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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Betsy Wallace and Caroline Gates-Shannon

It's been 18 years since a meteor shower rained down on Smallville, Kansas, dropping off little Clark Kent (Tom Welling) in a spaceship and altering the small town forever. SMALLVILLE tracks Clark Kent and friends -- including pretty Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk) -- through high school and into college. During these young-adult years, Clark discovers details about his own history, as well as the fate of his home planet and his biological parents. Better yet, he furthers his journey toward fully realizing his super powers. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum), once Clark's best friend, gives into the dark side. And Lana and Clark struggle to keep their relationship alive in the big city of Metropolis.

Is It Any Good?

3

Smallville revives the superhero genre in an intelligent, if often mature, action series. One of the best aspects of the series, and the most fun for young viewers, is watching the young Clark slowly come into his powers; he's super fast, can see through walls, and has acquired super hearing.

On the whole, Smallville emphasizes the values of family and friendship. But it's pretty violent by early primetime standards. And unlike the Superman movies and previous television series, its tone is serious rather than playful.

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