Less Lana and Lex in Season 8
Monday April 14, 2008
Lex (Michael Rosenbaum) and Lana's (Kristin Kreuk) wedding, from season 6 of Smallville.
© Michael Courtney/The CW
"Kristin will be back for a portion of the season – likely the first third," outgoing executive producer Al Gough told TV Guide. She seems happy to be moving on, if the recent reported update to her Facebook page is any indication: After talking about shooting in Thailand for Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, Kreuk added, "I will return for a undetermined, although small, number of episodes in season 8. I am not really opening up the floor for lots of discussion, because it is not really the place for it. Obviously I have loved my time on the show, but I am equally as thrilled to move on to new endeavors."
Some fans will be just as thrilled to see her go: the romance with Clark has been stalled in neutral since season 3, with occasional shifts into reverse; lately it's been mired in no-fun-to-watch acrimony that has only emphasized the negative chemistry between the two stars. (If I went only by what I saw on screen, I'd say Tom Welling and Kristin Kreuk loathed each other.) I don't care about making way for the Clark/Lois thing – this show has twisted established continuity so much that I would not be surprised if this version of Clark never actually became Superman. But I am tired of Lana and Clark alternating between shooting daggers at each other and hugging chastely.
Negotiations with Rosenbaum are still under way, but the expectation is he'll be in half to a two thirds of season 8.
This comes after reports earlier this month that creators Miles Millar and Al Gough will be leaving the series entirely, hoping to cash bigger paychecks making features. This isn't as traumatic as it might seem, though, since Miles and Al stepped back from hands-on control some time ago, leaving production in the hands of the team that will now be officially taking over for them: Darren Swimmer, Todd Slavkin, Kelly Souders, and Brian Peterson, now promoted to executive producers and show-runners.
"Al Gough and Miles Millar have been great partners and instrumental in the development and success of Smallville," CW and Smallville producer Warner Bros. TV said in a joint statement that confirms little is expected to change behind the cameras. "Todd, Darren, Kelly, and Brian have been writing for the show for the past six seasons, and as producers for the last four years, they have played an integral role in the ongoing creative evolution of the series."
Some online commentators have denounced The CW's decision to renew the series at all, one writer calling it an "unnecessary stay of execution" for a show that was "tripping over its age"; others are concerned about the show's slipping quality but are waiting to see if season 8 offers any improvement. My take: Smallville has its moments but has been spinning in circles for years. Personally, I'd rather watch a new series – with fresh writers – following Oliver Queen's budding Justice League.
Comments
“the romance with Clark has been stalled in neutral since season 3, with occasional shifts into reverse; lately it’s been mired in no-fun-to-watch acrimony that has only emphasized the negative chemistry between the two stars. (If I went only by what I saw on screen, I’d say Tom Welling and Kristin Kreuk loathed each other.)”
I agree, it’s not fun to watch for anyone. I don’t think they loathe each other, but it looks like TW loathe the Clark/Lana relationship. What guy wouldn’t? AlMiles said they had a 5-year plan for Smallville and it’s obvious. Smallville started to go downward from the middle of season 6. The writers has gotten lazy and don’t know what to do with Clark anymore. With season 8 and regulars leaving the series, they will have to take Clark off the shelf and begin thinking of story arcs for him.
Criticizing the writing is one thing, which I agree that it has been sup-par for several seasons now, BUT to say that Tom and Kristin lack chemistry is utterly ridiculous. If anything, it is their chemistry that salvages and makes some of the poor dialog and weak story arcs bearable to watch. It is their chemistry that has kept this fan viewing this show for a lot longer than really cared to. Both Tom and Kristin are great actors and create magic on screen together, it is just unfortunate that the same cannot be said about the show or the writing anymore.
The Tom and Kristin chemistry is what gives the series its longevity. You must watch TV like a job and must feel satiated from an overload. Tom and Kristin have the kind of chemistry that is so rare that a marathon, habitual viewer like yourself don’t understand. Smallville has made millions from their dvd sales. The Clark and Lana storyline sells the series.
I hear what you say, but I haven’t felt a real connection between Lana and Clark in some time — the last time I can think of is Lana’s confession to Clark as to why she married Lex. Part of the problem is that the scripts have had them hiding things from each other on a regular basis. But hey, maybe it’s just me. I love watching shows for this site and that includes Smallville, one of my favorites since season 1. If it were up to me, there’s things about it I would definitely change, but like I said, that’s just me.
