Picking up where its fifth season left off, Smallville 's sixth season begins with Metropolis in ruins, Clark (Tom Welling) trapped in the Phantom Zone, and General Zod inhabiting the body of Lex (Michael Rosenbaum). Even when that situation, dubbed "Black Thursday," is over, Clark still has to capture the criminals who escaped from the Phantom Zone. Meanwhile, having driven away Lana (Kristin Kreuk), she finds comfort in the home and arms of Lex, driving further anxiety into that romantic triangle that has expanded to include Chloe (Allison Mack, still with a smile that lights up the orb on top of the Daily Planet) and her new beau, photographer Jimmy Olsen (Aaron Ashmore). And Lois (Erica Durance)? We see hints of her inevitable future in her becoming a reporter for the tabloid rag The Inquisitor ("The thrill of discovery, the clack of the keys, the scent of fresh ink I think I've finally found my calling!") and flashing some sparks with Clark especially in a Valentine's Day episode called "Crimson." She also finds a new boyfriend in Oliver Queen (Justin Hartley), a tycoon who moves from Star City to Metropolis and revives a boarding-school rivalry with Lex. But Queen is also a superhero, the Green Arrow, and he's out to thwart Lex's project called 33.1, which runs tests on meteor-powered humans. And in an awesome episode called "Justice," the Green Arrow gathers his team--Bart Allen (Kyle Gallner), a.k.a. Impulse (a change after he was first called the Flash); Arthur "AC" Curry (Alan Ritchson), a.k.a. Aquaman; and Victor Stone (Lee Thompson Young), a.k.a. Cyborg (who had all appeared in the series before)--with Clark to shut down Lex. Yet another hero from the comic books--an interplanetary detective (Phil Morris)--helps Clark fight rogue Kryptonians. It all ends in a slam-bang finale with a number of surprises. Even though the Lana drama went on too long, Green Arrow and some choice episodes stuff made this one of Smallville 's best seasons. Guest stars include Tori Spelling as a nosy gossip reporter and Lynda "Wonder Woman" Carter as Chloe's mom. --David Horiuchi Smallville: The Complete Sixth Season (DVD) Clark Kent and Lex Luthor. They tried to be friends. But their chosen paths set them on a collision course. The rivalry explodes into the fierce good-versus-evil battle fans have long expected in Season Six of the spectacular series that reinterprets the characters and events of Superman mythology from its very roots. Adding to the supercharged rivalry: Lana Lang becomes Mrs. Luthor. And the secret behind the reason she says yes will leave Clark reeling. But that's not all that's ready to rock Clark's world. Oliver Queen – aka The Green Arrow (recurring star Justin Hartley) – forms a League of Super Heroes to take down LuthorCorp. Will Clark sign on? Then, there are all those pesky Phantom Zone escapees menacing Earth. Can Clark stop them? And LuthorCorp expands its dark genetic experiments with the "meteor freaks." Will an awesome kryptonite-powered army be the result? The answers – and the excitement – are all here in twenty-two out-of-this world episodes! Review: Smallville Continues to Fly As Clark Finally Accepts His Destiny - *Note: Anyone who has not seen the sixth season, I highly recommend NOT reading the back of the box. If you want to be surprised, the synopsis on the back might ruin something for you. Most television series tend to be on their down-slope by the time the sixth season rolls around. Writers usually have trouble coming up with new and inventive stories to keep the audience intrigued. In fact, I can only think of a handful of shows that are either as good as when they started, or they are actually even better. It doesn't happen often. Trust me, after watching television series for over 30 years, I know. Smallville's writers have succeeded in placing the series in the with the few and far between; the shows that have been able to continue going strong. The sixth season marks the time and point when Clark finally accepts his destiny. He finally realizes that he must use his powers to help the people of not only Smallville and the friends he loves, but the world. Granted he receives a little nudge in that direction from a new ally, but he finally realizes that his destiny far outreaches the boundaries of Smallville. The challenges that Clark must now face are new, but no less painful and deadly as the challenges he has faced in previous seasons. Exactly how does one deal with the fact that the love of your life is now with your arch-nemesis? At least the first half of the season focuses on how Clark deals with Lana being with Lex. The Clark-Lex rivalry hits full throttle in this season. We finally see that Lex isn't only manipulative, but he has now added unbridled cruelty to his list of unpleasant characteristics. Lionel can still play the game, but he wasn't nearly as cruel or vindictive as Lex has become. Just watch what happens when anyone threatens to take away something that Lex