"Smallville"-A Tribute to the 10 Year Hit (Superman) Series!!!

OK, I'll admit it! When I first heard about the series "Smallville", I wrote it off as just another teen 'Alien boy loves Earth girl' series that would last maybe one or two seasons, tops (even though it was about one of my favorite superheroes, Superman). I got hooked on the show after purchasing "Smallville"-Season One on DVD for a ridiculously low price, and decided to give it a chance (the show had just completed Season Four by that time). I then systematically began to purchase other seasons, when the price was right. Although the first season dealt mainly with with Kryptonite radiation-infected 'meteor freaks' (like 'Superboy meets the X-Files'), I was thoroughly won over by the young fresh-faced cast, the veteran actors, the involving story-lines, and the amazing special effects. Clark Kent (Superman in training) spent much of the first season learning about his developing powers, his Kryptonian heritage, and forming a budding friendship / love with Lana Lang (his beautiful class-mate / crush, who already had a football 'jock' for a boyfriend).Lex Luthor's uneasy friendship with Clark also began at this time. This series was made as a 'revisionist version' of the Superman legend.

As the seasons progressed, there was much more character development, and meatier story-lines, which began to include more of the Superman 'mythology'. Lois Lane (Superman's future love interest) made her first appearance in the Season 3 finale. Villains (besides Lex Luthor) such as Brainiac; Zod; Doomsday; and Darkseid showed up over the years. Green Arrow / Oliver Queen and other superheroes & superheroines , such as--- Aquaman; Legion of Superheroes members; a teen version of The Flash; Black Canary; The Justice Society; and Clark's Kryptonian cousin, Kara (Supergirl) arrived to share the spotlight.. Special guest stars from Superman-related movies & TV shows, also popped up, such as---Christopher Reeve & Margot Kidder (Superman 1,2,3,& 4); Terence Stamp (Superman 2); Helen Slater (Supergirl); and several others. Supporting characters like Jimmy Olson & Perry White (from the comic books) also appeared.The amazing 100th episode featured such milestones as---Clark revealing his secret to Lana, then having to make her forget it; after changing time to save her life---Clark's adoptive father dying of a heart attack after he is elected state senator.

The show boasted a fantastic cast over the years. Here are some of the most notable members---Tom Welling (as Clark Kent, our Superman-in -training ), who was perfectly cast as a compassionate young hero in the process of becoming the world's champion, while keeping his powers secret.Tom was consistently excellent during all 10 years of the show (quite a 'SUPER' feat, I would say)!!! In later seasons, he got involved in producing & directing some episodes. Kristin Kreuk (as Lana Lang), who wonderfully portrayed 'girl-next-door' sweetness, and warmth, combined with a tragedy-honed independence. It was difficult knowing that Clark would never end up with her. Kristin left after Season 7 (but returned for 5 episodes in Season 8. Michael Rosenbaum (as Lex Luthor, Clark's sometime friend and later bitter enemy); in what I would consider the finest portrayal that I've ever seen of Lex. Michael conveyed the perfect mix of a rich,but neglected son; suspicious friend to Clark; budding misguided genius; and later, an all-out super-villain (and sworn enemy to Clark). Lex was supposedly killed in the Season 7 finale, but he returned for the series finale! John Schneider & Annette O'Toole (Jonathan & Martha Kent) excellently portrayed the 'perfect' adoptive parents, who would sacrifice anything for their son, Clark. Jonathan died of a heart attack, during the 100th episode. Martha later became a state senator.(Special Note: Annette O'Toole had portrayed Lana Lang in the movie "Superman 3)! Alison Mack (as Chloe Sullivan, one of Clark's best friends & confidante); Chloe had an un-reciprocated crush on Clark for several seasons. She was wonderfully portrayed as 'the perfect girl Friday', especially after finding out Clark's secret.During the early years, she had an area covered with articles about' meteor freaks and strange Smallville occurrances, called the"Wall of Weird"!!! Chloe's character was created just for the series (although DC later added Chloe to the comic books). She married Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) in the series finale. Erica Durance (Lois Lane,Clark's future love interest) did a fabulous job of portraying Lois' drive & spunk.When she first arrived, she was constantly heckling Clark (calling him 'Smallville' or farm boy). The Clark Kent / Lois Lane relationship was handled well, slowly building to full-blown love (and marriage)!

Other VERY Notable Characters---John Glover (Lionel Luthor); Sam Jones, The 3rd (Pete Ross); Terence Stamp (voice of Jor-El); Justin Hartley (Green Arrow / Oliver Queen); Aaron Ashmore (Jimmy Olson); Laura Vandervoort (Kara, Supergirl); and Michael Shanks (Hawkman / Carter Hall). Note: One character I wish they would have included is Batman / Bruce Wayne, since he & Superman have been teamed-up together for so many years in the comic books (but I'm not complaining).

The theme song for "Smallville" (all 10 seasons) was "Save Me" by Remy Zero (who made a guest appearance during the 1st Season Finale). The music score was done by Mark Snow, until Season 7, when Louis Febre took over.

The show spanned from Oct. 16, 2001-May 13, 2011!!!

Special Thanks to Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, for creating Superman in the first place, and to Alfred Gough & Miles Millar for developing this truly inspired version of Superman's story; "Smallville"!!!