Scarlett's review of the two-hour Smallville event, "Absolute Justice", has now been posted. Here's an excerpt:

"Tom Welling was once described as "lightning in a jar" and it certainly seems to be an accurate description. For this two-hour event, Tom was acting, directing, and was also a Co-Executive Producer. His professionalism is obvious, and it's apparent that he works hard on this show...

"Absolute Justice was an action-packed superhero-centric episode, with good performances, great direction and cinematography. So, why did it feel like something was missing? Because there was a lack of focus on the main character Clark Kent! The entire cast of characters from DC Comics can be paraded across the TV screen, but it still doesn't make up for the lack of focus on Clark Kent, or the lack of progress in his story.

As a longtime Smallville fan, I have always wanted a special two-hour event for the show. And, I wanted that event to focus on a significant event in Clark Kent's journey to taking the Superman identity. But, this two-hour event felt like a promotional ad for the Justice Society comics or a pilot for a new show instead. In line with the overall trend for season nine, Clark was once again pushed to the background and treated like a guest star on his own show. He was underutilized, and was written as only a supporting character for lesser heroes.

In earlier seasons, it would have been enough simply for other characters to tell Clark again that he was destined for greatness and that he would be the one to lead this generation of superheroes. But, Smallville is winding down now and it's time to show us that Clark is the "savior" and that Clark will soar above other heroes (both literally and figuratively). In order for this episode to be memorable for Clark Kent/Superman fans, it needed to progress Clark's journey: as reporter and as leader of his generation of superheroes. That simply didn't happen. Smallville is not meant to be an ensemble show about a team of heroes; it's the story of Clark Kent's journey to taking the Superman identity.

Geoff Johns is a talented writer, but this is Smallville, and it would be nice if he would write for Clark Kent first and foremost. The special two-hour event should have been the episode that included the return of Martha Kent and Perry White, with Clark at the center of the storyline. Now, that would be a nice reward for long-time fans of the show! Unfortunately, it feels as though the writers have lost sight of the purpose of this show. Are there any writers who are interested in writing for Clark Kent?"

To read the entire review, visit the TWU Reviews section. For the review of part one: "Society", click HERE. And, for the review of part two: "Legends", click HERE. To discuss "Absolute Justice", join us in our Television Forum HERE.

The new Smallville two-hour event titled "Absolute Justice" airs tonight, starring Tom Welling as Clark Kent. Here's the CW official description for the episode:

“A man named Sylvester Pemberton tracks down Chloe (Allison Mack) and tells her he knows about her team of superheroes and needs their help. However, before he can explain who he is, he is attacked and killed by Icicle (guest star Wesley Macinnes). Clark (Tom Welling) and Chloe's (Allison Mack) investigation leads Clark to the former headquarters of the Justice Society of America where he meets up with Nelson AKA Dr. Fate (guest star Brent Stait), Carter Hall AKA Hawkman (guest star Michael Shanks) and Courtney AKA Star Girl (guest star Britt Irvin). Courtney pleads with Hawkman and Dr. Fate to help her catch the killer that is targeting their group but they are reluctant to resume their duties as superheroes. Clark, John Jones (guest star Phil Morris), Green Arrow (Justin Hartley) and Chloe team up to help the JSA stop Icicle before he murders another member of the group. Meanwhile, Lois (Erica Durance) receives a package from a mysterious agency called Checkmate, run by Amanda Waller (guest star Pam Grier). Geoff Johns wrote the two-hour episode. Glen Winters directed the first hour and Tom Welling directed the second hour.”

After watching "Absolute Justice", please join us to discuss it in our Television Forum HERE. And, visit our Polls Forum HERE to ‘rate’ the episode too.

There have been several interviews online about the upcoming two-hour event "Absolute Justice", which will air tomorrow night on the CW network. Here are a couple of excerpts which focus on Tom Welling as Clark Kent.

Jenna Busch at IGN.com asked the pivotal question for Clark Kent/Superman fans:

IGN: "Everyone is describing this as sort of a standalone storyline. But is this really the beginning of the Clark/Superman that we all know?"
Geoff Johns: "Yeah, I mean, he's continuing to grow into that and this is a massive step in that direction. I think seeing a group like this, and seeing costumes and seeing the good they did, and seeing the good they want to do again continue to push him in the right direction. He's ready. All he has to do is make the choice. And the choice is hard. Clark has to make the choice, in my eyes, to go public. And to become that inspirational figure and to lead by example. And the moment he does that, it will change everything. But that requires sacrifice, and he has so many personal connections. Those will have to be forfeit somewhat. It's a struggle for him, but he's certainly capable. He's certainly smart enough and strong enough and experienced enough to do it."

And, Damian Holbrook at TVGuideMagazine has an interview that states that Clark will be front-and-center this episode, and that Tom won't have decreased screentime in part two, due to his directing the second half. Here's a Clark question:

Holbrook: "Does Clark finally realize he’s the Man?"
Brian Peterson: "Another “yes” from Peterson!“Hawkman in particular definitely throws a mirror in front of Clark and forces him to look at himself and the role he has been playing so far.”