believes is his. We really start to see a much clearer picture of the Lex Luthor who will ultimately be Superman's greatest enemy. Clark's new mission this season is to round up the "ex-cons" from the Phantom Zone. He feels that he is responsible as well as feeling that he is the only one capable of stopping them from ravaging Earth. Clark has a great sense of responsibility. The writers must be careful not to add too much "guilt" ingredient to that, otherwise you're wandering into Spider-Man territory. Superman's motivation has always been responsibility and a keen sense of justice. There are many questions that will be asked and answered during the course of this season: What is Jor-El's true intentions for Clark? What kind of a person was Jor-El? What is Lionel Luthor's interest in Clark, and will he prove to be Clark's asset, or downfall? And how does Clark deal with what potentially proves to be the loss of another loved one? For those of you who are familiar with DC Comics, a couple more heroes will be revealed, and several others will make another appearance. Keep an eye out for the Green Arrow and one more famous hero who I will not mention here. Flash (Impulse), Aquaman, and Cyborg return. The episode that has them all working together is both fun and exciting. It also opens the door for possibilities outside of the Smallville storyline. Tom Welling continues to shine as Clark Kent. He has rounded out the character so well that he's the best actor to play the role of Clark Kent in television history. He knows how to deliver a line or even a simple look. I still feel that many people overlook him. He also pulls off the naiveness of Clark perfectly. This is very hard to do, but Tom makes it work. It is a talent that many of the show's directors have stated that Tom has mastered, and that few actors can pull off. Michael Rosenbaum, who is the best Lex Luthor, is able to successfully transform Lex to such a degree, that he is able to keep the audience guessing. For those who have grown with the series and remember Lex when he was a decent guy and a good friend of Clark's, we almost can't believe the things that he is now doing. The writers ingeniously use this to keep the audience guessing. Is Lex behind this? Is it someone else? Can he possibly be that deplorable? We've also seen Kristin blossom as an actress. For now she must show us that by being with Lex, she has adopted certain Lex-like tendencies, whether she's aware of them or not. Can Lana be just as manipulative as Lex? How far will she go to the "dark side?" In many ways, the character of Lana Lang is a tragic one. Don't believe me? Think back to how she was in the first season, and then track where she is now. Her character is as tragic as that of Lex Luthor. She's a woman who really only desires one thing: to be loved, and to be loved by the one person that she loves. Lana has lost almost everyone in her life that mattered to her. It is not a great leap to consider that a person might become a bit desperate, and thus, run to the arms of the person who appears to shower you with love and affection. And for Lana, that person is Lex. But some interesting events will take place to really make Lana think about the decisions that she has made. One bright addition to the cast is that of Aaron Ashmore as Jimmy Olson. We finally get introduced to the young, excitable character that Jimmy has always been depicted as in the films and comics. He's also Chloe's love interest, but something is amiss for young Jimmy. He's unable to figure out the relationship dynamic between Chloe and Clark. Jimmy is not as endearing toward Clark at first. Justin Hartley is fantastic as Oliver Queen, aka Green Arrow. He is young, athletic, and has an almost Batman-like detective prowess. He's also a love interest for Lois. But can it last? And where does Green Arrow's history cross paths with Lex? As with all Smallville seasons, there is yet another cliff-hanger. It will see the introduction of yet another classic Superman villain. It will also leave the well-being of several Smallville characters in doubt. The main climax, however, finally comes down; a revelation between two characters that fans have been dying for ever since the very first episode aired. The writers of this show must be given their credit. I think Jeph Loeb, especially is responsible for the tremendous success of the show. As an executive producer and consultant from DC Comics, he knows what will work on the show, and what won't. He also understands that many things that work in the comic book world don't necessarily translate over to television. He is able to find the bridge between the two worlds. Few people are able to do this. I truly believe that he a big reason why Smallville has remained so successful and a top-quality show. It isn't hard to imagine why one of America's greatest heroes is fictional and yet has such a tremendous following spanning several generations. Heck, there is even a town called