Smallville, Supernatural, and Sarah Conner Chronicles

It's been a while since I posted, but WOW, how could I not post about the new season for these three shows.

Smallville has been much better than I expected it to be. I'm loving the first two episodes. The Lois-Clark interchange in the second episode of the new season was so much like the first few episodes of Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman that I literally had chills watching it. And seeing Clark free from the clouds that are Lex and Lana has actually been pretty nice. Not to mention the Justice League scenes in the first episode were pretty cool too. More Green Arrow, please. He's yummy.

Supernatural has been frakking amazing! Each year I brag to my friends about how much better it was than the last, but these first two episodes have been the best of all so far, and that's really saying something. I mean, WOW. I puzzled all summer over how they would play the whole Dean going to Hell scenerio in a way that would make sense and come across as entertaining, and I never once thought about them bringing God into it. Genius, and inspiring. Not to mention I'm loving this new direction the show's taking. Right now this is my favorite show on TV.

The Sarah Connor Chronicles is a close second though. I didn't think they could top last season, but from the moment Shirley Manson started singing Samson and Deliah over the opening scene montage, I knew I was in for a fun ride. All the episodes so far have been excellent. I'm amazed a TV show like this exists. It's like watching a top quality movie every week. I can't recommend it enough.

Comic Con, Dark Knight and Lost Boys

After reading and hearing all the feedback from this year's Comic Con, it is now my life's goal to go to Comic Com at least once before I die. I missed, apparently, an amazing Smallville panel and a highly entertaining Supernatural panel (not to mention a chance to get an in-person autograph from my future husband, Jensen Ackles, but, you know. That's life, I guess). I also missed the Wolverine trailer premiere and cool news from The Sarah Conner Chronicles and T4. I'm not far from Atlanta, so I'd originally hoped to go to Dragon Con this year, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. Bummer.

I did see "The Dark Knight" and wow, what an intense movie! It was an amazing movie-going experience, and Heath Ledger was creepy and fantastic as the Joker. However, it was such an intense movie, it's not one I'll see over and over again. I'm still digesting it from the first viewing. They don't call it "The Dark Knight" for no reason.

Since this is a "fangirl" blog, I am going to veer off and admit this: I also saw "The Lost Boys: The Tribe." "The Lost Boys" was one of my favorite movies as a teen. When I heard they were actually, finally doing a sequel, my gut did a nosedive. As with any sequel, it could go either way - really good or disgustingly bad. I didn't see how it could be really good given the few things I'd heard about it. Well, I was right. However, it wasn't as horrible as I was expecting. I suppose since my expectations were so low, I was pleasantly surprised at how so-so I thought it was. It certainly didn't have the coolness or the style as the original. The casting was uggh, but it could have been worse.

Does anyone know if they're going to release the full Smallville Season 8 trailer anywhere? The ones on YouTube are atrocious.

Bye-bye, Moonlight; Flash Gordon - really?

By now, if you’re a fan of the show, I’m sure you’ve heard that “Moonlight” has been cancelled. My favorite new show of the season, cancelled! At least “The Sarah Conner Chronicles” will live to see another year. I’m not sure I could have handled both of my favorite new shows biting the dust. I applaud the “Moonlight” fan base for taking action to try to get the show on another network. I sent off a few letters, but I haven’t mobilized with much of the enthusiasm they are showing. I became cynical of such movements back when my all-time favorite show, “Dark Angel,” was cancelled. I wrote numerous letters, signed every petition, donated money for an ad to appear in numerous trade magazines, talked to friends to recruit them for the cause, and so on. It didn’t make one bit of difference. Now that “Jericho” has left a bad taste in CBS’s mouth, I doubt similar fan campaigns ever have a chance of succeeding again. But, this is one I hope does. I can’t imagine life without Mick St. John now that he’s ensnared me with his dark, good looks and vampy style.

Apparently, a live-action “Flash Gordon” movie is being made. What?! You mean, the first one was considered a flop? I loved the campiness of the Sam Jones, 80s flick, but it might be nice to see a new version on the big screen. Whatever happened to the Sci-Fi series, anyway? Cancelled? Renewed? I stopped watching about halfway through the season.

X-Files trailer FINALLY, Iron Man rocks, and Smallville news

I felt like my birthday had come when I realized the X-Files movie trailer was now online. FINALLY! My goodness, I felt like I was unwrapping a gift as I watched it the first time at www.xfiles.com. I must admit, I was slightly disappointed with it simply because I can't quite figure out what the movie is going to be about. I had to watch it six times to develop my theory - that it involves a psychic helping Mulder search for a kidnapper/killer/monster? who may or may not be holding a woman against her will, and there's a lot of snow involved. I think it took me so long to develop this theory because I kept trying to bring aliens into it. I don't think aliens are involved though. Who knows? I'm probably wrong.

