IGN Reveals Two Justice Society Members
IGN.com has revealed two of the DC Comics heroes who will be appearing in the upcoming Justice Society episode of Smallville.
Stargate SG:1 actor Michael Shanks will be playing Carter Hall, aka, Hawkman. Yes, HAWKMAN is going to be on Smallville!!!!
Playing another Society member - Doctor Fate, solving the "helmet" clue - will be actor Brent Stait.
Stay tuned for more news when and if it becomes available.
Episode #9-12: "Society" Tentative Air Date: January 29, 2010
Written By: Geoff Johns
Directed By: Glen Winter
Guest Stars: Michael Shanks (Carter Hall/Hawkman), Brent Stait (Kent Nelson/Doctor Fate)
UPDATED 10/19/09: IGN has solved the "helmet" puizzle by revealing that Hawkman and Doctor Fate will be part of the proceedings. Both characters have worn helmets. Michael Shanks of Stargate fame will be playing Hawkman; Brent Stait is Doctor Fate.
UPDATED 10/20/09: More from Geoff Johns on Twitter: "Yes, Hawkman will have wings. And a big mace. Oh. And he and Green Arrow don't get along. At all."
UPDATED 10/19/09: Erica Durance (Lois) does not appear in this episode.
- IGN has solved the "helmet" puizzle by revealing that Hawkman and Doctor Fate will be part of the proceedings. Both characters have worn helmets. Michael Shanks of Stargate fame will be playing Hawkman; Brent Stait is Doctor Fate. Meanwhile, Matt Mitovich at Fancast.com has revealed that Britt Irvin (Aliens In America) is playing Courtney Whitmore/Stargirl.
Could tell us whether or not Lois has a role in ‘Smallville’s’ 10th episode, “Disciple”? – Rachel
Is Lois going to be in the Geoff Johns-penned episode “Society”? It was a shame that she missed out on “Legion” last season. – Luke
To Rachel and Luke: Lois will appear in… one of those two episodes. (Hey, I don’t call this The Big Tease for nothing.)
Should ‘Smallville’ fans be worried about the show being canceled mid-season? – Helga
Fear not, Helga, The CW is in no rush to end Clark’s journey. Let me remind you what netlet boss Dawn Ostroff said her expectations were at the time the show’s move to Friday was announced. She told me that because of the series’ “very strong” and “loyal” fan base, “I think ‘Smallville’ will do better [than previous occupants 'Everybody Hates Chris' and 'The Game']” – and sure enough it has, drawing 2.6 million viewers in its most recent outing. Clark & Co. also deliver a much stronger Live+7 DVR playback bump (+56 percent at last count).
Are Tess and Oliver going to be hooking up this season on Smallville? — Kaitlyn
ADAM: Don't look to see them getting BIZ-AY on screen any time soon. For what it's worth, Cassidy Freeman shares your disappointment. "Tess is a sex goddess, but she never gets a love scene," Freeman tells us. "She's a temptress, but she's kind of a prude."
UPDATED 10/26/09: Although the Internet Movie Database lists Elise Gatien as appearing as "Speedy" in this episode, our sources say she is not in this one... at least, not in Part 1.
Smallville’s upcoming Justice Society-themed two-parter has added another headliner. Exec producer Kelly Souders confirms that the highly anticipated eppys (titled “Society” and slated to air in early 2010) will mark the return of Phil Morris as Martian Manhunter.
Penned by comic book hero Geoff Johns, “Society” marks the arrival of Justice Society members Hawkman, Doctor Fate, and Stargirl. The abundance of special guest stars is what prompted Souders and fellow showrunner Brian Peterson to expand the episode into two parts.
“To be honest, there were so many characters and so much great story that people would’ve been robbed of some great moments if we kept it to just one hour,” says Sounders. “So now that it’s a two-parter, you won’t miss anything.”
Check out this week’s Ask Ausiello for more details on “Society.” In the meantime, riddle me this: Are you more pumped for “Society” now that MM is on board? Sound off below!
More pumped? Not personally. I still suspect him of portraying that Dr that's assisting(keeping an eye on) Chloe. Moreso now after the stunt she just pulled to 'help' Ollie in 'Roulette'. Just waiting on the validation at this point. __________________
Beneath this mask is more than flesh. Beneath this mask there is an idea Mr Creedy and ideas are bulletproof.
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And the news just keeps coming.
Smallville Producer Sets Record Straight on Chloe-Clark Relationship
Few TV love triangles have sparked fan debate like the one between Smallville's Chloe (Allison Mack), Lois (Erica Durance) and Clark (Tom Welling).
