Ratings

[NHawk19]

Do you need the episodes, NHawk?

Just PM'd you thanks

 

[RakuMon]

Hey, Raku...

Were you aware that avies are now 75x75 for your post level?

FYI in case you want to move up to the bigger version of that avie...

I didn't know. Thanks. Anyone want to make me a 75x75 Bale-Batman/Welling-Supes Avie?

 

[triplet]

I didn't know. Thanks. Anyone want to make me a 75x75 Bale-Batman/Welling-Supes Avie?

Uhm, I did dude... when I made you the one you're using.

Don't you still have it?

Luckily, I do...

 

[RakuMon]

Uhm, I did dude... when I made you the one you're using.

Don't you still have it?

Luckily, I do...

Oh yeah, I do have it. Thanks Trip!

 

[KikiDee]

From Zap2it

Fast National ratings for Thursday, April 20, 2006

Thursday was a pretty lackluster ratings night across the board, with even CBS suffering a drop from its usual lofty numbers. Those numbers, were, however, more than enough to win the night.

CBS averaged an 11.1 rating/18 share in primetime, leaving second-place ABC, 4.9/8, in the dust. A night of reruns on NBC took third with a 4.0/7. FOX, 3.2/5, came in fourth, beating out The WB, 2.4/4, and UPN, 1.8/3.

Among adults 18-49, CBS' 5.3 rating was more than double that of its closest competitor, NBC (2.6). ABC finished third in the demographic with a 2.4, with FOX not far behind at 2.2. The WB averaged 1.8 and UPN 1.1.

"Survivor: Panama -- Exile Island" won the 8 p.m. hour for CBS with a 9.7/16. ABC's "American Inventor" took second with a 4.0/7, beating reruns of "Will & Grace" and "My Name Is Earl" on NBC. An hour of "That '70s Show" averaged 2.8/5 for FOX, topping the 2.6/5 The WB got from "Smallville." UPN trailed with "Everybody Hates Chris" and "Love, Inc."

A "CSI" rerun, 12.3/20, grabbed the night's biggest rating for CBS at 9 p.m. ABC improved to 5.5/9 with a second hour of "American Inventor." NBC stayed in third with a second "Earl," 4.9/8, and "The Office," 3.9/6. "The O.C." posted a 3.6/6 for FOX. "Supernatural" kept The WB in front of UPN, which went with "Eve" and "Cuts."

CBS finished its night with "Without a Trace," which delivered an 11.5/19 at 10 p.m. "Commander In Chief" averaged 5.2/9 for ABC, while NBC's "ER" repeat scored a 4.2/7.

Ratings information is taken from fast national data, which includes live and same-day DVR viewing. All numbers are preliminary and subject to change.

 

[NHawk19]

Any word on the key demos? SV was kicking butt before but now it everything just seems to have slowed.

 

[Supershizzle]

I've never understood where Zap2It got their numbers. They're ALWAYS off across the board. You're better off with MediaWeek. That and Nielsen direct (dont think they have a site) are what people in the "biz" go by.

 

[KikiDee]

I've never understood where Zap2It got their numbers. They're ALWAYS off across the board. You're better off with MediaWeek. That and Nielsen direct (dont think they have a site) are what people in the "biz" go by.

I'm not sure where they get them either and they always tend to be low.
You notice the disclaimer at the bottom on how they supposedly gather them and that they are apt to change.

 

[avidreader]

I've never understood where Zap2It got their numbers. They're ALWAYS off across the board. You're better off with MediaWeek. That and Nielsen direct (dont think they have a site) are what people in the "biz" go by.

Dont advertisers and networks base all their programming on the Mediaweek stats?

Mediaweek are on hiatus this week.

I keep a close eye on Gilmore Girls stats as well, and its interesting to note that they have pretty much been on par with Smallville all season and in the last couple of weeks their numbers have also been the same as Smallville.

I think the Spring Break is really having an effect.

