Smallville

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Season 1
Season #: 10, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 141 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 120 out of 141
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 141
  3. Negative: 10 out of 141
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  1. drlowdon
    Feb 7, 2013
    4
    As most will know by now Smallville follows Clark Kent, played admirably by Tom Welling, during his teenage years as he starts his evolution into Superman. Throughout this first season we follow Clark as he gradually begins to discover the true extent of his powers whilst struggling to come to terms with the reasons behind them. In a clever twist on the mythology Superman's future nemesis,As most will know by now Smallville follows Clark Kent, played admirably by Tom Welling, during his teenage years as he starts his evolution into Superman. Throughout this first season we follow Clark as he gradually begins to discover the true extent of his powers whilst struggling to come to terms with the reasons behind them. In a clever twist on the mythology Superman's future nemesis, Lex Luthor, is also to be found living in Smallville and the show is certainly at its strongest when focusing on these two men and their struggles to avoid having their futures written for them.

    A huge problem with this opening season however is the over reliance on the 'Monster of the Week' scenarios. Far too many of the episodes followed a similar pattern in which an (un)fortunate teen was affected by the Kryptonite meteorites endowing them with special powers and invariable one or more of Clark's friends and family would find themselves in trouble. These characters are introduced solely for the purposes of just one episode giving a perfect example of lazy writing. The script also lacks energy and humour when compared to shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural with far too much emphasis placed on the types of dull teen angst storylines seen on TV countless times before.

    Despite all these faults there often were glimpses that the show could become something better and I will certainly give the show another chance in what is rumoured to be an improved season two.    … Expand
  2. Hybridiction
    Jun 28, 2011
    7
    The best Superman based TV series to ever hit television. With over 100 episodes, you see Clark kent grow from a young teenager to the man who eventually becomes superman. If I were to only give a review for the first 5 seasons, this TV show would have got a 9 or 10 from me but the later season's really turned me off from the show. They re-used to many of the same elements, such as clarkThe best Superman based TV series to ever hit television. With over 100 episodes, you see Clark kent grow from a young teenager to the man who eventually becomes superman. If I were to only give a review for the first 5 seasons, this TV show would have got a 9 or 10 from me but the later season's really turned me off from the show. They re-used to many of the same elements, such as clark losing his super powers, relationship problems, memory wipes and so many cliche's. The acting was generally top notch with a few bad actors to hit the screen here and there and I feel the show did well with the budget it was given, though for some odd reason it seemed like the special effects were actually better during the first half of the show then the later half. At times the show felt very corny with a predictable plot, this was usually during the later seasons but they did a good job bringing closure to the series in the end. Overall Smallville did a great job as a TV series and deserves to be commended for it.… Expand
  3. Atr0s
    Dec 30, 2012
    5
    Smallville was the best example on comic-based series could work in the first 4 seasons. The solid cast also delivered good performances, with Tom Welling playing a believable young Clark Kent, Michael Rosenbaum as an intriguing and ambitious Lex Luthor, Allison Mack surprised us with her original and very interesting character and Erica Durance, who joined the show as a sassy Lois Lane.Smallville was the best example on comic-based series could work in the first 4 seasons. The solid cast also delivered good performances, with Tom Welling playing a believable young Clark Kent, Michael Rosenbaum as an intriguing and ambitious Lex Luthor, Allison Mack surprised us with her original and very interesting character and Erica Durance, who joined the show as a sassy Lois Lane. However, the show went downhill from the season 5 onwards with absurd storylines (Theroux's storyline, anyone?) and too much dwelling on Kristin Kreuk's character, Lana Lang, who turned out to be the show's achilles heel. Not even the addition of JLA references covered up the immense downturn on quality with the departure of most of the main cast members (Michael Rosenbaum's absence hit the show hard, from then on there wasn't a single decent villain to anchor it). It ended as an example of how bad a show can get due to bad writing and planning, dragging storylines for several seasons and adding nonsensical plot elements to further them.… Expand
  4. marc5477
    Jan 14, 2016
    6
    The epitome of bipolar tv shows. When it is good, it is fantastic, but when its bad, its indescribably bad and unfortunately there are so many filler episodes and bad actors that it drags the show down considerably. 1st let talk about the good. Tom Welling does a good job at playing a young confused and immature Clark who is about to enter adulthood. He does not overact (often) and hisThe epitome of bipolar tv shows. When it is good, it is fantastic, but when its bad, its indescribably bad and unfortunately there are so many filler episodes and bad actors that it drags the show down considerably. 1st let talk about the good. Tom Welling does a good job at playing a young confused and immature Clark who is about to enter adulthood. He does not overact (often) and his relationship with Lex was well portrayed though it started to get silly towards the middle seasons. The real star of this show is Lex (Mike Rosenbaum). He is the best Lex Luthor of any show or movie I have seen despite the many plot holes in various episodes and his journey from a wishful well meaning teen to a paranoid pathological villain, at the hands of his father (also a great character in the show), was really heart breaking to watch (in a good way). The show really struggled when Lex was removed for a few seasons, that is how good he was.

