Has Smallville finally 'Jumped-the-Shark?'

[OneWayFilms]

Dont get me wrong, I'm not a basher or a hater, I am a HUGE fan of this show. I have every season and every Smallville issue magazine from issue number 1. I've been a faithful fan for many years now, but tonights episode feels like the show may have very well FINALLY 'Jumped-the-Shark'.

We know that Clark and Lana will never end up together, and he must move on and end up with Lois. We have had the season where Lana leaves, and returns and starts to reveal her DARK side. We've seen her leave again with a farewell video and now Clark is free to get over her and he WAS. He was even developing feelings for Lois and she for him. Having him work in the Daily Planet and start to fall for Lois is heading in the right direction.

But suddenly, out of no-where and for no apparent reason what-so-ever, we get SLAMMED with LANA'S BACK (again). Suddenly, everything has gone backwards about 3 seasons and we keep getting this Clark loves her-but-can't-have her CRAP again.

This has set Smallville WAAAAAAY back and I dont know if it can recover this time. What was the POINT of having her return to the show? Clark didn't progress any towards becoming Superman. In fact, for the last three episodes, he's gone BACKWARDS.

This whole business of having Lana back served NO purpose what-so-ever. We could have discovered that Lex was watching Mercer through another means, perhaps by Oliver, or even Chloie.

For the last three episodes, we've ignored Doomsday, Lois, Jimmy and ANYTHING that might help Clark move towards becoming Superman.

The ONLY hope I have for this show is KNOWING that tonight was Kristen's FINAL episode.

So, what do you think? has the show JUMPED THE SHARK with this whole Lana/Clark on again/off again relationship sub-plot?

[tippership commander]

you do realize, that

1. Clark LEARNED ANOTHER DECISION that superman knows when he's come to, that NO MATTER what happns, KILLING is never an option(i'll give you a hint: it's what season 8 is ABOUT, clark learning superman skills, and this is ONE of them)

2. Green Arrow is learning the SAME lesson-which is whu the league will have the no kill rule( hint: even the legion didnt have it)

he'll come arounnd, ITS NOT OVER YET< so ....you're jumping the gun, OBVIOUSLY

donlt lose faith in what hasnt even occured!!!!!

the fat lady did NOT sing, and won,t for a WHILE




3. Chloe is feeling remorse, which negates all of that, because she's a good person, and though she agreed with oliver, because his argument seemed perfect at the time, and her guilt got her for a sec.....d oyou realy think that?\\\


4. er, Imra never said she'd become a superhero...she'll go on to do ISIS-like things...

she'll settle down, she won't stay a superhero, i feel..
nothing indicates she's a superhero for life...

SHE's likely to hang up the 'cape' and do more down-to-earth work

5. Not YET

you're jumping the gun..

i mean, if you had the MAJORITY of smallville fans agreeing, then you might be onto something ,at best..

but, take some time, then realize smallville is a LEGEND, and..

Clark is STILL becoming superman..

remember, uperman and relationships aren't connected...

AND, all that has YET to come anyway

so cheer UP,quit sayign the episode sucked, and enjoy Smallville!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i sure am, and i've been watching since season 4


i guess ,i'm a TRUE SV fan, ..

just as i KNOW you are, despite all that you say that might seem contrary

WHY? because i have hope,

just like SUPERMAN always finds the right way to solve problems, and NEVER GIVES UP,no matter WHAT!!!!!!!!! .....you really think i'd quit on smallville?

and you wont either-Smallville is truly, the Story of SUPERMAN, in the MAKING, and will never be otherwise

-who's with me?


----------------------The Tippership Commander

[ram711]

Not to be mean, but this Clana thing has been going on for years, so, if you're accusing the show of Jumping the Shark, it did so years ago, not now. And jumping the shark usually refers to some absurd storyline that a ratings-challenged show does to draw in more viewers. I don't see that in this episode. Sorry.

[Lilah]

^Clark learned that thou shall not kill long time ago... remember Legion???? He taught them that.... he didn't need Lana teaching him that....

All we got tonight was another circumstantial goodbye... Just like last season... there was no closure like they promised us.

When he was kissing her and the kryptonite was poisoning him, I was rooting for her to kill HIM off once and for all because man was he annoying tonight...

I wanted a piece of kryptonite for myself to use...

[OneWayFilms]

you do realize, that

1. Clark LEARNED ANOTHER DECISION that superman knows when he's come to, that NO MATTER what happns, KILLING is never an option(i'll give you a hint: it's what season 8 is ABOUT, clark learning superman skills, and this is ONE of them)

2. Green Arrow is learning the SAME lesson-which is whu the league will have the no kill rule( hint: even the legion didnt have it)

he'll come arounnd, ITS NOT OVER YET< so ....you're jumping the gun, OBVIOUSLY

donlt lose faith in what hasnt even occured!!!!!

the fat lady did NOT sing, and won,t for a WHILE




3. Chloe is feeling remorse, which negates all of that, because she's a good person, and though she agreed with oliver, because his argument seemed perfect at the time, and her guilt got her for a sec.....d oyou realy think that?\\\


4. er, Imra never said she'd become a superhero...she'll go on to do ISIS-like things...

she'll settle down, she won't stay a superhero, i feel..
nothing indicates she's a superhero for life...

