Can I co-sign on this? Well, except the part of about having adored Chloe at one time, because that wouldn't be true. I've always had a mistrust for Chloe, but that goes back to the Lana-years. At best, I can say that I've respected her place as someone very important to Clark Kent, and a key figure in this particular version of his story.
But the rest of this entry - total yes, especially #1 and #2.
I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. :) And even when we don't agree, I know you won't condemn me for having a difference of opinion.
My feelings about Chloe have run the gamut over the years, and have now come full circle. It's always been fascinating to me how some people can champion the same actions from her that I condemn (and vice versa when it comes to Clark), but I think those kinds of differences are what the Smallville fandom has become famous for.
Oh wow. Agreeing with just about all of this. I'll come back after class and try to make some coherent points, but yes. It all comes down to this for me:
In order to effectively write or direct anything Superman related, you should probably like and/or try to understand him.
And these people don't, although I think the lone voice of reason with the showrunners might be Tom. At least that's what I'm hoping.
I'm sure we'll never know how much, or how little, Tom goes to bat for Clark, but I do remember BP telling that story during the DVD commentary for Identity about how he "pushed back" when they wanted to have Clark be influenced by Tess and Oliver to start practicing subterfuge in his dealings with people. Tom said Clark wouldn't do that, and he was able to convince them to drop the idea. I'll always love him for protecting Clark that way.
The other thing I appreciate about Tom is that his performance always does Clark justice, even when the actual dialogue may not. He definitely makes the most of what he is given, and has overcome a lot of bad material over the years, IMO.
That was one of my favorite parts of the commentary, knowing that he would speak up against something OOC for Clark's character.
I'm still stewing over that interview. It explains so much about the tone and direction of the series as a whole.
And yes re: Tom's acting. He really brings a nobility of spirit to the role. Even when Clark was young, or acting out (for the most part), there's still that underlying sense of gentle gravitas that centers him.
I really can't see anyone else playing the part now.
Greg Beeman's departure from the show was a huge blow. Just look at how amazing Salvation was compared to the average episode of Smallville! Unlike AlMiles, he was always a big Clark fan, and a big Tom fan as well, and it showed in the glorious finale he gave us last season. If he returns to direct the two-hour finale, forget Zack Snyder. THAT will be Tom's Superman movie! :)
I wish they had never introduced the Clone!Lex storyline. I've never liked the clones (and I still say that monstrosity in S8 was one of them), and the only way the story would have worked for me is if MR came back as the real Lex and murdered the copy. :)
I would love to see Clark and Lois in full-on reporter mode, tracking down leads, investigating stories, and solving mysteries. I want to see their professional relationship as well as their personal one. I especially miss the fun banter we always hear when they work together. Tom and Erica both have such a gift for comedy.
It seems like TPTB's way of fixing the problems between Clark and Chloe (problems they created) is to pretend they never existed, and I just can't wave them all away that easily.
I really do struggle to understand what the writers are thinking sometimes. I would have loved to hear the brainstorming sessions they had for some of these episodes, just to gain a little insight. How do you write for a hero you don't love with all your heart?
Wow, what a fantastic post, and analysis of the season. I've missed your insight so, so much. There are so many parts of this post I want to quote and discuss, but if I did, I know I'd take over your whole journal. So, I'll try to just hit certain points.
I think I've realized, for me, that I don't love the show in its present form anymore. I still love what the show WAS, and I still love what the show should've, and could've, been, and I still love Tom Welling, and Clark, and I love Tess. So, there's a lot of love there. But in its present form, I cannot love this season. It is a heartbreaking disappointment to me. Because, as you've said, this show is run by people that don't love, or get, Superman. And thats not going to change in the next 9 eps either.
And ya know what? Amongst friends, with mutual respect, it should be OK to feel that way and talk about it.
