THE PILOT (S1E01) Behind the Meteor Shower, Shooting Around 9/11 & Scenes That Would Be Taboo Today

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Back to where it all began… Join Tom Welling (Clark) and Michael Rosenbaum (Lex) as they revisit the Smallville Pilot episode more than two decades since it was filmed. The guys talk about their experience during the shooting with kingmaker David Nutter, working with established actors like John Schneider, Annette O’Toole, and John Glover, and sentiment filming and releasing around 9/11. After discussing the difficulty of certain scenes like the underwater car crash, and the epic nature of the meteor shower, Tom and Michael later reflect on certain scenes that are a bit jarring and probably wouldn’t fly nowadays.
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01 - The Pilot | Behind the Meteor Shower, Shooting Around 9/11, & Scenes That Would Be Taboo Today #smallville #talkville #season1

[@terrymcginnis2878]

This show was so impactful and redefined the Superman mythology. IMO I feel this series is the best depiction of Superman and his supporting cast. 10 seasons, 217 episodes . Thank you Smallville.

[@ARBLACKx]

Completely agree. Tom Welling is the best Clark Kent. Some of the season finales of Smallville is honestly better than anything that's happened with Superman on the big screen or any other media.

[@hales5621]

Completely agree! Every other version of Superman I've hated Lois. Erica Durance was great and her and Tom had great chemistry.

[@TalkVillePodcast]

well said, thanks pal ❤️ hope you enjoy the new pod

[@mitchjohnson4970]

I was definitely rooting for Welling to be in one of the superman reboots.

[@drummingfool1649]

@@mitchjohnson4970 having Tom do a Cameo type thing in the batman stuff would be cool,,,, as long as it doesn't include Ben Affleck or George Clooney. It would be an insult to Tom. They aren't in the same class

[@pbgauthier5487]

I’ll never understand how Michael Rosenbaum did not become a A-list movie star. Charisma off the charts and great actor.

[@funeralgiggle3771]

It puzzles me too. He could really deliver a line, to me he’s a great actor. Not too late!

[@tiagomota4734]

Yes but not in the podcast, in the tv shiw tho ..omg...absolutly fking good...but i dont think he has the confidance ..again i woulve never guess if i would never come across his youtube...

[@tony484x]

It’s hard to go from tv to movie. All he really needed was one big movie like most stars. The opportunity just never came but he was always prepared.

[@keezemojito1278]

@@tony484x really hard to transition, Jennifer Aniston did it tho

[@illogical001]

@@keezemojito1278 Yes, but you can’t really compare Friends to Smallville. I prefer Smallville, but Friends was and still is way bigger.

[@Claego]

Man, how often is it that you get an in-depth in-person behind the scenes rundown of a show you loved as a kid by the people who were in it? This is awesome

[@pacificdream690]

I was literally tearing up listening. I watched this show with my dad growing up. It was the only thing we had in common before he tried to kill me, and we stopped talking.

[@TheNewimpact211]

The most iconic thing about this show besides the whole Clark/Superman thing, was the Theme song. Even now, 20+ years ago, you hear that song and this show is the first thing that comes to mind.

[@eqs1782]

I never thought we would get these two legends going over the series. Surely the world is amazing

[@TalkVillePodcast]

it surely is ❤️

[@I-speak-U-shut-it]

@@TalkVillePodcast 😍😍😍

[@jarmandomelgoza2149]

I’m all for it!

[@AnaDiaz-wz4cf]

I'm so upset that I just found out about this amazing podcast!! 👏 I have soo much to catch up on. I love it! Rewatching smallville on hulu

[@onewingangel1117]

@@AnaDiaz-wz4cfimagine how I feel! I need to catch up on 3 seasons of Talkville I just found out about this absolute gem after I started rewatching the series with my middle school daughter 😊 I could hear Michael and Tom talk about anything- but my fave show!? 😍

[@juleswinnfield616]

No disrespect to the great Gene Hackman, but Michael is the best live action of Lex we've had. This isn't a knock on Gene, I believe he played the character in a way that made sense at the time, but Michael brought a darkness to the character that I always felt was needed and he fucking nailed it!

[@Werewolf914]

I agree

[@UltraKryptonian]

Michael is the best Lex Luthor… period!

[@ObiJuanGnobi]

He brought kind of a sinister aura to the character. He played it perfectly.

[@randallflagg3700]

Michael Rosenbaum is indeed my number 1 live action Lex Luthor, but I was very pleasantly surprised by Jon Cryer's performance in *Supergirl* (and other Arrowverse shows). He almost took the spot for the best live action Lex for me, one of these roles where most people believe it's a miscast, and they end up stealing the show (like Heath Ledger as the Joker, or even Michael Keaton as Batman) Mr Rosenbaum is still *my* Lex, but damn, Mr Cryer was incredible too...

[@AmazingKevinWClark]

Lol no disrespect to Gene Hackman but I don't like his Lex, not for his acting but because of how cartoonish he and his minions become. Micheal's Lex is so much better because he feels real and has deep writing. It really brings out the purpose of the character. Smallville is one of the best written Superman properties partly due to it being on TV and has the opportunity to develope more. My next favorite Superman screen adaptions is Lois and Clark, the New Adventures of Superman with Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher.

[@jamiemineer4879]

I recently met Tom Welling at comic con and while I waited in line I couldn’t help but notice how well he treated his fans

[@MrOliverbox]

Annette O,Toole was terrific as Martha Kent. But the reason she was hired/cast was because she was in Superman 3. It was an instant callback to Christopher Reeve from the jump. She was the original Lana Lang.

[@egxonshabani2645]

To me, she was more than terrific. Her emotions as a mother are so fucking raw and palpable.. I always feel warmth and security when she's on screen. Love that actress.

