Smallville preview: Injustice

Check out this clip from Thursday’s episode of Smallville. It looks like it’s going to be another great episode. I’d like to commend the folks at the show and the network because whatever changes they’ve made this year, well, the show is rocking.

I feared after last year that the show wouldn’t rebound, so thanks Smallville producers for proving me wrong.

The clip is Clark being all hero-y and saving our girl Chloe. Any clip that ends with a Chloe-Clark embrace is worth a shout out. Enjoy!

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Who will die this season on Smallville?

by Jennifer Squires Biller

It’s not a complete season of Smallville until someone bites it.

Sometimes, the presumed-dead individuals stay six-feet under. (Oh, how I miss you Pa Kent.) Other times, the “dead” end up sipping lattes at the Talon. (Lana, Lex and Chloe, I’m talking to you.)

If you read spoilers, then you’ve heard the news for this season’s finale. If you don’t like spoilers, stop reading now. Supposedly, there are two deaths coming, one a veteran and the other a newcomer. Both deaths will be permanent, according to the show runners.

So, place your bets. Who do you think will take the dirt nap this season? After discussions with my Smallville pals, my money is on Tess as the newcomer. She’s not necessary to any one storyline or the Superman mythos, so I think she’s disposable.

As for the vet, my friend Mary Kay suggested Martha Kent may be the one to go, and I fear Mary Kay may be right. It makes the most sense, by a process of elimination. We know that Lana becomes a superhero herself, according to a recent episode. So, it can’t be her. And what other vet is left to kill, other than Chloe?

I don’t think the show honchos will kill Chloe. They’ve done it before, a couple times, and fans lost their minds, only to have Chloe resurrected. Chloe is the most popular character on the show, next to Clark Kent. I can’t imagine that Smallville would show her the door, unless it was the final season and final episode.

The only other vets who remain alive are both off canvas: Pete Ross and Martha Kent. Perhaps it will be Pete who goes to the great beyond, but if the show is looking for another emotional blow for young Clark, killing Martha is the way to go. But I’m going on the record to say that I’ll dread watching that episode, if it ever transpires.

Who do you think will end up with a toe tag? Discuss in the comments below.

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Commentary with a Co-Ed: Clark Kent vs. Brainiac

by Ashley Gouveia

Smallville’s first new episode of the New Year aired last night, and even before it started, I was excited. My excitement was not only about the members of the Legion coming back from the 31st century to help the pre-Superman. It was also for the chance to see Chloe/Brainiac wreak havoc in Metropolis. For those of us who have been watching this season, this has been a long time coming.

The episode basically started right where it left off with the repercussions of the “wedding of my nightmares” a.k.a. Jimmy and Chloe’s nuptials. The Persuader, a villain from the 31st century, traveled through time to kill Clark and to prevent the destruction of Brainiac. The members of the Legion sent his butt back pretty quickly.

I loved all the references that Legion made about how history told them about Kal-El’s life. Garth, also known as Lightning Lad, was such a fan of Superman that he was giddy with all of the “artifacts” he was finding around Clark’s barn. I loved that he was such a fan boy. It was like he was meeting his idol.

“Who’s Chloe Sullivan?” What!! That line was crazy. Clearly, the people from the future don’t have any idea who Chloe is and how she has affected Clark’s life. Even if she died wouldn’t there be some record of her? I loved that scene when Rokk was naming all the people in Supes history; Lane, Lang, even Olsen, but no Chloe (or Lex?). Garth made the suggestion that maybe Chloe’s not in history because she dies due to Brainiac. Well, Clark wasn’t hearing any of that. “Chloe Sullivan doesn’t die! Hear me?” I hear you Clark, loud and clear!

The Clark vs. Brainiac/Chloe showdown was everything I had hoped for. Allison Mack’s performance was amazing. She channeled James Marsters perfectly. The “Go on. Kill me” line was chilling and expertly delivered. I thought it was interesting that Brainiac chose Chloe to inhabit out of everyone, because he knew that Clark would never be able to hurt her. He was adamant that they had to find another way besides killing Chloe to destroy Brainiac.

