TVSquad

(S08E08) Kara is back, fulfilling Laura Vandervoort's one-episode obligation for this season. She looked like she stepped right out of one of the Mad Max movies. The only question I had is how they would quickly dispose of the character after reintroducing her and I admit that they threw me on that one. I figured she'd die in the Phantom Zone, but it would somewhat diminish the spin-off possibilities if they did that. The current tactic of sending her on an indefinite mission so they could bring her back if they wanted works much better.

Despite being a regular in season 7, Laura Vandervoort is scheduled to appear in only a single episode of season 8 of Smallville. Sorry to spoil those who haven't seen the season 7 finale by now, but considering her Kara/Supergirl character was trapped in the Phantom Zone at the end of the season, it's nice of the producers to allow her storyline to end on a more positive note (one can hope).

Ms. Vandervoort also mentioned at the Toronto FanExpo this past weekend that there was consideration of spinning off her character to her own show. While that would have been a good idea, the ship sailed on a Smallville spin-off after season three. Also, a series about a super-powered blonde girl has been done already with a show about a certain Vampire Slayer.

I already have low expectations for season eight of Smallville (particularly given the radical change in cast). Without the regular presence of the rather attractive Kara, my expectations remain the same.

(S07E06) Shades of Superman past! Kara getting sent off-world by her Dad Zor-El while Krypton starts to come apart around her? Egads. Plus all of that crystalline Kryptonian architecture that the Superman: The Movie provided us with. Then snap cut to Kara almost getting run down in the sky by a jetliner in a really nice special effects shot that probably blew their budget for a show to come later in the season featuring nothing but talking heads. Yes, this episode of Smallville begins with a bang.

However, that bang turned until a turning stomach once I had to witness that Lionel / Clark hug. Is it me or was that a pretty bizarre and awkward man-embrace? Clark's gone from hating to loving the Luthors more times than I can count, but hugging Lionel? I never thought I'd see the day.

(S07E01) "I'm like you, only more bizarre."

Somebody Saaaaaavvvvveeeee meeeeeeee ... from interminably long summer breaks from TV shows. I really wondered when this day would come, and it has finally arrived. When we last left our hero(es), Clark literally had an out-of-body experience and split into two halves. Thus was Bizarro born. He's like the Dark Clark (Kal) from seasons past, except he's got a much deeper voice. Testosterone kicks in on Smallville, apparently. Plus, Bizarro Clark has that jagged, crystalline face that you've come to expect from all the comic books, but it pops in and out, like he just needs some Clearasil or something.

It's refreshing that this season opens up right where we left off, and plus seeing Clark save that little kid and his dad in total Superman-style makes it all worth it. Was that serious heat-vision action or what? Finally, it seems like he's finally getting ready to wear the cape. That little kid's "whoa" was a great capper to the opening teaser. Thank you, Smallville writers, thank you.

According to a press release from The CW, Supergirl will be joining the cast of Smallville next season. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Some people might call this a possible shark-jumping moment ... but for me that already happened back when Jonathan Kent kicked the bucket *sniffle*.

Straight from the network -- "On Smallville, the seventh season premiere kicks off with the arrival of Supergirl, whose name is Kara, as Clark's (Tom Welling) 19-year-old cousin. She was born on Krypton and is the daughter of Zor-El, Jor-El's brother. Kara possesses all of Clark's powers and one he doesn't yet have ? she can fly! Kara also has a strong, rebellious streak that puts her at odds with Clark, and puts her onto Lex's (Michael Rosenbaum) radar. In addition, she takes a romantic interest in Jimmy Olsen (Aaron Ashmore)."