[@BayAreaRushHour]

I actually heard somewhere that they didn’t know she was in superman 3 until after they casted her. Would love some kind of confirmation since I’m not sure

[@flexydex8754]

original Lana?? No she wasnt 🤦‍♀🤦‍♀

[@MrOliverbox]

@@flexydex8754, yes she was. Go watch Superman 3.

[@danae5578]

❤yes I was hoping someone would point that fact out.

[@charlesbronson2926]

The idea of having someone watch the show for the first time, and then talk about it with the 2 main stars is actually amazing!

[@KyleDevy]

Too bad he didn't have much to say. Not bashing him, just saying.

[@RuanAntunes7]

@@KyleDevy doesn’t bother me. I’m here for Tom & Michael and what they have to say lol

[@KyleDevy]

@@RuanAntunes7 okay... but I'm referring to the original comment about the premise of having someone watch the show for the first time and then talk to the main leads about it. It sounds great but he doesn't deliver.

[@BhlackBishop]

@@KyleDevy It's their first time watching, what would they have to talk about.

[@KyleDevy]

@@BhlackBishop the show lolz

[@kennylaysh2776]

It makes me weirdly happy that Tom and Michael are such good friends in real life, lol. Smallville always had by FAR the best Superman/Lex dynamic, and in all the years since, this STILL feels like 'my' Superman and Lex. Knowing they are friends off set just makes it even better. It's so cool when actors from shows you love really do get along. I'd love the show anyway, but it just adds something special, when people are friends off set, at least to me. Thanks for doing these shows, you both have my undying respect.

[@ryandowling1045]

agreed, and personally Michael Rosenbaums Lex luthor is my favorite depiction of the character :)

[@kevinmorrice]

@@ryandowling1045 feels weird seeing michael with hair

[@abbysands9510]

I agree, I was watching Lethal Weapon TV series and I was shocked to found out that they never got along. They were arguments, and by arguments I mean fully blown shouting match on set which even led to the actor who played Martin Riggs getting fired. That ruined it for me knowing that the actors didn't get along despite having an amazing chemistry on set.

[@ceeezzzzzzz]

I agree, very well said.

[@dominaevillae28]

It’s a bummer when actors I like on a show don’t get along in real life, but their acting is all the more impressive. Waynes accepted the Lethal Weapon role under very specific terms that were not met, and he had a right to be angry, but at the studio, not everyone else. Clayne Crawford was treated shamefully. Honestly, Waynes was good in the role, and he & Crawford had good chemistry, but there are other actors who would have done well in his role. Crawford’s role is the more difficult to do well. Crawford was interviewed on a pod cast where he explains the whole situation from his point of view (it may have been Inside of you🤔).

[@dougkeyes4406]

Smallville deserved a movie or two dang it

[@Kavatar_AwakeningBlueLightning]

Absolutely it did indeed!

[@pedromunoz4949]

I love Tom's laugh and smile!! He is so kind and sweet. He is a really nice person

[@LeoHwan]

I turned 32 last monday, and watched smallville from 11 to 21 years old. The show always felt to me like a good buddy growing up right next to me, someone I could count on and go to when things were rough! Thank you, smallville, and thank you Michael and Tom for doing this :) Cheers from Brazil :) (And happy birthday, Michael, I memorized your birthday back in the day because its the same day as mine! ❤)

[@TalkVillePodcast]

glad the show could be there for ya :)

[@StephanieTips]

Same here! I grew up with Smallville, watching it from the age of 8 until around 16 years old. Tom, Michael, Kristin, Erica literally feel like brothers and sisters to me and their children feel like my nephews. Plus Michael and I are birthday buddies (both born on July 11th), so this July 13th rewatch premiere was the best birthday present ever! Cheers from Italy :)

[@VCityglobal]

I share the this same sentiment ❤️

[@robinfranorge]

Also 32, and watched it from 11 to 21 years old :D

[@te1013]

@@robinfranorge Also 32. Watched it every year, as it ran. Never missed an episode. I felt like I lost a friend when the show ended.

[@racingfuel28]

I’d never thought of how weird Lex declaring Clark his best friend after knowing him for two scenes was until now😂😂

[@pokemaster1725]

Our friendship will be the stuff of legends

[@gregg8726]

It shows you how lonely the son of a billionaire was that he is so desperate for real friends

[@LetsComment3]

@@gregg8726 I am not allowed to like you're comment until now

[@ColeHrusovsky]

And especially with him being in his 20s and Clark being a freshman in high school, so like 14

[@badgsten]

@@ColeHrusovsky yeah Lex 24, Clark 14. So inappropriate. Don't even get me started on Lex and Lana

[@irunthepeg]

HOLY SHIT - THIS EXISTS?! I just started a re-watch on Prime the other day. This is a literal perfect combo for a podcast. I've watched quite a few Inside of You episodes and I love the genuine friendship you guys seem to have. Excited for this.

[@HeyTash]

same!

[@fss779]

Same

[@shadowmahesh9876]

Legit I’ve got both playing while doing assignments

[@DerionReis]

Verdade, eles construíram uma "família "

[@peterc3262]

I did too and now they've filled it with adverts. Ffs Amazon.

[@donovan1345]

Smallville was the grandfather of the modern super hero comic movies and shows. Yes, there was Louis and Clark and the new adventures of Superman and others, but nothing really came from those like How Smallville did. Loved you guy's show, and still do.

[@shaolin95]

The scene of Lex hitting Clark with the car was so well done that it sold me on this show right away.

[@cjc363636]

The stunt double flying along with the bridge parts was just movie quality. So well done.

[@DanielSan1776]

Same I remember replaying that scene a bunch of times One of the best stunts I’ve ever seen

[@wayneellison3968]

To this day, Smallville is still the only show I took the time to own all 10 seasons on DVD. You two are great!

[@blakecrawford-3204]

It was such a thing That for the short time That Gamestop sold Dvd's It dominated (Also got me Clerks The Animated Series. And Hercules The Legendary Journeys Season One.)

