10 Smallville Choices That Have Stand the Test of Time Better Than Anticipated

Smallville stands as a hallmark in the DC Universe, having gained a loyal following since its inception. Many of the series’ decisions, once considered contentious, have aged gracefully and contributed to a rich narrative that enhances the Superman mythos. Even in its less successful seasons, Smallville took innovative risks that ultimately served the story well. As we reflect on the unique elements woven throughout the show, it is astonishing to see how many of these choices have positively impacted its legacy.

Not only did Smallville lay the groundwork for contemporary Superman narratives, but it also shaped what would become an interconnected DC Universe. Although some characters were underutilized, many others played vital roles in enriching the overarching story. With a new Superman on the horizon for the DC Universe, it’s particularly insightful to revisit how Smallville managed to thrive despite its challenges and make bold storytelling decisions that culminated in a remarkable conclusion.

10 Writing Off Some Of The Best Characters, Including Lex And Lana

While The Departures Were Hard On Viewers, They Were The Right Decision

Interestingly, the decision to phase out several of the show’s top characters, such as Pete Ross, ultimately proved beneficial. Though shocking to audiences and cast alike, this shift signified Smallville‘s readiness to evolve. Characters like Lex and Lana, who departed after the seventh season, made room for Clark to pursue his relationship with Lois and engage directly with his nemesis, Lex. This restructuring not only paved the way for Clarks’s growth but also allowed the series to unfold more cohesively.

By removing characters when their arcs concluded, alongside others like Supergirl and Doomsday, Smallville crafted a narrative that felt cumulative and dynamic by the end.

9 Building A Superman Universe Rather Than A DC Universe

Smallville Was Only One Show, Not An Entire Constellation

While the demand for shared universes dominates modern superhero storytelling, Smallville successfully maintained its narrative integrity by standing apart. Despite attempts to create spinoffs, including an Aquaman pilot featuring Alan Ritchson, these ventures did not materialize into full series. Consequently, Smallville‘s storyline was able to remain self-contained, even as it introduced various DC characters along its journey.

Later seasons even showcased a version of the Justice League, which was expertly woven into Clark’s personal narrative, enhancing the show’s appeal without overshadowing its main storyline.

8 Framing Lex Luthor As A Contemporary To Clark Kent

Lex Luthor Has Had A Number Of Very Different Incarnations

Upon its debut, the most commonly recognized cinematic version of Lex Luthor was portrayed by Gene Hackman in the Christopher Reeve films, where Luthor emerged as a comedic and scheming antagonist. Contrarily, Smallville crafted a more intricate portrayal by establishing a friendship between Clark and Lex, lending depth to Luthor’s character.

Michael Rosenbaum’s interpretation added layers of empathy and complexity, setting the groundwork for future portrayals of the villain. This early exploration of Lex’s character has resonated across various adaptations, including the upcoming iteration by Nicholas Hoult.

7 Bringing In Rising Star Jensen Ackles To Distance Clark And Lana

Lana Needed To Have Other Romances If Clark Was Ever To Be With Lois

In Season 4, Jensen Ackles emerged as a significant presence in Smallville by playing Jason Teague, who became Lana Lang’s love interest. While their relationship initially seemed promising, it took a dark turn as Jason’s true motives were gradually revealed.

Though Ackles left the series to pursue Supernatural, his character played a crucial role in illustrating Lana’s emotional journey, causing her to mature and ultimately paving the way for her relationship with Lois. This dynamic provided a rich narrative arc that served to deepen the overall storyline.

6 Bringing In Margot Kidder And Christopher Reeve For Cameos

Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder revolutionized superhero cinema with their performances in the 1978 landmark film Superman. Their captivating dynamic became a defining aspect of the franchise. Thus, it was fitting for Smallville to feature cameos from these legendary actors, with Reeve appearing in Season 3 and Kidder in Season 4.

The significance of these cameos has only magnified in light of their passing, marking these appearances as meaningful tributes to their iconic roles in the superhero genre.

5 Choosing To Abandon The Setup For A Clark And Chloe Relationship

A Romance Between Clark And Chloe Was Suggested From Season 1

From its outset, Smallville hinted at a romantic connection between Clark Kent and Chloe Sullivan, though Clark primarily saw Chloe as a friend. This unreciprocated affection was a central theme early in the series, as Chloe assisted Clark in baking his relationship with Lana.

Ultimately, this angle proved detrimental to Chloe’s character, whose narrative potential was diminished by her unrequited feelings. However, as the series progressed, it became clear that Clark and Chloe could evolve into a more platonic friendship, permitting Chloe to engage in her own compelling romantic storylines, including her relationship with Jimmy Olsen.

4 Bringing In Oliver Queen, Which Set A Template For The Arrowverse

The Justice League On The Show Was Small But Set An Important Precedent

In its later seasons, Smallville began integrating characters like Oliver Queen, pushing the boundaries of its narrative scope. This nearly resulted in a Justice League spinoff series featuring popular characters such as Green Arrow and Aquaman. While it didn’t come to fruition, the groundwork laid during Smallville played a significant role in shaping future superhero ensemble shows.

Had it not been for Smallville‘s early foray into a superhero team, the Arrowverse might not have developed as we know it today. The show’s approach to a shared universe would later influence successful projects like Arrow and The Flash, paving the way for a new era of superhero storytelling on television.

3 Allowing Whitney Fordman To Find Redemption

The Character Was Set Up To Be Hated But Gave Him Room To Grow

At the outset of Smallville, Whitney Fordman was not the most likable character, often embodying the archetype of a high school jock who bullied Clark. However, as the series progressed, the complexities of his character began to surface, deepening the narrative and enriching both Whitney and Lana’s storylines.

Unfortunately, Whitney’s character was ultimately killed off-screen, but his trajectory allowed for the exploration of character growth and redemption. Much like Lex, Whitney’s evolution showcased the show’s ability to delve into complex character studies, enhancing its storytelling quality.

2 Keeping Batman Out Of The Show

The Dark Knight Was Rumored To Join Smallville’s Cast Many Times

DC has consistently kept Batman primarily in feature films, often considering the potential overshadowing of his character through smaller projects. Even in series like Gotham, Batman’s presence was only indirectly implied. This strategy has preserved the Dark Knight’s cinematic significance.

By refraining from incorporating Batman into Smallville, the character’s reputation flourished in theaters, highlighted by successful adaptations like The Dark Knight trilogy. While the idea of seeing Batman on Smallville was enticing for fans, maintaining the character’s exclusivity solidified his impact within the cinematic universe.

1 Not Showing Superman In Costume Until The Final Episode

The Show Was Called Smallville, Not Superman

Although it might seem counterintuitive in later seasons, withholding the iconic Superman costume until the very end was ultimately a wise decision. This choice built up the anticipation surrounding his transformation, culminating in a powerful sequence that resonated with viewers. The final episode’s conclusion with the unveiling of the Superman emblem marked a definitive shift in Clark Kent’s journey, showcasing his growth into the legendary hero.

This effective storytelling approach allowed Smallville to establish itself as a significant prequel while preserving the potential for other adaptations of Superman’s character. As a result, projects like Superman & Lois have emerged as distinct takes on the beloved superhero, enriching the tapestry of Superman’s legacy.

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