COMMENCEMENT (S4E22) Fortress of Solitude Stories, Tom’s Favorite Series Moment & Deja Vu Finale

[@abeltesfaye_]

Tom honestly seems like such a genuine human being - he takes this podcast seriously & gives great analysis of episodes & I really appreciate that. ❤

[@ThePunkrockergamer]

Fun fact about this episode and the impact it had in my life: i learned how to do a tie because of the Lois Lane clip doing Clark's tie. That helped me a lot growing up. I just taped the episode on a vhs and replayed that part over and over, just for me to learn. Thank you Smallville!

[@trevorgerardfrederick]

In Crusade Lex told Lionel that the stones lead to a trove of knowledge that would "put the library of Alexandria to shame." Its greed. Lex wants power, full stop. The reason why he is starting to lose it in this episode is because EVERYONE is getting in his way.

[@bilalmerhi542]

Correct but unfortunately, Tom and Michael forget or don't care enough to pay attention which has been the problem this season. We even had an episode when they travel to China to find the stone. They seem switched off. I found the Patreons more interesting to listen to, they provided more substance.

[@trevorgerardfrederick]

Trying to throw them a bone here lol, these guys are my freaking idols in many ways. Hoping they take the feedback and try to look at it with a more open and clear lens in future seasons (even the ones with clear issues).​@bilalmerhi542

[@bilalmerhi542]

​​​@@trevorgerardfrederickMichael is overly negative and since he can't get passed that, he misses a lot of which is self explanatory. The worst of it is he's dragging Tom down with him. Terrific actor Michael is, best Lex no doubt but too negative, bad writing or not, he can be more constructive rather than just saying things don't make sense on a comic book show. And this is coming from a supposed horror fan when things are even more incredulous or implausible even the best of them.

[@bilalmerhi542]

​@@trevorgerardfrederickI have alot of problems with certain episodes on Smallville but it's never over something I missed because I refused to pay attention.

[@trevorgerardfrederick]

​@bilalmerhi542 I get that, dawg. Trust me, there's plenty of episodes where I'm like "Jesus Christ" but it's not the vast majority of them. The irony is they do comment on "CW" logic a lot, and yet they don't recognize that when viewing. There's a lot I'm willing to let go, and as a result, I still very much enjoy this show and find a lot of quality within it as a result. If it's hated THAT much and can't be seen objectively, then maybe a rewatch podcast shouldn't be happening. Selfishly, I don't want them to stop lol. But it does get a little draining after a while.

[@vadernoe2126]

Tom getting really mad at Jason for messing with Jonathan and Martha is really cool, such a reaction from a son

[@thribs]

You know from BvS not to mess with Martha

[@DCMarvelMultiverse]

That moment when Clark saves the kid. Fist pump. That. Was. Superman.

[@asyouwish3636]

YESSS esp since it looked like he was just gonna go straight to the cave, he comes out of nowhere to save the kid on the way! just another reason why Superman is the best superhero ❤️ and Smallville really got that, they really got the essence of Superman, and why Tom's portrayal really is the best Clark Kent 👏👏👏

[@richardthemagician8991]

The grandma call at the got me. Choked up a bit. The forgetting is so hard to deal with. I miss my grandma. Beautiful moment.

[@vietnameeseguy]

Clark is slowly accepting who he is and the kid being saved is a glimpse of that. Superman saving and protecting people is his destiny

[@LeoTheHero]

True, it’s very reminiscent of Avatar the Last Airbendeder (even though this came first). Aang didn’t want to be the Avatar and ran away which left the Air Nomads and the world without an Avatar for 100 years. When he awoke from the iceberg he still didn’t fully accept that he was the Avatar, but at the end of season 1 specifically in “The Seige of the North” Aang accepts his destiny, stating that he wasn’t around when the Fire Nation attacked his people and that this time he was gonna make a difference. Clark was a baby when the first meteor shower happened and couldn’t help or save anyone, now that he is older, has all his powers, he chooses to act in order to help during the meteor shower.

[@rebeccaoleary3318]

PLEASE TOM PUT THAT FOOTAGE FOR US TO SEE!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@mattmason8474]

Seriously. What is this all for if we don't get that footage?

[@heatherrosetarot]

Yes, we all need to see this! 👍 😁

[@game_ov3r]

Still needing this video please.

[@Jessica-pf5dh]

1.) I didn’t mind Lois’s nightmare … I felt like it was meant to be comical because we all know it signifies Clark’s destiny. I think it is meant to foreshadow or tease what’s to come. I feel like this shouldn’t have been taken so seriously, it’s just an ironic nod to what’s coming. 2.) when Micheal said “why is she doing that” in regards to Lois and the soldier, I felt like he didn’t really watch the scene. First of all, Chloe pretty much wanted Lois to distract him so that she could escape. Lois was just trying to help her cousin. It wasn’t like Lois wanted to tell the soldier what to do, she just was trying to distract him!! I feel like this should not have been taken so seriously with HOW she distracted him. She had to come up with something in the moment!!!! Second of all, the soldier immediately recognized Lois, it wasn’t like Lois went up to him and said you should know who I am. Third of all, it’s in her character to be fierce and bold.

[@claricesilva2700]

I don't really watch the podcast, just some parts of it but that is the third time i saw a comment of someone saying they don't understand Lois's personality. Or they simply like to hate on her or something lol.

[@jasonbecke]

That’s crazy how Michael still has his grandma and he’s in his 50s! Most people lose their moms in their 50s and he still has his grandma! Lucky guy

[@jerodast]

I mean, "most people" is relative to what the generational gap is in your area. If you have two generations that had kids when they were 22, well, your grandparents will be 96 when you're 52. With that said, yeah, 96 is an impressive age in any demographic.

[@AgainstTheTide1980]

He's lucky he has a grandmother, but from what he has said in past episodes his life has not been easy.

[@lincoln2324]

Michael is not the target demographic, WE GET IT. Honestly guys, for a season finale I was expecting you to be a bit more meticulous about certain moments of the episode: that whole moment between clark and his parents before he leaves the farm was so emotional, when Lionel gets catatonic and Lex whispers him he's finally the son he always wanted, Lois starring at the town shocked after the meteors fell, Lana's scene after the helicopter crashed was dope, among others. There was a lot of tension building up the moment of the impact and when it happens it feels horrible, and of course the final shot with the crystal thrown in the air was epic.

[@catherinerull3739]

Interesting that the two most important characters in Superman's life helped him with his tie - Lex and Lois. Very symbolic - like handing over of the torch and hinting that Lois is taking over Lex's role as best friend in Clark's life.

[@claricesilva2700]

I think at least in Smallville, Chloe is Clark's best friend.

[@tompollockjr144]

The "washing bloody hands in a bowl" thing is definitely absurd. I get it, they were trying a Lady Macbeth reference where she can't wash the blood out... But it doesn't really work here. The Talon is now covered in Jeneve Teague's blood, as well as Lex's car, AND the mansion. Still a great episode though.