[@brookswilliams5239]

SAME!!! LOL!!

[@hazcatsophia]

Me too. And then on iTunes.

[@moviecrazed2208]

Same 😆

[@donsvisualz8816]

Same here !!!

[@zabrinapenguin]

My favorite scene is in the graveyard when Clark stands in front of the angel. As if foreshadowing his roll as a future savior and protector. This even links back to the past how he is similar to a fallen angel that brought fire and brimstone like an angel of death to those in that graveyard. And he is currently like a weeping angel mourning those that fell. Basically his past, present, and future all in one shot. I'm also loving all the behind the scenes stuff. You guys are so easy to listen too. :)

[@onewingangel1117]

YES!! I’m surprised this wasn’t discussed, that scene with the Angel behind Clark was simply beautiful. That was when I KNEW this show was going to be deep. The kind of show where you read between the lines to get even more out of it. And for ten seasons, it delivered. The cinematography was so damn good on this show. Every angle was *chefs kiss*

[@HopeIsForbiddenHere]

"I am the villain of the story." Still get chills. Was glad they got MR back for the end, the show just nose-dived after Lex left.

[@davideferrari4936]

We need an episode that specifically acknowledges the awesomeness of the Smallville soundtrack. Whoever directed the musical backdrop for that show was a genius. All the BEST pop rock songs of the 90’s and early 000’s 🤘🏼🎸AAR, 3 doors down, Simple Plan, Staind, Sum 41…the list goes on and on

[@dearconspiracy5504]

OMG THIS YESS!! it’s a lot of dad rock cause i recognized a lot of the rock music from my mom and dad but 00s rock can never be beat. soundtrack introduced me to a lot of new/old songs/bands just in the 2 seasons i’ve watched so far. frickin love it

[@Williamjacob7789]

@@dearconspiracy5504Facts. That first end scene with Lighthouse was so beautiful. This show showed me a bunch of music I still listen to to this day.

[@Kavatar_AwakeningBlueLightning]

Absolutely agree! 📼🎸🎧🔊 The soundtrack was awesome! The reason why I got so into music & became a DJ for a portion of my life. I used a lot of songs from Smallville in my DJ/Music Career!

[@Kavatar_AwakeningBlueLightning]

@@dearconspiracy5504 totally true! Loved this style of music from this TV series. Some of my favorite songs were from music groups The Calling & Lifehouse!

[@onewingangel1117]

@@Kavatar_AwakeningBlueLightningyour sets sound badass! Not just for high school freshman me but for me right now. That soundtrack is premium classic ❤

[@Kalond_irlanda]

In defense of Lex's line about friendship, we get to see throughout the rest of the series how lonely Lex is. He truly wants companionship and has a lot of wounds regarding this area of his life. He never had anyone come to his birthday parties as a kid, his brother was removed from the family, he ended up betraying/losing his only friend in high school, and at this point in his life he's the 'new guy on the block' trying to prove himself and be liked by the people of Smallville. On top of that, Lex learned from his father that you win people over by buying them or making them fear you. On top of THAT, Clark literally saved his life. Even more, Lex is very observant in noticing that the way Clark saved him was inhumanly possible, which strikes his insatiable curiosity. Add ALL of these pieces together and Lex has EVERY reason to try to befriend Clark and force a level of intimacy between them.

[@EmilyStumpSquirrels]

I have always felt that this show was as equally about the evolution of Lex Luthor from lonely, desperate man child to the super villain he became... And largely explored the fine line that the friendship turned enmity between Clark and Lex in a way that could lead to the conclusion that Lex could have been a force for good, if Clark had trusted him early enough before the snowball of lies made trust and empathy impossible between them. Clark's inability to ever make the decision to trust people is what kept him apart as a super hero, instead of a man of the people. I absolutely love Clark Kent as a beacon of hope. But I also loved the young Lex and all the beautiful potential he had that was crushed by the one friend he has as an adult never fully giving him his trust.

[@HypocritesExposd]

This 💯. Lex and Clark really felt like they could be BFFs and it saddened me knowing it would some day come to an end.

[@007Julie]

Lex’s arc was so beautifully done, like you said he desperately wanted a friendship and he saw in Clark a brother for many years until Lex found out his secret and was deeply hurt that Clark didn’t trust him.

[@bluesuperman1]

💯💯☝️

[@funeralgiggle3771]

Yes!

[@Barleyluv]

Smallville has always told the Clark Kent Story the right way! 10 perfect seasons!

[@Kavatar_AwakeningBlueLightning]

Perfecto!

[@smdias65]

In the DVD commentaries, the producers talk about the kryptonite necklace: in other iterations of the Superman story, Clark acts like a klutz whenever he's around Lois or Lana. In "Smallville," it's not an act; he fumbles around Lana, because of the kryptonite. I thought that was a cool addition. Also, Tom mentions all the pine trees in this place that's supposed to be Kansas. The producers mentioned that the majority of the corn in the scenes was fake.

[@MarisuSedai]

29:02 “I wonder how much they had planned…” I was wondering the same thing when I put on the pilot and within the first minute we already have Lionel holding a newspaper referencing Oliver Queen’s parents being lost at sea. Totally missed that bit when I was a kid! 🏹

[@Anandrielle]

I grew up with Smallville. A lot of the episodes taught me life lessons. It might seem sad to some, but Jonathan Kent taught me more than my own father. Thank you for everything you guys did.

[@timprater841]

That's Beautiful I know that feeling!

[@DreaAlberti]

I definitely learnt a lot from him and the parent child relationship

[@tayzk5929]

Not having a good father figure in my life, Jonathan Kent was something I could look up to as a good man and a good father, something to aspire to

[@goldilox369]

Right!? It's odd how that happens.

