Fan Frustration Over Character Development Long Overlooked By TPTB.

[DWBSR620]

Lana is unfortunately one of the worthless characters on the show, and her contributions are the least of any major character on the show. Now there are those who'll be offended by this statement, and the fact that the Lana/Lex relationship is one of the most wasteful non-essential plotlines running on the series now. I, like so many, could care less if Lana is pregnant, or what her answer will be when asked by Lex to marry her. It's a stupid cliffhanger that is a pure waste of story time. Lana's character made sense during high school portion of the show, but after that they've managed to totally destroy the creditability of the character, and haven't been able to find a place for her apart from her being attached to another major character's storyline. Independent of any character she has become the most useless character on the show. Al/Miles it's time to realize that she isn't a major character like Clark and Lex. Lana's time had come and gone over a season, and a half ago. Every time you use the Lana/Lex relationship against Clark you make his character look pathetic and obsessed, you destroy his credibility. She isn't the love of his life like the future Lois Lane is, and by this point he, Clark, should be well over her, lest we forget he broke the relationship off. It's time to realize that the majority is tired of this idiotic love triangle that you, Al/Miles, are seemingly more obsessed with then us fans. Please understand this isn't a put down of the actress Kristen K. this is the opinions of many fans that have reiterated time and again that we don't care about a Lex/Lana love story. It is you and your writers that failed in making Lana interesting to watch, and you seem bent on shoveling this garbage down our throats. Take the other characters aside from their relationship with others they have strong independent storylines. Chloe, "an investigative reporter that helps Clark with her skills in obtaining information, and being a true friend that gives Clark emotional support". Lex, "our villain in the making whose storyline to the dark side is as intriguing as Clark's story becoming Superman." Martha Kent, "a widow who picked up the pieces and has gone on to assume J. Kent's seat as a State Senator, as well as running the farm, and is an emotional support that Clark depends on, in other words a vital asset". Lionel Luthor, "a magnificent character who never fails to deliver in any capacity he is used in. Provides Clark a link to Jor-El, is capable of delivering the resources in counteracting Lex, and keeping tabs on him as well". These character examples, that have been around since the beginning of the show, have developed interesting storylines that contribute to the show, as well as Clark becoming Superman. Lana made sense during the High School portion of the show and her relationship with Clark, but since then she hasn't developed into anything worthwhile for the show. Her character is used purely for relationship angst that has undoubtedly grown old, and whose time has come and gone, Lana has nothing aside from her relationships. No discernable skills, no aspirations, she's not working towards becoming anything independent of her relationships. Her becoming evil is a joke because the only power she may think she has is that which Lex gives her, at least for now, and apart from him there's nothing. Her character has been destroyed by Al/Miles, and that's ashamed because they could've taken an obviously smart girl and turned her into someone worthwhile that could've contributed to the show, but they choose to take her character and recycle her through relationship after relationship and that's it. That's what they've done to her character plain and simple, they've made her a character dependent on other character's storyline in order for her to have any place on the show. It's not the fans Al/Miles that just don't like her for the sake of not liking her, it's your horrible development of the character that has turned fans off to her. And so anytime you try to sell us her in another recycled relationship, that many fans are sick, it doesn't work. It's time to move on and stop wasting storyline on Lana, make her into something credible, or lose the character. It's sad the best in 6 years that you've been able to come up with regarding an obviously smart, beautiful character with potential to excel if put in a viable, and credible direction, is a pregnant unwed Mother carrying Lex Luthor's child no doubt that is currently moved in with Lex, and has absolutely no direction other then that. What were you two thinking? Are you intentionally attempting to undermine your show? In conclusion I wish to reiterate that this opinion is obviously born out of frustration I have as a fan of the show, and that felt by many fans found all over the message board in relation to the character Lana, and isn't intended to be directed to the actress Kristen Kruek personally. Further it is a intended as a strong criticism to direction of the writers & Al/Miles, as well as their unwillingness to rectify this issue, and totally obliviousness to desires of the fans. Maybe it's time to listen to the fans that watch your show week in and week out, it sure would be a pleasant change of pace, don't you think, and give the fans some respect. Take care.