    But not all is good in this show. For one thing, Lana Lang is unbearably atrocious (both the actor and character). She has one facial expression and her character is very one sided and plain stupid. To make matters worse, they kept her alive through the whole series, and she remained an interest of Clark to the end despite how stupid her character is. On top of that, whenever she is around, Clark loses about 95 IQ points and becomes a complete retard making the episodes she was involved in, nearly unwatchable. They should have killed her like they did in the comics. Other horrible actors and characters include the green burrito (Oliver) and Pete who was a mopey mess in high school and became even more mopey and dopey as an adult.

    I really liked Louis Lane (Erica Durance) and thought that she played the best Louis of any production to date as well. Chloe was also a good character and unlike the two rejects, Lana and Pete, she actually develops over the seasons and was a pleasure to watch.

    Definitely a show worth watching overall but many episodes are horribly bad as are some of the supporting characters.    … Expand
  5. txrangersfan72
    Dec 21, 2010
    10
    It almost seems pointless to write a review of Smallville since the show appeals to a very specific, niche group of fans. Of the 5 ratings, the average Metacritic score is 9.8. So...yet another 10 seems pointless. However, what I do want to write about is how rare Smallville is in terms of quality of live action shows based on comic books. Ever since the success of the Batman movieIt almost seems pointless to write a review of Smallville since the show appeals to a very specific, niche group of fans. Of the 5 ratings, the average Metacritic score is 9.8. So...yet another 10 seems pointless. However, what I do want to write about is how rare Smallville is in terms of quality of live action shows based on comic books. Ever since the success of the Batman movie done by Tim Burton in 1989, Warner, who has since purchased DC Comics and done a magnificent jobs re-inventing the comic-based animated series with the Bruce Timm-produced Batman, Superman, Justice League and Batman Beyond programs, took a chance on a couple of live action versions of certain heroes. Birds of Prey wasn't as successful, but the Miles Millar and Alfred Gough-created concept, which initially appealed to comic fans and teenage drama watchers alike, has put a unique, yet sustainable and modern spin on the classic canon. I was never a fan of the Smallville-era Superboy/Lana Lang portion of the Superman mythos, but tying it to an early Lex and making it modern hooked me from day one. And now, 10 seasons later, the series has done wonders in transitioning to Metropolis, Lois Lane and even superb renditions of the Justice League. While Tom Welling may never win an Oscar for his acting ability, he has been the perfect naive farm boy learning his purpose in the world. I can't say enough about the appeal of Allison Mack as Chloe and the transition into Erica Durance's PERFECT portrayal of Lois Lane. I will be sad to see this show end in a few months. If you never got a chance to see this show and had any interest in Superman, buy the series on DVD/Blu Ray and spend time watching it. You won't be disappointed.… Expand
  6. LegendaryU2K
    Sep 23, 2010
    10
    The Best Superman TV series Ever IMO. This show is even better than Superman Returns the Movie. Great cast, cool fight scenes( even tho they could be longer ) , great stories. We are in the last season now, season 10, i do hope they continue if the ratings pull way up, i think this show can go on for a few more seasons. I love this show and i enjoy ever min of it. :) Remember folks, SeasonThe Best Superman TV series Ever IMO. This show is even better than Superman Returns the Movie. Great cast, cool fight scenes( even tho they could be longer ) , great stories. We are in the last season now, season 10, i do hope they continue if the ratings pull way up, i think this show can go on for a few more seasons. I love this show and i enjoy ever min of it. :) Remember folks, Season 10 starts 9/24/2010 8pm Fridays.… Expand