I can’t get enough of the romance with Clark & Lana. It is good thing that there are smarter people who know how to run the business end of Smallville and understand what the majority of viewers want. I am not sure I will watch Smallville in season 8 if ther is no Kristin . It is really too bad anyone who can type can present himself as a reviewer on the internet.
Wow, that’s harsh. Tell you what. New episodes start up this week. In all seriousness: I will watch for the connection between Clark and Lana with a fresh eye and an open mind. If I agree with you guys based on what I see, I will admit I was wrong.
I think that some of the comments made by the reviewer were a tad harsh. I have been watching the series since season one. I will say that Smallville is a much more enjoyable show if you watch it from Season 1. The basis for this show has always been the life of Clark Kent- before he becomes Superman.
The transition, and the struggles and pain he experiences that make him realize what he has to do and should do. This is by no means an easy show to write for. The Superman mythology is complex and takes time to layout.
Personally they have done an excellent job introducing key characters-friend and foe alike. Michael Rosenbaum has been an excellent Lex Luthor, and John Glover has been epic in his role as Lionel Luthor.
The series was intended to end at season 8. My only concern is that the CW is a struggling network financially, and it looks as if they may want to cut the budget for next season. Thats a poor decision, as it is their best show. I personally hope they aim to go out with a bang. There is plenty of mythology to last several more seasons, but Clark doesnt become Superman at 40 years old either.
I do want them to progress the show in season 8, and focus on some sort of transition point
The problem with smallville is the writers not the actors chemistry.. I complete agree with Sally said: “If anything, it is their chemistry that salvages and makes some of the poor dialog and weak story arcs bearable to watch. It is their chemistry that has kept this fan viewing this show for a lot longer than really cared to. Both Tom and Kristin are great actors and create magic on screen together, it is just unfortunate that the same cannot be said about the show or the writing anymore”.
After seven years and the writers didn’t give the potencial that clana relationship always had, but Kristin and Tom chemistry is there in every scene.
Ooo little, little man you make me laugh. Saying that Clark and Lana dont have chemisty is like saying Ross and Rachel arent meant to be “hello yea they are everyone knew it. You sure your watching the same show maybe you just wont admit that really your a Chlark or a Clois fan and the chemistry you see is so passionate between Clark and Lana that your the one who loathes it. And Kristom not getting a long thats pretty crazy to, instead of being so harsh to them why dont you go buy season 2 of Smallville and watch the bloopers, then come back and tell me if they really “loathe eachother”
The show’s writing and dialog sometimes is aweful!! and unbearable! especially the way they write for Clana most of the time. But Tom and Kristin have chemistry, that is something the relationship never lacked. It’s been seven years and I’m amazed by how they can still pull off being inlove so easily. I don’t think they loathe each other as KK was just praising Tom a couple of months ago. seriously dude, do your research!
Sci-fi, you have a wait before you can watch for their “connection” this week or the rest of the season. From what I understand Kristin is filming “Street Fighter” and won’t be in these upcoming episodes…
Sadly, I agree with the comments/critics saying that the writing hasn’t been great; it used to be, but they lost their way imo. And despite what certain fans claim, it isn’t ONE character or ONE relationship that is to blame. It is the OVERALL writing that has been lacking. These writers keep throwing these ‘dramatic’ situations but HARDLY ever show any proper resolution or any repercussions for them. Besides, something is wrong when a whole episode revolves around product placement (strident gum) rather than developing something special for a character that was making a one time return to the show after a long absence (Pete’s character).
Anyway, Smallville does have its “moments” and I agree with people here that it isn’t the actors who are to blame (I think Tom and Kristin are great and have had some outstanding moments together)but they can only do so much with what they are given. And lately they haven’t been given much.
Hee. Some of these comments are pretty funny. I have to agree with Mark, myself. Clark and Lana’s storyline should have ended in friendship when their romantic relationship met its natural end the first two or three times.
It’s been drawn out too long to be remotely engaging anymore, and unless the decision to play it flat was made by the directors, it certainly looks like both actors are tired of it. Romantic scenes, especially this season, just felt forced.
