Talkville

Look here toots, we're going back to the 1940's this week as Smallville dips it toes into black and white cinematography with the ‘whodunit' in Season 6 Episode 20 NOIR. With our best attempt at old timey radio announcing, we discuss everyone's commitment to the flashback episode, the challenges of filming an episode like this, and how everyone dodged the musical episode of Smallville. Thank you to our sponsors:

Things are coming to a boiling point as old enemies are forced to work together in S6E19 Nemesis! We talk about the forced teamwork/ cooperation that Clark and Lex get thrown into during this episode, and what could have been with their friendship. We also get into Lana revealing her hand, Talk Ville Bingo, and the real reason Lex saves Clark. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/talkville and get on your way to being your best self __________________________________________________

Join us as we dive into the wonderful guest appearance and endless suspensions of disbelief from Linda Carter in Smallville Season 6 Episode 18 PROGENY. After we talk about the not-so-subtle Toyota adverts sprinkled throughout this episode, we get into Chloe's mom-swap, Clark's superspeed stops, and Lex's point of no return with Lana learning his dirty little secret. Thank you to our sponsors:

Let's get ready to rumble… this week we dive into the second WWE installment of the season in Smallville Season 6 Episode 17: Combat! We get into a lot this episode, from Tom being sick during the intense choreo, to Lois Lane cosplaying as Charlies Angels, to the upside of working with professional wrestlers… Lot of action this week in a slump of an episode coming off last week. Thank you to our sponsors:

Here comes the bride… join us for the soap opera event of the series as we dive into wedding bells and controversy in Smallville Season 6 Episode 16: PROMISE. After getting some much needed clarity from the legend Al Gough we dive into all the drama of this episode… from murderous weddings… to Clark's secret being revealed… to planned unpregnancies. This is hands down one of the wildest episodes of the series. Thank you to our sponsors:

Lights, camera, Rosenbaum… Join us for an episode where Lex got behind the camera for his directorial debut in Smallville Season 6 Episode 15: FREAK! Whole lot of stories this week straight from the mouth of the Director… we hear about last minute set changes, breaking unwritten rules of directing, impromptu super-blows, directing blindness… and a whole lot more! Thank you to our sponsors:

Smallville's cautionary tale of paparazzis this week as we dive into Season 6 Episode 14: TRESPASS with none other than Lana Lang herself, KRISTIN KREUK! Kristin talks a lot about her character's development of independence and self defense as the series progresses and how she feels about revisiting this role at this point of time in her life. We also talk about the Shining inspired tropes in the episode, turning points in Lana's suspicions of Clark, and a new all-time low moment for Luthor Security. Thank you to our sponsors:

It's a Red K love story this week as we dive into Season 6 Episode 13 CRIMSON with Lois Lane herself ERICA DURANCE! After we talk about all the Red K hormone fueled comedy we get a much needed check-in from Erica on the idea of not taking yourself so seriously. She talks about committing to the head over heels Lois during this episode, ways she made herself more comfortable with wardrobe, and the idea of Lois and Clark finally getting pushed together. Thank you to our sponsors:

Why does nobody talk about this episode!? We have a blast revisiting this Season 6 sleeper in Episode 12: LABYRINTH! After showering Welling with love for one of his most dynamic performances in the series we talk about big Martian Manhunter realizations, Lex's green screen legless reveal, and the idea of Clark being full vulnerable throughout this episode… And we talk to Al Gough :) Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

What a treat this week as we're joined by a very special guest for one of the biggest episodes in the series… writer/ director Steven S. DeKnight joins Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum as we break down Smallville Season 6 Episode 11 JUSTICE! Steven talks about the redemption coming off of the episode Ageless and how he was able to pull off the massive scale of a Justice League focused episode. Michael and Tom talk about the joy reuniting with the gang on set, how they executed the iconic slow-mo explosion scene, and the unique advantage of working with these guest stars that made this a breeze. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