SHE's likely to hang up the 'cape' and do more down-to-earth work

5. Not YET

you're jumping the gun..

i mean, if you had the MAJORITY of smallville fans agreeing, then you might be onto something ,at best..

but, take some time, then realize smallville is a LEGEND, and..

Clark is STILL becoming superman..

remember, uperman and relationships aren't connected...

AND, all that has YET to come anyway

so cheer UP,quit sayign the episode sucked, and enjoy Smallville!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i sure am, and i've been watching since season 4


i guess ,i'm a TRUE SV fan, ..

just as i KNOW you are, despite all that you say that might seem contrary

WHY? because i have hope,

just like SUPERMAN always finds the right way to solve problems, and NEVER GIVES UP,no matter WHAT!!!!!!!!! .....you really think i'd quit on smallville?

and you wont either-Smallville is truly, the Story of SUPERMAN, in the MAKING, and will never be otherwise

-who's with me?


----------------------The Tippership Commander


I really WANT to be with you. I WILL keep watching, I'm too committede to this show, but in my HONEST opinion, I think this whole lana/Clark sub-plot went 3 seasons backwards. If Smallville DOESN'T get another season, we wont have enough time to strike anything with Lois and have it believable.

This whole series seems to be the LANA & CLARK show, and I just think it's time to MOVE PAST IT.

[cksidekick]

No! We can finally get on with the show.


Much Love, KK!

cksidekick

[ManOfSteel87]

^Clark learned that thou shall not kill long time ago... remember Legion???? He taught them that.... he didn't need Lana teaching him that....

All we got tonight was another circumstantial goodbye... Just like last season... there was no closure like they promised us.

When he was kissing her and the kryptonite was poisoning him, I was rooting for her to kill HIM off once and for all because man was he annoying tonight...

I wanted a piece of kryptonite for myself to use...

Actually, he learned the thou shalt not kill thing long before that, when Lex was being taken over as the vessel for Zod and he was supposed to kill him to prevent that from happening. But yeah, he learned that lesson long ago and didn't need Lana's help with that one.

[double L]

Yes.

[redkryptoniteisthebest]

Heck no!

[smallvillerocks45]

Clark hasn't regressed. He wanted to be in a relationship and save the world - that's finding balance and moving forward. Now that he's realizing that he may have to go about being a hero on his own - I think it is going to make him stronger and even more determined to show that everything he gave up in Requiem was not for nothing. If that's not progression, then what is? Just moving on to another girl? Of course I want Clark to have a healthy, romantic relationship that makes him happy, (be it Lana or who we know it truly will be: Lois), but I don't watch this show just to see him fall in love with someone. I watch to see how all of the obstacles he's had to overcome make him the hero we all love and admire. I think this show is right on target.

[Supes4Ever]

People need to learn JUST WHAT "Jumped-the-Shark" really means, and then ask this type of question. This show hasn't even come CLOSE to meeting the criteria for that title, if anything it is TOO consistent towards its own developed past routines and storylines.

[OneWayFilms]

How did tonight HELP Clark? He was already moving TOWARDS a positive relationship, and Lana coming back just upset everything. ONlY GOOD thing for Clark was he got his jollies off again with SUPER LANA. Now he has to fight loosing her ALL OVER AGAIN. Like, how many times has he been round this obstical before?

[Poyntz]

Notice how clark was all NO KILL NO KILL.. untill Lex took Lana from him. . then he was all for the idea of killing???

[tippership commander]

Clark hasn't regressed. He wanted to be in a relationship and save the world - that's finding balance and moving forward. Now that he's realizing that he may have to go about being a hero on his own - I think it is going to make him stronger and even more determined to show that everything he gave up in Requiem was not for nothing. If that's not progression, then what is? Just moving on to another girl? Of course I want Clark to have a healthy, romantic relationship that makes him happy, (be it Lana or who we know it truly will be: Lois), but I don't watch this show just to see him fall in love with someone. I watch to see how all of the obstacles he's had to overcome make him the hero we all love and admire. I think this show is right on target.

that's RIGHT

[DavidM2]

I'm reserving judgment until Infamous. IF ps3 addresses the fact that Clark can move past Lana and see Lois as his soulmate, then I'll be satisfied. Really, I didn't think it was a terrible episode; I actually really enjoyed an episode with Lex, even if it wasn't MR.

[Alicia Chipy]

It jumped an entire aquarium.

[6-Super-Man -5]

It jumped an entire aquarium.

W...W...What!?!

[cksidekick]

Clark hasn't regressed. He wanted to be in a relationship and save the world - that's finding balance and moving forward. Now that he's realizing that he may have to go about being a hero on his own - I think it is going to make him stronger and even more determined to show that everything he gave up in Requiem was not for nothing. If that's not progression, then what is? Just moving on to another girl? Of course I want Clark to have a healthy, romantic relationship that makes him happy, (be it Lana or who we know it truly will be: Lois), but I don't watch this show just to see him fall in love with someone. I watch to see how all of the obstacles he's had to overcome make him the hero we all love and admire. I think this show is right on target.

me too.


People need to learn JUST WHAT "Jumped-the-Shark" really means, and then ask this type of question. This show hasn't even come CLOSE to meeting the criteria for that title, if anything it is TOO consistent towards its own developed past routines and storylines.

i agree.


