After swearing off Smallville forever, I find myself really enjoying the new episodes. Clark has toned down the moping and actually fights crime, episodes exhibit continuity, and special effects have improved.
It took the new showrunners an entire season to find their footing but I’m glad the show is better for it. In college football, when a coach gets fired, it always takes the new coach a few seasons to find his footing. That’s because he needs to install his system, recruit his players, and gradually phase out the seniors from the previous regime. Last season, many of the bullshit storylines were painful to watch. But similar to sports, it was necessary to endure a season of mediocrity in order to phase out the bad characters and move forward. Both Lana and Jimmy were nixed, allowing all characters to finally move forward with their lives. I didn’t agree with the way their stories were wrapped up, but I do like the proverbial middle finger given to the previous showrunners.
I like that Season 9 sees characters who are finally embracing the concept of superheroes and costumes. For example, Clark now wears a black trench coat reminiscent of Neo from The Matrix instead of plaid. There’s even a two-parter next week featuring cameos from the JSA.
Personally, I’d like to see all the characters gradually evolve their costumes so they look like their comic book counterparts. Green Arrow, for example, has a new costume this season that’s darker and better padded in the abdominal region. Still, I’d really like to see the character ditch the sunglasses for a domino mask and also grow some facial hair. Similarly, I hope Clark can embrace thick rimmed glasses soon to create his meek reporter alter ego.
Maybe next season.
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