Smallville: A Series Retrospective 

If you liked this video, check out my thoughts on what I think is the best Superman movie: The Iron Giant ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-J-FoAfZFGHY.html

Rosenbaum’s portrayal of Lex was so nuanced and carried such depth. The years he spent interacting with Clark and their dichotomy provided us with one of the best relationships I’ve ever seen on television. In a strange way they were two side of the same coin, always destined to be at odds but easily interchangeable depending on their given circumstance; their parents. It’s so poignant in the finale that the person who reassures Clark when he doubted himself was Lex.

Tom Welling's journey in Smallville was immense. He was an awesome Clark Kent/Superman. As was everyone else in Smallville. 👍🏻

The reason Rosenbaum is the best Lex, is that we spend a lot of time with him. Not just his back story, but we see him before he goes evil. We root for him when he is on the edge, leaning towards good but being pulled into the bad. We resonate with him at times. Can't really say that about the movie versions, or the other series' versions. One could say, the theme song words "somebody save me" could be put towards Lex, and even though his life gets saved multiple times, his SELF doesn't get saved. The theme song could be Lex's inner being calling out from the darkness, begging to be saved.

Dude.. your lucky, us old folks had to wait a whole friggin week between episodes and then off-season, I was the guy camping out at best buy for DVD the days of release..yes I did say DVD. Lol

They had a good ending for Lana with her going to Paris at the end on season 3, that’s when she should’ve left the show

When this show was running, I naively assumed that the point was to do Superman's origin on TV, take it to the point where he's Superman in metropolis, and then have Tom Welling be your new movie Superman from there. So then when Superman Returns came out, that was very confusing.

I loved Smallville man I watched it during Covid. It’s my favorite live action show and it made Superman one of my favorite heroes.

Erica Durance as Lois, busting Clark's balls is the coolest part of the whole series. Plus the T-W-A ratio was legendary..

I just recently watched this show. Despite its many flaws, it stands as one of my favorite works of Superman Media. The show, regardless of episode quality, has a real charm to it that makes it fun to watch. My favorite season is 3. That season's main storyline with Lionel's coverup of his parents' murder and Lex's missing memories with Chloe getting caught in the middle of everything was just so gripping. Michael Rosenbaum and John Glover were incredible throughout the series, but that season, I feel, contained their best performances. Shattered, Asylum, and Memoria are, to me, some of the best episodes of television. I also think a lot of the villain-of-the-week episodes in season 3 were pretty good as well.

One of my favorite moments in Smallville is the death of Alicia. I think it is the first time they went "all in" and did something that really struck the audience - as you said, they were pretty much always quite light on emotions. And I loved also the reaction of Clark and that Lois is the one that convince him to not kill Tim - a foreshadowing of how important she will be in Clark's future.

Great analysis, I agree with almost everything you said. And yes, Lana was the worst character in the series. Homecoming is also my favorite episode of the show. Erica Durance's Lois Lane is very special, she just rocks.🥰

S8-10 really aged well imo ! I’ve noticed I rewatch those seasons more now compared to the earlier seasons.

It was actually the show runners who determined before even starting the show of no tights, no flights, not Tom Welling.

Completely agree that Homecoming is the best episode of the series!

Smallville was an awesome series. I really enjoyed every season and every episode, although some season's and episodes are better than others, also the characters were awesome as well. 👍🏻

Turns out it was the writers and directors decision regarding the no flights no tights. Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum has a podcast about the show and revealed that.

the show had some of the best foreshadowing in any live action superhero adaptation! like especially when that old woman shows clark would out live his loved ones and she shows Lex that he’ll kill everyone. and also that jordan kid from S3 i think sees superman flying into the never ending abyss of space and then the cherry on top of dr fate also seeing Clark’s future, but then goes into far more detail of him being the light in the darkness and inspiring the world

One of my problems with the show is that Clark has already defeated his rogues gallery of villains before he is even Superman.

Smallville changed my view on superman I always liked the character but I always assumed Clark Kent was the disguise. Now I know Clark is the man. Superman is the alter ego.

