If you could reboot Smallville...

[Webhead2006]

Ya and a couple of the actors ie pete/lana/chloe actors where around 18to when show started playing 15 yrs old. Its a normal deal for all tv shows besides disney usually they hire true kids/teens for there shows.

 

[Lord]

And some actors are actually good in those shows, they can find actors that have the real age of the characters they portray, they just have to search.

 

[Prison Mike]

I think all the actors were older than the characters they played. Nobody played their real age (except for the adults).

 

[SV Fan]

Upon thinking about it, 1 major thing I would change about the show is when they come up with season long plots, have a solid conclusion/payoff to the storyline then start fresh the next season(ie drop the cliffhangers)

In general one of my biggest problems with the show is to often it seem like Clark came off incompetent because the payoff/conclusion to the season long arc was Clark screws up somehow or Clark makes a mistake leading to the problem of the next season. If you had a solid conclusion in the final episode every season then you can end off each season on a positive note of Clark overcoming whatever he faced in that particular season as opposed to the feeling the show gave me that Clark did a half assed job.

I believe every story needs a beginning middle and ending and Smallville to me failed all to often giving nice solid endings to there storylines since they had a bad habit of not tieing up the storyline before they move to the next one. Just making a season long arc with a beginning, middle and ending I think could have prevented that issue.

 

[Prison Mike]

I think if they had shorten the seasons from 22 episodes to maybe 13 episodes a season, Clark wouldn't have come off as incompetent as he did. The writing would have been tighter and we wouldn't get filler episodes that made us think Clark forgot about all of his problems for that week. Storylines wouldn't be stretched out. There would be a distinct beginning, middle, and end. I never really thought Clark made a bunch of mistakes that would lead into the next season's storyline. The only thing I never agreed with Clark was running away at the end of season 2. Every problem that came his way in season 3 as a result of running away was Clark's fault. But in the following seasons Clark always tried to do the right thing at the time so I can't really fault him for when things didn't go his way the following season. Supernatural has the same formula. One of the brothers screw up in the season finale which leads to the next problem that is tackled in the following season. A lot of shows do that.

 

[Lord]

I think that what was bad in every season ending in a cliffhanger is that some seasons had a big story arc that ended in a clifhanger and then in the first episode of the following season everything would be resolved and move on to the next story arc, it made the problem seem very easy to fix

 

[Webhead2006]

well that is usually how most shows do things though.

 

[Prison Mike]

The immediate threat would usually be wrapped up by the end of the season premiere but they would also introduce the new threat in the same episode that would take us through the rest of the season. I did like it when they would tie the new threat to the previous one. For example, in season 10 Darkseid materialized in Earth due to the gadget that sent the Kandorians to New Krypton. Or in season 6 when the phantoms escaped as a direct result of Clark leaving the PZ. I think this new formula started in season 5 when the kids left high school and the storylines became more "adult".

 

[SV Fan]

I think if they had shorten the seasons from 22 episodes to maybe 13 episodes a season, Clark wouldn't have come off as incompetent as he did. The writing would have been tighter and we wouldn't get filler episodes that made us think Clark forgot about all of his problems for that week. Storylines wouldn't be stretched out. There would be a distinct beginning, middle, and end.

My main issue was the ending, what happens in the middle makes little or no difference to how they conclude a storyline. I would look at that as a completely different issue. When I say Clark looks incompetent, I am pointing to how a storyline ends and what Clark did to get to that point during that particular episode.

Note: from my POV i preferred stand alone episode that didn't deal in bigger storylines since in general I didn't care for how bigger storylines played out(mainly due to poor conclusions more then it just was to spread out)

I never really thought Clark made a bunch of mistakes that would lead into the next season's storyline.

The Bad:

Well there is the Season 2->3 one you pointed out(honestly that was the conclusion to Clark's origins storyline, how crappy) but beyond that:

Season 4->5 Clark finds the Fortress(which I found to be a terrible first introduction, couldn't the producers look up the word Solitude) and Jor-El tells him come back in time to save Smallville else be warned(which causes him to lose his powers(in Arrival), then die, regain them(in Hidden) only to cause his dad's death later in the season). Couldn't the producers just let Clark save Smallville and find the Fortress and make it a nice place to visit then start fresh in Season 5, instead of going out of there way to not end off one story before they just bring more drama on the show?

Season 5->6 Clark not listening to his dad what to do with the daggar leads to the Phantom Zoners to be released(honestly couldn't they find another way that doesn't involve Clark's screwing up to introduce the PZ'ers), not as bad as the above 2 by a long shot but still bugged me a bit.

