Millar and Gough are leaving the show!

[AndrewGilkison]

I would hate to see Smallville end with a whimper, but it doesn't look good at this point.

 

[Lemaris]

I'm not sure if anyone saw this yet....


We've been told that the season arc finale they HAD planned would have had to be completely reworked without cast members who may not be there next year."

I could easily see that part being true, without KK there, these guys wouldn't really know what to do.

 

[mathhater]

A series based 100% on the comics is not going to work, is just too cheesy and dumb. Have you ever thought that Lois not recognizing CK and Superman as the same person is just ******ed? That the classic suit is kind of cheesy nowadays? That Mxy as it is won't work for an adult audience? That's one of the reasons SV changed Bizarro, to make it more realistic and sophisticated, and it worked! Most fans like SV Bizarro, only fanboys wanted the dumb Bizarro with his "Me Bizarro save...".

Is just dumb to pretend glasses would work to cover your secret identity, it doesn't cut it on live action, so now Smallville has to deal with it. Is not credible at all and it makes the characters look stupid. Superman's mythology needs changes to adapt it to today's standards, the world is not a naïf place where a pair of glasses are going to fool people about your "secret identity".

My two cents on this issue:
I think the main reason his secret identity works is more psychological than it is physical. For most people, Superman is seen as a god. Someone whose only purpose is to serve and save. I think most people just believe that he's always watching and waiting, ready to help anyone and everyone at a moment's notice. People aren't going to think that this is someone who works 9-5, has relationships, or lives a normal life similar to theirs. (For example, in the comic’s "For Tomorrow" storyline, Father Daniel was surprised to find out that Superman sleeps.) It just doesn't dawn on people that Superman has a secret identity. Example, with Batman, Spider-Man, and others, they all wear masks, so people know that there's another person to go with that identity...they know that there's an actual person under that mask...this is something that Superman doesn't have to deal with...The lack of a mask is like a confirmation that he has nothing to hide. Then the Clark/Superman dichotomy just builds on that. With Superman being this bright and dynamic force in the world, while Clark is your mild mannered, average, and dull kind of everyman...the fact that the two personas are so different make the fact that Superman is actually somebody else an ideal that the average person in Metropolis just doesn't consider.

 

[Moviefan2k4]

My two cents on this issue:
I think the main reason his secret identity works is more psychological than it is physical. For most people, Superman is seen as a god. Someone whose only purpose is to serve and save. I think most people just believe that he's always watching and waiting, ready to help anyone and everyone at a moment's notice. People aren't going to think that this is someone who works 9-5, has relationships, or lives a normal life similar to theirs. (For example, in the comic’s "For Tomorrow" storyline, Father Daniel was surprised to find out that Superman sleeps.) It just doesn't dawn on people that Superman has a secret identity. Example, with Batman, Spider-Man, and others, they all wear masks, so people know that there's another person to go with that identity...they know that there's an actual person under that mask...this is something that Superman doesn't have to deal with...The lack of a mask is like a confirmation that he has nothing to hide. Then the Clark/Superman dichotomy just builds on that. With Superman being this bright and dynamic force in the world, while Clark is your mild mannered, average, and dull kind of everyman...the fact that the two personas are so different make the fact that Superman is actually somebody else an ideal that the average person in Metropolis just doesn't consider.

A very valid point, and a far cry better than my sister's often-repeated remark of "They just can't admit they messed up!".

 

[mathhater]

Thanks!

 

[AgentPat]

Now I see why so many people loathe SHP. Half of that article is complete bull.

- Warners makes more dinero off Smallville than CW; they've always been willing to chip in extra coin to the tune of millions of dollars if and when necessary - and indeed they HAVE!

- Kreuk and Rosenbaum's absence next year has nothing to do with budget and everything to do with those thesps not wanting to re-up their contracts. It makes me wonder how that makes Welling feel, especially after he's been rumored to have turned down roles because he didn't want to put the SV cast and crew out of work? Things to ponder.

- Kreuk is returning for a few episodes next season because she has to, not because she's doing Warners, her co-workers or the fans any favors. She was contracted for a set amount of episodes in S7 but couldn't do them all because of Street Fighter. She'd be in breach of contract if she didn't come back. Lucky us.

