I Watched All 10 Seasons of Smallville! | Binge Watch Report

[@dalethomas3277]

I used have the theme song stuck in my head for a good couple days after each episode aired back in the day, and now, having watched this video, Heath has somehow managed to get it stuck in my head once again. Awesome!

[@FanZceneVids]

Smallville could frustrate me so much, but I agree not as frustrating when rewatching. Still one of my favorite shows. Superman is my favorite superhero always has been. Lois and Clark's relationship was a refreshing change from all the Lana stuff. Erica Durance definitely filled Lois' shoes. Great video!

[@animegothvampire1999]

I can relate tbh

[@itsallaboutthatbass8558]

It still agitates me that he wouldn’t do at least 1 scene as Superman. Sometimes these actors think too highly of themselves.

[@robertbartels1483]

I think this is a show where even though you can see the flaws, you can't help but love it anyway. Something about it works. There is also a podcast called Talkville where Michael Rosembaum and Tom Welling recap every episode starting from the beginning, which kind of makes up for the lack audio commentaries.

[@CerealAtMidnight]

That's very well said. The show had flaws, but they approached everything with such a genuine earnestness, the lack of cynicism makes it a really hopeful show. In the special features, someone says "Batman sees Gotham as the city that killed his parents, but Superman believes the entire world could be as warm and welcoming as Smallville." I think that says it beautifully. There's a belief in what's right and good running through all 10 seasons, even when the show goes to strange places and the writers hit a wall. Also, I love Talkville!

[@GrChuks]

People always forget clark was obsessed with lana. She was only returning the obsession in terms of his secret because he saved her season 1 finale. Lois didn't get that side of clark, she just chaked it up to him being weird. But having said that, the lana clark dynamic should have ended in season 4 because of that reason

[@IvanTheHiro]

Only started watching Smallville long after it finished but I’m glad I did because you don’t see Superman portrayed like this anymore. They really took their time showing how Clark would learn his values and become an ideal.

[@EricCartman915]

Smallville is great. Love it. So much nostalgia

[@davesgeektrek]

Excellent geek-out. In time, we'll begin to see Chloe outside of AM. Also, It's difficult to imagine Veronica Mars without the influence of the Chloe character. Smallville is also the first time we see Dr. Fate & the JSA and The Legion on screen! Now I'll have to put these series back in my rotation. Also okay without the outfit. I forgot about Tess & MM. Yes, it's time for a review!

[@simpleman5932]

I grew up as a marvel fan also, but the older I got the more that DC became more relatable to me. Superman of course being my all-time favorite superhero.

[@SageGoatKing]

I loved Smallville when it was on, but was also disappointed by missed opportunities but ultimately agree that's it's just far more uplifting show than most "modern" shows. What finally pushed me to binge watch Smallville again was my disappointment with Superman and Lois, I expected a show that would have learned from the mistakes of previous shows. I got to the point in Superman and Lois where I was just too bored with the side stories and was fast forwarding through parts. I thought the first season of S&L had a strong start, but it's just been trending down from there. Even though you get to see Superman, it didn't give me the feeling of Superman so I decided, that's it, I'm watching Smallville again. I don't know what's going on with CW, but most of their shows seem to follow that trend, starting out stronger than their finish. Smallville has not disappointed this time, it really helps remind me that Superman is not simply a suit, because I feel like Clark on Smallville has shown me Clark being Superman than S&L has. Smallville feels hopeful and optimistic, and S&L just feels dark, miserable and boring.

[@leonardkrasner4399]

It is such a pleasure listening to you talk. Your delight in talking about classic media is infectious. I am a huge fan of Smallville since it first aired in 2000. I have watched the series a few times and after listening to your talk, I will watch again very soon. Unfortunately the price tag for the BlueRay collection is a little out of my budget for now. Thanks again for the critique.

[@Ravelle_]

Smallvilla is kinda lame and very good at the same time, it's very soapy but I loved it. Very comfy watching. Rosenberg as Lex and John Clover as his father is the best part of Smallville. Despite its flaws, it's still way better than all 10 seasons of any CW shows these days.

[@deeppurplefan9648]

I don't think this show is as flawed as other soapy fantasy shows such as Once Upon a Time

[@cf87]

Going though it 1st time myself. So much cheesy early 2000s goodness...but also a really cool look at the Superman mythos. And Lex is probably my fav character. Currently in S5 and I can see why this show was so popular.

[@CerealAtMidnight]

I miss that early 2000s cheese! Now everything feels so grim and angry, like a ticked-off teenager. Somehow, it feels like we've gone backward in maturity.

