Welcome TV fans! This is the new home for Tube Talk, the place for TV show reviews, celebrity interviews, news & scoop. E-mail Tube Talk Girl at jenbiller@frontier.com or reach her by mail at RR 3 Box 155, Bridgeport, WV 26330.
Photo copyright: Courtesy of the CW. Do not duplicate.
by Jennifer Squires Biller
I got an early look at the Smallville premiere this week, and I’m so excited about what I watched that it warranted a blog post. (And a cartwheel, but I won’t subject you to video of that embarrassing effort.)
Smallville fans, if the rest of the season lives up to the fantastic premiere, then the show we love is back on track. It’s no secret that last season I was sorely disappointed with the direction Smallville had taken. There was too little Clark, too much Kara and Lana, and too many comic-book villains of the week. The sweet simplicity of the show seemed to have vanished along with Clark’s family, as he left the innocence of high school. Even the small-town charm that had defined the series and prompted the moniker seemed to have disappeared. If you gave up last season, and I can’t blame you if you did, I’m telling you – begging really – come back.
The premiere is injected with a new energy that I haven’t felt in Smallville since the early years. From the new opening credits (which by the way feature a shot of Clark in the glasses that will make all Superman fans sequel with delight) to the cast additions of Justin Hartley and Cassidy Freeman, the show feels different from the start. In fact, it all feels fresh again. It’s clear that the writers have a plan for the season, and they laid it out brilliantly in the first hour, with Clark basically verbalizing that he’s been stuck in limbo, attached to the farm and the past, and that it’s time to move on toward his destiny.
With the change in leadership behind the scenes and the absence of Michael Rosenbaum’s enigmatic Lex Luthor, I was a bit worried about this year. But after seeing the new direction the show is headed, I’m happier than Chloe Sullivan in a room full of super computers.
I won’t spoil you with plot details, other than Tom Welling, dripping wet, is a site that should not be missed. For all of you Chlark fans getting ready to bombard me with e-mail wanting to know if Chloe and Chlark have any “good” scenes, save your keystrokes. They do have a nice scene, but it looks like Chloe and Jimmy are still an item. Sorry. Don’t kill the messenger.
Lois fans, you’ll be thrilled to see your gal back in action, tossing out one-liners with gusto, while fighting the bad guys and looking fabulous doing it.
Catch the Smallville premiere Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on the CW.
Copyright: All photos courtesy of the CW 2008. Do not duplicate.
It’s Christmas in September, as far as I’m concerned. You see, Smallville returns Thursday at 8 p.m. ET for the new season, a season that looks like it may make up for my discontent of last season.
The Justice League, i.e. Oliver Queen, is front and center. And this season, diehard fans of the Superman mythos will be happy, as Clark moves closer to fulfilling his destiny.
Here are some yummy photos from the upcoming show. Tom Welling looks spectacular and well, that other guy, he ain’t too shabby either. (Justin Hartley, I’m kidding.) These photos have upped my excitement level by about 1000 percent.
Let’s hope this season we get a little more of Clark Kent.
Woo Hoo! This is the best news I’ve heard in, well, a LONG time.
Justin Hartley, aka the Green Arrow on Smallville, has just inked a deal as a series regular on the show next season, according to E!Online. That means the Green Arrow will be back in town to get hearts fluttering (Lois, I’m talking to you) and to fight for justice for all.
When I heard that Hartley’s new medical show for the CW was not picked up to air for the next season, I thought perhaps Hartley would be off our screens in the upcoming TV season. Thank you, CW, for having the sense to realize what a gem he is and locking him in to this deal.
I mean, no one wears green leather like Hartley. No one.
I know many of you may not rejoice at this news though, as it seems that when Green Arrow is involved in the show, it becomes less about Clark Kent. You’re right, in some aspects. But from what I’ve seen of Smallville lately, it hasn’t been much about Clark Kent’s journey to become Superman anyway. It’s been about Kara, Brainiac, and all the other characters from the comic book universe. Perhaps, Green Arrow is just the shove, or example, young Clark needs to realize there is an entire world awaiting his assistance beyond Smallville.