 

[Pickle-El]

Dont advertisers and networks base all their programming on the Mediaweek stats?

Mediaweek are on hiatus this week.

I keep a close eye on Gilmore Girls stats as well, and its interesting to note that they have pretty much been on par with Smallville all season and in the last couple of weeks their numbers have also been the same as Smallville.

I think the Spring Break is really having an effect.

I think it's the sub-par episodes....notice that Smallville's highest rated episodes are mostly VERY- mythology based?

G&M do this EVERY year...then they try to win you over with a great finale.

 

[AgentPat]

I think it's the sub-par episodes....notice that Smallville's highest rated episodes are mostly VERY- mythology based?

G&M do this EVERY year...then they try to win you over with a great finale.

Selective bolding, Pickle? Here, try again...

Dont advertisers and networks base all their programming on the Mediaweek stats?

Mediaweek are on hiatus this week.

I keep a close eye on Gilmore Girls stats as well, and its interesting to note that they have pretty much been on par with Smallville all season and in the last couple of weeks their numbers have also been the same as Smallville.

I think the Spring Break is really having an effect.

 

[Pickle-El]

Selective bolding, Pickle? Here, try again...

Maybe, their writing is taking nights off too? I mean, from the 100th episode of about 6.5 Million viewers, it's been a pretty steady decline in viewership.

Oh yeah, last time I checked Spring Break didn't last more than a month. I think it would be selective to overlook that, and blame it strictly on the break. And not on the usual 2nd half 'coasting' the show tends to do throughout the seasons.

My brother who watches Smallville all time is even getting sick of certain things....I didn't even respond when he said, 'They're running out of ideas.' (This was RIGHT after the 1st scene and obvious 'Saw' inspiration)

Maybe the audience feels that way too? And they're just waiting for last few episodes that will eventually set-up a kickass finale. I mean really, what are they missing now? Or let me ask you this, and be completely honest...

Right now, as of April 21st, are Smallville episodes 'Must See TV' for its audiences and general viewers? And has it been for the last few weeks?

 

[AgentPat]

Maybe, their writing is taking nights off too? I mean, from the 100th episode of about 6.5 Million viewers, it's been a pretty steady decline in viewership.

Oh yeah, last time I checked Spring Break didn't last more than a month. I think it would be selective to overlook that, and blame it strictly on the break. And not on the usual 2nd half 'coasting' the show tends to do throughout the seasons.

Instead of blaming SV's writers for episodes you (or your brother) are not enjoying as much, what you SHOULD be doing is comparing the ratings of other shows that have had a typical (Sept/Oct - May/June) broadcast run as SV in the same TV season. Look at trends and not just single episodes. Go look up ELC - UPN's most hyped sitcom - and report back the diminished ratings over its life this year. Note that at least THREE shows that have aired in SV's time slot have been axed - Alias and That 70's Show, and Joey - a Friends spinoff - was even *moved* to get it away from Thursday nights and it was STILL axed. And The O.C. is currently on the bubble, I believe.

Ratings are NOT indicative of a show's quality. They never have been. If ratings fall, it could be any number of reasons. You can't automatically ass-u-me it's the show's fault, especially when there's Nielsen data available showing a drop in ratings across the board for ALL shows.

It really bugs me when people try to use ratings to "prove" some kind of point, when the truth of the matter is, a Neilsen Family doesn't even have to be in the room WATCHING a show in order to have their "viewing" habits recorded for posterity.

I believe the highest rated SV episode ever was Lineage. LINEAGE?!! Do folks even *remember* what that episode was about? (I do, but I'm just making a point.)

My brother who watches Smallville all time is even getting sick of certain things....I didn't even respond when he said, 'They're running out of ideas.' (This was RIGHT after the 1st scene and obvious 'Saw' inspiration)

Well, I spoke with my mother today (she watches the show all the time too) and she loved the episode. I asked her if it reminded her of Saw. She said she didn't see that movie. Oh. Well that was easy - I didn't see it ether, so we moved on. Simple.