[@TheLegacyOfHalloween]

I have to say this. I love the podcast and I loved the show. Second favourite show all time. I appreciate how candid everyone can be! Love the accountability. I can’t speak for others but I’m a Patreon supporter and it’s really hard to hear “maybe we will come back for another season” after you guys committed to do all 10 seasons. I understand Michael and Tom are busy guys who’s schedules could be come insane at any point. However if people are spending their hard earned money to support the podcast I think we all would hope if the support keeps up that the show will keep going. I think there’s a large portion of the fan base who really want to see Michael tackle seasons 8 through 10 where he’s not in it. Without Michael’s incredible performance in the first 7 seasons the following 3 aren’t even possible. I understand if it becomes something you don’t want to do but it’s something a lot of us have looked forward to for a long time. As a guy who was going through treatment in the later seasons of Smallville I can honestly say this show was a form of escapism for me. I suffered a heart attack not long ago and once again the show and podcast pulled me through it and provided the distraction I needed. So thank you for that. Here’s hoping for another 6 seasons! Also if you can’t get the Smallville animated show off the ground a 4-6 episode special (Gilmore Girls style) could work or an on going audio drama.

[@abeltesfaye_]

Couldn't agree more 👏🏽

[@opt1pr142]

Wish there was an option to heart this comment instead. 💕

[@jej18]

Clark saving the kid was epic

[@gabetrix]

One of my favorite episodes of the entire series! I am a little disappointed that Jensen couldn’t make an appearance on the podcast. I know he’s got a busy schedule but a 10 minute phone call would have been enough

[@clairemendoza8082]

@gabetrix Who knows. Maybe Jensen will l make a surprise appearance for season 5. Although he wasn’t in it in season 5 would be nice! Oh and Jane Seymour. Can’t forget her ❤️❤️❤️

[@Carla_FT]

Yeah and Tom & Jensen are good friends. It's surprising.

[@Carla_FT]

​@@clairemendoza8082 I really hope for Jane Seymour too. She was so great in the movie Somewhere in Time with Christopher Reeve.. They had so much chemistry.

[@clairemendoza8082]

@@Carla_FT OMG Yes! Would have loved for Michael to talk more about her. :)

[@clairemendoza8082]

@@Carla_FT They both always praise each other's performances. Its nice to see co-stars still keep in touch. Its a credit to both Tom and Jensen and the kind of people they are. Both from time to time would ask advice of the other and it was cool to hear. :) When Jensen introduced Tom to the Winchesters (prequel to Supernatural) at the NYC Press conference he said he wanted someone who had not the only the talent and strength but the strong will to play Samuel Campbell. :)

[@SusanGaskin]

I'm so glad Tom mentioned the hilarious scene between Chloe and Lex in the cave where she hurled him headlong into the rocks. Such a hilarious scene!

[@jerodast]

My favorite part of that is like...if she threw him into the wall, and he was just KOd for the rest of the scene, that would be one thing. Like "oh the weird burst of light really did a number on you! What a chaotic moment that was!" But...he's still conscious haha. He's getting up thinking "it could not be more clear that you just shoved me over for NO JUSTIFIABLE REASON". It was a bold move by Chloe but there was zero plausible deniability the way it worked out, so it's pretty funny she even bothered to give an excuse at all 😂😂

[@jeffh06]

Chloe shoved lex to the wall for no reason too weasel out heated argument which was lol!!🙂‍↔️😂

[@Krypton_Ken]

Season 4 may not have been the best overall season but it had some great episodes (Run, Onyx), the introduction of the gorgeous and phenomenal Erica Durance as Lois Lane, and an absolutely outstanding and badass season finale. One of the great things about Smallville was how consistently entertaining it was for 10 seasons, a lot of highs, a few lows but overall that quality was maintained for 10 freaking years, that's unheard of these days. Something to proud of fellas. Thanks for doing Talkville guys, it's been a lot of fun!

[@lifeisberserk9566]

THIS YES

[@rebeccaoleary3318]

LOVE that Bryce is in on these episodes guys please keep that going.

[@tentonmotto6779]

Bryce actually pays attention because he writes the scripts. His comprehension is better than of other hosts, most of the time.

[@sammywohl5194]

I watch another podcast where they put a small window on the bottom right where it’s the producer on a webcam. Would love it if Talkville did that for Bryce!

[@cainabel2009]

@16:30 Lois was able to do that because she is the general's daughter. She went up to him and asked if he knew who she was. He replied that she was the general's daughter. The soldiers work for the general, so he is going to show his boss daughter respect. When Lois went into soldier mode and pretended she was doing an inspection, he stood at attention. For all he knew, the general had sent his daughter to inspect if the soldiers was doing his job properly (remember Lois stated about the barricades being not far enough), so it makes sense for him not to yell at her. Think about it: if you work for a boss and their daughter came into the building, are you going to throw her out or calmly talk to her? Remember, one wrong word and you could lose your job when she tells her father.

[@miscott6852]

That’s not how the Army works. Lol. That scene was pathetic. A soldier would NOT stand at attention for some civilian girl. *eye roll

[@intrepidapollo]

God Bless - 96 year old Grandma. Wow! Good Grandson.👏

[@opt1pr142]

Yes, a good man and a wonderful grandson 💕

[@nickg89]

Rosenbaum just isn’t the target demographic for this show. That’s why he dislikes more episodes than he likes. Also have to take into consideration this was in the 00’s and on the CW. Compare this to other sci-fi shows around this time and Smallville blows them all out out of the water by a long shot.

[@Costas22]

The target demographic is Superman fans. Michael likes Superman. He doesn't like shitty writing.

[@rensin2]

Smallville doesn't blow Lost out of the water.

[@melindamercier6811]

@@Costas22 🎯 People just don’t like that their fave actors are normal people with personal opinions and aren’t insane superfans about every minute of the shows they were on.

[@JEBossTon92]

@@Costas22 Rosey likes the Superman movie. He has stated numerous times that he never read comics, grew up liking superheroes, or likes to watch superhero related media.

[@GothamKnight84661]

@@melindamercier6811 Or hate movies that they were never apart of it. That maybe did a certain character better even if he snapped a dudes a neck. Honey, that's called bitterness they have..

[@hayleywilkinson6990]

Awww Michael what a beautiful moment with your grandmother thank you for sharing love to yourself tom ryan and brice look forward to season five

[@НаталияВолкова-д4щ]

Jason having a bad day, Lois' face at the end, Lana in the chopper, Clark saving the kid, the Fortress... absolute treasures.

[@starlighter93]

That last scene on the glacier - it's crazy. I was convinced that it had to be green screen. I would have never thought that you actually were dropped down there.

[@kadosho02]

They definitely went all out. Made it even more special

[@TalkVillePodcast]

crazy indeed

[@angelofmercy8448]

I thought they had somehow used a stunt double. Glad Tom explained shooting that scene because it always baffled me how they managed to have ZERO tracks in that snow AND a full-on shot of his face.

