All About The WB/CW: From Buffy the Vampire Slayer to The Vampire Dairies

I realized the other week that watching Gossip Girl/Smallville/Vampire Dairies/Hellcats on The CW is about as much as I've watched the network since Buffy/Angel/Roswell/7th Heaven in 2001, before Buffy and Roswell moved to the UPN network.

The sense of watching many of my shows (or at least something) on the network hasn't changed that much over the years. I fondly remember when The WB launched in 1995 and had a fun, fresh feel about it with a singing Michigan J. Frog from Looney Tunes as the mascot. Unhappily Ever After (From the creator of Married... with Children) was my first favorite program they had. Summer of '97 would be spent watching Buffy, which I started getting into a couple weeks after its debut in March. There were other shows here and there the network had that I'd check out as well.

Between 1998-2007 Mondays were about 7th Heaven and not too long after it was gone, I started watching Gossip Girl. It took awhile, but I hung in there and love the show now. There's often a bit of a "been there, done that" feeling with plots revolving around Serena, but creative writing, plot twists and drama always keeps the show good n' juicy. And Kristen Bell is amazing as the mysterious girl who sees everything while no one ever sees her. The other characters are great too. I really like the cast, which in a sense, makes it similar to One Tree Hill, which I watched when it first started in '06 because I thought the cast was great. I eventually gave up on it though, partly due to conflicting with American Idol.

Between 1999-2002 the best night of TV was always Buffy/Angel Tuesdays before Buffy moved. I'd religiously tape the shows which I realized later was silly and I never did anything with the tapes. Angel would go 2 more seasons and a couple months later I started getting into Smallville, which sorta filled the void left behind.

Despite all the TV I watch, it's not very often that a show I watch goes into a season knowing it'll be the last and tries to do as much as it can before it ends. Buffy did and it was glorious. Angel rushed its end (The WB really blew that one), Roswell somewhat, while 7th Heaven had a wonderful "last episode" -- and tossed it all aside for a luckluster season to help launch The CW.

The story of Clark Kent has come a long way in 10 years, over 200 episodes with many twists, deaths, teamups, cast changes -- and it's all coming together for the end when Clark will finally fly and become the hero everyone knows. They're really going all out including a ton of guest appearances, that will hopefully include Michael Rosenbaum (Lex) returning for the finale, after leaving the show over 3 years ago. Since then they creatively wrote the character out and one of the things I really like about this season is, with an rapidly aging clone, they're progressing the character to became the Lex who's Supermans' nemesis. Only way this story can properly end is with the real Lex (Rosenbaum) coming back. And once it's over, I look forward to finally watching the first 3 seasons, which (aside from a few eps) I've never seen.

Meanwhile, I started watching The Vampire Dairies in September after hearing about it from a friend. It's quite an interesting show with hot characters and drama. It took awhile to get used to a vampire show different than what I was used to, but I soon realized they do the "good vs. evil" thing pretty well. Like Buffy/Angel, I always enjoy flashbacks to hundreds of years ago. And this is another great cast. I look forward to Netflixing season 1 in 2011.

There's also Hellcats -- pretty much a Bring It On TV series with Ashley Tisdale. The plots not quite my thing, but it's something to keep handy on the DVR to watch during dinner or to kill time.

I'll also give props to UPN, which had Buffy 2 years until it ended and Roswell -- together on Tuesdays for a year until Roswell was canceled. Chris Rock's Everybody Hates Chris started there, which I always thought was pretty funny.

Basically, Tuesdays were always a big night for me, with American Idol since '04. As we begin a new Idol season soon, the performance night moves to Wednesday, which with Survivor and Modern Family, is the new big night.

S-10.11 "Icarus"

Despite the awkwardness Tom and Erica had in the cold when Clark proposed to Lois, it was still a very touching scene. Loved the falling petals.

What kind of a S.W.A.T. raid was that? I was expecting stuff breaking everywhere. Clearly they didn't even bother looking around the barn much. >__>

I think it's pretty cool how they're tying the darkness to real historical events and those eras having heros of their own.

Great to see Hawkman fight Slade and get an awesome entrance. Liked how a big fight took place in Luthorcorp for once.