On one hand, Chloe is Clark's longtime best friend, and though she has pined hard for the future Man of Steel, lately their relationship has been strained. On the other hand, it's hard to overlook the Superman mythology that says Lois and Clark are pretty much destined to be together. But Chlark 'shippers still haven't given up hope that the chemistry between Clark and Chloe will turn into something more.
So, TVGuide.com asked executive producer Kelly Souders to settle the debate once and for all: Will Clark and Chloe ever have a romantic relationship?
"I hate saying never because it's Smallville," Souders says. "But this year, fans will see that both of them have maybe moved on to people who are strangely more suited for each other."
Souders says Chloe and Clark's individual character development has created some basic differences between them.
"When you think of a guy who has just walked through life and had all the power in the world — even though he's had troubles, it's not such a challenge for him in some ways," Souders says. "Chloe is somebody who's had a lot of trauma in her life and has done an amazing job of pulling herself up by her bootstraps. But it gives both of them a very different outlook on life. In some ways, they were much more similar when they were younger [and] were more naïve about the world. They've both grown up a lot and Chloe has really come into her own, just as Clark has."
Even if romance is out of the question, fans of the duo's friendship needn't worry. "Their friendship will start blossoming again and they will come back together," Souders adds.
Gil in Phoenix: Am I sensing a Chloe-Oliver pairing on Smallville?
No. My Smallville source says that's not in the cards. Source also says: "The two-part Justice Society episode is going to make Superman fans, no actually comic book fans. LOSE. THEIR. S--T." You have been warned.
Smallville hasn’t even crossed the midway point of season 9 and already talk of a possible 10th season is heating up — and not just among fans. “We are really, really pushing for season 10,” executive producer Kelly Souders tells me. “We really hope it happens.”
Although the show lost a good chunk of viewers since moving to that ratings kryptonite known as Friday night, the drop-off hasn’t been nearly as disastrous as some had predicted. And Souders believes that the numbers will rise as the season progresses. “I think the word still isn’t out there that we’re on Friday nights. So if people keep tuning in and telling their friends about it, I think [a 10th season] is quite likely.”
The uncertainty surrounding the show’s future has proved challenging as Souders and her fellow writers begin to map out the second half of the season. Are they approaching a season finale or a series finale? “It’s something that we faced last year, too,” she says. “To try and break two different endings for a season kind of puts you at cross-purposes a little bit. For one, you’ll rev things up, and for another, you’re trying to bring everything to the finish line. But we’re really planning on breaking a season finale and not a series finale.”
As for whether we’ll get a glimpse of Clark in his iconic blue, red and yellow suit by the show’s conclusion, Souders says, “We think Smallville from the get-go was about how a young man turns into Superman. And it’s really about the journey getting there. I can’t make any promises, but if it was ever going to happen, it would be at the very end.”
What say you, Smallville fans? Do you think the show has a 10th season in it? Sound off below!
Question: When are you going to post your Q&A with the Smallville producers? — Trisha
Ausiello: I’m eschewing the customary Q&A in favor of a parceling-out approach. Here’s one scoop. Here’s another. And, looky here, there’s a bunch more below!
Question: Will Clois move full-steam ahead on Smallville or will there be a monkey wrench that derails the train? —Murnice
Ausiello: While the relationship hasn’t exactly moved along faster than a speeding bullet, you’ll be glad to know that there are blue skies on the horizon — beginning with this week’s big smooch. “They both have a few issues, so things never go as smoothly as you think,” says exec producer Kelly Souders. “But what’s great about the relationship, because it’s sort of more adult, mature relationship, is it actually brings their issues up to the forefront, and makes them start dealing with them instead of being the younger versions of themselves, where they might not have been that conscious of it.”
Question: Will Clark ever find out about Lois’ so called “Sex Dream” on Smallville? —Lisa
Ausiello: “I would say tune into [episode 9] ‘Pandora,’” Souders teases. “Reality is relative in ‘Pandora,’ but I will say that when [Lois] goes to the future, there’s some skin there.” Souders adds that “‘Pandora’ is literally like a finale. It’s huge. You’ll see an alternate ending for everyone in the cast. You’ll see what could happen to them and the future is dramatic. You won’t be disappointed.”
Question: When will Clark put on the iconic glasses on Smallville? —Jackson
Ausiello: “There’s something coming up in these first nine episodes,” Souders reveals, “in which Clark might at least contemplate glasses.”
Question: Why has Allison Mack had so little screen time on Smallville this season? —Kathy
Ausiello: The calm before the storm, perhaps? “Chloe fans will not be disappointed,” Souders maintains. “There will be some budding romance in her life from an unexpected source.” Oliver? “I’m not saying.” In possibly related news, Souders reveals to me exclusively that during the second half of the season, “Chloe is going to meet a new hero who is not all that he’s cracked up to be.” Will this hero be carrying a DC Comics certificate of authenticity? “I don’t think we got the rights to his name cleared,” says Souders, “but it’s somebody fans of the show will be familiar with.”