This week we dive into the sophmore smash in Tom Welling's directorial return to Smallville in Season 6 Episode 10: HYDRO. After sharing the love, admiration, and lessons learned from Tori Spelling during the filming of this episode the guys remember her pose while filming 5 months pregnant and crazy pranks she pulled on set. We also talk about the patience Tom was able to channel in directing this episode, owning uncomfortable yoga scenes, and make outs in super costumes during the filming. Thank you to our sponsors:

Smallville gets political this week as we dive into the, still, controversial topics in Season 6 Episode 9: Subterranean. Thanks to an informative phone call from the Jor-el of this podcast, Al Gough, we learned about the studio push back during the inceptions of this episode and the broader picture they wanted to push with Clark Kent, the ultimate illegal alien of the series. We also talk about budget saving bad guys, Tom's whoopsies with sides on set, and Michale's super cool super evil super slow-mo exit at the close of this episode. Thank you to our sponsors:

Things are heating up in Season 6 this week as we explore WWE cameos and new character introductions in Episode 8: STATIC! Always a blast when Welling is in studio, and this week did not disappoint… The guys discuss the improv of Bautista lifting Tom over his shoulders, the morality of Lex's static stab, and behind the scenes techniques to keep intensity during scenes where characters are not seen or heard from. Oh yeah, and a whole lot of Bautista love this week!!! Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

Rahhhh!!! This week we lose our s*** diving into the steroid PSA fueled Season 6 Episode 7 RAGE! After discussing the Barry Bonds asterisk-era PSA we get into the most important thing this episode… the Thanksgiving scene. Outside of that, Tom and Michael discuss the big baby news with Lana and the gigantic Martha Kent betrayal in the Kent kitchen. Thank you to our sponsors:

Join us as we discover Ryan's kryptonite this week as we get a case of the giggles while diving deep into Smallville Season 6 Episode 6: FALLOUT! Coming off our case of the giggles we have a wonderful conversation with the one and only GLEN WINTER… discussing the late great (and very dear to this series) Jeannot Szwarc, the difficulties of playing DP and Director, and his talents of herding kittens on set. After talking about the professionalism and joy of working with Bow Wow in this episode we lost it while discussing double hand blasts, Baern in the barn, and the art of wearing glasses as an actor. Thank you to our sponsors:

Join us as we flashback to Smallville's cautionary tale against bullying in Season 6 Episode 5: REUNION! After imagining what could have been with a stroll down Gotham… Michael dives into the mind of Lex Luthor analyzing how he handled bullying and the ramifications it had on his character arch… Tom discusses hay bale regrets and the joys of flashback episodes while filming Smallville. Thank you to our sponsors:

Bullseye! Join us for the highly anticipated live action debut of Oliver Queen himself as the guys dive into Smallville Season 6 Episode 4: Arrow. We have fun discussing Smallville's legally clearable Batman and the controversial idea of 'the ends justifying the means'... Eventually we put on our suspenders of disbelief discussing the Green Arrow's unrecognizable jaw line, why Clark was moonlighting as an insurance investigator, and whether or not Lana is playing Lex's loyalty. Thank you to our sponsors:

Join us for a ‘who done it' deep in the rainforests of middle Kansas as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Smallville Season 6 Episode 3: WITHER. The guys share their enjoyment for the respective introductions and involvement of new cast mates Aaron Ashmore and Justin Hartley throughout this episode while discussing the tonal shift of the Metropolis set stories so far. Michael talks about his shredded workout routine heading into the big ‘Cleopatra kiss' ending and Tom discusses his masterplan to save some sleep while working multiple days in the Vancouver woods. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

Achooo!!! Join us for a super sick stroll down Season 6 Episode 2 SNEEZE! Tom talks about the direction that goes behind the execution of a super sneeze on set… Michael reminisces about the professionalism that Justin Hartley brought with his introduction as Oliver Queen… and Ryan enters his High School bully era. We also get a very special greeting from Jimmy Olsen himself Aaron Ashmore! He talks about the pressure that came with portraying an iconic character like Jimmy, the surprise of getting the job after his brother guested in Season 1, and what his fondest memory was on set… plus how Tom saved him some embarrassment during it. __________________________________________________

