Should Smallville's Seventh Season be Serialized?

[RakuMon]

Alliteration rules!

But seriously. I got to thinking about this last night after watching an excellent episode of "Heroes." (I know I've been hard on that show, but boy was last night's enjoyable!)

I think in this day and age, television viewers are more capable of appreciating serialized drama. Some of the most critically acclaimed and most viewed shows in the past few seasons have been of the serialized variety. For example: Lost, Heroes, 24, Studio 60, Prison Break, Ugly Betty, etc. Part of the appeal of serialization is getting viewers to tune in each week for fear of missing something vital (which is why I continue to watch Studio 60 even though I can't stand the show).

Now what are the arguments against serialization? Well, there's the fact that you could lose your audience. Meaning some people will feel they can't keep up w/ the show and will thusly stop watching.

There is also the issue of syndication. Some local affiliates are reluctant to pick up serialized programming because they're bound to the storyline and can't air random stand alone episodes at their whim.

The other draw back against serialization is that these kinds of shows are infinitely more difficult to write/produce because every detail needs to be overseen by the showrunner so that inconsistencies don't hinder the overall plot.

Now, here begins my rant on why I believe Smallville's seventh (and presumably last) season should be serialized. Top to bottom. Episode one to (a two-hour long) episode 22. Season 7 should be one 22-hour Superman movie, and here's why:

Smallville's audience is already established. No matter what, an episode of Smallville is going to get The CW between 4.5 and 6 million viewers.No matter what. So you don't have to worry about building or losing an audience. It's had six years to build. The hardcore fanbase is gonna be there, and with a heightened sense of urgency (since it's the last season and should be Superman-y through out) just might bring a few more viewers onboard. Either way, it's a win-win. Besides, SV has some experience with season-long running plot threads, so there is a precedent for them to follow.

The other reason G&M have given in the past against the idea of serialization is the syndication factor. Again, I think this point is moot. For one, SV crossed 100 eps last year and are pretty much guaranteed syndication (and some local affiliates have already been airing SV reruns for years. Not to mention ABC Family's very successful run.) And from what I've seen, original episode airing order has been maintained for the syndicated versions. So since SV's already crossed the syndication threshold, what's the point of pandering to syndication standards? You think once Lost crosses 100 episodes, local affiliates are gonna back off because it's serialized?

Finally, the last reason TPTB are against serialization is the complexity of creating 22 continuos hours of story. Well, sorry, but Smallville and Superman deserve this kind of attention to detail. Isn't it a shame that two hugely popular shows (Lost & Heroes) who are clearly inspired by comics have taken to their comic book roots in sequential storytelling when the only show on network TV actually based on a comic book shies away from it? Like I said, SV's had its share of running threads, but I'm talking real serialization. When the events of one episode directly affect the events of the next. Also, I feel the writers on SV can excel if given the proper parameters. Right now, the writing room's very disjointed. There's a routine to the breaking of stories (as witnessed on the Season Four DVD set) that I think is starting to get a little formulaic.

Here's how it should work. G&M write the first and last episodes of the season. (Ep. 1 deals with Clark's accepting of his Kryptonian Heritage at the Fortress. The two-hour episode 22 is Clark in Metropolis at the Planet as Superman, etc.) Then, it's up to SDK and the other head writers to get Clark from point A to point B without relying on FOTW, Zoners, angsty love triangles.

I'm not saying completely do away with the Smallville staples. There should still be a heavy mix of action and drama and relationships (after all, that's what makes the show so great), but no more aimlessness. I believe if given an ultimatum, the writers can and will respond to the best of their abilities. This is the last hurrah for Smallville, doesn't the show deserve to go out with a bang?


That's it. That's the rant.

 

[avidreader]

Sounds good. But do you think they would be willing to change their formula going into the last season?

I cant see it happening.

 

[Kaboom]

raku i appreciate your posts.

and if that one was shorter i might have read it.

=)

 

[RakuMon]

Sounds good. But do you think they would be willing to change their formula going into the last season?