[@Arwyn76]

I had been a mother for less than a year, to a slightly special needs child, Smallville not only showed me some great parenting skills but how to have a better relationship to anyone who is important to me. Sadly things went sideways in my life and long story short I don't have any kind of relationship with my daughter and I'm trying to repair things with those who are important to me but I always remember a lot of the things that I learned not just from Smallville but so many other shows during my years of trying to regain my life.

[@adrianvanleeuwen]

The 10 year run of Smallville is the very best series about Superman as a teenager growing up. Fantastic cast of actors including the best Lex, Lois, Lana and Clark on TV. It plays really well on reruns. This is solid storytelling and great production. The team of writers, producers and actors were on the top of their game. I like it better than the latest version on CW which is very different.

[@justinb4712]

😢

[@redbeard365]

My wife and I are on a re-watch of Smallville right now. I had no idea this podcast was a thing. This is freaking awesome! Great idea!

[@carlleblanc1660]

I would argue these guys paved the way for the DCU and Marvel movies also. They made people realise there was interest in this genre of movies and tv shows.

[@smokeylokz3091]

Absolutely

[@viewmaster617]

DC yeah but Marvel?? no that honor goes to Wesley Snipes for Blade

[@BlackRobin71]

@@viewmaster617 X-Men and Spider Man movies. Blade wasn't marketed as a comic book movie.

[@viewmaster617]

@@BlackRobin71 yes it was it was produced by Stan Lee and Avi Arad themselves the comics came out in 1973 so therefore the Blade movie was based off marvel comics also to add Blade character featured on the 94 spider-man animated series and the Wesley Snipes Blade movie debut in 98 so take your pick

[@BlackRobin71]

@@viewmaster617 There was little if any marketing tying the movie to the comic. I know it was adapted from a comic but the majority of the audience just saw it as another vampire movie.

[@edh9999]

The wood chipper thing is my favorite moment of the pilot. It sets up, in just a couple of minutes, the unspoken understanding between Martha and Jonathan about their son. It also sets up the way the kents will raise teen Clark to eventually become the greatest hero in the world. Not because of his powers, but because of the way he was raised.

[@Gam3Junkie]

No other Superhero show comes close to Smallville. Loved it and yeah..was just a magical time.

[@lifeisberserk9566]

My favorite show of all time but I will say Gotham, Young Justice, Batman Tas, Justice league Tas, Daredevil and Avengers EMH are very close and also some of my favorite shows

[@vanderdore]

So. I'm almost 50. Smallville was the only tv show I watched faithfully from start to finish. I don't even like Superman. I'm a Batman girl. It was the cast that really made me want to watch this show. You all were amazing. This podcast is amazeballz. I had no idea I needed it in my life. Just want to thank you for taking the time to do this. Peace and love.

[@DanKeeleyMusic]

I don't know why, but one massive thing that made this show was the music orchestrations that paired well with the dialogue. I remember the music just being very well done for a TV show and that's always stuck with me. For this episode, one of my favorite parts is the look John Schneider gives Tom when Clark asks where he's from. It's just this glance that gives everything away without saying a word and it's one of my favorite acting choices in the entire show run.

[@tayzk5929]

Good point, everytime I do a rewatch i'm struck by how great the music is

[@ban66a1]

Until they reduced the music usage from season 7 or 8 I think

[@colinhansen8603]

I loved the score for Smallville. Always an absolute tune would come on at the right time.

[@jeffreymoore6742]

My favorite scene in episode one was the graveyard scene. When Clark stood there with the Angel behind him. Made it look like he had wings and a foreshadowing of Clark being a guardian Angel not just of Smallville but of Earth

[@ErkWitz]

I just found this and immediately sent it to my Father. This was a huge part of our life when I was growing up.

[@vampyst2198]

Smallville was a great show. It did really keep many young kids and teens good company.

[@mudiametokunboh2370]

facts such a good show this show and peacemaker some of my dc favorites

[@simonriches95]

"Smallville" quickly became one of my favourite TV shows, and I never missed an episode when it was aired in the UK. Definitely one of the best TV shows ever made.

[@jasonlewis3742]

At least here in the UK it was always on the same day lol

[@NotDuncan]

It was definitely one of the shows ever made

[@Miko80]

I have one thing to say: FINALLY The chemistry between you both was always great and so this podcast will be. I watched Smallville in my twenties and it was a part of my every week schedule. It aired in Poland since 2003 till 2012. I had a lot of fun watching all 10 seasons. Greetings from Poland.

[@TheComicBookReport]

Right?! 👏👏👏

[@brookestephen]

Lex didn't get a "normal" childhood, so I guess he felt it was his one chance to have one.

[@mrdonigan]

I was 26 in 2001, and have always been a huge Superman fan. So I wasn't sure if Smallville was going to be good enough, but was blown away by the first episode. From the meteor shower, to the way you all captured the characters... Loved it. I also love how it just captures the Fall. I like to rewatch it when October hits every so often.

[@GTAfan421]

My dad and I watched this show every time it was on and we were together when he was still around. It was one of my favorite things ever to do with him. He passed away in 2005 of cancer, but this show remains as a great memory of my time with him. He loved it so much he bought the seasons on DVD all the way up to season 4 and had 5 on back order from wal mart before he died. He unfortunately didn't get to see all of season 5, as he succumbed to the disease before the season ended, but he told me to enjoy it for him. I remember that to this day whenever I revisit the show.

[@micaelaseville5084]

I absolutely cannot wait for them to get to the episode where Lex and Lana get married and Lana finds out Clark's secret. That is one of my favorite episodes.

[@erikaveron9738]

Yeah me too! I love Tom and kristin performance in this one

[@catherinemalu4110]

Smallville is a big part of my life, huge part actually. I was born in 2003 and my dad always used to watch this when it was on. I grew up with this show and I never really understood how much it meant to me until I lost my father in 2019. I rewatched it several times just to feel connected to him, and I feel so damn lucky. Seeing how the loss of a parent affects anvone - even the super Clark Kent - the same way, helped me cope. I will forever find a safe place in this series, I couldn't be more grateful. Thanks Tom Welling for your amazing portrayal of Clark. And thanks Michael for being THE best Lex Luthor EVER!

