Smallville - The Complete Third Season

The third season of "Smallville" continues to revamp the Superman saga with reinvention of familiar characters and scenarios as well as the introduction of new foes for the future "Man of Steel." The set starts with the two-part punch of "Exile" and "Phoenix" wherein Clark (star Tom Welling) is still under the effects of red kryptonite, rendering him morally corrupt and succumbing to indulgences that he would never normally do. Fortunately, an agreement made between his father, Jonathan (John Schneider) and the long-dead Jor-el (voice of Terrence Stamp) restores young Kent to his former self, thus setting the stage for the rest of the season.

And what a season it is!

Not only does Clark deal with his own conflicting feelings for love Lana Lang (the beautiful Kristen Kreuk), he must contend with the widening gulf between himself and friend Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum). Along the way, Clark battles returning enemies, love-obsessed "super-freaks," and has to cope with burgeoning new powers that will serve him well as he emerges as the superhero that has enthralled fans for decades.

While the show itself has the look of a feature film, especially with its impressive special effects, musical score by Mark Snow, and stunning cinematography, it is its ensemble cast and the writers attention to story and dialog that makes this show one of the best on television.

The marvelous banter between Lex Luthor's Rosenbaum and his father Lionel, played by award-winning actor John Glover, is priceless. Episodes that highlight that father/son dynamic are "Shattered," "Asylum," and the superb "Memoria."

Additionally, cast mate Allison Mack continues to steal scenes as the energetic Chloe Sullivan, intrepid high school reporter who herself frequently runs afoul of the Luthors.

Schneider and Annette O'Toole as Clark's parents are superb as they must provide parental guidance and occasional rescue of the Kryptonian. Sam Jones as Clark's friend Pete Ross gets to stand center stage in "Velocity" and gets a fitting send-off in "Forsaken."

Also, inspired casting of actors that rarely appear on television is one of the show's strength. Rutger Hauer, Patrick Bergin, Michael McKean, and the late Christopher Reeve find themselves as pivotal contributors to the mythos that is Superman. Future "Lost" cast member Ian Somerhaulder, the X-Men's Shawn Ashmore, and "Home Improvement's" Jonathan Taylor-Thomas are featured in recurring roles, lasting from two to six episodes.

Warner Brothers really knows how to do a compilation right and this set is one of its best. The clarity of both picture and sound are top notch and the extras are worthy of the seasons. The three commentary tracks reveal the camaraderie between producers and actors which result in the fine quality of the series.

"The Chloe Sullivan Chronicles" do not veer from the storyline and are just as entertaining as the series, as is the short documentary entitled "Producing Smallville: The Heroes Behind the Camera."

While it is helpful to begin with season one, it is not necessary.
Season Three is a great beginning for anyone that is seeking an award-worthy and totally captivating series that is a cut above the normal network fare.

Looks brand new- but haven't opened yet. Lowest price I have ever found- plus shipping was free.

I think I am addicted to Smallville. I bought the first 5 seasons on DVD at one time and I was hooked at the first episode of season 1. Season 3 continues the saga of the coming of age Clark Kent aka Superman. It has some really good off the wall story lines as well as the continuing developing story line and relationships between the main characters - Clark, Chloe, Lana, Lex and Pete. All the seasons are good on their own but to get the full effect of Smallville you need to watch it from the beginning.

For those who say there is nothing good on TV, I suggest they watch this show. Starting in the fall 2001, this show has lasted to an upcoming 7th season, one of the longest lasting shows in a decade of reality TV. This third season consists of 18 episodes, most of which are part of multiple-episode arcs. These arcs consist the following.

1. The sparring between Lex and Lionel becomes lethal that ends with the latter going to jail and the former being poisoned.

2. The relationship between Clark and Lana ends as Lana gets admitted to a Parisian art school and leaves in the final episode.

3. Clark's relationship with Pete goes through highs and lows and finally ends as Pete moves to Wichita with his mother.

4. Lex grows more involved with research on meteor-infected humans and allows his curiousity to cloud his moral judgement.

5. Clark accepts his fate and the mentorship of Jor-El and is taken by him in the final episode.

Thrown into these 3 central themes are several stand-alone episodes that progress the training of Superman. My favorite one was when Clark meets a meteor-infected guy who can see how people die. When he touches Clark, he sees Superman flying through space and sky in his trademark cape of red and blue. Surprised, he tells Clark that he sees no end to his life. Other key events include Clark picking up super-hearing, his realization that both Lex and Lionel are separately but entirely obsessed with him, and the revelation that one of them will become his mortal enemy. All in all, a very important season. The lives of all the major characters are affected, and key relationships are changed. Of all the seasons, this one is probably the most important towards the myth and background of Superman.

Great show.

I just finished watching the fist 2 disks of season 3. The Lana/Clark relationship is annoying! All they do is appologize to each other, or look at each other with longing or blowing each other off. That is sickening. Either get together already or just stop this whole love routine for good! I can't wait for Louise Lain to come on the show. Lana Lang is boring and pointless. Clark Kent lacks the dynamic of the Superman. I hope the show improves with the next season.