylines to be dealt with here.

The Clois stuff that could be re-introduced in the tenth season, especially IF Chloe is around any longer.

Zod and presumedly the other Kandorians gaining their abilities under the yellow sun, what’s Amanda Waller’s role in this last half of the ninth season? How much does her role relate to Metallo’s return? What’s Chloe and Ollie’s role going to be in relationship to Zod and Kal-El. Lastly, are we going to see a Zod Kal-El showdown at the end of the ninth season possibly in the Fortress?

The shipper arcs, I’m interested but I believe there is more issues that need to be addressed.

Question For Derek: When did you find out that Smallville was going to be on Friday Nights for the ninth season? Right before “Doomsday” correct? Another question: Would you guys minded if it moved to Saturday Nights? Just so Derek could have the series finale on his birthday?

P.S. I say we start a petition that if Derek and Steve can’t write the finale, they title the final episode “Mole” in their honor, and to throwback to the old endings of the pop/alternative music, we do not end with Louis’ adaption of the John Williams theme, but to the dolcet tones of Steve Glossen, playing us out with Chocolate Pie.

STEREK FOREVER

Also, the Lois and Clark relationship IS part of the mythology, so…there’s that.

Finally, there hasn’t really been an episode this season that I didn’t get some kind of enjoyment out of. I think there were aspects of Conspiracy that weren’t touched upon in the review, but it could be a case of me (and several other people) overanalysing some things. But I love coming on this site and reading the comments. It reinforces that we Smallville fans can be just as intelligent as fans of “smart” shows.

@Derek or @bighonkin’ if you have a chance please read my review it would mean a lot to me.

@JHummrich I agree with Joe I have only done one podcast for my University and even that was hard to keep track of. Take some time off Honkin’ we will all be here when you get back.

It looks to me like a lot of this has been rectified in further posts so I won’t go into explanation mode and further discuss my feelings on the subject. At least most of this has been civil… We’re people too! :)

So lets focus on the positive things:
Derek and Steve will be back together! Season 10 is coming! The episodes of Smallville coming up look AMAZING. SHoE episode 150 is right around the corner. You’ll never have to deal with me again!

I applaud Steve and I applaud Derek for such a great show and working so hard on everything. Steve….You need a vacation my friend.

Now let’s hope Smallville is at Comic Con again.

Love,

Me

Joanna, it’s great to see you on here. I really enjoyed your post.
You can count me in as someone who really liked the reversal on Smallville of Lois falling for him first. I thought it was brilliant as well. It was a cool way to turn a relationship that we thought we knew everything about on its head.

The framing of the rules was one of the cutest and most hilarious moments last year. If you’re secretly framing the rules of the woman you work with and then hiding them in your desk drawer then you are probably repressing some type of feeling for that person. I remember reading a review this year after “Echo” where Lois took the bite out of the doughnut and gave it back to Clark and it said something hilarious like, “Clark probably took the donut, bronzed it and then hid it in his desk drawer with all his other secret ‘I heart Lois’ stuff.” LOL

My other favorite moment that you brought up was the stopping of the arm punch in “Rabid.” Such a subtle moment that meant so much. It was like Clark was saying, “No…we’re done with that.” He was very manly and confident in that scene, wasn’t he?

Lastly, I still maintain that Clark Kent trying to show Lois his “tour of the galaxy” is one of the funniest things to ever come out of the farm boy’s mouth. There was an episode of “How I Met Your Mother Last Week” where Barney Stinson talked about all the excuses guys use to try to get women back to their place. I’m pretty sure “I could give you Clark Kent’s tour of the galaxy” was on the list. LOL

Thanks for your post!

Keep writing!

Now, I’d like to state one more thing – I don’t always agree with what Derek or Steve say, but I respect their points of view. I believe that it’s more interesting when people have different opinions, and I really do appreciate that we can discuss what we like/dislike about Smallville’s episodes here on your webpage.

There has been a lot discussion about Clois and if their relationship is rushed or not on Smallville in comparison to the Superman mythology. I’ve been a huge fan of Superman since I was a little girl (thanks to my older brother who was a huge comic fan) and by extension I’ve been a fan of Clark and Lois relationship – for me their relationship is an integral part of Superman mythology, and I do believe that it’s really difficult not to be a fan of their dynamic if you know anything about the Superman’s mythos (of course there’re variations to that mythos, however, some parts and elements remain unchanged).
Am I a shipper? If by a shipper you mean a fan of both characters being together and rooting for them – than yes, I am a shipper. For me it’s like being a fan of Princess Leia and Han Solo, Marianne and Robin Hood, Moulder and Scully (I could probably give more examples from literature, but in all honesty, I don’t think people would be interested in reading that). On one hand, for some people the term “to be a shipper” has negative connotations, but for others (like for example – me) it only means to be a fan of a specific relationship.

Now, going back to Smallville’s depiction of Clark and Lois – I think it’s fresh and interesting how the writers have managed to change the relationship between these two characters, so that there’s still an element of surprise when Clark and Lois interact with each other even though we (the audience) know that they will end up together.
In Smallville, the writers both preserved the iconic elements (which have defined the Clark/Lois dynamic since 1930s) and managed to put the mythos on its head. First of all, in Smallville Clark and Lois met when they were in High school – and at first they didn’t particularly like each other. What defined their relationship at that time was banter, annoyance but also physical attraction. They became friends and with years their friendship grew deeper. At the end of season 7 you could probably sense that Lois’s feelings were changing towards Clark. And in season 8 it was only confirmed. But let’s stop for a moment – what did really happen? For the first time in the Superman’s mythology (and yes, I know that Clark is not Superman yet, but for me he’s very close to embracing his destiny) Lois Lane fell in love with Clark Kent, who didn’t create his Superman persona. From the mythos point of view, we know that Lois has a crush on Superman – the hero, and she dismisses Clark – the mild-mannered reporter, who chases after her – and this is the iconic triangle for two. But Smallville reversed that dynamic – and in my opinion it was a brilliant move! It seems to me that it’s more realistic that Smallville/Lois fell in love with Smallville/Clark rather than her crushing on a Superhero (who is just a fantasy). The irony is that Lois fell in love with a farm boy, subconsciously knowing that he was a hero (in Idol Lois even said that she’s always known that Clark was a hero). She finally admitted to herself that she’d been attracted to him and loved him with all his faults and weaknesses.