Beyond those 3 I just never got the 100% satisfied felling to the story being properly concluded all other season opener/closer combos other then Tempest/Vortex. That was a couple episode that had a proper storyline with a payoff in the end that didn't have any major lingering storylines(well other then it gave us our first I need to know your secret Clark scene on the show)

I will use Buffy the Vampire Slayer as an example of how I would have preferred Smallville treated it's storylines. At the end of each season of Buffy they had there big "fight" of each season. Generally at the end of that fight the storyline of that season was over and they started fresh the next season

 

[DarKush]

I wouldn't have altered the flow of the show much in terms of seasons (except Season 4, which I wouldn't have incoporated that witch storyline). Here are some of my thoughts:

-The Veritas group would've been around from the beginning of the show: In addition to the Luthors, Queens, Teagues, Dr. Swann, the group would've also included the Waynes and Kords. In addition to the freak of the week, Clark would've had to face off against the various families and their minions. Not all of Veritas members would be bad (i.e. Waynes) though and some might want to help Clark and not exploit him (Dr. Swann). I would've had Bruce Wayne visit Smallville (not Adam Knight) as part of the Veritas storyline at some point.

-Took Lucas Luthor-idea and made that story Tess's introduction. Then she could just return in a later season. I don't think knowing who she was from jump would hurt her redemption arc. It might strengthen it. Also, Tess's ties to Checkmate would've been far stronger. She would've been a Checkmate agent upon her reintroduction.

-Regarding Checkmate would've liked CCH Pounder for Amanda Waller, or Garcelle Beavious (sp).

-Made the Jor-El A.I. actually be General Zod's consciousness, which had infected and taken over the A.I.'s programming. He would be trying to control Clark, and when he couldn't turn Clark into his loyal footsoldier he would tried to use him as a vessel for his phantom. I wouldn't have done the Lex-Zod thing. Either Clark, a clone, or the actual physical Zod. Maybe had Gerard Christopher play him.

-I liked Erica Durance but I would not have made Lois a major character, at least until the last two seasons or the last season. Maybe even close the show with him meeting her, or meeting again after a very long time.

-Brought Steel onto the show in a one shot or two parter, as Metropolis's defender, who teaches the Blur some lessons on heroism (in opposite to how it went down in the comics). Even imagined D.B. Woodside for Steel. Would've had Natasha Irons become a recurring character. I thought Kandyse McClure would've made an interesting choice.

-Brought Mercy onto the show as Lex's bodyguard.

-Perhaps in the first season, would've introduced the Prankster. And at some point, Titano. Other villains I wouldn't have minded seeing are Kryptonite Man, Atomic Skull, Livewire, Eradicator, Manchester Black, JaxUr.

-Would've done more with Metallo. I think he could've been a season-long villain. Same with Bizarro. Also done more with Parasite and Intergang.

-With Darkside might have used the Club Darkside angle from the comics as a way to introduce him. Had Tony Todd playing him.

-With Suicide Squad, I wouldn't have made Deadshot a cowboy and I would've used them a bit more.

-Used the term metahuman at some point. I would've preferred that the anti-vigilante movement be an anti-metahuman movement.

-Would've had Lana leave after realizing that she loved Bizarro-Clark more than the real deal. That Bizarro in his own way was more honest with her.

-Chloe would've died in Season 6. Sorry.

-Brought in the real Krypto.

-Brought in Hank Henshaw, if nothing more than a cameo.

-Supergirl would've worn the "S" on her chest.

-Blur would've started out wearing a mask, but saw that scared people and made him seem like he had something to hide, so he eventually takes it off.

-Lex would've turned fully dark much earlier and his murder of Lionel been a bit more declarative, more jolting. Just felt it was handled sort of blah.

-Kept Green Arrow on the show, and kept him the Bruce Wayne figure, but would've brought in more things from his comics, like Merlyn (by name), Shado, etc. Also would've developed the Black Canary relationship more.

-In the finale would've shown the Justice League also in action. Also with the finale, I would've spent the finale two hours on the big, global battle to save Earth, and not wasted one on a wedding that didn't happen. Clark would also be in a physical supersuit.

-The big fights also wouldn't last two seconds after a season-long buildup.

-Would've found some guest spots for Stacey Haiduk, Sherman Howard, and Gerard Christopher. I thought Smallville did a good job bringing in actors from the films and Lois and Clark, but wish Superboy had gotten a little love.

