Smallville - Season 1 (2001)

CAST: Tom Welling as Clark Kent/Kal-El Kristen Kreuk as Lana Lang Allison Mack as Chloe Sullivan Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor John Glover as Lionel Luthor Sam Jones III as Pete Ross Eric Johnson as Whitney Fordman Annette O?Toole as Martha Kent John Schneider as Jonathan Kent Joe Morton as Dr. Steven Hamilton When Smallville first premiered in the Fall of 2001, I was not very interested in seeing the series. I had always been a fan of the films starring Christopher Reeve and the TV shows in the 80?s and 90?s(Superboy, Superman: The Animated Series and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, most notably), but a series in which Clark is not Superman or even Superboy just sounded weird to me. I had no idea at the time that one of the reasoning?s behind there being no cape or the moniker of Superboy was because of a law suit. During the shows 2nd season I decided to finally give the series a chance, hearing that the series had finally found its footing and was beginning to go deeper in the Superman lore helped to ease me into watching it. After an amazing season(which I?ll get to when I review that season), I decided to purchase the 1st Season and see what I had missed, while the structure is great and the acting from each cast member is done very well(especially John Glover and Michael Rosenbaum as the Luthors) we get the one flaw the series started out with(and still occasionally goes back to) called ?Freak of the Week, ? where a new villain is introduced having been induced by meteor rocks(from the meteor shower)and begins to go after their obsessions?? EPISODE I: Pilot Great start to the series, basically what we get is some recycling of elements from the Donner original(Kents finding Clark)and a whole new twist for a new generation; the beginning friendship of Clark Kent and Lex Luthor(although in comic book lore it is mentioned that Lex and Superboy were friends in Smallville and it was translated in the 1st season of Superboy). We get to meet the characters and are immediately shown their personalities. The special effects are very impressive, as most would expect, but for a TV series its quite an accomplishment(which gets even better later on). The villain Jeremy Creek(Adrian McMorran)is a bit blahhh as he is not really important, just there to provide a fight scene(not a very good one, I?m sad to say). Still it?s a fun episode, but of course we get our first slew of Superman puns. 3 out of 5 stars {Commentary & Deleted scenes for this episode is available} EPISODE II: Metamorphosis Starting immediately after the previous episode(makes you wonder why they didn?t just air it as a pilot movie)we get a new villain coined Bugboy(Chad E. Donella)and once again he is not very interesting, although the fight is done better., than the previous episode. Not much is explored in this episode, except the consequences of actions taken in the previous episode are shown. It is a fun element to see that even someone as legendary as Superman(or someone who will be Superman)has the same flaws that all teenagers have. More of a slow start to the series, but it keeps you interested enough to watch the next episode. 3 out of 5 stars {Commentary & deleted scenes for this episode is available} EPISODE III: Hothead This episode is definitely a step up from the previous two, not so much because of the ?Freak of the Week,? villain Coach Arnold(played great by The Wonder Years? Dan Lauria), but because this really begins to open up the twisted relationship between the Luthors that will intrigue me the most throughout the series. Glover & Rosenbaum work so well together, it?s a shame that Lionel is no longer there. This also shows that Lana is a bit more of her own person, than we see in the pilot and episode after. Kristen Kreuk in my opinion ended up being the actress I couldn?t stand on the series, as she played her character in a one note kind of way, but in the first Season she isn?t that bad. 4 out of 5 stars EPISODE IV: X-Ray Well here it is the element the series was made for, each season shows Clark developing a new ability as his molecular structure gets stronger as he gets older. This episode is quite good actually and I love the special effects given to update the familiar X-Ray ability that Clark Kent has, but one element about the ?New powers, ? episodes that have always bugged me; was the convenience that Clark gets the new ability, just as he is forced to need it. In this case the only way Clark can tell if the person he is looking at is really them