Now beginning its sixth season, this new interpretation of the enduring Superman mythology and its classic characters blends realism and adventure into an exciting action series. This season, Clark Kent (Tom Welling, “Cheaper By the Dozen”) and Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum, “Sorority Boys”) have become the sworn enemies that comic book aficionados have always known and loved.
Seventeen years ago, a meteor shower burst from the heavens, raining destruction on the unsuspecting citizens of Smallville, Kansas. Clark’s transition from boyhood to manhood has been particularly difficult. He has struggled to come to grips with his emerging superpowers — and the effects of various forms of kryptonite — while battling the strange things that have plagued this idyllic Midwest hamlet since the meteor shower.
In last season’s finale, Brainiac (James Marsters, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Angel”) unleashed a deadly computer virus upon the world while Zod, an evil Kryptonian responsible for the destruction of that planet, took over Lex’s body. Lex was imbued with special abilities much like Clark’s. Lex confided in Lana (Kristin Kreuk, “Earthsea”) about his new powers, and the two grew closer. Clark realized the only way to stop Zod was to kill Lex with a crystalline dagger given to him by Jor-El. Finding he couldn’t murder his former friend, Clark instead impales Brainiac with it, inadvertently opening the portal to Zod. This explosion ultimately sends Clark to The Phantom Zone, leaving Lex/Zod to rule the world. Lois (Erica Durance, “The Butterfly Effect 2”) and Martha (Annette O’Toole, “Superman II”) were left unconscious on a LuthorCorp jet that was about to crash, while Lionel (John Glover, “Batman and Robin,” “Annie Hall”) and Chloe (Allison Mack, “My Horrible Year!”) were trapped in a limo surrounded by rioters.
This season Clark must battle his way out of the Phantom Zone. Thrown into this Kryptonian jail created by Jor-El, Clark finds himself without powers and surrounded by revenge-seeking criminals sent away by his father. Jor-El’s old *********, a young woman named Raya (guest star Pascale Hutton), comes to his aid in the Phantom Zone and helps Clark escape. Unfortunately, there may have been others who escaped with him.
The guardians of Clark’s secret identity have always been his adoptive parents, Jonathan (John Schneider, “The Dukes of Hazzard”) and Martha Kent. However, last season, Jonathan died of a heart attack after discovering Lionel knew Clark’s secret. Clark feels responsible for his death and has a difficult time adjusting to the loss. Martha took over Jonathan’s Senate seat and hired Lois to be her chief-of-staff. This season, Martha continues to adjust to life without Jonathan, but is conflicted about her growing feelings for Lionel. Though Lionel has offered to help Clark, Martha is unsure of his motives.
Lana felt utterly betrayed by Clark last season and turned to Lex for comfort. Encouraged by Lex’s openness, she vowed to stand by him. This season, their relationship gets serious, widening the gap between Lana and Clark. While Lex loves Lana, he is still driven by his ambitions and continues down the path of evil. Though he promised to always tell Lana the truth, he realizes some things need to stay a secret in order to maintain his relationship with her.
Clark and Lex’s friendship has completely dissolved, and the two have become enemies, forcing Clark to work harder to protect his secret. On top of the fact that Lex stole Lana from him, Clark sees the dangerous path Lex is taking and vows to stop him. This season, best friends turn into bitter enemies battling the very forces of good and evil.
Additionally, there is a new billionaire in town with the arrival of DC Comics character Oliver Queen, aka Green Arrow (Justin Hartley, “Passions”). Although he has no superpowers, Oliver is a gifted archer who qualified for the U.S. Olympic team, but chose to put his skills to work as the “emerald archer.” He steals ill-gotten gains from the rich and gives to the poor. Oliver comes from Star City to Metropolis to aid in the recovery from Brainiac’s deadly virus. While in town, he meets and is charmed by Lois Lane, igniting suspicion and a little jealousy in Clark. Oliver discovers Clark’s abilities and asks Clark to join him in his new project – forming a league of superheroes.
Chloe is pleasantly surprised when former fling and aspiring photographer Jimmy Olsen (guest star Aaron Ashmore, “Veronica Mars”) joins the staff of The Daily Planet, and the two rekindle their relationship.
Reinterpreting the Superman mythology from its roots, “Smallville” was developed for television by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar (“Shanghai Noon,” “Spiderman 2”), based on the DC Comics characters. Gough and Millar serve as executive producers, along with Ken Horton, Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins and Joe Davola. The series is produced by Tollin/Robbins Productions, Millar/Gough Ink and Warner Bros. Television Production Inc. SUPERMAN was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster.