[@joelmaisano8481]

Thank you, Heath! You express my own feelings about Smallville perfectly. I predict that you will indeed rewatch the entire series -- just as I've done, more times than I want to admit! We agree that it has its little flaws, but the values that it so entertainingly dramatizes are genuine and beautiful.

[@mikewright9138]

Great video Heath. I also love "Smallville" and have watched all 10 seasons. Superman has always been my favorite. I started out listening to Superman on the radio (I'm 75!) voiced by Bud Collier, then came the TV series with George Reeves who later committed suicide which was of course a shock to this youngster. Chris Reeve, Brandon Routh, and Henry Cavill have all done right by the character and Tom Welling was then right Superboy at the right time. There are also two serials from the 40's with Kirk Allen as Clark and Noel Neill as Lois (also played her in the TV series). The flying was animated. And lest I forget, there are the beautifully animated cartoons from the Fleischer Brothers in Technicolor. Have Super day!

[@CerealAtMidnight]

Have you seen the movie Hollywoodland about the death of George Reeves? It's a really great crime film. Your comment really makes it clear that there's a Superman for all ages!

[@mikewright9138]

Yes I have, and it is indeed an excellent crime film. And IMO very underrated.

[@HucksPopCultureCafe]

Hey Heath. I really appreciate this retrospective on the series. I just picked up that box set during the last Amazon Prime sale. Couldn’t pass up that great deal. I love this show as well. I have yet to plow thru it though. I tell people all the time, I love the way the show ended. I even said before it aired, if it just ends with Clark popping his shirt and revealing the suit, I’ll be happy, and that’s exactly what happened. I could go on but I’ll stop. Just an amazing show and review!

[@orellaminx3530]

5:07 They didn't even plan on lasting more than 5 seasons, which is a big reason Jonathan Kent dies when he does: because that was always the plan.

[@jondoe9510]

Greatest intro song

[@debbiemcnamara7059]

My favorite TV show. I just rewatched it to. I love Smallville!

[@DimitriYar]

Smallville had the greatest Supergirl in Laura Diane Vandervoort. Hopefully James Gunn read this and cast her again as Kara Zo-el/Supergirl. I think fan´s would habby then !

[@eiadtarabulsi]

I haven't watched Smallville since its original run back in the day. I have the complete the series on Blu-ray and DVD. That's how much I love the show. It was enjoyable, despite its flaws. It wasn't perfect, but that's OK. It had more than its fair share of redeeming qualities. The characters, the stories and the chemistry that the cast members had, ended up making the show very enjoyable. Superhero TV shows such as, Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. and Stargirl wouldn't have been possible if not for Smallville. As you've already alluded to, it's really unfortunate what happened with Allison Mack, which I won't discuss. The entire cast did a great job portraying their respective characters. Sure, the show had some speed bumps along the way. However, it was lighthearted and delightful and even after all this time, I still look back at it very fondly. I met Michael Rosenbaum at the 2021 Comic Palooza here in Houston, TX. I was able to talk to him for a few minutes and I got his autograph. He was very friendly and an all-around pleasant person to be around. Having said that, I plan on watching Smallville at some point down the road. Its been such a long time and I want to enjoy the show all over again as if it was my first time. Thanks, once again Heath for another wonderful video! I really appreciate the hard work! Keep it up! God bless and stay safe! I hope that you have yourself a prosperous, enjoyable and safe 2023 moving forward!

[@knowthycell]

I’ve never watched this show. Had a manager back in the day that used to joke about getting off in time for Smallville, at least I think he was joking.

[@wayhollobj36]

Have you been watching the Talkville Podcast hosted by Rosenbaum and Welling? Chloe definitely underrated And I hope Allison is ready to make amends where she can

[@CerealAtMidnight]

I sure have! From what I've heard about Allison Mack, she's come to understand the seriousness of what happened and her part in it. I don't know if we'll ever see her professionally or even at conventions again, but I love her character on the show. She's the heart of the series.

[@wayhollobj36]

Im glad you have been checking it out I liked your retrospective Especially under 10 minutes Allison Mack acting got better and better as series progressed I've suggested to Rosie about putting her on Inside of You Podcast Talk to her lawyer etc Everyone deserves a second chance if they're taking accountability and willing to change

[@Lozin80]

I have yet to buy this set but it’s on my list and I remember shows like Dawsons Creek, Roswell & Smallville kinda daisy chained together for me then after Smallville was over I basically stopped watching the CW until Arrow which had a Smallville vibe for me In during the first season so definitely all the Arrowverse shows would not have happened without Smallville.

[@GauravMahajanAvaron]

Season 6 Lana pissed me the F off. Season 7 lana did the same, and so did Season 5 ending Lana. Season 2 Lana was bearable, Season Lana was window dressing, Season 3 Lana was good. Season 8 Lana......why was she even there?

