The Luthor Estate: views and reviews about the Smallville TV series

Season 7 premiere of Smallville ... and my own fan fiction website.

2007-09-27T17:42:00.000-04:00

Season 7 of Smallville premieres tonight on The CW in the U.S. and A-Channel in Canada.

Just in time for the new season is the launch of my new Smallville fan fiction website:

http://www.geocities.com/president_luthor01/intro.html

It's a small site on Yahoo! Geocities, but you'll find all that you need to read about Bruce's arrival in Smallville, his many adventures and intrigues. You'll read stories about Lex's past friendship with the First Son of Gotham and their emerging rivalry. (And a few surprises - hint: other DC Comics character appearances.)

The site has a brief history of Bruce Wayne that explains how a Bruce-before-Batman might blend into the Smallville universe. Somehow, secrets and lies will be involved. You'll also find links to my Smallville fan fiction and, if you wish, you can contact me by email too.

Enjoy the Season 7 premiere of Smallville ... and enjoy reading about Bruce Wayne in Smallville!

Other DC Comics characters in Smallville?

2007-08-04T22:23:00.000-04:00

Hi again!

Part 4 of "Nightshade" is now posted on fanfiction.net. That could only mean one thing: Season 7 of Smallville is fast approaching, and you're wondering when the epic clash of Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor is going to happen. Let's just say that, with "Nightshade" and the previous short story "Inquisitor", the pieces are on the board ... and the game is about to begin! You can follow the links to find all of my 'Bruce fics': a world where Bruce and Clark have met.

Bruce Wayne is not the only DC Comics character to have made an appearance in my fictional universe. Oliver Queen (aka Green Arrow) appeared my story "Archer" -- three years before his actual appearance on the show. Clark, Chloe and Pete already had an adventure with the Emerald Archer from Star City around the time of Season 3.

Other characters who have made an apperance in my fics include Lucius Fox, Chief Operating Officer of Wayne Enterprises ... and the company 'viceroy' while Bruce continues his globe-trotting and training. (Both Clark and Chloe are starting to wonder if those trips involve more than frequent flyer points!) Close friend Harvey Dent (the future Two-Face) also makes an appearance as a celebrity defense attorney -- and yes, I do have interesting plans for his character in the future *insert maniacal cackle here*.

Naturally, you can't bring on Oliver Queen without mentioning Dinah Lance (aka Black Canary), who I've revamped as an FBI agent -- one whose path has intersected before with both Ollie and Bruce. So far she only has cameo appearances in two fics, but it's a safe bet that you can expect more from her in future stories. At this time, she won't be donning the fishnets -- the no- costumes role strictly applies in most of my fics -- but there will likely be allusions aplenty about her future.

This brings me to yet another DC Comics character, Helena Bertinelli (the future Huntress, and Dinah's future pal) whose supporting role in my fic "Vigilante" also developed an intriguing alliance between Lex Luthor and Gotham mobster Tony Zucco. In my universe, Zucco ascended to the top of the Gotham underworld by wiping out the Bertinelli clan. I expect that this unholy alliance will bear much fruit ... and many bodies beneath Gotham Harbour!

Fans of Batman: The Animated Series might recall Summer Gleeson, the redheaded TV reporter who always broke the news about Batman's activities. In my fictional universe, she is a GCTV reporter who has come close to unravelling Clark's own secrets (as well as Bruce's heart ... yeah, I know, yet another 'ship, LOL). I wouldn't count her out of the picture in future stories.

We can't mention Bruce without also discussing Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce's loyal butler. In my universe, Alfred had a murky past as an MI6 operative -- a past that haunted him and has occasionally resurfaced. Will his unique friendship with Chloe Sullivan have unexpected implications and risks, as Bruce prepares to take his first steps towards his own destiny? We shall see ;).

I've always tried to use DC characters that would seem likely to make an appearance, and where they could have a realistic role to play ie it seems credible that a Dinah Lance could start a crimefighting career as an FBI agent, or that Lex would forge strategic ties with a Gotham kingpin. That would explain the abundance of Batman-universe-related characters. I would say that Alfred has been one of the more interesting characters to flesh out, since we all know he plays a pivotal role in Bruce's life and his partnership with Chloe Sullivan could be a source for future problems. If anyone knows about 'Secrets and Lies' ... it's Bruce Wayne!

