or the JSA
I think you're right they should have just done that in the first place especially considering what Batman Negins did for the Batman franchise.
I think Smallville has taken liberties with the franchise, adding in so many elements that have the wrong time line.
I don't like the fact lex and lois and infact everyone know clark - in '5 years' when he dons the cape, we will still look exactly the same and they'll be like "hey that's clark" But, i can see why it's enjoyable.
Season 1 - introduction to smallville characters, focus on a young clark developing a few powers, coping with it at high school.
Sharing his secrets with his dad, mum and to some extent Lana.
Season 2 - Finishing high school, a few powers properly enhanced, his relationship with lana, school friends etc - does he excel in sport or hold back. A few high profile rescue missions - stopping a train, school bus, rebuilding after a storm.
Discovering his ship, and clues to his heritage.
Season 3 - making it big in the world, travelling, journalism, helping people in africa in the middle nowhere, aid relief. Learning more about himself, what he can do.
More discoveries via his craft, more powers developed.
season 4 - clark has been sighted a few times displaying powers, he is big news on internet, a buzz about this super man - but only nothing more than a myth.
They can still introduce characters - like other heroes, but not in smallville, like, clark is out in a random city, learning, having experiences and a situation occurs, he goes to help but a hero flashes infront of him and saves the day - making clark think.
Have clark spend time in metropolis with a lesser known paper or media group and he still uses his powers in metropolis, this gets tongues wagging and you can introduce planet staff who are to report on this mysterious being.
But i don't watch the show, so my comment is pointless really.
If i am honest, is a smallville movie came out, i would watch it, but only because there would be a diferent take of superman out there. I'd like to see a different suit too - with a collar!!!