As for Clark? Well, Derek quoted Tom Welling who questioned the idea that Clark was in love with Lois. I found that interview and I’d just like to quote something (you can find that whole interview here http://www.tvguidemagazine.com/smallville/tom-welling-feels-super-about-season-9-2255.html):
Question: I understand there’s going to be a love triangle between Clark, Lois an the Red Blue Blur.
Welling: “There was a [production] meeting last year that I walked in on and the conversation was about how much Clark was in love with Lois. I sat there and I said, ‘Wait a minute, Clark’s in love with Lois? When did this happen?’ I said Clark doesn’t know he has feelings for her. If he does and people see it, that’s one thing, but he doesn’t know.’ … So last year Clark wasn’t necessarily aware of these feelings. There was something, there was a reason why he found himself next to Lois. And this year, that’s what’s beginning to change, he’s starting to realize he has feelings for her.”
From what I understand Tom said that Clark wasn’t aware of his feelings (to quote Clark from Instinct “what if my soul mate comes along and I’m too blind to see it?”) – and not that those feelings weren’t there. He said “Clark doesn’t know he has feelings for her. If he does and people see it, that’s one thing, but he doesn’t know” – and this is exactly what we got last year concerning Clark’s point of view.

Clark wasn’t aware of the way he felt about Lois – but the audience could see those glimpses of deeper feelings especially in such episodes as Instinct (the elevator scene between Maxima/Clark/Lois), Committed (the ending scene in the elevator – the looks that he gives Lois and his disappointment with her answer about not being in love with him), his jealousy over Lois’s date in Identity, the almost kiss in Bride; in Infamous (he came to see if she waited for him at the coffee shop – he didn’t have to come); in Hex (he framed Lois’s rules of reporting, and he was hiding them from her in his drawer – for me that was a metaphor of his feelings) and finally a beautiful scene in Stiletto (the Blur contacts Lois! – why did he choose her? He didn’t have to do it – and yet he wanted to make her feel good). In season 9 – Saviour shows us that Clark is struggling with his feelings – he doesn’t want to acknowledge them, but Jor-El sees that he’s distracted by Lois’s re-appearance. Clark is still in denial, until finally he contacts Lois again as the Blur, which is very symbolic. I think in Metallo he realized that he felt very strong for Lois and in Rabid he was able to make a decision concerning his feelings (removing Lana’s picture from his wallet – very subtle but strongly symbolic, and stopping Lois’s punch – another subtle moment in which the dynamic between the two has finally shifted from friends to something more).

Personally, I really enjoy how season 9 depicts (in a very realistic and mature) way the relationship between the two of my favourite characters. And I can understand why some people would like to see it depicted differently. I’m not saying that it wouldn’t be fun if the Blur was still in the picture – I loved the interaction between Lois and the Blur (and I have a hunch that this is not the end of the Lois/Blur interacting together – Lois doesn’t know Clark’s secret, and she doesn’t know the Blur’s identity – maybe the writers will bring back that dynamic in season 10? Didn’t Erica say in one of her interviews that the Blur will be once again present in Lois’s life? ).

Derek, once again, thanks for your hard work!
- SHOE fan from Poland :)

I always reserve judgment on this stuff until after the episode airs. You can’t tell just from one still photo how it’s going to look on screen under the lights and with the special effects added in.

I love the return of the plaid for Clark in the promo pics from this episode. It’s like seeing the farm boy relax for the weekend. Take off the suit and tie and make with the lovin. Too bad his romantic weekend is gonna get crashed by Oliver, Chloe and the Banshee. God that promo is so funny. Clark looks like he wants to kill himself.

Poor Clark. Seriously, can this guy ever catch a break? Can’t he go away for a nice weekend with his hot girlfriend without some super villian or Green Arrow crashing it? Doesn’t he deserve a nice romantic weekend? LOL

Besides that I give it 5 stars out of a possible 5. You may disagree but I have only two words for you: ZOD FLEW!

Oh and has anybody noticed that Star Wars has officially invaded Smallville. First Yoda and 3PO in Warrior and now one of the Sandpeople is abducting Kandorians?

One last thing: WHERE’S GEOFF JOHNS ON SHoE?!

::crickets chriping::

I actually had a ton of stuff I wanted to comment on and I feel like I’m going to forget some of it. But here we go… It’s going to be a long one kids. I hope my ShoE buddies are around to chat!

First off, so excited to hear that Brian Austin Green will be back on with you. He is such an awesome guy. Cassidy Freeman?? Be still my heart. I freaking love her. Crossing my fingers that that goes through.

I did my own dance of joy when I heard Greg Beeman was coming back. He’s amazing.

Joe has a man crush on Justin Hartley. Steve has his Tom Welling man crush.. There’s a lot of man love going on on ShoE. But I love it.

Derek, I agree with you completely regarding the end of “Persuasian.” I agree with you that it’s almost insulting to make such a huge deal out of it and downplay the actual event in such a way. I’m glad you said it. It makes me angry as well to even think about what some of the comments were about that. I actually found myself in a similar rage about it a few weeks ago.

I really liked the way Derek said that Chloe was mad at herself. That’s a good way to look at it and I think a lot of us on here have agreed with that. I think she’s taking her anger out on Clark because in a sense Clark is an easy target. He always turns the other cheek. He’ll stand there and let her say things like “nothing human about you anymore” and he’ll take it without snapping back at her. So it’s easy to blame him because he’ll take it. That being said, I do think that deep down the person Chloe is angry at is not Clark—it’s herself. My biggest hope and prayer for this character is that we get to see her verbalize her pain and her regrets at some point before the season is over.

Regarding Zod flying: an important point that’s been made about this is that at this point the stakes have been raised for when Clark finally takes flight. Every time another character flies and Clark stays on the ground it ups the ante for the moment that it happens for Clark. It means that moment has to be even bigger. At this point, there will be one millsion angel choirs singing in the background when he finally flies. haha. I’m ok with being patient for it because I believe it will be worth the wait. It’s going to be amazing when it happens. Not gonna lie, I’ll probably cry.

I TOTALLY agree with you that Clark doesn’t embrace flying because he is afraid of being too powerful. He chooses not to. Yes. Fantastic way to put it. And I’m with you in that I don’t need to see him fly yet to enjoy this damn show. I am totally fine with him not flying yet. We are on the same page there.

I totally agree that Clark saving Zod was awesome. Clark is a freaking hero. We said it before on here. He’s the ultimate first responder. Someone was dying in front of him and he saved him. That’s what Superman would do. I woudl expect nothing less from Clark. I’m totally with you on that one.

As for the Clark and Lois stuff. Now, I can actually talk about what I agree and disagree with now that I’ve listened.