Metropolis in Illinois dedicated to America's favorite hero. For a while, Superman has badly needed a face-lift to make him appealing to new generations while keeping the core of the character intact. Clark is now someone that people can relate to. He endures many of the same problems that many people and young people face today. Smallville has continued to make Superman timeless, for the power of good, justice, and decency are badly needed now more than ever before. In short, the world needs a Superman, and I don't mean the fictional world. I mean OUR world. As you finish watching season 6, think of Clark throughout the course of those six seasons. Remember all of the pains, trials, and tribulations that he has gone through, and yet the core of the character remains intact. He still tries to see the best in people and his unwavering faith in his friends (often when it is not returned) makes him stand apart from virtually any other person that we know, fictional or not. Clark always has hope...hope for the world, hope for his friends, and even hope for his enemies. "Your greatest strength might also be your greatest weakness. Hope."--Martha Kent to her son. I must mention that this DVD has one flaw: no actor commentaries on any of the episodes. It's a shame. The commentaries are really good, and I was looking forward to listening to more of them during this season. Review: A mostly strong season (Prior Season Spoilers) - The sixth season of Smallville starts off pretty much the moment season five ended, with Clark trapped in the Phantom Zone, Zod inhabiting Lex's body, and the computer virus released by Brainiac causing chaos everywhere (including downing the jet Lois and Martha were on). Of course, Clark manages to get out of the Phantom Zone, and in the process releases many of its inhabitants who wreak havoc on earth, and one of the big storylines of the season is Clark hunting down the various "zoners". The other large storylines involve a Lex-Lana-Clark love triangle, Lex's continued turn toward evil, and the return of Oliver Queen (whose disappearance was shown in the newspaper Lionel was reading at the beginning of the pilot episode) as The Green Arrow, played by Justin Hartley. The show also adds the character of Jimmy Olsen as a recurring character played by Aaron Ashmore, whose brother Shawn, of course, played one of the "meteor freaks" in the first couple of seasons, as well as introduces the character of John Jones, played by Phil Morris, who would have a larger role in the later seasons. The notable guest stars this season were Lynda Carter, Tori Spelling, Bow Wow (having dropped the Lil' at that point), and WWF wrestlers Dave Bautista, Kane, Ashley Massaro, capitalizing on the popularity of the WWF in the 2000s. I will not go into too much of the storylines to avoid spoiling the few people who may not have seen the series yet. The only hints that I will give are that there continues to be more cast turnover as Annette O'Toole would leave the show as a series regular after this season, and the show sets up her exit storyline about 2/3 of the way through the season. Overall, the show moves more and more away from the setting of Smallville to Metropolis, with the Daily Planet becoming more of a base of operations for Clark and Chloe. For those who get the Blu-Ray set, the show looks and sounds great on the high-definition format. The extras include deleted scenes for most episodes, a feature on the character of Green Arrow, a series of very rough animated episodes detailing Oliver's turn into Green Arrow, and comic sequences that extended some of the storylines. A decent amount for those who like going through the bonus features. The only quirky thing about the Blu-Ray release is that there is no real episode menu that allows you to select the episodes one-by-one. The first episode on each disc starts playing once the disc loads and if you hit the menu button it just takes you to the screen with the bonus material. But, if you stop before watching all the episodes on the disc, it will allow you to pick up where you left off, even in the middle of an episode. Overall, the season is very good. It is definitely a season that transitions from some of the old storylines to set up new ones. All of the actors do a great job with their characters, which each of the main cast members getting at least one stand-out episode. Michael Rosenbaum and Tom Welling both take a turn at directing episodes this season. Allison Mack is yet again great in her role as Chole (again making the craziness that her personal life turned into after the series ended all the more baffling and sad), and Erica Durance does a great job making Lois her own. In fact, of all the versions of Lois that have been in live-action, hers has arguably been the best of them. The only storyline that I did not really care for was the Clark-Lana-Lex love triangle, but thankfully that was resolved by the end of the season. It is definitely worth picking up.