  7. TheBear
    Oct 13, 2010
    10
    This is a show that seems to have constantly justify its continued existence. Smallville has become a show that barely resembles anything that it was originally but for the most part it's become stronger for it as a unique origin story of the greatest superhero of all time. Very well cast, acted and imaginative. At its worst its structure is repetitive, dialogue unneccessary cryptic andThis is a show that seems to have constantly justify its continued existence. Smallville has become a show that barely resembles anything that it was originally but for the most part it's become stronger for it as a unique origin story of the greatest superhero of all time. Very well cast, acted and imaginative. At its worst its structure is repetitive, dialogue unneccessary cryptic and not to the point, suffers from its television budget. Howver at its best it has been a charming drama about family, friendship and responsibility without being preachy, it represents an ideal vision of humanity and its horrors, its a romantic coming of age show, its a sci-fi fantasy about an alien raised by humans who then tries to discover himself. Tom Welling has played Clark Kent perfectly for nearly over a decade and has become a iconic Superman. Michael Rosenbaum as well was the best Lex Luthor ever put to screen. It's now in its final season and should stand testament as the definitive television series about comic book superheroes.… Expand
  8. Sabrinna
    Mar 14, 2011
    7
    Good beginning. Season 1 introduces our characters well and sets the scene. It focuses more on individual one-off episode plots at first as we get to know our characters. Well-done. The actress who plays Lana Lang is extremely unfortunate. Yes, she's beautiful but realistically this isn't enough. Her acting is hammy & over the top. The chemistry between Clark & Lana isn't there so it'sGood beginning. Season 1 introduces our characters well and sets the scene. It focuses more on individual one-off episode plots at first as we get to know our characters. Well-done. The actress who plays Lana Lang is extremely unfortunate. Yes, she's beautiful but realistically this isn't enough. Her acting is hammy & over the top. The chemistry between Clark & Lana isn't there so it's compensated by long extended looks many times an episode. With the weakness of Kristin Kreuk's acting its hard to believe Clark actually likes her and the pairing of Clark & Chloe seems far more likely. A 7 rating this episode for bad casting of a lead character. Great story-lines however.… Expand
  9. GoodForge
    Mar 23, 2011
    10
    Was a fantastic series for 9 seasons. I'm feeling seriously let down by the last season so far. Seems like a weak ending to a strong show. Would loved to have seen him develop more in costume and finally fly for a few seasons. Think they should have some new "power" writers on for season 11 and amp things up for the finale. Don't end with season 10.
  10. alreadytaken
    Apr 28, 2011
    10
    Hell yeah, season 1. Great cast and characterization (and Kristin Kreuk, what more could you want?). I feel like with most shows, the storyline gets too convoluted as the seasons pass. Overall though, I would highly recommend this show.
  11. Princess_Peach
    Jun 16, 2011
    10
    I've been watching Smallville since it premiered in 2001. This is a great show full of action and romance. I can't get enough. I wish it wasn't over :( To be honest though to go back and watch season 1 again it is AMAZING but each episode is a little repetitive so if u decide you want to start watching the series on Netflix just know it gets so much better.
  12. Dukay66
    Jul 17, 2011
    8
    Smallville is a pretty great show. Spanning 10 years. Its about Clark Kent (A.K.A Superman). Who knew it could of last this long. The First season was great, and the show seemed to loose its quality at the seasons kept coming. But the last season kind of put the spark back into it. It was a good show while it lasted.
  13. helomyvictim
    Sep 11, 2011