[@Tigerdriver99]

Smallville is in my opinion the greatest comic book show of all time. Second would be Daredevil. I was never ever a Superman fan. I just thought he was bred to be everyone’s favorite. I was a Batman fan first and foremost. After watching Smallville for the first time only not even a year ago, I have extremely changed my mind on Superman. Probably my favorite at this point.. Everyone on that cast was spectacular. I mean it gave us the definitive Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, Johnathan Kent. And lastly, ALWAYS HOLD ON TO SMALLVILLE

[@erikwaters6678]

Loved Smallville, was there every week, got emotional during the Christopher Reeve moment, bought several seasons on DVD. That being said, it always rubbed me the wrong way, or at least I found it odd, how Tom Welling was so against wearing the suit. Ten years, I felt the main theme of the show was about embracing ones destiny, only for "the moment" to quickly be glossed over with a digital body double. Then his Crisis appearance doubles down on this, with him giving up his powers. Did make me retroactively dislike the show or anything, just found it puzzling. Also, I like your observation about it being two different shows. Death of Jonathan was my half marker.

[@CerealAtMidnight]

Superman actors have been historically type cast because of their role and Tom Welling REALLY didn't want to get typecast. He still doesn't want to wear the colors red or blue in anything he's done since because those are the only colors he wore for a decade. I can understand where he's coming from, but I can also see that ten years after the show ended, he's now embracing the show in a way he never could when he was making it.

[@erikwaters6678]

@@CerealAtMidnight True. When the finale aired, I also wondered if there was also a factor of them not wanting to pay for/design a suite for 5 minutes of screentime. Was immediately clear they just used Routh's suit/"S" logo.

[@auntiewewe972]

Too many yrs. But the show was so popular. It became a " Dawson's Creek" type show. Johnathan should have died in season 3 after he gets the powers from Jor El to stop Red kryptonite Clark. Season 4 was a mess with the witch storyline and should have just concentrated with Clark graduating and moving on from his father's death. But it's called Smallville right? But starting in season 5 the whole vibe changed anyway, we get Impulse Bart, Cyborg, and Green Arrow, by season 6 it's already in Metropolis and the Daily Planet. The whole " fake" Jimmy Olsen, then the Lex/Zod thing. It just felt too long. And then they started to incorporate Superman mythos before they even had a Superman. Some of the greatest villains were underwhelming. Parasite, Doomsday, and don't even mention Darksied. Zod ( Callum Blue) was ok, and Metallo was decent. Dead shot was a one off. By season 7 it felt more like Metropolis, than Smallville. Of course we all loved the show and it's soap opera style. But it strayed too far from it's original intention. The show will always be special, the finale was ok. But after Crossover in 2019 I was done. I don't really know if Welling had anything to do with Clark giving up his powers. ( He was notorious for not wanting to play " Superman" , and didn't care for the Clark character) But after a 10 season journey, after losing his father, his friend Lex, and so many people sacrificing for him, for Clark to just give up his powers for a normal life felt cheap. Especially after the way the hyped the future of Superman and what he would bring.

[@stevejohnsonolson2137]

The only thing I find disappointing is what they did with Lana

[@douglasmelvinshillington121]

Ghostbusters. Afterlife. is. Smallville. Movie

[@avalangrin4904]

I loved Erica Durance’s Lois Lane. The things she would say especially to Clark were hilarious. Lois never nagged him about his secret. She grounded him. 🙂

[@CerealAtMidnight]

Beautifully put!

[@Thisthatandmatt]

I watched Smallville, pretty much by accident. I was unwell and in bed just ended up shoving it on in the background. Well I ended up hooked. Season 7 was airing and I binged the first 6 before it was over. I fell in love with it, but even more so when Lois came into it. Such a comfort show for me. I’ll shove it on just to see Clark and Lois becoming the legends they’ll one day be. It’s imperfect and some things were dragged out, but that always happened back in the day of 22 episode series. The only one I don’t remember feeling dragged out was Buffy.

[@CerealAtMidnight]

I'm doing a Buffy rewatch with my 17-year-old and it definitely feels dragged out this time! Season 7 was perhaps a season too far.

[@alandombrow584]

I watched all 10 seasons of Smallville on a weekly basis and bought the DVDs at the end of each season. I grew up in the 1950s reading and owning Superboy comic books. I met some of the Smallville actors at MegaCon Orlando, including Tom Welling. I love the Smallville characters and stories. I think your points were all well taken. Excellent review. Now I think I'll buy the Blu-ray set, to watch the special features if nothing else. It will also give me an excuse to watch the first and final episodes again.

[@CerealAtMidnight]

I would love to meet the actors one of these days. I'm glad that they're so good to the fans.