| Contributor | Allison Mack, Annette O'Toole, Erica Durance, John Glover, Kristin Kreuk, Michael Rosenbaum, Tom Welling Contributor Allison Mack, Annette O'Toole, Erica Durance, John Glover, Kristin Kreuk, Michael Rosenbaum, Tom Welling See more |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,672 Reviews |
| Format | AC-3, Box set, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Multiple Formats, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen |
| Genre | Drama |
| Language | English, Portuguese |
| Number Of Discs | 6 |
S**K
Smallville Continues to Fly As Clark Finally Accepts His Destiny
*Note: Anyone who has not seen the sixth season, I highly recommend NOT reading the back of the box. If you want to be surprised, the synopsis on the back might ruin something for you. Most television series tend to be on their down-slope by the time the sixth season rolls around. Writers usually have trouble coming up with new and inventive stories to keep the audience intrigued. In fact, I can only think of a handful of shows that are either as good as when they started, or they are actually even better. It doesn't happen often. Trust me, after watching television series for over 30 years, I know. Smallville's writers have succeeded in placing the series in the with the few and far between; the shows that have been able to continue going strong. The sixth season marks the time and point when Clark finally accepts his destiny. He finally realizes that he must use his powers to help the people of not only Smallville and the friends he loves, but the world. Granted he receives a little nudge in that direction from a new ally, but he finally realizes that his destiny far outreaches the boundaries of Smallville. The challenges that Clark must now face are new, but no less painful and deadly as the challenges he has faced in previous seasons. Exactly how does one deal with the fact that the love of your life is now with your arch-nemesis? At least the first half of the season focuses on how Clark deals with Lana being with Lex. The Clark-Lex rivalry hits full throttle in this season. We finally see that Lex isn't only manipulative, but he has now added unbridled cruelty to his list of unpleasant characteristics. Lionel can still play the game, but he wasn't nearly as cruel or vindictive as Lex has become. Just watch what happens when anyone threatens to take away something that Lex believes is his. We really start to see a much clearer picture of the Lex Luthor who will ultimately be Superman's greatest enemy. Clark's new mission this season is to round up the "ex-cons" from the Phantom Zone. He feels that he is responsible as well as feeling that he is the only one capable of stopping them from ravaging Earth. Clark has a great sense of responsibility. The writers must be careful not to add too much "guilt" ingredient to that, otherwise you're wandering into Spider-Man territory. Superman's motivation has always been responsibility and a keen sense of justice. There are many questions that will be asked and answered during the course of this season: What is Jor-El's true intentions for Clark? What kind of a person was Jor-El? What is Lionel Luthor's interest in Clark, and will he prove to be Clark's asset, or downfall? And how does Clark deal with what potentially proves to be the loss of another loved one? For those of you who are familiar with DC Comics, a couple more heroes will be revealed, and several others will make another appearance. Keep an eye out for the Green Arrow and one more famous hero who I will not mention here. Flash (Impulse), Aquaman, and Cyborg return. The episode that has them all working together is both fun and exciting. It also opens the door for possibilities outside of the Smallville storyline. Tom Welling continues to shine as Clark Kent. He has rounded out the character so well that he's the best actor to play the role of Clark Kent in television history. He knows how to deliver a line or even a simple look. I still feel that many people overlook him. He also pulls off the naiveness of Clark perfectly. This is very hard to do, but Tom makes it work. It is a talent that many of the show's directors have stated that Tom has mastered, and that few actors can pull off. Michael Rosenbaum, who is the best Lex Luthor, is able to successfully transform Lex to such a degree, that he is able to keep the