Smallville: Evolution of a Superman

For 10 long years we have watched Clark Kent, or Kal-El, move closer towards his destiny and the man everybody knows as Superman. There has been many shows and films that have shown Superman living up to his name, but in Smallville we have seen a young teenager grow into the hero he is destined to become.

Tom Welling has taken Clark Kent, and made it his own, giving this generation of fans their own Superman to grow up with. I guess you could say that we also had Dean Cain and his portrayal in 'The adventures of Lois and Clark' in the 90's, but that was arguably not as memorable or defining as Smallville. Even during the 80's, Christopher Reeve was able to portray a Superman for a generation to grow up with. Even to this very day, many fans still see that interpretation as the most recognisable. And that may be true.

However, despite being a television series, Smallville has been able to attract a huge following of people. From comic book readers to fanboys, from 'nerds' to people who simply just treat the show as any old series, the show has truly helped shape a lasting image of the man of steel that will remembered for years to come.

Theres been a whole host of DC characters that have appeared in the series throughout the 10 years that either showed up for one off episodes, or stuck around for a season or two. We've had characters such as Zod, Blue Beetle, Cyborg, Green Arrow, Doomsday and even Darkseid. And despite the length of time the characters may or may not of spent in the show, they've been able to leave their mark and help shape Clark's path to being Superman. And whether or not people watching know who they are or not, they usually appear in an memorable way.

But theres always been one character who has never even made an appearance during the entire series run, that not only I, but every other DC fan has long wanted. And that man...Batman. Theres been obvious references to Batman and Gotham City, and references that only comic book or die hard fans could instantly pick up on. But theres never been that the one cameo, or even a direct mention of either a Batman or Bruce Wayne name. I know theres the legal issue over rights to the use the character, but it would of been cool if there was a visual indirect way of addressing him. And seeing as Batman and Superman are supposed to be two of the closest allies in the comics, it would of made perfct sense for at least one appearance.

Instead, we get Oliver Queen. AKA Green Arrow who is supposedly the replacement for
Batman. And being the rich playboy by day, and hero with hi-tech by night its easy to see him fit that role. But anyone who knows the history between Superman and Batman, and knows the DC history knows that the Queen/Kent relationship is based on and is identical to the Wayne/Kent relationship.

Another thing we can take away from Smallville is that we also have a Lex Luthor for our generation. Very much like what Welling has done with Clark Kent, Michael Rosenbaum has also taken Lex Luthor, and in my view, given us the best on screen Luthor. Don't get me wrong, Gene Hackman's Lex was good and entertaining. And Kevin Spacey's was a recycled version of  the Hackman Lex in the movies. But for me Rosenbaum and his Lex is the best representation of how he should be. Obviously, there was all those years for him to develop and become the Lex Luthor we all know to be dark and evil, but I've always loved how Rosenbaum played the part as a man going down a dark path whilst in his own mind thinking he is doing things right and for the greater good. In comparison to the other Lex Luthor versions where they are played as people who just want to dominate and typically be the bad guy 'wanting to take over th world'. Adding further to the Luthor line, is his father Lionel. And a great addition at that. Showing a lot more depth and history to Lex's background, the relationship between the two shows us why Lex becomes the 'evil genius' we will come to know.

Of course theres a lot characters who are just as important in the Superman mythos. Names such Lana Lang. Jonathan and Martha Kent. Pete Ross. Jimmy Olsen. Perry White. The list goes on. Point is that theres many big names that have been part of the series that are just important as the lead himself.

It'll be interesting to see how this show will be seen 10 years from now, and whether it will be as talked about as much as it is now. If another Superman show is made in the future, then this has to be used as a comparson. But I think that will be one that is rememebered for not only being one of the great long running television shows, but also a show that was able to give us a modern day Superman. Theres not a lot of television shows that are as captivating as Smallville, and it'll probably be a while before another one comes along that will be as impactful and long running. But Smallville will always be an all time favourite.