- Mack's limited S8 contract may have something to do with her character not being as important to the story of Clark Kent becoming Superman, which after seven years, is something they will finally get around to next year. *fingers crossed* If it was a budget issue, LV wouldn't be back at all. Indeed, if it was a budget thing, CW wouldn't have given SV an early pick-up. SV may be their highest rated scripted skein, but it's also their most expensive. Why jump to the renewal when they could have waited a little longer? Doesn't make any sense. And that part about Mack being "prepared to walk?" Walk where? To the unemployment line? Think people, think!

- While I'm sure network mandates like the Stride infommercial was exasperating to G&M, product placement as a means to off-set budget is something producers have learned to accept ever since ET phoned home.

- G&M leaving their own show with only one more year to go because of "budget cuts," instead of ending it at seven years the way they wanted to (like every other show that ends on their own terms) makes me Laugh. Out. Loud. But folks can go ahead and keep believing what Younis prints; I'm sure he got the skinny direct from Gough himself.





I have e-mails and PMs to return to folks. Sorry for the delay; I'll be responding to everybody soon.

 

[Ultimate_Superman]

Now I see why so many people loathe SHP. Half of that article is complete bull.

- Warners makes more dinero off Smallville than CW; they've always been willing to chip in extra coin to the tune of millions of dollars if and when necessary - and indeed they HAVE!

- Kreuk and Rosenbaum's absence next year has nothing to do with budget and everything to do with those thesps not wanting to re-up their contracts. It makes me wonder how that makes Welling feel, especially after he's been rumored to have turned down roles because he didn't want to put the SV cast and crew out of work? Things to ponder.

- Kreuk is returning for a few episodes next season because she has to, not because she's doing Warners, her co-workers or the fans any favors. She was contracted for a set amount of episodes in S7 but couldn't do them all because of Street Fighter. She'd be in breach of contract if she didn't come back. Lucky us.

- Mack's limited S8 contract may have something to do with her character not being as important to the story of Clark Kent becoming Superman, which after seven years, is something they will finally get around to next year. *fingers crossed* If it was a budget issue, LV wouldn't be back at all. Indeed, if it was a budget thing, CW wouldn't have given SV an early pick-up. SV may be their highest rated scripted skein, but it's also their most expensive. Why jump to the renewal when they could have waited a little longer? Doesn't make any sense. And that part about Mack being "prepared to walk?" Walk where? To the unemployment line? Think people, think!

- While I'm sure network mandates like the Stride infommercial was exasperating to G&M, product placement as a means to off-set budget is something producers have learned to accept ever since ET phoned home.

- G&M leaving their own show with only one more year to go because of "budget cuts," instead of ending it at seven years the way they wanted to (like every other show that ends on their own terms) makes me Laugh. Out. Loud. But folks can go ahead and keep believing what Younis prints; I'm sure he got the skinny direct from Gough himself.





I have e-mails and PMs to return to folks. Sorry for the delay; I'll be responding to everybody soon.

The budget issue could be due to the new ruling on Superman and the court case coming up in terms of Superboy. They (W.B.) are now set to lose a huge chuck of money on any Superman product be it the movies or TV show or Cartoon so I can see why they would cut the budget.

 

[Mikelus]

AP, and why we should believe you over SHP? Can you prove they are wrong and your sources are more reliable? We just have to take everything with a grain of salt, but what they say makes some sense. If Allison Mack is only doing a limited number of episodes next season, the CW will save money, same for not having John Glover back and Kristin Kreuk for just seven episodes or whatever. The money saved on these salaries can be used to keep a decent FX budget and bring guest stars next season.

 

[Olea]

Just a quick update on the season 8 casting news. Steve, over at Emi's (her hubby that is) posted some info regarding the return of KK, MR and AM. I know people don't trust Emi but regardless here it is:

Kristin's rep said 3 episodes. I passed that info on to Emily. Rosenbaum turned down being in 18 and the current attempt is to get him for 11. He really doesn't want to return and neither does Mack. If the budget is going to be an issue, don't expect either of them to sign for more than half the season if at all.

This was a responce to my question if KK is coming back for 7 episodes as Superman Homepage posted yesterday. Nothing official yet, but I'm guessing we won't get a press release any time soon.

 

[Captivated]

Whatever the reason, the bottom line is, the creators of the show, along with regular/major cast members are leaving. I think it's terrible news for most Smallville fans.

I worry about the future of the show now, but I think something different has been afoot since the beginning of THIS season.

I have questions... Like, WHO has been behind the stupid decisions that have made THIS season so SUBPAR for Smallville? I thought for awhile it might be the writers strike, but there has to be more to it...

The relationships between the characters used to make compelling episodes out of even the most unbelievable FOTW...