Bonus points for Slade calling it "Operation Icarus."

Since when is Zatanna part of the Superclub? It'd be nice to see her in Watchtower if they can get Serinda hopefully. And have we ever actually seen Bart's Impulse costume?

Interesting cliffhanger. What better way to end on then our heros falling in a perfectly laid trap.

This episode had to have been a minute or so longer than usual. Sure felt long, besides the fact the interrogations kinda dragged things out (and it was 9:01 when Supernatural came on).

Good episode to end the first half on. I look forward to the rise of evil Lex, finally getting more of Darkseid and his goons and everything really coming together to close out the show. I'm pretty intrigued about the "complete mythos alignment" too.

S-10.10 "Luthor"

Hard to believe it took 10 years for Luthor to be an episode title.

Kryptonian artifacts still around? Nice, quick setup for Clark to get his hands on the Mirror Box. I liked how Clark was hard on Tess and discovered the clone had been staying in the lab. Good anticipation for the return of teen Lex soon.

Holy crap, alt-Clark was perfectly badass and Tom did an amazing job.

Swann, Veritas, Earth Two... Good references.

Interesting how the Luthors were able to take control of the Fortress in the other dimension.

Great to finally have some Tess/Lionel scenes. Can't wait for the real thing in this dimension.

And what about Chloe? Without Clark in her life, do you suppose she simply would've been a journalist?

How did Lionel end up on the street and not Watchtower? This threw me way off into thinking this dimensions Lionel was back, not alt-Lionel via the Mirror Box (I know, should've been obvious >_>). And I gotta say I'm fascinated by the concept that Lionel was automatically switched to "good" sort-to speak when he was transported (as he should be).

S-10.09 "Patriot"

I couldn't help but feel like a patriot after that.

The focus between A.C. and Clark was well done. I liked how Clark was hard on him for blowing up the refinery before learning the reason.

Loved how Lois became part of the team and was introduced to Watchtower. Nice to see her meet Dr. Hamilton as well. Great line about him being part of the group, despite Clark never needing a checkup.

Ending speech was awesome.

Also like how the VRA plot is moving along and how Oliver had no clue what he was getting into.

A very solid episode all-around and one of the best for a JLer.

S-10.08 "Abandoned"

I always appreciate how the show doesn't leave viewers feeling abandoned.

Great to finally learn Tess's backstory as a little girl and find out that she's a Luthor. Didn't think they'd reveal so much in this episode. Don't really like how "Lutessa Luthor" sounds, but I look forward to seeing where this goes.

Liked how Lois went to the Fortress to try to help patch things up between Jor-El and Clark after watching the video of her mom. Yeah, I sorta wish Jor-El wasn't such a dick and would say something, but we know he's pissed, teaching a lesson and it'll obviously get all worked out by the end. And well done getting Sands and Slater back to do the hologram bit and Hatcher.

Nice to Desaad and Godfrey alongside Granny, especially with Darkseid not having much of a presence so far this season.

Wow, Clark has a ring and Lois has a...dress? They're not setting up for another "Bride" are they? >_>

This episode packed a lot and gave us plenty to look forward to. It did make me think that after hearing about Tess being a Luthor a couple weeks ago, I may wanna consider heavily avoiding rumors like this as the show winds down next year.

S-10.05 "Isis"

Didn't really care for the Lois possessed filler much, but everything else was awesome.

Great to see Clark, Ollie and Tess working together and Tess getting to officially head Watchtower for now.

The continuation with Clois from "Homecoming," capped off at the end was very nice.

Smallville #200 "Homecoming"

I'm reckoning this was a great homecoming for the series.

Great to see Marsters again, in what I'd guess was his last appearance.

Liked how Clark looked at the nametags laid out, which setup the Lana clip. Revisiting The Torch with the high school kids and flashback was nice too. Gosh, it was funny how young everyone was (including Lois after watching "Reckoning" again).

Brainiac showing Clark what actually happened right before Johnathan died and revisiting the funeral were well done.

Black K was a mistake? Loved it.

Future Clark was awesome. Loved how straight he was and knowing Past Clark would be there to lend a needed hand.

