What I’m Watching: Smallville (Season Premiere)

Smallville: Season 9, Episode 1 “Savior” (B)

The framing of Clark as a hero has never been starker or more meaningful than now, when the show is entering its ninth season. The ditching of his typical blue and red colors for a blacker, cape-inclusive suit helps to define this as a darker era for the former Kansas farmboy. His training and attempts to fly as he jumps from the top of the Statue of Liberty are really making him into a far more serious and legitimate hero, something that’s been building up until this point but has never quite been realized. Essentially, he’s no longer Clark and he’s now Superman, which is a cool transformation. The predominance of time-travel and the presence of who knows how many Kryptonians are intriguing but a bit too front-and-center. It would be nice to see Clark take on some present-day villain like Lex or one of the many superbeings actually from his era, though Zod should prove a formidable foe. It will be interesting to see how Tess interacts with Zod and his minions, and I’m pleased with the casting of Callum Blue (“Secret Diary of a Call Girl”) as the famed major. It’s also nice to see certain actors being kept in the sci-fi fold, with this show and “Dollhouse,” as Brian Austin Green, formerly of “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” takes on a new role here as Lois’ new desk companion. Lois having a bigger role is a good thing, and hopefully Oliver can be brought back into the fold as well. Clark’s self-exploration and true beginnings of superheroism this year should be fascinating, and hopefully all the mangled, confusing time-traveling business should help rather than hinder his development. It’s going to be one hell of a ride, and the superb special effects will definitely enhance the experience.