[@prettyboyray4479]

I agree when micheal said that some people watched smallville to sort of escape the real world and find peace, because like I’ll be going through some real shit in the real world, and I just put in smallville and the positivity from the characters and then mmm always doing they feel are the right things to do made me feel much more at peace.

[@geeklore8528]

You two litterly pioneered the CW Arrow verse universe, without Smallville those CW shows whould never of been what they were. I will always advocate for this version of Lex becoming apart of the Multiverse, wearing the iconic green armour suit. And Tom whould be amazing in a film.

[@basileusofstupidonia6462]

I loved hearing Ryan call Smallville the Madonna of CW shows and Arrow the Lady Gaga of CW shows. Made me LMAO!

[@bogdandanbog803]

L poi

[@jasonlewis3742]

Not just the arrow verse. They did the who 'plain clothed superheroes' thing before Heroes did

[@Soymarcuellar]

I agree !!

[@strykrpinoy]

@@jasonlewis3742 Um that's just not true, people are forgetting that DC had 2 other pivotal shows before Smallville Wonder Woman and Adventures of Louis and Clark were cultural phenomenon

[@janetrivera8029]

Michael was the BEST Lex Luthor EVER!!! I loved watching Smallville and now I’m reliving it watching it with my daughter. She loves it and she’s hooked! Awesome show! Smallville taught us about Lex’s dark side and Clark Kent becoming Superman. Smallville paved the way to The Flash, Green Arrow, and others.

[@Williamjacob7789]

That’s awesome! I’m actually the opposite. I got my mom hooked on Smallville lol. It’s a special feeling. 😊

[@mudiametokunboh2370]

facts amazing lex and supes in this excited for the new supes movie coming as well

[@onewingangel1117]

@@Williamjacob7789I got my mom hooked on SV back in the middle of the series as it aired, so around ‘08/‘09! I mean, she was HOOKED. Just yesterday I was telling her that I’m starting to watch it again for the first time with my middle school daughter (her show is Stranger Things and she’s getting into classic rock so it’s a great segue to SV) and she said that till this very day, after all these new shows, SV is literally one of the best shows she has EVER watched- and my mom devours show after show and has for years. She still maintains that everything about this show was just beautiful, hands down. Man, I can’t wait to watch it with my sons 💙❤

[@victoriapopovich9941]

Yeah, same story. I’m rewatching the show for the umpteenth time, but this time with my kid

[@dmw0077]

I loved the cemetery scene with Kristen and Tom. They had such great chemistry. I wished they had talked more about that.

[@TheFunGamer3296]

My husband and I just finished Smallville. This show is so amazing, wholesome. I'm sad that's it's over, but now we're watchng the movies, but this storyline is my favorite.

[@ruanialuvizotto2521]

Smallville was the first show that I fell in love with. To this day, it's my favorite! Clark and Lana are still my OTP! Love to see Tom and Michael together again ❤️

[@TalkVillePodcast]

So good! thanks for the support ❤️

[@stevebonk8995]

Right there with you! I was 15 when this aired and was hooked from the start. Tom and Michael were so good as well as the other cast members of course. I still think the special effects hold up today for the most part as well. It’s hard to pinpoint just why I love this show so much, it’s just everything I guess. I was going through a lot at the time, just realizing I was gay in a hyper religious church and this show was kind of a comfort place for me. Where you could sit down and nothing exists but the show. I’ll always fondly remember this show ❤️

[@jasonlewis3742]

@Steve Bonk I can see why it resonated with you then, being that the crux of the show was about Clark's secret

[@JensDean23]

I´m litteraly sitting here crying. I love Smallville, and it helped me through so much. Thank you for Smallville, and thank you so much to Talkville. It helps me reconnect to myself. Thank you.

[@goldilox369]

Smallville got me through a lot too. I can't even explain why. I never watched it on TV, but right after it aired, I binged it. It was very comforting to me, even though I only got into it when I was 30.

[@danielcorrea387]

Greetings from Brazil! Smallville debuted in Brazil in 2002, I was 13 years old. Now I'm 35 and watching it again, and it's very different to watch it through an adult perspective, I am able to absorb the depth of the plot and dialogue. You guys changed my life, you helped me build a more altruistic, balanced and empathetic character. I just have to thank you for all the magic you brought into my life, You changed everything in my life! Love you guys! Thank you very much!!!

[@renehenriquez4021]

I don't know who came up with the idea, I can only thank God that this exists, not only did I not expect it at all, but I needed it, Smallville is one of my favorite shows of all time, and seeing you and I love the guests revisiting it, just as I started seeing it a few years ago.

[@aprilmarie5886]

Every year for the last 14 years, I have a Smallville marathon. Every episode of every season. I have often wondered what the actors thought of certain storylines. I absolutely love that the two of you decided to do this podcast.

[@sergiokent4748]

Smallville isn't just a Tv show, is a lifestyle!! I use to listen the same soundtrack bands/singers until nowadays. ... I took Jonathan Kent advices and etc... Thanks Michael/Tom For the best show of my life ❤️🇧🇷

[@Marvellous132]

It surely had an influence and reflected pop culture. Going through one of my re-runs now, I only just discovered the band, Stabbing Westward because the awesome song, "What Do I Have To Do", used in the season one finale opening scene where Lex is waiting for Lionel to arrive in a helicopter. Great opening vibe and the song encapsulates the Lex/Lionel relationship to a tee as well as the impending danger from the "Tempest".