I did see Iron Man on opening weekend, and it totally rocks! Best movie of the year so far. Robert Downey Jr. is amazing in it. Is it sad to admit I've already seen it twice? Yes, I liked it that much. Stay for the ending credits to finish, by the way. I saw something the second time I didn't see the first time.

Finally, "Smallville" has finished its season, and I am both anxious and nervous about the next season. No Lex? Wow. I can't imagine it after the way this cliffhanger was presented. Thank God Chloe is hanging around. I probably would have stopped watching if she hadn't been. I'm a little bummed by the reports that Kara won't be coming back either as a regular. That girl kinda grew on me after a while.

"Smallville": My take on Season 8

Now that I’ve ranted about the things I don’t like about “Smallville,” I’m going to try and envision in writing what I’d love to see happen in the final season of the show.

First of all, Clark seriously needs to spend more quality time with Jor-El at the Fortress of Solitude learning more about Krypton’s history, Kal-El’s purpose and abilities, and doing some full-on training with Kara’s help. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I have nothing against Kristen Kreuk, the actress, but I’m really glad she’ll only be in a handful of episodes next season. With Lana out of sight, Clark can focus on and mature to the point of accepting his true destiny. Being a shipper myself, I sympathize with the Clana fans, and I truly believe they deserve a rewarding end to Clark and Lana’s romantic relationship. We all knew from day one that Clark ends up with Lois Lane, not Lana Lang, but because Clana fans have been so tortured throughout the years, I would love to see Lana and Clark realize they are not destined to be together and part on good terms as friends. Let’s get rid of this dark Lana. In fact, I say let Lana have an epiphany about what she’s become and decide to leave Clark and Smallville behind to find herself again. Let the character depart with some integrity, for crying out loud.

Lex Luther has been the villain-in-training for far too long now. Bring on evil Lex once and for all. Well, we all know this is happening – probably next week – so with Rosenbaum probably only returning for part of the season as well, I’d love to see more villains from the mythos arrive on the scene. Brainiac has been awesome, for the most part. I wouldn’t mind seeing him on more, too.

It’s about time for more Clois. As much as it pains me to admit it, I don’t mean in the romantic sense either. It’s way too early for that. Clark has shown practically no interest in journalism since he graduated, so let’s get him in journalism school or something already! As a newspaper reporter myself of some 10+ years, I can say while it is possible for someone to get a job in a newsroom without a degree, it wouldn't happen at a paper as renowned as The Daily Planet. Besides, it would be kind of fun to see Clark interning under Lois’ guidance at the Daily Planet. It would be a good idea for them to start sprinkling seeds of affection between these two because, right now, I can’t ever see “Smallville’s” Clark and Lois pairing up. Clark acts like he hates Lois half the time. I could do without Jimmy being on the show, but since we’re stuck with him now, shouldn’t we see Jimmy developing some hero worship toward Clark by now? This Jimmy is too cocky and competitive with Clark. I know “Smallville” doesn’t stick to the mythos, but come on, some things are just sacred.

Finally, I know Tom Welling will never put on the suit, and I’m fine with that. I think, however, it would great if in one of the final scenes we see Clark find the suit, maybe a gift from Jor-El, and could be holding it. Next scene, we see people – Chloe among them -- looking up to the sky in wonder. Wouldn’t that be awesome?

I have no idea how the writers could ever explain Lois, Jimmy, Perry and so many others not recognizing Clark as Superman, but I guess anything is possible. And, if Supergirl sticks around – and I hope she does because I’ve grown really fond of that girl on this show – I’d love to see a spin-off series based on her. But, that’s just me.

That’s my two cents’ worth, in case anyone cares. I’ll end with this awesome Youtube video I found that makes my little Clois shipper heart beat all aflutter. Check it out. Did I mention it’s awesome?

Ranting about "Smallville" - Part 1

One of my favorite podcasts to listen to at work is Starkville’s House of El podcast. Lord, I don’t know how I’d make it through the day sometimes without podcasts. By the way, if you know of any good ones, post a comment. But, anyway. After listening to the past two episodes of House of El with Steve and Derek, I felt inspired to dedicate not one, but two entire posts to my opinions of “Smallville.”

Yes, folks, I’m going to talk about Superman again. :)

“Smallville.” I’ve watched pretty much from the beginning, but I didn’t really get into the show until the fourth season. Sure, blame it on the shipper in me. My love for Superman began when I was a wee child intrigued by the Superman-Lois relationship in the Christopher Reeve films. When “Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” premiered, I was in seventh heaven. When they brought Lois Lane onto “Smallville,” it made absolutely no sense at all, but I loved seeing a new version of Lois and Clark on my TV screen. I guess one of the reasons I’d never been all that into “Smallville” in the past was because I disliked the idea of Clark and Lana so much. So, while most fans see Season Four as the beginning of the downfall of “Smallville,” it’s actually the season that pulled me into the show. Because of Lois. Erica Durance rocks. She’s one of my favorite Lois Lane’s ever.