Congratulations to Hartley and to the CW. With Michael Rosenbaum’s exit, I was hearing plenty of rumblings from folks who weren’t overly anxious to tune in to Smallville this season. Now, they have one more reason to do so.
Finally, someone listened to me. Justin Hartley, or as you may know him, Green Arrow on Smallville, has landed the lead in a new CW pilot titled Austin Golden Hour.
Austin Golden Hour is a medical drama that features emergency room surgeons and technicians, according to The Hollywood Reporter. So, it looks like the Green Arrow will be trading in his tights for a white coat.
Regular readers know I’ve been begging for the CW, or any other sensible network, to give Hartley his own show for years. I had hoped it would be a Justice League series, but I’ll take anything I can get. (The CW didn’t choose to pick up his previous pilot, Aquaman that has become favorite Internet viewing for TV fans.) I hope they’ll give this one a shot.
The Black Canary came to Smallville, the Green Arrow returned, and the unthinkable happened. Clark Kent finally stood up to Lana Lang. I know, crazy right?
After last week’s awkward ending, I had only hoped for this kind of blowout between them. Even though they seemed to revert back to their “domestic bliss,” I think good ‘ol Ollie Queen planted all the seeds of doubt needed for Clark to eventually make the final break. At least I hope so.
Justin Hartley, oh how I‘ve missed you! It was so great to have him back on Smallville. I love how he constantly calls Clark out on just sitting around the farm. He doesn’t hold back at all, and that’s refreshing. It turned out Ollie was back in town fighting crime with Chloe‘s help. Like she said, she needed to pay the bills and who could blame her? That’s a pretty cool job. Too bad Clark didn’t think so.
After he stopped whining about his love life, he went over to Ollie’s bachelor clock-tower pad and rammed into him about putting her in danger. Clark definitely didn’t like Oliver moving in on his sidekick (the best sidekick in town!). Aww! Take that “new and improved version!”
I was thrilled that Clark came up with the name Black Canary. I could see a glimmer of the reporter in him. The way he tossed ideas back and forth with Chloe made me think back to days at the Torch. Anytime an episode gets me all nostalgic, it’s usually a good sign.
There wasn’t a lot of Sexy Lexy in the episode which was weird. Although, he did try to go all Crouching Tiger on our Emerald Archer. Nice moves, Lex! Now that he had his little brother clone killed, I guess he has more time for the Tai Kwan. I’m guessing Lois wasn’t clued in on her ex’s demise. She didn’t seem too broken up about it. I would imagine she would want to find out what really happened to him, right? Maybe not.
As far as the superhero guest star episodes of the past, this one makes my top five. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked Alaina Huffman’s portrayal of Ollie’s future ladylove, Black Canary. She had chemistry with all the characters, and it didn’t seem forced at all. I liked how she tried to get Clark to join the gang and his knowing grin as he watched her and Oliver walk away together. Great nod to comic fans everywhere.
Season four’s introduction to Bart Allen (“Run”) and season six’s intro to the Green Arrow (“Arrow”) are tied for my favorite guest superhero episodes. I’m curious to hear what yours are. Let me know what you think about that and last night’s episode. Plus, Chloe’s not a natural blonde? Hmm…interesting.
Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Friday.
Oliver Queen, how I’ve missed you. Your biceps, your smirk, your sarcasm, and did I mention those eyes?
Last season, Justin Hartley infused a new energy into the show with his portrayal of Green Arrow, and he brings that character back to the canvas tonight. Comic book lovers will get an extra thrill, as the Black Canary is introduced into the Smallville canon tonight.
Apparently, Chloe has been secretly working for Oliver. Yay! (No wonder Chloe hasn’t had much time for Clark lately.) Also, Lois is in this episode, so expect a much-awaited confrontation between Lois and her former boyfriend.
I’ve been sorely disappointed with this season of Smallville, so far. It’s been too heavily centered on Kara, Clark’s mom, and all the comic-book baddies. For me, the beauty and heart of Smallville was always that this was Clark Kent, before he became Superman and battled all these crazy villains. I miss the family relationships he had with his father and his mother and the friendships he had with Lex, Chloe and Pete. And yes, I’m bored silly by the Clark/Lana relationship. It’s clear something is not working when Chloe, not Lana, was the one who realized Bizarro Clark was acting strange. Lana was sleeping with him; you would have thought she would have noticed something.