[@Dagenspear]

@@TalkVillePodcast PLEASE, to you, your grandmother Michael and EVERYONE, if you haven't already, embrace the One True Only God YHWH Jehovah, Only One Jesus Christ His Only Begotten Son and Lord and Savior of our souls and the Only One Holy Spirit. God is good. God is love. Jesus is Lord. Jesus IS coming. Your soul depends on it! I have seen God act in my life. He saved my soul, changed my heart, changed my mind, helped people through me, took care of people in my life, people I hurt before I found God. God is the only reason I was able to reconcile with my dad before he died. God worked through Jesus Christ to save our souls. Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and that God raised Him from the dead and you will be saved. Be baptized in The Holy Spirit, and if He wills, water as well. Repent of your sins, accept God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit into your heart, that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son Jesus Christ, that all who believe on Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus Christ is The Way, The Truth and The Life. No one comes to the Father Jehovah God but through Him. Not long after I got saved I prayed to God for help understanding the Holy Bible, and that same day someone knocked on my door asking me if I wanted to understand the Bible. The Holy Bible says, "love thy enemy", "turn the other cheek", "If your enemy is hungry, feed him", "if he is thirsty, give him a drink", "pray for those who persecute you", "do not repay evil for evil". LORD willing, all humans may commit sin of almost every kind (gay, straight), and that's wrong, and all humans sin, as God tells us through the The Holy Bible, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." The Holy Bible also says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Thank God you've had so much time with your grandmother! That's a miracle right there.

[@jerodast]

The sad thing is, the number of people who assume it was green screen probably goes to show it wasn't worth the expense haha. Like, you have had a ton of CGI sunsets in this show. You've established the quality level of this brand already, you're not going to suddenly transform people on how cinematic it is with one cool actual wilderness scene. But glad it was a "fun" shooting experience!

[@tosiebel5522]

5:13 even though it seems silly it actually is kinda smart! If Lana had washed her hands in her own sink or a sink that’s evidence. Washing them in a bowl that can be thrown out or disposed of and tossing the bloody water somewhere that wouldn’t tie back to them is sneaky- like Lex. 😂

[@GH-yf4qb]

I think it was meant to give a lady mcbeth Shakespeare vibe lmao

[@amishdesai1903]

It’s worth remembering that the Kents aren’t the most financially stable family. In the face of a pending catastrophe its understandable that they would try and take as much as they could during an evacuation, it’s not like they have enough money to just buy new stuff in case meteors just wreck everything in their home. I love the podcast guys, looking forward to season 5!

[@samsuperman1988]

When this episode aired I was getting ready to leave an abusive situation. I was 3 months away from turning 18. My graduation was 2 days after this aired, on the 20th. Being able to concurrently go to high school with the show saved my life.

[@itsRichErich]

The first four episodes of season 5 are perfect to me. Consistently some of the best. Hope to see that season on here soon

[@randykruse1289]

The meteor shower was a result of the sacred stone being tainted by human blood. 24:35 Absolutely agree with Tom here, Always love Chloe and her pushing lex into the wall really showed her dedication to protect Clark and his secret.

[@epa316]

Jensen crawled out of the wreckage of the Kent farm, and into a '67 Impala. I wish there was footage of the time Jensen and Jared gave Tom Welling a lift in the Impala, since both shows were shot in the same area.

[@opt1pr142]

🤣 💕 love this comment

[@melindamercier6811]

Your grandmother! 🥹 She’s precious!

[@elscorcho7033]

Seriously she might be the sweetest lady on the planet, I started tearing up at work. Enjoy every moment with her Rosie!

[@fleason771]

"Be careful Lex it might be dangerous.." Honestly for me S5 starts here!! This is my favourite Smallville finale of the WHOLE series. The stakes are fantastic, all the scenes with everyone I adore (Yes Michael especially the Lois & Clark one's but especially the one's with the Kents) & it builds to such an incredible crescendo! Dear God I loved watching Smallville 🤯 & had to join Patreon to rewatch this ep with you. Jenson gets a good send off but we do get a piss poor resolution to the Isobel storyline which is it's only fault. Just an incredible finale as a British fan I will forever remember 🥰 Love you guys & "Always Hold On To Smallville"

[@ryandeffley7652]

I thought it was a terrible send-off for Jason.. It's implied that he is dead in the previous episode. But he miraculously survives a bullet to the chest and a 200ft fall to randomly show up and take the Kent's hostage. 😂 Then despite the fact that he was there and at ground zero for the meteor hit, his body is magically gone, he is never mentioned, and they literally write him off with a newspaper article in Arrival.

[@fleason771]

@@ryandeffley7652 I believe without going through it Jason was shot in the shoulder & he fell into water but I say "good send-off " but honestly it was about the best that probably could be done given the stones search is over. However if you use logic too much in Smallville you will wonder why Jonathan, Lionel & Lex do not have significant brain damage after being constantly knocked unconscious in the series 🤣

[@daniellajavier8838]

I agree! The season 4 finale will always be my favourite one 🎉

[@dave9060]

First off, thank you guys for doing the podcast. It’s great to relive my childhood! I remember when this episode aired on TV. Lots of great stuff in it and my favorite scene was of course the fortress of solitude being created! So many things I want to say about it, but overall it was great to finally put an end to high school and know we are moving forward to more mature storylines and more stuff involving Superman’s story. The next 2 seasons i think are the strongest seasons. I know Micheal hates on these episodes a lot, but I feel it would be nice to just simply talk about the episode and the creating process or interesting notes or facts or connections to the comics or other Superman storylines. I feel the negative reactions to these episodes are getting a bit out of hand. It’s like 90% shitting on the episodes and it can get exhausting knowing that that’s what we are going to tune into. But I will keep tuning in anyway cause I love the show and the cast and the ability to relive them again! Thanks again for the podcast! Just maybe tone it down with the negativity :)

[@JessV624]

Loved that you guys kept Michael's phone call with his grandma! Mine turned 99 y/o this year (March) and she absolutely loves talking with her grandchildren, even if it's just a couple of minutes. Stuff like that just melts my heart ❤

[@thedanger8567]

Thank you guys for doing this. My mom and I loved this show, it was our show for a long time. It's been so cool to see you guys again and hear your stories. Thank you!

[@TalkVillePodcast]

Our pleasure!

[@Arkynkili]

"We're here, too" 😂 Ryan, you're awesome! ❤

[@darwiniacroft]

“We don’t know how deep it is, but just jump and try not to mess up the snow!” 🤣🤯😎

[@qbizzy37]

Here we go baby. The season finally. When I first saw this I was senior in high school myself. And it was so epic to see Clark embrace who he is.

[@BelleyPuffy]

This episode has so much things happening at once. Finally, the stones story comes to an end. I loved that Lois was in Clark's graduation, I know she was there probably to see Chloe but it is very important for their future story. I loved that Chloe helped Clark in the vault. I can't wait for next episode to Chloe admitting to know Clark's secret. I will give this episode 🌹 🌹

[@SunSpinFan]

My favorite scene in this episode was when Lex said to his father, “You created the son you’ve always wanted.” Gives me chills, but soooooo awesome!! My favorite character 😊 Michael, amazing job playing Lex and I agree with you about this episode. Great job :)

[@Brook11223]

This episode felt like Mark Waid's Superman: Birthright where Clark finally starts to embrace his destiny.