Does anybody else think they know what Lana’s “destiny” is? I’m glad that this episode pointed out that Lana will accomplish more than just being Clark’s love interest. Interesting, but I really haven’t seen anything so far to support that. Maybe it has to do with the real reason she left town. I guess we’ll have to wait and see with that, since Ms. Lang is sticking around for a little bit.

I still feel bad for Davis. I don’t think that’s going to change since Sam Witwer has totally won me over. Can I get a woo-hoo for Chloe getting her memories back? One episode of Chloe not knowing was more than enough for me.

This was a great episode written by comic book writer Geoff Johns. All the little winks and nudges to the comic fans were immensely appreciated. I would say it was my favorite episode of this season.

What did you all think? Did “Legion” live up to your expectations?

Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Friday.

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Commentary with a Co-Ed: Doomsday rocks Smallville

by Ashley Gouveia

Now that is what I’m talking about!

I absolutely loved the most recent episode of Smallville. I was getting worried that I had lost the show that had originally captivated my attention. Weird alien princesses and psychotic jewelers don’t add up to fascinating hours of television for me. However, a heroic Clark and the beginnings of one of the ultimate super villains can certainly glue me to the tube. Pair those two things with a Sam Witwer shower scene, and I’m calling it the best episode of the season.

There wasn’t much to not like about this episode. Jimmy was in it, and even he didn’t bother me like he usually does. Davis Bloome was back and seemingly causing murders all over Metropolis. I want to give applause to Sam Witwer because his teary confession to Chloe was heartbreaking. It had me wanting to give him a big hug and hope he doesn’t go all Doomsday on me. He is eventually going to take out Superman, but I can’t help but feel sorry for the guy.

Chloe helping the meteor infected at Isis was certainly something new for her. But she still had that investigative drive which I loved to see. The old Chloe is still in there somewhere. It was great to see her back at the Daily Planet again even if it wasn’t in any official capacity. Clark going behind her back to get the names of her clients was enough to cause some friction between the two. But I thought it made for a great dynamic throughout the episode.

Speaking of great dynamic, Allison Mack and Sam Witwer have amazing chemistry together. They hit all of their scenes out of the park. Chloe really feels that Davis is a good person and isn’t capable of hurting anyone. Like Clark said, she is putting a lot of trust into someone she just met. I thought it was really interesting that when Davis asked her if there was anyone else she felt an ease with, she didn’t say Jimmy. Well, I think we all know the answer to that one.

I have noticed that Smallville has taken a darker tone this season. The sets in Metropolis are always dark and gloomy a definite contrast to the consistently sunny Kent Farm. I think it’s their way of maturing the show a little bit, giving it more of an edge. I’m kind of enjoying it, but it would be nice to see the old Kent Farm for a longer amount of time.

All in all, it was a great episode and if there’s more like that one headed our way, then I welcome it.


Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Friday

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Commentary with a Co-Ed: Maxima lands in Smallville

Photo: Copyright" Photo courtesyof the CW 2008. Do not duplicate.

by Ashley Gouveia

I’m disappointed that last night’s new episode of Smallville happens to be the first time I’m writing about it since the start of season eight. I actually enjoyed the first two episodes, and last week’s had tons of Justin Hartley goodness. Unfortunately, I wasn’t that impressed with last night’s episode. Not even the premise of bringing the comic-book-character Maxima could hold my attention.

The new baddie in town, Tess Mercer, had been looking for Lex and only has Clark’s fortress crystal to help in her search. She believed that it held the answers she was looking for. When she tried to get that information she sent a beacon into space that alerted Maxima, who was on a little search of her own. She was looking for her soul mate.

She needs to get in line.

However, her perfect mate is Kryptonian. How she could ever mistake Jimmy as a Kryptonian is beyond me. Of course, Jimmy was willing and able to get in a lip lock with her. It took him a long time to pull away before he remembered Chloe. Then the pheromones took over. Oh, brother. Next time Jimmy, I suggest you don’t take the bartender’s advice.