Regarding the quote by Tom Welling: I’ve actually seen this quote from Comic Con used several times over this past year. Here’s the problem I have…you have to look at the entire quote. Because he’s saying something different than many people have made it out to be by just quoting the first sentence and leaving out the rest. (Not saying this about you Derek but I have seen people do this.) Yes, he began his quote by saying that he walked into the writers room at some point last year (we have NO idea when. It could have been early Season 8 for all we know) and said that he didn’t know when Clark had fallen in love with Lois. But here’s the important part of that quote that seems to always get left out.
” I said Clark doesn’t know he has feelings for her. If he does and people see it, that’s one thing, but he doesn’t know.’ … So last year Clark wasn’t necessarily aware of these feelings. There was something, there was a reason why he found himself next to Lois. And this year, that’s what’s beginning to change, he’s starting to realize he has these feelings for her.”

Now personally, I find the second half of Welling’s quote to actually make perfect sense with what I saw onscreen in Season 8. But Tom Welling never said that Clark didn’t have feelings Lois. He said that Clark didn’t KNOW that he did. He had no idea how much she meant to him on a conscious level. Or as Kelly and Brian put it in their interview prior to “Savior”–Clark had been in denial about these feelings for a long time. Hence, why her vanishing act at the end of “Doomsday” was such a wake up call. When he found her again on the train he couldn’t deny what he felt for her anymore. I actually loved that quote because it showed me that Tom Welling had a lot of insight into who Clark Kent is as a person. In many ways, he’s a repressed person and I liked that the lead actor on the show wanted to make sure the producers understood what was going on inside the mind of Clark Kent. It made perfect sense to me that the Clark Kent that I knew who had spent so many years rejecting his destiny and hanging on to Lana would probably be in denial about what he was feeling for someone like Lois.

I actually agree with Joe and Derek that I’d like to see the Blur brought back in the equation at some point. Maybe not in a romantic way but because I think it’s fun. I really enjoyed those phone calls between Lois and the Blur. They were so intimate and so touching. I think they could be worked back into the story.

Regarding Derek’s comment that “if you’re more of a Superman fan you want to see Lois in love with Superman rather than in a relationship with Clark” or something like that. (I’m sorry if I misquoted you. I think that was the gist.) I disagree with that. You’re talking about Silver Age Superman or the films. So yes, if you’re more a fan of Silver Age Superman or the Donnerverse SUperman then you might be more a fan of Lois being in love with Superman and not feeling the love for Clark. The problem is that this was a time when Superman was the real person and Clark was the disguise. So it made sense for Silver Age or Donnerverse Lois to be in love with Superman but reject Clark. Superman was his true persona.

However, if you are more a fan of the modern age comics interpretation of this love story (starting with the Bryne era and moving forward) then you would probably feel the opposite because here Clark was the real person. In the modern age, Lois fell in love with Clark. Clark was #1 in her heart. Yes, she was drawn to Superman. Yes, she admired him and yes, she had feelings for him. But her heart belonged to Clark Kent. They dated for several years as Clark and Lois without Superman as a part of the equation until he finally told her his secret. “Lois and Clark” the Tv show in the 90’s was actually a combination of Silver Age AND Modern Age. The first season was a Silver Age portrayl with Lois totally rejecting Clark but swooning over Superman. It was a portrayl that I remember annoyed a lot of people because Clark Kent was not some bumbling fool in this modern story. He was a freaking stud. Then the show became the modern story with Lois realizing that it was actually Clark that she loved. I actually agree with Steve and Dr. Bailey on this point in that I personally really really like to see Lois fall in love with Clark. I like watching Clark be the man that has her heart. Now, in a broader sense, I think she’s drawn to SUperman and the ‘Blur” because she feels a pull towards him no matter what he’s wearing. I absolutely think that her “infatuation” with the “Blur” had a lot to do with the fact that Clark had a pull on her even over the phone and she didn’t even know it. BUt the modern age comics version of this love story has Clark Kent as the man Lois loves and not Superman per se.

To me, by the time “Crossfire” aired this year things between them were at a breaking point. Things had been buliding between them for so long at that point that something had to give. That moment had been in the making since their first heated confrontation with each other at the end of “Crusade” at Chloe’s grave site. That last scene where he basically stalked in the Daily Planet and just grabbed her was a breaking point. It had to happen. As an audience member, I could feel Clark’s frustration. I could literally sit there and remember him telling Lana back in “Gone” that he “couldn’t stand her.” Yeah. Sure Clark. Lana didn’t buy it back in Season 4 and no one’s buying it now. As Shakespeare would say, both Clark and Lois were guilty of protesting too much over the years. There’s a thin line between love and hate and if someone is getting under your skin that much…..you’ve got a problem. haha. So for me, there was no more beating around the bush with these two. The build up was there. The passion between them had built and built to an agonizing point. There was no other alternative than for him to finally just grab her and kiss her. Of course, in true Lois and Clark fashion, he had to kiss her to get her to shut the hell up. Loved it.

Tom and Erica have gotten so good at this that it’s scary. What I’d like to see for Clark and Lois is for the writers to just relax and allow them to continue being “Lois and Clark.” Their two scenes in “Conspiracy” were actually my two fave scenes with them since their scenes together in “Disciple” because I could feel that tension between them. I loved how in the first scene there was so much heat and passion between them and in the last scene they faced off in a mature away about their secrets. I don’t have any problems with what we’ve seen between the in the second half of the season but I will say that I think the writers were so focused on slowing it down that sometimes they have forgotten to just let them be. Mairzee Almas said something to Steve in the “Disciple” podcast about what Tom and Erica bring to the table all on their own when they are together. That they know what to do. Tom and Erica can sell this so the writers shouldn’t stifle them by over complicating this. Let them go out and work on stories together! Let them tease each other. Let them get in each other’s personal space. That’s who they are! That’s who they’ve always been. One of the things I loved about that last scene in “Conspiracy” was that I saw a hint of the professional rivalry that we know they share in the comics. I would LOVE to see Clark more invested in his professional career at the Daily Planet. We know from the comics that Clark Kent’s job at the DP is not just a cover. He’s a famous and successful journalist all on his own. I want to see it. I want to see “Lane and Kent.” So in that sense, I can totally see where yo uguys are coming from. I wouldn’t mind AT ALL seeing some rivalry come back into their relationship. I think they can do that within the context of that relationship. I don’t think they need to break up or anything because I am really really enjoying them together. But the writers don’t need to overthink this. There’s a reason this relationship has lasted 70 years throughout various forms of media. Because it works. Geoff Johns was the one that said in one of his recent interviews that when those two are together the chemistry is just off the charts. Just let the chemistry burn because those two will take care of the rest if you let them.