Even the dreaded "exploding baby" episode had touching scenes and great dialog that made that stupid FOTW totally forgivable. The scene at the end was a typical SV "awhhh" moment...

Clark: "Too bad I'll never know what it's like to be a father..."
Martha: "Why do you say that?"
Clark: Come on, I'm from another planet..."
Martha: "We were told we could never have a child and we were still blessed with a son. You never know what the future might bring you."

Tender looks all around, and I'm dabbing a tear from the corner of my eye.

But, this season we have had disjointed plots, missing scenes and way too many WTH?! moments... WHO or WHAT influence has been behind this?

Like, Lana's "death" and her return should have had a big impact on Clark and Chloe... but she just sauntered back into their lives with the most anti-climatic scene and episode imaginable. We never did get to see how Chloe took it. And then Lana's bizarre and out of character actions are hard to believe... not to mention Clark and Chloe's reactions to it. Poorly done. Badly handled. Not up to SV standards.

And Kara... She dropped in from out of the blue and has never been developed in such a way as to make me or my family connect with her. Her presence seems forced and episodes centered around her character have been really weak. :

If they are loosing characters that Clark (and the audience) have CARED about for so long, I hope they give that the time and treatment it deserves... I want a "Memoria" caliber show, NOT anti-climatic crap like "Fierce."

They will surely be introducing more characters too... I hope "they" (whoever they are) do a better job than was done with Kara.

 

[Mikelus]

^ Sorry, but your opinion is not shared by a lot of people. "Ageless" is considered one of the worst episodes of the series, even "Fierce" or "Hero" are rated better by many fans. I understand you seem to prefer the old, more "family oriented" Smallville, but that's the past, many fans prefer a darker, more realistic approach. Season four is considered by most fans to be the worst, Seasons 1 and 2 depended too much on FOTW, so overall, most fans consider Seasons 3, 5, 6 and 7 as the best ones.

Finally, "they" (as you put it), are Kelly Souders, Brian Peterson, Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer. They have written many episodes of the series, many were good, some were hated by some people, so SV will not change that much except that being S8 the last one, of course Clark will become Superman and Lois top reporter of the DP, is just predictable, the way is supposed to be, not because of great writing.

 

[Olea]

Season four is considered by most fans to be the worst

A tie with season 6 IMO

Seasons 1 and 2 depended too much on FOTW, so overall, most fans consider Seasons 3, 5, 6 and 7 as the best ones.

Not true. SEason 1, 2 & 3 are always considered the best. Season 5 is a close 4th but IMO the show went downhil starting with season 4. Season's 6 & 7 are just painful.

 

[Prison Mike]

I think everyone says that the current season is the worst. And by that I mean, when it was season 5, people were saying "wow, this season is horrible!" and they said it during season 6 and now 7. But I really don't see how season 7 is that bad. There have been some really great moments so far especially for Lex fans. While I think seasons 1-3 were good, they were good in the innocent FOTW sense where Clark's biggest problem was asking Lana out on a date. But seasons 5-7 has shown Clark dealing with bigger issues which is nice. I am glad we are over the FOTW/high school drama stuff.

 

[Captivated]

^ Sorry, but your opinion is not shared by a lot of people. "Ageless" is considered one of the worst episodes of the series, even "Fierce" or "Hero" are rated better by many fans.

I know that many of my opinions are not in line with the online "Superman NOW" crowd...

But I picked "Ageless" specifically because I've read it used as an example of the worst of the worst... My argument is that MANY things on Smallville stretch credulity, but what makes the show special are the characters, their relationships, and the way they touch you (good and bad). That episode had "moments." And I'm sorry, but there is NO freaking way that "Fierce" and "Hero" can be considered anything but the DREGS of this series.

I understand you seem to prefer the old, more "family oriented" Smallville, but that's the past, many fans prefer a darker, more realistic approach.

I don't think you understand. The "family" element, that is, Clark's relationship with his parents, added REALISM. It was an element that made this show great. Darker is fine, but darker doesn't necessarily mean "realistic" or better. Not if you drop the ball in the writing department. Or try to insert too much commercialism or blatant T&A for sweeps week.

Season four is considered by most fans to be the worst, Seasons 1 and 2 depended too much on FOTW, so overall, most fans consider Seasons 3, 5, 6 and 7 as the best ones.

Surprise. I liked Season 4. And even though I hated Jonathan's death (the only period I don't rewatch) and the Lana/Lex plot was at times stomach churning, I liked Season 5 and 6. Heck, I own every season and have watched the entire series several times.