    8
    While it might not be as perfect as the other seasons of Smallville this season is still enjoyable
  14. m2727xz
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    Great show Go watch it now u will enjoy every minute of it I liked how they added metallo also other villains
    and I like drama and the romance on it wish it never ended
  15. AndyUK
    Jul 2, 2013
    7
    The first season of Smallville provides our first glimpse at Tom Welling's Clark Kent growing up. It is very fun, despite the fact that it has no real arc to speak of and most of the episodes are based around high school monsters of the week. The interactions between the characters and the great cast involved keep it interesting, such as the developing friendship between Clark and MichaelThe first season of Smallville provides our first glimpse at Tom Welling's Clark Kent growing up. It is very fun, despite the fact that it has no real arc to speak of and most of the episodes are based around high school monsters of the week. The interactions between the characters and the great cast involved keep it interesting, such as the developing friendship between Clark and Michael Rosenbaum's Lex Luthor and Luthor's own awkward relationship with his father Lionel. The highlights are probably ''X-Ray'' and the finale ''Tempest'', which ends the season on several riveting cliffhangers.… Expand
  16. crabrangoon
    Oct 5, 2013
    0
    Superman can't fly.....what a pity! If I remember my comic books, he started flying even as a baby and even his dog "Krypto" flew. This show is a disappointment to the entire franchise!
  17. SiAScORCH
    Nov 4, 2014
    9
    It's not often in a TV show you actually get to watch the character evolve like you do in this TV show. You go through many different emotions with this TV show. You seem him fall in love many times, you see what different things do to his personality and so on. I don't want to go into too much detail as to spoil it but this is definitely a series worth watching and I plan on watching itIt's not often in a TV show you actually get to watch the character evolve like you do in this TV show. You go through many different emotions with this TV show. You seem him fall in love many times, you see what different things do to his personality and so on. I don't want to go into too much detail as to spoil it but this is definitely a series worth watching and I plan on watching it over again sometime in the future when I have time. I was quite sad to hear when the season was announced. It also sucks that some main characters leave eventually as some of them made the TV show more interesting.… Expand
  18. AlvaradoKTA
    Mar 28, 2013
    8
    As soon as i started watching I was immediately hooked. I watched so many episodes each day, which led me to notice that very little advancement occurred during the entire first season. It began to seem less of a series as each episode had little effect on the next. Nevertheless, it is a great season, mainly focused on Clark's attempt at understanding his powers while dealing with highAs soon as i started watching I was immediately hooked. I watched so many episodes each day, which led me to notice that very little advancement occurred during the entire first season. It began to seem less of a series as each episode had little effect on the next. Nevertheless, it is a great season, mainly focused on Clark's attempt at understanding his powers while dealing with high school drama. The later seasons,especially after season 5, do get a lot better,… Expand
  19. cam_hunt95
    Nov 28, 2012
    8
    I thought this series was very good, up until the last episode. It seemed to me that the producers throw out all the principals, and destroyed all that was good about Smallville
  20. terryg
    Dec 6, 2012
    8
    An excellent treatment of the Superman mythos. Lots of pretty people and so-so acting. Worth a watch. Tom Welling does a great job, as does Michael Rosenbaum.
  21. Rox22
    Oct 27, 2013
    8
    I won't review every season, but rather sum up my thoughts of the series as a whole.