[@tmtmolokwane6357]

im actually binge watching it now....and wow the best versions of Clark Kent and Lex Luther is in this show.

[@BarryAllenBG]

i did but i still cant watch it threw the end but now when the arrowverse is over i think i can

[@RiderZer0]

Best Clark, Lex, Lois, Martha and Johnathan Kent. I remember when I was younger finishing this show and just wishing a Superman movie would come out of it with that cast

[@greyinvader]

I've been rewatching (for the umpteenth time) to keep up with the TalkVille podcast. Smallville is the love of my life, especially the first 5 seasons. I agree that it is a feelgood show; like comfort food it picks me up when I'm feeling blue. Like you I've come to love the show even more over time, even season 8 which I used to find abysmal. You know, that time when they made Doomsday into a Kryptonian werewolf, and Chloe went from the smartest character in the series to a bumbling idiotic buffoon. Time heals all wounds, I guess. Always hold on to Smallville!

[@thepagemaster2963]

I love smallvile. Growing up I wasn’t allowed to watch tv during the week. But I was allowed to watch smallville

[@CerealAtMidnight]

No TV during the week? That's strict!

[@knowthycell]

We do the same in my house. My kids barely have any time left after sports, music, drama, homework etc. These are all things they want to do. Except for the hw of course. But I do occasionally give in and they get to choose from my sitcom collection. ALF and Fresh Prince are their favorites.

[@richardpoirier2506]

I used to watch this show every week. I was hooked from the first episode. I do remember when it premiered. I still have all of the DVD sets. It was one of those shows that got better as it went along. But that's my opinion.

[@popretro1]

Great stuff! I only saw season 1 of Smallville back when it aired. Literally the last year I ever had cable TV. Had just started my career, which took a lot of my evening time during that decade, & it was also around the time when I really started looking backwards, reliving all the old shows that were beginning to come out on DVD. I'll have to pick this up sometime. I remember really enjoying that first season.

[@CoffeeBrainzz]

Michael Rosenbaum is cemented as the GREATEST Lex Luther of all time!!! He dichotomy between him and Clark was SO interesting and Michael sold the part so well! He gave such a dangerous yet ‘yearning friend’ vibe, he nailed it so hard!!! 💯

[@nomavore6677]

A lot of people praise Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor, and I agree he knocked it out of the park, and remains my favourite on screen Lex. However, I don’t see as much praise for my personal favourite on-screen actor of the series, John Glover as Lionel Luthor. He was we such a force in the series, and losing him and Lex around the same time hurt. But, wow he was just such an incredible presence for the show. He stole every scene he was in, and I absolutely adored his character.

[@fonkenful]

I’ll repeat what I’ve said elsewhere on this specific point; Michael and John’s interactions were some of the best ever seen on the little screen, and the very different arcs in their relationships with Clark and LLC over the series was, I think, quite artfully crafted.

[@oldman9110]

11:10 Tim Welling had a “No tights no flights” in his contract. I’ve heard him say that in his mind this show was all about Clark Kent and that’s why the show ends when he becomes Superman. Him and Micheal rosenbalm are Doug a rewatch podcast right now.

[@pasomatt11]

You should check out Talkville, the podcast where Michael Rosembaum and Tom Welling talk about every episode for an hour each, it's super interesting to me

[@Tomhyde098]

That’s on my list later this year! I’m currently watching all of Star Trek for the first time and I just finished TNG last night. I’m going to marathon all the movies today and then I’m binging Deep Space Nine. I also have the German X Files set you recommended but I think I’ll watch Smallville first

[@laurag4102]

The last three seasons are my favorite.

[@SoggyBagelz]

LOVE smallville

[@ShaneRob93]

I watched it while it was airing and enjoyed the first 3-4 seasons but then it started just getting too out of hand for my liking, which I find happens with many TV shows that go on that long.

[@Warrrkotka]

It so interesting to hear about it and how you see the differences after revisiting. I couldn't get into it when the first season aired in PL.

[@Azrael_Garou]

Smallville was absolutely my weekly first Primetime Soap Opera growing up through high school and into young adulthood. I was so jazzed the first time I heard the series announced, being a fan of all things DC.

[@bensneb360]

Smallville starts strong, gets rocky towards the middle, then ends strong. I LOVE this show, it has so many of my favorite versions of these characters, so many fun stories, and has that 2000’s nostalgia goodness

[@kunider9714]

I watched only a few episodes here and there, not by lack of interest, i just never gave it much attention. But i was really interested in the later seasons when there's characters cameos all the time. It's where i fell i love with the Legion Of Super Heroes actually, which might sound weird for some people. But hey, you don't choose from where you'll get into something

[@joefixit1775]

Dude you need to watch the new talkville podcast with Tom welling & Michael Rosenbaum. Just finished recapping the first season and now on season 2. They give you all the behind the scenes stories.

