I have to admit, for what it was, I loved Smallville. It wasn't because it was the best show on TV, but it was the only show where a character, from a medium that I loved, could be seen. With it's cancellation, I thought I had seen the end of an Era, at least for some time. Thank Galactus, that I was wrong.
The Fall Television season introduced the world to Oliver Queen, who we all know as the Green Arrow. After the cheese that was Smallville, I was afraid as to what they would do with a guy in tights who fights crime with a bow and arrow. I watched that first episode with a little skepticism, but by the end I was hooked.
One of the things I loved about the show was it's nods to the DC universe as well as its usage of characters from that world. Yes, Smallville did this as well, but Arrow does so much better. Lets take Deathstroke, for instance. In Smallville, he was an old man in army fatigues. In Arrow, he is well, Deathstroke. Shado, China White, Deadshot, Dark Arrow, are all exactly who as fans of the genre, we want them to be and all reminiscent of the characters in the actual comics. Of course there is some tweaking, but here it is done with respect. Smallville screwed up so many Characters, that I don't even want to mention them. Their portrayal of Oliver Queen, though most times enjoyable, was a far cry from the hero that we see in arrow let alone in the actual Comic book.
Another thing about smallville that drove me crazy, beside some of the really bad and contrived story lines, and the fact that we NEVER saw Clark don the suit, was the fact that other than outdoor farm shots, the whole thing seemed to be shot on the lowest budget set they could find. This always took me out of the show. The world of Smallville looked fake. Arrow gets it right by shooting in the real world and by developing sets that fit into that world.
The last thing I want to mention that sets both shows apart is the action and choreography. Every fight scene in Smallville seemed stage, and honestly, how many punches did anyone really throw in that show. Arrow has some of the best choreography in television. I believe every fight, and am amazed with athleticism of those scene on the part of the star, the co-stars and even the extras. The first season is more than halfway through and I am complete engaged and enthusiastic to what is to come.
I am not saying that Smallville wasn't worth it's time on TV, but it sure was no Arrow.
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