Talk Ville - Season 1

Back to where it all began... Join Tom Welling (Clark) and Michael Rosenbaum (Lex) as they revisit the Smallville Pilot episode more than two decades since it was filmed. The guys talk about their experience during the shooting with kingmaker David Nutter, working with established actors like John Schneider, Annette O'Toole, and John Glover, and sentiment filming and releasing around 9/11. After discussing the difficulty of certain scenes like the underwater car crash, and the epic nature of the meteor shower, Tom and Michael later reflect on certain scenes that are a bit jarring and probably wouldn't fly nowadays.

Tom and Michael address the step back in the second episode of the series Smallville where the ‘freak of the week' concept gets solidified with our introduction to a buggy individual. The guys reflect on the suspension of disbelief that it took to shoot certain scenes and what it was like shooting the special effect shots that involved kryptonite and bullet time. During this episode, Michael points out scenes that didn't flow after remembering cut dialogue and Tom looks for answers on the floating that never got addressed.

Things are heating up… This week Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Episode 3 of Smallville: Hothead. They talk about their experience working alongside The Wonder Years alumni Dan Lauria, the difficulty of the fire stunts performed in the episode, and some behind the scenes stories of working on the first episode directed by Greg Beeman. While Michael talks about how this episode highlights why people were drawn to Lex trying to fight his destiny of being the ‘bad guy,' Tom talks about this being the beginning of Clark being in the right place at the right time. Oh yeah, and we talk about some updates to our death/ save count and other notes that Al and Miles shared on the first couple episodes.

Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Episode 4 of Smallville: X-Ray and discuss the issue in acting through Clark's super power scenes, working with guest star and ‘freak of the week' actor Lizzy Caplan, and issues onset with a particular prop that went wrong. Tom shares what helped him convey his X-Ray power while acting and which scene he remembers Michael and he breaking in. Michael shares insights into the Lex blackmail subplot and tries to get past a scene with a particularly odd reaction from Sam Jones.

After we pull the curtain back and deep dive all the ‘Freezer Boy' scenes, teenage horror tropes, and purple sweaters inside Episode 5: Cool, we're joined by future returning guest, Lana Lang herself, Kristin Kreuk. Kristin remembers her time on the show, how Tom couldn't remember his lines in one particular scene in Cool, and dealing with her stalker in the early seasons. Good times in this episode as we explore some of the Cool special effects and crack a new low on our rating system.

This week Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Hourglass, an episode full of crazy foreshadowing, scary good guest appearances, and deadly dangerous stunts. Tom fondly remembers acting against the blind Cassandra and learning how to act for the camera in fight sequences. Michael questions Kryptonite bodies of water and talks about the iconic doomsday blood raining down scene. Lots of good behind the scenes (non episode related) stuff this week too!

Finally… we've arrived at the Amy Adams one! This week Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Episode #7: Craving. The guys give huge props to Amy's commitment in her performance, talk about what it was like working with her on set, and also discuss the delicate nature of shooting an episode that highlights eating disorders through the high school experience. We get into the mysterious nursery explosion scene, Clark awkwardly piecing everything together, and the origins of Lex's evil ulterior motives.

Smallville creators Al Gough and Miles Millar join Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum as they revisit Jitters, one of the most epic episodes from Season 1 (featuring Candymam himself Tony Todd) sharing the absolute chaos that went on behind the scenes to put this episode together. Al and Miles talk about landing Tony Todd, why going over budget almost cost them their jobs, and the crazy reasons that more than four different directors were involved in its making. We also talk about the wire work in the final collapsing bridge scene, John Glover transitioning from a guest star, and a defense for the Freak of the Week template.

Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit Episode 9 of Smallville: Rogue! The guys discuss the first break from the ‘Freak of the Week' concept and get some insights from Al and how this was a defining test that would go on to shape the series. Tom breaks down the two major stunts where Clark stops a bus and dodges a bullet, sharing which one caused him to fall asleep while waiting to shoot. Michael shares fond memories working alongside Kelly Brook on and off set and teases a few upcoming guests in the works. Fun episode with some great scenes with Jonathan, Chloe, and the one and only… Principal Kwan.

This week Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum explore if all in Shimmer is gold, as they revisit Episode #10 of Smallville! While the scores at the end might not reflect it, the guys fondly remember shooting scenes with Kelly Brook as Victoria Hardwick and talk about their favorite and least favorite locations to shoot at, as the iconic ‘barn sunset' makes several appearances. Michael talks about working again with former co star Azura Skye and similarities in this week's storyline to his real life. Tom talks about how you could see them still ‘figuring it out' with the invisibility special effects this early on in the series and how we start to see the rise of convenient concussions in the show.

This week Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit an episode of Smallville that nobody quite understands the meaning of its title… Hug. The guys breakdown stellar performances from guest stars Rick Peters and Gregory Sporleder, talk about shooting in harsh Vancouver winters, and discuss embracing the awkwardness of kissing scenes with friends on set. Tom highlights the metaphor and correlation between the friendship fallout of Kyle and Bob and the parallels we'll see later on with Clark and Lex. Michael talks about what it was like to shoot Lex's first time going ‘super villain mode' and trying to take out Clark.