Regarding Lana, I always hated the way she finally left. It had been clear for years at that point that Clark and Lana didn't work together. They had constant issues with communication and trust, and they should have come to the conclusion on their own that they were not right for each other. Instead, they do this stupid plotline where she becomes walking kryptonite and they are forced to part forever. At this point, Clark was already showing interest in Lois, but having this "tragic" parting of Clark and Lana where they physically cannot be near each other, forcing them apart rather than them having a mature mutual parting, makes Lois almost feel like a consolation prize rather than his ideal partner like she really is.

Best moment in all smallville Chloe in Lois’s body “open the door Clark” - Clark breaks handle off door* It’s implied he’s special Clark’s reaction “This door needs better maitenance!”

My favorite Clark, Lois, and Lex. Ever.

You can see Clark’s evolution in how he acts under the influence of red kryptonite. It shows him acting without thinking about what happens next, in its first appearance he does what any uninhibited teenager with super speed and super strength would do, takes what he wants and skives off his chores disrespecting his parents. When he deliberately puts on another class ring he’s just done with things and goes into Metropolis to live it up. Later on in the show he’s moved on from defiance to lust, acting on his sexual attraction to Lois and also speaks his mind in a harsh way to people who have meant so much to him. It becomes more personal and Clark is able to better articulate his grievances even though they have hurt more for the people he delivers them to.

I recently bought the entire smallville series and I’m really excited to watch it for the first time. I am obsessed with Superman

our friendship is legendary!

I agree with you 100% with your choices. I watvhed every episode when it originally aired. still go back to watch this show especially homecoming.

For me, the best show to this day. Not because I'm a Superman fan but because I learned so much about life watching this show. Helped me to be a better person and get closer to my family and friends. I see Clark and I see myself. It shows you real life stuff l with a little science ficton here and there to keep things fresh and centered on Superman mythology. I can't thank enough to everyone involved in Smallville from the actors, directors, producers, and all those who made it possible. Btw, first time on this channel, great review man. Keep it up, love it! 😎

Favorite show ever. Great video.

Loved this retrospective and agreed with most of your points! Homecoming is absolutely one of my faves in the whole series. Easily! Season ten in general is really awesome. If someone fell off the show I’d recommend they give it another try because it’s such a satisfying conclusion.

Smallville was the best superman live action depiction overall.

Just did a rewatch again this time all 216 episodes in under 3 weeks still seeing stuff in new light enjoy it more on every rewatch

Season 5 has some of the best episodes. Reckoning is heart wrenching. Lexmas is also heart wrenching. I'm a sucker for family stories, and those season 5 episodes really hit home. The episode where Clarks finally knows Chloe knows is also awesome. I also love season 4 episodes involving Chloe and Alicia.

Oh man!! I absolutely loved your review of Smallville!! I agree with your favorite episodes totally on the same page!! I actually miss the show 😢

Season 4 imo was the best of the series. It had the most consistent plot and the stakes felt very high.

im currently rewatching the show, i saw it on its original run and so much i forgot, im on season 5 right now and the whole clark and lex relationship reminds me alot like obi wan and anakin, they start off good friends/ sorta brothers and one's destiny is to become the villain, we know its gonna happen but part of us dont want it to happen, and agree smallville's lex is the best and such perfect casting, everyone did a great job and if it wasnt for this show there wouldnt be a arrowverse

This was really well put together. What an awesome trip down memory lane. Subbed!!!

Agree on the length of the series. 13 to 15 episodes is enough😂

The way I look at Lana Lang and Lois Lane is Lana Lang was the girl that Clark loved but not the girl he ended up with. Lois Lane was the woman that Clark loved and the woman he was destined to be with. 👍🏻

Actually you forgot there was a show is the early to mid 90's called Lois and Clark Adventures of Superman and it does get some nods in Smallville, Dean Cain who played Superman showed up as Curtis Knox who is Smallvile's Vandal Savage (they couldn't use the actual character) with the episode opening with showing his inicials being C.K. as a nod to his previous role and they also had Teri Hatchad who played Lois to play Ella Lane for a meta "Lois is Lois's mom" kind of thing.