I sincerely appreciate your continued devotion to this podcast and the show. I agree with you completely that it’s difficult to visit various websites and just see people nitpicking and and complaining about the show. I’m with you in that its just wonderful to continue to have it on our screens. Many of my favorite shows have come and gone over the years. Very few have made it past 6 or 7 seasons let alone 10. This is such an amazing accoplishment and I’m happy to be along for the ride. So if I get insane every now and again and allow people to scare me, I can only claim insanity and apologize. I just love the show too much.

Anyways, @ Derek: Welcome back! Shut up w/ all that nobody likes me crap. i totally like you. Granted, that may not inspire that much confidence but you and Steve are the Lois and Clark of podcasting and I can’t help loving the two of you together.

STEREK AND CLOIS ALWAYS AND FOREVER!

p.s- Derek is Lois (b/c he’s cynical and sarcastic , not b/c he’s girly) and Steve is Clark.

I went back and looked and that same idea came to mind. The costume looks like a hobo’s clothes and in the comics it’s more skin tight, not raggedy. But you have a point. SV has an amazing special FX dept that works w/ what they’re given so here’s hoping.

Oh, quick question. What ever happened to Geoff Johns on SHoE?

The purpose of someone on a podcast is to offer an opinion or a thought. If you disagree with that, then that’s okay! You don’t have to agree on things all the time. If that were constantly the case, life wouldn’t be fun. It’s nice to have a disagree every once in a while, but some people (myself included sometimes) can take something too far.
If you don’t like something, that’s your opinion and you are entitled to it, but don’t drop listening to the show just because you don’t agree! That’s just silly folks.

Also, much like Brian, I think the best episodes of SHoE have been and always will be the ones when Steve and Derek are together. The synergy these two have is unmatched and can’t be found anywhere else. I personally can’t wait to have these two back together, and I don’t want to take anything away from any of the other hosts, but SHoE has been and always will be Derek and Steve, and I can’t wait for these two to be back in action.

@ Derek: I understand what you and Joe were saying about missing that UST (unresolved sexual tension) between Lois and Clark, but I guess I just enjoy the relationship because the angst is at such a minimum in a way it hasn’t been with any other relationship on this show outside of Jonathan and Martha. I’m GLAD that Clark’s secret isn’t that big of an issue and that Lois respects his privacy in a way that no other relationship that Clark has had on this show has done (outside of his parents, obviously). With everyone from Lex, to Lana, to Chloe, to Pete, and even Alicia who knew his secret and wanted him to reveal it to everyone (and I LOVED Alicia), people haven’t been, to some extent, emotionally blackmailing Clark to reveal something that wasn’t necessarily their business, especially in the case of Lex and Chloe. (I will reluctantly admit that after Clark and Lana got serious that it WAS her business, but I’m not in the mood to be charitable.) But Lois lets him have his secrets because she has her own, which is why, along with the rest of the episode, I loved both of their scenes because there was no real tension in them. Lois didn’t start wailing about “secrets and lies”, Clark didn’t really demand to know what Lois was hiding but just noted her double standard, and in the end they reached a mutal consensus to “keep the mystery” so to speak. We saw at the end of Persuasion that Lois’ issue with Clark’s secret isn’t the secret itself, but in her ability to keep it, which completely turns the whole “secrets and lies” thing on it’s head. Before with Clark’s other relationships/friendships, the issue with the secret was because of Clark “lying”, but here its’ about trust. And it’s not in the trust in CLARK, but in the trust of the potential secret keeper. So, in this aspect, I completely appreciate the way the Clark/Lois relationship has been portrayed.

As for the rest of the episode, I admit I was a little sad that Derek didn’t enjoy the episode the way I (and a lot of people I know) did, but that’s okay because at least in the case of SHoE, I get to hear OBJECTIVE reasons why an episode didn’t work for someone.

On the other hand, I did like how Derek made the connection between Tess taking Metallo and recruiting Toyman for Checkmate. It could be argued that the Injustice League from last season were also part of a recruitment for Checkmate. I was a little dismayed that it wasn’t discussed how part of Clark’s plan for the Kandorians has actually been working. It was explictly stated that Clark had succeeded in isolating many of the Kandorians from Zod, which we could then say that perhaps Clark has shifted the loyalties of these Kandorians from Zod onto himself. In this case, Chloe’s insistence on being opposed to Clark’s plan is counterproductive because it is in fact working. Now, Derek and Joe DID talk about Zod not being much of a threat without an army (although now that he has powers this point might be moot), but it would’ve been interesting to hear more on what you guys think of Chloe’s inability to see at least some of what Clark is trying to accomplish as being a “good thing”.

But at least you acknowledged that perhaps the person Chloe is maddest at is herself. I just wonder if she’s mad at herself for being the one responsible for the Davis debacle, or if she’s mad at herself for doing what she MISTAKINGLY thought Clark would do when she went on the run with Davis.

Also, nothing on the Zod and Lois scenes? Really? No compare and contrast between what Chloe had to say about Clark to Oliver (re: not trusting his moral code), and what Lois had to say about Clark to Zod (saying “it’s what Clark would do”, i.e. trusting Clark’s moral code)? Or even what Faora had to say about Zod to Clark (he wouldn’t leave a man/woman behind), and what Lois had to say to Zod about Clark, i.e. he wouldn’t leave a man/woman behind).

Just some things. Don’t mind me.

Let me start off by saying that I have been a SHoE subscriber for as long as there was a SHoE. I have listened and taken part in many discussions via the Starkville Forum and through the comments section of this website. Since I have been contributing to the site for a little over six months, I have noticed a lot of new names that really have brought some good points and thoughts to the discussion. It serves as a constant reminder that this show that we all love means something different to everyone. While I never approve of bashing each other, I do think that sometimes our passion for the show overshadows what this website and podcast represent.

Derek decided to create SHoE out of his own love of Smallville, Steve has been a host for two years. They have opinions just like everyone else here does, and I think their opinions should be respected, but not necessarily agreed with. I know there are times where one of the hosts will say something that causes me to scream at my ipod, but at the end of the day it is only because i see something differently than they do.

