Tonight, SMALLVILLE will reach a television milestone and continue on a course to science fiction history! The very special episode #200, which finished filming in September, will air this evening at 8pm on The CW. The cast and crew were celebrating this momentous milestone with a party at the end of September in Vancouver, at about the same time when the tenth season was premiering on our screens. In terms of number of episodes, every set of ‘100’ represents approximately five years of imagination, dedication, and hard work. And all the people involved with the series for the past nine years have definitely earned the right to celebrate.
This tenth season will also be the final one, despite the series continuing to show ongoing viewer support and creative growth. From an artistic standpoint, having a specific end-date in sight will allow the creative team the opportunity to bring the storylines to a natural close as Clark Kent continues on his path to becoming The Man of Steel. Ever since the first season in 2001, the producers have declared ‘no tights, no flights!’ referring to their desire to explore the early years of Clark Kent before he becomes the iconic hero known as Superman. Despite several story directions, which found small loopholes around this decree, even earning the eye-rolling frustration of fans waiting for Clark to don the red and blue suit – or at least to jump a tall building in a single bound – the creative team stayed true to its word. Until now. This will be the season that Clark Kent makes the full transformation into Superman and the series is ready to pull out all the stops!
SMALLVILLE is also now set to make sci-fi history. Up until this year, STARGATE SG1 has been the longest consecutively running live-action Sci-Fi series in North America, having aired 213 episodes. This accomplishment has earned it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, and makes it second only to the British DOCTOR WHO in the worldwide standings. At the point that SMALLVILLE will almost be reaching the end of this tenth and final season, it will air episode #214 and thereby earn its place as the new record-holder. And that is quite an accomplishment for a science fiction show that has fought against great odds to reach this point.
Episode #200 is titled ‘Homecoming’ and it will contain something for everyone, whether you have watched it faithfully for nine years or tuned out after three. For viewers who may have lost track of the series, returning to watch this episode will be like a homecoming of their own. Highlights and pictures, after the jump.
‘Homecoming’ is definitely a must-see and will bring back many memories from the early days of the series. Viewers will be able to recognize several callbacks and shoutouts. Those who have watched since day one will remember how awkward Clark Kent felt in high school – and yes, it is high school and we all felt awkward, but at least we didn’t have unknown superpowers to deal with! We will remember what first love was like, as Clark pined for Lana Lang (Kristen Kreuk). Remember what it meant to have a best friend like Chloe Sullivan (Allison Mack), and an adversary such as Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum). We will also remember the ongoing journey of growth and discovery, and we will never forget the impact of episode #100 where we lost the family patriarch, Jonathan Kent. Even though we knew it was bound to happen, because that is what the mythos of Superman has written in the DC Comics world, the impact we felt was no less painful. And we will witness the ongoing development of the mythos as Clark makes a deeper connection to Lois (Erica Durance), and we reach the inevitable end as Clark (Tom Welling) fully transforms to Superman.
In ‘Homecoming’, Smallville High is holding a five-year reunion and Lois convinces Clark to attend. Much to her disappointment, no ones seems to remember her brief time there as a student; after all, who can blame them, it was only about a week!
Brainiac (James Marsters) will return and help Clark take a look into his past, present, and future. The past will include that awkward teen in high school, those relationships, and the truth surrounding the death of his father, Jonathan Kent. The present will examine the people in his life and the impact on his friend Oliver Queen (Justin Hartley) now that his identity as Green Arrow has been made public knowledge. And of course the future will provide a glimpse into the status of Clark’s relationship with Lois, his work as a reporter, and ultimately putting the red and blue suit (which now sits secure in the Fortress of Solitude) to good use. With a clearer view about what the future holds, Clark will emerge from the experience with more self-assurance and less doubt about his true destiny. It will galvanize the forward momentum and reduce the current amount of inner struggle experienced by Clark.
This isn’t to say that the rest of the season will be smooth sailing for our reluctant hero. There will still be great challenges to overcome and enemies to fight, as he learns to balance the life of Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter, and Superman, the Man of Steel. The rest of the journey has been mapped out by the creative team and it should be quite fascinating to watch as the series comes full circle. With each new episode, it will take one step closer to saying goodbye in a manner that will be respectful to the comics world of Superman and satisfying to viewers, many of whom have dedicated a decade to the series. All while making television history. Without a doubt, this is one season that is not to be missed!
SMALLVILLE — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) / “Homecoming” (TV-PG) (HDTV)
A RECORD-BREAKING EVENT! SMALLVILLE HITS 200 EPISODES AND BRINGS BACK FAMILIAR FACES LIKE JAMES MARSTERS AS BRAINIAC — In an attempt to cheer up Clark (Tom Welling), Lois (Erica Durance) convinces him to attend their five-year high school reunion. A visit back to the home of the Crows has Clark remembering old times with Lana (Kristin Kreuk) and Chloe (Allison Mack), while Lois is furious that no one remembers her five days as a student. Brainiac 5.0 (James Marsters) uses his Legion ring to visit from the future and takes Clark through his past, present and future. He shows Clark what really happened the night Jonathan died, Oliver’s (Justin Hartley’s) current pain and Clark’s future at the Daily Planet with Lois and his role as Earth’s favorite red and blue superhero. Jeannot Szwarc directed the episode written by Brian Peterson & Kelly Souders.
Photo credits: The CW
Super Awesome. Wow I didn’t know that about the record thing. Go Smallville