An Epic End to a Super Story

After 10 seasons and 218 episodes, Smallville finally came to a close last night. That's roughly 165 hours total - almost enough to watch 24 hours a day for a week straight.

As sad as I am to see the show wrap up, I'm happy that after 10 years, the producers of Smallville were able to end it so well. Not many shows last a decade; not many shows should. But Smallville's strong plot and well-developed characters enabled a good idea to become not only a great show, but a worthy contribution to the larger legacy of the Superman mythos.

I think Smallville's success can be chalked up to the producers' and writers' motivation in the creation of each week's episode. In an interview promoting season 8 of Smallville, executive producers Brian Peterson and Kelly Souders said they considered their job well done if their viewers were left thinking, "I want to be like Clark Kent."

A show based on the early life of Superman is fun to watch. It's got to be one of the most wholesome, inspiring hero stories around. And, since Smallville inevitably points toward Clark Kent donning the cape, the end is in sight from the beginning; from the very first episode, the conclusion is sure. The fun is in watching all the struggles and triumphs that shape Clark along the way.

I could say more, but I'd rather that you just go and watch it for yourself. It's fun, it's charming, and now it's over.