[@Foffs_Musings]

This show is so good. Total comfort food. so much made now aims to be dark, everyone seems to be an anti-hero. Smallville always had a unique feel to it. there is nothing like it. it can almost make you uncomfortable at times, similar to watching an episode of Full House (the scene where him and Lana yell into the sky together comes to mind) but it is a delight in it's tone and positive outlook. I would disagree that it was never flawless. The scene at the end of I think season 3 (maybe?) where Lionel Luthor is in prison getting his head shaved as all this horrible stuff is happening to the characters was television perfection. Loved your review.

[@himynameisnickolas]

I love Smallville. I watched it when it originally ran, I owned all the DVDs and most recently I’ve been rewatching with the Talkville podcast. For me this depiction of Lex and Clark is really hits the nail on the head for who these characters are but I think the crown achievement is Erika Durance as Lois. She is the best live action Lois Lane to this day and her and Clark’s slow burn romance is not only the best coupling in a superhero show but one of the best relationship in TV in general.

[@ben8447]

I enjoyed the show and will always have a fondness for it. It's always sad watching Alison Mack and knowing how she became a part of something so evil. She literally became something Chloe would have put on her own Wall of Weird. Heath, do you watch Talkville?

[@CerealAtMidnight]

I download the podcast episodes of Talkville and listen to them weekly. It's essential, especially for the behind the scenes stories about the directors and on set shenanigans. It's great and I think it's gotten more people excited about Smallville.

[@joymiller9668]

I agree about Allison mack, you cant let her actions take all the actors achievements away, its a great story dont let 1 bad apple ruin the best superhero show. I didn't care for the last 3 seasons as a kid, now as a adult i really appreciate the grown up clark and lois and the fully realized character development! ❤😊

[@laural.enright4780]

I try watch this series once every year. I think it is perfect. I sku Marvel (since it's been brought up). I think partly because while I think DC is classic, Marvel characters tend to be put more into the place of the average person trying to deal. And I think that's why I like Smallville. The show had the luxury of being on for 10 years, so it could provide arcs for so many characters and it's great to watch where those arcs are taken. It's especially fun to see the evolution of the relationship between Clark and Lex, and it's heartbreaking to see Lex go so close and yet never achieve what he aims for. I know later series caught crabbing for things, but I didn't care. Straight through, ten seasons, I was fine with it. And the nods to Christopher Reeve's Superman, which for me is the gold standard, were wonderful.

[@orlandobabe]

The series was great but it could’ve been better without Chloe Sullivan. (As far as the Allison Mack case, she belongs in jail with her master. How far do you have to go before you realize you are hurting people?) Chloe was the most annoying character ever, she was too much of everything on the show. Everyone comes to her to do research for them, like no one can freakin google? And her nosy and meddling attitude was truly more villainess then Lex. I would’ve rather that Clark had only Pete and Lana solving cases and saving the day and YES they know about Clark’s secret. I seriously would’ve recasted Lana cause I personally don’t think KK could act not on Smallville or the BATB mess. I also would’ve ended the series on Clark’s graduation. He leaves Smallville to the North Pole. If they could make a Supergirl series they can make a Superman series calling it metropolis. Recast Jimmy with a younger actor, like high school kid.

[@DiestroCorleone]

You should listen to Talkville, the podcast where Michael and Tom rewatch every Smallville episode and comment on them, if you haven't. PS: You got me with Spiderman and 'I have to pay my power bill' xD

[@adriansuarez8245]

during his first run, always has up and down reactions towards the series on how the characters are betrayed, but you know I have those problems all that would I’ve been forgiven, and I would look at more finally if only Tom Will wore the suit and because of that, I cannot bear myself watching this series all over again especially known as over 200 episodes it’s not worth the roller coaster at the end of day beat disappointed of the last episode

[@tonyreno3168]

Everything you said mirrored my own thoughts on the show to a T. Most importantly, the need for idealized characters that aren't like us, but instead are inspirations for who we want to be.

[@CerealAtMidnight]

Thank you, Tony!

[@tonyreno3168]

@@CerealAtMidnight You're very welcome. Would have ordered the Blue Ray from your link, but I already have it 😀. People do not realize what they've lost from my era (I'm in my 60s) of having heroes who were just genuinely good. They lost something to aspire and improve toward. I loved it when Clark came to enjoy Green Arrow's "Boyscout" call sign. I've got a feeling that anything you enjoy, I'd also enjoy, so I'll keep a watch on your channel. Thank you again for saying something I haven't seen anyone else notice. Other things you said that I really loved: Chloe and Allison Mack are not the same person. It's OK to enjoy the character while hoping the actress recovers from her mistakes. This Lois and Clark was special. (Especially to me. Reminds me much of my relationship with my wife, always busting my chops, but also always ready to do the right thing and anything to help me)

[@CerealAtMidnight]

Congratulations on finding your Lois! I have one too. Smallville got so many things right. Thanks again, I really appreciate it.