[@Krypton_Ken]

Totally!! That's my favorite Superman origin, especially since it has a Smallville feel to it. Only bummer is that it got retconned pretty quick. I don't even know what the official origin is now. Maybe Geoff Johns & Gary Frank's Secret Origin? Again.

[@vivianbloom166]

Aw, the call from Michael's grandma was so sweet. Great way to close out season 4 💗

[@PurpleCrusader420]

Tom teleporting to the studio with editing magic to talk about the sponsors 🤣

[@jerodast]

It's also very dedicated of them to pause the recording to change out of their regular episode clothes for the sponsored bits. Gotta look a little extra sharp huh.

[@joelmaisano8481]

I can't believe that the guys are now questioning WHY everyone is so motivated to find the stones! The *entire season* has been about how the stones have unimaginable power -- which is why Lex, Lionel, Genevieve, Isobel and even Jor-El have been *fanatical* about finding them!!

[@PiliHalliwell]

I even forgot about that, I guess the whole stones plot is a bit of a macguffin

[@asyouwish3636]

my personal theory, since at least half of S4 eps were inconsistent and filled w plot holes, is that originally the main arc was supposed to be about Krypton/training/finding the stones so that they could be joined to make the FoS, and Dr Swann was gonna play a big role, and (w Buffy and Charmed being so successful, plus magic is a huge part of DC comics) they were gonna have sorcery be more of a thread (which would have tied in Genevieve better esp w her connection to Dr Swann) etc. . BUT. . .alas, once filming began, all those plans changed unexpectedly and at last min, Christopher Reeve passed away which triggered a rewrite for the Krypton stuff. Lost Jensen to Supernatural, which is why his character went from cute older man smacking on a teen (lol I swear it wouldn't feel cringey if we were 18yrs old watching it back then) to a homicidal maniac, and those triggered a change in the Margarette-Isabel ancestor/magic story. w the exception of Ageless, all the storylines for the whole season work. but between too many different directors creating inconsistent executions (like, Spell would have been good had the editing not missed so many marks) and too many characters leaving (even Margo Kidder refusing to come back triggered re-shoots and Brigitte Crosby off-camera death etc) so all of that made the original story arc fade away and feel like an after thought. in fact, after a lengthy debate w Costas over several podcasts, I finally determined that the actual story arc ended up being the manifestations of growing up and accountability, and the stone-story line ended up just being a plot device

[@joelmaisano8481]

@@asyouwish3636 Excellent analysis. I agree.

[@aryanascardigan]

One of my favorite scenes, Clark saving the boy from the meteors ☄️Loved this season finale! Thank you guys so much for doing this, you make my Wednesdays better. Finally, the creation of the Fortress and Lana telling Clark she loves him. Always appreciate another great episode ❤

[@moviekris0426]

Ryan, I loved the Clois slip!!! 😄

[@JEBossTon92]

At this point, the show has just become 2 minutes of summary from Rosey and then 5 minutes of what he’d have done differently which usually isn’t an improvement or any more logical than what we got 🤣 Love you, Rosey. But you’re definitely the villain of this podcast. Lol

[@chasingstars4]

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[@thisjustin212]

The inner Lex is slowly emerging.

[@ladyvignette]

Oh, burn.

[@thesweetharmonyxyxx]

The villain of the podcast. Couldn't agree more!

[@jerodast]

"Here's the 3 minute explanation for why I hated this scene! Ryan, Tom, tell me how much you agree with me!" "Well...I thought it was okay..." "Oh. Well on to the next scene then."

[@nickhydier1201]

Such an epic finale. Lot of sweet and Super moments. Clark officially graduating from High School, the second meteor shower rains fire down on Smallville, Love the moment with Clark and Lana in barn where she gives him the stone, she always perceptivly knew who he was. His save of the boy from the meteor was such a great Superman moment. The ending of creating the Fortress of Solitude was such a good one. Happy Wednesday guys!😀😀😀😀🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤❤❤

[@clairemendoza8082]

@nickhydier1201 I agree! Greg Beeman is a genius. Directing this episode wasn’t easy and what a way to close out the season! 10 roses 🌹 for me! Watched the finale the other day and I remember when it aired. I was 7. I was in agony with my mom wondering what was going to happen for the new season. Back in those days we had to wait 4 months until September/October. Pure torture! At least we had the reruns over the summer to watch. As a massive Chloe fan I loved it when she dragged Clark out of the mansion away from Lex lol 😂 Proof that Chloe can be trusted and this is the start of her and Clark’s unique bond. One of the reasons why I stuck with the show. The scene with Lana and Clark in the barn was amazing! Lana showing that despite their ups and downs she trusts him and giving him that stone was a huge step in that. Lana always seems to find her way back to Clark somehow! ❤️❤️ Hope Jensen can be on the podcast soon but the season is over and he’s probably extremely busy but who knows. ❤️❤️

[@nickhydier1201]

@@clairemendoza8082 Absolutely Greg Beeman was always such a gem for Smallville. Wrote some of the best episodes in the series. Even up in season 10. That is such a lovely story with your mom, I remember those days with my dad. Those were certainly more simpler times. Also loved how Chloe saved Clark from the kryptonite in the vault, always protective she is. And yes the barn scene with Lana and Clark was so amazing. Lana always perceptively knew who and what Clark was, trusting/loving him because of it. 😀😀🙏🙏❤❤❤

[@jerodast]

Okay, help me out with the Fortress discussion here. In the episode, and in your comments and a few others, we're talking about the Fortress of Solitude being created. And I had thought, thinking back to earlier watches, that we actually saw it at the end of this episode before cut to black. So I was surprised it was just, throw crystal and "to be continued" - I didn't miss anything right? Are people just thinking of the beginning of the next episode when they're talking about the Fortress being formed "in the last scene"??

[@clairemendoza8082]

@@jerodast I see your point and you're correct in the 4x22 Finale "Commencement," Clark is in the arctic with the 3 stones now united as 1. :) It's pointing in the direction where it needs to go. The Fortress of Solitude is not created until the very beginning of 5x1 "Arrival." :) So no you didn't miss anything. :)

[@clairemendoza8082]

@@nickhydier1201 Absolutely! :) Can't wait for Season 5 re-watch for Tom and Michael and Ryan.

[@lifeisberserk9566]

For me this is easily the BEST episode of the whole show and one of my favorite TV episodes ever

[@patrickmccauley9444]

Fun episode of Smallville. Would love to see a change of podcast format soon - especially with Michael's departure from SV coming up sooner than later. Would love to see Erica join the team - for season 8-10 at the very least, because Michael will tear the episodes to the ground once he is gone.

