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Smallville - The Complete First Season

Smallville - The Complete First Season

List Price: $59.98
Your Price: $44.99
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Mixed production, but overall good show
Review: When Smallville first debuted, I was initially skeptical of the premise. It was one thing to delve into Clark Kent's psyche (as did the earlier Lois ans Clark) but not being a fan of my own small town existence, I wondered what a pre-Superman cannon addition could seriously offer myself other than brooding good looks.

Vauglely remembering the Dukes of Hazzard from my own early childhood, I also wondered what strange grip John Schneider had on hollywood (incriminiating conversations, photos..etc) to cast him as Jonathan "Pa" Kent, who should (by all accounts) be a heavyset bespectacled older man. Annette O'Toole (Lana from the movies) is a generally agreeable choice for Martha "Ma" Kent in the tradition of intra-franchise joking, but the two seem too sophisticated for the roles, even by previous series standards which made it clear open-minded people lived in all areas of the country (including small-town family farms).

Also problematic is the series repeated inistence that Smallville is only a short distance from Metropolis when it has been previously established on the East Coast (approximately where New York City resides)in numerous earlier Superman incarnations (his being able to travel home in minutes for counseling from the parents).

Reeling from Buffy's untimely cancelation, I managed to find some captivating portions of this series which would be memorable for anybody willing to wade through and/or overlook the earlier mentioned nitpicks. This series obviously borrows heavily from the long-established DC franchise, but it also subtlely infuses a healthy dose of sophisticated political commentary.

Hinting at the real-life current challenges facing many students with disabilities and/or GLBT students, Clarks parents encourage him to be careful whom he tells the truth about himself to in their small 'close-minded' town and to remember his physical limitations (in his case being stronger than others, and/or staying away from the meteor rocks which dot the landscape and provide much of the challenges). Being different in a small town is different, and periodically stiffling for teens who do not fit a pre-defined cookie-cutter ideal, but internal strength (self esteem) immeasurably helps find your way through (and yourself in) the tourtorous ordeal.

Partly as a result of this same leveling experience, Clark develops great empathy for others and concern for social justice---later becoming the famed "Man of Steel".

In one episode which remains eerily reminicent of the real-life murder of University of Wyoming college student Matthew Shepard, Clark is [unclothed] and tied to a fence post by the popular Smallville High jock in retailiation for making eyes at his long-time crush Lana Lang.

Because Lana is still in the phase where she wears a fragment of the meteor rock around her neck in memory of her dead parents, Clark cannot physically get near her for most of this season without getting ill.

Indicative of his future with Lois Lane (of the Terri Hatcher era), we also meet Chloe Sullivan, the editor of the high school newspaper, the Torch who favors herself a cross between Woodward/Bernstein and Gloria Steinem. Lana's polar opposite in both dress and demeanor, Chloe suspects there is far more going on in the town than what the authority figures are telling her, but cannot yet figure it out despite her most persistent intentions (which are amazingly accurate in many instances). Even at this point in his life, Clark recognizes he is attracted to strong and independent-minded women, but cannot himself figure out how to reveal his idenitity without being reduced to [strange] status on her infamous "Wall of Weird" and presumably carted away to a research lab. If taking history seriously, he's eventually supposed to go out with Lana, but I really want to see these two together instead and think the resultant generated plotlines would be more interesting.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A sleeper hit television show
Review: Smallville is one of those gems that most people didn't expect to even go much beyond its pilot episode. However, when viewers and critics alike actually began to watch the show, it knocked everyone's socks off!

What Smallville does is put a new and refreshing spin on the Superman story. Most people know his story as a baby and how the Kents adopted him. And we're all familiar with him wearing the red cape and changing in telephone booths.

What happened in between? The teenage years for any normal person can be filled with drama and challenges. But imagine being the most powerful being on earth, with new and emerging powers to discover (Clark still can't really fly yet). We know he will eventually use his powers for good, but how tough of a road is it for our young hero?

This dramatic irony is what makes this show absolutely fantastic. We know Clark becomes Superman, we know he ends up with Lois Lane and NOT Lana, and we know Clark and Lex Luther will eventually become arch enemies. We know Clark's destination, but we're now getting a good look at his trip.

Every season, Clark takes another huge step towards realizing his destiny. Supposedly, a young Bruce Wayne (Batman) will make an appearance soon, along with Lois Lane, Perry White (Clark's future boss at the Daily Planet), and Jimmy Olsen (the young photographer at the Planet). So things are beginning to come full circle.

You don't need to be a comic book fan, nor knowledgable of anything Superman to enjoy this great series.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: $[V]äLlvîLlë Ï$ _lü$+ AWESOME !¡!¡!¡!¡!
Review: Well first of all !! i'm from mexico !! and from there i watch every single day .. SMALLVILLE !! it's just great, i love it !!!
Lana's role (Kristin Kreuk) is wonderful !! as well as the other characters !! of coarse i can't forget Clark's role (Tom Welling)!! He is just a very handsome guy, that make his job extremely Wonderful !! He is just the guy that every SINGLE girl want to have as a BOYFRIEND... but I'm very sad because smallville DVD seasons haven't arrived to MEXICO !! but if they someday arrived, do not doubt im going to have them ALL !!!( I hope thay soon be on sale, in this country)...
IMPORTANT: Every day that I watch the episodes they leave me SO AMAZED...that at the next day i just can't wait to watch what would happend NEXT !!!! ... I thank you all producers, characters, singers, etc. for making this awesome JOB, since i can remember i haven't seen such a Wonderful TV SHOW !! really i mean it >> thank YOU !!!