    Smallville was one of those shows that I avoided at first. I thought it was going to be some teen drama and only be loosely based on the comic. But the more season came out the strong the praise it got. Even some of my closest friends were raving about the show. So I went out and rented season 1 4 (4    I won't review every season, but rather sum up my thoughts of the series as a whole.

    Smallville was one of those shows that I avoided at first. I thought it was going to be some teen drama and only be loosely based on the comic. But the more season came out the strong the praise it got. Even some of my closest friends were raving about the show. So I went out and rented season 1 4 (4 had just come out at the time.) I was immediately hooked. Yes it was a teen drama, but it was also a great telling of the origin of Superman and how he went from being a naive farm boy to the Man of Steel. It shows his up, his downs. It shows him make mistakes (and sometime they were really big ones.) The show really goes out of its way to define both Clark Kent & Kal-El.

    I feel sorry for Tom Welling. I highly doubt anyone will ever be able to look at him and not think Superman. Michael Rosenbaum as well, is the PERFECT Lex Luther. Casting in general in the show is just fantastic. Not to mention all the story arc and just how much DC mythos the show covered. Everything from Brainiac to Doomsday.

    But I will give some critique. I did feel that the show was starting to go a little stale in in the later seasons, aside from season 10 which did a great job wrapping things up.

    Overall:
    Smallville did have it's flaws but on the whole it was a great show that does the Superman Franchise justice. I really do wish they would continue with Tom Welling and make a new show showing his adventures as Superman (after all, they did spend over a decade establishing the character.)    … Expand
  22. tomtom4468
    Feb 4, 2013
    5
    While I do not enjoy some of the plot points of the series, this is an interesting way of looking at Superman's origin. By itself, the show isn't that bad. However, when placed next to everything Superman, it sucks.
  23. J24OS90
    Dec 9, 2013
    7
    It's a take on the character we've not seen before on film only in short clip's or flash back's so it was nice seeing a fresh idea about the most iconic Superhero. You see him growing up in Smallville, the hardship's of a teenage life and struggling to cope with various relationship's and learning to deal with his new found superpowers and fighting various meteor infected villains and aIt's a take on the character we've not seen before on film only in short clip's or flash back's so it was nice seeing a fresh idea about the most iconic Superhero. You see him growing up in Smallville, the hardship's of a teenage life and struggling to cope with various relationship's and learning to deal with his new found superpowers and fighting various meteor infected villains and a side to Lex Luthor not a lot of people are familiar with until late on and he becomes a lot more more the Lex Luthor we know. After a few season's the story goes in a new direction and head's towards a similar story to the justice league story (minus Batman & Wonder Woman) and you meet these characters at the Daily Planet a lot of Superman fan's and a DC fan's are familiar with and know.… Expand
  24. Voodoo123
    Feb 8, 2018
    6
    Season 1 review. An engaging and inspired take on the earlier years of a teenage clark kent. Reality is, its essentially dawsons creek meets x-files for scooby doo style monster of the week adventures with occasional kisses behind the bike shed. Unexpectedly beautiful shots in some scenes with some exceptional (for the time) visual effects considering it's a tv show from 2001! SomeSeason 1 review. An engaging and inspired take on the earlier years of a teenage clark kent. Reality is, its essentially dawsons creek meets x-files for scooby doo style monster of the week adventures with occasional kisses behind the bike shed. Unexpectedly beautiful shots in some scenes with some exceptional (for the time) visual effects considering it's a tv show from 2001! Some episodes are stronger than others, but as with the x-files, the weaker episodes tend to be monster of the week ones. A must watch if you're a fan of superman material though. Would lean towards an 8/10 for season one but the monster of the week theme is too strong here!!!… Expand
  25. Lucas565
    Jan 20, 2021
    10
    A melhor série de super herói que eu já assisti eu recomendo ela é maravilhosa
  26. SamComedian
    Feb 11, 2019
    10
    Que decir de Smallville, una de mis series favoritas de siempre.
    Disfruté como un niño de sus 10 temporadas, cada capítulo. Grande banda sonora, grandes actuaciones de Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum, Kristin Kreuk, Erica Durance, etc. En general fue fantástica en mi opinión, por eso le pongo el 10 sobre 10. Mi primera crítica en la sección de TV.

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best TV Season of 2001
2
#2 Most Discussed TV Season of 2001
4
#4 Most Shared TV Season of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
  1. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: John Levesque
    Aug 6, 2013
    80
    Like an ice cube to the temple on a hot day, Smallville startles and refreshes the way "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" did in its early years. Though not as cleverly written as "Buffy," the new series about Clark Kent, tormented teenager, has much going for it: beautiful people from The WB's Burbank assembly line, movie-style special effects, a subtle sense of humor. [15 Oct 2001, p.D1]
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Barry Garron
    Aug 6, 2013
    90
    Purists might balk, but for the rest of us, the latest retelling of the Superman tale is a brilliant blend of tradition and contemporary sensibility. Not only is it a Superman for a new generation, it's a Superman for every generation. [15 Oct 2001]
  3. Deseret News
    Reviewed by: Scott D. Pierce
    Aug 6, 2013
    90
    The first hour of Smallville looks fabulous. Now it's up to the producers and writers to tell good stories and mount the show as handsomely as the pilot and maintain a bit of mystery around one of the world's most recognizable characters. [15 Oct 2001, p.C06]
See all critic reviews »