The reason that Jimmy was at the bar wallowing in his sorrows was because he found a letter that Chloe wrote to Clark. Long time fans will remember this letter back from season two when Chloe read it to Clark while he was sick. If I were Jimmy, I would have asked Chloe why she held on to it for all these years. But he only asked her why she has never said those things to him.

Maxima finally realized that Clark was the one she was looking for. Then, in a matter of minutes, put it together that Lois and Clark have a special bond. Huh? Really. I’m going to steal a line from Dean Winchester and say; “I’m not buyin’ what you’re selling.”

After the Clark and Maxima makeout scene, he snapped out of it and took her away before she clobbered Lois. He told her that his destiny was here on Earth and sent little Miss Vixen back to whence she came.

There was one scene that I actually enjoyed and that was one with Tess and Chloe. Cassidy Freeman has been a great addition to the cast. I am loving her character so far. It was awesome to hear Chloe being all tough with Tess and not taking to her threats. Like she said, she has dealt with the Luthors before and she doesn’t scare easily.

The Clark and Chloe scene, when she explained away the letter, was made of epic fail for me. Why bring up a letter from seasons ago that has been cherished by so many fans and deal with it in that way? As a long-time viewer and a Clark and Chloe fan, I have to say I was disappointed. Maybe Chloe’s Brainiac infection is leading her to say all these odd things. Or maybe that’s just my own reasoning, so I can continue to watch the show.

What do you all think about season eight so far? Is it living up to your expectations? Tell me your thoughts in the comments.


Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Friday

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Smallville is back on track: Don’t miss the premiere

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.

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Smallville premiere: First look

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.

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Lex Luthor departing Smallville and other spoilers

A few moments ago I checked my e-mail to find a letter from Smallville’s Michael Rosenbaum, regarding his impending exit from the show.

That’s right. Lex Luthor will NOT be a series regular on Smallville next season.

Smallville executive producers Darren Swimmer, Todd Slavkin, Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson, along with the CW Network and Warner Bros. Television, issued this joint statement about Rosenbaum’s exit.

“It has been an honor and pleasure to work with Michael for the past seven seasons. He is one of the best actors on television and has never failed to bring a new layer to the character of Lex Luthor in every episode. While Michael won’t be a series regular, and we won’t have the pleasure of working with him on a weekly basis this fall, we like to think that we haven’t seen the last of Lex Luthor. Stay tuned."

I hope they’re not wrong and that we haven’t seen the last of Sexy Lexy.

Rosenbaum also issued a statement. Here is his sweet and humorous letter to fans in its entirety.

Dear Smallville Fans,

Well, it's been seven wonderful years. Your support is what has made Smallville so successful, and I appreciate you all more than you know.

That being said, it is time for me to start the next chapter of my life and career. I hope that I gave you some enjoyment over the years, and that you found my portrayal of Lex Luthor to be satisfying. I am truly grateful, as Smallville fans are the best fans out there. I sincerely hope that you will continue to follow my career through my hair growth period and beyond.

I'm very excited about what the future holds, but certainly, Smallville will always be a part of me. I will definitely miss the greatest crew in the world, and the wonderful cast that has been like a family to me.

Thank you Al and Miles for creating the show. Thank you writers, producers, directors and editors. Thanks Tollin, Robbins and Davola for being there for the pilot. Thank you Peter Roth for employing me for ten years. Lisa Lewis, I miss you already. John Glover, thanks for helping me feel more comfortable touching other actors, while acting. Bizarre, but helpful.

Mostly, I want to thank Greg Beeman for directing the "Oh Sherry" video, by Steve Perry, back in the 80's.

Thanks crew. Thanks fans. Thanks Smallville.

I love you all,
Michael Rosenbaum

There you have it, right from the lips of Lex Luthor himself.

I can’t fathom a Smallville without Lex Luthor. He’s been the character I loved, then the character I loved to hate.

We’ll miss you Michael, more than you know.

Rumors are also swirling that Allison Mack (Chloe) has not signed on yet as a series regular for next season and is still in talks. I’m more than a little nervous that she won’t come back.