Also liked how Clark got very cautious about Future Lois knowing his secret and was relieved realizing she was protecting it. Looking forward to when she tells him in the present.

So much for Chloe "faking her death"... >_>

Great speech by Oliver and Clark witnessing it. Only on Smallville do you get the big interview at the top of the show and the superhero talking about superheros can glance at one without anyone thinking anything of it. <_<

Why'd the reunion have to abruptly end? A slow fade-out of Clark/Lois would've been better.

S-10.03 "Supergirl"

This episode was really not all that super.

Thought Lois would be away for another episode or 2. Yeah, it was more centered around her than Kara. Would've been nice to have more focus on Kara, while Lois is still in Egypt -- But I guess they wanted to wrap this up quickly before the 200th.

Liked how Darkseid possessed Godfrey 3 weeks prior and how they extended the shot from the end of "Lazarus."

Kara quickly stopping the billboard was kinda cheap. I was hoping for another shot of her flying, like when she last left Smallville.

The whole bondage thing was kinda creepy (especially with someone who's not really human). Nice touch with calling it Club Desaad. I always like when Lois goes undercover.

Lois not saying "Supergirl" was worse than Jimmy's "Super....guy." >_>

Oliver deciding he had to reveal himself was nicely done.

Kara's staying on Earth? Alright, but she has to come back or they better come up with a damn good excuse.

Still a pretty good episode and great to see Laura again, despite the somewhat misleading title.

Smallville Final Season Premiere "Lazarus"

Another great opening sequence. Love the mix of clips spanning the series.

A little surprised to see the Fortress repaired already.

Great to have Lex back in some form. It was as if he was never gone. Interesting that the real Lex is still dead, as far as that clone knew. Weird that Tess is now caring for the little Alexander.

Clark stopping the globe was excellent.

This episode did spend a little too much on the past (especially with Clark's attitude), but otherwise great start to the final season.

Go Go Power Morphicon

With these conventions, I never quite know what I'm getting myself into. Sure there's Power Rangers -- and LOTS of it, but the convention doesn't go until midnight, leaving the nights open. How would this go?

THURSDAY
Got to Sea-Tac early and awaited Tyler S. and Ryland to show up, as the 3 of us had seats together. Coming up from Tacoma took longer than expected and we missed our 9:00 flight. The Alaska Air staff was nice about quickly switching us to a 10:00 flight, however, Ryland now had a separate seat from us and was charged $50 (likely due to not checking in online before).

We arrived at LAX a bit before 1:00 and soon met up with Tom, and Evan and Sean -- 2 guys making their first appearance at a gathering. Ryland was hoping I had arranged a limo or something to take us to Pasadena, but I figured we'd just get something there. We eventually got a Super Shuttle van and arrived at the Sheraton Pasadena Hotel around 3:00. I got settled in my room and was glad to let go of my sisters bag. I texted the guys who had gone out for mexican food and learned that Johnathan -- who I had an ugly falling out with a couple months ago -- was there too. It was inevitable we would see eachother, so may as well get it over with. I was surprised by his response when I sat down and I didn't say a word the whole time. Everyone soon left and I eventually went back to the hotel, trying to fend off what happened get to me. If I hadn't gone, he probably would've said something later and now I could just avoid him.

I then mostly hung out in the lobby, while the guys had joined some of the convention staff to check out the convention center and begin setup (pretty much getting the gift bags ready and rolling up posters). Knowing I'm not on good terms with Chris Funaro, it was best to not get involved. Soon after 8:00, my roommate Tyler W. arrived from Baltimore and we chatted a bit before he wanted to go help with setup. I was hesitant about joining in with Chris there, but since my entire posse was there along with the staff and volunteers, I changed my mind and asked if I could do something. They put me to work and we were here until the convention center needed to close around 9:45. A group of us then debated where to go to eat and settled on a nearby hamburger place in the same plaza that had the mexican. Afterwards, some of us went to a bar in the hotel lobby, although their wasn't much going on.

FRIDAY
Headed to the registration area outside the convention center about 10:00 and mostly hung out there in the sun after I got my "Gold Ranger" member bag of goodies. Their was a nice grocery store across the street, so I got a pastry and juice.