audience guessing. For those who have grown with the series and remember Lex when he was a decent guy and a good friend of Clark's, we almost can't believe the things that he is now doing. The writers ingeniously use this to keep the audience guessing. Is Lex behind this? Is it someone else? Can he possibly be that deplorable? We've also seen Kristin blossom as an actress. For now she must show us that by being with Lex, she has adopted certain Lex-like tendencies, whether she's aware of them or not. Can Lana be just as manipulative as Lex? How far will she go to the "dark side?" In many ways, the character of Lana Lang is a tragic one. Don't believe me? Think back to how she was in the first season, and then track where she is now. Her character is as tragic as that of Lex Luthor. She's a woman who really only desires one thing: to be loved, and to be loved by the one person that she loves. Lana has lost almost everyone in her life that mattered to her. It is not a great leap to consider that a person might become a bit desperate, and thus, run to the arms of the person who appears to shower you with love and affection. And for Lana, that person is Lex. But some interesting events will take place to really make Lana think about the decisions that she has made. One bright addition to the cast is that of Aaron Ashmore as Jimmy Olson. We finally get introduced to the young, excitable character that Jimmy has always been depicted as in the films and comics. He's also Chloe's love interest, but something is amiss for young Jimmy. He's unable to figure out the relationship dynamic between Chloe and Clark. Jimmy is not as endearing toward Clark at first. Justin Hartley is fantastic as Oliver Queen, aka Green Arrow. He is young, athletic, and has an almost Batman-like detective prowess. He's also a love interest for Lois. But can it last? And where does Green Arrow's history cross paths with Lex? As with all Smallville seasons, there is yet another cliff-hanger. It will see the introduction of yet another classic Superman villain. It will also leave the well-being of several Smallville characters in doubt. The main climax, however, finally comes down; a revelation between two characters that fans have been dying for ever since the very first episode aired. The writers of this show must be given their credit. I think Jeph Loeb, especially is responsible for the tremendous success of the show. As an executive producer and consultant from DC Comics, he knows what will work on the show, and what won't. He also understands that many things that work in the comic book world don't necessarily translate over to television. He is able to find the bridge between the two worlds. Few people are able to do this. I truly believe that he a big reason why Smallville has remained so successful and a top-quality show. It isn't hard to imagine why one of America's greatest heroes is fictional and yet has such a tremendous following spanning several generations. Heck, there is even a town called Metropolis in Illinois dedicated to America's favorite hero. For a while, Superman has badly needed a face-lift to make him appealing to new generations while keeping the core of the character intact. Clark is now someone that people can relate to. He endures many of the same problems that many people and young people face today. Smallville has continued to make Superman timeless, for the power of good, justice, and decency are badly needed now more than ever before. In short, the world needs a Superman, and I don't mean the fictional world. I mean OUR world. As you finish watching season 6, think of Clark throughout the course of those six seasons. Remember all of the pains, trials, and tribulations that he has gone through, and yet the core of the character remains intact. He still tries to see the best in people and his unwavering faith in his friends (often when it is not returned) makes him stand apart from virtually any other person that we know, fictional or not. Clark always has hope...hope for the world, hope for his friends, and even hope for his enemies. "Your greatest strength might also be your greatest weakness. Hope."--Martha Kent to her son. I must mention that this DVD has one flaw: no actor commentaries on any of the episodes. It's a shame. The commentaries are really good, and I was looking forward to listening to more of them during this season.