I'm reserving judgment until Infamous. IF ps3 addresses the fact that Clark can move past Lana and see Lois as his soulmate, then I'll be satisfied. Really, I didn't think it was a terrible episode; I actually really enjoyed an episode with Lex, even if it wasn't MR.

i don't know if it's because i just don't care about the Clana Drama, or if it's because i know we get to move on to Clois now, but what i saw was one of the best performances from the entire cast that i have ever seen...this is, in the grand scheme of things, going to be one of Smallville's defining episodes...and i don't mean the one that jumped...

[drew24]

This episode failed the whole season which started really promising.

[6-Super-Man -5]

Season Nine!!!
I guess we'll have to wait until "Infamous" to see happy fans...

[tippership commander]

me too.



i agree.



i don't know if it's because i just don't care about the Clana Drama, or if it's because i know we get to move on to Clois now, but what i saw was one of the best performances from the entire cast that i have ever seen...this is, in the grand scheme of things, going to be one of Smallville's defining episodes...and i don't mean the one that jumped...


well, you seconded it, and i THIRD it..

all those who think Smallville is ruined need to figure this out

[KryptonStones]

Man, I think this has to be the second time, for me, when SV as officially jumped the shark. The first time would be 'wreckoning.' That was...unforgivable.

[Sunny8]

I think 'Power' was the one that made SV "jump the shark". 'Requiem' was just filler to me.

[bigv]

I completely agree with the original post to this thread- the last few episodes with lana have been a complete setback. while i do think clark's learning that killing is bad can be a learning process, his relationship with lana really needs to end. i was mad when she came back in season 7 but then, at the beginning of 8 I had renewed hope for Clois. But then, she's back again. Completely unnecessary. And even if they brought her back for Clana: Round 4, they at least need this to end with them just being friends, not them being in love but not being "able to be together." This just makes Lois sloppy seconds. What I want to know is this: When and why will Clark and Lana actually be over each other and just be content to be friends?

[Rizarro]

you do realize, that

1. Clark LEARNED ANOTHER DECISION that superman knows when he's come to, that NO MATTER what happns, KILLING is never an option(i'll give you a hint: it's what season 8 is ABOUT, clark learning superman skills, and this is ONE of them)

2. Green Arrow is learning the SAME lesson-which is whu the league will have the no kill rule( hint: even the legion didnt have it)

he'll come arounnd, ITS NOT OVER YET< so ....you're jumping the gun, OBVIOUSLY

donlt lose faith in what hasnt even occured!!!!!

the fat lady did NOT sing, and won,t for a WHILE




3. Chloe is feeling remorse, which negates all of that, because she's a good person, and though she agreed with oliver, because his argument seemed perfect at the time, and her guilt got her for a sec.....d oyou realy think that?\\\


4. er, Imra never said she'd become a superhero...she'll go on to do ISIS-like things...

she'll settle down, she won't stay a superhero, i feel..
nothing indicates she's a superhero for life...

SHE's likely to hang up the 'cape' and do more down-to-earth work

5. Not YET

you're jumping the gun..

i mean, if you had the MAJORITY of smallville fans agreeing, then you might be onto something ,at best..

but, take some time, then realize smallville is a LEGEND, and..

Clark is STILL becoming superman..

remember, uperman and relationships aren't connected...

AND, all that has YET to come anyway

so cheer UP,quit sayign the episode sucked, and enjoy Smallville!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i sure am, and i've been watching since season 4


i guess ,i'm a TRUE SV fan, ..

just as i KNOW you are, despite all that you say that might seem contrary

WHY? because i have hope,

just like SUPERMAN always finds the right way to solve problems, and NEVER GIVES UP,no matter WHAT!!!!!!!!! .....you really think i'd quit on smallville?

and you wont either-Smallville is truly, the Story of SUPERMAN, in the MAKING, and will never be otherwise

-who's with me?


Amen. My sentiments exactly. I'm with you! :D

[jjacobs]

Don't we always complain after every episode that Smallville has "jumped the shark?"

[Seeya'round Smallville]

"Aaaaayyyyy!" :)

[NinaDavis]

I think 'Power' was the one that made SV "jump the shark". 'Requiem' was just filler to me.

I agree, Requiem don't suprise me.
I fact I just laugh at the stupidity!

[cklookalike89]

Well i think the main thing is we have to understand that this is smallville not superman good lord seriously. I know you want clark to be exactly like superman but come on people this is different. The show is always entertaining no matter what so just enjoy and lets stop critiquing every mover they make.

[jjacobs]

Well i think the main thing is we have to understand that this is smallville not superman good lord seriously. I know you want clark to be exactly like superman but come on people this is different. The show is always entertaining no matter what so just enjoy and lets stop critiquing every mover they make.


--> Well, I would say that Smallville is a contemporary reinterpretation of Superman. It doesn't follow the "classic" cannon word for word. However, it does (or at least tries) to stick to the tone of the mythos.

And yes, people should remember that Smallville is TV show. It's ment to entertain and unwind you from stress. If you find it fun to watch, then watch. But if you don't...there's always something else to watch that can interest you(like CNN, Scrubs, Terminator TV series...etc).

