Literatlly.

The word on the street says the next season of Smallville is the last one.

2) Bring back Michael McKean as Perry White, so that the Planet can become what it is. I'm actually one of the few people that doesn't have a problem with Erica Durance. I've never thought Lois was supposed to be an immediately likeable character. I like that she has flaws and has had to earn her place. I like that Clark doesn't fall for her right away, but grows to love her. Much better than the stupid puppy-dog Lana crush. Which leads to...

3)Lana - buh-bye! Clark needs to move on. Her story is sooo done.

4)If Lex is gone, then you need a major human player as a nemesis. Here's a wacky idea - write one! Create a good villain (not 'of the week' but a Big Bad, ala Buffy) that doesn't screw up DC continuity. But you better bring back Lex for sweeps. Oh, and you better have a damn good story reason for Lex being gone. And keep Lionel as a major player, but perhaps transform him a bit, give him a new status quo, perhaps a closer relationship with Jor-El, which leads to...

5. Enough of the tease. Bring Terrence Stamp on the show for real. Explain why Jor-El is always such a dick.

6. Bring back the Justice League! Give Clark some more global challenges. Keep Chloe as an 'Oracle' character. And oh yeah, for gods' sake, stop shitting on Chloe. Give her an uplifting story arc for once. Make her a new superhero or something. Jimmy? Keep him around as an occasional plot device. Supergirl? Meh.

That series finale better have some freakin' tights and flights!

Here's the URL: http://tinyurl.com/2kbjdm

slkboxrman, I'm actually one of those people who doesn't so much care for continuity with DC (especially since DC has done enough to mess up its own continuity). But if you're going to make it a different world, make it a different world. Don't try to make major characters be 're-interpretations' of established DC characters. That only occasionally works, and only when the take says something new and interesting about the character (see, for instance, their interpretation of Mytzlplk. Totally unnecessary). This is why I'm all for creating a new 'big bad' that addresses the issues specific to the show and the Smallville 'world. '

On another note, I actually like the idea that someone posted of Martian Manhunter doing mindwipes at the end of the show. But only if they earn it - if it's not tacked on for convenience. I like the idea that Chloe would be involved in an ongoing project to erase Clark Kent's identity, so that by the end of the show, Superman can appear. But it has to take time, it has to be earned, there has to be consequences.

I guess overall, I care about this show, because it has always had the potential for greatness, but so rarely achieves it (I felt similarly about the Highlander series). If only the producers would take more risks and not take so many shortcuts. I hope someday, someone will create a show in the superhero genre that's intelligent and edgy, doesn't pander to a teen crowd, and has focused, non-cliched, and crisp writing, and isn't cheesy - maybe someone will learn from the mistakes of Smallville and Heroes. There's such a range of material and greatness in the comics medium, why not on the screen? It's too bad comic adaptations are all about making money in the movie theater, when they are much more suited to television due to their serial nature. I fantasize about a tv show that takes its cues from stuff like Swamp Thing, Animal Man, Doom Patrol, and Sandman, rather than the standard fare. So how's that Preacher show coming along?