 

[storyteller]

First off know where I am going. Am I going from his early years to the suit or just HS or College?

I think I would have 2 or 3 actors. I think they missed a great opportunity to show us a child with Clarks abilities. How does a child cope with the power? Then I would have HS Clark and possibly either the next two options

Either HS Clark becomes adult Clark( I mean 10 years is quite a bit of time for an actor to age) or actually have a HS Clark and have Superman.

The show would follow little Clark, skip to Teen Clark the following season and simply have Superman throughout the show. This way even minor stories can relate to the man Superman is.I satisfy the Superman fans by having Superman but I also take everyone on a journey. Worst case scenario I can just have a Superman show.

None of the destiny stuff. Clark has to come up with the idea to save people. Also by having Superman in the show, we can reduce some of the blatant easter egg stuff.

Lex is a toss up. It could also be his story or it could just be Clarks. I would have his Journey in there though.

Also leave Smallville if I'm going to have a bunch of crap happen.

Finally 13 episode seasons.This way we get past the fotw stories and don't have fast and saw rip off stories.

 

[CapMo]

let it be known that CapMo came up with this idea...

Set the concept of Smallville in 1941!

With period shows like boardwalk empire and mad men, not only do people like certain period shows, but the setting and time, the need for having a hero would be right. In terms of action and the look of it think of it as a mix between captain america:tfa/ indiana jones 1&3 and just maybe saving private ryan. the drama side would like any other good drama. but the central idea, for me, would be the story of clark, AND ONLY CLARK!, becoming superman. i wish i could say more, but i have my own secretive ideas on what i would do... but i am open to hear any and all thoughts.

 

[John Locke]

Season 1- No Chloe her character is turned Lana. Lana and Clark start dating at the end of the season after he saves her from the twister (First flight) and tells him his secret. Pete is hinted to have a crush for Lana but won’t go against Clark. Lex and Clark are still the same. Same with the parents.

Season 2- Lana and Clark start investigating the VERITAS group thinking it was a crime syndicate and Lex is going to be apart of it.. Investigation leads to Virgil Swan. Swan tells Clark his origin and plays him the outgoing message from Jor-El (first time we hear from him). Midway through Clark tells Pete his secret and Pete tells Clark he loves Lana. The friendship is strained and Clark turns to Lex who has still be investigating Clark and learns of VERITAS. (Lex is the same) At the end of the season Clark and Lana break up which leads Clark to put on the red K ring and leave for Metropolis. Ma and Pa are still the same.

Season 3- Months later Jonathon goes to Swan and asks if there is any way he can stop Clark. Swan mentions that he met someone who could stop Clark. Instead of Jonathon stopping Clark it’s the Martian Manhunter who is still Jor-El’s bounty hunter. Morgan Edge and Lionel Luthor are the main villain. Lana and Clark decide to remain friends. The season ends with Morgan Edge confronting Clark and is about to announce that Clark is an alien when the Legion (The three and Brainiac 5) arrives and wipes his memory.

Season 4- Lana and Pete are dating. Jonathon dies midway through the season. The stones are still in place with Lex and Clark after them. No Lana witch. In addition the League of Shadows are also after the stones. The two members are Talia al Ghul and Bruce Wayne both of whom are sent to prove their worth. Lex finds one and Clark steals it. Bruce and Talia find one and after Bruce learns of the truth of the League of Shadows he gives it to Clark realizing it’s always been his. Bruce realizes that he can honor his parents better back at Gotham and departs from Clark as friends. Clark then finds the last stone and together they made the Fortress. In the final, Clark meets Jor-El in the Fortress and it’s creation signals Brainiac to go to Earth. Clark, Lana, and Pete graduate as a meteor shower strikes bringing Brainiac in a meteor.

Season 5- Martha is recurring . No more Lana and Pete. They are replaced with Clark’s roommate Davis Bloome (also from Smallville) and his classmate Lois Lane. Clark decides to wear glasses because he is no longer in Smallville and his parents can’t help him. Brainiac is Davis’ and Clark’s teacher. Brainiac hints that Davis is more than he seems. Brainiac tells Clark not to trust Lex. Lois and Clark have a budding romance. Season ends with Clark battling Brainiac and the release of Zod.

Season 6- Zod is the big bad. Lois and Clark get internships at the Daily Planet with the help of Bruce. At the end Zod reveals Davis that he is his genetically enhanced son and kills him. Zod and Clark then fight across Metropolis. A young Jimmy Olsen takes pictures of the fight. Zod seems to be winning until Clark flies them to the Fortress where Bruce is waiting. Bruce activates the portal to Phantom Zone and Clark pushes Zod in. Davis then comes back to life confused.