Peace To All.

[fresh prince]

Wow that was wrong and I only read aboult half of it lol but to tell you all the truth im starting to like lexana even though we all know they wont end up together I still like it cause of the trust factor and it shows lana becoming more evil which I love to see and I dont care aboult the yes or no question the biggest cliff hangor to me is how there going to break up I think once they do this will change lex into the evil villian that he is

[DWBSR620]

Originally posted by fresh prince
Wow that was wrong and I only read aboult half of it lol but to tell you all the truth im starting to like lexana even though we all know they wont end up together I still like it cause of the trust factor and it shows lana becoming more evil which I love to see and I dont care aboult the yes or no question the biggest cliff hangor to me is how there going to break up I think once they do this will change lex into the evil villian that he is


If it's wrong, why? It's a common opinion shared by a lot. If you feel it's wrong, why? This isn't intended to be a slam against anyone, it's intended to offer an opinion of the tons of frustration shared by a multitude of fans all over the board as evidenced in their messages. I only offer a thorough, thought out opinion as a fan who wants the show to be better, and Lana's character to be better, or gone that's all. Take care.


Peace To All.

[fresh prince]

oh sorry I meant its long typo my bad

[DWBSR620]

Originally posted by fresh prince
oh sorry I meant its long typo my bad


Cool, thanks for clarifying your typo, as well as your thoughts on the matter. Take care.:)


Peace To All.

[Imzadia]

Originally posted by DWBSR620
Lana is unfortunately one of the worthless characters on the show, and her contributions are the least of any major character on the show. Now there are those who'll be offended by this statement, and the fact that the Lana/Lex relationship is one of the most wasteful non-essential plotlines running on the series now. I, like so many, could care less if Lana is pregnant, or what her answer will be when asked by Lex to marry her. It's a stupid cliffhanger that is a pure waste of story time. Lana's character made sense during high school portion of the show, but after that they've managed to totally destroy the creditability of the character, and haven't been able to find a place for her apart from her being attached to another major character's storyline. Independent of any character she has become the most useless character on the show. Al/Miles it's time to realize that she isn't a major character like Clark and Lex. Lana's time had come and gone over a season, and a half ago. Every time you use the Lana/Lex relationship against Clark you make his character look pathetic and obsessed, you destroy his credibility. She isn't the love of his life like the future Lois Lane is, and by this point he, Clark, should be well over her, lest we forget he broke the relationship off. It's time to realize that the majority is tired of this idiotic love triangle that you, Al/Miles, are seemingly more obsessed with then us fans. Please understand this isn't a put down of the actress Kristen K. this is the opinions of many fans that have reiterated time and again that we don't care about a Lex/Lana love story. It is you and your writers that failed in making Lana interesting to watch, and you seem bent on shoveling this garbage down our throats. Take the other characters aside from their relationship with others they have strong independent storylines. Chloe, "an investigative reporter that helps Clark with her skills in obtaining information, and being a true friend that gives Clark emotional support". Lex, "our villain in the making whose storyline to the dark side is as intriguing as Clark's story becoming Superman." Martha Kent, "a widow who picked up the pieces and has gone on to assume J. Kent's seat as a State Senator, as well as running the farm, and is an emotional support that Clark depends on, in other words a vital asset". Lionel Luthor, "a magnificent character who never fails to deliver in any capacity he is used in. Provides Clark a link to Jor-El, is capable of delivering the resources in counteracting Lex, and keeping tabs on him as well". These character examples, that have been around since the beginning of the show, have developed interesting storylines that contribute to the show, as well as Clark becoming Superman. Lana made sense during the High School portion of the show and her relationship with Clark, but since then she hasn't developed into anything worthwhile for the show. Her character is used purely for relationship angst that has undoubtedly grown old, and whose time has come and gone, Lana has nothing aside from her relationships. No discernable skills, no aspirations, she's not working towards becoming anything independent of her relationships. Her becoming evil is a joke because the only power she may think she has is that which Lex gives her, at least for now, and apart from him there's nothing. Her character has been destroyed by Al/Miles, and that's ashamed because they could've taken an obviously smart girl and turned her into someone worthwhile that could've contributed to the show, but they choose to take her character and recycle her through relationship after relationship and that's it. That's what they've done to her character plain and simple, they've made her a character dependent on other character's storyline in order for her to have any place on the show. It's not the fans Al/Miles that just don't like her for the sake of not liking her, it's your horrible development of the character that has turned fans off to her. And so anytime you try to sell us her in another recycled relationship, that many fans are sick, it doesn't work. It's time to move on and stop wasting storyline on Lana, make her into something credible, or lose the character. It's sad the best in 6 years that you've been able to come up with regarding an obviously smart, beautiful character with potential to excel if put in a viable, and credible direction, is a pregnant unwed Mother carrying Lex Luthor's child no doubt that is currently moved in with Lex, and has absolutely no direction other then that. What were you two thinking? Are you intentionally attempting to undermine your show? In conclusion I wish to reiterate that this opinion is obviously born out of frustration I have as a fan of the show, and that felt by many fans found all over the message board in relation to the character Lana, and isn't intended to be directed to the actress Kristen Kruek personally. Further it is a intended as a strong criticism to direction of the writers & Al/Miles, as well as their unwillingness to rectify this issue, and totally obliviousness to desires of the fans. Maybe it's time to listen to the fans that watch your show week in and week out, it sure would be a pleasant change of pace, don't you think, and give the fans some respect. Take care.