A Smallville without Martha, Jonathan, Lionel and Pete is bad enough. When those characters exited, so did some of the magic and charm that made Smallville so spectacular throughout the years. Add to that a missing Lex and possibly Chloe, and who’s left to keep the charm and spirit that Smallville has consistently delivered?

I love Tom Welling’s Clark Kent, but no man is an island, not even Superman. For a series to be successful, it needs a supporting cast that has chemistry. I’m concerned more and more that the supporting cast keeps dwindling away.

I don’t want Smallville to become Clark Kent fighting a different villain every week, with no family or friends, other than Lois and Jimmy, to support him. That is the Superman story, not the Smallville story, which is supposed to be the tale of young Clark Kent BEFORE he becomes Superman.

For those of you who hate spoilers, stop reading now.

Smallville producers plan to introduce two new villains next season: Doomsday and a female villain whose name has not been released yet, but who will set her sights on Clark. (Doomsday is notorious for being the only character in the DC Comics universe to have killed Superman.)

So, Lex is out and more changes may be coming. Please take a moment to share your thoughts or leave a comment for Michael Rosenbaum in the comments section below.

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Smallville Video: Chloe and Clark unrequited love?

by Jennifer Squires Biller

Is there any better storytelling device than unrequited love? I don’t think so.

It’s what keeps us TV romantic types watching with the hope that someday Booth and Brennan will fall in love, on Bones, or that Clark will realize that Chloe is his true Lois Lane, on Smallville.

Sometimes, unrequited love works out. (Jim got Pam, Felicity got Ben, and Pacey got Joey. Woo HOO!) Other times, not so much. (Sorry Buffy and Angel and Joey and Rachel.)

In all my years of TV watching, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a fan following for unrequited love, as I’ve seen for Chloe and Clark on Smallville. Fan fiction stories and You Tube videos are created for them daily, and message boards are filled with viewers analyzing every single word and gesture of Clark and Chloe's scenes together for subtext.

It could be that the masses identify with Chloe, a normal gal, who will always be in love with her super hero Clark, only for him to be in love with the town’s most popular dark-haired beauty. Or it could be that folks just can’t get enough of an unrequited love story.

Whatever the reason for the fan fascination with this couple, it’s evident that Clark and Chloe are a draw for viewers. The Smallville writers have blown it big time in not pursuing a bigger story there. (My apologies to the Smallville folks if in fact that is planned in upcoming episodes, but I’m not holding my breath.) The opportunity was ripe this year, with Jimmy Olsen entering the scene to give Clark a wake-up call, but the future man of steel has been too bogged down in the adventures of his super girl cousin, visits from his mother and other aliens, and his continued obsession with Lana Lang to notice much going on in Chloe’s life.

If you think I’m exaggerating the appeal of this non-couple, please check out this superb video from the incredibly talented Ashley, who I’m sure has a successful future in video production if she chooses.

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Smallville’s Chloe hits the blogosphere

You know actress Allison Mack as Chloe Sullivan, the super-smart sidekick of Smallville’s Clark Kent. Now, you have the chance to get to know Ms. Mack a little better. She’s started her very own blog. (Chloe would be so proud!)

Fans of Mack can read her thoughts, listen to her favorite song, and view her personal photos at her relaunched Web site that features her blog.

The Web site has a fantastic new interview with Mack that should not be missed. She discusses the Clark/Chloe romantic relationship, what it’s like working with Tom Welling, and the ongoing online discussion of Metropolis’ miraculous geographic relocation near Smallville.

It’s no secret that I love Chloe Sullivan and have had nothing but praise for her portrayer. I’ve been touting her talent in this newspaper/Web column for more than three years. I know you guys love her too, as I get more mail about her Smallville character than any other, not to mention the thousands of hits on this Web site from people searching the “Clark and Chloe kiss.” So, go visit her site. Leave her a comment. Tell her how much you enjoy her character.

It’s the least we can do for the girl who helps save the world on a weekly basis.