I'm sure you're wondering if Jim Gordon, Barbara Gordon, Joker, Penguin -- among others -- will make a pit stop in Smallville:

Jim Gordon: This would be extremely likely, since Bruce is really on the verge of testing out his night job. It's too early for Gordon to be the commissioner, but he would already be on the GCPD payroll. As for Babs, who knows?

Joker: Would I like to use him in a future fic? Yes! Could I construct a feasible background where he might appear (before the bleached skin and crazy laugh)? Probably. I'm not sure about him, because his presence could overpower anything else in the story -- and it still should be a Smallville-related universe. I think Bruce's friendship with Lex would have to be over before I'd venture to bring on the Clown Prince of Crime. Never say never, right?

Penguin: You know, I could see him fit in. He is an underworld figure, and Gotham (or Metropolis!) could be up for grabs. Again, his background would need a Smallville reboot ie no goons dressed as penguins!

Anything is possible -- but not always probable.

My common disclaimer has been that dramatic license (in general) prevails over strict loyalty to comics/TV canon. I think I've managed to both respect the essence of the original characters in my fics while giving them an appropriate revamp. Bruce Wayne's character definitely requires the most caution and respect, and I think fans of a Bruce in Smallville will enjoy reading about glimpses of 'both' Bruces: the affable socialite, and the vigilante-in-training.

Keep an eye out for future postings here and on fanfiction.net.

Regards,

President Luthor

Preview of "Nightshade": Lex Luthor and Bruce Wayne ... friends or rivals?

2006-12-02T20:47:00.000-05:00

Lex Luthor and Bruce Wayne have been friends since childhood, classmates in the most prestigious prep schools and academies throughout the world. Determined and ambitious, they have much in common. Lex has spent a lifetime to pursue a destiny beyond his father's shadow; Bruce has made it his life's work to build upon his late father's great legacy. It's only natural that they could become both friends (and rivals).

But, loyalties are tested. Some friendships survive, while others are doomed to ruin. When destinies collide, can Bruce and Lex remain friends -- or will the hand of fate sever their ties forever? Clark, Chloe, Lana and others must decide if they are prepared to trust a reclusive Gotham billionnaire who is keeping his own secrets, deep beneath the caverns of Wayne Manor. Should Clark trust him with his alien secret? Will Bruce confide in Clark about his own mysterious plans? The answers may emerge as Lex and Bruce's rivalry escalates.

Here is an excerpt from my latest short story, "Nightshade" (4th of 4 short stories), a prologue to the clash of empires between Wayne and Luthor. Please note that these stories have an internal continuity, where previous events may affect the plot. Events occur during the aftermath of Dark Thursday and the rebuilding of Metropolis:

' A hideous explosion echoed on the other line of the US Army transmitter. Chloe broke her radio silence and screamed, despite Alfred’s instructions to remain quiet while the mission was active. Alfred and his handpicked team of operatives were only 50 km from Poland’s eastern border with Belarus: his last communications confirmed that the mission was a success.

Now, there was only the eerie crackle of dead static.

“Drummer Girl to Falconer … do you copy, Falconer?” Chloe repeated frantically several times, using the John Le Carre novel-inspired code name Alfred had assigned her and Alfred’s MI6 alias.

Clark took a deep breath. He had known Alfred Pennyworth for over five years and the Kents considered the butler as one of their best friends. Could he be gone forever?

“He’s … he’s gone, Chloe,” Clark struggled to utter the words. Alfred and his team were in mid-flight and were approaching the Polish border when they came under fire from anti-aircraft batteries. He was certain that it an explosion.

“No, Clark,” Chloe refused to accept it. “It’s a technical malfunction! Maybe his plane got caught in some turbulence, maybe Belarus security forces jammed his frequency, maybe the USAF are escorting him into Poland …” Her explanations came out in staccato bursts.

“Chloe,” Clark pleaded, as he rested a hand on her shoulder. “He knew the risks, better than anyone …” His words were meant to comfort her, but it had the opposite effect. Chloe wanted to help Alfred: he was her friend, one of her closest.

I could have done more, she told herself. I could have stopped him from going to eastern Europe.

“He’s not dead,” Chloe muttered in disbelief. “Alfred’s … not … dead.”

How could it end like this? Clark thought. Alfred Pennyworth is dead. He tried to make sense of the chaos, as his mind travelled back to the events of the past few weeks ...

Chloe had gone to the Planet to look up archived stories about government-sponsored clandestine military operations.