[skugers]

oh yeah, it did jump the shark. I think we all knew this after Power but just needed the confirmation which came in Requiem.... sadly, but true

[jjacobs]

I wouldn't say Smallville has "jumped the shark." I would argue that Smallville's tone and style has changed. Clark isn't the same angsty and depressed teenager of season 1. He's a man who wants to help people outside of his circle of friends.

[deaner1232]

I just hope we can move past this and bring the season back in the direction it was going until she came back.

[Antiyonder]

Clark hasn't regressed. He wanted to be in a relationship and save the world - that's finding balance and moving forward. Now that he's realizing that he may have to go about being a hero on his own - I think it is going to make him stronger and even more determined to show that everything he gave up in Requiem was not for nothing. If that's not progression, then what is?

He was in the process of progressing, but would have done better if he broke off his relationship with Lana, rather than her being the one to make the decision.

As it it Lois is someone he'll have to settle for rather than choosing her completely out of love.

[Timester]

People need to learn JUST WHAT "Jumped-the-Shark" really means, and then ask this type of question. This show hasn't even come CLOSE to meeting the criteria for that title, if anything it is TOO consistent towards its own developed past routines and storylines.

Actually, Smallville did "jumped the shark", it was season 4. But yeah, the expression is badly used all the time.

[BadaBingBadaBoomsday]

you do realize, that

1. Clark LEARNED ANOTHER DECISION that superman knows when he's come to, that NO MATTER what happns, KILLING is never an option(i'll give you a hint: it's what season 8 is ABOUT, clark learning superman skills, and this is ONE of them)

2. Green Arrow is learning the SAME lesson-which is whu the league will have the no kill rule( hint: even the legion didnt have it)

he'll come arounnd, ITS NOT OVER YET< so ....you're jumping the gun, OBVIOUSLY

donlt lose faith in what hasnt even occured!!!!!

the fat lady did NOT sing, and won,t for a WHILE




3. Chloe is feeling remorse, which negates all of that, because she's a good person, and though she agreed with oliver, because his argument seemed perfect at the time, and her guilt got her for a sec.....d oyou realy think that?\\\


4. er, Imra never said she'd become a superhero...she'll go on to do ISIS-like things...

she'll settle down, she won't stay a superhero, i feel..
nothing indicates she's a superhero for life...

SHE's likely to hang up the 'cape' and do more down-to-earth work

5. Not YET

you're jumping the gun..

i mean, if you had the MAJORITY of smallville fans agreeing, then you might be onto something ,at best..

but, take some time, then realize smallville is a LEGEND, and..

Clark is STILL becoming superman..

remember, uperman and relationships aren't connected...

AND, all that has YET to come anyway

so cheer UP,quit sayign the episode sucked, and enjoy Smallville!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i sure am, and i've been watching since season 4


i guess ,i'm a TRUE SV fan, ..

just as i KNOW you are, despite all that you say that might seem contrary

WHY? because i have hope,

just like SUPERMAN always finds the right way to solve problems, and NEVER GIVES UP,no matter WHAT!!!!!!!!! .....you really think i'd quit on smallville?

and you wont either-Smallville is truly, the Story of SUPERMAN, in the MAKING, and will never be otherwise

-who's with me?


----------------------The Tippership Commander

Im with you man. All the way to the end, and some!

----- Added 5 Minutes later -----

I'll repeat what I said last week.

Jumped the shark, are you guys serious?

What about the weekly storylines and plots?

What about the special effects and action?

What about the increased maturity of the show?

What about the increased believability?

The overall production and direction (by director) of the show?

What about the acting??? Yeah acting!!<YEAH p acting!<YEAH acting???<>

I think these are at an all time high, and Smallville is blossoming. A show isn't all about one characters storyline afterall.

Requiem only pushes the boundaries even further.

[RedKRules]

I will always say that this show jumped shark after S3...

[Krypton935]

you do realize, that

1. Clark LEARNED ANOTHER DECISION that superman knows when he's come to, that NO MATTER what happns, KILLING is never an option(i'll give you a hint: it's what season 8 is ABOUT, clark learning superman skills, and this is ONE of them)

2. Green Arrow is learning the SAME lesson-which is whu the league will have the no kill rule( hint: even the legion didnt have it)

he'll come arounnd, ITS NOT OVER YET< so ....you're jumping the gun, OBVIOUSLY

donlt lose faith in what hasnt even occured!!!!!

the fat lady did NOT sing, and won,t for a WHILE




3. Chloe is feeling remorse, which negates all of that, because she's a good person, and though she agreed with oliver, because his argument seemed perfect at the time, and her guilt got her for a sec.....d oyou realy think that?\\\


4. er, Imra never said she'd become a superhero...she'll go on to do ISIS-like things...

she'll settle down, she won't stay a superhero, i feel..
nothing indicates she's a superhero for life...

SHE's likely to hang up the 'cape' and do more down-to-earth work

5. Not YET

you're jumping the gun..

i mean, if you had the MAJORITY of smallville fans agreeing, then you might be onto something ,at best..

but, take some time, then realize smallville is a LEGEND, and..

Clark is STILL becoming superman..

remember, uperman and relationships aren't connected...