As for Oliver, I can’t wait to see what he’s been up to. As comic book fans know, Black Canary will ruffle his feathers. I always thought Oliver should have been a love interest for Chloe, instead of Lois. But this is Smallville, where Chloe gets no love, unless it’s from geeky Jimmy Olsen. (Every hot guy falls for Lois or Lana. Yawn.)
Don’t forget to tune in tonight at 8 p.m. on the CW to see the Green Arrow. I promise, it’s worth a trip to Smallville.
Meanwhile, for all you Chlark fans out there who continue to e-mail me your comments, questions and frustrations, here’s a small treat for you, courtesy of Lynn.
You’ve heard the buzz. Supergirl is coming to Smallville. And here’s her photo. Nice, huh?
They must have incredible “superior” genes on Krypton. That’s all I’m saying.
In other Smallville scoop, despite the explosion last season, Kristin Kreuk isn’t done yet, according to TV Guide’sMichael Ausiello. (Hey, don’t kill the messenger. I want Lana gone, too.)
The good news is that Ausiello would not reveal how long she’ll be “sticking around” or how she’ll be brought back. I vote for one episode and, hopefully, as a ghost. Then, she can join Pa Kent in the ever after.
For those of you suffering from Smallville withdrawals, check out these videos from Comic Con. In the first one, Supergirldiscusses her character. In the second, Justin Hartley and Erica Durancediscuss their love scenes.
There was plenty of Smallville news out of Comic Con that I must share. Here’s the scoop, spoilers included, according to Kryptonsite and Buddy TV.
--Dean Cain will finally make it to Smallville. (Woo Hoo!) He’ll guest star in the fourth episode as an evil doctor somehow involved in curing meteor freaks.
--Green Arrow will return midseason. (Double Woo Hoo!)
--It’s unclear if Lana is truly dead. (Boo! Please give her a toe tag already!)
--Martian Manhunter will be back.
--Batman will never make a Smallville appearance, due to legal mumbo jumbo.
--Michael Rosenbaum is recovering from back surgery.
--Supergirl will give Clark flying lessons.
--Smallville/Justice League action figures are on the way, including Clark, Green Arrow, Aquaman, Cyborg and Bart.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for the new season. Dean Cain, Supergirl, and Green Arrow are appointment TV for me.
Smallville'sJustin Hartley (Green Arrow) is joining the CW mid-season replacement show Eight Days a Week, according to his Web site.
Hartley will join Mario Lopez and Christina Milian in the new comedy series in the part of Ben. Meanwhile, Hartley will continue in his guest role as the Green Arrow on Smallville, according to his Web site.
While I’m thrilled that Hartley has landed a permanent gig, I was hoping it would be on a show called The Justice League. (Hint, hint, CW!) But, it sounds like Hartley will be back in Smallville, so I’ll take what I can get.
Eight Days a Week tells the story of a group of young people who work for big wigs in New York, according to IMDB.
If Lopez and Hartley are in, so am I. No news yet on when the show will debut.
Remember that hot guy from Smallville known as the Green Arrow?
Well, before actor Justin Hartley put on those green tights and picked up his bow and arrow, he was Aquaman.
Hartley shot the Aquaman pilot for the WB/CW, but the network didn’t pick it up. I’m not sure why, because I loved it. Oh, wait, that’s probably it. If I like a show, it’s usually the kiss of death.
The pilot episode has been at iTunes since last summer, where it became an instant hit and was the most downloaded video for one week, according to Entertainment Weekly. Now, a year later, Aquaman still won’t sink to its watery grave, as thousands are still watching, now for free.
If networks are passing over shows this good, the system is flawed. Yeah, I know. That’s not news. But, honestly, as a TV fan it’s interesting to me to see the kinds of shows that don’t get invited to the party.
I’m surprised some savvy movie producer hasn’t realized the potential and turned Aquaman into a full-fledged feature film. Hint. Hint.
If you watch the pilot episode, Smallville fans will hear a familiar voice that isn’t Hartley’s. Actress Annette O’Toole who plays Martha Kent on Smallville is doing the voice of Aquaman’s mom.