With Lex and Lana at the fundraising gala in Luthor Commerce Square, Clark thought it would be safe to visit Lionel Luthor at the estate. Lionel was reading the Gotham Gazette in the library. The front page depicted Bruce’s visit to WayneTech’s plant in Metropolis. When he told Lionel about the Checkmate Protocols and Alfred’s long absence, Lionel shrugged.

“I hear young Bruce has come to mark his territory again in Metropolis,” Lionel sneered, pointing at the photo of Bruce in painter’s overalls. “See how happy he is painting WayneTech’s walls? A man of the people.” Lionel poured the red wine decanter and refilled his glass. “As if he’s ever suffered like the people of Metropolis!”

“Bruce just wants to help Metropolis,” Clark insisted. “Anyway, I came to find out if you know anything about these Checkmate Protocols.”

“Your source, Mr. Munch, is an extremely dangerous man,” Lionel declared, wagging his finger at Clark. “He’s a crackpot UFO bounty hunter – but he’s still dangerous. Unfortunately he may be right. My sources on Capitol Hill tell me that the political climate is ripe for the rise of a new order. The adherents of these Checkmate Protocols are tired of what they perceive as a lack of political will and moral clarity among their co-workers in Congress, the Pentagon, Homeland Security and other critical agencies. If they are indeed active, a quiet bureaucratic coup d’etat may already be under way. If, as you say, Alfred has chosen to stand against them – your favourite butler may already be dead. These people are that powerful.” Lionel swirled the red wine in his glass, then took another sip as he settled on the grand piano’s bench. “Alfred always was a bit of crusader. Was he naïve? Maybe, He had common sense, though it appears it’s deserted him if he thinks he can stop these Checkmate zealots. Why he chose to waste his time and talents coddling that overgrown frat boy Bruce Wayne is beyond me!”

“Why do you hate the Waynes so much?” Clark demanded. “Are you jealous of what they’ve done with their wealth to help people?”

Lionel smiled. “Ah, the arrogance of youth! It’s a bit more complicated than jealousy, Clark. Don’t believe everything you’ve heard from Lex. Thomas Wayne and I weren’t always mortal enemies.” Lionel pulled out his wallet and thumbed through a few photos of Lillian, Lucas, a senator and a mayor. He tugged at an older, black-and-white photo and handed it to Clark.

Clark’s eyes widened. It showed a much younger Lionel (with a shaggy 1970s mane), Thomas Wayne and his fair-haired girlfriend on the deck of a yacht. The coastline in the background could have been the French Riviera, or perhaps the Mediterranean.

“You were friends with the Thomas Wayne?” Clark wondered.

“This was long before I met Lillian,” Lionel said. “But that’s in the past.” He covered his mouth, as he considered how much had changed in his relationship with Wayne Manor. His finger lingered (perhaps too long) on the photo of Thomas’ girlfriend: the future Martha Wayne. He quickly tucked the photo into his wallet, but Clark had already noticed.

“You had a thing for her?” Clark blurted. “Lex never told me about this before!”

Lionel played a few incoherent notes on the piano. “I see you’ve picked up Miss Sullivan’s nosiness for other people’s business! When I knew Tom Wayne, he had just completed his research on artificial heart valves and was still living off the family’s railway fortunes. One thing he lacked was the social graces required of the jet-set. That’s where Martha fit in. She wasn’t your typical Ivy League New Englander, either. She was vivacious, enchanting and effortlessly gracious. I was infatuated …”

“And?” Clark inquired impatiently.

“That’s none of your concern,” Lionel stated emphatically. “Or Bruce’s for that matter! I lost and Thomas won her over. He proceeded to transform his family’s company into a global empire. He represented the old order: power by privilege. I vowed that I would never assume anything by entitlement. I would earn my place by my own efforts. Thomas and I …” Lionel struggled to form the next few words. “… we had our differences and we never spoke again. I was uninvited from the wedding. In a few years, Martha would be with child …” Lionel began to pour another glass of wine from the decanter, but he paused. He remembered one glorious cruise on the French Riviera, with a good friend from Gotham, a bottle of wine and an incredible woman he has lost to a Wayne.

“I’m sorry, Clark,” Lionel said, returning to his former reticence. “You overestimate my influence in the halls of power. There’s nothing I can do about Alfred. If you say that Checkmate may be after him, he’s as good as dead.” '

You can read the rest of "Nightshade" here: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3257717/1/

Oliver Queen - the Green Arrow - in Smallville!

