TVSquad

The Martian Manhunter is one of my favorite DC Comics superheroes. He can shape-shift, read people's minds, and he looks like a cross between Shaft and The Jolly Green Giant. What's not to like? I even dig the Phil Morris version from Smallville. But, I'm not too thrilled about the idea of a Martian-centric Smallville spinoff series.

Smallville executive producer Darren Swimmer suggested to TV Guide (in its upcoming Dec. 8 issue) that a spinoff starring Morris as the Manhunter, aka John Jones, might be a good idea if Smallville doesn't return for a ninth season on The CW. He immediately followed up by cracking "A Martian Manhunter Variety Hour might be fun!," so I don't think he's too serious about it actually happening.

I still wouldn't put it past the network and the Smallville creative team to champion the idea, though. These are the people who wanted to give us The Graysons, a prequel drama about Batman's greatest weakness, Robin.

The Smallville panel was a hot Comic-Con ticket for one reason and one reason only - Supergirl. We got our first glimpse of Supergirl in action with some preview scenes from Smallville's upcoming season. She was blonde, hot and had the gift of flight.

Some of you long time readers of TV Squad -- in particular those who are Alias fans -- know that I've had a love-hate relationship with the show. I've been an avid viewer since its first season, and although I will say it's had its ups and downs, there's no denying that the show has retained one simple yet important characteristic: it's fun.

Unfortunately for some, the show comes to an end next week, having completed a solid five season run. Though I feel some may not find it so unfortunate, as the show gets to wrap up the way it should, giving it the proper send off it throughly deserves.

Speaking of fortunate, I was just that for having the opportunity to talk to Carl Lumbly last week. Carl's been playing Marcus Dixon on Alias since day one, starting out as Sydney Bristow's partner in what they both thought was the CIA. He's also supplied the voice of Martian Manhunter from the Justice League cartoon series. We talked about his work on Alias, Justice League, his new 'do and a little bit of golf.