or the new villain Tina Greer(Lizzy Caplan)is to see if the bones are laced with a green mist. This episode is essentially Lana based, as she is the object of Tina?s obsession. Kristen does a pretty decent job, but the episode has to go to Lizzy Kaplan Roger Nixon(Tom O?Brien)is introduced here. 4 out of 5 stars EPISODE V: Cool Another slump of an episode, we essentially get a Mr. Freeze or Captain Cold type villain in Sean Kelvin(Michael Coristine), as he needs to feed off the body heat of people in order to keep himself warm. The reason I feel this villain does not work is because we really don?t get to know him . We see him a bit on the beginning and are given the impression that he is a typical high school jock, but that?s it. We also get to see Chloe begin her journey of being attracted by the wrong kind of guy. There is one moment in the episode I do enjoy, the bathroom scene with the unfortunate student Jenna(Tania Saulnier), the way the scene is shot really grab me and the moment when she is frozen alive is good, it would have made it better to see her actually shatter. An okay episode to watch, but miss able 2 out of 5 stars EPISODE VI: Hourglass Probably one of my top five episodes of the season, not only does this episode begin to explore more of the Superman lore(President Lex Luthor), but it has a great eerie adult atmosphere to the episode. Eric Christian Olsen guest stars in this episode as the Young Version of a man named Harry, who falls into a meteor dosed lake and begins to go after those, who were responsible for him going to prison. Jackie Burrough does an amazing job as Cassandra Carver, the elderly lady, who gives Clark a glimpse into his future and a hint of his ultimate destiny. 5 out of 5 stars EPISODE VII: Craving This episode works well, mainly because we get to have a sympathetic character, who we don?t want to see get hurt or killed. Many teens can relate to the characters problem or at least being teased. Amy Adams plays Jodi Melville pretty well. I enjoyed seeing how she develops her character in such a short amount of time(only 42 minutes). More episodes like this do follow, but this is an element I do enjoy a lot. Lex?s immunity is further explored in this episode and Dr. Steven Hamilton is introduced here as well, making for an episode that is not to be missed. 5 out of 5 stars EPISODE VIII: Jitters Awesome episode, this is the 3rd episode in a row to receive a high score and shows how quickly the writers began to get their foothold and know what the audience wanted from them. Tony Todd, best known for his role as Candyman in the film series, certainly takes the cake as one of the most sympathetic of all the villains of the week. This is mainly because he really isn?t a villain. Although, we see him in a desperate state, I get the impression that he was not really going to hurt any of the students he was holding hostage. The next element shown is Lex?s growing envy of how well the Kents care for one another and how opposite they are from his family. Once again the writers have managed to add a bit of adult drama to what began as a series centered around teenagers. 5 out of 5 stars EPISODE IX: Rogue A few important arcs are started here, as another top rated episode is aired. First, we get the story arc in which Lex begins to date the daughter of a rival business tycoon(Kelly Brook as Veronica Hardwicke) and his relationship with his father is explored a bit more. The main center of the episode revolves around a crooked cop named Sam Phelan(Cameron Dye), a Metropolis Police Officer, who witnesses Clark save a runaway bus and decides to try and use his abilities to get secret files on him. This episode is quite more adult than the series has been and gives more hints toward Superman lore. Dye is excellent as Phelan and it?s a shame he only appears nice in present day episodes. He would have been a great foil for Clark and even Lex, while Lionel was out of town, lol. Also Lana and Chloe develop a friendship in this episode, as they have not really been shown to be friends at this point. 5 out of 5 stars EPISODE X: Shimmer Poltergeist meets The Crush, that?s the gist of the episode. Azura Skye plays the shy Amy Palmer and does pretty well at the role. While the above description is what the episode is essentially about, the main focus is really upon the relationship between Lex and Victortia, as Victoria moves in. Not much can be said about this episode, we had several great ones, the steam has to end somewhere. 