Quote: As for whether we’ll get a glimpse of Clark in his iconic blue, red and yellow suit by the show’s conclusion, Souders says, “We think Smallville from the get-go was about how a young man turns into Superman. And it’s really about the journey getting there. I can’t make any promises, but if it was ever going to happen, it would be at the very end.”
One of these days, Tom Welling is going to wear that suit. I just know it. __________________
Written By: Geoff Johns
Directed By: Glen Winter
Guest Stars: Michael Shanks (Carter Hall/Hawkman), Brent Stait (Kent Nelson/Doctor Fate), Britt Irvin (Courtney Whitmore/Stargirl), Phil Morris (John Jones/Martian Manhunter)
UPDATED 10/30/09: New Hawkman spoilers from Michael Shanks at the Huffington Post:
- "Hawkman being the alpha in the Justice Society, being someone who...has made some missteps along the way, can or could represent a type of mentor character to Clark in his leadership abilities with his burgeoning team members of the Justice League. He represents a character that has a lot of wisdom to pass down to this next generation, so there is a strong possibility that once the initial phase wears off that there will be a coming together of those two to paint a larger portrait of the future, of what Clark has available to him and what his options are," he says.
- About Doctor Fate: "There's a really neat relationship between he and Hawkman that makes the first episode quite heart-wrenching. There are aspects of it that are heart-wrenching as a result of that relationship. And I thought that was a very cool aspect of the first episode."
- The character will fly, and he does have a mace. And yes, there are wings.
- The version of Carter Hall we'll be seeing here is an archaelogist, not "Thanagarian space cop."
Over Smallville's nine-year run, the show's universe has fittingly expanded; yet, fans would like to see a few characters come back.
Though we haven't see her in quite a while, Martha Kent (Annette O'Toole) is still alive and well. Even though Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) is presumably dead, the Superman mythos would have to disagree. Jimmy Olson (Aaron Ashmore) was also lost last season, but the real photog and eventual best friend to Clark Kent (Tom Welling) is still running around somewhere.
Executive producer Kelly Souders discusses the fate, fortune or future of various Smallville characters who've been missing in action.
Perry White: "We would love for [Michael McKean] to come on right now, he's in a Broadway show. For now, it's a no."
Martha Kent: "We have the coolest idea for her to come back, so you never know. Hopefully in the future."
Lex Luthor: "There's no plans at the moment. [Rosenbaum's] got a rather busy schedule at the moment, but I know he'd love to be back and we'd love to have him back."
Smallville producer sets record straight on Chloe-Clark relationship
The real Jimmy: "By the end of the series, I think it's quite possible that you will see another Jimmy."
Old Jimmy: "That's always possible, too."
Davis Bloom: "Davis is buried very deep in the Earth, but we love [Sam Witwer]. I never say never."
Dr. Emil: "Yes."
Metallo: "We don't have anything concrete, but we would love to have [Brian Austin Green] back."
Zatanna: "I don't know if I can say ..."
Kara: "Not presently."
Sam Lane: "You know what, you never know when you get in the writers room and suddenly Sam Lane [Michael Ironside] is going to be the answer to all of our problems."
Lucy Lane: "We don't have any plans to see Lucy [Peyton List] right now but we know fans would like more of Lois' personal life explored."
SMALLVILLE's Tess Talks ZOD, JUSTICE SOCIETY, More
Cassidy Freeman plays Tess on the hit show Smallville. When she first appeared as the big bad after Michael Rosenbaum's departure, she was referred to as the “female Lex”. No one's calling her that anymore. Tess has come into her own, and from what we hear, she's a huge part of the much-talked-about episodes involving the Justice Society. We're guessing you've heard about them? We got a chance to catch up with Freeman in an exclusive interview today. She gave us some info on where her relationship with Zod (Callum Blue) may be going, why she's going to be kidnapping Lois (Erica Durance), and what she would like to see happen to Tess when the show wraps for good.
Newsarama: I have to start with the upcoming episodes “Society” and “Legends” that involve the Justice Society. They've been huge news lately. What can you tell us about your involvement in those?
Cassidy Freeman: I'm actually not in the one they're shooting right now. (“Society”) But I'm in the next one, “Legends” . Tess...it's funny, I actually kind of enjoy...I love working but I actually sometimes enjoy being able to take a step back and look at what the season is doing without me. And I just really like this whole new Justice League coming in. They've always kind of teased it with Aquaman (Alan Ritchson) and Black Canary (Alaina Huffman), so it's nice to see all these different characters coming back in. My connection to it is pretty involved, but you find that out in kind of a very secret little switch at the end of Legend”.