Now with the topic at hand. (I refuse to use shipper names) Steve has always maintained that this is a show of relationships, and I agree. The bigger question is what creates those bonds and relationships for our beloved characters. Time spent together? Crisis’s shared with one another? A working relationship? I say all of the above. Let’s also take a step back and think about the foundation of the show. Clark Kent in his journey to becoming Superman. Is he there yet? Nope, not by a long shot. Is this a line by line translation of the comics? Nope again. But the Story of Superman and Clark Kent have been altered for this show. He meets or have met most of the prominent characters in his history before even becoming Superman. That is a fact that does not parallel the comics or the general Superman story.

Many have argued that Lois was brought in too early for the story of Superman, I agree, but thew writers have made it work in a way that I can accept. Not without some bumps in the road. I believe what Derek is saying about Clark and Lois being together as rushed is an opinion that i can agree with. They have danced around the fringe of their love for a very long time. Sometimes showing just a look, or maybe a scene where there is awkwardness. Season nine has really pushed the fact that Clark and Lois need to be together. But is it too soon? Should there be more awkward moments where Clark needs to run off leaving Lois standing there wondering where he went? I say yes again! Do I want to see Clark jealous because Lois has “Blur on the Brain”? Yes! The way the relationship between Clark and Lois has been presented to us makes it hard to judge where they are in their relationship, even their dialog on the show admits to that. So I think it’s a bit of a stretch to say they are “together”. Lois has been very careful, while Clark wants a “traditional” relationship. So far we have seen a very uneven representation of what their relationship means to us the viewer. Derek quoting Tom Welling when he says “when did Clark and Lois get together” I believe provides justification as to why Derek thinks the way he does about their relationship.

Now Chloe. This one is an easy one for me to think through, a lot easier than the Clark Lois stuff. Here you have two characters that have been on Smallville for quite some time. Oliver not as long obviously, but still. These two characters are very alike in some ways. Both having been to dark places for different reasons. Chloe, she has had her house blown up, infected by meteor rock, inhabited by Brainiac, come to terms with her love for Clark, settled for Jimmy, became infatuated by a charismatic EMT, watched said EMT kill her husband, and now she is acting as dispatch for the Justice League. I think that it is worth mentioning that Cloe is not the curious reporter she once was, she is very much involved with the seedy world of espionage and keeping secrets from the ones she cares about. Oliver has been down a dark road which has shaped him as well. His parents killed by Lionel Luthor, trapped on an island, his history with Tess (which we still do not have a clear understanding of), killing Lex, becoming suicidal only to be “saved” by Chloe who put him through a living hell to bring him back to his senses. I believe that the outcome of “Roulette” formed a very strong bond between him and Chloe combined with the fact of Justice League business that was never saw on screen. Listen, we’ve seen it a million times. Friends or people who work closely together sometimes fall into an affair or a relationship. We don’t even know if this Chloe Oliver thing isn’t a “friends with benefits” situation. I don’t get the feeling that there is actual love for one another on a romantic level. They are both damaged individuals who have found each other for whatever reason, we don’t really know yet.

Lastly, I think that the best SHoE episodes are when Derek and Steve are together. Not to take anything away from Joe, Kim, Damian, Professor Bailey, Robin, or anyone else who has graced the microphone for SHoE. I will submit only this, if you truly do not like SHoE then simply don’t listen. There are going to be episodes where you may not agree with an opinion, but it is just that an opinion of a person who watches Smallville. But don’t come here threatening to drop the show because you disagree with an opinion. I think that well thought out emails to the show expressing your point of view is a much more productive way to get different ideas looked at and discussed.

I thank you all for taking the time to write as much as you do on this website and I look forward to reading more of your thoughts.

Brian
#donthateme

For me, I listen becasue of the insights and opinions of the hosts. I sometimes only get to watch an ep of Smallville once, so every now and then I miss a line, or something in a scene that may answer a question or two. I rely on Derek & Steve to fill in the blanks.

If I just wanted just a recap and news I could read that from the many TV show blogs.

So, to Derek and Steve, please don’t forget that for every 1 person who complains there are 20 more who are very happy and satisfied with the show! We love you guys and we love our Smallville!

Again, I’m not a shipper, but I’m a Lois and Clark fan and I have never bashed their relationship on my show. Saying I think that the writing may have been rushed, isn’t bashing. Saying I miss the flirting between the characters, isn’t bashing. But I have said multiple times this season that I am glad the two are together. And that’s the bottom line.

I’ve been a comics fan my whole damn life too and I’m a dude. Ok?

I’m not trying to be mean here because I do like Derek. But I’m sort of tired of him making general statements about the show without using actual evidence from the show to back up his points. That’s what crazies on places like TWOP do. Derek is better than that. ShoE is better than that.

There were plenty of hints and moments of friendship and true intimacy between them over the last 5 years to not only make that transition believable but also very real. Do I have to start naming episodes? “Crusade, “Gone” “Facade”–the infamous dunk tank scene. “Devoted” “Lucy”-secret friends. “Commencement” “Aqua”–someday you’ll find someone even more special “Exposed” “Oracle”sometimes I think you know me better than anyone” “Zod”-hand hold in the hospital, “Arrow” “Reunion” “Hydro” “Crimson” “Kara” “Siren”–Lois breaks down and cries in front of Clark, “Apocolypse”—the first real hint that Lois might have feelings for Clark when he noticed that her signature “arm punch to break intimacy” for the first time, “Arctic”-Clark breaks down in front of Lois. Then you add in everything that happened with them during Season 8. We saw hints as early as “Odysessy” that Lois was attracted to Clark. There was a clear lingering shot when she looked at him as he walked out of the DP building in that last scene. It was obvious to me and I’m not a shipper. There was another moment in “Plastique” if I recall where the director clearly showed the audience AGAIN that Lois was havnig feelings of attraction for Clark. Then you got to “Maxima” and “Committed” where he took care of her after the engagement party and they had that momenti n the elevator. Then you added in all that crazy stuff from “Bloodline” where he protected her in the Zone. From working next to each other, to slowly feeling attracted to each other, to the almost kiss in “Bride” which was over a year ago at this point. Then you add in everything that happened last Spring after Lana left between him standnig her up at the cofffe stop, the events in “Hex” and the phone call in “Stilletto” where Clark saw a different side of Lois as he spoke to her as the “Blur.” Then you add in that final sad phone call in “Doomsday” where Lois basically told the “Blur” that she believed in him above all else. Then you add in the events of Season 9. Lois vanishing for 3 weeks and Clark thinking she was dead. Honestly, you’d have to just flat out not be paying attention in order to think at this point that the relationship was a surprise. Maybe Derek needs to pull out his DVD’s and go back and watch the show again. Or maybe he needs to go on youtube. There are literally hundreds of videos of all those moments on youtube.