To read both interviews, click HERE and HERE. To discuss, join us in our Television Forum HERE.

According to EW.com, the CW has picked up Tom Welling’s show about cheerleaders called “Hellcats” (formerly called "Cheer"). Tom and writer Kevin Murphy are the Executive Producers for the show. Here’s the quote:

“Tom Welling may be back on The CW next season — at least as a producer. The network has picked up a Welling-produced dramedy pilot set in the world of competitive college cheerleading titled Hellcats. It’s Election meets Bring it On.”

To discuss this latest news, join us HERE. Thanks to Carol for the info!

Each month TWU staff will be recognizing an excellent fanfic that has been shared in our FanFiction Forum. We want to acknowledge the contributions of our FanFic authors and thank them for sharing their fanfics. AT TWU, we welcome fanfics about any of Tom's fictional characters from both his TV and movie performances. And, all shipper preferences are welcome also.

This month, we are recognizing a PG-rated one-shot ficlet that highlights the current relationship in Clark’s life, the start of his romance with Lois. It’s called “A New Beginning” written by Babettew54. Here’s the author’s description of the fanfic: “Clark and Lois embark on a new and different relationship.”

To read “A New Beginning”, join us in our FanFiction Forum HERE. To post a congrats, go HERE. Thanks to Cherry and ColleenJoy, Fanfic Moderators, for managing this promotion. And, thanks to Erica for the beautiful banner!

Babaluwee's review of the Smallville episode, "Disciple", has now been posted. Here's an excerpt:

"Confidence emanated from Tom Welling in every scene. Whether it was the self-assured boyfriend with Lois, or the man of moral conviction with Chloe, or the savior shielding Oliver, or the defender of Earth against Zod, Tom skillfully portrayed Clark as confident and strong, without ever sliding into arrogance or cockiness. Even his staid silences in his conversations with Zod communicated strength. Tom's performance was razor sharp and focused; he was the hero of clear conviction and courage, ready to defend his loved ones, as well as all humanity. Tom gave a truly powerful performance without ever once using his super-strength.

It is clear that Zod is a liar through and through, but it is also clear that Clark is on to him, one of the rare times that Clark is not giving an adversary the benefit of the doubt. This is good character development...

On the one hand, it's a very good thing that Oliver has recovered his moral bearing, and that he has proven that he can deal properly with the "dark places" that lurk inside all of us. On the other hand, SV is supposed to be the story of Clark Kent's journey toward becoming a superhero, not Oliver's story. Furthermore, the main plot turned out to be so contrived…This plot was contrived solely to present Oliver's journey, not Clark's journey."

To read the entire review, visit the TWU Reviews section HERE. To discuss “Disciple”, join us HERE in our Television Forum. Thanks to Babaluwee for writing this review! And, thanks to Christine for the screencap for this review!

Fancast has a new interview with Smallville Executive Producer Brian Peterson, and he talks about how important “Absolute Justice” will be in regards to Clark Kent’s journey to taking that famous Superman identity. Here’s the quote:

Fancast: "Will “Absolute Justice” lead Clark to be more comfortable in his role as a leader of heroes?"
Peterson: "Yes, that is the goal in introducing the Society, that Clark gets to see what it was really like to have a team that functioned together and worked together as a family."

Fancast: "And that should provide a firm nudge towards his destiny."
Peterson: "Right. I think it will be one of the seminal episodes of the series, really.

To read the entire interview, click HERE. Thanks to Matt Mitovich for asking some questions about Clark! To discuss this interview, click HERE, and to speculate about Absolute Justice, click HERE.

The CW has released some episode stills featuring Tom Welling as Clark Kent for the upcoming “Absolute Justice” two-hour event.

To view the episode stills and to discuss, join us in our Photos Forum HERE. Thanks to SupermanHomePage for the photos, and thanks to Christine and SVFAN for the tip!

A new Smallville episode titled "Disciple" airs tonight, guest starring Tom Welling as Clark Kent. It makes zero sense for Smallville to return from a long hiatus with a filler episode focused on a supporting character, with a storyline that has little to do with Clark Kent's journey to Superman.

Even the official episode description barely mentions Clark, the lead character. So, there's no reason to post it.

After watching or taping "Disciple", please join us to discuss it in our Television Forum HERE. And, visit our Polls Forum HERE to ‘rate’ the episode too.

Our TWU Forums have now hit 40,000 posts! A big thanks to our staff and to all of our members for your support in helping our site and forum continue to grow! If you would like to post a congrats regarding this milestone, join us HERE.

Are you a big Tom Welling fan, thinking of registering, and want to know more about us? Tom Welling Unlimited (TWU) is an actor fansite, and is focused on all aspects of Tom’s career: Actor, Director, Executive Producer, and now head of his own production company, Tom Welling Productions.

Come join us in our discussions of this talented, gorgeous man and meet other Tom fans from all over the world!