Smallville started in 2001 and follows the story of a young Clark Kent (Tom Welling), his progression through and problems he encounters along the way. The pilot episode starts off by showing the meteor storm in which Clark arrived and the destruction caused by this, of which Clark later feels guilty about. The meteors not only cause devastation but they also spray kryptonite all over Smallville, making people acquire special powers in Smallville for years to come. We are introduced to other Superman characters in Lana Lang, Pete Ross, Mr and Mrs Kent and of course, Lex Luthor. We are also introduced to new characters who haven't appeared in the superman mythology before; Chloe Sullivan (Clark's high school friend) and Lionel Luthor (Lex's dad).
The show follows a 'freak of the week' format where we discover a resident of smallville has been infected by meteor rock (kryptonite) enabling them to have special powers. They usually are in dire need for help and / or are using this power selfishly and for no good. It is up to Clark and his trusting friends (who are unaware of his powers) to help and stop the 'meteor freaks'. The overarching storyline usually consists of Clark's growth and realisation of his powers, starting in the pilot episode where his parents inform him of his extraterrestial origins.
Season 1 storylines include Clark's ironic friendship with Lex Luthor who later on becomes very curious and suspicious of Clark's ability to turn up just in time to save the day and Chloe's gradual infatuation with Clark and her struggle to be just a friend whilst Clark yearns for Lana Lang (yet she is in a relationship with Witney Fordman). Also there are several conflicts, especially towards the end of the season in keeping the secret of Clarks identity - from reporters, Lex and Clark's friends. A lot of the show is filmed in high school and on the farms giving it a little Dawson's Creek - One Tree Hill feel to it.
I loved this first season, the effects aren't bad for a TV show and in 2001 it was one of many new super-TV shows that was receiving more and more investment of money and time from producers (like 24 and West Wing). The storylines are very innocent and usually end with a feel good feeling. For me the backbone of the show was Martha and Jonathan Kent who showed dedication, love and determination towards Clark and helping him keep his secret and come to terms with who he is. The episodes are very well written; simple, effective and they gradually build up the overarching issues of the first season that peak in the finale.
Tom Welling as Clark Kent is something that I've always been in two minds about, his looks and physical structure are perfect for playing the to-be Superman with height, blue eyes and the black swept over hair. However, his acting is pretty, well, wooden! He hasn't been in much else and it was no surprise he was turned down for 'Superman Returns' in 2006. His facial expressions range from frowning to smiling with no inbetween and there are many moments which are cheesy. He is perfectly cast but I do grow frustrated with his incapability to act a variety of emotions or reactions.
This also boasts a brilliant soundtrack throughout the season consisting of Lifehouse, Remy Zero, Phantom Planet and others. My personal favourite episodes other than the pilot have to be: 'Kinetic', 'Tempest' and 'Drone'.
So, if you are a fan of safe, feel-good shows with predictable plots, then this is your show. I normally avoid them but I really like the sense of families, small communities and progression to what we all know he will one day be.
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Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Production Year: 1977 - Action/Adventure - Director: Clint Eastwood - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring:Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Pat Hingle, William Prince, Bill McKinney
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Production Year: 1996 - Action/Adventure - Director: Tom Clegg - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring:Daragh O'Malley, Oliver Cotton, Jason Durr, Sean Bean, Allie Byrne
Production Year: 1995 - Action/Adventure - Director: Tom Clegg - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring:Sean Bean, Daragh O'Malley, Allie Byrne, Oliver Cotton, Emily Mortimer, Michael Cochrane
Advantages: Great action pieces, special effects, great actors & perfomances Disadvantages: One-off villains, 'dawson creek' moments and weak link actors
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