Respectfully, build a bridge and get over it. So what if it resembled another show or movie. If it was entertaining in some way, it did what it was supposed to do. If you didn't find it entertaining, and you haven't been enjoying the show for well over half a season, jeeze... you do know what my response to that is, right?

Or let me ask you this, and be completely honest...

Right now, as of April 21st, are Smallville episodes 'Must See TV' for its audiences and general viewers? And has it been for the last few weeks?

You asking me to read the minds of 5 million people? How the heck do I know? LOL I can only tell you what I know about my own viewing habits...

SV is more than just "must see TV." It's appointment television. I take my phone off the hook, I shut my cell phone off, and every light in the house goes dark. I run TWO SVHS decks (don't have TIVO - shoot me) to record first run episodes (two in case something happens to one of 'em) and I watch the show in my living room in HD on a 36" Sony Wega. My husband will watch the show with me if he's not working. Don't talk. Don't mumble. Don't even breathe! I postponed the closing on my home mortgage refinancing because the attorneys involved initially booked the conference on a Thursday night. My house could be on FIRE and I'd want to wait till the commercial before calling 911. This kind of behavior is status quo for SV night (whenever it airs), and will remain that way till the very last episode ever.

As to the laments about this season... I think it's been the best so far. The show gets better and better every year, with a slight hiccup during the fourth season, which I'm happy to overlook. I'm a fan. That's what fans do. If we like something, we learn to appreciate it while we still have it because ya never know when it might be taken away. It's an interesting axiom to live by, in fact. Give it a try sometime.

 

[KikiDee]

I know I only highlighted SV's portion of that article no matter how accurate, but did you read the ratings for the other shows? They were all bad. ABC was in second place with a 4.9 out of 8. That sucks for a major network. CBS only pulled in 11 million with CSI and it normally has an 18 million share if not more.

Point is the weather's getting nicer, kids spring sports are in full swing and vacations abound. There's just not that many people watching TV right now.

As for "Must See TV" I agree with Pat. It is for me. My husband takes care of Thursday night soccer practice duty because I have a date with my TV.

 

[Pickle-El]

Instead of blaming SV's writers for episodes you (or your brother) are not enjoying as much, what you SHOULD be doing is comparing the ratings of other shows that have had a typical (Sept/Oct - May/June) broadcast run as SV in the same TV season. Look at trends and not just single episodes.

Look at the trend of the 2nd half of SEASONS of Smallville. It's pretty much the same trend. I see a W in that trend....(notice the roller coaster)

Go look up ELC - UPN's most hyped sitcom - and report back the diminished ratings over its life this year.

The UPN ain't really something to compare SV too. It's a dead fish for a reason..

Note that at least THREE shows that have aired in SV's time slot have been axed - Alias and That 70's Show, and Joey - a Friends spinoff - was even *moved* to get it away from Thursday nights and it was STILL axed. And The O.C. is currently on the bubble, I believe.

Alias just had a season premiere. That 70's show isn't 'That 70's Show' without Topher and Kelso. And, Joey has been in trouble since its 2nd episode.

Ratings are NOT indicative of a show's quality. They never have been. If ratings fall, it could be any number of reasons.

But they are indicative of who's interested in the show at that particular moment. This isn't 'American Idol' where you can lose 5 million viewers on a given night and it won't matter...The consistency of the show is what makes me roll my eyes. One week, I'm thinking THIS Is why I watch Smallville. The next, I'm thinking.....How is this 'Superman in training' again?

You can't automatically ass-u-me it's the show's fault, especially when there's Nielsen data available showing a drop in ratings across the board for ALL shows.

I couldn't tell you...(My brother is the Neilson Media Employee....true story)

I just don't like seeing Smallville going from 6.5 Million one week, to the low 4's the next....And it usually follows the 'build up' episode, followed by filler for a few episodes. The guys behind the scenes KNOW this. They've been doing it for a few years now. They can get away with it, plain and simple. They know you'll be back for 'May Sweeps' and the Finale.

