I am – Hercules!!


On page 22 of the current TV Guide (the one with next week’s listings and the cast of “CSI NY” on the cover), there’s talk that “Smallville” won’t be back for ninth season because Tom Welling, who turns 32 in April, is not contracted for that season and may have tired of playing Superboy.

If a deal with Welling can’t be reached? An excerpt from the TV Guide piece:

[Showrunner Darren] Swimmer suggests a Smallville spinoff starring Phil Morris (John Jones aka Martian Manhunter), who next appears Jan. 22.

The Manhunter, a charter member of the Justice League who played a major role in the recent “Final Frontier” direct-to-DVD movie, has all the powers of Superman and a few more, including telepathy, clairvoyance and invisibility. He can also shapeshift, change himself to steel or stone and “phase” through walls and other solid objects. In “Smallville” he can also heal others. He was introduced in a 1955 issue of Detective Comics.

Morris may still be best beloved for his memorable portrayal of the Cochranesque attorney Jackie Childs on “Seinfeld.”

"Smallville" producers had earlier pitched to The CW "The Graysons," a look at the circus days of the boy who would become Batman's sidekick, but Warner Bros. execs put the kibosh on that notion.

“Smallville” returns Jan. 15 with Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad, Doomsday and the atomic axe-wielding Persuader in tow.

Holiday Encheapened!!!

Boxed Set Blowout!!