And while we're on the subject, with Darkseid, the VRA goons, the Suicide Squad, AU!Lionel, and Clone!Lex all running around, is this really the time to be
( ... )
It's so good to talk to you about Smallville again! *twirls you*
I totally understand your disappointment with the show, and I think you're both more astute and more realistic than I am when it comes to knowing what to expect. I didn't think I would love Collateral, but I wasn't prepared for how deeply it would disappoint me, and 15 minutes in I was thinking of you and how right you were. :)
Honestly, I'm such a sap. I'm already pumped for tomorrow's episode, looking forward to AOT, John Glover, and Lucas Grabeel, and anticipating the scene between Clark and Martha we saw in the promo pics. Hope springs eternal, I guess. Still, if it weren't for Tom, I would have walked away long ago.
And ya know what? Amongst friends, with mutual respect, it should be OK to feel that way and talk about it.
Of course it should. For everyone I hold most dear here, I know it is, and I feel so fortunate to have friends like you guys.
But wedding planning? Bridesmaids, flowers, parties? Really? Right now?I was ranting at my TV screen! "How
( ... )
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But the rest of this entry - total yes, especially #1 and #2.
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My feelings about Chloe have run the gamut over the years, and have now come full circle. It's always been fascinating to me how some people can champion the same actions from her that I condemn (and vice versa when it comes to Clark), but I think those kinds of differences are what the Smallville fandom has become famous for.
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In order to effectively write or direct anything Superman related, you should probably like and/or try to understand him.
And these people don't, although I think the lone voice of reason with the showrunners might be Tom. At least that's what I'm hoping.
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The other thing I appreciate about Tom is that his performance always does Clark justice, even when the actual dialogue may not. He definitely makes the most of what he is given, and has overcome a lot of bad material over the years, IMO.
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I'm still stewing over that interview. It explains so much about the tone and direction of the series as a whole.
And yes re: Tom's acting. He really brings a nobility of spirit to the role. Even when Clark was young, or acting out (for the most part), there's still that underlying sense of gentle gravitas that centers him.
I really can't see anyone else playing the part now.
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I know! I'm sure it was just an off-the-cuff remark to make a point about Spider-Man, but it was so telling.
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I would love to see Clark and Lois in full-on reporter mode, tracking down leads, investigating stories, and solving mysteries. I want to see their professional relationship as well as their personal one. I especially miss the fun banter we always hear when they work together. Tom and Erica both have such a gift for comedy.
It seems like TPTB's way of fixing the problems between Clark and Chloe (problems they created) is to pretend they never existed, and I just can't wave them all away that easily.
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I think I've realized, for me, that I don't love the show in its present form anymore. I still love what the show WAS, and I still love what the show should've, and could've, been, and I still love Tom Welling, and Clark, and I love Tess. So, there's a lot of love there. But in its present form, I cannot love this season. It is a heartbreaking disappointment to me. Because, as you've said, this show is run by people that don't love, or get, Superman. And thats not going to change in the next 9 eps either.
And ya know what? Amongst friends, with mutual respect, it should be OK to feel that way and talk about it.
And while we're on the subject, with Darkseid, the VRA goons, the Suicide Squad, AU!Lionel, and Clone!Lex all running around, is this really the time to be ( ... )
Reply
I totally understand your disappointment with the show, and I think you're both more astute and more realistic than I am when it comes to knowing what to expect. I didn't think I would love Collateral, but I wasn't prepared for how deeply it would disappoint me, and 15 minutes in I was thinking of you and how right you were. :)
Honestly, I'm such a sap. I'm already pumped for tomorrow's episode, looking forward to AOT, John Glover, and Lucas Grabeel, and anticipating the scene between Clark and Martha we saw in the promo pics. Hope springs eternal, I guess. Still, if it weren't for Tom, I would have walked away long ago.
And ya know what? Amongst friends, with mutual respect, it should be OK to feel that way and talk about it.
Of course it should. For everyone I hold most dear here, I know it is, and I feel so fortunate to have friends like you guys.
But wedding planning? Bridesmaids, flowers, parties? Really? Right now?I was ranting at my TV screen! "How ( ... )
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