[@andrewm6424]

You’re absolutely correct. Clark Kent and Chloe Sullivan are the ONLY TWO characters to appear in all 10 seasons.

[@alexsarakapudau1146]

Best Clark Kent, Lex Luthor, Jonathan Kent, Martha Kent, Lionel Luthor are all in Smallville for me.

[@manwiththeplan9903]

I learned how to speak English pretty much from watching smallville.

[@MyDeeroc]

I finally got my older brother to watch smallville

[@djdudjiddj7490]

Damn came out the year I was born

[@daveac]

Enjoyed your take on 'Smallville' if you haven't already done so - checkout the 'TalkVille' Podcast on KZbin with Tom Welling (Clark Kent) and Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor)

[@mattkylie6723]

This series is the only series connected to the first two Superman movies 78 - 80!! and is the best interpretation of Superman

[@jeffwhiz6380]

Wrong

[@mattkylie6723]

@@jeffwhiz6380 Well that’s what Christopher Reeve said who’s considered the greatest Superman of all time .. sorry dude 😊

[@ogieogie]

Michael Rosenbaum was the perfect Lex Luthor. No other versions even come close.

[@CerealAtMidnight]

He was great! He's the only Lex Luthor we've ever gotten in live action that wasn't playing for laughs and that seemed like a real threat.

[@btxteppei7327]

😊

[@Malvito]

Great video. I am dying to get this boxed set and upgrade from my multiple DVD sets, even if only to save room. (Cue "SAVE ME" song.) I also listen to the TalkVille podcast; Mr Rosenbaum is VERY adamant about noting that their seasons were 22 episode seasons, and the difficulty in maintaining a level of quality within the pressures associated with the time issues and the amount of material demanded. It's refreshing to hear because, like with everything else, it's difficult to get into an online discussion about this show without the usual gang of people who easily find the stuff they hate but never say what they like. (Amusingly, with SMALLVILLE, a fan tends to be a First Five Years fan or a Second Five Years fan; it's rare to find someone who appreciates the show as a whole.)

[@michaelfrench2586]

Remember I found seasons one through nine on DVD at Goodwill, and I got the whole thing for about $50, and in my original watching I was really enjoying it all the way through season seven, but then season eight with a struggle, but I finished it. Fast forward to when the Blu-rays come out out I just had to rewatch the show with my mom, and so far we have gotten about halfway through season 2 and I have to say that season 2 is SOOOO much better than the first. The first season is SO “monster of the week” heavy with about 8 episodes of plot, which I’m fine with, but in season 2, instead of Clark Being taken out from kryptonite, it mostly becomes “do I revile my powers to save the day or do I not and risk the safety of others?”

[@rlrobbins9151]