Yet, I seem to remember last week on the podcast Derek talking about how awesome Chloe and Oliver were hooking up. Seriously Derek? That makes no sense. You have some kind of issue with Clark and Lois who have had 5 years of development to get to this point and yet itw as cool to be like, “Oh yeah…Chollie is hot!”

Look…we are all entitled to different opinions here. No one has to like a relationship. If Derek doesn’t like Clois…whatever. That’s his right. We all watch this show for different things. But I am getting kind of sick of these sweeping statements being made about things being “rushed” when there is clear evidence in the show that that is not the case.

I think Dr. Bailey put it the best during the “Idol” podcast and if Derek still needs convincing than maybe he should talk to him. Dr. Bailey spoke at length about the timeline in the comics between Clark and Lois and how that entire timeline has shifted now on Smallville. At this point, she’s been in his life for 5 years. She’s been working with him side by side for almost 2. Dr. Bailey explained in a very detailed way that at this point the timeline makes sense for them to get together because everything on the show has been shifted. If Clark can be at the Daily Planet before he’s Superman, fight Zod, fight Doomsway, fight Metallo, and work with the JLA and JSA BEFORE he’s Superman…then I’m sorry….but the timeline excuse for Clark and Lois just doesn’t work. EVERYTHING is different in this story. EVERYTHING has happened earlier. Why people insist on harping on this one thing and yet have no problem accepting the differences in the timeline with everything else boggles my mind.

Hopefully someone else on here can let me know if this podcast is still worth listening to. I’m sorry but I’m not listening to another podcast where all Derek does is make sweeping generalizations about Clark and Lois.

I love the ShoE podcasts and I love the ShoE guys. But that’s seriously annoying and upsetting. I’d like to still listen to the podcasts because I think Derek is funny. But I’m just not sure I want to listen to another podcast like that.

Don’t really care about the flying thing so much but I’m VERY curious what Zod will do with his powers. Will he use his own blood or still go after Clark’s blood to give the other Kandorians their powers? I think Zod doesn’t need him anymore, he could do it with his own blood, involving Clark would mean risking interruptions which would be kind of stupid but if the writers come up with a valid reason for needing Clark’s blood, I’m on board.

Disagree with you guys about the Lois and Clark stuff. I dig this season especially because of that whole relationship thing between the two and wasn’t surprised for it to happen this season. We got hints that Lois was smitten by Clark for a long time and the only thing that was missing was Clark realizing that he had feelings for her. It might be because I’m not a comic book fan but a huge fan of the TV Superman show but I love every single scene between Erica and Tom this season. They have so much chemistry, it’s unbelievable.

Just to let Joe and Derek know this, I was listening to this episode on my iPod Classic while I was wheeling my way into Subway and I busted out laughing to some comment Derek made and about three people in line for their sandwiches gave me “this guy must be off his rocker” look. I have been waiting for this long for a while. Reason is there have been many a time where I went into Subway and listen to SHoE on either my Microsoft Zune or my Apple iPhone or my Apple iPod Classic and I’m listening to SHoE and I just bust out laughing but no one says anything or does anything about. Finally, I got the odd look so I’m happy. I knew it had to happen sooner or later.

The big news to come out of this episode for me was Greg Beeman directing the finale. Because of this podcast I have conversed with Prof. Bailey and I threw out an idea (before this episode was recorded) and he and I thought it would be cool to have Jeph Loeb write the series finale what do my follow SHoEligans think about that idea.

Stellar episode by the way, Derek and Joe.

I showed the clip, with minimal set-up, to a non-viewer/fan. She had a similar reaction.

Enjoyed the rest of the SHoE episode, loved hearing your take on the Lois and Clark stuff. But I stand by my gut-feeling on this issue. I wish it had been done differently. Were I an SV writer, I would have made the Ian Malcolm argument (”could we” vs. “SHOULD we”).

Thanks, and keep up the good work–fo rizzle.

Go back and watch everyone! I would bet house and home that it is! What do you all think?

Plus, if Chlollie wasn’t happening than we wouldn’t get that awesoma and(*sing-song voice*) awkward CLark and Oliver scene at the B&B. Hilarious! That is all.

It’s not Black Canary…it’s Tess in disguise. Awesome!

b. Zod and Clark walking away frOm an exploding truck, TOGETHER! c. Clark sans shirt of ANY KIND!

d. Clark totally up on Lois…I think that’s the Red K

e. Cloe attacking Lois

APRIL CAN’T COME FAST ENOUGH!!!

This is why no sympathy. If this is her way of “dealing” with what happened last year…then she needs to follow her cousin’s example and seek therapy.

I’d also love to see a training montage. JLA practice, time trials, sparring. I think it would be cool to see them experimenting/honing with their abilities.

First off, @Tim…I like Allison Mack and I respect her legacy but please be aware that not everyone wants her to stay on the show full time. I put this in the Season 10 thread as well. Frankly, I just think Chloe’s time is up on this show. And I know I’m not alone with that. I would be happy to see her in a limited engagement next year as long as she was given something good to do. But, I don’t think she has a place in 22 episodes next year. We’re in Superman territory now and I believe that means that the leading lady of the show has to be Lois Lane. At this point, I think ERica has earned her 22 episodes next year. This is our last season and the plot has to revolve around Clark Kent. There can be no more stalling. I just think it makes the most sense for time to be dedicated to Clark and his story. And frankly, with how expensive Allison’s contract is…I just don’t think it makes sense to bring her back for 22 episodes. The people that we need next year are Lex (in a limited engagement), Martha, Perry, and possibly some other heroes and villians making return engagements. I just don’t think plot-wise it makes sense for Chloe to be a full time cast member next year. The plot HAS to make sense for Clark Kent. It’s not the Chloe show. I make that comment with the utmost respect for Allison. It has nothing to do with not liking her as an actress–I do like her as an actress. I just think this show needs to make Clark their #1 priority in the final season.

@Woo, I guess I just don’t really see this relationship as “joy” in Chloe’s life at the moment. I want to see Chloe find joy too. The problem right now is that her problems are of her own making. Until she takes the time to step back and take responsibility for her mistakes this year—until she takes the time to really grieve Jimmy—she will not find joy. Period. Having casual sex with Oliver is not going to heal those wounds. The only way she is going to heal is through some internal reflection and some personal responsibility. Many of us on here have said that we would forgive this character if she was willing to do that. But, to me, having sex with a playboy (who up until about a month ago was in love with her cousin) isn’t going to fix her problems. It might put a bandage on it for the time being….but the damage can’t be undone until she accepts some responsibility and finds peace with what she’s done.