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CW network launch

The new CW network hit the airwaves this week and kicked things off with an all-star launch party and behind-the-scenes interviews with Tom Welling (Smallville), Chad Michael Murray (One Tree Hill), Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill) Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars) and others.

In case you haven’t heard, the WB and UPN are no more. However, most of your favorite shows from those networks have been picked up by the new CW. (Well, except for Everwood.) Sorry, Tubers.

The biggest surprise of the launch-party show may have been the reveal of how One Tree Hill’s Dan Scott spent his summer: apparently at the gym. Did you see the guns on actor Paul Johansson, during his interview with Hilarie Burton? Whoa! Lucas, you have been warned.

For some great photos of the event, check out Just Jared and Wire Image.

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"Smallville" boys on vacation

by Jennifer Squires Biller

If you’re in Smallville withdrawal as much as I am, then check out these photos of Clark Kent and Lex Luthor enjoying their summer vacations.

Apparently, Tom Welling’s grooming skills are on vacation, too. (Hey, I’m not judging. Even a razor needs some downtime, too.) These photos don’t completely take the sting out of not seeing new episodes of Smallville during the summer, but it helps. Welling (Clark Kent) recently took in a Boston Red Sox game and threw out the first pitch. And Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor) was spotted jamming in a Vegas casino. Thanks to GMMR for the heads up on these photos.

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Smallville: Lex and Chloe?

Forget Lex and Lana. After this week’s episode of Smallville, I’m convinced that a Lex and Chloe pairing is so explosive it could spark its own meteor shower.

Their few minutes of bickering proved that Michael Rosenbaum and Allison Mack have chemistry with just about everyone, and especially each other. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy the Lex/Lana scenes, too. I did. But, Chloe and Lex sparring was spectacular. Cigarette, anyone? (And I don’t even smoke.)

I couldn’t help but chuckle when Lex voiced what Internet fans have been saying for years: why doesn’t Chloe have a boyfriend? We all assumed it's because she’s been pining for Clark. But, since that clearly is going nowhere, I’m with Lex. Chloe needs a man. And who better than our favorite follicly challenged billionaire? Their verbal badminton in this episode was one of the highlights of the season. Lex’s smug, arrogant grin after Chloe stormed out was a self-congratulatory nod that he one-upped her in this match. Brilliant. I can’t wait for the round two.

This episode was Tom Welling’s directorial debut. Congrats, Tom! Nicely done. Although I’m not a fan of the freak-of-the-week stories, (I much prefer episodes that focus on the main characters,) the special effects with the glass were incredible. But not as incredible as the Lex/Chloe standoff. Give us more, please!

Tube Talk Girl can be reached by e-mail at jennifer@tube-talk.com.

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Smallville: Clark Kent’s mapquest and Pa Kent’s ghost

by Jennifer Squires Biller

Does Clark Kent have a built-in OnStar? The dude zipped from Kansas to Honduras in the latest episode, without even so much as a roadmap. Impressive. I’ll bet he didn’t have to stop for directions either. But good luck to him if he did, considering he was wondering around the jungles of Central America, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t speak Spanish. Beware, Milton Fine; Clark is coming for you and all your other body-mutating pieces.

The best part of the show was Pa Kent’s surprise appearance as a Heavenly ghost. I’m happily spoiler free and didn’t see that coming. When he launched into his trademark “Hello, son,” I realized how much I’ve missed Jonathan Kent. I loved his wardrobe choice, too. It was classic Jonathan. No billowy white tunic or white pants for this spirit. I guess they have flannel in Heaven. Good to know. Kudos to the writers for having Pa Kent tell Clark that Lionel knows his secret. I would have been screaming at the TV, if he hadn’t imparted that juicy piece of news to Clark.

As much as I miss Jonathan, I’m strangely fascinated with Lionel and Martha’s relationship. Give us more!

Then, my girl Chloe saved the day again, not to mention Lex’s life. I know the Smallville creators have said she isn’t really Lois Lane, but she sure fits the part, doesn’t she? Brilliant reporter – check. Chemistry with Clark and Lex – check. Sarcastic and tough, yet likeable – check. Smallville might be the story of young Superman, but CK wouldn’t be half as entertaining without his trusty sidekick.

