Throughout the history of television, Superman has long since proven to be a repeatedly successful franchise. In the 1990's, when LOIS AND CLARK debuted on network television, many critics assumed it would be short lived. The critics erred as this program turned out to be very successful both in viewers and quality. So, it is no surprise that Superman would be tapped again for a television series. Well, actually, it would be "Superboy" who would be tapped as a new series dubbed SMALLVILLE centered on the life of Clark Kent as a teenager in a Middle American town.
Superboy
The "Superboy" concept was a major departure from most Superman programs and it was considered somewhat of a risk. (There was a Superboy pilot shot in the 1950's but it never aired and the series was scrapped) Then again, the popularity of superheroes in the movies opened the door for more creative ventures and SMALLVILLE was launched. And, yes, it was an excellent program and there are many excellent SMALLVILLE episodes.
Smallville
The focus of the program centered on a young Clark Kent's slow discovery of who he is and what his place in the world may be. This created a very strong emotional link with many member of the viewing audience. After all, everyone struggles with their own identity when they are teenagers. These struggles can be additionally complex when the teenager is different from his peers. No, there are no teenagers that have to struggle with being an alien from a distant, destroyed world. (Well, none that we know of!) But, this struggle that a young Clark Kent must face is symbolic of all struggles many teenagers go through. It is this emotional chord visible through the entire SMALLVILLE episode guide that makes it so popular. Now do you realize why SMALLVILLE DVD sales are so strong?
Smallville Seasons
This theme is most evident in SMALLVILLE SEASON 7 where Clark must use what he has learned in his (brief) life experiences to help his cousin Kara. Kara, having also been born on Krypton, is dealing with the same dilemma that Clark had dealt with. That is, how does she fit in as a stranger in a strange land? Unfortunately, she is unable to and her bizarre and erratic behavior encompasses much of SMALLVILLE SEASON 7.
In a way, this flawed relationship between Clark and Kara is symbolic of the paths people take in life based on the decisions they make when they are young. Kara's choices are wrong and nothing Clark says or does can dissuade her. That is just the way life works out sometimes.
Interrelationships between Smallville Characters
Therein lay the success of SMALLVILLE. The program is not so much about superheroes as it is about the interrelationship between characters. Yes, there are a number of heroes and villains who make appearances throughout the program. Yes, there are a number of action sequences and over the top plotlines that comprise the series. In the end, however, the success of the program centers on how it humanizes its characters and provides them with sense of depth not seen in hero programming before.
In a way, these superheroes are very real people underneath. That is the aspect of the program that makes it so compelling. Programs of such quality are rare. That is why this incarnation of Superboy where the 1950's version was immediately forgotten.
This is an article written by one of our Smallville fans of the Smallville Gemzies. This Gemzies page is an Online Smallville Community where fellow experts can share, rate and find websites, videos photos, books and news. We have got some interesting content on to the sexy Lana Lang, Clark Kent and other cast members. We invite you to visit and join our Smallville Gemzies.
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