Oh boy...=)First half of Smallville is the best TV superhero show ever.=) For me Smallville is Benjamin Button of TV shows. Its started like some solid drama with superpowers what looks so fresh and amazing and ended like some kid comix story.=) I even cant go through 9 season..=) Anyway first 5.5 seasons of the show always in my heart.=) Best season - 2. The arch with Indians and Kryptonians was awesome and it's a pity it didn't get a decent sequel. Best episodes - 6.12 and 3.22(it was just perfect ending). P.S: about Wellings "stiff" play. Although it was not a demonstration of the best acting, it perfectly complemented the image on the screen. Because that's exactly what a person who has to control himself every second should look like. =)

In my opinion, I think season 9 is the best season of smallville.

I liked both the Clana and Clois relationships equally but each to their own. 👍🏻 #ClanaForever #CloisForever

I must start watching the series again

I think the casting for the main characters on the show was perfect from season 1-10 the whole shebang. Regardless of the writing from the characters themselves, nothing will change my mind on the casting itself

There were plenty of heavy hitter episodes over the years on Smallville, so if you get a sappy one or a monster of week that is too bizarre, just skip ahead. Thanks for posting this video. I agree with nearly everything you say. However I did enjoy the later episodes in second half of series, just not every episode was good, but many were.

As a kid, I actually looooved batman and robin. I watched that movie 20 times or something. Still find it really charming for what it is!.

as great as the flash might be... Thanks, you saved me 30 min of listening some opinion theres zero change i respect

I loved Smallville. But can we please talk about how they didn't know what to do with Pete Ross. I mean, in the comics, Pete becomes A lawyer, vice-president,and finally, president. And you are telling me you don't know what to do with him. And I don't know about you but I thought it was stupid that pete still had feelings for Chloe in season 7.

Yeahhh Ryan really left an impact for me.

It's unfortunate that my favorite character early was chloe, given what happened with her actress. And i loved Tess, personally. But the redeemed late show Tess. Not the original version.

smallville is the best clark kent and it really gives a great back story on clark’s growth n relationship with lex

Are you aware of Michael Rosenbaum and tom wellings pod cast review of smallville every weds?

I grew up with the show!!! It had its faults but damn it’s a good show.

9:21 so not sure of you know or not but Tom Welling was new to acting and was still very green when he started. I think it might even have been his forst ever role.

19:50 the music in that Rosetta scene also...

Favorite episode, anyone with Laura Vandervort.

Loved the series from beginning to end; to this day I genuinely believe that if Clark disregarded his father's extremely harsh and semi hypocritical Judgment; gave lex benefit of the doubt and told him his secret right then and there when he came to him about his suspicions I'm pretty sure that Lex would have went down an entirely different path where they both would have became greatest allies instead of mortal enemies, sure there would have been up and down moments between the two where Lex's curiosity and thirst for knowledge would test Clark's patients but in the end they would have been able to come to terms with each other and been on the same destiny of changing the world for the better rather than vying for control over the fate of the world, it would have been extremely nice if we had gotten a what if Episode to show that being the case plus rewriting the finale where the alternate version of Lex being the classic villain we all know coming to their earth and this version facing off against his doppelganger and even though tragically taking his sister tess mercer's place in losing his life being the one to wipe his memory of everything he learned of Clark's identity as Superman symbolizing his ultimate Victory against his inner Darkness as well as a parting gift to team Superman; solidifying his loyalty to his best friend and brother! 💯🔥😉😁👍

Just remember this show started the arrowverse, its what lead to it..Most of the writers went to the arrowverse after smallvill finished..This show has stood the test of time..Ive bought the blue rey version just for my love of smalvill

The story I have always heard was Smallville was going to be a Batman prequel but then the Nolan movies went into development so that was scrapped and it became a Superman prequel. The thing that makes the show great is its a part origin story, but it also gives off the vibes of an elseworld tale. You could also argue that from season 6 on its basically a Superman show just without the suit. The Zod season is probably my least favorite of the series, but I do like the redemption they did with Tess in the final season.