AND, all that has YET to come anyway

so cheer UP,quit sayign the episode sucked, and enjoy Smallville!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i sure am, and i've been watching since season 4


i guess ,i'm a TRUE SV fan, ..

just as i KNOW you are, despite all that you say that might seem contrary

WHY? because i have hope,

just like SUPERMAN always finds the right way to solve problems, and NEVER GIVES UP,no matter WHAT!!!!!!!!! .....you really think i'd quit on smallville?

and you wont either-Smallville is truly, the Story of SUPERMAN, in the MAKING, and will never be otherwise

-who's with me?


----------------------The Tippership Commander




Cheers my friend!!! Well said! I couldn't agree more This isn't Superman it's Smallville and he's still developing I really have nothing left to say except DITTO!!!! I agree with everything said here^^^^^

[RingzTerritory]

yeah the show pretty much sucks now, I'll give it one more episode before I have to stop watching them destroy this story, if it gets worse they seriously need to be taken care of because idiots should not be allowed to destroy a story that doesn't belong to them in the first place.

[Timester]

Cheers my friend!!! Well said! I couldn't agree more This isn't Superman it's Smallville and he's still developing I really have nothing left to say except DITTO!!!! I agree with everything said here^^^^^

Pst, 8 years. Developing is not a rollercoaster than ends where it starts, which was Clana.

Tell, where is the growth of Clark Kent? He isn't with Lana because he doesn't want to, it's because he CAN'T. Where is the emotional growth there?

[costas22]

The show has never actually jumped the shark.It just should have ended at season 5.

[KryptonStones]

^^^ I partially agree, but I DO believe SV jumped the shark at season 5. After wreckoning they changed things....forever.....there was no goin' back. I mean, it's no coincidence the quality of episodes took a NOSE DIVE after that, as evidence in the serious decline of ratings.

[Iluvgreen]

We need to wait, that's all.

[Demien]

Yes, it was bound to happen.damn Infamous arrivis next month (

[diinIN]

For the last three episodes, we've ignored Doomsday, Lois, Jimmy and ANYTHING that might help Clark move towards becoming Superman.

The ONLY hope I have for this show is KNOWING that tonight was Kristen's FINAL episode.


I agree. Lana's return was pointless, and it was a stumbling block to Clark. I couldn't be happier that she's gone, and look forward to a brighter future!

[devilneedsaride]

Yes. During this whole arc I kept telling myself that maybe they would fix it, maybe it isn't as bad as it appears. Well, they didn't. They made it worse. They went with crazy characterizations in an attempt to make up for general lack of quality. Clark should ALREADY KNOW not to kill anyone. And the fact that he was finally driven to kill Lex because the man BROKE UP HIS RELATIONSHIP? Are you KIDDING ME? At least the Green Arrow has a halfway decent reason for wanting Lex dead. I'm actually seriously tempted to stop watching SV after this episode. I need some fanfic, stat.

[quinny06]

Smallville jumped the shark in Season 5, or to be more precise, the end of it. It should have ended then, If I'm honest.

I hate sounding like a basher, or your typical negative internet "Worst (blank) Ever!" type person. Because I used to love this show, really I did. But it stopped being about Superman in Season 3, and became a teen drama with Sci-Fi elements. They made Clana more important than it should have ever been, changed Lex evil and back about 4 times, killed his dad, etc.

I'll still watch, because I'm stupidly loyal, but if this wasn't a Superman show I probably would have stopped watching a few years ago.

[Mischael12]

I understand needing closure, but they didn't show any of that, and than feeding people the whole developing relationship between Clark and Lois, than to just shoot it down like that is pretty much a step back. it would have worked better if they never did anything about Lois in the beginning of the season, because again its kind of like she's a consolation prize.

[Night_Hawk90]

the show jumped along time ago.

[The Red Aaron]

If I were writing. I would've had Lana come back maybe, but have Clark turn her down for Lois, not in a mean way, they could stay friends, but not continue a relationship with her. Than Lana would have left because there would be no reason for staying or would have died. Lana never should've gotten powers at all. And it looks like she stills has them too. They've written up Clark and Lana to be soul mates, admiteddly they have very good chemistry, but what does that make Lois, second best? I am not sure if they are going to be able to make this one up.

[Timester]

The show has never actually jumped the shark.It just should have ended at season 5.

Season 4, witches arc.

[margroks]

Smallville jumped the shark long ago, with nasty Clana sex and pointless plots lines [mod edit]

[Deana]

Reckoning was when Smallville officially jumped the shark. It was heading their with that stupid witch arc but Pa Kent dying and the true reason behind it was just . . . . :(

After watching that episode, I wished I had never let Lois Lane drag me into The Twilight Zone, disguised as Smallville. It was like a curse. I got my favorite Lois but was introduced to a Clark that just hurts my soul.

[Fly by guy]

The skis and boat have been in dry dock since mid season 5. Haven't we seen Clark in a leather jacket? Must have been on his way to the dock.
If the producers thought KK owed them 5 episodes, they should have been done at the start or end of the season, not the middle. It ruined the flow of the show, such that it was.

[kal-el_Girl]

It jumped an entire aquarium.

the whole ocean you mean. :lol:
die clana die!!!

[ginnyfan]

I don't think the show is right on target, but I don't think it has jumped the shark.

[HowardFilms]

Smallville leapt the shark with a single bound...

[kg1507]

I think it has. They killed Lex. That's about as jump-the-shark as it gets.