Kristin seems pretty satisfied with leaving the show, right? I think her character may have actually been damaged more than Clark’s this year with the nonsensical arcs. Is she evil? Is she good? She sleeps with phantoms and no one cares? Oh, well let’s make her magically nice again. The hell?
That has to be annoying to play, and I’m sure she stopped looking for her character to make sense around the time the fake baby lameness was dropped in her lap.
There were a lot of cool places they could have taken the show up to the middle of last season when they turned Superman into a creepy wife-stealer. I’d so sign on to watch a fresh look at the fledgling Justice League. Could the new series be slightly less obsessed with a single relationship, though?
I don’t care how pretty they are, it gets boring when there’s no substance after seven years.
Wow, I really stepped on a land mine with this one. It’s true. I was too harsh on Lana and Clark, and (as I mentioned) they have had some great moments. The main culprit has been the writing, which I think a lot of us can agree hasn’t presented these characters in the best light in a while; and the overall weakness of vision. I’ve always loved Smallville — I was a fan from Day 1 — and I still love the show and get a bit upset when it’s not up to its own best standards. I’ll bear all that in mind in future discussions of the show.
That said, it’s one thing to disagree with me — we all have our own opinions about what we watch, no harm no foul. It’s another thing to make it personal, guys.
I’d say those remarks are right on. There has never been any chemistry between TW and KK. KK herself said the producers thought, “Ooh, chemistry,” during TW’s audition because she really leaned over and whispered a forgotten line to him.
The screen has always gone dead when the two of them are there making mooney eyes at each other and nothing bores me more than the repetitive and nauseating Clana in which Clark Kent is turned into a philandering jerk over the always self centered Lana Lang, now with extra embezzling, kidnapping and torture included at no extra charge!
It’s a travesty a majority of fans have always hated. KK and TW have long made it clear they were disgusted with the direction of their characters and the Clana redux as well so if the actors hate it you know it’s bad.
Plus, if Lana screwing Clark’s doppleganger because she didn’t notice he wasn’t acting like Clark even after Chloe tried to tell her should be proof enough she isn’t worthy of the hero. But I think that made it very clear. Lana doesn’t knwo Clark and doesn’t want to; she wants a worshipper and a mindless drone who caters to her every whim.
So I can sympathize with KK wanting to get out after years of this drek. MR, too since he is terribly underused.
Kristom loathed each other?WTF! THEY even had an affair you idiot!
That’s why I said “if I went by what I saw on screen.” And seriously, enough with the personal insults.
I love Tom and Kristin in these rare and special scenes and the producers know that viewers, espeically women, buy the dvds just to watch the few minutes between Clark and Lana.
Comments like “they even had an affair” and “Kristom” are why the Clana is so sickening. Those fans actually believe all the filth they throw at a married guy (Tom) and a woman in a serious relationship (Kristen). They call themselves fans? It’s disgusting and disrespecful.
Mr. Wilson, you are right about the negative chemistry and you shouldn’t let yourself be impressed by a few people who try to intimidate you. Go to all the serious Smallville forums and you will see that the vast majority of the people loathe the Clana.
And for the record, I’m a woman, AND I DON’T buy the DVD to watch Clana, quite the contrary, I fastforward through those puke-inducing scenes.
The entire fan base is currently disenfranchised.
I can’t possibly forgive the “Veritas” retcon storyline, not even with the writer’s strike as an excuse.
Quite honestly the clicke os a million monkeys in a room with a typewriter is something we shouldn’t have to watch play out on Smallville.
The show absolutely has moments, but they are assuredly in the past. Storylines have been bad since mid 6 and haven’t recovered. Characters that should be included have been avoided. Martian Manhunter, Pete (as Green Lantern), and worst of all Lionel Luther have all been underused or cast aside.
Who thought killing off John Glover was a good idea, let alone done with proper respect due the character?
For god’s sake the man was a king that received the funeral of a house pet.
Lana and Clark? I truly loved their scenes and torment throughout seasons 1 and 2.
Unfortunately those days are over. Fans who obsses over “Clana“; ask yourselves, “IS this right for Clark“.
Is it? Should he stay a whiny castrated baby stuck in Smallville, or should he man up and become a savior to the world?
Maybe the CW should ask the same thing,.. unless they think Clark should fight Doomsday in Smallville.
(btw,.. didn’t you realize they were babying him when they moved Metropolis a short drive from Smallville? Isn’t New York,… in New York?)
Enough said