Nrama: Oh! So we're not going to find out the secret until the end of the second episode.
Freeman: Yeah. It's a two parter. It's kind of like...it's a continuation.
Nrama: Did you get to work with any of the guest stars?
Freeman: I actually haven't worked with a lot of the guest stars. The guest star that I worked with most recently would have to be Jor-El (Julian Sands). And he was fabulous! [laughs] All the British-speaking actors are startling to the American actors. But he was wonderful to work with as Jor-El, but I haven't really worked with any other guest stars.
Nrama: How do you feel about where Tess is going this season?
Freeman: That's a pretty tough question. I think she's different this season than she was last season. I feel like last season she was all obsessed with Lex and she was all obsessed with Clark (Tom Welling). And this season, I'm glad that she's kind of finding her own stride. And not to say that she's not so interested in what Clark is, or how Clark is going to use his powers, but she kind of took action at the end of last season and now it 's up to her to figure out if that action is going to benefit her or if it's going to be another hurdle for her to overcome. This season is all about Zod for her...so far. [laughs] You never know what's going to happen. We're only given the script like three days before we start shooting. But it's interesting for me that she's kind of taken on this role of figuring things out on her own, without the help of Clark and without the help of Lex.
Nrama: So where do you think the interaction between you and Zod is leading?
Freeman: That's a really good question. I think that our relationship in the beginning was one of distrust. We're really interested in each other. Our interest has really peaked with one another. [laughs] But we're not very trusting. I think what's going to be interesting this season is seeing if they're going to become allies, or whether they become enemies. And I think the more interesting choice would be to become allies, but I don't think we're sure what's going to happen yet.
Nrama: Do you see Tess as a villain?
Freeman: I see Tess as a human, which is a funny response, I know. But she is really the only person who doesn't have abilities of some sort. Who hasn't been tainted by kryptonite or Brainiac or something else. I see her as someone who is run by her emotions, even though she puts up this really strong front of being stern and steel-faced, and not into her emotions. I think that is what she's actually really driven by. I think she does things because of what she's gone through in her life and what it means to her. With her own dad, with Lex and Oliver (Justin Hartley). And I think that sometimes her morals aren't great, so in that sense, I do see her as a villain...she's not all for doing good. Sometimes for what she thinks is good, she'll do something really bad....but I don't think she's the text book Snidely Whiplash, the mustache-twirling villain.
Nrama: I've been told that you have a big role in the upcoming episode, “Pandora” and that you'll be kidnapping Lois. What can you tell us about that?
Freeman: Yeah! You know, Lois has been having these flashes ever since the beginning of the season and I figure that out. And I really want to know what they mean and what they're from and how to decipher them. So that's why I kidnap her. To try to figure that out. I think that it has something to do with the Kryptonians, and I think it has something to do with the Kandorians, and I think it has something to do with all these questions that I have. And if I can figure that out, maybe I can put the puzzle together.
Nrama: Any chance for any more romance with Oliver Queen?
Freeman: I don't know! I think that Oliver will always hold a place in Tess' heart that's very different than any other man, but not that I've read so far. There are more interactions between them but none that are romantic.
Nrama: What would happen if Lex were to return?
Freeman: Oh man, I would not be happy! I don't think Tess would be very happy if Lex returned. I think she would...well...that's an interesting question. One of two things would happen. Either Tess wouldn't be able to see past her own rage at his betrayal, or she would make it her duty to put him behind bars or put him in some incapacitated state. Ooor, she would have gotten over the fact that he LoJacked her eyeball and she would try and use him and manipulate him into being on her side, and use his power. I don't know! That's a good question. I wish it happens!
Nrama: Everyone wants to know if you and Lois will have another fight scene.
Freeman: Erica and I are always up for giant fight scenes. [laughs] There hasn't been one written, but we're both in prime physical shape, so we're ready. We're ready if that happens to grace the page.
Nrama: Obviously we don't know if this will be the last season or not. If it is, where do you want to see Tess end up?
Freeman: Well, I want to see what she's done not be for nothing. I want to see some hope at the end, and I want to see her have actually succeeded in helping the world by opening the orb and listening to what it said. [laughs] I don't know! That's a good question. I'm hoping it's not the last season.
Nrama: We're all hoping that! Have you heard anything?
Freeman: As usual, they have to do a kind of “choose your own adventure”. They have to prepare for a season finale and a series finale. I have a feeling in the writers' room, they're kind of going with two trains. And they're going to stay with one train until they have to deviate. They don't know yet whether we've been picked up yet. That's the network's decision and the studio's decision. And I think they find out in the new year. The beginning of the new year.
Nrama: If Smallville fans are to be believed, it will be. Smallville fans are loyal. They love the show. In fact, they wanted me to ask you about the zombie makeup you had to wear a few episodes ago.
