Now in its eighth season, this modern reinterpretation of the enduring Superman mythology and its classic characters continues to blend realism, adventure and emotion into an exciting action series. With realistic portrayals and award-winning, state-of-the-art special effects, SMALLVILLE stars Tom Welling (The Fog, Cheaper by the Dozen movies), Allison Mack (The Ant Bully, Opposite Sex), Erica Durance (House of the Dead, The Butterfly Effect 2), Aaron Ashmore (Veronica Mars, The West Wing, upcoming The Christmas Cottage), Cassidy Freeman (Finishing the Game: The Search for a New Bruce Lee, Cold Case), Sam Witwer (Battlestar Galatica) and Justin Hartley (Aquaman, Passions). From Tollin/Robbins Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Smallville airs Thursdays (8:00–9:00 p.m. ET/PT) on The CW.

This season, Clark Kent (Welling) moves closer than ever to embracing his calling as the iconic superhero he is destined to become. Spending less time in his hometown and more time in the big city of Metropolis, Clark will encounter new challenges and new faces – both friend and foe – as he begins his career at the Daily Planet. Characters from every corner of the DC Comics universe will pay visits, including Plastique, the heroine-to-be with an explosive personality; Maxima, the seductive, intergalactic goddess; and Superman's most formidable adversary, Doomsday, the only character who is able to kill Superman. This season will also feature an appearance by DC Comics' time-traveling Legion of Superheroes, who return from the future in an episode to be penned by renowned comic book writer Geoff Johns.

Last season came to a stunning conclusion with a confrontation between Clark and his longtime nemesis, Lex Luthor (former series star Michael Rosenbaum) under the frozen columns of Clark's arctic Fortress of Solitude. Years of secrets came to a head as Clark's former friend finally discovered the truth about Clark's alien heritage. Clark's world soon came crashing down as the fortress crumbled in an icy avalanche, leaving both characters' fate a mystery.

Lex's moment of truth didn't come without a price. He murdered his father, Lionel (former series star John Glover) for information about the legendary Traveler. Clark also had to defeat Brainiac (recurring guest star James Marsters), who had banished Clark's Supergirl cousin Kara (recurring guest star Laura Vandervoort) to the Phantom Zone and attacked both Chloe (Mack) and Lana (former series star Kristin Kreuk), leaving them both in catatonic comas. Though Brainiac's demise ultimately lifted their trances, Chloe was soon arrested for hacking into federal databases – just as she was about to respond to a marriage proposal from Jimmy Olsen (Ashmore). Meanwhile, in a tearful, videotaped good-bye, Lana told Clark that she was leaving Smallville and his life forever, encouraging Clark to fulfill his destiny – something he wouldn't be able to accomplish with her in his world. While one chapter of his life seemingly came to an end, another was about to begin. With fewer commitments tethering Clark to the farm, Lois Lane (Durance) asked him to apply for a job opening at the Daily Planet.

Season eight begins a few weeks after the Fortress' icy collapse, as a LuthorCorp arctic excavation team investigates Lex's whereabouts. Members of the Justice League reunite in the search for Clark, who has been rendered powerless by the fall of the Fortress. As the season unfolds, Clark's new position at the Daily Planet will mean working across the desk from Lois. The two will be forced to team up to cover Metropolis' most pressing goings on. Sometimes it's Lois herself who becomes Clark's biggest obstacle, especially when he's on a deadline. But with Clark and Lois thrust into such close proximity, sparks are bound to fly, and feelings will start to surface that come as a surprise to both of them. At the same time, Clark begins to discover the balancing act he must perform as he explores his dual identities as both reporter and superhero.

Even with Lex gone, the Luthor mansion isn't vacant for long. Its newest resident is the beguiling Tess Mercer (Freeman), who, according to Lex's written instructions, has been placed in charge of LuthorCorp and all of its projects, including oversight of the Daily Planet. Tess proves to be as inscrutable as she is cunning, and is an enigmatic new presence in everyone's lives. It won't be long before Tess' attention turns to Clark. But Clark is wary of her intentions, and as the layers of her past are peeled away, new mysteries surface. Through it all, Tess' resolve remains unshakable – to find Lex Luthor, as she is convinced he is still alive.