Even if I didn't like where something was going I couldn't deny that it was still well done (for the most part) and compelling.

That has not been true of this season. Something is different. I wish I knew why.

Even though the last couple of episodes have started us down an intriguing path (thank goodness) I don't know if it can get the "what the heck is wrong with this show lately?!" taste out of our mouths.

 

[superboy13]

I understand you seem to prefer the old, more "family oriented" Smallville, but that's the past, many fans prefer a darker, more realistic approach.

But "darker, more realistic" doesn't really work for Superman, while "family oriented" is more what it should be like. Remember Clark, the guy who's not supposed to be traumatized by his childhood a la Batman, or Spiderman?

And I don't want to hear any SR jokes with the "darker..." bit.

 

[Syncos]

^ Sorry, but your opinion is not shared by a lot of people. "Ageless" is considered one of the worst episodes of the series, even "Fierce" or "Hero" are rated better by many fans. I understand you seem to prefer the old, more "family oriented" Smallville, but that's the past, many fans prefer a darker, more realistic approach. Season four is considered by most fans to be the worst, Seasons 1 and 2 depended too much on FOTW, so overall, most fans consider Seasons 3, 5, 6 and 7 as the best ones.

Finally, "they" (as you put it), are Kelly Souders, Brian Peterson, Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer. They have written many episodes of the series, many were good, some were hated by some people, so SV will not change that much except that being S8 the last one, of course Clark will become Superman and Lois top reporter of the DP, is just predictable, the way is supposed to be, not because of great writing.

Both Fierce, and Static from last season are far worse than ageless. Ageless had a ridiculous story, but had some fantastic acting, and some great character driven scenes.

Being a darker show does not excuse some of the painfully bad out of character stories, or disjointed plot points. It sure as hell doesn't make it more realistic.

 

[Mikelus]

Olea, you should know better being on different forums. A lot of polls show Seasons 1 and 2 are not that popular because of the FOTW stories. Need some proof?

http://www.fanpop.com/spots/smallville/picks/results/225

http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86674&highlight=best+season

 

[b24]

i remember sesaon 1 i think that time show was mianly targetted at mostly young audince

now times have changed and people prefer more darker tone to superhero theme

 

[superboy13]

now times have changed and people prefer more darker tone to superhero theme

I've said it once, and I'll keep saying it. If you want a darker tone to superheroes, there's a bunch of guys out there to pick up from, mostly Marvel guys, but there's still Bats too. Superman is about hope, and should be uplifting. Smallville has done this right countless times, but lately they've gone more with the Spiderman route than Supes', unfortunately.

 

[b24]

^^^ but these days when they make superhero shows/movies lighter tone they become gimmickly

for example fantastic 4 movies

i m not saying superman should be like batman all i m saying times have changed and people prefer superman as realistic who has normal problems like anyone else

that's why batman and superman movies werer success because they showed both character as humanly as possible

i know superman is not suppsed to be human But he still has humanistic charcteristics

many people want smallville version of clark to be like chritopher reeve's superman who is always smiling giving hope But those werer 70's this is 2000's people rather like to see tormented superhero

even with SR bryan singer made superman more serious infact superman of SR reminded me clark kent of smallville

 

[Captivated]

Both Fierce, and Static from last season are far worse than ageless. Ageless had a ridiculous story, but had some fantastic acting, and some great character driven scenes.

Being a darker show does not excuse some of the painfully bad out of character stories, or disjointed plot points. It sure as hell doesn't make it more realistic.

My point.

 

[Captivated]

"Lighter" should be about hope and inspiration in spite of evil at the door... But I'd stay away from "campy." Not on Smallville.

But light or dark, realistic or fantastical... good characters and plots are needed.

I really like the more relatable and realistic (there's that word again) approach to super heroes that we have gotten with Smallville and Spider-Man. It's got to be tough sometimes... that's interesting. But it's how you overcome adversity that can be inspiring.