I cant see it happening.

I don't know. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine went serialized for its final two seasons. And the show was all the better for it.

And the formula doesn't need to change per se. The biggest thing I'd like to see about the final season is the point I made about "the events of one episode directly affect the events of the next."

One of the other reasons I thought of this was because I rewatched "Fallout" through "Static" last night (the missus was out of town, so she was catching up on Smallville) and the one thing I noticed was the characters were all over the place in each of those episodes.

For example, Clark finally accepted who he was (Fallout), then lamented his powers (Rage). Lionel was all lovey dovey w/ Martha & breaking bread w/ Chloe (Rage) then was all mysterious and slimy (Static). Lex & Lana were cold and distant over BrainIAC (Fallout) having an unfriendly Turkey Day dinner (Rage) and were all lovey dovey in Static. Jimmy's goofy and kinda dense in Fallout (seriously, Egyptians?!) and a super genius in Static. Lana is the worst. She's all suspicious and distrustful one instant (remember how she was playing the game on Lex's level?), then she becomes naive and melodramatic (Static).

I just think, if given a real guidelines to follow throughout an entire season, the writers can reach their fullest potential in telling the Superman story in Season 7.

 

[avidreader]

And the formula doesn't need to change per se. The biggest thing I'd like to see about the final season is the point I made about "the events of one episode directly affect the events of the next."

I think they do, its just not as continuous as some shows out there.

One of the other reasons I thought of this was because I rewatched "Fallout" through "Static" last night (the missus was out of town, so she was catching up on Smallville) and the one thing I noticed was the characters were all over the place in each of those episodes.

I just think that's the premise of the show. Each plot is very much character driven, and as happens in real life, people chop and change their point of view and how they tackle things.

If you study them as individuals, you'll see that they are still all the same people deep down, its just that sometimes their views change.

What they dont seem to do from episode to episode, and there are often longs breaks in between, is follow through with stories.

One week Chloe and Clark are looking at satellite images of PZers that crashed to earth and then you dont hear about it until they're ready to introduce another one into an episode. I think if they could string together those kinds of storylines between episodes it would keep you coming back.

For example, Clark finally accepted who he was (Fallout), then lamented his powers (Rage).

I dont really believe he was lamenting his powers, he was just struggling with Jonathan not being around for Thanksgiving. He had certainly come to terms with it by the end of the episode.

and Lionel was all lovey dovey w/ Martha & breaking bread w/ Chloe (Rage) then was all mysterious and slimy (Static).

Did you think he was being slimy? I didnt. And I actually think Lionel was right to call her out on this occasion. Chloe had taken a Luthorcorp Security tape. Not Really Her Business. No matter who's she doing it for. And I like Lionel being ambiguous.

Lex & Lana were cold and distant over BrainIAC (Fallout) having an unfriendly Turkey Day dinner (Rage) and were all lovey dovey in Static.

Well I'm not making any apologies for Static, but dont couples have arguments and differences and then learn to put their differences aside. And in this case, Lana needs the security of Lex.

Jimmy's goofy and kinda dense in Fallout (seriously, Egyptians?!) and a super genius in Static.

He was a two way radio geek. I think its kind of fitting. Interestingly, Jimmy in Lois and Clark was geeky, but he was also a computer whiz.

Lana is the worst. She's all suspicious and distrustful one instant (remember how she was playing the game on Lex's level?), then she becomes naive and melodramatic (Static).

I read a very interesting analysis of Lana over at DeKnight's Blog. I'll ponder whether I think its okay to paste it here, but I found it very insightful.

I just think, if given a real guidelines to follow throughout an entire season, the writers can reach their fullest potential in telling the Superman story in Season 7.

I think they will anyway. They went into Season 5 thinking it was their last, and look how that started off. I think Season 7 will be SUPER!

 

[Ultimate_Superman]

Season 5 should have been its last.

 

[RakuMon]

I just think that's the premise of the show. Each plot is very much character driven, and as happens in real life, people chop and change their point of view and how they tackle things.