Clark isn't the only one who will face formidable challenges. Oliver Queen (Hartley) returns to make Metropolis his home. He finds himself at a crossroads, forced to travel through some dark terrain – especially when demons from his past are reawakened. Oliver ultimately begins to question his role as a superhero, just as Clark is embracing his own.

With a new fiancé and puzzling new abilities that intrigue her as much as they frighten her, Chloe decides to turn her attention toward helping others. She takes over where Lana left off and reopens the Isis Foundation to provide counseling for those with meteor-powered abilities. She soon finds just how tricky the meteor-powered can be. Chloe's life is further complicated when she meets Metropolis paramedic Davis Bloome (Witwer). A tireless public servant, Bloome strikes up a fast friendship with Chloe. Soulful and mysterious, Bloome has demons of his own. He's troubled by large gaps of time that he can't remember, and as he comes closer to the answers, he must confront his own worst fear – that at his core he is pure evil.

The series, based on DC Comics characters, was developed for television by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar (both of Spider-Man, Shanghai Noon movies, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and is executive produced by Kelly Souders (Stuck) & Brian Peterson (But I'm a Cheerleader), Todd Slavkin & Darren Swimmer (both of Control, Natural Selection), Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins and Joe Davola (latter three from One Tree Hill, The Bronx Is Burning, Norbit, Wild Hogs). This description was copied and pasted from KryptonSite.com. Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

Episode #8-13
"Power"
Air date: Jan. 29th
The CW's Official Description (Added 1/9/09): ALLISON MACK’S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT — Clark (Tom Welling) finds Tess (Cassidy Freeman) in Lana’s (Kristin Kreuk) ransacked apartment and realizes Lana is missing. Tess tells him Lex is still alive and may have kidnapped Lana and finally reveals the truth about what happened to Lana after she awoke from her Brainiac-induced coma. Meanwhile, Tess breaks into a secret LuthorCorp facility and is shocked at what she discovers. This description originally posted at KryptonSite. Allison Mack directed the episode written by Darren Swimmer & Todd Slavkin

UPDATED 1/21/09: Chloe walks in on Clark as he is rewatching Lana's "Dear Clark" video that we saw in "Arctic."
- Clark catches Tess snooping around the Talon apartment. Tess tells Clark that she is there because Lana has been poking around "secret LuthorCorp technology," which raises his suspicion.
- Clark learns that Chloe has been less than honest with him about something involving Lana.

UPDATED 1/20/09: The new images released by The CW reveal that there will be more kissing between Clark and Lana in this episode.

# 11/08 - Some Luthorcorp experiments are being done involving Lana. Apparently these experiments are what is keeping her alive. Dr. Grohl (the scientist from "Arrow" and "Fallout" who was recently seen again in "Instinct") is involved with these experiments, which may also have ties to Project: Ares from previous seasons. The three series regulars to appear in this episode are Tom Welling (Clark), Allison Mack (Chloe), and Cassidy Freeman (Tess). Source: KryptonSite

# 11/02 - There are some revelations about where Lana has been between the Season 7 finale and her return in "Bride." Only three series regulars (plus Lana) appear in this episode. Source: KryptonSite

Episode #8-14
"Requiem"
Air date: Feb. 5th
The CW's Official Description (Added 1/20/09): SMALLVILLE BRINGS IN ANOTHER DC VILLAIN — An explosion at LuthorCorp kills all the Board members and injures Oliver (Justin Hartley), who was there to announce the merger of his company with LutherCorp. Oliver believes that Lex is responsible for the blast, but Clark (Tom Welling) and Lana (Kristin Kreuk) learn that the bomber is Winslow Schott (guest star Chris Gauthier), a toymaker and former Queen Industries employee with a grudge against Oliver. Michael Rohl directed the episode written by Holly Henderson & Don Whitehead (#3T7464).

UPDATED 1/20/09: He's in and he's out... the CW's official description (above) confirms that Toyman is indeed involved with this story.

UPDATED 12/21/08: We know nothing about how he factors into this story at all, but the character of Steve Lombard - introduced in the 1970's Superman comics - makes an appearance, where he will be played by Ray Galletti. In the comics, Lombard is generally known as a sports reporter, both on television and in the Daily Planet. Thanks to Andy for the tip.

