Is Smallville Taking On Conservatives?

Is Smallville Taking On Conservatives?

In the opinion of Vic Holtreman of Big Hollywood, Smallville seems to have taken on conservatives as the case is made for and against the idea of superhero vigilantes.

By EdGross - Oct 30, 2010 05:10 PM EST
Filed Under: Smallville
Source: Big Hollywood

"A definite political agenda has crept into the show," writes Holtreman. "It started out fine with the season premiere episode, but in the second episode (entitled 'Shield') they introduced a character from the comics named Cat Grant. Here she was portrayed as a typical Conservative woman as seen through the distorted glasses worn by a Liberal: She was naive, arrogant, judgmental, and annoying as hell in a squeaky clean way. She referred to the fact that superheroes should 'come out of the shadows (i.e. closet)' even though she thought they were obviously 'bad.' I was annoyed but thought, eh, maybe I’m reading to much into it."



He next points to episode three, "Supergirl" and the radio host that seems very much modeled after a number of contemporary conservative radio hosts, such as Michael Savage and Glenn Beck. Godfrey, of course, speaks out against the vigilantes (which the writer feels is the equivalent of illegal immigrants). Says Holtreman,

"He’s taken over by a super-baddie and fans the flames of fear and hatred against super-vigilantes. Oh, he’s religious, too. Second episode in a row… maybe it’s NOT just my imagination. Now we’re onto the next: 'Homecoming.' In this episode, four minutes from the end, Oliver Queen (aka Green Arrow) goes off full-on into a liberal talking points speech – talking about oil money greed and putting up a barbed wire fence to keep out people that just want a better life. Granted, the comic book character has always been portrayed as a Liberal, but he’s been on the show for 3 1/2 years and this is the first I’ve noticed it. Yeah. Something is definitely up."



"Isis" marked the return of Cat Grant, who continued to drive home her conservative point of view. The writer discussed the situation with readers who at first were skeptical, but have gradually come to see his point of view.

"Of course at least one irony found in this situation, is that while the staff of Smallville is all for using super-powered vigilantes as allegory, I’m pretty sure they’d be the first to cry foul at the thought of real-life vigilantes stopping crime," he offers, "just as I would guess they’re against allowing citizens to protect themselves via the second amendment – you know, the one that makes you and me 'super-powered' against an overpowering adversary. Of course this is all speculation on my part… *cough*."

What's your feeling about this debate? Sound off below, and follow the link to read the rest of Holtreman's article.

About The Author:
EdGross
Member Since 11/24/2008
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