S**R
A mostly strong season (Prior Season Spoilers)
The sixth season of Smallville starts off pretty much the moment season five ended, with Clark trapped in the Phantom Zone, Zod inhabiting Lex's body, and the computer virus released by Brainiac causing chaos everywhere (including downing the jet Lois and Martha were on). Of course, Clark manages to get out of the Phantom Zone, and in the process releases many of its inhabitants who wreak havoc on earth, and one of the big storylines of the season is Clark hunting down the various "zoners". The other large storylines involve a Lex-Lana-Clark love triangle, Lex's continued turn toward evil, and the return of Oliver Queen (whose disappearance was shown in the newspaper Lionel was reading at the beginning of the pilot episode) as The Green Arrow, played by Justin Hartley. The show also adds the character of Jimmy Olsen as a recurring character played by Aaron Ashmore, whose brother Shawn, of course, played one of the "meteor freaks" in the first couple of seasons, as well as introduces the character of John Jones, played by Phil Morris, who would have a larger role in the later seasons. The notable guest stars this season were Lynda Carter, Tori Spelling, Bow Wow (having dropped the Lil' at that point), and WWF wrestlers Dave Bautista, Kane, Ashley Massaro, capitalizing on the popularity of the WWF in the 2000s. I will not go into too much of the storylines to avoid spoiling the few people who may not have seen the series yet. The only hints that I will give are that there continues to be more cast turnover as Annette O'Toole would leave the show as a series regular after this season, and the show sets up her exit storyline about 2/3 of the way through the season. Overall, the show moves more and more away from the setting of Smallville to Metropolis, with the Daily Planet becoming more of a base of operations for Clark and Chloe. For those who get the Blu-Ray set, the show looks and sounds great on the high-definition format. The extras include deleted scenes for most episodes, a feature on the character of Green Arrow, a series of very rough animated episodes detailing Oliver's turn into Green Arrow, and comic sequences that extended some of the storylines. A decent amount for those who like going through the bonus features. The only quirky thing about the Blu-Ray release is that there is no real episode menu that allows you to select the episodes one-by-one. The first episode on each disc starts playing once the disc loads and if you hit the menu button it just takes you to the screen with the bonus material. But, if you stop before watching all the episodes on the disc, it will allow you to pick up where you left off, even in the middle of an episode. Overall, the season is very good. It is definitely a season that transitions from some of the old storylines to set up new ones. All of the actors do a great job with their characters, which each of the main cast members getting at least one stand-out episode. Michael Rosenbaum and Tom Welling both take a turn at directing episodes this season. Allison Mack is yet again great in her role as Chole (again making the craziness that her personal life turned into after the series ended all the more baffling and sad), and Erica Durance does a great job making Lois her own. In fact, of all the versions of Lois that have been in live-action, hers has arguably been the best of them. The only storyline that I did not really care for was the Clark-Lana-Lex love triangle, but thankfully that was resolved by the end of the season. It is definitely worth picking up.
C**Y
Smallville is still the best.
I just discovered this series last year and now it's probably my favorite show on T.V. When a co-worker told me it was his only "can't miss" show I rented Season One. I was totally hooked and now OWN every season. Since I watched the whole series in order, the character/plot progression has been fascinating. The relationships and character development really MAKE the show. Lex and his slow slide to the dark side is more interesting because we see how it happens... how twisted and tragic his upbringing was. Clark's rich relationship with his parents is such a great contrast to Lex and Lionel, (I really missed Johnathan) and his growth toward his "destiny" has been so real (relatable even) and compelling. Smallville has put it's own unique spin on Clark Kent/Superman and that's ok... In fact, it's been great. It seems like some people are so obsessed with the "Superman myth" they know, that they can't let go and enjoy... Too bad. It's been a great ride and I want to see where THIS story goes. Clark and Lana have so much on screen chemistry that I'm halfway expecting my T.V. to start smoking every time they're in the same room! Wanting to see them get together STILL keeps me watching. At this point, it's going to be a tragedy if they DON'T wind up together... and knowing the way that Superman's story is "supposed" to go... It's really TOO BAD. Chloe is a great character that is also unique to Smallville and I love her as Clark's "sidekick" and hope she continues to develop. Lois... is an interesting character too, but as Superman's future soul-mate, she's weak. Clark's relationship and SMOKING HOT chemistry with Lana is so much stronger, I'm really not feeling it with Lois at all. Which is is ok... because this is another unique "take" on the story. But I'm sure at some point they will feel compelled to force these characters into their traditional roles and I'm not sure how they will get there from here. Having to stomach seeing Lana with Lex was difficult in season six, but I can't think of one episode that I didn't want to watch again. There are very few T.V. series I can say that about.
R**D
'Too bad season seven isn't as good!
