Broken Frontier

This past Friday, The CW aired what was the first live action interpretation of the Justice Society of America. As a part of the long running television series, Smallville, superstar comic book writer Geoff Johns introduced the familial team to millions of television viewers. For some, witnessing these characters for the very first time.

Smallville has become a generation’s definition of the Superman mythos and just like any long running television program, has suffered ebbs and flows as far as its quality is concerned. But, like good little fans, we continued to watch, in hopes that it will “get good again.” Well, the wait has not been in vain.

At the beginning of last season a switch up in the show’s creative team occurred, putting doubt into the series ability to survive for much longer. Luckily, it picked up a fresh perspective and new direction that came off as a breath of fresh air. One of the creative decisions proven to be successful was a deeper journey into the DC Universe. For seven years, we only followed Clark Kent with the occasional venture outside of Smallville. Since the regime change, they’ve given Clark the chance to grow up. He’s working full time for the Daily Bugle, in a relationship with Lois Lane and is part of a fledgling Justice League with other heroes, such as Green Arrow and Bart Allen (Impulse).

The beginning of this new expansion really hit home last season with the Johns penned episode “Legion.” In it, he introduced members of the Legion of Superheroes, a multi-species super team from the 31^st century that have modeled their moral code from the legend of Superman. If anyone can make that premise work, it’s Mr. Johns. It wasn’t only a season high, but nearly a series high, which a show that runs for this long should have no right achieving.

Johns returned this season with an even more ambitious vision of the JSA. So much in fact that it was fashioned into a two-hour movie event. And an event, it was.

Without getting into a spoiler heavy plot synopsis, I will tell you that this episode successfully stands alone from the season, but slickly incorporates themes and motivations that will likely carry throughout the remaining episodes. There are even more introductions of certain DC teams and organizations that had not been hinted at prior to the airing. Johns was able to weave these wonderful reveals into the larger tapestry of teamwork and family.

The cast is wonderfully huge, but deceptively personal, focusing mainly on a chosen few. Notably, Hawkman, Doctor Fate and Stargirl. Hawkman/Carter Hall (Michael Shanks) is given the most with his role, having been the JSA Chairman years ago. Mr. Shanks, previously of Stargate SG-1, gets to ditch the glasses and play a character with real gravitas. His first scene in full Hawkman mode is a little off putting, but really starts to click as he plays against Green Arrow (Justin Hartley). This episode also sees the return of our favorite Martian Metropolis P.D. and guest stars a plenty.

The second half of this extra long episode is actually directed by Tom Welling, who plays Clark Kent on the show. Having directed episodes before, Welling really took the story and writer to task, successfully juggling multiple subplots and characters organically. This is an expected trait of Johns as a writer, but it was nice to see the show’s entire creative team really embrace this style. Story comes first, not actor or guest star, which contributed to the movie’s success.

I’m not even touching upon the aspects of the episode that really impressed me, because as a viewer who reads the internet, I was still surprised. Did they kill off Lois or something? No. But I was still pleasantly intrigued by what transpired. Too many writers have meandered on this show, not mining DC continuity for all its worth. Johns is not making that mistake and uses every moment of his screen time to full effect.

If you fell off Smallville seasons ago or were getting tried of the Clark & Lana almost fiascos, come back in. The water’s fine. In fact, it’s better than it’s ever been. Don’t believe me? If you didn’t think a live action Doomsday could be menacing and darn fun, I dare you to watch season eight.

Smallvile is a guilty pleasure mixing the high drama of shows we don’t like to admit we watch, coupled with the classic superhero tropes and nods of comic book glory. I, for one, am glad I stuck with it, because guess what; It got good again.