[@elizabethshawanda6022]

Even though I listened to the theme song over and over and over from the show, after I finished the series and I downloaded it on Spotify lol

[@Kavatar_AwakeningBlueLightning]

I feel the same way! Smallville was way more of a lifestyle than a mere TV show. Most of the songs from that show I wound up looking up on the web & downloaded on Napster. Shows you that I watch ALL 10 Seasons in Real-time. When I couldn’t get to it while it was aired on TV, I had it recorded by my mom with a VHS player.

[@lifeisberserk9566]

Best show ever for me as well

[@DocLantern85]

I love the way Tom Welling says, "Geico!"

[@darkmaster9936]

When this podcast started, coincidentally I started to binge watching smallville. I used to watch this show when I was a kid in the early 2000s, and I didn't have cable T.V just antenna. I recently discovered this podcast 2 months ago and now I'm 24 watching it on Hulu.

[@YuvrajWeddingFilmmakers]

It's available on Amazon prime too.. Glad I found this again.. Started binge watching it.. Wonderful memories attached to this show..

[@Apostateoftheunion]

I was 18 when this began; 9/11 had just rocked the nation and everything on TV seemed oddly inappropriate. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, comes a hopeful superhero show that wasn’t afraid to be serious, sappy, and sometimes campy. It was a breath of fresh air, and remained so for ten glorious seasons, culminating in that epic finale. Thanks to all the cast and crew for bringing the world such a wonderful show.

[@Cauldron6]

It’s kind of insane how much of a cultural impact this CW show had.❤️

[@smorre4004]

Back then it was The WB. It only became CW from Season 6 onward

[@SAHtoshiDude]

Getting smallville discs in the mail through Netflix was the highlight of my week growing up. We watched this show as a family start to finish, thanks for doing this podcast

[@Kavatar_AwakeningBlueLightning]

Try getting them in VHS tapes like I did across the Pacific Ocean from my mom in 2004… around the time Seasons 3-4 were out! I had no other choice since I served & lived in Japan at the time! Netflix dvds would’ve been neat too.

[@ryandowling1045]

Im glad Michael and Tom are still in touch after smallville :)

[@JDSharar13]

Before people made fun of “freak of the week” i loved the concept. It felt like the “villains” were always bringing something new to the table so Clark had to figure out a new way to use his powers and you’re watching him learn how to be Superman. Some of those “freak” characters were freaking incredible. I think the top 3 for me were: Amy Adam’s as the fat sucker Eric Christian Olsen as the piano string murderer Chad Donella as the bug boy. (Who by the way I thought was Christian Bale playing that role for years lol)

[@taffysaur]

I agree, it was a genius format having the meteors create the villains. Yes it was a formula, but it was a great formula. I think they could have kept using it for at least another few seasons, but as you say, the fans complained.

[@Paulafan5]

Were there actually people complaining that Clark had to face metahuman threats? Otherwise, it would be Clark Kent, farm hand and that wouldn't have been interesting.

[@taffysaur]

@@Paulafan5 Their complaint was that it was formulaic, but as I said, who cares! A formula isn’t inherently a bad thing. It would have gotten old eventually, of course, but I believe they had another season or two in them before that happened.

[@lakeithmoore633]

Actually Buffy Vampire Slayer started the freak of the week motif

[@nonspiderweb]

​@@lakeithmoore633 Actually I think X-files started it, but Buffy came out the next year so it was definitely a major pioneer.

[@BizarroPat345]

This show was crucial to my upbringing. My family watched it every week. So glad you guys are doing this!

[@TalkVillePodcast]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@micklestapler4]

My daughter (12 she loves this show. She likes Clark , I'm a Luthor man myself) and I have been watching this every night when I get off of work. It's been a great way to bound and now we have something to talk about ( she at that age we're her old man embarrasses her with my jokes and impressions lol she used to love them 😢) my wife watched it growing up so she gets in on the conversation too lol. Thanks for all the good times

[@TheBackroomCollective]

I'm 47 and Smallville will forever be my absolute favorite go to comfort show. I watch the series from s1-10 every year. Without fail it always stays w me! I loved Clark and lex in this series so much. Rosenbaum will always be the best lex luthor to ever do it!!!! I cannot thank him and Tom and the rest of the cast for all the memories and the life lessons and just the fun of Smallville. I will always fly the flag proudly. If I ever had a fire my Smallville dvd collection would be 1st on my save list. I bought them every year when they were released day 1. I always tell everyone I meet about Smallville and it's a great bonding kinda show when I get someone to watch! Loving this podcast series. Much love from Oklahoma.

[@tylervelasquez5639]

I just started rewatching the series and found this! Perfect timing!

[@luciasanchez865]

Same!

[@Kevmaster2000]

Chloe is one of my favorite characters on the show. I know Allison Mack has done terrible things, but I would love for you guys to talk about the character. I mean, she is a huge part of the show, so it’s unavoidable.

[@ailene_e]

Yes, I think it’s perfectly ok to separate the character from the actor here. She was obviously a different person then anyway.

[@knandez7__821]

Allison Mack and her character was definitely the most annoying. The choices she's made in life will really take away from the show 'smallville' and Welling aka clark and Rosembaum aka Lex as successful actors and the show again.

[@misoboskovic]

I was shocked when i heard about Nxivm thing back in, i think, late 2017. At first i refused to believe that she was involved in this creepy " sex cult" . I was so sad when I finally realized that this is true. Felt bad for her. Don' t get me wrong, i know that she is responsible for her own actions, but she was a victim too. Everyone loved Chloe Sullivan character, and Allison played it so good. She is great actress/ was, sadly. It would be nice to hear more about her, in next " episodes".

[@Kevmaster2000]

@@misoboskovic Agreed

[@knandez7__821]

@@misoboskovic I disagree. She used her fame or financial wealth the complete wrong way. Destructive. It's Kruek, Welling and Rosembaum for the most most part needs to be talked about they are the successful ones who used their platforms for the good of human beings as far as we know. A.Mac doesn't need to have any credibility. We don't need smallville to be infamous and that is my point.

