Yesterday the CW announced that Michael Rosenbaum, that’s Lex Luthor to you and me, will be leaving Smallville at the end of the season. Two new nefarious foes will be moving into the small Kansas town in the fall when the show kicks off its eight season.

So how do we feel about this? I kind of think it could shift the whole dynamic of the show. Sure the series has weathered cast departures in the past (see Papa Kent and best friend Pete) but this feels different.

A Superman without Lex Luthor is a little peanut butter without jelly, Wisteria Lane without the well groomed shrubbery, The Office without the facial expressions, and CSI without any crimes to solve.

How do you think Smallville will fare without Lex? Talk about it below.

Bones

We'll going to learn who the Gormogon killer is in the season finale of Bones on May 19. For some reason I'm still thinking Sweets -- is that totally crazy?  Who do you think the killer is? Do you think it's someone we know? A criminal from the past? Talk about your theories below.

Quotes of the Week

"Wait. Hold on. Robin wasn’t living here on my 30th birthday. When did this happen? Oh wait the goat was there on my 31st birthday. Sorry I totally got that wrong." Ted telling his children about his 30th birthday party on How I Met Your Mother. Anyone else confused by that quote?

"Oh my God. I thought you sang twice." Paula Abdul giving Jason Castro feedback on two songs when he had only sang once on American Idol. What do you guys think of this? I’ve always just assumed the judges watched the rehearsals so I wasn’t that surprised by the idea that Paula may have written down comments before the live show. I don't think this will effect Paula's status on the show at all, do you?

"You don’t need a man to have a fulfilling life. You could be the next Mother Theresa or Rosie O’Donnell." Rebecca to Casey on Greek.

"I’m going to tell Casey I’m an idiot and I want her back." Evan on Greek.

"Alone, why don’t you just go with a million cats?" Andrea to Sam on Samantha Who? when Sam says she will go to Todd’s art opening alone.

"You’re in a better place now, Lou. And for once in my life I can say finally had a cow, man." Bart Simpson on The Simpsons. Thanks to Shaun for the quote.

"No. We were actually talking about our feelings and than our favorite boy bands." Dean to Sam after Sam asked if Bobby and he were talking about a case on Supernatural. Thanks to Sandy for the quote.

"When I wake up in the morning and something like this is all over the news, I think 'What a great day - the war must be over.'" actor Johnny Galecki, responding to a question about Miley Cyrus photos on The View. Thanks to Kristin for the quote.

"I'm in love with Raja, I totally had a X-rated dream about him last night, no maybe NC-17. Wait is that worse? Make it R." Mindy to Justin on Aliens in America. Thanks to Mike for the quote.

"Just because I have breasts doesn't mean I have magic powers over infants." Bones to Booth on Bones. Thanks to Barry for the quote.

That’s all for today. I’ll be back on Monday with thoughts on Grey’s Anatomy, the season finale of 30 Rock, the writers' crossover on Two and a Half Men and CSI and much more. Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of the week or topic for discussion? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. Have a great weekend. Talk to you on Monday.

Comments

Smallville will definitely not be the same w/o Lex. My guess is though he will always have a presence. Afterall, the show is almost as much about his rise to evil as it is Clark's becoming a hero.

and for the record, I posted the bart simpson quote on monday :)

ken | May 2, 2008 12:34:48 PM | #

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Dr. Sweets occurred to me for Gormagon, too, but it seemed for awhile they were going to try and bring him on the Squint Squad, so then I decided it wasn't him. However, they've seemed to back off making him part of the core cast since they returned from the writer's strike. Maybe they've had to deviate and change the Gormagon killer to account for a shortened season and it will be Dr. Sweets. But if not, I'd go with a past killer.

Or, maybe it's Angela's husband and this will free her up to marry Hodgins! Ha ha!

AndreaC | May 2, 2008 12:39:36 PM | #

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Well, at least they aren't recasting Lex. Smallville's been one of my favorite shows since it first aired. It's going to be different watching the show without Lex trying to find out Clark's secret, but I'm sure it'll still be good.

A-Rob | May 2, 2008 12:47:26 PM | #

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Regarding the HIMYM quote, my assumption was that the goat was just a big "wink-wink" tease. They spent the entire episode building up to the goat, only to pull the rug out and say "you'll have to wait until next year to find out."

They also dropped the line about Robin not living there yet. That appears to be an even bigger tease, indicating that Robin will end up moving into Ted's apartment at some point over the next year.