Tube Talk takes on Texas A big Texas hello (howdy?) to our new readers from the Austin American Statesman newspaper, where Tube Talk is now featured on the Web site. Welcome, folks! And thanks for your e-mails. We love you, too. Also, congratulations to our first Tube Talk contest winners, Beverly Clark, of Heber Springs, AR, and Melissa Becker of Clearwater, FL, who are the recipients of some nifty ABC prize packages. Yep, I used the word nifty. Someone alert Richie Cunningham.
Bob Barker retiring The man who made the term “come on down” a household phrase is hanging up his microphone. Bob Barker announced Tuesday that he will retire in 2007, after 35 years as the host of The Price is Right. No word yet on who will “come on down” to replace Barker.
Dean Cain’s Las Vegas status Dean Cain fans, I hear you. If the hordes of e-mail I’m getting about Casey’s absence on last week’s premiere of Las Vegas is any indication, NBC must be getting swamped. Cain previously said he didn’t think he’d be back this season. However, it appears we may not have seen the last of Casey Manning, according to show creator/executive producer Gary Scott Thompson.He told fans in a chat, after last week’s premiere, “I love Dean Cain too. (I) love working with him and would love for him to be back on the show. Unfortunately, at the time we started shooting season four he had other opportunities, including a movie he wanted to do, and asked if we could hold off bringing him back for now.” So, it sounds like Casey could be heading back to Vegas at some point. Who wants to break it to Sam?
Smallville’s Lionel Luthor speaks Guess who has a crush on my gal Chloe? Here’s a hint. His last name is Luthor, and he isn’t the follicly challenged one. Smallville’sLionel Luthor, actor John Glover, spoke with TV Guide recently and discussed Lionel’s attraction to Chloe, and why he’s now using Martha Kent’s back door…Mind out of the gutter, people. Shame on you. It’s Mrs. Kent.
Smallville’s Justin Hartley interview I’m not the only one with a thing for Dean Cain. In this interview with E!Online, Smallville’s newest hero, The Green Arrow (Justin Hartley,) revealed his man-crush for Cain, the former man-of-steel. Hartley is hilarious in this interview, and it’s a must-read for Smallville fans. Is it wrong to want Lois Lane to get some loving from the awesome archer?
Grey’s Anatomy McSteamy interview In this interview with People, Grey’s Anatomy’s newest doctor, Eric Dane, dishes on how he maintains that McSteamy body, what he thinks of his rivalry with Dr. McDreamy, and what he likes to cook for breakfast. I take my eggs scrambled, Dr. McSteamy.
NBC looking for comics NBC Universal is looking for comics of diverse backgrounds with fresh and funny stand-up material. Comics have the chance to audition for NBC talent executives, New York casting directors, and other industry players on Monday, Nov. 6, at 10 a.m. at Carolines on Broadway in New York, NY. (Carolines is located at 1626 Broadway Between 49th and 50th Streets.) The first 100 comics will be seen and a select few will be asked to return the following evening for a live performance. Comics should bring a prepared two-minute polished set. For more information, visit this site.
Dancing with the Stars tour Several of your favorite Dancing with the Stars dancers may be heading to a town near you. Last year’s champions, Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke, will join Joey Lawrence, Harry Hamlin, Lisa Rinna, Willa Ford and their respective partners for a national tour. I guess Bruno wasn’t invited.
If Magazine landed a brief interview with one of Smallville’s newest cast members, Aaron Ashmore. He’s signed on to play Jimmy Olsen this season. Check out his comments about his new role, as well as his comments about playing Veronica Mars’ boyfriend Troy Vandergraff.
Kryptonsite has a great interview with Smallville’s other new cast member, Justin Hartley. He’s signed on to play the Green Arrow and a love interest for Lois. Lois must have a thing for superheroes. First Aquaman, now the Green Arrow and eventually Superman. Well, at least she has good taste.
Subscribe by RSS
There was plenty of Smallville news out of Comic Con that I must share. Here’s the scoop, spoilers included, according to 
Smallville's Justin Hartley (Green Arrow) is joining the CW mid-season replacement show Eight Days a Week, according to his 
Remember that hot guy from Smallville known as the Green Arrow?