It really bugs me when people try to use ratings to "prove" some kind of point, when the truth of the matter is, a Neilsen Family doesn't even have to be in the room WATCHING a show in order to have their "viewing" habits recorded for posterity.

I don't really know how it works....Family members aren't allowed to have a box and keep the Neilson money that you are compensated.

I believe the highest rated SV episode ever was Lineage. LINEAGE?!! Do folks even *remember* what that episode was about? (I do, but I'm just making a point.)

I believe it was 'Rosetta'. Followed by Crusade or something like that....'Super'-centric eppys, huh?

Well, I spoke with my mother today (she watches the show all the time too) and she loved the episode. I asked her if it reminded her of Saw. She said she didn't see that movie. Oh. Well that was easy - I didn't see it ether, so we moved on. Simple.

Cool.

Respectfully, build a bridge and get over it.

^^^^^^ hehehehehehehehe

If it were only so easy....

So what if it resembled another show or movie. If it was entertaining in some way, it did what it was supposed to do.

It did. It humanized Lionel quite a bit. It was my brothers initial reaction that made me think....'You're right, they are running thin aren't they? And yet, still I watch...Why am I watching this filler again? Oh yeah, because I want to see Clark doing some cool ass ****! AND, I wanna know what the hell is going to happen with Dr. Fine and Lex in regards to Clark's future.'

If you didn't find it entertaining, and you haven't been enjoying the show for well over half a season, jeeze... you do know what my response to that is, right?

I do find *something* entertaining about Smallville every Thursday....It's just that after the last 2 seasons arcs, I feel like there's only so much story to tell before Clark becomes his destiny. The Mayo is pretty thin around the edges these days.

You asking me to read the minds of 5 million people? How the heck do I know? LOL I can only tell you what I know about my own viewing habits...

SV is more than just "must see TV." It's appointment television. I take my phone off the hook, I shut my cell phone off, and every light in the house goes dark. I run TWO SVHS decks (don't have TIVO - shoot me) to record first run episodes (two in case something happens to one of 'em) and I watch the show in my living room in HD on a 36" Sony Wega. My husband will watch the show with me if he's not working. Don't talk. Don't mumble. Don't even breathe! I postponed the closing on my home mortgage refinancing because the attorneys involved initially booked the conference on a Thursday night. My house could be on FIRE and I'd want to wait till the commercial before calling 911. This kind of behavior is status quo for SV night (whenever it airs), and will remain that way till the very last episode ever.

I'm saying, you don't hear avid fans say, 'Dang. Last nights episode was amazing THE MOST UNEXPECTED THING HAPPENED...'

It's like, guys, throw you expected fanbase a bone here and there...remind them why they keep watching. Keep THEM on their toes a little, you know you'll get big numbers with the 'bigger' episodes. Don't let complacency set in, simply because you can.

As to the laments about this season... I think it's been the best so far. The show gets better and better every year, with a slight hiccup during the fourth season, which I'm happy to overlook. I'm a fan. That's what fans do.

The bad part about your post here is, that I HAVE overlooked quite a bit of hiccups over the YEARS. I just finally got sick of it. I mean, there is supposedly 1 more season after this right? How many more episodes like 'Thirst' (And you know there will be a few) do we have to sit through before a 'Crusade' and then the eventual money shot?

If we like something, we learn to appreciate it while we still have it because ya never know when it might be taken away. It's an interesting axiom to live by, in fact. Give it a try sometime.

I've got one for you,

'It's better to burnout, than to fade away.'