Why is Robin living there? Is there any romantic significance? Tune in a year from now!

Personally I thought it was clever. I enjoy the running gags. Can't wait for the next slap (two left, right?)

Tim | May 2, 2008 12:48:52 PM | #

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This incident has nothing to do with the rehearsal or Paula being "confused," as some people are trying to claim as excuses.
Here's her explanation from Ryan's radio show the next morning (when Paula presumably wasn't as "confused" as she was Tuesday night:

- Paula: "I was reading the critique of what I was writing for Jason Castro, and on the same page that I wrote, was also David's, and I got lost on my notes, and that's as simple as it was. I did catch the last minute of Jason Castro" (the rehearsal she watched on the monitor).
- Ryan: "So what you are saying is, you were talking about two different people, but accidentally you said 'second song.' "
- Paula: "Yes."

Obviously it was not David Cook's note she was reading. "I felt like your usual charm was missing for me. It kind of left me a little empty. And the two songs made me feel like you're not fighting hard enough to get into the top 4," as if David would have to “fight hard” for a spot there, but then she says David is "fantastic" and she's looking at "the next American Idol"?

C'mon. This is obviously a lie to cover up the fact that they have been trying to get rid of Jason for weeks now. I like Paula and she was just doing what she was told. Her only mistake was exposing this charade to the public.

KG | May 2, 2008 1:21:09 PM | #

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I will miss Michael Rosenbaum on Smallville. He has brought a lot to the role of Lex Luthor over the last seven years. Yes this is different then when Jonathan or Pete left, but storyline wise it might be interesting to see Smallville's versions of other Superman villians in the coming season. Lex isn't Superman's only villian despite how the movie franchise makes it look.

Good luck Michael on anything you will do in your career. You're a great director as well as actor and I am anxious to see what you do next.

Penny | May 2, 2008 1:33:34 PM | #

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I think Sweets is too obvious to be the killer, I am thinking it is someone we know but wouldn't expect.
I think Paula said what I was thinking it was boring enough to have been two songs. I have not been impressed with the song era's this year, very little that I can really get into and that disappoints me since I liked all most of the performers this year.

I think I am the only one watching Women's Murder Club, but just in case I am not. Did it cross anyone else's mind that the guy Lindsey met at the Coffee Stand might be the Kiss Me Not Killer, just wondering?

Hettie | May 2, 2008 2:56:32 PM | #

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Good call, Hettie, on KMNK, because they don't bring a name brand actor on for just fun, he's got some significant arc coming up obviously.
Will sorely miss MB on Smallville, I thought his evil Lex was finally coming to fruition after the Lionel murder, now I see floundering in the future storyline. Good to see there using more of Mr. Ashmore these days anyway,though.

Weiss C | May 2, 2008 8:42:37 PM | #

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kg is completely right about paula's 'explanation' being complete bull. she had nothing but praise for david, so saying that the negative comments about jason's 'second' song were obviously about jason and not david.
why can't people ever just admit they made a mistake

megan | May 2, 2008 10:03:05 PM | #

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I have a bad feeling that Gormogon may be one of the regular cast members namely Hodgins or Zack I truly hope that my feelings are completely wrong on this.

Dee | May 3, 2008 3:20:48 AM | #

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You've got me watching HIMYM now...

I thought the 'next year' line was clever. My thoughts were exactly the same as Tim's. Sometime in the next year Robin will move in to Ted's apartment.

Lacie | May 3, 2008 5:41:05 AM | #

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I have been on the fence with Smallville for a while (I severely detest the Lana/Clark relationship, and actually just Lana's character in general -- she's so whiny) and feel that losing such a main character as Lex Luthor will make it my last season watching the show. I very much enjoy the Justice League episodes, but now that Justin Hartley has his own series on the CW next year, I'm assuming there will be no more of those. They will have to do something drastic to make me continue watching honestly.

Rachel | May 3, 2008 7:45:54 AM | #

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Though I will miss Michael Rosenbaum,but maybe now Erica Durance, Aaron Ashmore and Laura Vandervoort can can have more time onscreen. They do play Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and the future Supergirl after all. I can't wait to see how Smallville will end next year.

cm | May 3, 2008 10:16:34 AM | #

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Michael Rosenbaum is such a good actor and has really been an asset to the show, but, as several others have said, there is so much left there to work with.

Smallville has plenty of both plot and characters to explore--ESPECIALLY without the over-riding presence of Lex Luthor!