[@opt1pr142]

@patrickmccauley9444 probably add someone onto the panel, like maybe one of the patreons tops supporters who is able to critique the episode through the lens of the overarc’ing progression of Clark’s journey and the lessons to be learned, but also Lex’s overarc’ing journey, pinpointing critical moments to his story, along with Superman/Lex lore. Also the addition would need to articulate their thoughts in a compelling & intellectual manner. Less emotion to balance out the funny synopsis of the episode and laughs poking holes in show. I can appreciate Michael’s take, we just need some counterbalance. Or perhaps calling Al or some other person with keen insight into why certain things happened to help Michael and everyone else to understand the choices the creators/writers went with. 💕

[@LaunchpadGamingGuy]

This has to be my most re-watched episode of Smallville. Absolutely love the countdown, all of the Clark saves, and all of the action!

[@CDB5584]

I spent 10yrs of my life devoted to Smallville. From 16 to 26 and it kinda breaks my heart hearing one of the best part of the show , LEX! Talk about how awful he thinks episodes are or how bad of a time he had filming them. I dunno just changes the way I look at the show now. Kinda sux.

[@jerodast]

It's honestly one of the least engaged and positive energy "cast/crew rewatch podcasts" I could imagine. Blows my mind they have no shame asking for donations with a host like this. I guess it makes some cash even when he's spending all his energy trying to keep his negativity from devolving into incomprehensibility, so he's gonna keep doing it... Personally I was surprised at the slow pace getting this episode started, just like Michael! I had remembered it as more of an immediate return to form. But that still didn't make me see the NASA guy reading a magazine - actually a kind of classic trope for "NASA gets a signal" scenes - and go "RARRRGH SO DUMB". When Michael's negativity gets triggered, it always bleeds into his perception of everything else. It always seems to take a very long time for them to move past the many, many flawed elements of the show, and sometimes the podcast is over before they do. Which you really have to do to engage with Smallville at all.

[@CDB5584]

But I respect that a show is a different experience for an actor than a fan watching from home. I personally love Smallville no matter what. I have a pic with John Schneider and got to meet Allison Mack and got her autograph (eek I dunno what to do with it now ) but I thought it only got better after the end of 3 and 4th on. When Clark had the black trench coat was eh. But I called the ending back in season 1. It had to end that way. Tuty nailed that

[@crossmission]

I spent the exact same time of my life on Smallville and I find their banter very funny and different than most actors who only have the best to say about their time. Only thing I have a small grudge on is they never bothered just looking into the lore a bit. Not get obsessed with it but at least some bits and pieces.

[@CDB5584]

@@crossmission exactly it's very like cut n dry . This is how it was filming, blah blah . I mean I dunno its almost like they never knew how the story was gonna go nor interested so it's weird to listen to .

[@crossmission]

@CDBlazer84 describes 95% of actors extremely accurately, not everyone is Henry Cavil that gets deep in the weeds of a story.

[@KLeeScott0712]

That was such a great review and a heartwarming ending. Made me miss my nana that just passed 2 years ago now ...time flies. You're a great grandson❤

[@7870tony]

Also remember this was the episode that had the first trailer for Batman Begins attached to it. Our first glimpse of what was the awesomeness that is Batman begins.

[@44excalibur]

I would have preferred that Christopher Nolan had never done any Batman films so that we could have gotten a Smallville/Gotham television universe instead.

[@Dagenspear]

I remember that. I was hyped. I don't even remember if I knew it was a reboot or not. I think I might have thought at one point that it wasn't.

[@7870tony]

​@@Dagenspearright. I remember thinking we don't need another Batman. But then by the end of the trailer I was like...lets go. It got me so hyped.

[@7870tony]

​@@44excaliburtrue I remember thinking after Batman and Robin don't do another Batman. Then the trailer hit and I was like ok this is different and I am excited. But the one guy who hid out with Lana I thought he was Bruce when he was growing up.

[@44excalibur]

@@7870tony You mean Adam? Yeah, a lot of people thought that. But no, I would have preferred a show just like Gotham, only with Bruce a little older (around the same age as Clark) and the two shows crossing over with each other from time to time.

[@DrDrJoshua]

One of my favorite finales of the show. I actually love that the beginning is a little slower, because it's the character-centered calm before the storm (or rather, meteor shower). It's why that second half hits hard, imo.

[@HumorNWaffles]

The night this premiered was also the first midnight showing of Star Wars: Episode 3. Some of us watched this (taped!) episode in the wee hours of the morning bc we couldn't sleep. So much excitement. 🎉

[@jessicabarrett3603]

Michaels grandma at the end 🥹 what an angel bless her sweet soul

[@corbin_4738]

In Gordon Ramsay terms, Rosenbaum loves the praise to his acting but can't watching anyone else's. Haha!

[@a.j.4317]

OMGosh, Michael's grandma calling at the end was so WHOLESOME. I smiled through that whole conversation!!

[@luna.tic_7409]

The importance of showing Lana wash her hands was so we could see how deeply what she had done impacted her. Her hands were shaking, I think this moment is where Lana's darkness started

[@simonsuperstar]

I finally caught up with you! I started bingeing Smallville about 3weeks ago and watched the season 4 finale last night. What an awesome show. I was raising a toddler when Smallville first came out and missed quite a few episodes. My daughter is now 24 and rewatching the series with me. We love Smallville! ❤❤❤

[@dawnsnow7576]

I loved Commencement!! Really enjoyed hearing about the filming in the snow!! That’s incredible!!!

[@Brook11223]

That location in Canada where Clark arrives just looks eo beautiful with the snow and the blue sky. The best shot and it's captured so well. It truly felt cinematic especially with the wide shot sequence.

[@missingyouale]

This finale is iconic... I wish you guys would have called Jensen for this one

[@Costas22]

It was the last chance. :(

[@missingyouale]

@@Costas22 🥲

[@chasingstars4]

Yeah, having Camille for the previous one made me think we'd have a bigger guest star (aka Jensen) for this one

[@haidarhakimable]

I can see them bringing him for a possible season review episode

[@alejandroangel998]

Maybe they tried but he’s a busy actor

[@renzouruguayo6526]

Here is your faithful Uruguayan follower ❤️🇺🇾, Smallville the best series in history, my English is not very good.

[@leannepritchett6323]

🤣🤣. Tell ‘ ‘em how you really feel about the first 1/2 of the show Rosey ❤️. As always, fun analysis and conversation. Thanks for four phenomenal seasons. 6 more to go🙏🏻. Appreciate the kind words at the end. Was a true honor to be a part of a truly epic experience. TGFTVW ❤️🙏🏻.

[@asyouwish3636]

😂 lmao I love what the guys are saying about that ridiculous scene Lana washing her bloody hands in a freaking bowl, in the living room, in Lex's castle, which what had to be at least half hour afterwards... Love Tom's note about Lionel. YESSS that was one of many scenes that made zero sense this ep (weird story-editing for a Beeman ep!) but Glover is SO good! yes he makes it feel like it makes sense

[@JJ_LL]

Loved this episode. It's three roses. This show is big on themes so it's pulling on the reluctant hero, messianic world savior, and the depravity of man. Lex was dying after being poisoned by his dad in Season 3 Finale. So the Fire Stone Lex acquired healed him, burned a witch, and restored Clark's powers. Lex has a fascination with the Stones for that reason. Jor El wants Clark to have them so people like Lex and evil Kryptonians don't get them. The line about Clark being killed by "fired from the sky" I think meant that the threat coming was going destroy the Earth's atmosphere. I know you little turds will remove my comment if I bring up spoilers (even relevant ones because you've done it before) so suffice to say: Jor El knows what Clark will need to do to protect Earth and therefore the Kryptonian's Knowledge of the Universe is required to save Earth from all threats and disasters.