Freeman: I have to say, I did that scene with Lois and Clark in the hospital, and we did the first take, and I had to be all zombi-rific...I really just had to decide to go for it. There is really no half way to do a zombie. And you kind of pull from your knowledge of all the zombie movies and whatnot. And I did the first take and after Jordan Hawley yelled, 'cut' Tom looked at me and said, 'I don't want to do this scene anymore!' He was really scared. [laughs] He's a wuss.
Justin Hartley: ‘Smallville’ Has Hit the Bulls-Eye
When last we tuned into The CW’s ‘Smallville’ (Fridays at 8/7c), Oliver Queen said goodbye – again - to romance with Lois, and hello to a prospective sidekick for Green Arrow. What’s next for the newly dark archer - aside from a run-in with the actual Dark Archer? Justin Hartley shared a look at the challenges ahead, offered insight on Ollie’s feelings for Lo, and revealed what he and Tom Cruise do not have in common.
Have you enjoyed delving into Oliver’s darker side this season?
I tell you what, man, I have been loving it. Last year was a little disappointing for me because, quite honestly, I didn’t work. But this year has been the complete opposite. It’s like the writers are trying to challenge me, and I’m up for it. It’s a Superman show, so for them to spend any amount of time on me is flattering.
Are we to assume that Ollie is now mentoring Mia/Speedy off-screen?
Elisa [Gatien] is going to come back for at least one more [episode], maybe two, so yeah, that’s what he’s doing, which is in line with the comics. But just because he’s not still being self-destructive doesn’t mean he’s the same person he was. I hate to compare the show to ‘Dexter,’ but it’s about how he manages that dark side.
I understand Green Arrow will be meeting up with Dark Archer in the episode “Disciple.”
Yeah, and that’s going to be interesting. Steve Bacic (aka “Dr. Sexy, MD” on ‘Supernatural’) plays Dark Archer. He’s a really good-looking guy, but when they did him up with the beard and this black costume, he becomes a gnarly, menacing dude. We had a good time.
All of the fans are abuzz about the two-part Justice Society episode, coming in January. Geoff Johns Tweeted about how Green Arrow and Hawkman “don’t get along. At all.”
No, they don’t. They don’t. They have completely different views on just about everything you can imagine. Hawkman (played by ‘Stargate’s’ Michael Shanks) has this sort of antiquated, conservative point of view, while Oliver is the “liberal bleeding heart.” Together, they are a match made in hell.
Add in Clark, Stargirl and Doctor Fate, and it sounds like it will be a comic-book lover’s dream come true.
It will be. You have Geoff writing it, and then there’s the fact that it was originally one show, but when it came in the producers were like, “This is a feature film; we better make it two.” They’re not sparing any expense. In fact, this whole year has been really, really good. I think we’re begging for a Season 10, with all that we’ve been doing.
Is it safe to say that Oliver has tucked away his feelings for Lois somewhere?
I think he’ll always have feelings for her. He’s an interesting guy because usually people have this ability to move on. But Oliver, as flippant a ladies man as he is and as cool and confident as he seems, those are all crutches to disguise what’s going on inside of him. He’s gone to the next level with Lois, which is admitting to her and himself that he is absolutely in love with her and that she is the best part of his life - and for the first time he was comfortable saying it. Now he’s like, “How do I do deal with it?” If he respects Clark he certainly won’t try to move in on their relationship, but he does have a hard time moving on. That’s a flaw of his, but it’s also a beautiful part of him.
Might they now point Ollie in Chloe’s direction? They seemed to have a “moment” in “Roulette” – and there’s a “Chlollie” nickname floating around already.
I don’t know. It’s TV so they have to go somewhere [with characters' love lives], but I think it’s much more interesting for Oliver to have a relationship with a female that’s platonic.
You starred in a thriller now out on DVD, ‘Red Canyon.’ Where did you film it that everyone became so sweaty and, as you reveal in the extras, pungent?
We were in Hell. No, it was a town called Hanksville, Utah. It was in the middle of the desert, and it was July or August…. So yeah, the crew members were out there working 14-hour days, sweating. The cast had it easy compared to them.
Your character, Tom, is a smart aleck. Is that a part of yourself that you tend to bring to roles?
Yeah, I’m kinda like that I guess - though I’m not as much of a d— as Tom! [Laughs] But one day early on, the director told us that a scene wasn’t working, so I said, “Do you mind if I go off script a bit?” And he liked it. In this movie, weird and dark and awful things happen…
And Tom is a sort of “peanut gallery” commenting on it all.
Yeah, he is the comic relief, just along for the ride. He’s upset that this [trip out West] isn’t hot chicks, booze and getting laid all the time, so now he’s pissed at everyone.
