

For many of us who grew up the '90s, the first time we were introduced to a live-action version of Lois Lane was in the guise of actress Teri Hatcher, who played the plucky, beautiful love interest of Superman in the ABC television series "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" from 1993 to 1997.

Lois Lane was a breakout role for Hatcher, who later went on to star in the James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies" and "Desperate Housewives." And now the great ouroboros that is the Hollywood machine is about to eat its own tail once again, as Hatcher has been cast in the latest and last season of the Superman show "Smallville" -- as Lois Lane's mom.It's often been said that juicy roles get more limited for women in Hollywood as they age, and while the conceit here is entertaining, the mom-ifying of Teri Hatcher seems a little premature, particularly opposite current Lois Lane Erica Durrance. Hatcher is 45 years old, while Durrance clocks in at 32, a mere 13 year age difference.

Hatcher will appear in episode 8 of the current series, although it's unclear if her role will actually bring her into contact with the present-day cast of Smallville. Lois's mother has already been established as deceased, but as with comic books, that's hardly a dealbrealer. As EW's Ausiello Files explains:

I know what you're thinking: But Lois' mom, Ella, is dead! Follow along now... In episode 8, titled "Abandoned," Lois discovers old videotapes of her mother. I think you can figure the rest out for yourself. Am I right?

"Smallville" debuts this Friday, and we'll be posting Monday morning reviews of the show on ComicsAlliance each week courtesy of our own Chris Sims. Be there!