[@theresemarkham9387]

Love this podcast and y’all. One of my favorite fight scenes was the tag team of Martha and Jonathan Kent fighting against Jason. The way that Lionel was hiding in Lana’s apartment was definitely creepy. When Lex tells his dad that you created the son that you always wanted. Chole pushing Lex into the cave wall was clever. The foreshadowing that Lois had about seeing a guy in a red cape and sitting across a bumbling reporter was nice. I love the ending scene with the fortress of solitude. Lex sure had that bowl handy. Brilliant performances by all. I wonder who ship that was at the end ?

[@Jay-sj3io]

That phone call was adorable. Made this grumpy guy heart melt.

[@jerodast]

It's a testament to how little I trust Michael's honesty and conduct on this show, which he clearly hates, that I went "aw that was very sweet. Did Michael keep that private moment in the podcast episode to get the fans off his back about being a reliably cranky douche about the show all the time?"

[@Jay-sj3io]

Wow aren't you cynical

[@stonedstansmith]

@@jerodastover 100 comments on this channel? Rosenbaum stays living rent free in your head my dude.

[@stephendavidson7256]

You guys are so awesome, getting to watch you work together and watch the show that I loved and grew up watching is definitely bad ass. Never thought I would get to watch a channel like this thank you!!

[@clairemendoza8082]

Love the Podcast Tom, Michael, and Ryan! Love all 3 of you gentlemen! The finale of season 4 was so epic! I could totally give it 10 roses 🌹 if I could. I remember when it aired when I was 7. Smallville is one of those shows besides Supernatural in my opinion that really does do finales extremely well! Greg Beeman directing this episode was incredible as well!! He’s awesome and I love how Tom and Michael always praise him. From what I’ve heard he’s also an amazing guy and he’s a genius. When this episode aired my mom and I had to wait in agony for 4 months not knowing if there was going to be a new season. Back in the day if there was going to be another season the press releases were done differently compared to today. Now we have social media to announce things. I remember going oh come one that’s how it ends! I remember earning the reruns during the summer to help me get thru until September lol 😂 TV shows were more exciting to watch back then. Now there’s streaming and it’s less exciting IMO. People watching the show now can watch whenever they want and not have to wait for it to come out like most of us had to. So the opening scene was awesome! Jane Seymour just killed that scene! Smallville has some amazing cat fights! Isobel possessing Lana one last time to get her revenge was awesome! Lana’s shock and horror after realizing she just murdered Genevieve was exceptional acting by Kristin. Lex taking her to the mansion and taking care of her I thought was really sweet. Lex truly wanted to help her. Then again he has ulterior motives. He still wants the stone and is still obsessed just like Lionel, Lex, Jason, and Genevieve, are. That’s what Jor-El warned Clark about. The stones were meant for Clark and no one else. The greed of humans will always cause annihilation to the world. That’s what happened to Krypton. Earth was going to be ruined if Clark didn’t unite the stones. All season the whole idea behind the stones and the tattoo on Lana’s back all makes sense now. I loved the scene between Clark and Lana in the barn. She tells him she loves him and he says the same. Her giving him the stone shows that she trusts him. She even said “I think it’s meant for you.” She clearly didn’t trust Lex. He kept asking for the stone and she turned him down each and every time. Interesting how the men in Lana’s life up to this point always disappoint her and every time she goes to Clark for not only comfort but protection. The scene where she’s boarding the helicopter 🚁 was done so well! It must have been so difficult to shoot that scene in the wind 💨 but wow it was exceptional IMO. Lex going stir crazy 🤪 grabbing her purse 👜 trying to find the stone. Lana wasn’t wrong. He didn’t care about her safety. Then he says “you mean more to me than you know.” I’m not sure if I believe him. How much of the bad Lex from “Onyx,” is still there I wonder? Lionel’s scenes are always to notch! Man is a real pro. I loved the line when he said “for a woman without a heart that woman sure did have a lot of blood.” He’s now in a catatonic state which will make sense in the next season. The scene where Lois tells Clark about the dream she had about a man wearing a red cape was super funny. Foreshadowing what is to come for her and Clark much later in the series. As well as the scene of him in the loft getting ready for his high school graduation. I love how she said with her luck she’d end up sitting across from a reporter that’s a nerd. 🤓 Also foreshadowing their future. Clark mentioning her getting into journalism as well. I thought it was a nice touch her helping him with his tie. I love those little moments between Clark and Lois. There’s definitely in my opinion attraction there on both their parts but at this stage in the game it’s way too soon to bring them together. I love how Lois was distracting the men so Chloe could get to the mansion. Always giving some sassy one liners and I’m so here for it! Jason cornering the Kent’s was an amazing scene. Proof that from the episode prior when he fell into the water 💧 he survived. I kinda knew he survived because there was no body. In the episode commentary Erica and Annette say how lovely of a person Jensen was to work with and how kind he was. I read somewhere he even asked Annette a few times if she was okay because the scene got pretty violent and fast. John any memories working with Jensen in this scene? When you have John Schneider back on the podcast soon please ask him about that scene. ❤️ Jensen knocked it out of the park. All covered in blood. His mother did a number on him. I actually felt sorry for him. Genevieve drove him to maddens like Lionel does to Lex. At least that’s what I got out of it. Please have Jensen and Jane Seymour on the podcast soon! It was a perfect way to end his story line by the meteor ☄️ dropping on the Kent house. My favorite shots was of the meteors hitting Smallville! I loved those scenes! Exploding and people panicking! Loved it! My other favorite shot had to be of the little boy Henry that Clark saved. The meteors coming from every direction and the little boy just standing there. His toy truck was red and blue. A nod to Superman’s colors. I picked up on that. Clark coming on at the right second and saving him was such an amazing moment. The boy saying “you’re not my daddy.” Oh so cute and can I just say what a handsome little boy! Martha saying “not again,” when they announced the meteor shower was coming was my thoughts exactly. My final favorite camera angle was when Lois climbs up a little hill and sees the destruction of the town was so sad. She looked like a little girl IMO. Great shot Greg! Also the helicopter 🚁 crash was so awesome! I honestly thought Lana didn’t survive when I first watched it on the air. She’s a survivor that’s for sure. The shot of her seeing the spaceship 🚀 and it opening was wow 😮 The scene where Clark talks to Jor-El was outstanding. It was hard for Clark to hear that he brought this on himself and that there was nothing he could do to prevent the inevitable but I admire Clark for obeying him. When Clark said he couldn’t do this alone made me emotional. Jor-El might be in spirit but he’s always with Clark every step of the way. The scene where he tells Johnathon and Martha he couldn’t go either them always made me cry. 😢 I remember it to this day and I was 7 when this episode aired and am now 26. Johnathon telling Clark he was proud of the man he had become just pulled at my heart strings. Johnathon and Jor-El want Clark to be better than them. Lionel doesn’t want Lex to achieve greatness. That’s the difference between them. Martha didn’t want to say goodbye 👋 to him either but knew that Clark’s destiny was far beyond the farm. She was always so close to Clark. When her and Johnathon hug 🫂 I feel for them. They don’t know if they will ever see him again. This was a turning point for Clark. A big step into accepting his Kryptonian heritage. Which will lead to the ice fortress or the Fortress of Solitude in the beginning of Season 5. I am a massive Chloe fan and I loved the scene where she pulls Clark out of the mansion and protects him. I just love her so much. Chloe has matured so much since season 1. This scene proves that Clark can depend on her. She can be trusted. He will need her by his side. Chloe will always defend him. She becomes an ally and confidant that he can’t afford to loose. No matter how high the mountain or how deep the abyss, Chloe is the one who will be by his side. She will follow Clark anywhere no matter the danger. Lex loosing his mind when he took Chloe to the caves is foreshadowing what’s to come for Lex and his descent into darkness. Chloe knocking him out was smart. The light where Clark was standing was so bright Lex couldn’t make out if it was him. Or could he? Spoiler Alert 🚨 Chloe does end up in the arctic with Clark. The last shot of the stone pointing in the direction of where Clark has to go was amazing! Tom. Any memories of filming in the snow? Where exactly were you at? Canada? I love how the stone came right into the camera and then it said “To Be Continued.” The numbers counting down in this episode was a nod to 24. ❤️❤️ Nice touch since I know Tom is a massive 24 Fan! ❤️