If you study them as individuals, you'll see that they are still all the same people deep down, its just that sometimes their views change.

I dunno. I think a lot of the inconsistencies in character come from the writers not all being on the same page. I also think this season has seen a lot of shifting around of episodes. Moreso than in past seasons. And it's obvious when certain episodes are "out of order" because plot points are often shoehorned in via piss-poor ADR dubbing. (See: Martha's "Raya just died" comment at the beginning of "Rage." Which doesn't make sense because in the timeline of the show, Raya died four months prior to Thanksgiving.)

What they dont seem to do from episode to episode, and there are often longs breaks in between, is follow through with stories.

One week Chloe and Clark are looking at satellite images of PZers that crashed to earth and then you dont hear about it until they're ready to introduce another one into an episode. I think if they could string together those kinds of storylines between episodes it would keep you coming back.

This is another reason why having the writers string an entire season-long plot would be beneficial to the series. Trust me. It can be done. And more importantly, it can be done without losing the essence of what Smallville is.

Again, I'll use DS9 as an example. Seasons 1-4 were pretty typical Star Trek episodes. Different things were happening on the station. Different adventures for the crew to tackle. But throughout, there was this building storyline that was just below the surface: namely, the Founders and the Dominion.

It wasn't until Season 5 when the Dominion became the sole antagonists on the show. The series essentially refocused (after becoming a little too Klingon happy with the arrival of Worf) and became a battle between the Federation and the Dominion. All the while, the characters kept their essence even though they were evolving. Seasons six and seven were essentially one continuous story. More importantly, the relationships on the show grew (Odo/Kira, Dax/Worf, O'Brien/Bashir, Sisko/Jake, Sisko/Cassidy, Vic Fontane and everyone).

I think SV can take a similar approach. Let the writers refocus on what's really important. Stop giving over valuable time developing one-off characters. (Seriously, that's the most annoying aspect of the FOTW pattern. So much time is devoted to establishing characters that won't survive past said episode, that often times, the main characters get the shaft.)

 

[user123456789]

The other draw back against serialization is that these kinds of shows are infinitely more difficult to write/produce because every detail needs to be overseen by the showrunner so that inconsistencies don't hinder the overall plot.

No way they can get that done.

 

[avidreader]

I dunno. I think a lot of the inconsistencies in character come from the writers not all being on the same page. I also think this season has seen a lot of shifting around of episodes. Moreso than in past seasons. And it's obvious when certain episodes are "out of order" because plot points are often shoehorned in via piss-poor ADR dubbing. (See: Martha's "Raya just died" comment at the beginning of "Rage." Which doesn't make sense because in the timeline of the show, Raya died four months prior to Thanksgiving.)

I think it was only Subterranean that was moved out of order and I believe they just made an oops with Fallout being "six weeks ago".

I also dont think Martha's voice was dubbed with "Raya just died". You can actually see her saying the words.

The biggest problem seems to be that there are way too many fingers in the pot, all putting in their sixpence, and the episodes unavoidably lose their consistency.

This is another reason why having the writers string an entire season-long plot would be beneficial to the series. Trust me. It can be done. And more importantly, it can be done without losing the essence of what Smallville is.

From what I understand, the only way you can really do this is to pre-write the entire season's worth of scripts before the episodes begin filming. Are they willing to change their structure for the last season?

 

[FanboyX_Returns]

I don't know why u all think that Season 7 will be the last I really think they should go 8 maybe 9 seasons I mean the xfiles went 9 seasons why not Smallville!

 

[user123456789]

From what I understand, the only way you can really do this is to pre-write the entire season's worth of scripts before the episodes begin filming. Are they willing to change their structure for the last season?

Is that LOST protocol? (if you know)

 

[Superfreak]

I agree with Raku

I disagree with Avid (screw the formula, they don't have one, it's so fluid no one would notice anyways)

Serialization has always been the way to go, since the beginning of the series, but they never did it. I hate the single serving episode format that smallville has.