The people who think Clois was rushed are either 1)shippers with their own agendas who can’t possibly be credible or objective about this show anymore or 2) not paying attention to what’s been on the screen for the past 4-5 years and need to go back and actually watch the show again. The build from rivals to reluctant friends to true friends to flirting work partners to falling in love to being totally in love is there with Clark and Lois and it was beautifully done.

I personally found Chollie to come out of nowhere and maybe that was the point since I’m pretty sure the writers just pulled it out of their butts in order to satisfy shippers. I just don’t think it makes any sense. I get that some people are enjoying it but the reasons people seem to be enjoying it seem to be rather superficial. It seems like some people just want to see Justin Hartley hook up with someone. And I guess if that’s enough for some people…then cool for them. I also think the way you feel about Chollie has a lot to do with what your own personal beliefs are about casual sex. If you don’t believe in that kind of behavior (and many people don’t) then you aren’t likely to be aboard the Chollie train. I’m open to seeing what the show gives us so long as the Producers just remember who the star of the show is. That’s always my biggest beef. This is a show about the future Superman and Clark is the star. Is Chollie advancing his story in any real way? No. So I personally could care less because I watch this show for his story.

Tom and Justin are funny in the clip. It should be a nice funny episode before we get into the craziness of the end of the season.

And Joe, you’re not the only one that noticed Tom seemed thin, but ai’m waiting to see the full scene to judge…*ahem* yeah that’s it.

@Woo Interesting analysis of Chloe and at this point just her friends giving her nudges and gently chastising her are not cutting it. It’s going to take something disastrously huge to make her realize that what she has been doing has not been in the best interest of everyone. That the ends don’t always justify the means. That the path she has taken is not in the words of Dr. Fate the righteous path. I just worry what the fallout is going to be because as I’ve said before I don’t want Chloe to die or go insane, I want her to recognize the error of her ways.

You can tell the guys are not exactly thrilled being told what to do. That was quite evident in AJ but really showed in Persuasion when it seemed Clark had it up to here with every decision, every step he has been made was being questioned, snidely snarked at by Chloe.

Anywhoo, squeeing over the shot of Clark and Zod walking away from the fiery explosion – epic!

Season Eight in terms of the crap hitting the fan when Chloe asnd Davis were finally tracked down by Kal-El and The Justice League.

I think they are going to be elements of those two seasons and who’s on who’s side here as far as Chloe, Tess, and Kal-El are concerned because we know where Lois’ loyalties lie. We know that Agent Waller, she always an agenda and that is for the benefit of Checkmate always.

Honestly, Kal-El can go either Zod, Chloe, or he and Ollie could have their own plan. This is the way I have view things after reading everyone’s comments on posts.

As far as JLA goes the only people that trust each other are Ollie and Kal-El. Because of the being heroes. Chloe has her own agenda like Tess and like Lionel (in the past) Chloe is saying she is doing this because it is the best case option kind of a deal. Not saying Chloe is a villain but what has Honkin and the other members of The SHoE trust this entire season… Everyone go back to your Apple iPods/iPhones and or Microsoft Zune/Zune HD’s.

Ever since Jimmy was murdered by Davis Chloe has taken her role as “the figure head” of the JLA a little too seriously, this entire ninth season. Even characters have mentioned it several times in several episodes. Kal-El’s comment to Chloe in Watchtower in “Disciple” about watching the world through a camera and J’onn’s comment to Chloe in “Legends” in WatchTower. Chloe hasn’t really acknowledge what she has been doing as “Figure Head” of JLA as harmful or awful in any way and it looks like from this trailer she has finally taken this too far by knocking out her cousin.

All I can say, watch The CW from April 2nd on Friday Nights. If you can’t there is Apple iTunes, PlayStation Network, and Zune marketplace that will have the episodes in HD. I doubt we will get “standalone” episodes the rest of this season. Mole.

The middle part with all the action – awesome and yay to see more scenes of BAG but Metallo at the Fortress. Oh Nose!!!!!

Also, the look that Clark gave at the end when Oliver was talking about trying out his new bow was something that made me laugh. It was almost as though he didn’t care and was only being polite when he asked.

As for what I want in the season…

I would like for the Zod / Kandor thing to be wrapped up this season so we can start fresh with the 10th. I would love for Lex to return to wrap up the series but if that doesn’t happen then I’m up for anything new.

The thought of returning to Smallville is a good one for an episode but not for a whole season. Taking a step back isn’t a smart thing to do in what could be the last season of the series.

I’m a pretty big Chloe fan but I’m ok with her leaving the show after season 9 if they are going to keep writing her as they have been this year. I’m also fine with Green Arrow leaving as well. He needs his own spin off anyway. Something to fill the void of Smallville when it leaves after season 10…

No Lana. We don’t need her to pop up and we don’t want her to. We need more Lois. Again… why would we want to take a step back?

Mostly I just want to see some of the folks from the past show up again is some form or another. Perry, Martha, JLA, JSA, Metallo, Lex, Kara, etc. A dream sequence or time travel thing with Jonathan Kent would be awesome as well.

All in all… I’m just looking for a good fun season like the last two we’ve had. I’m surprised that there has been so much life pumped into a ten year old show so late in the game but I am digging it.

I also like to hear the directing insights on how to place actors and how to advise them on what to say/do. It is a whole different world that I know nothing about. I just get to sit back and enjoy the end product!

Thank you so much for this podcast, I loved it!

As for returning to Smallville High, while I would not be so incredibly thrilled about that premise, I could see it as the vehicle to do a true throwback to the early days of SV – honoring the freak of the week episode. I believe Clark and if Chloe is still around will have been out of high school for 5 years so the excuse to have them walk the halls of the high school (hearing Steve singing in my head right now) again would be a 5 year class-like reunion. Yes, I can see a person from Clark and Chloe’s class infected by kryptonite wanting to exact revenge on all the classmates that did him/her wrong and sets up this little mini reunion to bring them all together and take of the offenders in one fell swoop.

As for what I want to see in Season 10 – FLIGHT!!!!! Of course that’s a given – a more “colorful” costume for Clark, glasses, more of Dr. Emil Hamilton and Martian Manhunter.

Clark as the Reporter where we see his first front page article published. The other half of Lane & Kent that Perry will boast about needs to get his butt in gear. Can’t let Lane get too far ahead :P.