[@EnvoyOfDestinyZ]

20:48 Lexs motivation was always, getting Answers of all the riddles in his life and he knows deep in his heart, that all these things are connected Editing Smallville into short seasons and re-releasing them would be incredible, because that way today's generation could get to know the series According to Jor-El, Clark saved the entire Earth by combining the crystal. I thought that would mess up the save count a bit from now on, but you just kept counting normally :D Another great finale of smallville with so much intense scenes and also Lexs dialogue"You did create the son you always wanted"

[@tinatinarmainteresebs9255]

I actually agree about the Lexmas episode title critique, the name makes it sound like a light holiday special but it's a pretty psychologically heavy one with really intense decisions.

[@GeminiWolfstarGaming]

One of the hardest things for a writer is coming up with a title. With Smallville's one-word title episodes, I imagine it was kind of difficult to come up with a title that fits each episode.

[@Ambereigh]

That is exactly why it was the perfect title. What else could you possibly expect from LEXmas???

[@chasingstars4]

Nah, Lexmas is iconic and tells you everything you need to know about it in one word.

[@MrDooteronomy]

Very psychologically heavy, especially when Santa Clause gets Superman to help him to deliver all the presents to the little kiddies.

[@chasingstars4]

@@MrDooteronomy Hahaha exactly. I bet Rosey is unaware of that part, though, since he probably only read his scenes 😂

[@rosielmartinez3855]

Two weeks ago I started watching Smallville and I love it, I'm on season 9, I'm 29 years old and I didn't know about this series but when I saw Tom I thought I knew him, maybe I saw an episode when I was little and my memory was activated for sure because of that. It made me want to see it, I just thought, it looks like the first one he played as Superman.❤

[@jerodast]

You've been watching 8-9 hours of Smallville a day for 2 weeks? That is hardcore haha. I think I did that with _Always Sunny in Philadelphia_ but I think I remember the show a lot poorer because of how fast I went through it :P

[@asyouwish3636]

that's a serious binge! but no judgement cuz I finally started Smallville in August and pretty sure it took me around a month to finish it! once S8 and 9 started I was even more hooked! Still kicking myself for not watching it live (I am a little older than you) but better late than never! enjoy :)

[@Ambereigh]

Season 5 is my favorite season. Im afraid for them to even continue. I don’t want the episodes to be trashed. If reckoning is hated on 😢😢

[@lifeisberserk9566]

Reckoning is my second favorite episode after this one they will love it because the acting and emotions are 10/10 in that one

[@Ambereigh]

@@lifeisberserk9566 Even the episode after that is really good with how Lana deals and I feel like that will be picked apart too :(

[@keishahill9496]

Michael I just have to say your grandmother is AWESOME. Bless her ❤

[@dannysalamon5731]

Lex started the season sick after the poisoning in the season 3 finale. When he gets back to the plane the doctor says he needs a blood transfusion every so often or he could die. This storyline was never mentioned again and always bothered me, but maybe that was his initial reasoning for searching for the stones

[@dannimcarthur2591]

Just finished watching this episode. Enjoyed it as always. I called it on Ryan's fave scene 😊 that was a good scene! The call from grandma Blanche brought me to tears, she is the sweetest ❤ what a lovely moment 🥰

[@ladyvignette]

I feel like fans need to make a podcast, by the fans for the fans, lol. I've almost never hated an episode of Smallville or noticed it being irrational. It's based on a comic book. It's not supposed to be realistic.

[@Costas22]

There are many fan podcasts on Smallville. This one is just more popular and interesting because people who actually lived the show comment on it. If you only care about listening to someone who echoes your blind love for the show, then Talkville isn't it.

[@sasquatchd75]

I liked that the episode was a quicker pace and they had a sense of urgency and then had the contrasting ending scene where when Clark is standing there in the snow it felt like it (in a good way) slowed down again. From chaos to simplicity. Great episode.

[@jerodast]

That's a good call! The imagery is certainly striking but it didn't quite occur to me the other parts were deliberately amped up to contrast with it.

[@rebeccaoleary3318]

OMG Michael your grandmother is SO sweet thank you for leaving that in.

[@VesperGray11]

So glad you are all continuing to season 5, I promise it gets better as it goes on. I wasn’t a huge fan of season 4 overall but I enjoyed it for what it was and appreciated moments and the context. Rosie, I just wanted to say what a treat it was to hear your sweet Grandma’s voice, I am a nurse and I work with seniors mostly and that warmed my heart so much. She is such a lucky lady to have you in her life. Thanks for sharing that moment with us. Thank you Tom, Ryan and Bryce and everyone else involved in making this wonderful podcast. Looking forward to season 5!! Can’t wait!

[@intrepidapollo]

Halfway through this podcast, 3things struck me. 1) I always get a chuckle when Michael and Tom have no recollection of a pivotal scene - Michael “I was surprised at how aggressive I was with her..” Tom has almost no recollections (previous episodes), but living a life and having kids it reminds me of a Homer Simpson shirt I wore at finals - ‘Everytime I learn something new, it pushes something old out of my head.’ 😂 Tom - very cool recollection of your experience on the glacier. That should be in a DVD extras segment. Michael - Duuuuude! Your snowmobile save - Awesome! That goes to show that you have it in you to instantly do what is required, even if it’s not required from you personally. Now, if there were a baby on board the helicopter then that would have been heroic, instead of just impressive.💪

[@iamjimfriend]

This was a fun episode. I remember watching it the first time and was left very excited. You can’t get caught up in the small stuff.