BUT: Do I really think that the creative genius (I use the word very lightly) and writers could really handle a serialized season? HELL NO. I've always felt that the production team behind SV has always been weak. They've done some cool stuff mind you, and the story is good, but not great (no where near as spectacular as it should/could be, that's for sure). Simply put: I don't think the writers and producers have the skills to carry out an entire serialized season. The cast definately has the chpos for it, but the writers on the whole are terrible (I base this on the fact that 1 out of every 3 episodes of smallville is utter garbage)



Anyhow, I'd love them to go serialized, but I fear that there is not enough skill behind the keyboard for a serialized season to really work on SV. The only way I see it working, is if SV borrows David Eick from across the lot to oversee a season long arc. He's local, and is a master of ongoing continuity.

 

[blksuperman2]

I think the serialized approach could work for SV. I think that would solve many problems that people have with Lana, Lionel and sometimes Clark's character. I've always hated the character inconsistencies with most of the lead roles.

 

[Brainiac 8]

Many people seem to like a show being serialized, but I doubt it would happen.

Keeping a show episodic like Smallville is good for those that can't catch it regularly. Take 24 for example, or lost.....if you miss an episode...it can really throw you off, because you missed something important, and that can kill your desire to watch said show.

But when they do it like Smallville, if you miss an episode, it's no biggie since in most cases you can just pick right up where you left off.

I'm not knocking the other shows though, since I am loving Heroes right now.

 

[RakuMon]

Many people seem to like a show being serialized, but I doubt it would happen.

Keeping a show episodic like Smallville is good for those that can't catch it regularly. Take 24 for example, or lost.....if you miss an episode...it can really throw you off, because you missed something important, and that can kill your desire to watch said show.

But when they do it like Smallville, if you miss an episode, it's no biggie since in most cases you can just pick right up where you left off.

I'm not knocking the other shows though, since I am loving Heroes right now.

But those shows' serialization hasn't hurt their bottom lines. And that's the important part.

Remember, Season 7 will likely be Smallville's last so buidling an audience shouldn't be the priority it was when the show first started. Serialized or not, Smallville is going to maintain viewership levels around 4.5 and 6 million. Making the season serialized could even add viewers to the mix who might have otherwise been turned off by FOTW and such.

And I'm not suggesting turning SV into a show like 24, which is in real time. I like the Lost or Heroes model better. Each episode is essentially self-contained, but they all tie into an overarching plot. SV has had plot points in the past that carried over a few episodes (the crystals, the octagonal key, the zoners) but they've always been relegated (for the most part) to the subplots. If Lost and Heroes can sustain a complicated plot, cool characterization and serialization with such large casts, imagine the possiblities of a serialized Smallville in which the only characters that got screen time were Clark, Lex, Lana, Chloe and Lois.

 

[Superfreak]

And I'm not suggesting turning SV into a show like 24, which is in real time. I like the Lost or Heroes model better. Each episode is essentially self-contained, but they all tie into an overarching plot. SV has had plot points in the past that carried over a few episodes (the crystals, the octagonal key, the zoners) but they've always been relegated (for the most part) to the subplots. If Lost and Heroes can sustain a complicated plot, cool characterization and serialization with such large casts, imagine the possiblities of a serialized Smallville in which the only characters that got screen time were Clark, Lex, Lana, Chloe and Lois.

I've been begging for that for years

 

[Bruce_Wayne29]

I used to want them to do it that way especially with the sucess of LOST but as we go near the end of the show I'm not so sure they will go that route. I think it's a double edged sword, both ways have their advantages and disadvantages.

 

[bad3appels]

it is..
Deknight said that this will be his finally season then he said: i have see some of the things that they are planning for you guys.

this mean,they are always making plan for the 7th season
YAAAAYYYY

 

[amazingfantasy15]

Yeah, but I'm not sure if the characters on the show could handle a serialized show, they aren't smart enough. First, all too often they forget important things by the end of the episode. They don't question when Clark vanishes from thier side if they turn their head for a second. There's still gotta be a whole bunch of Kyrpto-freaks out there that haven't threatened Clark, Lana, Lex, Lois or Chloe, they all need their 15 minutes of Smallville fame.