The doors officially opened a little before noon and once inside I looked around at the Bandai (PR's toy maker) displays and several different booths with everything -- toys, props, clothing, DVDs, artwork and more toys -- that you could purchase (Not just PR but a ton of Japanese stuff as well). I was expecting some sort of an opening ceremony, but instead, Paul Schrier (Bulk, seasons 1-7) kicked things off with a few words on a mic. Not too long after, the Bulk & Skull Panel got underway and Paul tore it up along with Jason Narvy (Skull, seasons 1-6) for about an hour. This was Paul's only afternoon at the convention and it was a great way to get started. Afterwards, I hung out in the main area and began to get some autographs and take pics. At one point I noticed a couple older well-dressed gentlemen standing around, who I assume were there on behalf of Saban Brands (more on that later).

At 3:00 was the Creating Power Rangers with Judd Lynn Panel, marking Judd's first ever public appearance at any Ranger event. Judd was responsible for writing most of the episodes between 1998-2001 and was with the show before that too. He was also a substitute Executive Producer in 2009 (when the show was on the way to ending) and under a different name, wrote 2 great episodes during the writers strike in 2008. He's a great guy, even giving away original film slides to fans on Saturday. One of things I really liked about his era of writing on the show is how story driven the seasons were, which is something Judd really pushed for, compared to the stand-alones and simple plots of MMPR. I never got his autograph or anything, but just being in his presence after all this time made part of the convention for me (as I'm sure it did for many others).

At 4:00 I saw the SPD Panel followed by a panel with a couple cast/voice actors representing Lost Galaxy, Lightspeed Rescue and Wild Force. A special "Gold Ranger" event screening of Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers: The Movie was supposed to start at 6:00 but was delayed over 30 mins while we waited for Jason Narvy to come back to the convention center for live commentary.

It was close to 9:00 before I left for the night and I soon metup with a couple of the guys, as well as Eric and his friend, Rita. Pretty much hung out in Evan & Tom's room for awhile, ordered pizza and then went to the hotel lobby bar at 11:00, where others from Rangerboard (and other people) were hanging out. I mostly sat quietly, keeping my distance from Johnathan and his friends. A few actors were around and some dude sang and played guitar as well.

SATURDAY
Slept in until 9:30 then hustled out grabbing a snack from the lobby gift shop. Meanwhile, a "Gold Ranger" event breakfast was going on with a dozen or so actors that I kinda wanted to go to, but it was nice to sleep in (which would help staying up at night later) and I saved $40. So much for hustling to the convention center -- The breakfast ran late and people weren't let in for the panel with Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers/Power Rangers Zeo cast until after 10:30.

At noon I watched a screening of an episode of Kamen Rider Dragon Knight then left for awhile while the last episode clip-show was playing. Returned for Q&A with the cast and people behind the show, which was followed by autograph signings. Despite the fact the show ended up being not that good and had nothing to do with Power Rangers or Saban, it was great to meet a bunch of the cast who were really cool and it was nice they were invited to the convention.

At 4:00 I saw the Villains Panel, then one with a mix of cast from Turbo, In Space, Time Force and SPD. That was followed by a Q&A with Ron Wasserman, who did the original "Go Go Power Rangers" and all the music the first few years -- as well as the SPD theme in 2005. He signed autographs afterwards as the main area closed for the night. Then Tony Oliver (a producer for MMPR and currently doing some writing for the upcoming season) had a video presentation, showing some stuff we saw at the first Morphicon, along with some stuff we didn't. At 9:00 there was supposed to be a MiSTing with Ryland, Chris and a self-proclaimed "internet celebrity" doing running commentary about 2 episodes, but was delayed and by the time it started, there was only time for 1 episode. Afterwards, my gang and I went up to Tom & Evan's room, ate pizza, talked about the day and horsed around. Tyler W. and I left and I went to bed about 2:00.

