This week I continue my Smallville journey. In the last post I talked about how Season Six was dark. Season Seven is much brighter, and better.

1. Kara!



Kara Kara bo bara, banana nana fo ferra~

I really like Clark’s cousin, Kara. Cute, unnaccustomed to Earth’s ways, and fun. For some reason Smallville doesn’t allow itself to have too much fun and prefers mellodrama, but I’m telling you: The show works better when it’s fun.

My only regret is that we see so little of Kara. I understand that two Krytonians is “too powerful” and small doses equals better doses, but if this season had six episodes of Kara bumbling through human life experiences, like when she’s trying to win the Miss Sweet Corn pageant, I’d be a happy man.

2. Clark, Kal-El, Naman, Traveller

In this season we learn that Lionel Luther has long since been a member of a group (Veritas) who was entrusted to protect the Earth from “The Traveller” (Clark) in case he ever went crazy.

It’s OK, Smallville. I’ll look the other way when you introduce a new plotline that doesn’t make sense. I didn’t like the Native American prophecy stuff either. I won’t point out the logical inconsistencies of Lionel having never mentioned the term, “the Traveller” before, or Veritas. Or poo-poo you for giving Clark yet another name.

I’m above that kind of thing.

3. Lana Temporarily Better

Just chill, Lana. Chill.

Lana gets to me. We spent six seasons listening to Clark go on about how Lana might not accept his secret, while Lana nagged Clark about how he can tell her anything, so now that she knows and is supportive I was yelling at the TV like, “I TOLD YOU, DUDE. GOD!” Then we get two or three episodes where Lana is super understanding and non-dramatic. She makes Clark pancakes and smiles at him. I like this Lana.

Of course that doesn’t last. She’s different after being with Lex, and wants to get revenge on him (for various reasons) at any cost, and she can’t help but be the worst. Just the worst.

4. Deeeeaaaannn DUUUUDE



I’m not proud of this, but I watched a LOT of Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Whenever Lois and Clark kissed there was this audible, unbearable, smacking sound. And they kissed a lot. But I tolerated that sound because I enjoyed the show. I’ll have to go back and see why. I don’t suspect I would like it as much now.

But it was cool to see Dean Cain in Smallville, and as a VILLAIN no less. And a believable villain. I guess Dean Cain is more than a handsome slab of show hosting man-meat. Much love, bro.

5. Clois



I don’t think I’ve ever seen a TV relationship with such a slow-burn before. Smallville switched networks partway through the series, so it takes some cajones to go seven seasons without initiating a relationship between Lois and Clark that we’ve been expecting from the start.

Instead we get a few inside jokes and moments when the two characters instinctively comfort each other. It’s reserved, and manages to not be irritating with its build-up — only magical.

6. Zach

This should actually be called “6 Things You Need to Know …” because this is a small aside. This season features a new editor-in-chief at the Daily Planet, Grant Gabriel (Michael Cassidy). I remember Michael Cassidy from The O.C. where he played Zach Stevens. I almost didn’t recognize him he’s lost so much weight. And he wasn’t pudgy, either. I just thought he was one of those “Everything about me is big,” guys like Jared Padalecki. I mean look at the difference. I actually checked to see if he had cancer or something. Not that I could find. Hope you’re healthy, bud.

7. Finding its Way



I feel like Season Seven recovers from Season Six’s doldrums. We get a brief reprieve from Lana whining, Kara is cute, Lex is more straightforward evil (which is oddly enjoyable because it’s different), and there’s a few moments of carefree fun. It’s OK to have fun, Smallville.

After Season Four, Smallville left high school and moved away from Jonathan and Martha. I think it took a couple of seasons to find a groove. Season Seven is that groove. (Or so I thought. Enter Season Eight …)