[Kyogre]

it did since season 4 and they brought that god awful lois and gave importance to that useless crutch chloe sullivan, letting lex know clarks secret bringing in pre-mature characters and now it officially sucks more without lana.

[smvlladdict]

Yes I think it did. But, it proves their pattern of behavior! They will both move ON with other people, but they will always COME BACK to each other TOO! Even if it's just for a short time. It's "THEIR PATTERN OF BEHAVIOR" Lana said "There's nothing "NORMAL" about us!" Clark says "WHAT WE HAVE IS BEAUTIFUL"! To US its emotional suicide and NOT normal! But True LOVE comes in all shapes and forms!!!and who are we to judge!!!True Love or Soul Mate!!Why should we make it a competition!

[Kebabz]

I've been disapointed by the re-introduction of "Clana" into the 8th season, I really thought after season 7 we had moved on from Clana and were on to brighter futures. Alot of lana scenes really bother me because they are mainly recycled dialogue about keeping secrets and why we cant be together etc.

But most of all what really bothers me and why i think smallville may of jumped the shark abit is now we have Lana Lang running around with super powers which to me i cant really express how utterly "lol" that is and i have the feeling that if smallville does go into a 9th season (which i pray to god it does) we are going to have to revisit the whole Lana story line to resolve her superpowers which opens the premise for more on screen "Clana" action ><.

I wish Lana blew up with that truck at the end of season 6..she would of really gone out with a bang XD

[kryptoniankilla]

Dont get me wrong, I'm not a basher or a hater, I am a HUGE fan of this show. I have every season and every Smallville issue magazine from issue number 1. I've been a faithful fan for many years now, but tonights episode feels like the show may have very well FINALLY 'Jumped-the-Shark'.

We know that Clark and Lana will never end up together, and he must move on and end up with Lois. We have had the season where Lana leaves, and returns and starts to reveal her DARK side. We've seen her leave again with a farewell video and now Clark is free to get over her and he WAS. He was even developing feelings for Lois and she for him. Having him work in the Daily Planet and start to fall for Lois is heading in the right direction.

But suddenly, out of no-where and for no apparent reason what-so-ever, we get SLAMMED with LANA'S BACK (again). Suddenly, everything has gone backwards about 3 seasons and we keep getting this Clark loves her-but-can't-have her CRAP again.

This has set Smallville WAAAAAAY back and I dont know if it can recover this time. What was the POINT of having her return to the show? Clark didn't progress any towards becoming Superman. In fact, for the last three episodes, he's gone BACKWARDS.

This whole business of having Lana back served NO purpose what-so-ever. We could have discovered that Lex was watching Mercer through another means, perhaps by Oliver, or even Chloie.

For the last three episodes, we've ignored Doomsday, Lois, Jimmy and ANYTHING that might help Clark move towards becoming Superman.

The ONLY hope I have for this show is KNOWING that tonight was Kristen's FINAL episode.

So, what do you think? has the show JUMPED THE SHARK with this whole Lana/Clark on again/off again relationship sub-plot?

I agree. I think Lana having powers and becoming a vampire back in "Thirst" was pretty much jumping Jaws. Lana having powers for the third time and the super banging is just ridiculous. This season has progressed the story by leaps and bounds up until Lana's return. And why? With the exception of Legion, and Bulletproof I felt like I was watching season 3 or 4 again. I really hope they can regain their momentum after this super Lana BS. How cool would this episode have been with Lex and Toyman if it hadn't been watered down? What a poor arc.

[DAISHI]

I'm more into Smallville than I was for seasons 4.5-6.

[Serynarpc]

I'm undecided. On one hand, I am *furious* that there is a character who is super speeding along with *the future Superman* like a jog around the block. That cheapens the Superman methos.

[vkitty]

In my opinion the beginning of Smallville and the past couple of seasons have been the BEST. (There are a few seasons in the middle where I became really bored of it and didn't watch.) The introduction of Lois Lane, Jimmy Olson, and Oliver Queen have added a lot to the story. With the exception of the last short arc...wait. I'll stop there. It was pretty short, perhaps we should be thankful that they didn't stretch it out. The episodes will get much better after this. I don't understand the fuss about this being the end. We still have more episodes this season that could more than make up for a small arc that seemed to not please many.

[Lilah]

Actually, he learned the thou shalt not kill thing long before that, when Lex was being taken over as the vessel for Zod and he was supposed to kill him to prevent that from happening. But yeah, he learned that lesson long ago and didn't need Lana's help with that one.

I meant that that was a lesson instilled into him by Martha and Jonathan Kent, BECAUSE of his abilities... he could have been the most powerful man on Earth; a tyrant. But he was raised right... therefore he learned that lesson growing up with his mom and dad, that even though he had all these amazing abilities, you never use them to harm others but to help them... I didn't mean he learned it in Legion, I meant that he taught the LOS in Legion that same lesson he grew up with. He didn't need Lana to "teach" him that.

That whenever something happens to her, he tends to get "Crazy" is a different story...