SUNDAY
Got up after 9:00 and hung out at the hotel until my sister came by to get her suitcase. We had lunch at the Pasadena Whole Foods -- a large, fresh-looking, 2 floor version of the store. Then returning to the convention center, I mostly worked on getting autographs and pics in addition to sitting in on a female Rangers panel at 1:00. Later at 4:00, as many as the center would allow crammed into one of the rooms for a short closing ceremony, hosted by Jason Narvy and most of the actors, voice artists, crew and head of the Power Morphicon staff spoke one last time.

I pretty much hung out, while the convention was still open, taking in everything one last time, before it all started to come down and get boxed up. Soon I met up with the gang and we walked to Panda Express for dinner. Then with Evan gone already, we chilled in Eric & Rita's room for awhile. Word had gotten out about a pool party that was supposed to be happening, so we went out to the pool outside the hotel just to find -- no one. We chilled there anyway, while I used the hotels free wi-fi to check-in for the Monday morning flight. Eventually people did start to come over to the pool (including the guy who wanted to have it to begin with). Johnathan and his posse came over too, but my group and his didn't interact that much and we stayed away from eachother. After being out here 2 and a half hours or so, we went back to Eric & Rita's. Again, I went to bed about 2:00, with Tom in Tyler W.'s bed who left already.

MONDAY/FINAL THOUGHTS
Got up about 8:15, took a shower and packed, then took a walk outside the convention center, hopped across the street to a espresso place for breakfast and came back to my room. Eventually Tyler S. and Ryland met us there. The hotel staff, figuring we were cutting it close, quickly got us a taxi and after Sean joined us, we left for LAX about noon (The flight boarded at 1:00, so yeah, we made it fine, but could've gotten going sooner). Ryland, Tyler S. and I arrived at Sea-Tac, I said my goodbyes and got home about 5:00.

It was a great weekend and despite the sorta rocky start, I had a lot of fun spending time with friends from Rangerboard and the chatroom we hang out in. Compared to Power Morphicon '07 and Anime Central '08, it was a bit different without their being any sort of "Rangerboard Party" -- instead people in their own groups, like I was.

The convention layout was nice and quick to navigate (albeit a little crammed at times), compared to the first Morphicon at Wilshire Hotel. There was even a "Morphin' Kitchen" food stand you could purchase lunch and snacks from.

Another bigger difference was that this time there were scheduled photo-ops you could purchase tickets for and get your pic taken with the cast member at the scheduled time -- although some still didn't mind having their pic taken with fans for free. (I got some pics with cast and didn't bother with the photo-op, different than getting in pics with everyone before). I did get a lot of high-quality autographed pics and the cast members were really great -- most asking where you were from and stuff.

Their was definitely room for improvement as well. A lot of people didn't like how the Gold/Silver/Red Ranger membership levels were handled. I liked getting priority seating in the first few rows. The 2 panel rooms were a little small and it literally got to 100+ degrees in one of the rooms at one point.

Next time I plan on focusing more on getting autographs on Friday and go to panels later. This weekend showed that the convention can still be overwhelming at times (no matter where it's at or who it's run by) -- between trying to decide if I wanna go to Panel A, Panel B, or get autographs (In all I got 33 and missed about 6 I wanted). I don't expect to get involved in setup again either, even if my group does. The real challenge would probably be getting Jason David Frank's autograph (Tommy, seasons 1-5, 11). Their was a line just for him all weekend, snaking up 3 rows of stairs.

And now that Saban has the show again, their should be more of presence from Saban Brands next time, which was pretty much absent (As part of the free stuff you got, I was kinda surprised to see a "Super Legends" Red Ranger poster and refrigerator magnets, both copyrighted to Disney -- but I guess it makes sense since the official convention announcement was made with Disney's sanction, close to Saban's purchase happening). Some cast from other defunct Saban shows were at the convention as well, which I wasn't interested in.

2012 we'll do it again and in the meantime, the power lives on...

Check out the gallery here.

Countdown to Morphicon

It's been an interesting summer, beginning with the news Saban bought back the show. It was quite unexpected, especially after it was declared canceled a year prior and it looked like maybe it'd return in a few years. Boy, that was fast. Filming is staying in New Zealand, but will now be shot in HD, so it'll be interesting to see how it all plays out. And this was the first summer being able to follow real-time updates of the casting process via Rangerboard with people with twitter/other connections, so that was pretty cool.