Tube Talk Girl can be reached by e-mail at jennifer@tube-talk.com.

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Smallville: Chlark or Chlois Shippers, some of you are about to be very happy

Smallville fans, if you haven’t heard, Clark and Lana are finished, stick-a-fork-in-them-done. Supposedly, Lana will start spending more time with a certain follicly-challenged billionaire we all love to hate.

Clark is supposedly romantically headed either toward Lois or Chloe, according to E!Online’s scoop diva Kristin Veitch . In her Monday chat, Kristin answered this question about the possibility of a Chloe/Clark or Lois/Clark relationship.

Q: From trillian0921: “On Smallville--will there be any Clark & Lois relationship this season? Is Chloe going to absorb Lois in some sort of meteor-related disaster so he can be with his true love, Chlois?”

A: “Ha! Wouldn't that be fantastic? I can tell you that Clark and Lana are over, over, over--at least for a good while. And it's looking good for him and one half of the Chlois concoction!”

For Kristin’s complete chat transcript, click here: http://www.eonline.com/Gossip/Kristin/Trans/Archive2006/060227.html

Tube talk girl can be reached by e-mail at jennifer@tube-talk.com.

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Dukes reunited in Smallville

November 2, 2005
by Jennifer Squires Biller

Someone call Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane. The Duke boys are together again. Except this time, they’re a long way from Hazzard County.

On Thursday, Tom Wopat (Luke Duke) reunites with former Dukes of Hazzard costar John Schneider (Bo Duke) on the WB series Smallville.

That’s right. Luke Duke will be mixing it up with Clark Kent, Lex Luthor, and former-cousin Bo, now known as Smallville’s most responsible father, Jonathan Kent.

Yep, I’m pretty much giddy at the thought of it.

Wopat is playing the character Jake Jennings, whose name, I’m assuming, is a clever nod to Dukes balladeer Waylon Jennings. Rumor has it that Jennings has a passion for classic cars and will be driving a ‘69 Dodge Charger. Hmmm…do you think the car doors will open, or will he have to climb through the window as an homage to the good ol’ days?

I couldn’t be more pleased that the extraordinary Smallville is the venue for this long-awaited reunion. As loyal Tube Talk readers know, Smallville is appointment TV for me. I’ve done everything short of bribery the last few years to get you to watch the young Superman in training. And I’m not above that, if it will get you to tune in on Thursday.

For those of you who have heeded my advice, thank you! Ratings for Smallville are the highest they’ve been in four years. The show is kicking butt in its new Thursday timeslot, despite stiff competition. (Sorry Everybody Hates Chris and The O.C.) For those of you who are still ignoring one of the best shows on television, you should know that I’ve reported your names to Lex Luthor, as possible candidates for scientific experiments at Luthorcorp.

Quite simply, here’s why you should make a weekly date with Smallville: it’s good. Watching young Clark Kent discover his super abilities and grapple with learning to use them is a fun-filled adventure each week. It’s a refreshing spin on the classic tale of good versus evil. Along with the weekly tales of heroism, Smallville offers humor, a superb cast, amazing special effects, and the most beautiful cinematography you’ll find on the small screen. And at the core, the story is rooted in family values.

We all need a hero to believe in. And in the capable hands of the charming Tom Welling, Clark Kent is that guy. His heroism doesn’t play as schmaltzy or insincere.

Michael Rosenbaum’s Lex Luthor is the perfect contrast to Welling. Rosenbaum’s Lex is dark at times, but played with a vulnerability and humor that makes viewers root for him, despite his dark side.

For you die-hard comic book fans who’ve refused to watch the show, I know the odds of convincing you are about as good as Lex Luthor growing hair. But, you should reconsider. Not every detail of Smallville may mesh with DC Comics history, but that shouldn’t exclude you from enjoying the magic of the show.