SPOILERS! I just finished ALL of Smallville. Series finally ended about 50 minutes ago for me. I had not watched it when it originally aired on TV but I have a long history with Superman. From watching the 1940s theatrical serials with Kirk Alyn, to the 40s cartoons, the 50s TV show, 70s cartoons, 70s and 80s movies; I've seen many of the Adventures of Superboy show, many Lois and Clark and the list keeps going. I was curious if I could find any opinions on the series and delighted to find you reviewed the series just a month ago. I can honestly say the show was a huge struggle for me to get through. A lot of the plots were just so forced and poorly written. Plot points just forgotten about/abandoned. (Jimmy being a drug addict or Clark and Chloe being worried she would turn evil from having healing powers for 1 season, just to name a couple). Things glossed over that should have been huge issues. Like how no news reporters ever noticed a large man appearing and vanishing with a *whoosh* right in the middle of a new room...over...and over...and over...and over. Lol At least Buffy was smart enough to add a line saying people block out memories of things their minds struggle to believe. There were several episodes where I wondered if the actors/actresses ever stood up to voice concerns about how ridiculous some of the plots were. In the 1950s show, there is an episode where Clark is ill. He gets in the shower and falls, Jimmy rushes in to help Clark into bed. Before shooting the scene the actor playing Jimmy asks "If the only thing keeping us from realizing Clark is Superman is his glasses and you're not wearing the glasses in the shower, how is Jimmy not supposed to realize you're Superman?" To which George Reeves (Superman) responded something about not rocking the boat and just do the scene even though it doesn't make sense. I wondered if a lot of the series plots had the actors/actresses raising the same types of questions. I was also disappointed with the villains. You mentioned that the Arrowverse seemed to have Arrow acting like Batman a little. Was it season 9 that had Clark, standing along at night on the rooftops, gargoyle at his feet all dressed in black with a flowing trench coat looking like a cape? Total Batman ripoff in Smallville. It was definitely an interesting journey and I can see the appeal it had/has for some viewers but I found some of the plots so poorly written it was almost insulting to think the writers thought viewers would accept what they created. A galactic space traveling civilization with the ability to predict the future goes extinct from an exploding home planet. Besides 1 baby who got shoved into a spaceship...and his older cousin who's ship can navigate several galaxies but can't handle being in water, and the Doomsday goo that someone placed on the outside of Clark's very small smooth spaceship that Clark's Kryponian folks somehow didn't notice, and the 2 other Kryponian people who landed in the 2nd meteor shower, so many clones and just on and on and on. To be clear, I've watched the Arrowverse and the plots haven't improved in 20 years. Come on Flash, you can search every room in the city within 2 minutes (breaking and entering/invasion of privacy much?) while searching for someone but you can't catch a regular car that drove off 4 seconds ago. FLASH: "They got away." Just look down the street, it's probably still in line of sight! Lol Watch the 1950s Superman instead of Smallville. Not only are there fewer plot holes but there is an episode where Superman kidnaps 2 criminals, imprisons them on a Mountain top without a trial and it results in their death...like he didn't know they would die. Lol Superman: "Don't try to get away. You'll die if you try to get off this mountain top. I'll bring you food and visit you and play with you." Yeah, yeah. I'm sure 1950s Superman TOTALLY thought those 2 criminals would never try to get away. Mahahaha Up up and away!

[@TP_9033]

I LOVED Smallville! As you said, it was a weekly appointment for me for years! I bought all those bulky DVD’s lol (never got the Blu-ray box set though.) I genuinely enjoyed getting a weekly dose of Comicbook content on tv for ten years. The show gave me a new appreciation for Superman! Chloe was my favorite character, Lex’s storyline was fleshed out the best, Erica Durance is still my favorite Lois Lane, and John Glover gave us one of the most iconic villains of all time! All that said, I did have some issues. They pretty much wasted Pete for the short time he was on. Also, Lana should’ve left the show much sooner than she actually did. That was the biggest issue to me. To drag her and Clark’s relationship out to the degree that they did (along with the reason she ended up leaving Smallville) made Lois damn near look like a second option as opposed to “the one,” imo. And overall, I think they should’ve wrapped the show up sooner than they did. It got quite frustrating seeing all those iconic heroes pop up before Clark even became Superman. Doomsday should’ve never been on the show.

[@raymondrollins7437]

Smallville is my favorite TV show of all time, I've binged the whole entirety of the seasons as they came out, every year going to Best buy to get the "DVDs" on the day of release, the elseworlds spin on his origin gave a new life, the koachi caves served as a predecessor to the fortress and brought an avenue for good stories, but the best part of the show was the family dynamics of the Kent family, i also grew up watching dukes of Hazzard never knowing Schneider would become the father who is responsible for instilling our greatest hero with his humanity. "Always remember SMALLVILLE"

[@Angelo-hm3rn]

loved this show back in the day, going through the bluray boxset now, Tom and Michael have a weekly podcast and KZbin channel going through every episode and what they remember about the show, great watch

[@jamess8306]

On season 7 and so far have a better appreciation of the series as a whole. Think John Schneider is the best Jonathan Kent and the way his character is presented really sets the tone for the series. Tom Welling is under rated here I think he does a good job of taking Clark from a naive teenager to the future man of steel. The only real gripes I have are with Lex ad Lana. First its kind of creepy that Lex hangs out with high school kids and has no friends his own age. Just how much older is he? Never that clear but he is shown drinking so he is at least over 21. And it's clear he is attracted to Lana. My gripe with Lana is that they never seem to know what to do with her. I'm glad I sprung for the box and the quality is very good.

[@brantar5148]

I have collected all of the seasons on DVD when they came out and when this was available I was really excited and picked it up on a good sale. For me I liked the first five seasons better than the last five. One thing I really noticed after watching the whole show straight through was how annoying Jonathan was. Yes his character was good at heart, but some times he made matters worse and with most of the characters the lying about everything kinda got on my nerves. The show overall is my favorite superhero series and nothing made since has surpassed it.

[@Minty0091]

Smallville is A great Superman Show. Saw all the episodes on Hulu. I remember watching Smallville on the CW at 8pm. It was on before Supernatural.

[@ethinwhite3454]

I love this show. I grew up with it. But I think it has the same problem most tv shows in the 2000s has. Too many episodes. They didn't need 26 episodes per season. They could have done 13 to 16 episodes and it be just as good.