[@mjspresents]

Hahahaha I'm so glad you guys acknowledged the creepiness of Lex wanting the friendship with Clark- I remember as a kid it didn't bother me because Rosey is so astonished at being saved by Clark, who he thought he hit. And when we get to Lex's backstory and you realize Lex never had any friends his entire life, Clark is the first person who didn't want anything from him, and you see why he's so possessive. Glover's look of disgust at Lex's bald head really hit me hard. My father had that look at times and seeing that onscreen really hit home and I understood so much about the relationship between Lex and his dad from that moment on. Thanks again guys!

[@squarebiz90]

It’s so dope seeing you guys get along & be friends after all these years. Just hearing your voices together takes me back to watching smallville.

[@jakobirobi2359]

HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS!?!?!? This is AWESOME. You guys are, straight up, the best Clark and Lex since the Donner movies. EASILY. I can't wait to go thru all these and get caught up. Seasons 3, 4, and 5 were some of the best Superman stuff EVER. And Michael, my man...I really hope Warner Bros dig their heads out of their ass, and offer you a ga-jillion dollars to come back as Lex, even for just a cameo. You were easily the best Lex, to date. Better than Hackman. I'll gladly die on that hill. Love this, love you guys!

[@jokerluver]

I clearly remember when Smallville started. I was a sophomore in college. I had always been a huge superman fan, and by that point already had a crush on Michael, so the mesh of the two worlds made watching a no-brainer. What I didn't count on was that it would be a weekly tradition for my parents to watch it with me. It was one of the few times in my early 20s that I would actually slow down and spend time with my parents. So thank you so much for bringing it full circle.

[@rubymctaggart2374]

To know that “little Kal-El” was just picked for the local community was pretty amazing because he looked so much like Tom Wells.

[@brookestephen]

I loved the literary references that most would not get - the geek in me I guess - roman and greek stories with themes and character names chosen from those stories...

[@NightFury1990]

Smallville defined a generation . Whoever loved superman should go back and watch all 10 seasons. Do I wish they would have done season 11 and see how Clark would have been with the suit? Yeah but at that time superman already took down all bad guys so there wad nobody else left to beat. We have flash , arrow , supergirl, DC legends of tomarrow , star girl, Ms marvel , if it wasn't for smallville nothing would be possible . Michael played a fantastic lex , Tom played a perfect Clark, Kristin played a beautiful Lana, Erica played cool ass Lois, And of course Martha and Jonathon Kent played by John Schneider and Martha played by Annette o toole who played Lana in superman 1 or 2 with Christopher reeve as Clark

[@FullMataCorrida]

Production values in this show are remarkable. Not just it was recorded in tape, filmed in locations with practical FX and good CGI, but featured a great cast and crew. David Nutter was there, one of the best directors in Game of Thrones series!

[@dennislopez1272]

So wished we could've gotten a watch-a-long format. Maybe breakdown actual scenes live. That being said, I really appreciate you guys doing this. Smallville is still to this day my favorite show. It also gave me great memories with my son. Thanks Gentlemen.

[@Batmans.Fangirl]

I agree. When I heard about it I was excited thinking it would be like commentary as the show plays. Kind of disappointed it's not. But still like the podcast.

[@trinitybernhardt9944]

@@Batmans.Fangirl unless you do a platform like Patreon that is very difficult to do. Then you basically have time stamps, and we watch on our own devices. So multiple platforms it is easier to do this format.

[@awh4272]

I think they can't show the actual show due to it's licensed footage of WB

[@dennislopez1272]

@@awh4272 Not sure how all that works but "The Office Girls" podcast does something similar to watch along. Doesn’t matter, im fine with whatever they do.

[@michaelhart1072]

@@awh4272 just have to do a sync at play. They don’t have to show footage

[@PiazzaGurl]

I love Smallville till this day. I was in HS in 2000 and watched it till 2010. I still rewatch Smallville and just recently I got my mom watching. She just started watching with me season 8 and immediately she got hooked. A show from back then with that type of CGI, it was really good and unique. I’ve always loved how they did the slowmo for speed. Awesome show.

[@Desmondbrown73]

This is the type of show that after all the bs stressful events in the entire world, people will come to and remember a better time.

[@MKSQUADofficial]

I'm 33 and this is still my favorite show of all time.. nothing can beat it... even the running fast sequences still haven't been matched today even by films or TV shows like the Flash. Smallville just had that it Factor

[@nikolakalaba9370]

Michael, i am 29 years old, i grew up with Smallvile. When i see 1st episode, I was 7 years old. Thank you so much. My generation is so thankful

[@TalkVillePodcast]

glad we're able to revisit bud

[@adolfoflores4914]

I just found out about this podcast. My family watched Smallville and were hyped! My parents grew up with Dukes of Hazard. Tom will always be my Superman.

[@Itsliamdark]

55:30 when Michael starts talking about “they aren’t gonna fire me now, I’m flooring it” 😂 I was cackling!

[@hondaryderz]

soo happy you guys are doing this! for me no other Superman show/movie has never come close as Smallville, the entire cast is incredible

[@TalkVillePodcast]

1000%. power house for sure

[@CorbCorbin]

I missed the debut by a few days, but I’m sure that it didn’t hurt Annette O’Toole’s chances, because she had played Lana Lang in Superman III.

[@forty_two42]

My wife and i just restarted smallville. It really is the best Superman adaptation. Despite the "no flights, no tights" rule, it captures Clark from the comics in way that no movie has

[@TheNin-Jedi]

The fact that Smallville lasted as long as it did is a testament to its greatness. I know people really had some doubts in the beginning especially with the whole Lana instead of Lois thing but eventually the show made that make sense. I think people appreciated it more for being that way because it tells a story that you didn't know before about Supermans beginnings and that was kind of the point. The casting was so perfect too. I can't see anyone else really filling the same roles of Lex and Clark other than Tom and Michael.