11/11 - Tom Welling (Clark), Allison Mack (Chloe), and Justin Hartley (Oliver) are the only series regulars in this episode. This is Kristin Kreuk's final episode as Lana Lang. One of the episode's villians is Winslow Schott, better known to comic book fans as "The Toyman." Source: KryptonSite

Episode #8-15
"Infamous"
Airdate: March 5th

Guest Stars: Tori Spelling (Linda Lake)

UPDATED 1/7/09: Stephen Lobo plays Randall Brady, the Daily Planet's new City Editor who shares a scene with Tori Spelling's Linda Lake.

UPDATED 12/3/08: Ausiello at Entertainment Weekly has indeed confirmed that Lois is the one that does the interview with Clark that "outs" his true heritage as a super-powered alien to the world.

UPDATED 11/25/08: Linda Lake threatens to expose Clark, but Clark decides he's going to reveal the truth of himself - on his own terms - before she gets the chance to.
- The news media is in a frenzy over the Red-Blue Blur, and they approach Chloe to ask what it's like to be the hero's best friend. They ask what it's been like to keep his secret for so long, which may imply that her memories are returned by this point.
- Jimmy is transported to Metropolis General, and Chloe refers him as her husband.
- A teenage admirer fakes a fall so Clark will rescue her.

UPDATED 11/14/08: Title Revealed.
- This is the episode that Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello revealed would feature the return of Tori Spelling as Linda Lake (from the episode "Hydro")
- E! Online's Watch With Kristin also intimated a rumor of something that seems to be coming to fruition - Clark will reveal his secret to the world. How's he going to get out of that one? Who knows...
- Lois Lane (Erica Durance) returns in this episode.
- Aaron Ashmore (Jimmy), Cassidy Freeman (Tess), and Justin Hartley (Oliver) do not appear in this episode. Source: KryptonSite

Episode 8-16
"Turbulence"
Airdate: TBA

UPDATED 1/18/09: Clark tells Chloe that his recent "brush with celebrity" (in "Infamous") might mean that having a "double identity" isn't such a bad idea after all. The red-and-blue combo might just be saved for those occasions.
- Davis tells Chloe that she can't blame herself for what happened on her wedding day.

UPDATED 12/8/08: "Turbulence" as a title refers to interactions between Clark and Tess on Oliver's jet as well as turbulence associated with Jimmy's return from his coma.
- Tess takes Clark out of town with her to an important press conference in another city.
- Clark tries to find out from Tess how much Lex had actually told her about him.
- Jimmy reacts violently seeing Davis and has an angry outburst towards Chloe.
- Davis visits a cathedral where he confesses that he has hurt people that he cares about.

UPDATED 12/5/08:
- Contrary to the rumored director's list posted on Rumorville, this episode is NOT directed by Tom Welling. Perhaps he's doing a different one later.
- Aaron Ashmore returns in this episode as Jimmy Olsen, but Erica Durance (Lois) and Justin Hartley (Oliver) do not appear.
Source: KryptonSite

Episode 8-17
Hex

Directed By: Tom Welling
Airdate: TBA

UPDATED 1/21/09: TV Guide's Matt Mitovich has confirmed that it is indeed Zatanna in this episode, and she will be played by an actress named Serinda Swan.

UPDATED 1/3/09: Clark's birthday gift for Chloe is a vintage copy of "Tales of the Weird & Unexplained."
- Jimmy does not attend Chloe's birthday party. However, he does have a conversation with Chloe when she appears to be Lois.
- Clark learns fairly early on that "Lois" is actually Chloe.

UPDATED 12/22/08: From Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello: "In one scene from the ep, Clark stares lovingly into Chloe's eyes, but only because he thinks it's Lois. It's at that moment that Chloe learns how hard Clark has fallen for Lois. Um, awkward!"
- And an addition from TV Guide's Matt Mitovich: "a truly magical magician fulfills Chloe's wish to have Lois' "easy" life ... by transplanting her into her cousin's body. While my frenemy already teased a "longing look" between Clark and "Lois" — and Erica Durance's admirers can obviously count on seeing gobs of their fave actress — Chloe fans should be very pleased with an epiphany their girl reaches at episode's end. By the way, you know Clark gets a wish granted as well, right?"
- Contrary to some speculation, Chloe's "epiphany" does not end with reviving her journalism career.
- Clark's "wish" of course is to lead a simpler life - he says it but doesn't exactly expect it to be granted, nor is he aware that "Cassie" will make it happen.
- Erica Durance will be playing Chloe-as-Lois.