3 out of 5 stars. EPISODE XI: Hug I liked this episode, it has a great combo of both the teen centered episodes and the darker adult episodes. Rick Peters is great as Bob Rickman, the bad guy of the episode. Not much is known about him, but what is known is really explored in this episode. His power to control through a handshake is intriguing, but only used this once. Gregory Sporleder plays his opposite, the hermit Kyle Tippet, who reluctantly helps Clark put an end to Rickman?s manipulation. Fun episode. 4 out of 5 stars EPISODE XII: Leech Great episode, this is Smallville?s sneaky way of getting the name Superboy plastered in the episode. It also ask the question, what if The Kent?s weren?t as understanding of Clark?s abilities and instead treated him like a freak. Shawn Ashmore, plays Eric Summers, the son of the high school Science teacher, who acquires Clark?s powers for a short time. Ashmore does a fine job in the role and really puts himself into it. The song ? Fade? by Staind is used perfectly as he is hit with electricity. 4 out of 5 stars EPISODE XIII: Kinetic Well this episode is one of those that comes and goes, its fun to watch and has an interesting premise, but other than a few scenes does not really add to the series. This is overall an episode that shows more of how Lex has his secrets and can be ruthless. The whole walking through walls because of a special meteor rock solution in tattoos is just a spring board for this story. Whitney?s arc for the season really begins here as it becomes apparent that something at home is not right and our villains of the week take advantage of this opportunity. Another element in the episode sees Lana gaining an interest in The Talon after Nell sells it to Lex. Although, this plot could have been sent over to another episode, it feels appropriate, considering the plot device for this episode. 3 out of 5 stars EPISODE XIV: Zero Incredibly adult episode features a past that has been mentioned several times throughout the season that had Lex in a very serious conspiracy in a Metropolis night club. I enjoyed the use of the lighting for this episode and the whole multiple points of view on the same story. We also get to see Sam Phalen again as his relationship with Lex is shown to start. I think the episode is a vehicle to show the audience, as well as Clark that Lex can go down the dark path his father has gone. The start of Chloe?s snooping into Clark?s life begins here, as she is given the assignment as a school project. 4 out of 5 stars EPISODE XV: Nicodemus Fun episode I must admit, this showcases the inner feelings of each character, who gets exposed to the Nicodemus flower. Joe Morton continues to impress as he is beginning to show the signs that Earl Jenkins(Jitters)ended up showing, as well as his growing obsession with the meteor rocks. 4 out of 5 stars EPISODE XVI: Stray Probably one of the best episodes of the series, let alone of the season. Ryan Kelley really steps up as the telepath Ryan. His character is really sympathetic and you really feel he should just stay with Clark and his family. Ryan?s step-parents(Brandy Ledford & Jim Shield)are extremely ruthless and really keeps the focus that not all evil has super powers. Well made episode, definitely a great prequel to S2?s ?Ryan. ? 5 out of 5 stars EPISODE XVII: Reaper Another one of those episodes where you feel sympathy for the villain(Reynaldo Rosales as Tyler Randall), as he kills to ease the suffering of those people. This eventually merges into Whitney?s arc about his ailing father. Lex shows again how much he tries to not be his father, as he arranges something special for Whitney and his father, which also begins to develop some respect from Jonathan. 3 out of 5 stars EPISODE XVIII: Drone Let?s get back to basics on this one, after several adult oriented episodes we return to the ?Freak of the Week? formula. Not a very stellar episode in my opinion, Shonda Farr comes in as Sasha, who has the ability to control bees. Two minor subplots are given as well, Lex gives some advice to Lana about how to compete in the coffee business and Lex is reluctant on giving an interview with a very persistent journalist(Marguerite Moreau as Cassandra Castle). 