(..and I too do really like the Green Arrow.)

Morisot | May 4, 2008 9:32:36 AM | #

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I have never missed an episode of Smallville. The main reason that I watch is the Lex Luthor/Clark Kent storyline. With Michael's departure and the death of John Glover's character Lionel Luthor, there isn't much left that will be recognizable to the fans in season 8. Kristin Kruek is only returning for a handful of episodes and Allison Mack has not yet finished negotiating her contract. The show creators, Gough & Millar, are also done after season 7. Season 8 is going to turn into a sad redeux of The Adventures of Lois and Clark. With Lex leaving the show, they should have ended it at 7 seasons. I will always be a Michael Rosenbaum fan and follow his work. He is extremely talented and we'll be seeing him again soon. The one I feel sorry for is Tom Welling. He signed on for 8 seasons and is left standing on this sinking ship of a show. The guy has worked his tale off in the role and deserves better. The saddest thing about the departures, especially Lex's, is that the fans will not get to see that ending the TPTB promised in the int the beginning. The whole "friendship of legend" thing will be kind of anti-climactic, which kind of sucks.

Maureen | May 4, 2008 1:44:57 PM | #

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I also caught that line about Robin. I interpreted the line about the goat to mean that the goat was living there for the next year (at least).

Anne | May 5, 2008 5:52:28 AM | #

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Losing Lex is going to be terrible for a show based on Lex's relationship with Clark. What's worse, the CW doesn't really know or care that fans are invested in the characters there from th beginning like Lex and Chloe. For some reason, they assume the bit-players like Erica Durance, Aaron Ashmore and Laura Vandervoot can carry season 8 with Clark when they're the characters that people are the least invested in. And now they're still negotiating with Allison Mack instead of holding onto her with both hands. The show can't afford to lose the 3rd longest running character. Time and time again - just in Apocalypse, actually, when it's only without Clark, do you get the perfect comics versions of Jimmy, Lois and Lex - the show says this isn't your normal Superman tale, it's something different, and Chloe is a big part of what makes this show unique. Without Lex, she's pretty much the last best thing with Clark on the show.

Mab | May 5, 2008 7:18:56 AM | #

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I think it all depends on how the writers handle a main character like Lex leaving Smallville. There have been plenty of shows that have suffered from a beloved character leaving and others that haven't because the writers created new, complex, and very different characters without trying to "replace" the character that left but instead take the opportunity to make the audience love a new one. Two good examples, IMHO of characters I loved and was angry to see leave yet the show still maintained its stellar quality are when Oz left Buffy and when Kate left NCIS. I think the writers handled the situations nicely and made us become involved in the new characters without simply making the new character exactly the same. Hope that makes sense....

AndreaC | May 5, 2008 7:25:26 AM | #

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The Lex/Clark relatioship was a fundamental of the show... Lex's decent into evil was just as poignant a part of the story as Clark coming into his role as superman. You can't have one without the other.

Mandy | May 5, 2008 7:34:10 AM | #

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For Gormogon, we have seen the new apprentice, when he goes after that lobbyist from the closet right at the end of that episode, so we know the apprentice isn't anyone we know. As far as gormogon himself, I don't think it is a main character. It might be someone they all know, someone at the Jeffersonian or the FBI, but not someone that we were introduced to.

Jeff | May 5, 2008 8:02:41 AM | #

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Buffy being a Vampire slayer was also fundamental to that show, but the show evolved well beyond battling only vampires because there was more depth to the characters created. If Smallville can't survive without the Lex/Clark relationship and the writers can't make you care beyond that, then I would argue there are fundamental problems with either the show or the writers abilities. Yes, Rosenbaum is a good actor, but I would hope the writers and the viewers could view this as an opportunity. If it fails, it fails, but I would give it a shot.

And Jeff, I agree you may be right in your thinking about Gormagon, but I always thought it was a "cardinal sin" of mystery writing to introduce a new character at the end. Wouldn't we have to have some inkling of who it is!? I'd be disappointed if they wrapped it up and we couldn't look back and see at least some clues or connections in the past that now make us go "a-ha!" Of course, as procedural, maybe Bones isn't limited in that capacity since it's more about solving the crime with the evidence than the dramatic connections to be made.

