Smallville Cast Reflects on Confusing Halloween Episode 20 Years Later
Twenty years ago, the hit series Smallville aired an episode titled “Thirst,” which has since become infamous among fans for its confusing plot and lack of coherence. The Halloween-themed episode, which aired on October 27, 2005, during the show’s fifth season, marked the 93rd overall episode of the series. Despite the show’s acclaim for its grounded portrayal of Superman’s origin, “Thirst” stands out as a low point.
Overview of the Episode “Thirst”
“Thirst” introduced a bizarre storyline where Lana Lang, played by Kristen Kreuk, joins a sorority composed entirely of vampires. This plot twist dramatically alters her character, forcing her to reject Clark Kent’s emotional support. The episode’s events unfold in a manner that left many fans bewildered.
Key Characters and Plot Elements
- Lana Lang: Played by Kristen Kreuk, joins a vampiric sorority.
- Clark Kent: Main character, portrayed by Tom Welling, attempts to rescue Lana.
- Lex Luthor: Michael Rosenbaum’s character provides a vampire cure.
- Brainiac: A subplot involving this character helps carry the episode.
Cast Reflections on “Thirst”
Recently, the main cast reflected on the episode during their podcast, Talk Ville. Welling, Rosenbaum, and Kreuk shared their thoughts, indicating that they found “Thirst” to be uncharacteristically nonsensical. Kreuk expressed her discontent regarding the portrayal of her character, describing the experience as objectifying.
Rating and Reception
The podcast hosts rated “Thirst” a mere 1.1 bombs, equating to about 30%. This score places it at the bottom of their ratings for Smallville episodes, highlighting its perceived failure. The episode’s premise and execution led to criticism and left many fans questioning its place in the series.
Why “Thirst” Failed
Several factors contributed to the poor reception of “Thirst.” The episode suffered from budgetary constraints, which influenced its production decisions. Additionally, the sudden introduction of a vampire theme seemed out of place in a show already rich with superhero lore.
Creative Challenges
- Absence of explanation for vampire characters.
- Uneven tone, combining elements of horror and melodrama.
- Narration by Chloe Sullivan, which was criticized as a “remedial decision.”
In a reflective moment, showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, along with writer Steven S. DeKnight, acknowledged the episode’s shortcomings. They admitted that it did not align with the show’s strengths and referred to it as the “What the hell were we thinking?” episode.
Conclusion
While “Thirst” remains a controversial addition to the Smallville legacy, it serves as a reminder that even well-loved shows can produce questionable content. Despite its flaws, the series itself remains a beloved adaptation of Superman’s story, captivating fans for over a decade. The enduring legacy of Smallville continues to thrive, overshadowing missteps like “Thirst.”