It's a whole new Smallville this week as we enter the CW era in Season 6 Episode 1: ZOD. After we wrap things up with Michael's black trench coat Zod arch, Tom's warm-ups in the Phantom Zone, and exploring the complexities of Lana's games with Lex… we discuss the move of Smallville to its new home on the CW and what it was like working with new faces in Season 6. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ This episode is sponsored by by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/talkville and get on your way to being your best self.

Before we say goodbye to Smallville Season 5 and get ready for the best season yet, let's take a quick look back at some of our favorite moments this past season. Appreciate all the interaction and love this season. Get ready for Season 6 of our rewatch premiering Wednesday January 22. (send your questions in at https://talkvillepodcast.com/hotline) __________________________________________________

The villain of season takes over the villain of the story this week as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit the Season 5 finale in Episode 22: VESSEL! We talk about the jaw dropping scenes in the finale episode, Michael's embodiment of a new kind of super evil, and Tom's shock at certain smooches and stunts. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

Join Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum for the penultimate Season 5 episode and the return of a familiar face in Episode 21: ORACLE! After getting a much needed history lesson on the truth behind Season 5 from Al Gough, we discuss the good evil intentions of Lex Luthor's venture into biowarfare and his Zod-like transformation in the last couple episodes here. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

Back to life, back to ‘freak of the week'… join Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum as we revisit Smallville Season 5 Episode 20: FADE. Tom shares stories working alongside former stunt double turned stunt coordinator Chris Sayour during a super jump surrounded by paparazzi and Michael gives a 101 lecture on the craft of sleep acting. __________________________________________________

Do you want to play a game! Well too bad, because this week Smallville meets SAW as we get into Season 5 Episode 19: MERCY! After we get over John Glover's shredded physique in this ode to SAW, we discuss Clark revealing his superpower to a dangerous Lionel Luthor and a new all-time low for security on Smallville. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

We are graced by the director himself this week as Tom Welling takes us through his directorial debut on Smallville in Season 5 Episode 18: FRAGILE! After breaking down the heavy dose of glass attacks Tom pulls back the curtain to everything behind the camera… how he got the gig to direct an episode, what it was like directing a child for his first time as director, and how he stuck to his guns with decisions on set.  Thank you to our sponsors:

Smallville reaches its D.A.R.E era this week as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Season 5 Episode 17: VOID! After exploring the difficulty of transforming Kristin Kreuk into a kryptonite junky fiend we explore the nod to Lex Luthor's black glove future and the meaning behind the visits from beyond to the main characters in this episode. Thank you to our sponsors:

Say it aint so, coming to the end of an era as Tom Welling and Michael Rosnebaum revisit Smallville Season 5 Episode 16: HYPNOTIC! After critiquing some very questionable hypnotism induced storylines the guys dive into the complexities of prop Lousiville Sluggers, the All American Rejects, and what's behind Brainiac's evil viral plots. Thank you to our sponsors:

Expanding the JLA this week as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit the entrance of the titular character in Smallville Season 5 Episode 15: CYBORG. The guys open up on the poise and joy of working alongside Lee Thompson Young before diving into some fact-checks about Lionel's blackmailing, exploring the DC ‘toy box' with Al Gough, and lamenting the fallout bromance between Clark and Lex. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

Smallville turns into a horror story this week as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Season 5 Episode 14: TOMB. After dressing down the turtleneck wardrobe this episode we talk about Chloe's ‘Clue like' antics, a moment that reminded us of the classic ‘damn who's that,' and character-focused episodes that serve as a tangent from the main storyline. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

We get a glimpse into the future this week as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Smallville Season 5 Episode 13: VENGEANCE! Tom talks about the artistic choice of his vigilante portrayal getting scrapped while we all discuss the underlying themes and motivation behind the A and B storylines in this Arkham-fueled episode. We also get into the emotionally charged ending sendoff of Jonathan Kent and discuss the execution of such an impactful scene. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