AndreaC | May 5, 2008 8:10:16 AM | #

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The HIMYM quote really confused me. For one, when Lily was talking to Barney, the goat was in the apartment ans she said that Stella was there, which would mena that Ted and Stella were still together teh following year when teh goat actualy makes its appearance, but then it was chewing on Robin's washcloth which suggests that Robin is living in the apartment with Lily and Marshall, and Ted no longer lives there.

Colin | May 5, 2008 8:16:24 AM | #

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I liked Michael Rosenbaum on Smallville but he was way better on Cribs! I want a van like that!

Michael | May 5, 2008 8:22:38 AM | #

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Smallville should be okay losing Lex/Rosenbaum. It will be tough but the original hook of the show is long past. The original hook had Clark and Lex as best friends, whom you knew were destined to be arch-enemies. Clark and Lex's friendship has been over for a 2-3 seasons and Lex's is firmly planted on the dark side.

jbw | May 5, 2008 9:05:44 AM | #

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Also, most information I have read on the subject talk that Rosenbaum will return for a few episodes next year.

jbw | May 5, 2008 9:07:24 AM | #

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if the show ever needed a better direction it was two years ago, so with Lex moving on (he'll be back plenty for guest roles for sure)...now's the time to put more fun and action into this show. It's become a talkfest sometimes...
I say give Smallville another year and then have Welling wear the cape in a new show called
"Metropolis"...or finally give the guy a break on the big screen as Supes.

jack | May 5, 2008 9:27:20 AM | #

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I'm worried that Bones will have the Gormogon killer be one of the primaries. I know they're looking to replace one of the squints...but I just can't see where they can make that an "a-ha" moment as they've given none of them even one ounce of an "edge"

Bob | May 5, 2008 9:52:09 AM | #

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If the departure has any serious deleterious effect on Supernatural, it will likely be a feeling that the show is circling the drain. But some shows manage to take a major loss like that and make it an opportunity to inject some new energy into the franchise. Only time will tell.

I'm pretty sure Paula Abdul's slip won't "affect her status" on the show, because she's a complete joke already. The only reason she doesn't look even worse is because Randy Jackson is just as big a joke. The two of them are on the show for two reasons: to laugh at and so Simon Cowell can say he's part of a panel, instead of just one mean person criticizing bad singers.

Tego Livi | May 5, 2008 10:06:23 AM | #

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The only reason I continued to tune in to Smallville was for the Luthor storylines. Since those are all but wrapped up, guess I have another hour of free time on my hands.

Jenny | May 5, 2008 10:32:55 AM | #

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Smallville is about Superboy, it should had never included Lex. Michael Rosenbaum did a good as Lex and now that I am used to him I will miss his presence. Hopefully this will give the writers a chance to do the development of Clark as he becomes Superman.

Bill | May 5, 2008 10:59:37 AM | #

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UP UP and away it's Superman!

Bud | May 5, 2008 11:47:52 AM | #

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From what I've read, Michael Rosenbaum is going to appear in about half of the episodes of "Smallville" next year. (11 episodes) He just isn't a series regular. It isn't as bad a news as it could have been.

I feel bad for the dude. Who is even going to recognize him with hair when he starts getting other roles? He has become an iconic Lex Luthor. Good Luck Michael Rosenbaum!!!

BRIAN | May 5, 2008 12:38:56 PM | #

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It's funny you should mention that, Brian, b/c I remember the first time I recognized Rosenbaum outside of Smallville and he had hair - I was shocked! It was in "Bringin' Down the House" with Steve Martin and Queen Latifah - I think it may have been a hairpiece b/c it looked so bad, but all I could think was "my god, he looks like Chevy Chase!"

AndreaC | May 5, 2008 1:04:19 PM | #

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I knew him from "Zoe Duncan Whatever" (with hair) long before anyone conceived Smallville, so the bald thing has always been weird to me.

Tego Livi | May 5, 2008 1:35:47 PM | #

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Clark moving on on "Smallville" does require Lois, Jimmy and Kara. Nobody knows what the end of "Smallville" is going to be so speculation just hurts the enjoyment of the remaining season. Lex already completed his trasformation into the villian that's been known for decades, now the other characters need to show the final trasition to their comic book characters. It will be nice to know where that places Chloe as well.

m | May 5, 2008 1:53:35 PM | #

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In regards to Michael Rosenbaum's role being reduced on Smallville, I have to agree with the previous comments posted by MAUREEN and MAB. Smallville's original premise was supposed to be about Clark Kent in high school, and what it would be like if Lex Luthor had been his friend.