 

[Super_Ludacris]

The OC fall from grace is something suprising

 

[BaK]

Here is the current ranking from one of the torrent sites:

Top Searches

1. lost
2. smallville
3. Family Guy
4. 24
5. king kong
6. xbox
7. prison break
8. psp
9. stargate
10. desperate housewives

 

[Super_Ludacris]

Here is the current ranking from one of the torrent sites:

Top Searches

1. lost
2. smallville
3. Family Guy
4. 24
5. king kong
6. xbox
7. prison break
8. psp
9. stargate
10. desperate housewives

I download torrents of those shows

 

[AgentPat]

Look at the trend of the 2nd half of SEASONS of Smallville. It's pretty much the same trend. I see a W in that trend....(notice the roller coaster)

And what I'm saying is there's nothing inherently unusual about a scripted series that dips in ratings near the end of each season (spring). You keep saying that it's indicative of W (whatever that means - Writing? - W could apply to a lot of things, so be specific LOL), and I'll keep saying you're oversimplifying the situation. It's like saying the motion picture industry is in a slump because people are bored with going to the theater. It's a gross oversimplification of many things, even if there's a kernel of truth to the concept that people "have better things to do." But I digress...

The UPN ain't really something to compare SV too. It's a dead fish for a reason..

1. Both UPN *and* the WB are merging for a reason.
2. If one wants to compare the WB to ANY network, UPN is it.
3. UPN has had a higher viewership overall than the WB over the last few years, so I don't think we should knock 'em.

Alias just had a season premiere.

Did I miss something? (Besides Garner's pregnancy and the overly-long hiatus it caused, that is?) 'Cause Alias has been axed; it's toast. The finale episode is skedded to air on May 22nd.

That 70's show isn't 'That 70's Show' without Topher and Kelso.

Wait! So are you saying casting is more important than good writing?

Don't tempt me, Pickle. You can drive a truck through that opening you just left, and you know how much I like sliding down that tangent. Not!

And, Joey has been in trouble since its 2nd episode.

Indeed, and putting it in one of the most competitive time slots in the week sealed its fate. Even moving it to a more sheltered time slot didn't help. By contrast, SV has survived being moved into kiss-of-death time slots not once but TWICE. If anything, it's proved that its audience is faithful and will follow the show no matter what.

But they are indicative of who's interested in the show at that particular moment. This isn't 'American Idol' where you can lose 5 million viewers on a given night and it won't matter...The consistency of the show is what makes me roll my eyes. One week, I'm thinking THIS Is why I watch Smallville. The next, I'm thinking.....How is this 'Superman in training' again?

I think you're projecting your own gripes with the show into what *everybody* must be thinking based on the ratings, and that's what I've been trying to say - a drop in ratings isn't necessarily indicative of interest in the show per se. Ever wonder why networks air repeats of their shows on Thanksgiving or Christmas night? Shows often go on hiatus during December because people are off at holiday parties, they're shopping, and doing other things. And the best episodes air during sweeps periods because... well... they're sweeps weeks. Duh! LOL The whole point is to put ground breaking episodes in those slots because those are the ratings being crunched by advertisers.

I couldn't tell you...(My brother is the Neilson Media Employee....true story)

Well sheeeit Pickle, have him explain it to you. Remember, ratings are about demographics and change from the same period the year before. There's a reason why they compare the prior year vs. the prior week, like K-Site chooses to do.

I just don't like seeing Smallville going from 6.5 Million one week, to the low 4's the next....And it usually follows the 'build up' episode, followed by filler for a few episodes. The guys behind the scenes KNOW this. They've been doing it for a few years now. They can get away with it, plain and simple. They know you'll be back for 'May Sweeps' and the Finale.

Already addressed in the comments above.

I don't really know how it works....Family members aren't allowed to have a box and keep the Neilson money that you are compensated.

Huh? I'm just talking about how the boxes work. You can turn your TV on and go shopping - the box doesn't know if anybody is actually in the room watching the TV - and neither does Neilsen.

I believe it was 'Rosetta'. Followed by Crusade or something like that....'Super'-centric eppys, huh?