As the uneven season seven of the long-running show is nearing an end, it would benefit the writers/producers to look back at season six, a more balanced and satisfying season than the current one. In this thrilling compilation there are some plot elements, started in earlier seasons that really come to a head: the rift between Clark (Tom Welling) and Lex (Michael Rosenbaum)reaches its peak with Lana (Kristen Kruek), becoming the catalyst for division; Lois (Erica Durance) becomes a major player in the story, complete with a romance with newcomer Oliver Queen/The Green Arrow (Justin Hartley); Lionel (John Glover) becomes Clark's ally; and Jor-el (voice of Terrance Stamp) continues to guide Kal-el's quest toward his future role as "The Man of Steel." Season seven boasts some inspired casting: pro-wrestlers Batiska and Kane play Phantom Zone escapees intent on doing bodily harm to "the last son of Krypton; Torrie Spelling is wicked as meteor freak that uses her abilities to get the scoop on stories, making her a danger to all; former "Wonder Woman" Linda Carter guests as Chloe's (the remarkable Allison Mack) mother; and rapper Bow Wow portrays a teen possessed by a phantom that also has designs to rid the world of Clark Kent. The best episodes are "Zod," "Arrow," "Reunion," "Hydro," "Noir," the popular "Justice," "Labyrinth," "Crimson," "Freak," "Promise," and "Nemesis." Though this season will prove to be the last for Annette O'Toole as Martha Kent, the actress will be featured memorably in several episodes of the season. This DVD also has some great extras. Because this season saw the introduction of Green Arrow, the DVD has two Arrow features - a CGI "origin" and a history of the character - and both are well made. The documentary on fans is just as engaging, providing background on those fans that have elevated the show to cult status. "Smallville - The Complete Sixth Season" is, indeed, super, worthy of the show and the legacy of the character. Hopefully, the eighth season will be just as rewarding. One can only hope that this year's season finale will recapture the spark of the previous six years, giving just the right "set-up" for next season.
D**S
and Justice for all
What a great start to Season Six with the opening episode that continues with the escape of many criminals from the Phantom Zone. They are scattered all over the earth and start their spree of killing and destruction. He also has a battle with Zod (who's using Lex's body) to fight Clark and later in the season he has another epic battle with a seriously powerful escapee in Titan. As he decimates all others that came before him. In between that you have the Lana/Lex thing going with more drama than a daytime soap opera and Chloe gets her a man in Jimmy Olsen (Aaron Ashmore) who also works at the Daily Planet along with her. You also have Lois who has off and on relationship with Oliver Queen (Justin Hartley) who also has a few secrets of his own. Being the Green Arrow fighting crime and going up against Lex. He's done so much dirt in this season that you fill up the Grand Canyon and still have room for more. Also a romance (albeit forced) in Lois and Clark when she gets this special lipstick that makes her fall in love with the first guy she sees. Of course it's gotta be Clark and madness, excitement and drama ensue as they interrupt Lana/Lex's engagement party and drop a secret or two on the other folks who have no idea that Lana is pregnant(there's another story line covering that as well). Also Clark gets a surprise visit from one Martian Manhunter. There are loads of excellent episodes rounding out Season 6 of Smallville and if Season 7 is anything like the ending to this one. Then we are in for one excellent ride with all the characters and a couple situations that will hopely get resolved early on. Season 6 includes 22 episodes and loads of featurettes on every disc along with deleted scenes from various episodes. A solid investment and excellent viewing option. Smallville just keeps on getting better with each new season!!
D**C
Excellent season, not so great DVD
Season six of Smallville has my vote for the best season of the series yet. There are finally a lot of guest stars who are worth seeing, primarily in the Justice League episode. Though why they use "Impulse" instead of "Flash" bothers me more than a little. It was excellent to have Green Arrow playing a truly necessary part in the series as a whole by pushing Clark to realize that while he is great at protecting those close to him, there is an entire world full of other people in need. Seeing Clark move toward his eventual destiny as Superman is something that has been needed for a couple seasons now. After the disaster of the fifth season, which started off good but plummeted after the craptacular way Pa Kent was killed while Clark simultaneously totally blew things with Lana, this season kept me on the edge of my seat as I watched the discs. (You see, there is no local CW station for me to watch the series as it airs, so it was a year between seeing new material for me, and this season did not disappoint, even with it's slower episodes.) As with all TV shows, this season had some forgettable episodes, but most of these were great. What motivated me not to award five stars, which the season itself truly deserves, is that the DVD set has nothing worth mentioning in terms of special features. There are deleted scenes from a number of episodes, but there are no commentaries by the creators or stars in the whole set. I can understand that cast interviews would be a bit repetitive after six seasons, but the commentaries are a favorite of mine. Anyway, it's a good season to watch, and some of the deleted scenes are good to see as well. There is not much else to recommend the set, but it is certainly enough for me as it is.