Season 7- Lois tracks down Jimmy and starts writing about the mysterious blur. Bruce does his best to debunk these rumors but it’s useless. Davis is having blackouts and goes on a killing spree. Lois and Clark date. Clark decides he needs to have a secret identity and tells Martha. Clark meets Diana Prince. Lex uses his half sister Tess to take dwindle Lionel’s control over Luthorcorp In the last episode he kills Lionel and Tess renaming the company Lexcorp. Davis has fully turned into Doomsday. Martha gives Clark the suit and he wears it in his very public fight with Doomsday. Doomsday is defeated. Lois names Clark Superman.

Season 8- Lex receives Lionel’s diary and learns of VERITAS and investigates. Rumors of Batman start. Clark meets Diana Prince. Kara is introduced and parallels Clark’s storyline in season 1. Lex finds the Fortress of Solitude midway through the season and the orb. Clarks asks Bruce for his help because he knows he can’t face Lex alone but Bruce says he’s busy investigating the Joker Card Killer. Lex confronts Clark and Kara. After Clark stops him but won’t kill him and lets him go. Lex decides not to reveal Superman’s identity deciding that without each other they would not exist. Lex then creates Metallo as a prototype for his metal suit. In the series finale Superman and Lex in his suit fight for the first time (in the battle Lex loses his right hand) Superman lets Lois interview him and Jimmy takes his full picture. The End.

 

[Webhead2006]

I don't think a period superman show/film would work well.

 

[CapMo]

I don't think a period superman show/film would work well.

Worked for X-Men First Class

Worked for Captain America:TFA

 

[Webhead2006]

well thats different for cap that is who and what he is. So you really need to do that past setting and bring him into modern world to grasp at who the character is and what makes him tick and all that. As for xmen that is different more so since it was just a prequel off the singer films and all that. So they were telling the story of how charles and erik met which we knew was in the past and all.

 

[CapMo]

well thats different for cap that is who and what he is. So you really need to do that past setting and bring him into modern world to grasp at who the character is and what makes him tick and all that. As for xmen that is different more so since it was just a prequel off the singer films and all that. So they were telling the story of how charles and erik met which we knew was in the past and all.

but if this is a theoretical reboot, why shy away from making it a period piece? if i'm right, superman was also created as a way to help the troops over in europe in hard times.yes? same thing what captain america did.yes?

I think the modern telling on t.v. had its shot and, well, failed at it. in some cases.

but tell me, why wouldn't it be cool to see a period take on Superman?

 

[John Locke]

Superman was created as a supervillian and then he was turned into a hero. His first debut was 1938 a year before WWII. So he wasn't and you can't have Superman set in that time because he would be drafted and it would be like Captain America. He can't become Superman during a war. Besides where would Lois, Lex and his parents fit? It would change the supporting cast entirely.

 

[CapMo]

Superman was created as a supervillian and then he was turned into a hero. His first debut was 1938 a year before WWII. So he wasn't and you can't have Superman set in that time because he would be drafted and it would be like Captain America. He can't become Superman during a war. Besides where would Lois, Lex and his parents fit? It would change the supporting cast entirely.

Smallville was never in continuity with the current movies or comics. it was a mix of both and some original. now...

Not ALL men were DRAFTED to fight. Most wanted to go, but not all. For me, what SOME of the show is about is Clark struggling whether or not to fight as Superman. As well as his identity.

(SIDE NOTE: remember in the first episode, clark wanted to join the footbal team, but jonathan kept him grounded in reality well, this is a similar situation with the war. if he joins, then the secret is out and hell breaks looses for him)

as for lois - i mean keep her as the savvy-witty sharp tongue-strong woman she is

lex - kept him as Clark's friend in school and later show him as a business man. hell, make him a traitor.

the kents - keep them just the same only... its the 1940s

lana and pete - i absolutely love your take on it john locke. very thought out. except... its the 1940s

look, to understand my take, the show would be a non-linear structure. meaning it goes back and forth with flashbacks. actually come to think of it... maybe change the modern time to the 1950s, dealing with cold war,mccrathyism, etc and flash to 1940s.

but I stand guard to this period idea.

 

[Lord]

You're not the first person that had that idea, i remember a lot of people supporting the idea of Superman and Batman movies set in the 30s and 40s. Smallville should never be made set in the 30s, now a Superman show set in that period would be a different history.