No. It was Lineage. Rosetta came in second that season. Crusade - the episode that was pimped out the wazoo for introducing Lois, and showing Clark, err... Kal-El... FLY (pretty Super centric) got 5.3/8, while Exile - another season premiere episode that's been reviled by some Superman "fans" because Clark is off on a Red-K bender in Metropolis, got a 6.7/11.

Moving on...

It did. It humanized Lionel quite a bit. It was my brothers initial reaction that made me think....'You're right, they are running thin aren't they? And yet, still I watch...Why am I watching this filler again? Oh yeah, because I want to see Clark doing some cool ass ****! AND, I wanna know what the hell is going to happen with Dr. Fine and Lex in regards to Clark's future.'

I understand. But remember, not *everybody* watches the show for the same reasons. I'm sure there's folks out there who find Brainiac "entertaining," but they could care less whether he's on the show or not (I'm not one of those people - just making a point.) When people complain about "filler" episodes, I just shake my head. Some of those "filler" episodes have been personal favorites of mine. We all watch for different reasons, and the writers know this. That's why there IS a variety to plots on the show. Nobody eats *everything* at a smorgasbord; we all have different tastes. I wanted to stick hot pokers in my eyes after watching Spirit, but there were folks on this board that absolutely loved that episode (which still baffles me to this day LOLOLOL.) Yaso (sp?), a big SV fan who posts over at BTs, HATED Hidden. He loathed it. That's just... extraordinary. It blows my freakin' mind.

I do find *something* entertaining about Smallville every Thursday....It's just that after the last 2 seasons arcs, I feel like there's only so much story to tell before Clark becomes his destiny. The Mayo is pretty thin around the edges these days.

I'm sorry you feel that way.

I'm saying, you don't hear avid fans say, 'Dang. Last nights episode was amazing THE MOST UNEXPECTED THING HAPPENED...'

I think every show has its share of surprises, especially for folks who don't scrutinize, analyze and discuss spoilers till the cows come home. The way Clark acted at the end of Mercy blew my socks off. I'm not sure what "unexpected" things you'd like to see in a show that by definition, is a prequel to a tale everybody already knows. It's not like they can kill Lois and have Chloe take her place or something...

Oh wait.

LOL! J/K [Hulk has a seizure - assuming he even reads here anymore.]

The bad part about your post here is, that I HAVE overlooked quite a bit of hiccups over the YEARS. I just finally got sick of it. I mean, there is supposedly 1 more season after this right? How many more episodes like 'Thirst' (And you know there will be a few) do we have to sit through before a 'Crusade' and then the eventual money shot?

1. There could be potentially TWO more seasons.
2. I liked Thirst.
3. If you're only watching SV waiting for that "money shot," I would submit you're watching the show for the wrong reasons. It's not about the destination; it's the journey. And that journey will continue to be pretty eclectic in nature because the producers and writers want the show to appeal to as many people as possible, not just Superman fanboys - and fangirls.

'It's better to burnout, than to fade away.'

Indeed! But I don't see SV heading towards either demise just yet.

 

[Supershizzle]

Pat is right to an extent. Right after Daylight Savings Time goes into effect, you tend to see a dip in ratings. Especially in the 8 PM hour. It's light out longer and the weather is warmer, people dont tend to hole up in their homes like they do in the winter time, and they tend to travel more. Even in places where it's warm all year, the effect of shorter days still holds true to peoples living habits. I've seen the studies.
If you look at all shows across the board, you'll notice about an equal decrease % wise in viewership. It's no new phenomenon. Why do you think basically all episodic tv ends before Memorial Day? One of the big things to look at now, and these reports are tending to be put on the program director's desks right after the overnights is the DVR stats. People may be missing the show in it's first run, but if they're still watching it (and likewise the ads with it) later on, it's still getting across to the viewership. Smallville is one of the most DVR'd shows on network TV.