Is there a kind of movie you are hankering to do next?
Because I do ‘Smallville,’ you’d think I wouldn’t want to do an action movie, but I’m dying to do a ‘Die Hard’ type of thing.
Well speaking of action stars, I took notice during one of your ‘Smallville’ close-ups that you share similar facial features with Tom Cruise. Have you ever heard that before?
I didn’t first hear that until I hit, like, 25, but I’ve got to be honest, brother – we’ve got different bank accounts! [Laughs]
Zatanna Casts Another Spell on Smallville
by Matt Webb Mitovich November 06, 2009 10:31 AM EST
It’s magic – of the very, very best kind - as The CW's Smallville welcomes back Serinda Swan as sexy spellcaster Zatanna later this season. Swan first played Zatanna in last season's "Hex" episode, when the comely conjurer granted Chloe's birthday wish by depositing her into Lois' body. Zatanna then sought out her late father's diary, grappling with Green Arrow along the way.
“There was always the hint that she might return one day, so I was keeping my fingers crossed," Swan tells TV Guide Magazine. "I love the cast and I really like the character."
This time, Swan will appear in an early 2010 episode tentatively titled "Warrior." As for the why of Zatanna's return, the show is keeping super-silent. "But knowing the character and what she's capable of, it's going to be something pretty interesting," the actress teases.
Having aced her Smallville audition by recording Zatanna's spells onto her iPod, then playing them back and studying them in reverse, Swan says, "I'm definitely going to have to brush up on my backwards-speaking. It was a fine art to learn!"
Since her first Smallville appearance, Swan has kept busy with roles in the feature films “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” (in theaters February 12) and the sci-fi sequel “Tron Legacy” (due out it December 2010).
Written By: Geoff Johns
Directed By: Tom Welling
Guest Stars: Michael Shanks (Carter Hall/Hawkman), Brent Stait (Kent Nelson/Doctor Fate), Britt Irvin (Courtney Whitmore/Stargirl), Phil Morris (John Jones/Martian Manhunter)
UPDATED 11/9/09: Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello has revealed that Pam Grier (Jackie Brown) will be appearing in this and several other episodes as Amanda Waller. Waller is a major player in the comics and is frequently associated with the organizations Checkmate and the Suicide Squad.
Written By: Anne Coffel Saunders
Directed By: Christopher Petry
UPDATED 11/9/09: This is the episode that was formerly known as "Persuasion."
- It was originally assumed that the episode filming after "Legends" would be directed by Allison Mack, as revealed by the Vancouver production list. Either there has been a change in episode order or the Vancouver production list was incorrect.
Episode #9-14: "Conspiracy" 2010
Written By: Al Septien & Turi Meyer
Directed By: Turi Meyer
Episode #9-15: "Warrior" 2010
UPDATED 11/10/09: Smallville's writers are currently researching the "Action" episode. Could "Warrior" be a reference to Warrior Angel?
UPDATED 11/6/09: TV Guide Magazine's Matt Mitovich has revealed that Serinda Swan will be returning as Zatanna in an episode titled "Warrior."
I’ve got some big news for all my Super friends out there.
I’m hearing The CW has decided to package Smallville’s upcoming (and highly-anticipated) Justice Society-themed two-parter into a two-hour movie event airing on Jan. 29.
The Geoff Johns-penned episodes — titled “Society” and “Legends” and featuring such DC Comics stalwarts as Stargirl, Hawkman, and Dr. Fate — were originally designed to air separately. But, according to Smallville insiders, CW execs felt they could get more mileage out of combining them.
Nice interview with ‘Smallville’s’ Justin Hartley! But man, no Chlollie? I was hoping for that. – LJ
To be fair, Justin didn’t completely rule out an Ollie-Chloe romance; he simply said nothing was on the books yet. In full, he told me he finds it “much more interesting for Oliver to have a relationship with a female that’s platonic; that doesn’t happen to him. Or, I’d like to see him stumble on [new romance] and not know how to handle that.” As for what if anything the writers decide to do with “Chlollie,” he said, “It will be good. I have total faith in them.”
The ‘Smallville’ executive producers have confirmed that Martian Manhunter (Phil Morris) is returning this season. When, and for how many episodes? – Graham
Those who are J’onzzing for the big guy’s return will want to make extra sure that they catch the Justice Society-centric two-parter airing in January. Martian Manhunter will play a role in “Society,” but really make his presence known in the “Legend” half.
I’m hearing The CW has decided to package Smallville’s upcoming (and highly-anticipated) Justice Society-themed two-parter into a two-hour movie event airing on Jan. 29.