UPDATED 12/15/08: The episode starts with a celebration of Chloe's birthday at the Ace of Clubs.
- Lois is out of town during the period when Chloe is "Lois" so the two won't share any screen time or give us a case of double-vision. (Lois is there for the birthday party, goes off on assignment, and is back by episode's end, though)
- Time in Lois Lane's shoes reveals Clark's feelings for Lois to Chloe.
- A spell is cast on Clark that makes him believe he is a simple reporter with glasses.

UPDATED 12/9/08: This episode puts a spin on the "Chlois theory" as a magic spell turns Chloe into Lois... literally.
- Cassidy Freeman (Tess) and Sam Witwer (Davis) do not appear in this episode.

UPDATED 12/8/08:
- The episode's guest is a character named "Cassie" whose father taught her about sorcery before he passed away. We're wondering if "Cassie" might be a substitute name for the DC Comics magician character Zatanna, much like "Melissa" was substituted for "Maxima" in initial leaks. Many Silver Age DC Comic books told the tale of Zatanna looking for her father, Zatara. Interesting trivia: Zatara first appeared in the same comic book that introduced Superman - Action Comics #1!
- Cassie tries to get Oliver to believe in witchcraft, and comes to him for help. Apparently Lex had obtained an item before he disappeared that she would like to obtain. She offers to give Oliver his "deepest desire" if he helps her. Source: KryptonSite

Episode #8-18:
"Eternal"
Airdate: TBA

UPDATED 1/23/09: Something really exciting should be coming somewhere between episodes #19 and #21. All we know is that it will be a big deal for the show's longtime fans, and as far as we know, sadly, it's not "the return of Lex Luthor" but still something just as cool.

UPDATED 1/26/09: In one of the flashbacks, young Lex sees Davis (as a child) in one of the rooms of the mansion. When Davis takes off a wool hat that Lex is wearing revealing his baldness, Davis asks him if he is Warrior Angel.
- Young Lex discovers that "a man" has been doing experiments on Davis and put needles in him.
- In the flashback, Martha Kent visits the Luthor mansion (sadly, off screen).
- Young Davis is left in an alley by Lionel's aide.
- In the present day, Chloe and Clark discover that Davis has stopped in the same field that Clark landed back in 1989. While there, they find a charred truck.


UPDATED 1/22/09: For this episode, young versions of both Lex and Davis Bloome will be cast in flashbacks that date back to the 1989 meteor shower. Sadly, it doesn't seem like we'll be seeing Lionel, Martha, or Jonathan in these flashbacks.
- The four characters featured in this episode are Clark, Chloe, Davis, and Tess.
- Tess and Davis finally have some interaction in this episode.
UPDATED 1/19/09:- This episode focuses on the origins of Davis Bloome.
- Erica Durance (Lois) does not appear in this episode.Source: KryptonSite

Episode #8-19:
Title: "Stiletto"
Airdate: TBA

UPDATED 1/27/09:
- The four characters that appear in this episode are Clark, Chloe, Lois, and Jimmy.
- Chloe and Lois finally get some hanging-out "cousin time" until they are attacked by two thugs. Lois takes one of them down with her stiletto heels (hence the title of the episode?) and begins to feel like a bit of a superheroine herself. The other, however, gets away with Chloe's car which has some very sensitive information inside.
- Lois recruits Jimmy for photography help to convince others that "Stiletto" is Metropolis' newest heroine so she can have the exclusive and then bring the Red-Blue Blur out of hiding. When Clark finds out about this, he tells Lois that she's a better reporter than one who would lie to advance her career.
- Lois may end up having contact with the Red-Blue Blur at some point of the episode.

UPDATED 1/19/09: Erica Durance (Lois) DOES appear in this episode.