I hate to say it, but Smallville probably will become "LOIS AND CLARK REDUX" (as Maureen said).
There won't be much screentime for Lex, Lana (thank goodness!), Martha, etc. We don't know how much Chloe will be featured (if at all), since Allison Mack hasn't signed a contract yet. I realize that all TV shows need to move on, blah, blah, blah...but maybe Smallville should have ended after high school graduation. Too many shows have 'Jumped the Shark' when the writers try to continue shows into the characters' college years (BH 90210, Dawson's Creek, Saved By the Bell, etc.).

I will wait till next year before I decide if Smallville has Jumped the
Shark or not. Nevertheless, I always loved Rosenbaum's portrayal of Lex Luthor. He was clever, sneaky and sinister, but with a touch of humanity. I would like to see Rosenbaum in more comedic roles in the future, since he seems to be such a fun-loving guy in real life (like in his Cribs episode)! :-)

Paige | May 5, 2008 3:02:34 PM | #

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wont be missed by me lex was boring and so was Michael Rosenbaum

k | May 5, 2008 7:30:05 PM | #

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Smallville never focused on college. If they had ended when Clark, Lana and Chloe graduated high school then there REALLY wouldn't have resolved many storylines for characters. That was three years ago after all. Michael wants to move on. That's great. It won't be a remake of Lois & Clark without him Kristin or Allison. They are two VERY different shows.

| May 5, 2008 9:55:03 PM | #

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MR was excellent as LL. He will be missed, but it is time to take Clark/Superman to the next level. I'm ready to see more of Erica, and Laura, and I am interested in seeing how they portray Doomsday.

David | May 6, 2008 8:01:25 PM | #

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As much as i've enjoyed Smallville, i have a bad feeling that they may be overdoing it by going another season. Losing Lex Luthor as a full-time character won't be that bad because there's not much else they can do with him anyway. he's already gotten too close to Clark's secret as it is. I will be interested to see how they portray Doomsday since he's basically the Hulk with bones sticking out in the comics. I'm guessing they are going old school and casting some musclebound dude for the part.
Its too bad they can't extend the show to movies. It would have made a lot more sense instead of the half-ass redux they already did.

Steve | May 7, 2008 12:41:13 PM | #

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The goat on HIMYM has been a running gag since the first season. It was back when Ted was with Victoria. He said something about a goat in the bathroom but more on that later. They finally brought it up again only to tease us and wait.

Merri | May 8, 2008 3:31:40 PM | #

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The goat on HIMYM has been a running gag since the first season. It was back when Ted was with Victoria. He said something about a goat in the bathroom but more on that later. They finally brought it up again only to tease us and wait.

Merri | May 8, 2008 3:31:42 PM | #

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I sense the beginning of the end for Smallville. Without Lex I just don't see Smallville being as great. I have invested in Lex and now hes just gone. No this is going to be disastrous.

Tierra | May 8, 2008 5:37:43 PM | #

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The way viewers persieve Smallvillle's 8th season without Lex just depends on why or for whom they watched the series in the first place.

Michael is the first actor to portray Lex this long. We should all be thankful for all the time and effort he gave while portraying the character.

I like the rest of the characters too. I can't wait to see Lois, Jimmy and Kara more often.

I don't see Smallville lasting past season eight. From what I read it looks like that is when they were planning on ending the series anyway.

| May 8, 2008 9:06:09 PM | #

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I also enjoyed the dynamic between Lex and Clark. I thought the early years when they were still friends were some of the best shows. I actually was disappointed when the two became enemies over the past few years despite knowing they were to become bitter enemies. Althought I will miss Rosenbaums character as I did the others (Matha, Papa Kent, Pete) I know the show can go on if done creatively. I think some fans are giving up on the series prematurely and it makes me angry. The show has given us seven great years! I think it would be a shame if the show does go only one more season. If that was the case I think fans would better be served if they ended the series this year at the top of lex/clark battle. I do believe the show can go at least two or three years longer. Lets face it this show would have been cancelled due to ratings years ago if not on the WB and CW, so lets all get behind the show next year!!!

scott | May 9, 2008 7:35:35 PM | #

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God, Smallville jumped the shark years ago. This show would have been cancelled years ago if it was on a real network. It turned into Lois and Clark a long time ago. Will Clark ever become Superman? There's super villians who need beating!

Dan Zee | May 13, 2008 1:20:19 PM | #

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