The Geoff Johns-penned episodes — titled “Society” and “Legends” and featuring such DC Comics stalwarts as Stargirl, Hawkman, and Dr. Fate — were originally designed to air separately. But, according to Smallville insiders, CW execs felt they could get more mileage out of combining them.
Question: Any details on what brings Zatanna back to Smallville? —Jeffrey
Ausiello: I hear she’s going to stir up some love-triangle drama between Lois and Clark. The episode’s called “Warrior” and, as I scooped in the latest episode of Ausiello TV, it’s the one set at San Diego Comic-Con Metropolis Wonder-Con. In other Smallville news, Tom Welling’s practically naked — and he’s making out with Lois!
Question: Any hints about the new love interest for Chloe on Smallville? —Sandra
Ausiello: She meets him at San Diego Comic-Con Metropolis Wonder-Con.
Hawkman Swoops Into Smallville!
by William Keck November 16, 2009 07:23 AM EST
Here it is! A sneak peek at Michael Shanks in the Hawkman costume he dons for Smallville’s highly anticipated two-hour movie event. Featuring the Justice Society, the special airs February 5, and the second hour is directed by Tom Welling. In between practicing his flying stunts above the Daily Planet rooftop and Chloe’s Watchtower, the Stargate SG-1 alum called me from the Vancouver set to dish on his role.
It seems we’ll be seeing a lot of you soaring through the air, eh?
Yeah. There are a few scenes involving him flying into various sets. One of them is in Watchtower and we’ll also see him on the Daily Planet roof. And at the end of the day, Hawkman takes off his wings and hangs them in the closet.
How’s your flying been going?
Today’s my practice day. There’s no stunt guy, so I need to ace this so I don’t make Hawkman look like a goofball. It’s traditional wire work that involves strapping on this harness so that large men with giant arms can lift me up and manipulate me. I’m also swinging around Hawkman’s giant mace as a weapon.
Are you exposing your chest as Hawkman did?
No nudity. The way the harness is designed they needed to create a bronze chest plate. The helmet is also more of a bronze-tone than a big yellow gold thing. My whole upper torso becomes a big immobile object.
What’s Hawkman’s story?
When we first meet Carter Hall he’s in his museum. We’ll learn he’s a reincarnated prince from a thousand years ago. There is a reference to The Justice Society’s time in the ‘70s, but we have since disbanded.
What advice does he give Clark?
There’s a reference given to him flying, but it’s more of a metaphor to his own personal growth. Clark and his friends are figuring out what their destinies will be, so there is a ripe opportunity for the Justice Society who had been there done that to offer some tough love teaching.
Tom Welling is directing the second episode of this arc. Is he excited or terrified?
I’m sure he’s excited and terrified. The first part is a lot of the character’s back-stories with them in civilian attire. Whereas in part two, Tom gets saddled with a lot of the action elements that will take a lot of time to shoot. He’s also acting throughout the episode he’s directing, which will be quite a task.
Are there references to Society members who aren’t seen in the episodes?
Oh yes. You’ll see a ton of references. This is a fan’s dream. Let’s say there are lots of memories and paraphernalia that people will be familiar with.
What is his relationship to Ollie/Green Arrow?
We will see an antagonism between them involving political views.
And Chloe?
She is a bit of an enigma to him. To have this pretty, smart blonde girl walking around among all these superheroes is an anomaly. Carter doesn’t know what to make of her.
How about Lois?
There’s a little bit of the Clark romance and then more with Tess’ dark plotting.
Have the regular Smallville characters heard about the Society members?
No. That’s a big plot point to find out how come they’ve never heard of these people.
What is his relationship like with fellow heroes Dr. Fate, Stargirl and Martian Manhunter?
Dr. Fate and Hawkman have a long history. Dr. Fate’s helmet is possessed by an Egyptian deity, which allows his to see into people’s possible futures. He also teleports. Stargirl is brand new to them and I’m not exactly sure what she does. She wasn’t part of the Society with them. And there are some trust issues with Martian Manhunter that are going to need to be dealt with.
You share a relationship with these actors?
Yeah. Brent Stait (Kent Nelson/Dr. Fate) was with me thirteen years ago on the Stargate pilot. Brent and I just shot a very touching moment between our characters. And oddly enough I worked with Britt Irvin (Courtney Whitmore/Stargirl) in Stargate’s third season when she was like 15 years ago. And now she’s all grown up.
Who are you all battling?
All I’ll say is he has a history with the Justice Society, but I’d never heard of him before.”
Does Hawkman give any advice to Clark and Co. about forming a Justice League of America?
There have been attempts to turn this group of randoms into a cohesive unit, but a lot of these episodes will address their debate into how that would take place and what their philosophy would be.”
Is there any reference made to Hawkgirl?
