Rating:  -
The second season of "Smallville" is just as engaging as the first, as the series delves deeper into the emergence of the boy-that-would-be-Superman, Clark Kent (Tom Welling). Getting started with the conclusion to last season's finale, a slam-bang, sfx-laden first episode, we find our hero rescuing Lana (for the umpteenth time) from a super twister while anti-hero Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) ponders whether to save his fallen father, Lionel (the superbly menacing John Glover) from being impaled by a ceiling beam, teetering over his head. Of course, the son does reluctantly save his father, which will make for added tension for the pair throughout the season.
This is the season wherein suspicions arise about Clark's background; his friend Pete (Sam Jones III) becomes keeper of Clark's secret; the bond between Clark and Lana (Kristen Kreuk) grows while a rift develops between him and Chloe (the energetic Allison Mack); parents Jonathan (John Schneider) and Martha (Annette O'Toole) have to deal with marital problems; former cast member Eric Johnson makes a startling appearance ("Visage"); and two recurring characters (played, respectively by Joe Morton and Mitchell Kosterman) make surprising departures.
The writing staff soars as they add new spins on the Superman legend, having Clark's first use of heat vision in the appropriately titled "Heat" and then show the personality-altering effects of red kryptonite of our Kansas-raised hero ("Red"). The writers also give Rosenbaum the best lines, complete with witty and snide references that foreshadow the divide that will ultimately come between Lex and Clark.
Inspired guest casting is one of the highlights of the season. Blair Brown appears as a woman claiming to be Clark's mom in "Lineage" while Jonathan Taylor-Thomas, himself a teen heartthrob from "Home Improvement" assays a dual role in the appropriately-entitled "Duplicity."
But, the greatest casting coup is in the landmark "Rosetta," the best installment of the series entire run thus far. By featuring Christopher Reeve, the actor most associated with Superman, as the enigmatic "Dr. Virgil Swain," the show raised the bar to greatness. In addition to Reeve's appearance, "Rosetta" made wise use of John Williams' powerful music from the first Superman film.
Though Welling is the star, all of actors get more than a few moments to shine and they, especially Rosenbaum and Glover, are up to the task. It is puzzling why the show gets shut out at the Emmys each year, not garnering at least one acting nod.
The commentary tracks, on "Red" and "Rosetta," respectively, are very well done and entertaining. The other special features, though brief, are also enlightening, with special kudos to "The Chloe Chronicles" and the Chris Reeve tribute.
However, there must be some funnier outtakes than the ones presented on the "gag reel."
Rating: -
not much to say, I mean...Sometimes there is a little too much drama, but overall, it is way better
Rating: -
If you liked season 1 you would love this one even more
Rating:  -
I have a confession to make: Besides the quirky, surprisingly complex characterizations, clever writing, and thoroughly entertaining story telling, one of the things that draws me to this show is the subtle melodrama (there's an oxymoron for y'all) that can make some episodes so darn mockable. It's probably an insult to some, but that, combined with all other aspects, honestly makes for an awesome series.
And Season 2 is a fine example of this melodrama. Folks, it's a hard thing to resist and I ain't gonna try.
The season begins where the first left off, a tornado terrozing the town, leading to an opening episode that delves into surprising emotions and character development. This power continues quite well through the rest. One of this show's achievements is going beyond the fun-if-simple characterizations of Superman and Co. They're teenagers. We all know how teenagers are. And, beyond that, they are human (except for Clarky-boy, of course).
I'm also impressed by this season's combination of episodes. Some are obvious as being little more than a hilarious frolic, while others are absolutely heartbreaking. This makes for a possible wide range of emotions, feelings, and views to the series. And that is life, the funny and the sad.
Enjoyable, as always, citizens.
Rating: -
The stories just keep getting better. I love what they have done with superman.
They have come up with an original story and interesting characters. And I love
the villans that they come up with. And let's face it, Tom is hot hot hot!
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