Peace To All.



I agree with you, for the most part. I haven't liked Lana for a while. I don't feel your frustration, however. I am glad about the Lexana relationship simply because it's been building for a long time. I felt that Lex has been after Lana ever since their first collaboration with the Talon venture. He encouraged Clark to go for it with his feelings for Lana during the early year (s?) of their friendship, especially when Lana was still with 'Whitney the Quarterback'. After Lex became more familiar with Lana, he started seeing what Clark saw in her. She was/is beautiful and 'seemed' to be so vulnerable. Clark has the Hero complex, naturally, and Lex wants to be in control and recognizes weaknesses. Lana started running to Lex everytime she had a problem. It was an inevitable couple set-up. So, I'm happy to see them together now even if it's just to impress upon Clark how much better off he is without Lana the 'whiner'. He needs to be convinced that he and Lana were not meant to be together. There's always been a lot of emphasis on the probability that everyone has a dark side. Well, this Lana development only shows the dark side she always had hidden. Now, after that's been clarified, she can leave. Maybe, she'll die in childbirth like she did in Lex's dream-vision in "Lexmas". I think Kristin is an outstanding actor, but when this 'thing' between her and Lex is over...again, she should leave. Just my humble opinion. :)

[angelfire east]

MOD NOTE:

Moved because it breaks one week rules:


7) We have a one week rule for any new episode that airs of a show we feature. This means you cannot discuss anything about that particular episode on any forum or thread not specifically devoted to that forum for one week after airing. For Smallville, we have an entire discussion sub-forum per episode; thus far for Veronica Mars, Supernatural and The 4400, we have one sub-forum for the entire season, with one thread per episode. DISCUSSION OF THE DETAILS OF THESE EPISODES SHOULD NOT TAKE PLACE ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE BOARDS FOR A WEEK AFTER ITS ORIGINAL AIRDATE. Incorporating information from these episodes outside these boundaries can start the following week (i.e., if the show airs on a Thursday, the following Thursday).

