Here is a perfect example of a show that has long overstayed its welcome.
When it first debuted in 2001, Smallville not only introduced the TV audience to a bevy of bright young, yet unknown, talent, but the concept was original; Explore what life was like for Clark Kent growing up as teenager before he becomes Superman.
As Smallville heads into its ninth season each episode is worse than the previous week and IMHO, some of the actors seemed bored. As one critic put it, “the show has grown long in the tooth.”
Age has also caught up with the cast. Tom Welling was in his early 20s when he first appeared on Smallville and brought to the roll what a confused teenager would react knowing the abilities he possesses, yet can’t share them with the people he cares for.
Now, in his 30s, Welling strikes me as wanting to move on to other parts. Welling may want to give that serious consideration considering how previous actors who portrayed Superman were never able to shed that stereotypical role. (Kirk Allyn, George Reeves, Christopher Reeve, Dean Cain). Add to that Welling’s previous solo movie rolls (The Fog to mention one) have not been box-office successes.
However if the cast of Smallville is satisfied with getting a regular check, plus residuals from reruns, and the CW wants to keep airing one of the few shows that has an audience on its network, then expect Smallville to be around for another few years.
When it first debuted in 2001, Smallville not only introduced the TV audience to a bevy of bright young, yet unknown, talent, but the concept was original; Explore what life was like for Clark Kent growing up as teenager before he becomes Superman.
As Smallville heads into its ninth season each episode is worse than the previous week and IMHO, some of the actors seemed bored. As one critic put it, “the show has grown long in the tooth.”
Age has also caught up with the cast. Tom Welling was in his early 20s when he first appeared on Smallville and brought to the roll what a confused teenager would react knowing the abilities he possesses, yet can’t share them with the people he cares for.
Now, in his 30s, Welling strikes me as wanting to move on to other parts. Welling may want to give that serious consideration considering how previous actors who portrayed Superman were never able to shed that stereotypical role. (Kirk Allyn, George Reeves, Christopher Reeve, Dean Cain). Add to that Welling’s previous solo movie rolls (The Fog to mention one) have not been box-office successes.
However if the cast of Smallville is satisfied with getting a regular check, plus residuals from reruns, and the CW wants to keep airing one of the few shows that has an audience on its network, then expect Smallville to be around for another few years.