[@asyouwish3636]

aww was really hoping for Jensen today, but we still have the season recap next week! 🤞🤞🤞

[@Floflo1]

I enjoyed this episode so much. It's incredibly epic! I can't wait for your reactions to episode 1 of Season 5 with the beginning of a real friendly bond between Clark and Chloe! ❤ Love you guys from France.

[@chasingstars4]

Yeah... with the way Rosey's going I don't know that we're gonna get season 5 of Talkville, guys 😭 And I was so excited for the commentary on Commencement, too...

[@MarkSmith-th1ij]

Great podcast!! The season 4 finale is one of my favorite episodes ever!! The so called slow start was to tie up loose ends and also to foreshadow future events such as Clark and Lana and later Clark and Lois. It is special that Lois is at her future husband's graduation with her in laws!! As for the scene of Lois with the soldier I love that!! It shows what a badass Lois can be and the soldier would definitely be very careful with the general's daughter. All in all a fabulous episode the super save of the little boy was my favorite scene. Great acting by the whole cast and a great set up for season 5. Big shoutout to Michael for taking care of his grandmother. She is right to love this grandson who cares so much for her!!

[@thedefinitionisthis]

While this season wasn’t it for me, I do have to admit that this season finale is probably my favorite of the entire series run. The shot of Clark saving the kid from the oncoming meteor, and shielding him from the debris is not only an iconic “Smallville” imagery, but iconic Superman imagery as well. The whole countdown to the impact of the meteor shower was clearly a riff on “24,” which was hot at the time, but it totally worked. Seeing Clark consciously make this decision to go help where he’s needed, as he’s searching for the stones, was great to see. And of course the ending with him in the arctic? As a comic-book reading kid, I remember just geeking out when he got transported there, as I knew EXACTLY what was coming. I legit cheered when when he tossed the Crystal, and then went “FAAAACK” when it cut to “To be continued…”. I still remember the preview for “Batman Begins” playing after the episode was over. Again, as a comic-book reading nerd, it was just so cool to see Superman & Batman get this kinda media love and attention. Looking forward to season five with y’all! I know some comments here are about how Rosenbaum rags on the show, but frankly I kinda love that contrast between him and Tom (and Ryan & Bryce)… Us fans love the show of course, but we never really stop to think that sometimes the actors on it might not be fans of it or the genre in general. While it makes for a sometimes maddening listen, it also makes for a more interesting one that differentiates it from other rewatch pods that are more overtly self-congratulatory.

[@cherylebbs2079]

It did provide them with a paycheck every week for 10 years. In Michael’s case 7.

[@jerodast]

My issue is Michael's outright refusal to engage with parts B and C of the show after he's decided he didn't like part A and has switched into grumpy mode. Which often leads him to cut off the others from engaging with it either.

[@cherylebbs2079]

@@jerodast I don’t even know why Michael started the podcast if he harbored so much narcissism and resentment.

[@AnnePBeech]

Thanks for the another great Talkville season! I love checking in mid week to give me the work break! Truly enjoy hearing all of your views! Just great to see and hear your reactions now that you can watch Smallville as a fan like us! Can't wait for Talkville and Season 5!

[@fedwyn]

For Tom: I don't think they forgot about the clock, because the last time we see it is when there's only a minute left for impact

[@dominique9187]

The conclusion of the season 4 is apotheosis as well as the discussion and the patreon guest 💥!! Extraordinary scenes and masterful acting, i’m blown 😲👏👏👏👏💙❤💖

[@DanKeeleyMusic]

Tom, you have that footage of Rosie saving lives and you're choosing not to share it?! We're dying over here!

[@rhiannongreen2642]

Agreed!

[@jerodast]

I do think the guys might've seen too many Smallville stunts with exploding tanker trucks if they thought a snowmobile was likely to blow up 3 helicopters haha. With that said, still totally dangerous to damage your helicopter at all OR to have a runaway snowmobile, so that maneuver sounds absolutely rad and I would love to see it 😆😆

[@edwincarpenter2669]

Michael, what a great way to end the episode with your grandmother calling in. She was so sweet and you can tell you love her. My wife and I both loved the ending. My grandmother raised me and lived till she was 96. I hope your grandmother makes it beyond that. I agree that the second half of this episode was the best! Keep up the good work. Love the podcast.

[@misoboskovic]

I will never understand how is possible that seemingly nice guy like Jason in the beginning of S4 is, at the end, psycho killer ( he tried to kill 4 people😮 ). That was really strange, never liked that. I understand that writers wanted to get rid of him, but serial killer ( ok, almost) was a bit too much. Nevertheless, EPIC episode❤. S5 - can't wait. I can't believe that is almost 2 years since Talkville pilot episode!

[@asyouwish3636]

this whole season for Jason was completely back/forth cuz his schedule got messed up and then he ended up not staying on past the one season so that he could start Supernatural. the finale is a perfect representation for the whole season: great potential, a bunch of ambiguous or illogical story-editing, inconsistent plot, flip flop character development, and confusion... all while simultaneously being great lol

[@misoboskovic]

​​@@asyouwish3636yes, but writers still messed up his character. He was not insane in the beginning, we never saw anything. That was rushed, and his character was ruined. Jansen was really good playing Jason, by the way, but writing was horrible.

[@asyouwish3636]

@misoboskovic yeah the inconsistency of S4 was infuriating my 1st watch. I remember being so confused half the time lol like I usually pick up on details but I felt like i had no idea what was going on most of the time cuz every ep that had anything to do w the stones kept creating countless plot holes which most never get tied up! I just had to accept it and move on (lol it was a binge watch) I mean, i didn't even get til JUST NOW in my 3rd watch (and mid-sentence writing a different comment TODAY) that the Margarette-Isabel killing Genevieve w the stone triggers the ship! and THAT'S what created the meteor shower (again to hide the ship landing) like all this time I thought it triggered a random large meteor exploding which made zero sense to me lol well, at least we have this podcast to better explain wtf went on half the time! ❤️😂

[@chato-ms5hv]

Season 4 is my favorite season for sure. The Witch arc is great to me because it's one of the few times we see Lana going through her own issues and she isn't quick to involve Clark or even Jason. So, we see her grappling with her own fears and worries on her own. Also, the fact that all these different characters spanning through different eras of the world all after the stones only adds to the Kryptonian lore and just how ancient it really is. Learning that magic is something that Clark can be hurt by also shows us that even superman has other weaknesses than kryptonite. I truly love this season. It's the last of the high school era and is just a lot of fun but is still full of great storytelling.

[@mac3rdc]

You have to post the video of Michael running after the snow mobile.

[@hazapez126]

i love listening to the behind the scenes technical stuff, like the Arctic sequence