J**E
A Welcome Re-vision
I have been a huge fan of Smallville since it's pilot aired in 2001. Who knew at the time that it would last seven years? So captivating is the story of Superman, the "strange visitor from another planet," that even those who are not die-hard fans get caught up in the myth. Frankly, however, the myth was getting a little creaky. I know some fans object to any departure from the beloved back-story told in the comics of the Golden and Silver Ages, but I have read those stories, and I gotta tell ya, only a ten year old would buy it. I like how Smallville has re-envisioned the myth. Great pains have been taken to make it credible and consistent within its own universe; consistent, that is, once you accept the premise of an alien with super powers living among us. There have been moments, I admit, that turned my head, making me say, "Wait a minute; that's not the way..." and then, I have to realize that Smallville is doing it better! Things really started heating up in the sixth season with the introduction of the Justice League, led by Oliver Queen, and the Seventh Season promises even more. Who said that Superman had to be the first hero? The more classic mythos is that of the hero's journey to greatness, encountering "helpers" along the way, all of whom give him one more "magical" implement. Whether that's a cloak of invisibility, spear that always hits its mark, a helmet that makes him invincible ... or a crystal that is the gateway to the Phantom Zone (among other properties yet unknown), each gift leads him inexorably toward his destiny. What was true of Achilles is true of Clark Kent. Time to let the Golden Age and the Silver Age go, folks. The mythical framework established long ago is only a bare skeleton and can be filled out in many different ways for different times and different audiences. Batman did it; so can Superman. Even the new film, "Superman Returns," great though it is, still has one foot in the 50's. Lex Luthor is far more menacing as a corporate magnate who believes what he is doing is right, even though it will result in total devastation for the earth, than he is as a criminal genius. It also makes him harder to stop. Powerful men attract powerful allies, not bumbling nincompoops. It will take more that Superman's physical abilities to contain him, for I doubt that he can be stopped. Smallville may well determine how the Superman myth is transformed for the Twenty First Century. And, yes, I do know that much of the series is pure filler. But, that's to be expected when you have to come up with a new story every episode. They can't all be attached to the Greater Story. Sometimes, ya just gotta be entertaining. But, while we're at this whole revision thing, it may be necessary to lose the acrobat suit. It may have been impressive in the 30's when acrobats actually dressed that way, but is really kind of silly now. I kind of like the uniforms Oliver Queen has worked up for the JLA. If Supes is really as fast as he seems to be, he doesn't have to have his suit under his clothes; he can just go home and change like Batman does. Smallville's influence on the myth might be greatest if they can get the hero out of those tights. (Pause for howls of protest.) But, I won't insist on it.
J**N
Characters you love to love and those you love to hate.
I love this series. I must admit before I actually start watching Smallville, I was a skeptic. I was like how can you pull off a whole show about Superman early years and keep it interesting. After, watching this show for the first time I was hooked. I was actually seeing how the superman I knew from the movies and comic book, become Superman from Clark Kent. His relationships with the other characters seems so real. Then there are the characters you just love so much and then there are those characters that you just hate and want to hit them with a duh stick. Sometimes it alternates. When they first brought new characters in I was like oh no, they are going to still the show, but suprisingly, the writers did an excellent, I mean excellent job in keeping the show in perspective and at the same time introduce new links to the Superman series to the Justice League series and how the other characters of the DC Universe fit in. Now to the HDDVD version. Can you all say AWESOME!! I love the fact that watching this show in HD puts me in the show. The depth and beauty you see while you watching is out of this world. I can't wait until Season 7 is in HD. So I can catch up with the series. The special features are also awesome. You get the story of Green Arrow a comic episode of the early Justice League that fits right in to this season. And all the other stuff you expect with Special features like commentaries, production footage, etc. I am now going to back track and see if they have 1-5 in HD.
Trustpilot
2 weeks ago
1 month ago
