If you thought there was nothing new to be found in the Superman story, think again. This powerful re-imagining of the tale of the alien child adopted by human parents who becomes the Man of Steel steps back in time to explore Clark Kent's teenage years, and the metaphor--discovering superpowers upon awakening into adulthood--is remarkably apt. Part of the fun comes from watching a larger story we already know unfold in deliciously detailed slow motion: here's a Clark (Tom Welling) who can't yet fly; here's Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum), son of a wealthy Metropolis businessman who strikes up an odd friendship with his future nemesis; here's Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk), with whom Clark is desperately in love. And here's Lana's pretty green necklace, made from a piece of a meteor that accompanied Clark to Earth; is it love or kryptonite making Clark weak in the knees? Featuring an unexpectedly wonderful John Schneider as the adoptive father whom Clark is so eager to live up to and fears he can't, despite his strange abilities, Smallville serves up a poignant portrayal of painful adolescence in a striking, handsome production. Featuring all 21 episodes, including the pilot, from the first series, this boxed set also boasts commentaries on select episodes by writer-producers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, deleted scenes, and a virtual tour of the town of Smallville. Highly recommended. (M. Johanson)
Smallville: The Complete First Season
Warner, 6 discs, 954 min., not rated, DVD: $64.95 Volume 18, Issue 6
Smallville: The Complete First Season
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