I actually would have preffered a scene where he wanted to kill Lex, and when he got there that he could have just blown up the truck or whatever... there was a brief flashback of a conversation with JK about his abilities... maybe the one from the pilot when he tells him of his origins... that would of shocked fans and made them happy I think... :cool:

[escout]

for the past three seasons, I felt that the show had gone to far and jumped the shark, but I feel differently after seeing several shows this season. There is a technique called Retroconning it's a way of expanding on the mythos. It's be happening since Byrnes did the Superman re-writes in the late nintys. he completely re wrote the mythos of Superman for D/C Cominc. I was not pleased with a lot of what he had done. Lex Luthor becoming President, Pete Ross becoming Vice President and president later. Lana marrying Pete Ross and having a child...then naming him Clark.

I wasn't happy, but what could I do Byrnes and D/C decide that Superman the way he was had become old, stale, boring. Interest in Superman as he was was waning. So they retroconned (Expanded the Mythos). Smallville has done the same thing. I was vehemently opposed to them having Lana sleep with Lex...A serious violation of Comic Book Cannon. Not to many others were like affected. Chloe even being in the show is a violation of Comic Book cannon. She never existed in The comic book world. But I understand that D/c is considering adding her to the comic series. Another example of retroconning and breathing some life into a stale mythos.

There are times I disagree with change, but for the most part change has ended up being good. I have followed Superman/Boy for over forty years and believe it was getting old, worn out, stale. Thanks Smallville for bringing back interest in this wonderful character and his story.

Lois is another example of retroconning...She never should have been in this show, until they moved onto metropolis and met Clark at the Daily Planet. She was someone who was present in Superman's life...Not Superboy. One more point: how could Lois be Chloe's cousin. Chloe never existed in the comic book. Again Retroconning (Expanding the mythos) she has certainally added to the show. Doomsday...Another example. He didn't appear until Clark was long finished training and was a middle aged man. Not a boy who had just left Smallville.

Jumped the shark...I don't think so!:)

[Dragonpryde]

Before Power, I was soooo impressed with season 8. I hadn't felt so strongly about Smallville since season 1. It finally felt like Clark was on the precipice of becoming Superman, and the Clark and Lana relationship seemed to be ending on a good note with them having a healthy relationship - one that they were always supposed to have.

I can't believe how differently I feel now after watching Power and Requiem.

I voted can't decide, but I really did want to say yes, as I think what they did with Lana's character resolution was so utterly ridiculous. I want Clark to become Superman, not a manipulative and unsatiable power hungry Lana becoming SuperLana, and to me mocking the taking away from the impactfullness of Superman.

I got over Kara flying before Clark, because I knew he would fly eventually, and heck she isn't even on Earth right now - allowing Clark, as it should be, to be the main focus. However, even if Lana is never mentioned ever again on the show's run, I know a superpowered Lana is still out there - Lana is supposed to a character that helps Clark become Superman, but instead she is his equal?

When I see the Clark and Lois relationship evolve in episodes to come, in the back of my mind, I'll always ask, what if Lana wasn't kryptonite infused, would the SV version of Clark really choose to be with Lois?

I had been such a strong Lana supporter the last 8 years. I admit her character was frustrating at times, but she had so many wonderful moments, especially with Clark, and I was always quick to defend her, as her growing criticism I thought was sometimes unwarranted. In Bride and Legion I saw a Lana I respected more than ever, that seemed to have grown up. I can't believe the writers fooled me to believe that she going to become that strong and supportive figure that would elevate Clark even further, but in the end, it had to be about her.

[cma_454]

For most of the run of Smallville, I didn't really care much about the character of Lana one way of the other. In some episodes she was fine, in others irritating, and in some ridiculous. I generally felt sorry for KK (who, regardless of Lana, I always liked), given the embarrassingly bad way Lana was sometimes written.

Requiem and Power changed all that. I now detest the Lana character intensely. I find I no longer have any tolerance for the character flaws in Lana that once had little effect on me. Since Power, I’ve been unable to watch the reruns of the older seasons on HDNet that I’d previously watched regularly. I tried a few times, but can’t make it past the first Lana scene.

Further, after reading about how much creative input she had in this arc, I have lost all sympathy for KK.

My previously very high regard for AM has also taken a hit, after reading of just how much of Power was her idea.

Has this made me feel like Smallville has jumped the Shark? Maybe, but it’s too soon to know for sure. I feel it’s certainly possible for PS3 to recover from this arc, I just have little faith they’ll do so. I really hope I’m wrong.

[Daikath]

I never really much minded it that Smallville didn't try to be 100% authentic with Superman comics (you can concider it a elsewhere story, special non-canon comic books where a actual Clark Kent from this reality (from picketsville) got Supermans powers all the way to Kal-El landing in England or the Soviet Union).

But all those elsewhere stories had some emotional truths that it didn't break. When the Soviet Superman saw Lois for the first time they really connected and it said that in another reality they wouldve married.

One of those emotinal truths was that Clark had to leave Lana behind for the world, but then met Lios. One he couldnt just resist, in one comic book story Lois was taken from this world and when he got back from outer space he just noticed immediately. Because he could not hear her heartbeat, his rythem in the world.

Superman has always loved Lana, it was a true love, but Lois was never a second choice. What Lois is really looking to be here.

The acting, music, etc was great in this episode. But it ignored the emotional truth that Lois was Clarks true love. With only like 10 episodes left, how are they going to make Lois be anything other then Clarks second choice?