 

[Lt. Figgnuts]

I don't know why u all think that Season 7 will be the last I really think they should go 8 maybe 9 seasons I mean the xfiles went 9 seasons why not Smallville!

If I recall, X-Files sucked by the time it reached it's 8th season.

It's stupid to assume that longevity equals goodness. Sure we want to see our shows continue, but in all honesty the show is already starting to lose it's juice. If not this season, next season should be the last.

But when they do it like Smallville, if you miss an episode, it's no biggie since in most cases you can just pick right up where you left off.

That's not necessarily a good thing. In fact, that's a BAD thing. Television is the perfect medium for serialized storytelling.

With stand-alone stories you really don't feel like there's any reason for you to be watching. When you can miss an episode and come back the next week without missing a beat, what's the point?

 

[RakuMon]

That's not necessarily a good thing. In fact, that's a BAD thing. Television is the perfect medium for serialized storytelling.

With stand-alone stories you really don't feel like there's any reason for you to be watching. When you can miss an episode and come back the next week without missing a beat, what's the point?

See, I understand Gough & Millar's reasoning in the beginning. With a new show trying to establish itself, you want to build the biggest audience possible, and sometimes that means pandering to the "casual viewer." This is why Lost and 24 were such huge gambles in the beginning. For every successful serialized show (Lost, Heroes, 24) there are even more unsuccessful ones (Smith, The Nine, Vanished, Kidnapped, etc.)

My original point is that Smallville's core is firmly established. I don't think TPTB need to cater to casual viewers as much anymore. For two reasons: "casual viewers" will still tune in to serialized programming if given a reason to. Heroes and Lost being the best examples. If you market it well enough, people will want to check it out to see what's going on. Secondly, today's television audience is smarter in that it knows how to stay on top of event television. In the age of the internet, DVDs and DVR, people are able to keep up with shows they might have "missed" the first time around.

More importantly, serializing a show will (hopefully) hook those curious viewers and convert them into reliable ones. The problem w/ one-and-done television is just like Figgnuts said, if there's no reason to continually tune in, then people won't do it. Give 'em a reason and they'll be hooked. The characters and premise of Smallville are such that it'd be easy to "hook" a casual viewer in for the long haul. Heck, it already does to a certain extent. How many people on the forum have shared an experience in which they caught a couple episodes and had to go out and buy the DVDs right away 'coz the show was so good?

 

[Dark Prophet]

Gough and Millar DO write the first and last episodes of every season already. They always know where they need to be at the end of the season. They don't just make it up as they go along except for the stuff in the middle. THey've said this on the DVD

 

[AgentPat]

Gough and Millar DO write the first and last episodes of every season already...

That is only partially true. G&M haven't written an actual episode script since Crusade, but they are the Show Runners. As such, they write the story arc outlines from which the writing staff pens the individual scripts. Writers are chosen based on the subject matter and character emphasis. Also, I believe at least one script per season has to be written by a n00b, per the WGA. Triplet has the skinny on that odd stipulation, so I'll let her explain it.

As to the topic of this thread, I personally don't care either way what they do. I like the mini story arcs, but I also have no problem with stand alone episodes. If they go a seventh season, it will more than likely be the last, so it probably doesn't matter in the long run.

Michael McKean once noted in an interview that there's an old axiom in Hollywood that says every successful TV show goes one more season than it should. Funnily enough, he was referring to "Laverne & Shirley" at the time. Even more funny (given the subject of this thread), McKean guest stared in a few episodes of The X-Files, one episode of which was titled "Jump the Shark."

<-- Likes useless trivia.

 

[Kaboom]

if thats the case maybe SV for 8?

 

[AgentPat]

if thats the case maybe SV for 8?

I'd buy that for a dollar.