Three seasons later, I’m beyond frustrated with certain aspects of “Smallville.” The fact that the writers have never stayed faithful to the general mythos of the legend has always bothered me. Martha was never a senator! Kara isn’t older than Kal-el! And, sure, I love Lois, but Clark didn’t know Lois in high school! I also have a problem with what’s happened with Lana throughout these seasons. I think Kristen Kreuk is a great actress, but I’ve had a lot of trouble swallowing this dark version of Lana that’s been progressing steadily. I don’t blame Kristen for wanting to retire the character. And, if I were a Clana shipper, I’d be so disgusted at the way the show has treated the couple. Together. Not together. Together. Not together. Geez. That has to have been tough on Clana shippers.

As for Lois Lane, I’m a little disgusted at what the writers have done to her, too. I mean, come on. “Smallville’s” version of Lois is a tad bit on the promiscuous side — she’s probably slept with half the Justice League at this point! I’ve certainly never envisioned Lois Lane as a prude, but I’ve never thought of her as promiscuous before! It kind of bothers me. It also bothers me that Clark and Lana have slept together, because I’ve always thought of Clark as being more principled than that. It always bothered me that Clark and Lois got busy in “Superman II,” too. It just seems…out of character for him.

Besides that, we’re into Season 7 now, and Clark’s progress toward becoming Superman has been painfully slow, thanks largely to his obsession with Lana. Another reason I’m no big fan of the character of Lana. I know we’ll never see Tom Welling in the suit, and Clark will never fly on the show. But when Clark found the Fortress of Solitude in the Season 5 cliffhanger, a big part of me screamed, “Yes! This is finally it. Clark will start training to become Superman now!” But has he? Not really.

I read a spoiler that Season 8 – which is sure to be the show’s last – is going to be heavy on Clois. I doubt they mean Clois as a romantic pairing, but all I could thank when I read that was, Thank God.

Enough ranting. My next post will feature my idea of how the final season of “Smallville” should end. I’ll try to post it later today.

Superman in the news and Birds of Prey on DVD!

It’s always fun to visit superhero fan-based sites on April Fool’s Day because there are some very creative fans out there. I remember, as a newbie to the fandom, falling prey to Kryptonsite’s prank a few years ago, stating that Brandon Routh would make an appearance on “Smallville” as an alternate dimension Superman to Tom Welling’s Clark Kent. There was also one about Jesse McCartney playing “Aquaman” in a WB series — before the real Aquaman pilot starring Justion Hartley was ever conceived. I didn’t realize at the time that it was only a joke. So, this year, there were some pretty funny ones out there, but my favorite was the news that 2010 would bring us a “Superman vs. Spider-Man” film starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Spidey and a CG actor as Superman. Yeah, right. Good one.

My No. 1 man, the Man of Steel, has been generating a lot of buzz now that it’s confirmed a sequel to “Superman Returns” is in pre-production. Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth have both given comments about their roles in the project, simply stating they are looking forward to reprising their characters. Too bad the story idea from Derek and Tucker over at the House of El wasn’t chosen for the screenplay. It would have been nice to see true fans actually have some input.

Speaking of the Man of Steel, I’m glad that the Seigel family won part of the copyright to Superman. Too often the creators lose out on profits because of Hollywood politics and immoral lawyers. Besides, Jerry Seigel met his widow, Joanne, when she showed up to model the character of Lois Lane. That alone makes her worthy in my book. :)

Onto “Smallville,” how awesome were the past two episodes? “Traveler” was amazing. You go, Kara! I’m really warming up to the idea of a Supergirl spinoff show. Chloe’s heart-felt speech to Jor-El to restore Kara’s memory and save Clark was awesome, and it was nice to see Dale, er, I mean “Flash Gordon’s” Gina Holden guest starring as Virgil Swan’s daughter. “Veritas” wasn’t as exciting for me, but at least Lana has been taken care of for the moment. Maybe that’s how the show will explain the end of Clana and handle the exit of Kristen Kreuk next season. And, music to my ears: Supermanhomepage.com has posted a blurb from SciFiWire that next season of "Smallville" will focus on Lois and Clark. Hallelujah! Amen! I'm so psyched about this, I can hardly wait.

Here’s another tidbit I’m excited about: the defunct WB show "Birds of Prey" will finally make it to DVD July 29. The Huntress, Batgirl and the Black Canary will be fighting together, living together, and soaring into adventure together when Warner Home Video's releases "Birds of Prey: The Complete Series," which includes all 13 episodes from the series plus all-new bonus features in a 4-disc collection. I loved this show and was sad when the WB axed it prematurely. Maybe Ashley Scott’s run on the cult favorite “Jericho” made Warner Brothers realize it was a good time to release it — finally!

Finally, I saw “The Superhero Movie” in theaters. It was pretty lame, and not very funny. Too bad. It sounded like a great premise.