@ Sarita, I may have jumped the gun when I said “official description”, it’s just that I read the hell out of spoilers, so I already know what the episode is about (at least part of it anyway).

And Woo, yes count me among the excited. I knew it would happen, but really I was just hoping that getting my tickets to Comic Con wasn’t an exercise in futility. Let’s hope Tom’s good experience last year will prompt him to be present this year.

These last two seasons have been so wonderful that it needs to go out on a TENTH season. Now can they please let Clark fly? At the very least I’m going to ask the producers at SDCC to STOP letting other people fly if Clark isn’t going to.

OH MY GOD! That’s even better than him killing Tess! Not that I want Chloe to die, she’s my second favorite character. I meant in the whole WOW factor. Actually I think if this were to happen it would be better if it happened in the 200th episode. Chloe has been such an important character and there will be so much going on in the season finale that just killing her off on a whimsy would not do her any justice.

Darkseid sends Clark traveling through alternate realities. Sure, it’s kinda been done before but how EPIC would that be?!

OR

Darkseid is the one who brings back Lex with his life creation powers. Why would he do this? Who the frick cares?! Let the writers figure it out.

Okay, I’m getting a bit ahead of myself but I’m super pumped now!
Season 10? Darkseid? BRING IT ON!

I know Batman is a no-go but now that the Wonder Woman movie idea went down the crapper can they bring her back for one epoisode? Pleeeeeeeeeease?

Steve! Derek! Be my guardian angels, make it happen!

ha ha

My thoughts are now in the Season 10 announcement comments, but introduce New Gods like Orion, Mr. Miracle, and Lightray, and have him battle the likes of Kalibak, Kanto, and Granny Goodness with her female furies. Have Darkseid vaporize someone with Omega Beams and walk into frame for the midseason finale

P.S. The actor who portrays Bizarro already said he may be coaxed into returning lol.

Ooooooo, what do you think will happen in the 200th episode?!

What do I want to see in the 10th season?

I want to see Clark Kent as the star of the show. I think Season 9 has been an improvement in this regard. As much as I enjoyed parts of Season 8, there were times in the second half of the season where the story wasn’t revolving around Clark. That simply can’t happen anymore. “Disciple” is a great example of an Ollie centric episode that still showed Clark Kent as the hero with Zod. “Idol” is another great example of an episode that gave Lois a ton of screentime BUT revolved around Clark. He was still the center of the episode and everything revolved around him. This final season has to show us Clark’s POV as much as possible. His development and his relationships need to be the most important in order to conclude this journey right.

I love Justin Hartley and I love Ollie. But from this point forward, I want to see Ollie as a sidekick hero. I freaking love the guy. But he needs to remain a supporting character from here on out.

Lois Lane is arguably the second most important person in the Superman story. (The only one who probably comes close in importance is Lex and I’ll get to him in a second.) At the end of this season, Erica D. will have logged almost as many seasons with this show as Michael Rosenbaum. (Michael was absent from Seasons 8 and 9, Erica was absent from 1,2 and 3.) She has put her time in with this show and she has remained patient throughout the years while other characters have had their time n the spotlight. She was out there promoting the show when no one else was. At this stage in Clark’s journey, she deserves second billing on this show next year. Now, I don’t mean that as a slight towards Allison Mack. I respect Allison immensely and I respect the legacy that she’s built on this show. It really comes down to what is right for the plot of a Superman show. The leading lady of a show about Superman needs to be Lois Lane. Period. End of story. People that don’t agree with that probably need to find another superhero to invest their time in because this is NEVER going to change. I don’t care if it’s comics, movies, animated series or tv shows. Yes, this is “Smallvillle” but we’re in Superman territory now which means that Lois should be in 22 episodes and she deserves second billing after Clark.

I have always like Allison Mack. I havn’t cared for Chloe’s character for the past few seasons but that doesn’t mean I don’t respect Allison and what she’s brought to the show. But, I wouldn’t be sad if she didn’t come back next season. I think Chloe has served a role in Clark’s life but I think her role is done and it’s time for them both to grow up and move on. I would be open to Chloe being in a limited number of episodes for Season 10 as the friend/sidekick….but I don’t thinks he has a place in all 22 episodes. At this stage in the journey, the priority needs to be Clark. Allison Mack isn’t cheap. I’m sure it would cost a fortune to get her back and I just don’t know if that would be wise. The show needs that money to make sure that Clark’s journey can be given the attention it deserves in the final season. My hope is that we see Chloe sporadically throughout Season 10 but I don’t think she belongs as a series regular anymore. I know some people might be upset by that comment but that’s how I feel.

I’d like to see Michael R. come back for a limited number of episodes. I don’t think he needs to be there all season. But a limited number of episodes would be a great way to set -up his epic villian destiny with Clark, fill us in on where he’s been and allow him to take over Luthorcorp once and for all.

I’d like to see Cassidy Freeman back. I’d love to see her work with Lex. I think they would place nicely off each other.

I’d like to see Martha Kent and Perry White both make a few appearances throughout the season. I doubt the show could convince them to do a whole season but a few episodes might be feasible and would be very appropriate. I also wouldn’t mind seeing Michael Ironside back as General Lane for a few episodes.
It would also be great to see return appearances by the rest of the Justice League, J’onn Jones and Emil. There’s your supporting cast rotating in and out throughout the year.

I’d like to see the show focus on Clark’s career as as journalist, his relationship with Lois and his growing understanding and realization that he needs to come out of the shadows and show people his face. I’d like to see him show the audience that he’s pondering the idea of becoming a more public and visible hero among the people. If Clark remains the focus in all ways this show will end on a strong note. That’s just my humble opinion, though.

*in movie trailer guy voice* “DESTINY IS FINALLY FULFILLED!”

I want the following:

1. FLY ALREADY!

2. glasses…*fan girl squeal*

3. Lex and Perry as regulars

4. epic clois-ness

Whoa. Slow down there! Bring back Lex and Bizarro and I’m a-okay! The other villains can return in the spin-off *crosses fingers*

I already heard the AJ episode. What kind of half-@**ed SHoE fan do you think I am?! lol. The thing is I’m still in denial. I mean, how in the namew of all that is holy are they going to pull THAT off?

10-22 = SUPERMAN! I will not accept anything else! oh my god, I seriously think I’m about to cry. I’m like crapping my friggin’ pants from excitement.

Hold on! Darkseid? REALLY?!

Kneel before Smallville!!!

Well with this announcement we all know what this means, Mr. Derek Russell returns to SHoE full-time. Kneel before Steve and Derek and SHoE!!!