Pilot

This episode aired in 2001 and boy does it show. Bad cgi and that Mark Snow score makes it feel like I'm watching an episode of the X-Files and not in a good way.

I didn't watch this show when it aired mostly because I assumed it was just "what if Superman were in High School and he's got girl problems but also there's a truck that's on fire?" And it pretty much is just that, along with a bunch of other CW drama tropes.

Here's the thing about Superman's time in Smallville and most of his past: it's just not that interesting. Unless it's an Elseworlds, we already know this part of the story. What else is there to tell? Do we really need to know if Clark Kent passes his Math test? I've heard mostly good things about Smallville, so I'll at least try to push through the first season, but I remain sceptic.

Do you recall the joke about the two guys being chased by a bear, and as they run, one guy says to the other, I don't think you're fast enough to outrun the bear. To which the other fellow answers, I don't have to, I just have to outrun YOU.

We already know from Hollywood history that Miller and Gough cut their teeth on this series, became film legends, ran it for 10 years (wow!) and went on to do other work.

But what often gets overlooked is that, when this aired, no one asked what the true "competition" to this pilot was or would be? I suggest to you, as reviewer who has watched all things "Superman" from the 1950s to the present, that this pilot was directly or indirectly competing with all the Superman TV shows and movies already done -- or even to be done in the future.

And beat them all.

Meaning that, as a proper viewer, when you watch this, you are comparing it to everything from the 1950s kids TV show, to the Chris Reeves movies, to the more recent (and often very strange) re-imaginings of the DC library (including among others, Superman Returns, and Superman Vs Batman.) And in my view, this is the best of the bunch!

In beautiful color we get to see Superman arrive, start his crush on Lana, began a dysfunctional relationship with Lex, and generally have a super time ... it does not get any better than this!

Now, it may be that I have some issues with the direction the show took toward the end of its run. (Notice how bright and sunny Smallville is in this pilot? By Season 5 or so, it looks like the sun has completely disappeared from Kansas which, I suspect, is more a reflection of the very dark turn the story arcs took than a simple meteorological issue.)

But let's not get ahead of our ourselves. As a possible candidate for the best Superman "origin" story ever done, I suggest this is a masterpiece. One that will stand the test of time.

I remember watching this a couple of years back when I got home from school, but my young age restricted my from seeing this show from the beginning. So I got sick, had all the time in the world and figured I'd give it a shot, from the beginning.

Even though I already have a love for the show based, on nostalgia, I was taken aback by how good this actually is. And even more so considering this was made 15 (FIFTEEN) years ago. Yes, sure, the effects and everything isn't something to hooray for, but they're good enough not to take any value from the show as a whole. Tom Welling really is the perfect guy to play Clark Kent and the rest of the cast are doing a pretty darn good job too.

This episode is a really good pilot and shows just how you get people to like and want more of something. It makes a good recap of who this mysterious boy is, but leaves enough questions for the person watching to want more. It also gives a taste of how the episodes are gonna be like (I know this since I've watched quite a few of them before I watched the pilot).

To summarize; this really does it's job as a pilot and shows what to expect. It sets the vibe, shows what the actors are capable of and gives you an urge to find out more.

If you haven't watched Smallville, where have you been? Go watch it! And if you already have, re-watch some (or all idk), it's worth it!

Smallville's cult pilot was nearly first aired a decade ago. But seven years have actually passed since last time I watched it. Season nine was so great that I wanted to compare it with the first one. My decision was probably driven by nostalgia but there's nothing wrong with that as long as it doesn't prevent you from moving forward, to the future, and fully living the present. However let's go back to the past and enjoy the first steps of Clark Kent in the super adventure we all know.

The first thing that really astonished me were the top notch visual effects. I better understand now why they often exceeded the budget during season one. But for a pilot it's logical as you have to convince the audience. So from the meteor shower to the special abilities I can't see how you could be disappointed. But the real gem for the long time fans are the characters. Little Big Chloe and her wall of weird, fast slim Clark, Lana and her hate at first sight boyfriend, and of course Clark's parents. The first two have grown so much on us in the last past years that it was both funny and touching to see how they used to be. Chloe was less serious and Allison Mack's acting was already irresistible. I can't believe she'll only be a guest in the upcoming season ! As for Tom Welling he looked almost skinny compared to his actual upgraded version and I can't imagine how much he worked out to become as strong as he is. But his relative apparent weakness was part of his character and I suppose that's why he was cast. In a way I like to think that it could have been anyone because thanks to episodes like Idol, Charade and Hostage we learned that we can all become heroes. It's just a matter of harvesting our inner resources and believing in ourselves. But of course having great friends help and that's why Clark's odyssey is so inspiring to follow !