2006-07-24T21:18:00.000-04:00

If you're a big fan of the show, then you've already heard the rumours. Justin Hartley, 'The Actor Formerly Known as A.C. (Aquaman)' will play the recurring role of Oliver Queen -- the Green Arrow!

What did you say? How can that be? Something about that newspaper headline in the pilot about "Queen" supposedly missing or dead? Well, there's no need to worry. This is Smallville, where strict continuity is non-existent. For example, Pete Ross was Clark's "best friend". His family sacrificed their property (not to mention their honour) due to the Creamed Corn Factory Adoption Screw-Over: Jonathan Kent and Lionel Luthor's enduring legacy/conspiracy on the show. You'd think that might merit some reflection from the Kryptonian One, Kal-El. Silly kids, remorse is for actual superheroes. Pete has become a footnote -- a mere punchline that Clark and his new "best friend" Chloe can use at their convenience. (Pete saw your spaceship? etc.). Oh well. Smallville's loss is Wichita's gain.

Back to Ollie. My biggest hope is that the arrival of the Emerald Archer involves two things:

1) Ollie plays a significant role in getting Mr. Indecisive - Clark - off his hesitant keester and closer to his own destiny. It's been five years and I'm still not sure if Clark is willing or able to step up to the plate become the Greatest Superhero Ever. If he's not going to seize the day on his own, he might as well get help from (yes!) a mortal hero like Ollie who doesn't take crap and will call out Clark on his lack of initiative.

2) Ollie with an edge. I want to see a glimmer of that brash, outspoken radical Oliver Queen of DC legend. Clark has been coddled by everyone on in Smallville for far too long. It's fire-under-the-butt time ... and who better than a future JLA colleague. Bart and Cyborg aren't even in the same league as far as I'm concerned. Ideally, the role of butt-kicking Clark into his destiny should belong to Bruce Wayne but we all know that's not going to happen (Do you seriously think Warner Bros. will allow Bruce/Batman/anything Bat-related anywhere near a show like Smallville -- where canon plays a secondary role to dramatic license? Batman Begins pretty much cancelled out any faint hope ;) .)

If you can't wait to see how Ollie would fit in Smallville, why not check out my fan fic, "Archer" on fanfiction.net:

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1970113/1/

It's set during season three, written a few years ago. And, you'll see one thing in this fic that Ollie's story arc in Smallville won't have: an appearance by Bruce Wayne himself! And a few surprises!

I think you'll enjoy the story.

EXCLUSIVE! Continuity Guide

2006-02-06T23:38:00.000-05:00

Here's a Luthor Estate exclusive:

A continuity guide for my "Bruce fics", a fan fiction universe where Bruce Wayne is a recurring character in Smallville.

Enjoy :)

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/537/bwsv0mk.jpg

Bruce Wayne's holiday visit to Smallville!

2005-12-17T23:01:00.000-05:00

Just in time for the holidays, I have a short story about Bruce Wayne's visit to Smallville -- set in the middle of Season Four, the 'Jason Teague era'. My stories of Bruce in Smallville have developed their own internal continuity, so I'd suggest that you read "Vigilante" at least, with "Archer" as supplementary reading.

I've posted an excerpt of "Comfort and Joy", and a link to the full story. Enjoy.

Have a great holiday, Smallville (and Bruce Wayne) fans! See you in '06.

[Excerpt from Comfort and Joy]:

Lana Lang, dressed in a mauve Nordic sweater and black slacks, warmly embraced Jason as they shared a joke. The Kents invited their closest friends for a Christmas party. Martha rushed out to the dinner table with her ‘Jolly Snowman’ apron and matching oven mitts, bearing a stuffed turkey. They had also invited Pete Ross. (He sent his regrets.) With his parents’ divorce still fresh in his mind, Pete chose not to dwell on his disrupted home life and he readily accepted an offer to go snowboarding in Whistler this December with his new extreme sports buddy, Oliver Queen.

Clark didn’t expect that Pete would come to Smallville for the holidays, since their friendship had been on an uncertain footing for months. Jason and Jonathan mourned the possible loss of the entire NHL season and complained about the greed and animosity surrounding the high-stakes labour dispute, but Clark’s concerns were more immediate.

Seeing Lana – the only girl he believed he truly loved – effortlessly flirt with Jason Teague made him jealous. He hoped that no one would notice his awkwardness, but to his dismay someone already did. Lois quietly approached him, with two mugs of mulled apple cider in her hands.

“You know, Smallville,” Lois smirked. “This is none of my business, but I think you should wake up to the facts. The Lana ship has sailed, buddy. That ocean liner of love has left the port.”

Clark tugged Lois aside, out of range of the dining room. “You’re right about one thing: it ‘is’ none of your business!” His reddened face betrayed that Lois had hit her mark … again.

“The New Year is upon us, Clark,” Lois continued, unfazed by Clark’s stubbornness. She looked at Lana and Jason, who were teasing each other over the dinner table. “It’s not all about you, Clark. Lana is happy with Jason. Get over it! If you’re as close to Lana as you say you are, then why aren’t you happy for her?”

“I am happy for her,” Clark muttered unconvincingly. His eyes avoided looking directly at Lana, who seemed to notice Clark’s aloofness this evening.

Lois abruptly handed him the mug of cider. “Then eat, drink and be merry, Clark Kent! It’s time for company and good cheer. And I, for one, am not going to allow your grumpiness to ruin a good Christmas party.” She wrinkled a surprised nose at the homemade cider’s spiciness. “Wow, Martha’s cider has some kick to it!” Before Clark could respond, Lois joined Jonathan and Jason at the table and quickly got into the debate over the NHLPA’s luxury tax proposal. In her eyes, it was designed to fail and the hockey season was as good as lost.

Chloe was stuck in rush hour traffic near Metropolis and called to say that she would be there in time for the after-dinner socializing. Clark remained relatively quiet, while Lois seemed to create a seamless conversation that combined Jason’s thoughts about collegiate football (too much money spent on recruiting and not enough on players’ scholastic achievement) with Jonathan’s views on the environment (heavy penalties on polluters – read: Luthor – were in order) and Lana’s impressions of Parisian urban planning (she felt Metropolis could develop stricter zoning and preservation by-laws). Lois was Chloe’s cousin … but she was bold, brash and had the tact of stampeding herd of elephants. Yet, she was clearly the centre of attention at the dinner table. He could not deny that Lois Lane knew how to light up a room.

While Jonathan retired to the living room to show Jason some old photos from his football glory days, Clark hurriedly ate the last of his pumpkin pie and sat on the stairs, away from Lois and Martha’s impromptu carolling near the Christmas tree. Pete was gone, Lana was now with Jason and high school graduation would be upon him in a few months. So much had changed, and he was having difficulty accepting that. He wasn’t even sure if he and Lex could remain as good friends.

After Lana helped Martha with the dishes, she found Clark on the staircase. He’s keeping his own counsel – again, she sighed to herself.

“Clark,” Lana began, “is everything okay? You don’t seem like yourself.”

“I’m fine,” Clark said. “I’m alright.” He couldn’t bring himself to confide in her about his concerns: Jason, Lex’s changing behaviour, and the escalating tension between LuthorCorp and Wayne Enterprises. He believed he could never confide in her about his secret. It was necessary – to protect her – he concluded.

“Alright?” Lana challenged him. “You’ve hardly said a word to me this whole party.”

Clark cleared his throat. “It’s Pete.” His friendship with Pete was a concern, though Lana’s romance with Jason had become a growing issue with him.

Lana suspected that Clark was still trying to come to terms with her new romance, but she felt it was better not to press the issue under his own roof. “I know that Pete would want to be here, if he could. But with the divorce, you know –“ There was an uncomfortable silence; they couldn’t really know. Pete watched helplessly as his parents’ marriage disintegrated before his eyes. Who could prepare for an event like that?

A doorbell ring interrupted their uneasy conversation. When Martha opened the door, a tall, imposing figure in a fine woollen overcoat and royal blue scarf beamed at them.

“Martha Kent, the classiest lady this side of the Mason-Dixon line,” Bruce Wayne kissed her hand. Martha gave him a big hug, and accepted his rather large box of presents.

Jonathan clasped Bruce on his shoulders and shook his hand warmly. “What brings you to our little corner of Kansas, Mr. Wayne?”

Read the full story here: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2707327/1/

How Bruce met Clark ...

2005-06-25T23:05:00.000-04:00

When I wrote my first fan fiction, Smallville was in the middle of its first season. In Canada, Smallville hadn't been picked up when it aired in the U.S. on The WB. The CanWest Global network up here picked up "Smallville" as a mid-season replacement. To catch up with the U.S. scheduling, they played Smallville in blocks of two episodes on weekends, so you can imagine how difficult it was for new viewers to keep up! :(

Anyway, I wrote the first meeting between Clark and Bruce back in 2002. (I may rewrite that fic one day -- who knows). This is how I imagined how they first met:

Clark noticed a plume of smoke rise from the horizon. He dashed across the Kent farm and towards the road. A late-model PT Cruiser was tilted on its side. Apparently, it had hit a telephone pole. He focused his attention on the two passengers who had managed to escape. One seemed to be unconscious.

"Will he be ok?" Clark asked.

"My driver?" the young man answered. "I think he'll be fine. I think it was heat exhaustion. But I'd feel better if a doctor could look at him. Where are we?"

"Outskirts of Smallville. There's a doctor on-site at a plant ...about 5 miles from here," Clark suggested, "I'll just get my truck. I'm Clark, by the way, Clark Kent."

The young man stood up to his full height. He was a bit older than him, Clark thought, maybe Lex's age. Clark was surprised at the sheer size of this accidental tourist, who reached out to shake his hand."Thanks for your help, Clark. I'm Bruce Wayne."

Clark's jaw dropped. "Wayne? As in the Gotham City Waynes?"

Bruce grinned at this revelation. "Yes." The mid-summer heat had made Bruce's face flush red.

"I'll get my truck and be back in a flash." Clark ran through the corn fields. When he was out of sight, he zipped across acres of farmland, got in his truck and raced to help out Bruce Wayne, heir to one of America's corporate empires! Now there are 'two' billionnaires in sleepy Smallville.

Sure beats bundling hay after class ...

Spring cleaning!

2005-05-09T13:11:00.000-04:00

Sorry about the long delay in updating. Okay, I promised I'd give the answer to the trivia question (if you haven't already looked it up on the Net).

Joe Shuster was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and while he was a kid, he worked as a newspaper boy for the Toronto Daily Star [as it was known then]. He liked to sketch as a hobby. In the beginning, Clark Kent actually worked for a 'Daily Star' -- Shuster's nod to his former employer. And those early comics made Metropolis look verrrry much like the Toronto skyline of the time. He moved to Cleveland when he was 10 and by his teens he was already drawing -- Jerome Siegel did the writing -- the most famous superhero in the world.

Clark's paper became the Daily Planet once the 'Superman' comic strip received international distribution. So there you have it: Superman's roots on both sides of the 49th Parallel.

-----

Did you see the latest Smallville episode, "Blank". Amnesia and FOTW story! Before you jump to conclusions, I should add that it was probably the best exploration of Clark and Chloe's friendship I've seen yet. Allison Mack was just superb! The freak (with an ability to wipe memories) was actually a well-developed character and not just another baddie for Clark to defeat. For those who follow Lana's ups-and-downs, all is not happy in the Jason-Lana tag team. Those secrets, lies and trust issues continue to throw a wrench in their snuggle-fest. All I can say about Lex without ruining it is that he shows a hint of what he'll become. He's gonna be bad, kids: the die is cast. It's just becoming easier for him this season to toy with the Dark Side.

-----

I just discovered rocketboom.com, with "The Restaurant" reality-tv star Amanda Congdon. (I didn't watch the show and never heard of her, but her pic shows up in Yahoo! Entertainment.) Anyway, it's a videoblog, where Amanda gives her quirky take on the news from her New York City base. It's sort of like an online version of Weekend Update. Yes, she's hot -- especially when she wears glasses. ;)

http://www.rocketboom.com/vlog/

Videoblogging (or vlogging, as they're now calling it) might become as popular as bloggin' it old-school (like this). It depends if all that online video equipment becomes affordable for the non-reality-tv-star crowd, and if the average Joe or Jane is willing to spend all that extra time writing, editing and producing their own vlogs.

Smallville's Lex: destined to fall?

2005-03-16T17:31:00.000-05:00

I've always argued that Lex must inevitably fall on "Smallville". What is fascinating about Lex is 'how' his journey towards evil has evolved.

I recall plenty of posts on message boards throughout the Net whose authors absolutely, positively couldn't bear that Lex Luthor (historically, Superman's nemesis) was going to become bad.

The question I asked then was: why should a character as great as Lex become just another sidekick, or do-gooder Scoobie (ie Buffy the Slayer's team of talented ... and not-so-talented gang of lackeys). It would be a waste of character potential.

It's evident that Lex on Smallville was written to travel a parallel journey to Clark's -- though they would be going on opposite directions. Each had a path to greatness, but what that 'greatness' entailed was unknown to them at Season One.

I'm confident that by the end of Season Four, no one will be able to argue that Lex cannot fall. That doesn't mean he was bad since Day One, or damned by birth. On the contrary, Lex has made many conscious choices along the way. While the lack of support/trust from people like Lionel, Jonathan Kent and especially Clark Kent have all contributed to Lex's eventual fall, he is not a robot. I can't accept the theory that Lex is a mere observer to all the mishaps that affect him -- as if any Luthor could be just a puppet of other peoples' whims and motivations.

Because of his Luthor heritage (or, in spite of, depending on your spin), Lex had choices. He's made them, and -one day- he will have to live with their consequences. I've read the Lex apologists' arguments that seem to absolve Lex of just about everything he's ever done ... and they're quite prepared to blame his mental break in 'Shattered' and/or Clark's lack of faith in him for Lex's subsequent bad behaviour.

If we're going to argue that Lex's character goes through emotions and conflicts that other human beings go through, that means he must also cope with the responsibilities of free will. His Luthor background is an aggravating factor, but any "Law and Order" fan will tell you that just having a screwed-up family life doesn't necessarily mean that you're not guilty.

Has Lex had opportunities to steer clear of the path that would lead to his fall? Yes, he has and he has, on occasion, resisted those darker impulses. Smallville, however, is not re-inventing the entire wheel, and some parts of the Superman legend remain intact. It's doubtful Smallville's producers were going to make Lex Luthor just 'one of the gang'.

Both Clark and Lex have been on journeys of discovery: about themselves, their values and their destinies. Lex said their friendship would be "the stuff of legends". We knew it was never meant to be, but neither Clark nor Lex recognized that. The tragedy in Smallville is that their friendship could have been saved.

If either of them were more willing to compromise on values that define them (Clark's sense of justice, Lex's ambition), they just might have had a workable -imperfect- friendship. On a show where Clark would one day embody the best of humanity, such compromise was not to be.

The powers-that-be could be faulted for other issues, but on the divergent paths of Clark Kent and Lex Luthor they seem to have a clear vision.

For Clark to seize the mantle of heroism, Lex -as his foil and counterpoint- will have to choose his own, opposing path. On this fundamental theme of destiny, there could never be any compromise.

2005-03-14T21:38:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Luthor Estate. Please mind the Kryptonite.

'Superman' trivia!

2005-03-11T22:46:00.000-05:00

There would be no such thing as "Smallville" if cartoonist Joe Shuster and writer Jerry Siegel didn't come up with Superman, a superhero who could jump tall buildings in a single bound and run faster than a locomotive.

QUESTION: Which daily metropolitan newspaper did Joe Shuster work for as a paper boy (and inspired The Daily Planet, Clark Kent's employer)?

Was it:

a) Kansas City Star
b) Columbus Dispatch
c) Toronto Star
d) Cleveland Plain Dealer
e) Metropolis Planet (Illinois)

I'll post the answer in a few days ...

Random historical quote for your Lex fics ...

2005-03-10T20:01:00.000-05:00

If you've ever needed a witty, historical quote for Lex to utter in one of his pontificating moments in your fan fics, I've arrived with the cavalry.

Not surprisingly, today's quote refers to greatness:

"The herd seek out the great, not for their sake but for their influence; and the great welcome them out of vanity or need. "

-- Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 - 1821)

Thoughts on 'Bruce Wayne' in Smallville?

2005-03-08T00:06:00.000-05:00

I am going to argue that it is not only realistic to have a young Bruce Wayne on Smallville, but that it could add much depth to both Clark and Lex's journeys to their opposing destinies.

I think it's unlikely they'll bring Bruce Wayne onto the show as a character, but I've written several fanfics that explored what it 'might' be like if Bruce was a recurring character. Many fanfics out there have introduced Batman into their stories -- which is cool -- but I figure that it would be more believable if the "no cape, no cowl" rule applied to Bruce. If Smallville is a tale of Clark 'before Superman', then a Bruce in that universe would be 'before Batman'

What that means is a 'Smallville Bruce' who is between two worlds: the jet-set socialite world he's been raised in ... and that dark destiny born out of Crime Alley and the senseless murder of his parents.

It's entirely possible that this Bruce could be a schoolchum of Lex in boarding schools and academies around the world. Perhaps they'd share some connection because of the traumatic events of their youth. But Lex could realize that the adult Bruce has emerged as the only viable rival of the Luthor empire. This could be a source for tension between them (which I've explored in some of my fics -- I know, it's a shameless plug, but isn't that what blogs are by definition ;) ).

Smallville's Clark could meet Bruce through that relationship with Lex. Bruce and Lex would seem similar to Clark -- at first. Both are supposed bluebloods who inherited their wealth and status. Both, however, are traveling different paths. What separates them could provide much fuel to the eventual 'rift' between Clark and Lex.

Batman Begins would seem to nix any hopes for Bruce appearing on Smallville in person, but I would be happy if they just mentioned Bruce's name in passing. Perhaps Lex could be on a conference call with him, or his name appears on the Planet's front page.

That's all for now. I'm off to repair the Bat-Signal ...

Hello ... Review of 'Sacred'!

2005-03-06T20:09:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Luthor Estate. Drop by and say hello!

Let's start with a review of Season 4's "Sacred" -- or, as others have called it: Mu-Lana. I should add that I have no 'spoilers rules' here, so you have just been warned. Spoilers aplenty! ;)

I think the best way to do this is with (cues drum roll) ... to just write what I think.

We finally got to see the resolution of what happened to Dr. Swann. I'm glad the powers that be were able to expand on the kryptonian mythology with the search for those three mysterious stones. Clark had an easy choice: read about the admission guidelines for college applications season (oh *yawn* joy), or look for stones that could reveal his destiny.

This takes us to the 'trust issue' between that proverbial liar/occultist/Luthor-lackey Jason and tattoo-branded Lana. You see, he was lying to 'protect' her -- at least that would be his justification. This was also the part of the episode which becomes Big Trouble in Little Shanghai, as Jason and Lex -- who, of course is going to be around on any global quest for these stones -- race through the streets of Shanghai, and -alas- captured by the Chinese People's Army.

I'll skip any logical, common sense explanations about Lana and Clark dropping everything to follow Jason and Lex to China, because you won't find them in the episode. Lana realizes that, at this moment, only Clark and Lionel could be trusted. Clark just left a phone message with Ma and Pa to explain his long absence (probably along the lines of: "I'm off to the general store ... it's out-of-state ... umm, yeah ... and you won't be able to reach me, but I'll be back") Ok, so Lana and Clark show up in Shanghai and manage to find the temple (where the commies are torturing Lex and Jason). It seems Lex was also double-crossed (Lionel? Genevieve?). Unfortunately, the Chinese catch Lana, notice her kryptonian henna marks and threaten to electrocute the truth out of her.

Bad move. Isabelle Thoreaux - everyone's favourite witch b*tch - emerges again and zaps herself free, leaving Clark (who had a brief run-in with green meteor rocks) to rescue Jason and Lex. They figure out the map to the temple was actually a painting of the temple, where a stone is hidden.

Isabelle does her bippity-boppity thing and finds one of the stones, but Clark confronts her. The episode enters its 'House of Flying Daggers' phase and Lana and Clark get into the whole wu-shu ass-kicking -- complete with Lana's flying wire works.

The battle zaps Isabelle away (for now) and Lana, Clark, Lex and Jason wonder "what the hell happened". The stone is missing, so all those Air Miles went for nothing.

Or did they? Jason reveals that he kept the stone and mailed it back to himself from China -- to prevent either Lex or Clark from knowing about it. He did all this to 'protect' her, if you recall. Lana beams, so I guess she's happy her occult experience is behind her for now (at least until Lana overloads the Talon's circuit-breaker!)

Clark returns to the caves again, fearing that he will have to find those stones and claim a destiny he doesn't necessarily want. Lex and Lionel get into a discussion about the value of knowledge versus wisdom, but is Lionel being helpful -- or is he playing the role of the puppetmaster: letting Lex and Jason do all the grunt work, while he exploits their discoveries to some hidden end?

In a sentence, "Sacred" is one of the better episodes this season -- complete with globe-trotting action, Clana moments for the angsty crowd, the usual Lex 'facing-an-abyss-of-his-making' moments, PLUS supernaturally-juiced Lana-Fu fighting.

Some fans want nothing but angst -- all the time; others want nothing but action. This episode should satisfy both of them.

[BTW, hi to all those from the KryptonSite, Yahoo Groups and fanfiction.net universe.]