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: A Failed Attempt at a new
Review: This show is just plain bad. The characters are one dimensional, and there is no story advancement for the entire season. Every week there is a different corny villain with no motivation (or acting skills). Clark Kent looks like he is 25 years old, Lana whines a lot, and Pete Ross is annoying. The only episodes worth watching are the first and the last of the season, all the episodes in between are simply self contained wastes (and don't even contribute to the main arc). If you want to purchase a great season of T.V., buy "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" Season Two. Just avoid "Smallville" at all costs.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: TV watch out!!!!!!!!!!
Review: This New ( 4th season ) tv show is AWESOME! Smallville is my favorite TV show!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait 4 the DVD! THIS DVD IS 6 discs long and is waiting 4 millions (or billions) of people to own it!!!!!!!!! (including me!!!!!!) This DVD will ROCK! [SCREAM!!!]

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Smallville is simply outstanding..........
Review: First of all, I don't watch that much tv or tv shows in particular, but there is one show I religiously follow: Smallville. I have been hooked since the first pilot aired and the show still continues to amaze me. The writing, direction and cast are all top-notch. Smallville is one of those rare treasures on television that doesn't come along often. It's unique blend and take on the young Superman legend is fresh and exciting, always holding your attention, pulling you in and charming you with its magic spell.

Smallville's main strength is in its character development, without a doubt. The view knows exactly who these characters are, inside and out, and you have to give a lot of credit to the writers--they have done a remarkable job of developing Clark and Lana's relationship and making us crave for more, at the same time, always adding some new twists along the way. I love looking at Kristin Kreuk; she has an amazing, beautiful face that everyone has fallen in love with! Luckily, all the other characters are interesting as well, have prominent roles to play and everybody is connected to each other in one way or another. One of the things I absolutely love about Smallville is the dialogue; it's never corny or stupid like all the other shows. I listen to what the characters say and I'm always impressed by the dialogue and how sophisticated it is. I would say Michael Rosenbaum playing Lex Luthor always delivers the best lines; it's concise, powerful, eloquent and razor-sharp. In fact, every episode feels like watching a big-screen movie with all the various elements of the show coming together perfectly. Simply put, Smallville is an outstanding, extremely appealing and expertly crafted show. I hope they come out with the second season DVD soon!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A great show!
Review: I admit it, I was skeptical about the show's premise at first, but after watching it, Smallville became one of my favorite shows. It has the drama, the humor, the great writing and great cast. Smallville is the type of show that the whole family could watch together, and there's something in each episode for everyone. Tom Welling, of course, is eye candy and he's perfectly cast as the pre-flying Superman. He shows a lot of sensitivity, but he does not overplay a scene. Michael Rosenbaum has a lot of charisma, and it's always interesting when he's in a scene. One anxiously awaits his next moves because one does not know if he's going to do something bad or good. John Schneider & the woman who plays Clark Kent's mom are both wonderful actors also. I'm glad to see John Schneider on TV again; he still looks great.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Great series
Review: I first heard about this series from a friend, and thought nothing of it, as it sounded like it would last a year or two max. Regretedly, I didnt actually get to see an episode until the season 1 finale, and boy was i wrong. I have been a fan of Superman since i was 4 or 5, and this is a show i never thought would make it until i actually saw it.

Admitedly, the show can cheesy at times, and sometimes a bit sappy as well, but nonetheless, it is always entertaining and making you beg for more.

Highlights of the show are always those scenes with Clark and Lex. These scenes are very fun to watch, as you know that these two will eventually become arch enemies, which is quite sad if you see this show, where lex is actually a good guy.

Aside from Clark and Lex, the second best part of the show is when Clark is actually using his powers. For example, in the episode "Duplicity", Pete, after finding out about Clark's powers, challenges Clark to a game of basketball. Clark agrees and quickly jumps 60 or 70 feet in the air and slam dunks the ball. Other such events throughout the seasons make this show extremely entertaining.

The acting is decent, although not stellar, with the exception of Lex, who is superb. Aside from that, the show is great, and shows great promise, especially with the great ending to season 2.

Im definately going to buy this dvd in september, and i recommend it to everyone, so you can see this show without commercials!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Why can't other shows come to DVD as quickly?
Review: I am referring to Sci Fi favs such as Lost In Space, Sliders, and Roswell. Speaking of Roswell, Smallville owes alot to the popular series of young alien hybrids. Both are shows about a small town (also being the one-word title of the show) where a tall dark haired boy in his late teens has come from another world, only to be adopted by caring parents here. He has powers which he discovers by the day, (along with his siblings in Roswell's case) and gradually gains the trust of a group of friends. But there is danger at every turn! And just as Roswell was moved from its network, Smallville moved in - virtually a copy of the format, faster paced though not as thoughtful. But hey, Smallville has gone from strength to strength! After its powerhouse of a pilot, it began the typical 'freak of the week' first season that most fantasy shows (ie Buffy) step out with. As it does so, it builds a mythology of its own, and then uses that for the remaining seasons. Tom Welling is very likeable as Clark, and the cast (esp his parents) are very well cast. But dont expect to see this series end with him donning the red panties -- aint gonna happen! Although there are enough nods to his future self to make a significant list!
Let's hope the show gets better and better (so far so good) and doesnt diminish by year 5. A tall order? Maybe, maybe not!
And oh god, werent previous Clark/Superboy series just terrible?! THIS one rocks!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Ya gotta love Lex
Review: So why buy Smallville season 1?? Two words for you. Michael Rosenbaum. His portrayal of Lex Luthor truly makes the show. Even the producers of the show call his performance "magical".

In fact just the thought of what a young Lex Luthor would be like is what initially sparked my interest in the show.

And you cant forget Lionel Luthor played by the amazing John Glover. The scenes between Lex and his father are dynamic.

I pray we end up with the entire series on DVD.


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