3 out of 5 stars EPISODE XIX: Crush The subplot involving Lex and his old nanny Pamela Jenkins(played by Donna Bullock)is probably the only interesting part of this episode. You get involved in the story and hope that Lex finds the heart to forgive. However, the main story is another ?Freak of the Week? tide over until the season finale. Adam Brody plays Justin Gaines, he does an alright job, but like many episodes of this kind we don?t get to really know who the character is, outside his actions in this episode. Whitney?s story arc involving his father comes to an end as his father passes away. Ok episode, not on any top or worse episode list 2 out of 5 stars EPISODE XX: Obscura Pretty good episode, Lana is affected by an explosion laced with meteor rock and begins to see visions, which conveniently involve Chloe being kidnapped. Clark begins to realize he has feelings for Chloe(although, I don?t understand why the writers abandoned this arc after only two episodes)are stronger, than just friendship. The whole POV story telling and the added mystery of who Lana was seeing through is interesting for me, which leads this to get a good rating. Whitney also discover a new calling, that will send him away from Smallville and the Roger Nixon-Lex story begins to comes to a head. 3 out of 5 stars EPISODE XXI: Tempest Season 1 finale brings together all the stories that have started throughout the series. Lex continues his war with his father, as he is blamed for getting the Smallville plant employees fired. Clark and the gang are getting themselves ready for the dance, Whitney has decided to enlist in the Marines, Nixon continues his pursuit of Clark and Chloe may end up having to move back to Metropolis and Chloe may have to move back to Metropolis. All in all the episode does a fine job at ending the season on a cliffhanger. 4 out of 5 stars SOUNDTRACK SONGS FROM THIS SEASON I HAVE: Unstoppable by The Calling Everything by Lifehouse Save Me by Remy Zero Last Resort by Papa Roach Island In the Sun by Weezer Wherever You Will Go by The Calling Wall In Your Heart by Shelby Lynne Hero by Enrique Iglesias When I?m With You by Simple Plan Fade by Staind Set It Off by P. O. D. It?s No Easy(Superman) by Five For Fighting The Middle by Jimmy Eat World Here Is Gone by The Goo Goo Dolls Time After Time by Eva Cassidy TRIVIA: John Glover has played the voice of Edward Nygma/The Riddler on Batman: The Animated Series and Superman: The Animated Series(which was a crossover with B:TAS). He also played an undertaker in an episode of Tales From the Crypt (1989-1997), another comic book based series. He also played the psychotic Dr. Woodrow in Batman & Robin (1997) Eric Johnson would go on to play the lead role in the short lived Sci-Fi comic book based series Flash Gordon. Tony Todd ?s character of Earl Jenkins helped to spin-off 2 editions of a webisode series called The Chloe Chronicles, which can be viewed on the S2 & S3 DVD Sets. Tony Todd has been in numerous successful TV shows; such as Hercules: The Legenday Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess and Angel Shawn Ashmore(the twin bother of Smallville?s Jimmy Olsen Aaron Ashmore)plays Iceman Bobby in the X-Men trilogy. Annette O?Toole has played Lana Lang in Superman III(1983) Michael Rosenbaum has voiced the character of The Flash in Justice League & Justice League: Unlimited and Kid Flash in Teen Titans Dr. Steven Hamilton as portrayed by Joe Morton is not the Dr. Hamilton who befriends Superman, that?s Dr. Emil Hamilton, who makes his Smallville debut in S8. In the future sequence we see Lex Luthor as President of the United States where he is wearing a black glove. In the comics at the time he was President and the glove was worn due to prolong exposure to the Kryptonite radition(which does effect humans). Pete Ross was Vice President In the comic book world Lex Luthor lost his hair after a botched experiment, where Superboy saved Lex and was quickly blamed for it. This was adapted in the S1 finale of The Adventures of Superboy(1987-1992). Cadmus Labs in the comics was responsible for the Superboy clone in the ?Reign of the Supermen? period after the Death of Superman comic book hit the stands. It was also used as a vehicle for creating Doomsday in the Justice League and Justice League: Unlimited animated series. Chris Long has directed episodes of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman(1993-1997) Central City, which is mentioned in ?Zero? is the home of The Flash In comic book continuity Pete Ross was Caucasian and married to Lana Lang. Tempest is also the name of the futuristic time traveler in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman(1993-1997) Michael Rosenbaum(Lex Luthor on Smallville & voice of The Flash on Justice League and Justice League: Unlimited) has also played the voice of Lex Luthor on an episode of Justice League called ?The Great Brain Robbery? where his Flash character switches brains with Clancy?s Brown?s Lex Luthor.