Few DC Universe TV shows have lasted as long as Smallville. Over its ten seasons, the show captivated audiences worldwide with a fresh and exciting take on Superman’s beginnings, filled with drama and action. Even the weaker episodes are still enjoyed by its dedicated fanbase, and looking back, it’s clear why Smallville was so popular – it cleverly reinvented familiar DC characters and their stories.
While not every episode of Smallville‘s ten seasons is a winner, most of the stories are genuinely fantastic. The show excelled at tragic romances like Clark and Lana’s, the complex friendship between Clark and Lex, and the compelling backstories of characters like Lionel Luthor and Chloe Sullivan. Smallville offered unique twists and turns that haven’t been matched in other DC adaptations, and some episodes still stand out as delivering the best DC moments ever seen on screen, proving the show’s enduring appeal.
10) “Apocalypse” (S7 E18)
The 150th episode of Smallville, titled “Apocalypse” from season 7, was a special event directed by star Tom Welling. In the episode, Clark Kent, feeling sorry for himself, is sent to a different reality by his father, Jor-El – a world where he never came to Earth. He quickly realizes how much worse things would be without him, seeing a future where Lex Luthor is a ruthless president and Brainiac plots to kill him as an infant.
The strength of the ‘Apocalypse’ episode lies in its intriguing ‘what if?’ scenario. It successfully explores an alternate path within the established ‘Smallville’ universe, something other DC adaptations haven’t quite achieved. While the Snyderverse’s ‘Knightmare’ sequences hinted at similar ideas, they didn’t delve as deeply into the story. This episode offered DC fans a unique experience, providing a level of alternate-reality storytelling that hadn’t been seen before in other adaptations.
9) “Run” (S4 E5)
The fourth season of Smallville, particularly the episode “Run,” marked a turning point for the series. Instead of focusing on individual villains each week, the show started building larger, more complex storylines and introducing characters from the wider DC universe. “Run” featured the first meeting between Clark Kent and Bart Allen, and their connection allowed both young heroes to grow and better understand what it means to be a true hero.
The episode “Run” stands out from other Flash stories by featuring Bart Allen instead of the more common Barry Allen. Bart Allen isn’t often the main Flash character, but Smallville made him a central figure. The show uniquely explored the friendship between Bart and Clark, something that other DC films and series haven’t done before.
8) “Absolute Justice” (S9 E11 &12)
DC TV shows often feature supporting characters who become fan favorites, and Smallville is a prime example. Throughout its ten seasons, the show brought in numerous characters from the DC Universe, and one standout episode is the two-part season nine story, “Absolute Justice.” This episode featured Clark, Green Arrow, and the Martian Manhunter teaming up with the aging heroes of the Justice Society of America to defeat a powerful enemy.
Though not perfect, the two-part episode clearly showed that Smallville took place within a larger world filled with DC Comics heroes and villains. Introducing heroes who existed before Clark Kent was a quiet but significant move, laying the groundwork for one of the most detailed and faithful portrayals of a shared DC universe we’d seen up to that point. The DC Universe will probably expand beyond this episode in the future, but “Absolute Justice” remains a landmark moment for DC on television.
7) “Jinx” (S4 E7)
It’s well known that Smallville featured a lot of characters from DC Comics, and often changed their original stories to fit the show’s narrative. Beyond the meteor-powered villains unique to Smallville, the series also brought in classic enemies of Superman. For example, season 4’s “Jinx” episode introduced a new take on Mikhail Mxyzptlk, reimagined as a metahuman who can control people’s actions using his voice and a special ultrasonic sound.
Unlike many DC adaptations, “Jinx” successfully reimagines a challenging character to suit its setting. While inspired by Mister Mxyzptlk, the character feels like a natural fit within the world of Smallville – original and engaging without straying too far from the source material. This was a delicate balance, and Smallville achieved it through a creative choice that enhanced the show’s continuity, rather than simply aiming for a darker tone.
6) “Perry” (S3 E5)
As a big fan of superhero shows, I always found Smallville‘s take on DC Comics pretty interesting, and they weren’t afraid to shake things up. One example that always stuck with me was their introduction of Perry White in Season 3. Now, Perry’s a classic character – the future boss of both Clark and Lois, and a real pillar of integrity. But Smallville‘s version showed him as someone struggling with alcohol and a little rough around the edges when he was younger. It sounds strange, but honestly, I think that episode actually gave us a more compelling and realistic Perry White than we’ve seen in any other adaptation – it really humanized him!