[Lexsghost]

Don't we always complain after every episode that Smallville has "jumped the shark?"

We do but now its for legit reasons. The show has gone on for a long time now and its at it best used by date. We have seen writers,producers and actors leave. It all points towards the end now.

[SupermanRox]

Dont get me wrong, I'm not a basher or a hater, I am a HUGE fan of this show. I have every season and every Smallville issue magazine from issue number 1. I've been a faithful fan for many years now, but tonights episode feels like the show may have very well FINALLY 'Jumped-the-Shark'.

We know that Clark and Lana will never end up together, and he must move on and end up with Lois. We have had the season where Lana leaves, and returns and starts to reveal her DARK side. We've seen her leave again with a farewell video and now Clark is free to get over her and he WAS. He was even developing feelings for Lois and she for him. Having him work in the Daily Planet and start to fall for Lois is heading in the right direction.

But suddenly, out of no-where and for no apparent reason what-so-ever, we get SLAMMED with LANA'S BACK (again). Suddenly, everything has gone backwards about 3 seasons and we keep getting this Clark loves her-but-can't-have her CRAP again.

This has set Smallville WAAAAAAY back and I dont know if it can recover this time. What was the POINT of having her return to the show? Clark didn't progress any towards becoming Superman. In fact, for the last three episodes, he's gone BACKWARDS.

This whole business of having Lana back served NO purpose what-so-ever. We could have discovered that Lex was watching Mercer through another means, perhaps by Oliver, or even Chloie.

For the last three episodes, we've ignored Doomsday, Lois, Jimmy and ANYTHING that might help Clark move towards becoming Superman.

The ONLY hope I have for this show is KNOWING that tonight was Kristen's FINAL episode.

So, what do you think? has the show JUMPED THE SHARK with this whole Lana/Clark on again/off again relationship sub-plot?

I totally agree with you. The last three episodes were anathema to me.


I'm too committede to this show, but in my HONEST opinion, I think this whole lana/Clark sub-plot went 3 seasons backwards. If Smallville DOESN'T get another season, we wont have enough time to strike anything with Lois and have it believable.

My thoughts also.

[Dannyblue1]

I think the reason it's difficult to pinpoint when SV "jumped the shark" is that they keep finding new lows. No matter how bad you thought something that happened on SV in the past was, they managed to do something worse. And not just something worse, but something that has a very negative impact on the show and the characters as a whole.

And, for me, it isn't about whether or not the show sticks to mythos canon. I love reinterpretations...when done well. My problem is never that things aren't happening exactly the way they are supposed to. My problem is with SV's writing, continuity, character development, and storytelling in general.

[SupermanRox]

And, for me, it isn't about whether or not the show sticks to mythos canon. I love reinterpretations...when done well. My problem is never that things aren't happening exactly the way they are supposed to. My problem is with SV's writing, continuity, character development, and storytelling in general.

Now we're getting somewhere.

[oqllcksmallville]

^Clark learned that thou shall not kill long time ago... remember Legion???? He taught them that.... he didn't need Lana teaching him that....

All we got tonight was another circumstantial goodbye... Just like last season... there was no closure like they promised us.

When he was kissing her and the kryptonite was poisoning him, I was rooting for her to kill HIM off once and for all because man was he annoying tonight...

I wanted a piece of kryptonite for myself to use...
lana coming back could have been beautiful ,
the storyline with " power " &" requiem " was beautiful ,
but only if they avoided the Clark and Lana crap .
they should have worked on them being friends ,
and giving Lana the good send off she deserved .

[Eurynome]

I agree with most of what is being said here.

What you have to consider is KK was obligated under contract to come back and shoot the 5 episodes she missed in Season 7 due to the writers' strike/filming Street Fighter. That said, before Power and Requiem, I though the Clark/Lana relationship was heading in the right direction. Lana tells Clark in Bride that she doesn't want a romantic relationship with him (and there's no guys holding her at gunpoint as we're lead to believe in Power). For the first time, I really respected Lana because she didn't need a relationship to define herself. However, Power and Requiem completely blew this out of the water with Lana feeling like she has to change herself to please another. But Clark did learn an important lesson in this arc. Namely that you can save the world and still have meaningful relationships (whether this is with Lana or later with Lois). I could have really done without SuperLana or Clana, so these two episodes were a gigantic mistake to me.

However, to answer the thread question, I don't think the Smallville has "jumped the shark." The writers can recover from this. For me the Clois relationship was moving too fast, so the new equilibrium that's established in the aftermath of Clana will probably be more appropriate for this stage of their relationship (i.e. Lois does not like Clark; she loves Superman according to mythos). Besides, Clark still has lessons to learn before he becomes Superman, like having a double identity might be a good idea.

[Tinyeppy]

They just really screwed things up after doing so well.

Again a regression because of Lana.

I'm really tired of this character and relationship that was never suppose to have happen. Peroid!

[LuthorKent90]

SV jumped the shark in season 6.

[tj_powers]

I know most people don't agree with me when I say that having lana on the show for a few episodes was a good thing. They say it backtracks a few years, which is actually good considering with the plot happening right now, its advancing Smallville right off the screen. If they kept going with the current story plots, then what else will we be left with for another season. I can't get tired of watching them slip over their own tears because its funny to see a grown man flip upside down over one girl lol