 

[Pickle-El]

Pat is right to an extent. Right after Daylight Savings Time goes into effect, you tend to see a dip in ratings. Especially in the 8 PM hour. It's light out longer and the weather is warmer, people dont tend to hole up in their homes like they do in the winter time, and they tend to travel more. Even in places where it's warm all year, the effect of shorter days still holds true to peoples living habits. I've seen the studies.
If you look at all shows across the board, you'll notice about an equal decrease % wise in viewership. It's no new phenomenon. Why do you think basically all episodic tv ends before Memorial Day? One of the big things to look at now, and these reports are tending to be put on the program director's desks right after the overnights is the DVR stats. People may be missing the show in it's first run, but if they're still watching it (and likewise the ads with it) later on, it's still getting across to the viewership. Smallville is one of the most DVR'd shows on network TV.

So it makes it okay for the writers to 'coast' during certain times of the season, just because they already know the turnout will be less?

 

[KikiDee]

So it makes it okay for the writers to 'coast' during certain times of the season, just because they already know the turnout will be less?

Try out new writers, spend less on special effects.....wouldn't you?

 

[AgentPat]

So it makes it okay for the writers to 'coast' during certain times of the season, just because they already know the turnout will be less?

It is YOUR opinion that they're coasting. I'm enjoying the show as written. They're not "filler" episodes to me; each and every episode has aspects that add to the seasonal arc. Just because YOU see it as bad writing doesn't mean others will, and ratings aren't something you should be using to support your argument. That's what we've been trying to say Pickle.

 

[Supershizzle]

So it makes it okay for the writers to 'coast' during certain times of the season, just because they already know the turnout will be less?

Please highlight for me the sentence in my post where I spoke about the writing or quality thereof?

I'm not qualified enough to critique the writing on a professional level, my expertise lies elswhere, though I do think that's a highly subjective undertaking to begin with. Then again there's not exactly a direct correlation between "good" writing and viewership, so I'm not sure what exactly you're getting at? As an aside, I've seen plenty of intelligently written television shows axed because the public just didnt "get it" (Arrested Development, anyone?), and shows that are formulaic pieces of garbage (i.e. Friends) that go on for 10 seasons.

 

[Pickle-El]

Please highlight for me the sentence in my post where I spoke about the writing or quality thereof?

If I'm reading right, you and others are saying the reasons the ratings go down has a lot to do with 'trends'. Daylight savings, overall viewership down, Spring Bring, etc.

I'm saying, that make it okay to put out what MANY fans feel are 'sub-par' episodes in between gauranteed ratings winners? I was incredibly high on Smallville for at least 3 1/2 seasons. I didn't even buy Season 4....They lost me along the way. And you know why? It's because of episodes more and more like last weeks. (And what looks like next week)

Obviously there is a hard-core audience that will watch any episode of Smallville. (4 Million or so) I can't even talk to Pat about this, though she's the only other that's responding, because she's as biased as I am when someone asks me, 'Is the new Pearl Jam record any good?' I'll find something good to say about it because the brand means something to me. That's what the hardcore fanbase will do for products they have incredibly vented interest in.

Another question, since no one seems to be giving me straight anwers other than blaming 'trends', how many inherently GREAT episodes has the season of 'Superman In Training' given the people who watch Smallville? 100th Eppy? Season Premiere? Clark vs Brainiac in FOS..3-4...Put it this way, which 3 episodes as of right now would you show to a potential Smallville fan? Just playing devils advocate here.

I know the response will be, well Pickle it IS your opinion....I know that. But, obviously, if ultimately you or anyone else can point to ratings winners from Seasons 1-5 and say, 'Smallville is doing GREAT. People were interested, look at those numbers! We're on top.'

If people can cheer when ratings go through the roof, what's so wrong with dissecting why the ratings get so low ('trends' aside, Smallville was hitting Season 2 numbers earlier this year.). It can't ALL be trends, can it? Surely, the execution of stories must hold credence and responsibility as some point?