[DWBSR620]

Originally posted by Imzadia
So, I'm happy to see them together now even if it's just to impress upon Clark how much better off he is without Lana the 'whiner'. He needs to be convinced that he and Lana were not meant to be together. There's always been a lot of emphasis on the probability that everyone has a dark side. Well, this Lana development only shows the dark side she always had hidden. Now, after that's been clarified, she can leave. Maybe, she'll die in childbirth like she did in Lex's dream-vision in "Lexmas". I think Kristin is an outstanding actor, but when this 'thing' between her and Lex is over...again, she should leave. Just my humble opinion. :)


Good point made, if there is one positive thing that could come out of Lex/Lana, and an exploration into Lana's dark side would be Clark's final realization that it is a better thing that he, and Lana not be together. If they, TPTB, would allow his character to acknowledge this fact, and use it for Clark's character development then it would be justified. Problem is that my faith in TPTB doing this is very little, and actually it would be a shock to think they put that much thought into the process and did it for that reason. No, I see them using this as pure relationship angst, and finding another way to use Lana for this purpose against Clark with someone else in some similar fashion again, and again until this series ends. Trust me I hope this isn't the case, but it seems that they're reluctant to let this character go, and concede the fact that they've gone as far as they can for the Lana character. Thanks for your thoughts, and the good point you made, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Take care.


Peace To All.

[Paint the K]

Has anyone heard of paragraph breaks?

[Luthorism]

i agree with the first message.. Lana should have left the show after they graduated from high school..For season 5 and 6 so far..she is a useless character.

[AmazSpiderman1]

I totally agree. I remember when I was watching the show during season 2 that I actually liked the complicated Lana/Clark relationship, and I loved those little moments where things were almost perfect (ie. clark's "birthday" in the barn). Those were some pretty sweet moments. But they dragged it on...and on...and on...and on. Then last season when Clark and Lana were finally dating it was pretty sweet then too, cuz they didn't have the same old Sh*t to deal with. It was good to finally see them together and actually enjoying that time (ie. running thru the field going back to the barn to get nails, doin the nasty), they should of milked that for at least the rest of the season and give us something new. But now its back to the same crap we had to deal with forever. It's not cool anymore. It's not even like every character NEEDS to have a purpose, its just you shouldn't do the same story line forever, especially when it brings the audience down having to watch someone deal with the same problem for 6 years.

P.s. Im sick of them (the producers) thinking its a huge deal to explore a characters dark side. We don't care anymore. "This week on Smallville: CLARK'S DARK SIDE!!", "This week on Smallville: LANA'S DARK SIDE!!", "This week on Smallville: LEX FINALLY TURNS TO HIS DARK SIDE!!". I'm waiting for Chloe's dark side next season. Oh wait, they already did that when she got stuck with that barb that made her and Pete lose their inhabitions. Ohhhh yahhhhh.

[Duncan]

TL;DR.


(Too Long; Didn't Read)

[HowieUK]

Originally posted by DWBSR620
It's a stupid cliffhanger that is a pure waste of story time.

Agreed.


Al/Miles it's time to realize that she isn't a major character like Clark and Lex. Every time you use the Lana/Lex relationship against Clark you make his character look pathetic and obsessed, you destroy his credibility.

But Lana is helping to shape the person that Clark is becoming. He is afraid to use his powers lest he endanger the ones he loves. But recently he is becoming more and more lonely. His only male friend now is a self-appointed hero, and I believe that all this is driving him to become Supes. Plus, this relationship helps to show us how screwed up Lex is. He manipulates and decieves someone that he claims to love, and we are better able to see his lack of humanity (anyone notice how awkward it was when he was dining with Lana at opposite ends of the table, barely speaking?).



It's time to realize that the majority is tired of this idiotic love triangle that you, Al/Miles, are seemingly more obsessed with then us fans.... You seem bent on shoveling this garbage down our throats.

And you need to chill out, dude! :)

I agree with the main thrust of your post though. Nice to see someone making a proper argument against the relationship, not just: *Whine* "I hate Lexana" *whine*

[Tia]

Originally posted by Paint the K
Has anyone heard of paragraph breaks?

agreed:eek:

[DarkseidNow]

HAH! Word on that. I do agree that Lana has been useless for awhile and is soley defined by her relationships. It also doesn't help that her character has been written with such double standards and hypocrisy that it does at times make her (the character not the lovely Ms. Kreuk) unbearable to watch. Lana harps on anyone who keeps secrets or lies yet she will do the exact same thing!