MMPRv2 has been forgettable and has had some questionable editing, but what the heck -- It's something and I have liked some of the graphics (Can't wait for the ORIGINAL eps on Nicktoons this fall >_>). No new season has helped make time for other things, such as watching GaoRanger and an english dub of Bioman. I'll check out a few eps of Shinkenger when PR's adaptation premieres, but the desire to watch recent sentai (after 4 years of MagiRanger, Boukenger, GekiRanger and Go-Onger) is pretty much history.

Now the second Power Rangers convention is upon us. A bunch of voice-actors, writers and crew from the old days will be making first ever appearances (some with their own panels), which will be fun. Unfortunately, their will be few (if any) New Zealand and Aussie cast from the Disney years, which will be different from meeting the Mystic Force and Operation Overdrive casts last time. Their should also be a lot more sitting around at panels and less wandering around watching for actors to appear in the halls and hanging out in the dealers room. The con should also be more organized and smoother overall than the first one as well. ACEN '08 was great, but it's time to get back to some good old PR festivities and keep "Mario" at home. And it'll be nice to meet people from the chatroom and board who didn't make it to ACEN or the first Morphicon, while hanging out with others I've met before.

Smallville Season Finale "Salvation"

This was absolute salvation for Bloomsday and Jor-El's Fortress self-destruct.

Future Metropolis! Good to know for sure Lex is alive. Considering they went to the trouble of using doubles/voice alteration before, I gotta think they'll involve him in the story next year, especially if it is indeed planned all year as the end. Also loved how they vaguely showed Superman (was too excited the first time to realize you could see him taking control of the plane). And Martha's present... Just beautiful. ^_^

Liked how Zod again tried to pose as the Blur, but pushed too hard and Lois figured it out. Good "Charade" callback.

I was surprised Waller/Checkmate remnants weren't in this at all. Initially thought the person knitting was her keeping a low profile. And what happens with Tess now?

The cameos... Not what I was really expecting (Knew it would happen when only Vala and Basquat were actually credited). Nonetheless, it was still cool to see Watchtower rallying the troops. Perhaps they'll save the real JSA/JL teamup for when the shows actually ending?

Holy crap, Lois saw the journal! Great end to the Lois/Blur story. The way Clark told her by kissing her was excellent and as always, the creative shadowing really added to the scene. Now, will she get mindwiped or some crap? >_>

Clark vs Zod! A real throwdown at last!

Personally hope it's John Jones who flies in to save Clark. I could see him offering advice while he's injured.


What a season. The alternate future, flashbacks on Kandor, JSA, reveal of Checkmate's plans, Maxwell Lord coming in as the Black King and Martha as the Red Queen really made for a fantastic year. I enjoyed having Zod and the Kandorians around much of the time... plus it was great to have Lois in more episodes finally and our martian manhunter with powers. I hadn't been this excited since season 5 and the whole thing with Fine/Brainiac.

I love how far the show has come, with Clark facing more and more who he'll become... and having to balance the relationship with Lois and the one she had with the Blur. I still never expected them to go as far as they did with Lois and Clark's double identity.

S-9.18 "Upgrade" and 9.19 "Charade"

Have to say I enjoyed John's attitude Upgrade.

I thought this episode moved things along nicely. Liked the focus between John & Lois and Clark & Zod teaming up. Loved the part in the FoS.

Props for returning to Seattle.


All the focus on the whole Charade of Clark's was a great surprise.

Loved how the relationship lines really blurred together. Lois realizing she can't know the Blur's identity speaking to Clark that he can't reveal who he is was well done. Had no clue they'd go so far as so have them touch hands. Yeah, it's possible she could realize deep down that it's Clark.

Will Zod try to pose as the Blur again? A quick scene like that would be nice.

Clark jumping through the glass and overlapping the image was another one of the most beautiful scenes the show has done. Checkmate Attic = Instant Win

My guess is that the Red Queen is Martha (in which case that was clearly a stand-in) or might be someone new. I can't see it being Chloe.

S-9.17 "Checkmate"

Going back to season 8, this episode checkmated about the past 19 episodes.