[@GamerWho]

Early seasons were a bit villain of the week, but it did get better. Well it was a roller-coaster but when Lois turns up it got pretty dang good. That last scene was *chef's kiss*

[@randallrutherford1384]

Great stuff. Love Smallville. Also really enjoyed your content. Lois and Clark: the new adventures of Superman?

[@raphaelleroy9391]

This TV Serie is a masterpiece, but ! Only watche from Season 1 to 7 and just avoid season 4 (too teenage). But trust me this TV serie is a masterpiece.

[@jamess8306]

Hey Heath have you checked out the Talkville Rewatch podcast? Some interesting stuff depending on the episode

[@damiancortes7044]

I grew op on smallville and I actually met lex and Clark in Boston they are amazing people and this show is my favorite show of all time

[@cameroncloutier]

In one of the Smallville flashbacks in "Man of Steel", you can see Sullivan Farms in the background.

[@shawntaylor7442]

Smallville was appointment TV to me as well. In the later seasons, I did miss some ep here and there. Overall I really enjoyed it and I need to do a rewatch.

[@clarkspacewayne2672]

Perfect combination of a good show and a cringe show. I love it.

[@meowza3k]

several episodes had a pop-song montage moment. i was wondering if they had to replace any of the songs because of rights. i'm sure it was all owned by Warner Bros. but sometimes they change them like they did on the dvds of Witchblade

[@CerealAtMidnight]

I don't think there have been any music replacements. Smallville was famous for its music and nothing has been modified, to my ears.

[@mguy1977]

The first 5 seasons were golden, 6 & 7 were good, 8 & 9 were meh & season 10 was a lot of disappointment. If you want Clark in the S suit watch Superboy, 100 episodes of cheesey action & a hot redhead Lana Lang over on Tubi streaming.

[@CerealAtMidnight]

That 80s Superboy series is pretty rough. They spent about $1.50 per episode. Strangest of all, it was filmed in Florida, which is such a bizarre (no pun intended) location for a Super-series. All four seasons are also on DVD.

[@Dan_TheAnimal]

I’m so happy you mentioned Supergirl because then I’m assuming you saw when they brought back Tom Welling as Clark in that crossover. To me that is the perfect ending to Smallville. He is the best Clark in my opinion. While the series wasn’t perfect it was a introduction to some of the more obscure parts of the DC universe. I grew up watching the show, I was 8 when it debuted and I was 18 when it was done so it had a huge influence on me. I haven’t thought about going back and watching because it was such a part of my upbringing but seeing this review like 11 years after the show as ended makes me want to go back.

[@CerealAtMidnight]

8 to 18! Wow, that's really something. I bet the show has even more special meaning for you.

[@Dan_TheAnimal]

@@tvguy61 you see I feel like it’s a good thing because for Clark to do that he must have felt that the world didn’t need Superman anymore.

[@kenrichardson6567]

Loved this show.

[@garysandberg6132]

I love this show

[@thetoythief8940]

I got to season 5 and got busy and haven't picked it back up

[@jonathangoodwin7511]

I personally think not having Welling in the Superman suit was a bad call. Through the series’s 10 year run, the payoff for that dedication should have been Clark’s transformation into Superman. It was supposed to signify Clark fully embracing his Kryptonian heritage while never forgetting Smallville. Aside from Lex’s return, the finale was a letdown. The final battle with Darksied was pathetic and we never really saw Clark become Superman. Welling claims it was for artistic purposes, but in reality, he just didn’t want to be type casted as Superman. And that’s not fair to fans who followed Clark’s journey to become who he was meant to be.

[@christophergarrett7082]

It's a good show. Not great. The quality did waver between seasons and the last three seasons clearly didn't know what to do with Clark as superman cause he was basically superman..I give it a 7 out of 10 for the whole show.

[@BobSaxon-ou7ww]

I enjoyed Smallville for the most part. Some seasons annoyed me like seasons 7 and 9 and half of sea's ten .

[@pishposh4506]

Dragging this show out for as long as they could is the show’s biggest weakness. Clark should have adopted the Superman persona by the end of season 5 or 6 and then they should have made a direct sequel series about Clark being Superman and called it metropolis

[@pishposh4506]

@chr1stopherthrobbin I think ending on season 6 would have been best because season 5 is when Jonathan dies and clark finds the fortress of solitude, so season 6 should have been clark learning from his father's lessons and working on the superman persona more gradually each episode until the finale. Plus like you said after season 6 the show doesn't even take place in Smallville anymore. It's all in metropolis even though clark still lives at the farm for some reason even though there's no one left to tie him to Smallville anymore.