The show Smallville does a great job of fleshing out the character of Perry White, giving him more complexity than most other versions. It’s compelling to see him facing career difficulties and trying to improve his reputation. More importantly, his relationship with Clark Kent is shown as the catalyst for his development into the well-known editor fans recognize. This episode successfully adds significant depth to a character who is often portrayed as one-dimensional in live-action adaptations.
5) “Crusade” (S4 E1)
The first three seasons of Smallville focused on different ways Kryptonite could be used and Clark’s unrequited love for Lana Lang. However, season four kicked off with the introduction of a character fans had been eagerly awaiting: Lois Lane, played by Erica Durance. Her debut was impressive and happened in an episode where Clark truly became Kal-El, his Kryptonian persona. Many consider “Crusade” to be one of the best Smallville episodes ever, primarily because of the instant connection between Clark and Lois on screen.
This is easily the most captivating introduction to Lois Lane ever. Erica Durance’s portrayal is often praised as one of the best because, right from the start, she’s presented as Clark’s equal, not someone who constantly needs rescuing. This dynamic begins in the episode “Crusade,” which launches a fantastic depiction of Clark and Lois’ relationship on screen with a truly excellent hour of television.
4) “Justice” (S6 E11)
Season 6 of Smallville marked the first time many of DC’s iconic heroes teamed up on screen. The episode “Justice” brought together a young Clark Kent with Green Arrow, Impulse (Bart Allen), Aquaman, and Cyborg, forming an early version of the Justice League. They united to stop a dangerous experiment by Lex Luthor, creating a live-action team-up that remains unmatched in DC’s television and film history.
Spending years developing each character really paid off, giving us a chance to get to know them individually. Seeing Clark take charge of the superhero team was a powerful scene, especially because the show gave each hero a distinct personality. As the first episode to bring the classic DC superhero team to life on television, “Justice” is still considered one of the best moments in the entire DC TV universe.
3) “Pilot” (S1 E1)
As a huge fan of superhero origin stories, I always come back to Smallville. Not only did it run for an amazing ten seasons, but the very first episode is genuinely one of the best pilots in fantasy TV history. It debuted in 2001 and immediately hooked me with the story of young Clark Kent meeting Lex Luthor – and knowing from the start that their friendship was destined to fail just made that first hour even more compelling. Honestly, it’s still one of the best live-action DC origin stories ever made.
The episode is filled with clever hints about Clark’s future as a hero, but never loses sight of its main story. It brilliantly reintroduced familiar DC characters in fresh ways, instantly making Smallville one of the most captivating live-action comic book adaptations ever. What really set it apart was its depth, its respect for the original comics, and its brave decision to reimagine iconic characters – something bolder than anything seen in most other DC films or shows, then and now.
2) “Reckoning” (S5 E12)
The fifth season episode, “Reckoning,” is considered one of the most heartbreaking in the entire Smallville series. It brings several storylines to a dramatic climax, delivering a shocking and unforgettable moment for fans. After Lex accidentally causes Lana’s death, Clark has the chance to go back in time, despite being warned it could have terrible consequences. He does, and tragically, his father, Jonathan Kent, unexpectedly dies, marking a significant turning point in the story and a crucial lesson for Clark.
As a lifelong fan of Superman, I have to say the way “Reckoning” handled Jonathan Kent’s death was the most powerful and moving I’ve ever seen in any DC adaptation. It really hit me hard, especially seeing Clark grapple with the guilt of his actions and the consequences of using his powers selfishly. It’s a lesson he never quite gets over, and honestly, it’s a moment that completely overshadows any other devastating scene I’ve witnessed in the entire DC Universe. It’s just… impactful.
1) “Descent” (S7 E16)
Smallville often showed pivotal moments for DC characters as they moved closer to becoming who they were meant to be. In Season 7’s “Descent,” Lex Luthor fully becomes a villain. The episode powerfully shows this through symbolic acts, like Lex ‘killing’ his former, innocent self and accepting his darker, more dangerous side. It starts with him killing his father and concludes with him acknowledging his destiny as the story’s antagonist.
While Lex Luthor has appeared in many live-action adaptations, Michael Rosenbaum’s portrayal is the most thoroughly developed. The episode “Descent” marks the culmination of his character arc, finally showing him become the villain fans expected, after seasons of subtly eroding his positive traits. No other DC film or series has offered such a detailed origin story for Lex, and “Descent” is the episode that truly showcases how effectively Smallville brought the character to life.
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2026-01-21 19:43