Well aint that a b… join Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum as we revisit Smallville Season 5 Episode 11 LOCKDOWN for an action packed safe-room extravaganza. We talk about claustrophobia inside the safe-room, how we would re-write the Sheriff's death in this episode, and what this means in the grand scheme of things re: Lana, Lex, and Clark's love triangle. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

Felt eerie watching this episode for multiple reasons… but join Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum as we revisit Smallville Season 5 Episode 10: FANATIC! After remembering when our guest star went full Britney by mimicking Lex Luthor this week we get a very pleasant visit from Kryptonsite's own Craig Byrne! Bast from the past and a must-listen for any OG fans. Thank you to our sponsors:

Ho ho holy cow we have an episode this week… Join Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum as they revisit one of the most important episodes in Smallville with Season 5 Episode 9: LEXMAS. We spend a lot of time talking about ‘what could have been' with Lex as he gets a glimpse into an alternate reality, discussing the difficult decision made and the tragedy of his life up to this point. Tentpole episode this week… we go deep! Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

Action packed episode this week as we are graced with an appearance from Brainiac himself, JAMES MARSTERS, as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Smallville Season 5 Episode 8: SOLITUDE! After remembering an uncomfortable and bare introduction to Smallville, James discusses his excitement for joining the story before the story and all the inspiration that went into his phenomenal portrayal as Milton Fine aka Brainiac. As we get into the episode Tom remembers on set stories during his fight with Brainiac in the Fortress of Solitude, Michael talks about surprising John Glover during their final scene, and we appreciate the dynamics brought into the parenting of Ma and Pa Kent. Thank you to our sponsors:

Sleeper top tier episode this week as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Smallville Season 5 Episode 7 SPLINTER! We get a healthy dose of ‘behind the actor's studio' as Welling discusses what went into Clark's evolution of paranoia and impatience in this episode. Outside of that Michael gets a pleasant surprise while rewatching Lexana begin and we all eagerly await Marsters' appearance on this pod… soon. __________________________________________________

The good ole boys are back this week as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit the Dukes of Hazzard reunion in Smallville Season 5 Episode 6: EXPOSED. After the guys remember what it was like to be inside of Bo and Luke Duke's reunion they explore Smallville going more adult with parental advisory-inclined scenes and storylines. PLUS we get a visit from the star of this episode herself, ERICA DURANCE as she recalls the funcomfortable scenes in the strip club, facing fears throughout Season 5, and how she approached the blossoming relationship with Clark Kent in the early seasons. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

Ve vant to vorget this episode… Join us for a healthy dose of bauming for Season 5 Episode 5 THIRST! And who else, but the sorority vampire herself KRISTIN KREUK is here to join us for the ride. She opens up about the lessons learned in standing up for your character in a series and deciding when to put your foot down with certain scenes and requests. Outside of that we have fun riffing on the infamous jacuzzi scene, the appearance of the late great Carrie Fisher, and Smallville's departure into Transylvania. Thank you to our sponsors:

New member to the JLA this week as Tom Welling and MIchael Rosenbaum make a splash talking about Smallville Season 5 Episode 4: AQUA! The guys give plenty of roses to the performances in this episode, from James Marsters curiosity that elevated scenes to Alan Richtson's preparedness and likability on set. We also talk about the difficulties of underwater scenes, the ever growing rift between Lex and Clark, and Lois' iconic lake scene in this episode. Thank you to our sponsors:

Clark Kent's mortal saga ends with bloodshed this week as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Smallville Season 5 Episode 3 HIDDEN! Before finding out the tragic real life story to this week's guest star, Michael and Tom explore Clark's fatal attempt to save the day and Lex's loneliness. We also discuss Clark losing his V-card, how Tom brought realism into the rocket save scene, and the 90 episode-long gaslighting of Lex Luthor. Thank you to our sponsors:

