“Smallville,” the TV show that chronicled Clark Kent’s journey to becoming Superman, captivated audiences with its unique portrayal of the iconic superhero’s early years. A highlight during its run was the creative interpretation of Clark’s transformation without immediately donning the classic Superman costume. Fans were treated to a variety of DC costumes as a workaround to the “No Tights, No Flights” rule that governed the show’s ethos. This restriction was cleverly bypassed by introducing the “Red-Blue-Blur” phase, where Tom Welling’s Clark Kent embraced proto-costumes before his ultimate transformation.
As discussed in an interview with Screenrant at Comic Con Stockholm, a fascinating detail emerged about his contract explicitly stating he would not have to wear the Superman suit. Welling humorously admitted that the show’s creators managed to trick him into wearing glasses in one episode, a nod to Superman’s alter ego. Reflecting on the experience, Welling now perceives his prior reluctance as youthful stubbornness, although he maintains that exploring Clark’s character, rather than Superman’s full realization, was the series’ intention.
[In] one of the final [scenes,] Clark opens his shirt and finally leaps off the building. That was written [in] a completely different way. They had written where Clark sees the suit, then cut to him, pulling it on and putting the boots on. Do you guys remember Kiefer Sutherland’s 24? That show just ended, and one of the things they did in that show, it’s a satellite image from space, and he’s talking to [the] satellite imaging, knowing that Chloe, who he works with, is watching, and he’s saying goodbye. He’s saying, ‘I can’t stay, but I gotta go’ and I remember the takeaway from that to me was here’s a guy who’s gonna go out there, is gonna fight the good fight. We can’t go with him, but it allows our imagination to believe he’s still out there.
I took that and when we were trying to figure it out in the series, I referenced that the idea that this character is gonna go out there, he’s gonna be out there. We can’t go with it. And that’s how that all came about. There was a bit of a discussion and limitation on what shots we were going to use, it was me, and Greg Beeman, who directed the episode. But the idea was I was going to force them on a crane shot to come into gear. After that, the show was over, and because it was a crane shot, and no, I wouldn’t allow them to shoot any other angles of it, because that’s what I wanted that and then to go on. So the wardrobe department went, ‘So we’re only going to see this? Okay.’ So they made me a crop top with no sleeves. They didn’t want to pay for the whole suit, and I didn’t mind, I didn’t want to wear a suit! [laughs] So when I go like this [mimics the shirt rip going further,] if I’ve gone any further, you’d have see my belly button.
The finale of “Smallville” incited mixed reactions, especially since viewers only caught glimpses of Welling fully suited as Superman. Fans speculated about whether the show missed an opportunity by not culminating with Clark in the complete attire. However, the series achieved something distinct by focusing on the hero’s development rather than his costume, which resonated with audiences. It pushed the narrative that Superman’s identity is shaped less by what he wears and more by his actions and values.
Among its strengths, “Smallville” offered an “Elseworld” perspective of Superman’s mythology, highlighting Clark Kent’s evolution. The series was groundbreaking in how it departed from familiar narratives, showcasing Clark’s adoption of various mantles like “The Blur” before perfecting his superhero image.
Fast forward to current times, Welling has expressed openness to finally don the complete Superman costume, albeit long after the series concluded. His recent participation in projects like the “Talk Ville Podcast” and discussions about potential revivals keep the “Smallville” spirit alive for fans.
Closing Credits
“Smallville” continues to be cherished for its imaginative rendition of a youthful Clark Kent. Fans can delve into the full series on Blu-ray/DVD or through streaming platforms, keeping the legacy thriving. With Tom Welling hinting at returning to the Superman fold, the series may yet surprise audiences again. As we look to the future, the upcoming event, Cruiseville, promises to celebrate “Smallville’s” enduring impact on Superman’s narrative universe.
