“Smallville” is one of the more divisive subjects on this site. After reading numerous articles and editorials—along with the related comments, it appears to split the ‘audience’ down the middle. Obviously, there are a lot of reasons for the split regarding the depiction of the series over the past decade. As an audience, CBM people tend to be a bit closed minded at times, unforgiving, and demanding. This is
not an insult. All loyalists have these qualities pertaining to their favorite subject. The same can be said for Harry Potter fans, Twilight fans, and fans of the major sports (in the U.S.). It just means they are a passionate lot.
“Season 11” looks to follow in the steps of Joss Whedon’s follow-ups to both “Buffy” and “Angel.” For its audience, this is terrific. The naysayers will (and already have to an extent) oppose it. “It’s a crap show” is one of the most repetitive comments left below “Smallville” articles and editorials. “Season 11” is for the fans of the show and some who may wish to see an alternate version of Superman. Some may consider it DC’s ‘Ultimate’ Superman as its timeline began similarly to Spidey’s ultimate version.
The benefits of a “Season 11” in comic book form are numerous. The most important ones are simple. The same reason that the CBM crowd loves the books and frustrates over the movies/shows: no budget constraints. Michael Rosenbaum no longer wanting to shave his head doesn’t apply. No character will have to die, be disfigured, or have a new face (actor) simply because the originator of the role got a new job. The issues (episodes) are no longer limited to a few moments of a single superpower’s use. The expansion of abilities and development of villains can know no bounds. Braniac won’t be stuck looking like Spike with black hair dye doing a poor T-1000 impression. Darkseid can be actualized! Superman will have full use of his powers. The Fortress and, or scenes on Krypton are no longer cheapened. The other JL members can be used as much or as little as possible. Pete could feasibly return and not be the fop for a commercial gum tie-in. The creators have already stated they will have old and new characters and interpretations throughout.
An even greater benefit of the book format: correcting and cleaning up errant storylines. The Kawachi caves can be down played or ignored. Clark no longer needs to teleport from Kansas to The Fortress. Lana’s powers can be fixed or removed…or she can be removed. The Lana-Lex marriage can be admonished altogether since his memories have been eradicated. One more fix: Doomsday and Jimmy. The series “future” flash already set the tone for fixing Jimmy’s death with the implication that his little brother is the true Jimmy Olsen. Davis Bloome/Doomsday was perhaps one of the most conflicted storylines. Comic books always find a way to repair insipid storylines of the past (Spidey’s Clone Saga) and make them fit in a more sensible and less impactful way. There is still the lingering question if Doomsday is still buried beneath that nuclear reactor and why Clark doesn’t remember how he escaped the explosion.
Lastly, the clouds can be lifted. The major cloud was tone. Beyond the first two seasons, Clark was pretty miserable and smiled only when his parents complimented him. His on and off relationship with Lana never lasted long enough to keep him happy. He appeared more negatively burdened by his powers than Peter Parker for Uncle Ben’s death. He can enjoy being who he is. He’s actualized in his powers and his love for Lois. He’s moved forward and accepted. The remaining clouds aside from budget issues are those of age and acting. The audience will no longer be challenged by the credibility of Kristin Kreuk, Allison Mack, or Justin Hartley’s acting skills. The characters will sink or swim via keystrokes and brush strokes. Tom Welling eyes will have more than one look…and they will finally have the blue that they claimed during the show (his eyes are green despite Chloe’s allusions otherwise). Age: this is the big one. Tom Welling appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s show prior to the series finale pretending to be in his mid twenties. He has always been more than six years older than the role. The best part of the age issue is he will be in his mid twenties in the book, and remain within that range as long as the creative team wishes. This stands for all the characters.
In closing, anyone who was interested in “Smallville” should give “Season 11” a try. It should be fun, interesting, colorful, and just what one may have wanted since the show premiered in 2001.