John joins the guys as they recap Episode 12: Leech. Welling talks about what it was like to play a 'power-less' Clark and his confusion of there being two different Ashmores who appeared in Smallville.

We kick things into motion this week with Episode #13: Kinetic. Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisit the ‘kryptonite tattoo' episode and remember the uncredited cameo from Evangeline Lilly, talk about how nobody cared about the angsty Whitney subplot, and dish out an all time low for the podcast thus far. Tom talks about what went into the ‘Clark hand chopping wood' scene and draws comparison between Lex and Jeff Bezos. Michael talks about the performance from Allison in this episode and the power of the closing scene with Lana at the Talon.

What would you do with zero consequences… This week we explore that concept in Episode 14 of Smallville: ZERO. The guys revisit a Lex heavy, flashback frenzied episode that almost featured the very own Neil Patrick Harris. Michael remembers the Lex hanging upside down scenes causing a bit of a health scare and the one scene that caused a stuntman to quit on the spot. Tom remembers what it was like working with iconic guest stars who made appearances in the series and tricks of the trade in executing some of the Smallville oners.

Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum explore the deepest desires of Smallville in Episode 15: Nicodemus. After remembering certain issues with directors on set, the guys dissect the different ‘out of character' performances from John Schneider, Kristin Kreuk, and Sam Jones III whose characters fall under the spell of the Nicodemus. Tom remembers Kristin's reaction to the pool scene and how the crew managed safety concerns of the windmill shots. Michael talks about one of the most memorable performances from Annette O'Toole in this episode and how Lex continues to conveniently miss Clark in action.

We've talked about him in just about every episode so far - it only made sense to have him on as a guest… This week we're joined by the one and only Greg Beeman: show runner, director, and glue to the early success of Smallville. Beeman talks about coming into the show during the chaos of Season 1 and remembers moments during the early days behind the scenes that cemented the show in his heart forever. Not only that, but we also review an episode! This week we tackle Episode #16: Stray. Tom and Michael remember working with Ryan Kelley, the limo stunt that went wrong, and Smallville getting into some pretty brutal attack scenes.

Join us this week as we find out if Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum can get through a review of Smallville's Episode 17: Reaper before disintegrating into ash. The guys talk about a new collective all time low in the rewatch and analyze the episode's themes of losing loved ones and reconciling with your father. Tom remembers pivotal choices where Schneider really carried and why he was annoyed sometimes while shooting a sports related scene. Michael pokes at the confusing conveniences in this episode and talks more John Glover love.

The guys discuss the A storyline of the Bee storyline and try to grapple with the suspension of disbelief this close to the end of Season 1. Michael gushes over his admiration for Principal Kwan, Tom defends his ‘every four episodes' theory, and both guys get schooled on the art of Smallville podcasting. Fun episode this week, let us know what you would score this one!!

We couldn't wait to have him on… Join Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum as we dissect the double entendres in Smallville Episode 19 (Crush) with a very special guest: Glenn Winter. In his first of many appearances he'll have with us, Glenn talks about the impact Smallville had on his young career, his favorite directors throughout the series, and some nostalgic behind the scenes stories. In our review of Crush, Tom talks about the grounded performance of Adam Brody and Clark's complicated relationship with Lana. Michael sheds a tear for Principal Kwan and remembers how he got out of the funeral scene.

Join Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum as they share their pinhole point of view on this week's review of Smallvills Episode #20: OBSCURA. The guys grapple with the suspension of disbelief surrounding this particular FOTW episode and explore the drama surrounding the "Clana" vs "Chlark" relationships being developed. Tom fondly remembers the technique to some of the oners in this episode and finds flaws with some of the logic with Clark's powers we see. Michael realizes what he's been signing all these years and has issues with Jonathan Kent being too obvious in this episode. BIG finale next week. Don't miss it.

That flew by fast… This week Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum review Episode 21 of Smallville, the Season 1 Finale, TEMPEST. From tornado effects, to a Remy Zero live performance, and fighting Luthors, this episode has it all. Not only do the guys review the series' first cliffhanger episode, but we also leave our rewatch on a bit of a cliffhanger as well. This is the first part of a two part Finale Extravaganza!! Next week we have a highly anticipated guest, give our scores for Tempest, and then review some of the fan voted ‘Best Of' Season 1 moments. Enjoy!

It just wouldn't be right wrapping up this season without him. The man, the myth, and the legend John Glover, aka Lionel Luthor, joins Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum as we officially wrap up our rewatch of Season 1 of Smallville and the finale episode Tempest. It was a treat talking to Glover. He remembered what it was like going from a guest star to a regular, how deep the theme of family was in the show, and his true opinion on the character of Lionel Luthor. The guys close the episode by discussing some of the fan voted ‘best of' moments from Season 1. Any nominations and/ or selections surprise you?

Before we jump into Season 2, it's time we recap some of the best moments from Season 1 of Smallville… and there were a lot! Here's a little compilation episode of Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum revisiting the first season of the show that changed both their lives. This episode covers some of the major threads we got into this season - from FOTW, to risky stunts, to effects that were cutting edge, to suspension of disbelief. Hope you folks enjoy it..

Last stop before Season 2. This week we revisit our convos with some of the guests who were responsible for making Smallville the incredible show it still is.