Awesome opening scene. Sorta got a Disney PR vibe with how slow some shots were. Usually when there are fewer I wouldn't give it much thought.

Still trying to grasp the fact Tess has a hidden jump tube. >_>

Beautiful rescue scene. For something fairly simple, it worked wonders.

I have to admit, I about jumped outta my chair in excitement when it was revealed John had impersonated Waller. It was the icing on an already very sweet cake.

Ugh... Where's Mia? I generally like just about everything, but not this Chloliver thing. o_O

And yeah, it's great how Clark has no problem threatening Tess on the edge of buildings and she's genuinely scared he'd kill her.

Wait, another player? Red Queen? (long pause) Martha? OMG!

Just like last year at this time, Smallville delivered again. The focus on Checkmate and getting to see John in action with his powers easily made for some of the best scenes since the Davis/Lex flashbacks and pilot re-creation.

MMPRv2 update

Now that we're 12 episodes into the reversioning, I'd have to say it hasn't been that bad lately. I come to realize that season 1 wasn't all that great to begin with.  

"TEAMWORK" and "BIG SISTERS" were especially bad as far as the episodes go and the 'new' stuff didn't help. On the other hand, "SWITCHING PLACES" and "FOUL PLAY IN THE SKY" were easily some of the best early eps they did. Mostly, I like the Ranger-centric bumpers and the gags they do with Bulk n' Skull. The word pop-ups make some scenes more fun, but it feels really unneeded during morphed footage. Re-showing the beginning of "DAY OF THE DUMPTER" again and again is cringe-worthy, although the last time they showed it ("I, EYE GUY") had a creative segway.

S-9.14 "Persuasion" and 9.15 "Conspiracy"

Awesome seeing Clark destroy Zod's towers as a last-ditch effort. One of the best uses of heat vision ever.

Surrounding Tess in the fire ring and nearly killing her wasn't bad either.

... What the hell, Chloe?!

Zod getting his powers back was pretty predictable. After Clark stabbed himself, I started to get what was going on. And awesome way to end the sweeps.

It's great having such a prominent villain on the show again. Sure, we got 6 eps until the final battle, but it feels like it could be the next ep, which I like. :)

The Kandorians in the FoS... Can't wait.

Two pretty good episodes.

S-9.13 "Warrior"

Forget Warrior Angel, we all know the real warrior is Zatanna. >_>

Liked how Zatara had put a spell on the never-opened comic, leading to Zatanna having to get involved. And those eyes... ^_^

Nice to see Allison direct an episode actually centered on Chloe this time.

After Zod was suddenly hanging out in Clark's house before, I wondered if there'd be any scenes with them in this. Not surprised there weren't.

This was a nice, fun and pretty flexible episode.

Smallville: Absolute Justice

Even for a non-comics fan like myself, this was an absolute thrill.

Awesome seeing the Icicle/Star-Spangled Kid fight through Chloe's POV.

Liked how the former heros got mixed up with the government and taken to jail for refusing to work for them. Clark learning about them and uncovering the museum was well done.

THE CAPE!

Awesome match between Icicle/Stargirl.

Guess Fate didn't feel like telling Clark Lex isn't really dead. Interesting way they sorta danced around this.

HE'S BACK! Had a feeling John was getting his powers backs in this, even cemented with a badass line.

A little overboard with slow-mo final battle, but it's what I expect from the show. And I did like how the camera panned around between everyone using their weapons.

OH SNAP! Could Tess's ties with Checkmate have to do with Lex giving her the Luthorcorp position?

Loved the nods to Justice League, "Lois & Clark" and John's appetite for cookies.

When Pam mentioned the apocalypse, I naturally thought, well, isn't that what'll happen if Zod succeeds? >_>

The lesson and encouragement about fighting together more and spending time with eachother outside of that was nice.

Even Cordelia was more human than Chloe in late s3 of Angel -- and she was half demon!

Hopefully the new Dr. Fate will be part of the storyline later, since we know a character or 2 usually appears after the teamup. Can't wait to see what they do next year. For this year, it was great and the 2 parts made the pacing pretty good.

Wrapping up KRDK, RPM and more...

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