Smallville Season 1 Retrospective

Smallville:

The Best Superhero TV Show Ever

I have never denied my love for Smallville. Not only do I believe that it is the best superhero TV Show of all time, but I think it ranks among the best shows of any kind. This starts, obviously before Clark Kent becomes Superman and takes you on a journey through the early struggles of both developing his powers along with developing his character and relationships. In this multi-part series, I will address why I think the creators, Gough and Millar, did such a good job. Starting with:

Season 1

The pilot episode sets the stage for any series, and this one really nailed it. We see that a young Clark Kent, a freshman in high school, already has and uses some of his powers, such as super speed, but does not know exactly where they came from. In this episode we also see that Clark is already feeling the effects of Kryptonite, although he does not know why. Lana Lang wears a “meteor rock” necklace made from the meteorite that killed her parents, and Clark is weakened by it.

This season is the stage setter for the seasons that followed. It seems apparent that they were not sure if they would be renewed immediately, as season 1 earned the “Freak of the Week” reputation. This simply means that every week’s episode had another person infected by Kryptonite (they called it “meteor rock” until late season 2) and turns evil. Some temporarily and some not.

Clark develops and gets used to the news that he is from another planet and his developing powers as he grows older. For instance, in this season he is completely unaware that he can be shot and not die. However, he does bruise from the shots although they heal quickly. The main focus is on his relationships, both with his parents and with his friends. These are crucial in setting up what is to come. In this we see why he has the morals he does and why he always looks for the best solution with no loss of life. Culminating with a cliff hanger season finale.

The show is excellently cast. Every actor perfectly suited for their role. John Schneider, a favorite of mine from the Dukes of Hazzard, played Jonathan Kent so well, I wanted to be a better father. Michael Rosenbaum played the best Lex Luthor I have ever seen. He took the role and played the subtleties beautifully as a confident businessman, to a slightly insecure friend, and a best friend and older brother type to Clark. Lana Lang is adorably played by Kristin Kreuk, who moves through quite an arc on the first season, starting as the popular cheerleader to the girl next door looking for purpose. Chloe Sullivan, played by Allison Mack, is the Lois Lane type of friend for Clark’s high school years.

Of course, Tom Welling plays Clark Kent. He develops this character so perfectly through the entire run of the show, I don’t think calling him the best Clark Kent is saying too much. He may not be the best Superman, but that is only because he didn’t play Superman.

If you are planning to watch this show, you definitely need to start at the beginning, and this season sets the table for all that is to come. The series opening scene foreshadows events that don’t happen until season 6. It is just so well thought out, I recommend it to everyone.