An added incentive this season is the addition of James Marsters, as Brainiac. I know it’s a stretch to see Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer as the smartest guy in the room, but, trust me, Marsters makes it work. He actually one-upped Lex Luthor last week in a game of verbal badminton. That rarely happens. And then there was the Halloween episode in which Marsters uttered, “There’s no such thing as vampires.” Sure, it was a too-obvious nod at his vampire history on Buffy, but I laughed like a hyena anyway.

For those of you who think it’s too late to get on board with Smallville, I have one word for you: DVDs. (Well, technically it’s one word, if you just say the acronym.) You can rent or buy the DVDs of all four seasons of Smallville. Some seasons have hilarious commentaries by cast members, including Lex and Clark, as well as deleted scenes and gag reels, that alone are worth the price of the DVD.

Or you can just tune in Thursday at 8 p.m. I’m pretty sure Rosco P. Coltrane will be watching, too.

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Booting the tube for TV-turnoff week

April 27, 2005

This is International Turn-off-the-TV week. Or as I like to call it, seven days of torture.

They tell me it’s possible to enjoy life without television. Frankly, I’m not convinced. But I’m giving it a shot.

I know what you’re thinking: Jennifer not watching television, the Devil must be freezing. But it’s true. In the spirit of promoting healthier ways to spend our time, I’m booting the boob tube for one week. And I’m not alone. Hundreds of children, adults, and even one small town in America have vowed to shut off the television until Sunday.

For information on this campaign, visit the Web site www.tvturnoff.org. The site offers suggestions on what to do with all that extra time you’ll have on your hands. It has an activity guide for those distraught souls who are so lost without the idiot box that they can’t decide what to do. There is even a catchy little slogan to chant: “Dare to be free. Turn off the TV.”

The goal is to encourage families to engage in physical outdoor activities or to stay indoors and read. The Web site has numerous scientific studies and evidence that allege television viewing is just this side of Satan. One study links young children's television time to an increased likelihood of bullying. Supposedly, a child watching about three hours a day is nearly 30 percent more likely to become a bully, than a child watching no television, according to the study.

Some studies claim that watching television can lead to attention disorders, obesity, and all kinds of horrible effects. Well, sure, it may do all of that, but have they seen Clark Kent? That alone is worth suffering a little attention disorder.

The last thing you’d expect from a TV columnist is to tell you to turn off the TV. But it may just change your life. Sadly, it seems television has evolved from a form of electronic entertainment to a baby-sitter or an excuse for families not to communicate. I’ve seen small children sit for hours watching cartoons, instead of engaging in play or developmental activities. I’m even of guilty of ignoring a phone call or a conversation when one of my favorite shows is on. I’m not sure shutting off the tube for a week will convince me, and the rest of the world, to completely change our lifestyles, but it’s a start.

The TV-Turnoff Network cites some scary numbers on television-viewing habits to help convince you:

• TV is on an average of seven hours and 40 minutes a day in American homes.
• By age 18, the average American child sees 200,000 violent acts on TV.
• The average American watches more than four hours a day.
• By age 18, children will witness 16,000 murders on television.
• The number of commercials viewed by age 65: 2 million.
• One-year-olds in America watch an average of six hours a week.

If that doesn’t convince you to take a break from the small screen, there are plenty more statistics at the Web site to frighten you into submission.

It’s day three of no TV for me, and I’m doing OK. I haven’t caved yet. Of course, they couldn’t have chosen a worse week for the campaign. The JAG series finale is slated for Friday. And after 10 years, it looks like Harm may finally pop the question to Mac. How can I miss that?

I won’t of course. I’ve programmed my VCR to catch it. Don’t worry. I won’t watch it until next week. The message of this effort is not to black out TV for good, just to watch less. Whew! That I think I can do.

It’s tough, though. I’m barely making it through without my daily morning dose of CNN. And no Lost or Veronica Mars makes Jennifer a little cranky. I’m weak, Tubers. But, I’m going with the idea of “Turn off TV. Turn on life.”

So join me in putting down the remote and picking up a tennis racket, a basketball, or a book. We’ll do it together. Let the torture continue.

Originally published 4/27/05 in The Exponent Telegram newspaper.

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