It is time for Clark to see her for what she really is. If the Goughlar was smart and rational about Lana (which they aren't), they would have used "Reckoning" as the episode where Clark sees that Lana isn't the one for him.

What I mean by this is that Clark tells Lana his secret and she totally freaks out on him. It would be an interesting twist as opposed to the reactions of Pete and Chloe who eventually accepted him. Lana not reacting well to Clark's alien heritage would have brought into play all of Lana's fears (The Kryptonians who attacked her), emotional scars (the meteor shower that pancaked her parents) and prejudices (anything alien or related to the meteor showers).

But oh well, it didn't happen. Another opportunity wasted.

[Ares]

Um.. I didnt bother reading it .. But from what i read so far with other ppl. Less winded than you.. They wont get rid of Lana till Smallville is over.. Shes to big of a "Character" Shes the 2nd one in the opening.. I think it should be Rosenbaum but it isnt.. KK will be in Smallville till SV is no more..

[ginnyfan]

I hope Lexana isn't a substitute for a meaty Lex episode on par with Oynx and Lexmas.

[Mysticlies]

lana is one of the big three, and usually shows don't just get rid of their biggest characters like that. Regardless of whether peoplelike them or not they are part of smallville, they are the solid three. That would be like people saying kill off willow and leave only buffy and xander, willow is ingraved as one of the main 4 characters.

I think this whole thing is quite interesting because we get to see how lana is unfolding, and we get to see Lex doing something. We can't just have him sitting in his lair, laughing evilly and plotting ways to take over the world. Lexana, lets us see him with a purpose, with a storyplot. and we get to go even deeper into his emotions. is he capable of love? is there any good in him?

[Dannyblue1]

Originally posted by Mysticlies
lana is one of the big three, and usually shows don't just get rid of their biggest characters like that. Regardless of whether peoplelike them or not they are part of smallville, they are the solid three. That would be like people saying kill off willow and leave only buffy and xander, willow is ingraved as one of the main 4 characters.

I don't think Lana has to necessarilly be written off the show. But she doesn't have to be such a focus either. You mention Xander and Willow. Well, those two characters never took over the storyline, to the detriment of other things, the way Lana has. Buffy was always the lead, and it wasn't unusual for Xander and Willow to be more in the background on occasion.

The PTB are more likely to put Clark and Lex on the backburner than Lana. Which is just odd because, even if you insist on seeing Lana as one of the big three, she is still third in importance to the other two characters.

It's like the PTB are determined to find a storyline that will make Lana's character work, no matter what. The fact that they've been trying for six years without success doesn't matter. Instead of doing the smart thing and pushing Lana into the background until a storyline comes along that could actually make her character shine (which is what other shows often do with their "big" characters) they just keep pushing her on us, throwing her into one contrived storyline after another to keep her in the spotlight.

The problem is, we have to watch these storylines play out. And they aren't interesting, they don't make Lana more interesting, and they tend to hurt the rest of the story, including the other characters.

I'm glad someone finds Lexana interesting, because I don't. Lana has just not been built into the kind of character who stirs my imagination, or fascinates me with her potential character development. I just feel apathetic. I don't care about her relationship with Lex. I don't care about her "dark" side being revealed, because it's not any more interesting than her "light" side was. I don't much care how she will react or what she will do about the baby. And, since I don't care, watching it take up so much of the show is boring me to tears.

One thing Lexana has managed to do is make Lex boring, too. Which I don't think is what the PTB had in mind.

[mobiusklein]

I know tons of people who find Lex BORING now. They've even gotten to the point they're FFing his scenes with her as well.

[DWBSR620]

Originally posted by Paint the K
Has anyone heard of paragraph breaks?



Yes, point taken, thanks for the reminder. Take care.


Peace To All.