Smallville ended its impressive 10-season run this year. From young Clark Kent's (Tom Welling) early years as a teenager unsure of his place in our world to the Man of Steel, it gives added placement on how we view our heroes. Just because they're self-confident and all-powerful doesn't mean they started out that way.
Before the show premiered, many people were decrying the show's main rule "no tights, no flights" (by the time the show ended, both rules had pretty much been violated severely). Not to mention, the WB's teaser image for the show -- a stripped down Tom Welling tied to a "cross" -- gained much ire for the network. After the tragedy of 9/11, the attitudes changed into "We need a hero, now more than ever." Smallville's hero was two things at once (in more ways than one) - he was an alien on Earth, living as a human; a boy struggling to be a man; and a son trying to please two fathers.
The Hollywood Saloon has delved into the finale episode of Smallville and explores the history of the show and the character as a whole. Both Andy and John have vastly different opinions of the show, but their look at the character is extremely respectful. They also discuss their feelings regarding Zack Snyder's Man of Steel (starring Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Michael Shannon, Laurence Fishburne and Christopher Meloni) coming June 14th, 2013.
As always the Saloon never fails to deliver a great-quality episode with fantastic discussion without any BS. They are not afraid to differ in opinion, but not go so far as to offend each other. As Lionel Luthor says, "[They] do not have that luxury." So strap on the cape, tear open the shirt and go for a ride with the Hollywood Saloon through Smallville.
"You won't find the answers by looking at the stars. It's a journey you'll have to take by looking inside yourself. You must write your own destiny, Kal-El."
P.S.: Listen to the end of the episode for a VERY, VERY sweet moment with Andy's 4-year-old daughter. If you're not laughing or smiling, you have no soul. I also love the "Super Mario Galaxy" music at that point.