Embrace mortality along with us this week as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit the sophomore slump return to Freaks of the Week in Smallville Season 5 Episode 2 MORTAL! Our rewatch takes an eerie turn when Tom realizes that this is the episode that nearly fatally wounded his stunt double Chris Sayour during the ‘hanging from the vents' stunt inside Luthorcorp. Michael explores whether or not Lex Luthor is turning full heel heading into the fifth season, Tom comes face to face with Clark's morality, and Ryan gets introduced to the suspenders of disbelief. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

We're back! Join Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum (together in person) for our return in the premier of Season 5 with ARRIVAL. After we open with a ‘who dun it' the guys get into the transition from S4 into the heightened stakes for everyone in S5. Tom remembers the welcoming of his Fortress of Solitude, Michael questions Lex's evil descent in relation to Clark's lies, and we breakdown the countless chokeslams and KOs in this episode. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

Before we say goodbye to Smallville Season 4 and get ready for the best season yet, let's take a quick look back at some of our favorite moments this past season. Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum share the results from some of the ‘Best of Season 4' voting along with final episode ratings, favorite scene scoring, and more. We couldn't do this without you folks…  Appreciate all the interaction and love this season. Get ready for Season 5 of our rewatch premiering Wednesday July 17. (send your questions in at https://talkvillepodcast.com/hotline) Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

What a way to put a cap on this season. Join Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum as we tie a bow on Smallville's high school era… the quest for the stone of knowledge… and the magical tramp stamp by revisiting the Season 4 Finale: COMMENCEMENT! This episode started off slow with some casual office hand washing and quickly built with tension around multiple kidnappings and another meteor shower. Tom shares wild stories from his time filming in the mountains for the Fortress of Solitude, Michael puts to rest the Teague family, and we all eagerly await the highly anticipated fifth season. Thank you to our sponsors:

What a treat this week. We are joined by none other than Smallville's Sheriff CAMILLE MITCHELL as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Smallville Season 4 Episode 21: FOREVER! Thank goodness we have a couple cameos this podcast, because the episode itself was tough to get through… made evident by our episode rankings later in the show. Besides that we talk about Smallville exiting the High School phase, Michael's memories of being tied up, and the psychological impact of having your character written off. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

Buckle up for a bumpy ride folks, because for the first time ever we have unanimous bombs from us, patrons, and the creators as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Smallville Season 4 Episode 20: AGELESS! After discussing the exploding old man and rainbow blasts, we have bombtastic conversations with fans and the show creators Al Gough and Miles Millar. Thank you to our sponsors:

We try to remember an episode about Clark trying to remember this week as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Smallville Season 4 Episode 19: BLANK! After we explore Jensen's character diving off the deep end, the guys explore Chloe's character development and how it's grown since Season 1. We also continue the rage against yellow vehicles and try to figure out what the motivation for the evil Dick Cheney-like father was in this episode. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

Smallville goes to prom this week as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Season 4 Episode 18: SPIRIT… The crown is mine b****… Michael and Tom share Prom stories, while Ryan defends Lifehouse, and all of us admire the brilliance of Annette O'Toole. And after a long hiatus, we finally get another call from Al Gough… and it DOES NOT DISAPPOINT! Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville __________________________________________________

This week we get introduced to the villain of the story as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Smallville Season 4 Episode 17: ONYX! Michael takes us behind the scenes into his process for giving Lex an evil arch in this episode, sharing how he went above and beyond evil in certain scenes. We also find where the mask has been hiding all these years and even get a ‘Damn Who's That' moment in this episode. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/talkville

It's a reunion this week on the show and in the podcast as Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum are joined by Lucy Lane herself, PEYTON LIST, as we revisit Smallville Season 4 Episode 16: LUCY. Peyton talks about being a fan of the show before coming on, how Erica Durance calmed settled her nerves, and the grounded performance she was able to draw from for later comic series roles. Thank you to our sponsors: