Highlights: “Run” (Bart Allen, the first Flash), “Transference” (Lionel swaps bodies with Clark), and “Commencement” (the Stones crash-land in Smallville). Season 4 also sees Lex marry Lana—a bizarre but pivotal turn. For fans searching in 2021, this season is often cited as the most rewatchable because of Lois’s arrival. Aired: 2005-2006
The darkest visual tone. Season 9 introduces Major Zod (Callum Blue) and a clone army of Kryptonians called Kandorians. Clark fully embraces “The Blur” identity—a vigilante feared and worshipped. Lois becomes the only one who loves both Clark and the Blur.
Considered by many fans the darkest season of the “high school threes.” Clark becomes addicted to red kryptonite (which removes inhibitions) and abandons Smallville. Lex descends further into paranoia, manipulated by his father Lionel (John Glover). Lana discovers Clark’s secret—multiple times—only to have her memory wiped.
The of heroes solidifies: Clark, Oliver, and Lois. By “Justice” (the fan-favorite episode with Aquaman, Cyborg, Flash, and Black Canary), the show embraces full superhero team-ups. Season 6 ends with Lana seemingly killed by a bomb—and Clark beating Lex mercilessly. Season 7: Kara, Veritas, and the End of an Era Aired: 2007-2008
The emerges: Clark’s struggle between his Kryptonian heritage (Jor-El), his human upbringing (Jonathan Kent), and his desire for normalcy (Lana Lang). By the finale, “Tempest,” the tornado rips through Smallville, and Clark reveals his secret to his parents—but not yet to Lana. Season 2: The Cave, the Key, and the Beginning of Fate Aired: 2002-2003
The finale, “Doomsday,” is brutal. Clark fights Doomsday, seemingly killing him. But Jimmy Olsen dies. Chloe’s fate is left ambiguous. Season 8 showed that Smallville could survive without Lex and even thrive by focusing on Clark and Lois’s budding romance. Aired: 2009-2010
Season 7’s are the three Kryptonians: Clark, Kara, and Brainiac (who takes over Chloe). The finale, “Arctic,” sees Lex discovering the Fortress and firing a weapon… then the screen cuts to black. Michael Rosenbaum left the show, and Smallville had to rebuild. Season 8: The Rise of the Blur Aired: 2008-2009