[@jordangoss9492]

Words can't even begin to explain how thankful I am Michael and Tom for doing this for us fans. Growing up with this show, this means the absolute WORLD to me. I have a burning question that I'm sure a lot of people would absolutely LOVE to know. Listen, you guys are doing everything short of returning for a Smallville live-action sequel. My question is, well actually two parts: #1. Have you guys ever been approached by your agents about a studio wanting to do a live-action Smallville sequel series? #2. Is there any case scenario where you'd willingly agree to return for a live-action sequel? Thank you for your time.

[@sixty9joella]

There is talk of an animated series picking up season 11 where smallville left off. All original cast......except chloe.....

[@jordangoss9492]

@@sixty9joella Yeah, I know. I’m just simply curious if they’d ever reprise their roles in a live-action series like Smallville in the past. I think it would be so dope if they’d do a live-action, made for tv show called “Metropolis” or something. (: People would watch it, tv executives and Michael and Tom know this… they have to lol

[@DreaAlberti]

@@jordangoss9492 that would be amazing!!

[@Wh1t3f34th3r]

I was a background actor and that was the biggest hurdle was the shoes and comfort in general. I have to agree, if you aren't comfortable on set, speak up there are literally dozens of people there to help you make the scene great.

[@moderusprime]

I remember seeing the ads for Smallville before it's premier and being hyped for it. With it debuting so soon after 9/11, I just remember feeling like it felt good that a "Superman" show was being created again because the character has always been a beacon of hope, and it felt like the show came out when we all needed it to, when we needed it the most. I'm 43 now. Back then I was barely surviving. The show helped create a place to just escape reality for a little while. I'll always be grateful for everyone involved.

[@VENOMS_WRAITH]

I just found this today and I remember, when I first saw the show advertised, thinking "looks like a cool show about a young Superman I may watch it". Then I saw John Schneider was in it and I knew I had to watch a new show with Bo Duke in it. When he died on the show I almost stopped watching it, but I, by that time, had so much interest in the characters, and actors, that I just couldn't stop.

[@thomascornell113]

You know I'm 64 years old and never watched Smallville till it was off the air. And if I was to buy a series of any show it would be Smallville. My wife is in love with Tom but not the show. We both love Lois,best Lois ever.

[@moredwhit]

Why is seeing Tom Welling happy, funny, and enjoying himself so much fun for us? Thank You, Mr. Rosenbaum, for providing the venue!

[@TheBubbafadass]

The bit about Lex saying "our friendship is going to very the stuff of legend" I know it sounds creepy when it's in the context of been the opening episode but, what's clever is the writers wrote that line from the audience perspective of already knowing about superman and Lex Luthors future. It was wrote using the lore of the characters.

[@unnoticed]

I'm 26 now and religiously rewatch it every year or 2 still all the way through. It's the best superman show to exist, toms my superman, watching it live every week getting together with the family back in the day when it was airing was the best, can't believe I just found this pod while rewatching for the 1000th time

[@misoboskovic]

I'm excited. Love Pilot. It was such a great introduction to the show. It' s not surprising that it lasted 10 seasons. They were sooo young. And I was so young when I saw Smallville for the first time. So nostalgic. My favorite show ever. I appreciate that Michael and Tom doing this, for us, fans.

[@TalkVillePodcast]

you rock, thanks for watching Miso ❤️

[@Worick_]

I’m all the way from Australia and Smallville was my childhood !! I found an identity and meaning in the show, it was the first series I ever watched all the way through. You guys are legends to me and i’ll always appreciate the positive impact you had on me as a kid !!

[@TalkVillePodcast]

love reading stuff like this. thanks pal. appreciate ya ❤️

[@michelleireland585]

I loved the entire show with the lead up to Superman where Clark Kent was meant to be a hero.

[@demris15]

Zachary Levi was up for Lex! Mind blown!! I couldn't imagine him in that role, he is such a good guy, but love hearing that!!

[@MadFolklore]

This is what I've been waiting for all my life. Smallville is one of my favorite shows. 😁

[@HeyTash]

ditto

[@mudiametokunboh2370]

same!! this and peacemaker some of my fav dc content

[@onewingangel1117]

I think every Superman fan said this after the Pilot episode of Smallville, and I think they’re saying it again after the Pilot episode of Talkville

[@MadFolklore]

@@onewingangel1117 I'm a fan of Smallville, not superman. It may be an origin series leading up to Clark becoming superman, but make no mistake, I don't like superman. I like the writing, acting, plotlines, connections, and everything in between where Smallville is concerned. 👌

[@onewingangel1117]

@@MadFolklore I’m actually not a huge Superman fan, myself. But I know enough about it just like I do Batman, etc…Smallville is a league on its own, imo. The fact that the show didn’t disappoint hardcore Superman fans is a testament to how great it is because hardcore fans are very particular about their fandom

[@ARBLACKx]

Looking forward to rewatching the whole series with you guys! I'm doing 1 episode a week along with you so this is probably gunna take like 4 years 😂😂 hopefully you're able to get Christopher Reeve's son on when you get to that episode!

[@TalkVillePodcast]

great idea 😀

[@buka.a]

Brilliant

[@ssjwes]

Watching Smallville was a group thing for me, family and friends would get together to have dinner and watch the show. I really miss those times. We'd rewatch the show once every couple of years. The core group has passed on and I'm not much further behind them. Never really thought about it until typing this. No one left to rewatch the show with.

[@Kavatar_AwakeningBlueLightning]

You were lucky to have a core group watching Smallville. It was always a solo lone wolf / lone samurai thing for me.

[@jkhoover]

"I am the villain of the story." My absolute favorite quote of all time!