The relationships are also very important, like in real life, because our baby superhero would be nothing without Chloe or his parents. But the most important character in his life, at least in the pilot, was probably his father. John Schneider was excellent as Jonathan and instantly appeared as the dream father. Their scenes were so diverse and well scripted that you should feel all kind of emotions, from joy to frustration. Indeed it would be too easy if we could do everything we wants and that gold rule also applies to Clark. That's why it's so easy to relate to him, because he's like most teenagers in the end. He wants to make a difference and become who he is. And achieving such goals would be pointless without obstacles and this episode was also the occasion to meet the first freak of the week, a recipe applied to the further episodes in the first seasons. But of course it was nothing compared to his first encounter with Lex Luthor. I never thought Michael Rosenbaum first screen time would have such a high impact on me. He had so much charisma and confidence ! His few interactions with Clark were also mesmerizing considering the intense scenes they were featured in. Even the fence fight was surprising and instantly made their new friendship controversial.

Of course it's impossible to be objective with so many cult elements. But it didn't prevent me from being slightly disappointed by a few of them. For example Annette O'Toole minor role reminded me how much I think Martha Kent could have played a more important part in her son's education. However no parents are perfect and their relationship is always on the verge of turning left or right. So as often it's a question of equilibrium and in the pilot it's obvious who is in charge. But later on the writers will balance their respective roles so it wasn't that an issue after all. Moreover it can't shadow the fact that the story should even appeal to new comers. How can't you not fall in love with Lana Lang ? Kristin Kreuk was so cute and your immersion should be so total that there's no way you can't appreciate the creepy cemetery scene or the last dance one.

But in the end the best part is that waking up from that surreal dream is not harsh at all because Clark and his friends should definitely inspire you. If you pay attention it could even make you a better person. They have issues but aren't afraid to solve them. They have weaknesses but know it shouldn't prevent them from living. But you better keep your feet on the ground and carefully look at the stars because the meteors shower is coming in your direction and there's no way you can escape its tremendous power. So be a shortcut freak and watch Smallville now !

I really enjoyed the pilot of Smallville. I think that more TV studios should do more origin stories of superheroes. Smallville was on for 10 years so obviously origin stories do b=very well. Tom Welling was a very good choice to play Clark Kent/Superman. I also read that Jensen Ackles was the runner up to play Superman if Tom Welling had turned it down. Now both are excellent actors so I wouldn't favor one over the other.

The entire pilot in my opinion was perfect. What a great introduction with the meteor shower and giving the viewers a glimpse into the majority of the characters. Even within the first few minutes, Lionel Luthor is evil and cunning. He is definitely going to change Lex Luthor into the arch nemesis we all know.

The meteor shower were very good special effects for 2001. Smallville will never be the same after that event. When the meteor shower is all done with many losses, we get introduced to the man of the show. Clark Kent.

12 years later, Clark is now in high school and trying to be "normal" among his friends and high school in general. I also loved how the writers put the first encounter between Lex and Clark in the pilot. I won't say anything about the encounter but here on out, there'll only be more downs in their relationship than ups.

I like the high school crush on Lana Lang side storyline. She's apparently the hottest girl in school but I do agree with a lot of people that Chloe is better looking than Lana. Chloe also has a crush on Clark only known to Pete who is also Clark's friend. We all know from the comics, Clark ends up with Lois Lane but in the meantime he's gotta work on other girls right?

We also get introduced to the whole MOTW (Monster of the Week) type episodes as Clark faces off against a guy who is infused with electricity and gets revenge against the football team members back before the meteor shower who strung him up in the cornfield as a scarecrow. He got his powers from the material inside the meteors. Chloe also introduces the Wall of Weird which will be a major thing throughout their high school years.

There is an amazing amount of chemistry between all the actors and actresses on Smallville. It feels like they all want to be on this show. This is why Smallville lasted 10 years.

I will be reviewing the second episode once I finish it. Thank you everyone involved with Smallville for making this show and making it last this long.

Smallville rules!