The hands down best episode is the Lex Xmas episode. Fight me.

"Some good superhero stories and some wonki ones, and isnt that just comic books in general?" YES! Everyone is like i like smallville but it gets to silly. Like have these people ever read a comic? Smallville is the most DC ass show ive ever seen.

I enjoyed season 8 and Doomsday. Season 9 Zod was boring because I felt like we did that storyline in season 5/6. I wish Rosenbaum wouldn't have left.

32:01 I completely agree. Zack Snyder for some reason thought it would be cooler if the superman costume was just Kryptonian underwear than if it was made for Clark by his mother from the blanket he was wrapped in as a baby. That last bit might just be from Lois and Clark, but I liked it. Maybe do Lois and Clark next? Lol. If you can stomache it. It hasn't aged well... But Dean Cain will always be my Supes.

I never saw the show myself but I just got done watching the first season and I'm stared to like this show and I can see why people believed Michael Rosenbaum is the best Lex Luthor ever. Also I thought Tom Welling was a great Clark Kent. I'll take Smallville over Gotham.

kind of ironic the flash started getting really hated at the last 5 seasons even though it should've been hated on from the start, guess smallville hyped up arrow which showed barry which hyped up the flash

The number of times I was resisting the urge to yell, "But Lois and Clark did that!" at the screen was... worrying. I know Dean Cain's a trash human being and all, but that show holds up far better than it has any right and I highly recommend it. It's Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, it aired in the 90s and had an incredibly hammy, delightful Lex that I'd rank right below Rosenbaum.

Alicia hurt the mist for me

Michael Rosenbaum is the best Lex ever.

Great video, i enjoyed watching it as smallville is one of ny most fav shows. I agree with most of your review except review of Tom Welling' s acting earlier on. He was meant to act uncomfortable/stiff during the earlier seasons especially in front of lana because his character demanded that. He was also trying to hide who he was from.most people. He was trying to find his identity in the world but when he is a bit older he is more confident and Lois is not his epic love so he is much more comfortable around her. Kristen and Tom's chemistry is amazing, one of the best on-screen. Lois did a great job in her role, she is a great actress but didn't have the same chemistry with Tom as Kristen. She also looks much older than him. Tom's probably the best clark kent, not only in looks but acting too.And agree Michael is the best lex ever.

And he actually flew a few times before homecoming

Season 7 is the epic season of all. Lex pursuing the artifacts that got him to the fortress is incredible! What a season finale !!

Another tribute fact. Martha kent actually played lana lang in the o.g superman movies. Which is supermans / Christopher reeves love interest. And i super disliked pete ross character.

I liked your look at things. Tom welling saw this as a Clark Kent’s show. And not Superman’s. That’s why the show ends when he finally becomes Superman. That’s why he was so against the “flying and suiting up”

great video, but i will disagree with your disrepect to the Lana character. and how you completely skipped an very important part of the show and other than Lex is another big side character that is of course Chole. I understand the actress personal issues but just talking the show, many say she should have been the true love story over Lois or Lana. just my thoughts. oh a shout out to Clarks child friend Pete would also have been nice.

Hey, some of us LIKED the romantics. You can't have Superman without some Clois love. Sorry.

The best Jonathan Kent was on Lois and Clark which also had the best Lois and Lucy lane interaction

My only problem with the robin hood gotee is that it nakes oliver queen a famous man obviously the green areow lmao

Why ignore the disrespect the show had towards Lois? They clearly see her as a joke and TnA.

Using a word like "Dichotomy" is fine. But you over used it.

i put this in the background and it made the video feel warm ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4mI33pHBO9g.html

Team Clana untill I die‼️

Warner Bros. screwed up. No one wanted the Arrowverse with Green Arrow and The Flash as a poor man's Batman and Superman. Smallville and Gotham should not have been two shows separated by two decades and two different networks, they should have both aired on The WB at the same time and been paired together in a shared universe.

Overall it was a great show, but the show went downhill for me after season 7.

The shows first 5 seasons were the best specially the love story of Clark and Lana and they should have had Clark and Lana end up together in this version of the Superman universe.