 

[superboy13]

^^^ but these days when they make superhero shows/movies lighter tone they become gimmickly

Not necessarily.

for example fantastic 4 movies

Well, I don't think FF is the best example. Because you can make a Superman movie with an upbeat tone, without being cheesy. That said, I did enjoy FF.

i m not saying superman should be like batman all i m saying times have changed and people prefer superman as realistic who has normal problems like anyone else

I don't completely agree. Yes, Superman should be realistic and have "problems", but you have to figure out the way to solve them, without moping around, or resorting to the kind of anger that SV's Clark sometimes does. This does more or less work in the context of the show, because it's a teenage Clark Kent growing up in the present, but sometimes they take it too far.
IMO, Superman sets the example. He's the Big Blue Boyscout who everyone looks up to and wants to be like him.

that's why batman and superman movies werer success because they showed both character as humanly as possible

i know superman is not suppsed to be human But he still has humanistic charcteristics

Agreed. In fact, Batman said it himself:
"It is a remarkable dichotomy. In many ways, Clark is the most human of us all. Then...he shoots fire from the skies, and it is difficult not to think of him as a god. And how fortunate we all are that it does not occur to him."

many people want smallville version of clark to be like chritopher reeve's superman who is always smiling giving hope But those werer 70's this is 2000's people rather like to see tormented superhero

Well, then you have Spiderman, or Batman, or Punisher, or Daredevil... you get my point. Superman is about always giving hope... if not, what's the point, then?

even with SR bryan singer made superman more serious infact superman of SR reminded me clark kent of smallville

See, Singer made a movie that was as depressing as it gets for Superman. I won't go much into that because it's not the right forum to discuss, but even the visual tone of the film wasn't uplifting, and that's my main grip with SR. I want to watch a Superman movie and feel joyful at the end, not bittersweet.

 

[superboy13]

"Lighter" should be about hope and inspiration in spite of evil at the door... But I'd stay away from "campy." Not on Smallville.

Agreed 100%.

 

[Serene]

Now I see why so many people loathe SHP. Half of that article is complete bull.

Count me as a loather.

- Kreuk and Rosenbaum's absence next year has nothing to do with budget and everything to do with those thesps not wanting to re-up their contracts. It makes me wonder how that makes Welling feel, especially after he's been rumored to have turned down roles because he didn't want to put the SV cast and crew out of work? Things to ponder.

To be fair, Rosey and Kreuk have made no secret about wanting to move on once their contracts were done. We don't know that Tom doesn't feel the exact same way since he is still contracted for one more year. He might be just as anxious to wrap this up and move on.

- Kreuk is returning for a few episodes next season because she has to, not because she's doing Warners, her co-workers or the fans any favors. She was contracted for a set amount of episodes in S7 but couldn't do them all because of Street Fighter. She'd be in breach of contract if she didn't come back. Lucky us.

*ouch*

While I'm fine at this point with Lana not being in the entire season next year, as a long time viewer and fan of the show I think it's crucial for her to return for at least a few episodes. When looked at on the whole, it really lame for them to leave the Clark and Lana relationship - let alone the Lana character individually - in the state it/she's in now.
So, regardless of the "why," I am glad she will be returning at least for a few episodes. I'd be thrilled if it's the 7 that the "article" states, but last word from KK was that it would only be 3.

- Mack's limited S8 contract may have something to do with her character not being as important to the story of Clark Kent becoming Superman, which after seven years, is something they will finally get around to next year. *fingers crossed* If it was a budget issue, LV wouldn't be back at all.

I think Allison is a bit of a wild card in all this. IMO, her character has been developed and featured more than ever lately - even gracing the cover of TV Guide this past week over Tom. Chloe Sullivan is an original character and potentially, the only one the Goughlar could run with and possibly make more money with. I'm curious how all that figures into the equation with their sudden departure - if at all.

Indeed, if it was a budget thing, CW wouldn't have given SV an early pick-up. SV may be their highest rated scripted skein, but it's also their most expensive. Why jump to the renewal when they could have waited a little longer? Doesn't make any sense. And that part about Mack being "prepared to walk?" Walk where? To the unemployment line? Think people, think!

Exactly. I know Allison is a fan-favorite and immensely talented, but she's also the one who seems to have worked the least during hiatus times. I would think that she'd want to hang on to SV for as long as possible - particularly with Lana gone and the chance for Chloe to have even more screen-time. Unless there are other things planned...

I'm dying to see if they sign Erica up for a full-season contract at this point. I'm also REALLY hoping that they convince Rosey to come back for at least half the season. Just as I don't feel they've wrapped up Clark and Lana's story - Clark and Lex's story seems far from over, in fact, it's more interesting than it's been in years.

- G&M leaving their own show with only one more year to go because of "budget cuts," instead of ending it at seven years the way they wanted to (like every other show that ends on their own terms) makes me Laugh. Out. Loud. But folks can go ahead and keep believing what Younis prints; I'm sure he got the skinny direct from Gough himself.

LMAO!