There’s a lot of referencing to Shayera/ Hawkgirl throughout as his one true love, given the fact that these two have a tremendous history as thousand year-old reincarnated beings who continue to find each other lifetime after lifetime. And we will learn where she is now.
What mood is Hawkman in?
When we first see him, he is a shell of his former self with a heir of cynicism. He wears a lot of grief and guilt and pain over what happened to his friends and the society as a whole and his failures in letting that happen.
Do you change your voice when you switch from Carter Hall to Hawkman?
Yeah. Given his many lives lived, I wanted to build a character with a more fierce quality which involved changing my vocal tone.
You didn’t channel Christian Bale and have a freak-out moment on set, did you?
The way the Hawkman mask fits on me is very Batman-ish, so at one point I passed Smallville’s director of photography who used to work with my wife (actress Lexa Doig) and me on Andromeda, and said with a deep Christina Bale voice, ‘We are done professionally.’
Is there a glimmer of hope offered that the Society could reassemble?
There will be a debate going on about whether we should have formed in the first place, and whether anyone should do it. We came together for the benefit of mankind, but then we were treated appallingly, so there will be a debate as to whether it would make sense for the Justice League to pick up our mantle and do it again.
And you’ll be reprising your Stargate character on two more upcoming episodes of Stargate: Universe?
Yes. I made a cameo in the pilot and they’re keeping me alive to pass the torch. The next one coming up is titled Human, and back-references my character first initiating Dr. Rush (Robert Carlyle) into the Stargate program, but my character exists more as a figment of Dr. Rush’s imagination. And then in Subversion, near the end of the season, we’ll see myself and Richard Dean Anderson helping out with an investigation where sabotage took place back on Earth.
You also have an episode of Sanctuary coming up?
I think I’m in episode nine playing a murky character named Jimmy who finds out he has a sketchy background similar to Kate Freelander played by Agam Darshy.
What’s the chances of us seeing Hawkman return?
The way things land at the end of it all, there’s an open door for Carter Hall to be revisited and possibly be part of further mentoring Clark down the road.
Written By: Geoff Johns
Directed By: Glen Winter
Guest Stars: Michael Shanks (Carter Hall/Hawkman), Brent Stait (Kent Nelson/Doctor Fate), Britt Irvin (Courtney Whitmore/Stargirl), Phil Morris (John Jones/Martian Manhunter)
UPDATED 11/17/09: TV Guide Magazine has revealed the 2-hour episode will now air on February 5, 2010.
- In an interview with Michael Shanks in the magazine, several tidbits are revealed:
- We'll see Hawkman flying into Watchtower and onto the Daily Planet roof.
- Hawkman has a big bronze chest plate.
- This version of Hawkman is a "reincarnated prince" from thousands of years ago. He now works in a museum as Carter Hall.
- The Justice Society was active in the 1970's but they had since disbanded.
- There are a lot of memories and paraphernalia that "viewers will be familiar with."
- Carter doesn't know what to make of Chloe, and Lois's role will have something to do with the romance and "Tess's dark plotting."
- Some trust issues with Martian Manhunter "have to be dealt with," and Dr. Fate has a helmet which can predict the future and can teleport.
- Hawkgirl will be referenced and we will learn where she is now.
It’s official: Smallville’s upcoming two-hour Justice Society-centric “movie” is now an actual movie.
Sources confirm to me exclusively that The CW has jettisoned the separate titles that were initially assigned to each of the two episodes — “Society” and “Legends,” respectively — in favor of the singularly sensational (and far more marketable) Smallville: Absolute Justice.
What’s more, I hear the movie — which marks the debut of Michael Shanks as Hawkman (pictured) — will air as a seamless two-hour event with only one set of credits.
By the way, the air date for Smallville: Absolute Justice was recently changed from Jan. 29 to Feb. 5. Adjust your schedules accordingly.
Episode #9-11: "Society"
Hour 1 of "Absolute Justice" February 5, 2010
Written By: Geoff Johns
Directed By: Glen Winter
Guest Stars: Michael Shanks (Carter Hall/Hawkman), Brent Stait (Kent Nelson/Doctor Fate), Britt Irvin (Courtney Whitmore/Stargirl), Phil Morris (John Jones/Martian Manhunter)
UPDATED 11/17/09: Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello has revealed that the 2-part Smallville Justice Society "movie" is now being called "Absolute Justice."
Episode #9-12: "Legends"
Hour 2 of "Absolute Justice"
February 5, 2010
Written By: Geoff Johns
Directed By: Tom Welling
Guest Stars: Michael Shanks (Carter Hall/Hawkman), Brent Stait (Kent Nelson/Doctor Fate), Britt Irvin (Courtney Whitmore/Stargirl), Phil Morris (John Jones/Martian Manhunter)
