Smallville

If Smallville's upcoming eighth season experiences any more shake-ups, it's possible the show may become completely unrecognizable.  As we've previously reported, creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar are leaving at the end of the current season, and actors Michael Rosenbaum and Kristin Kreuk will not appear full-time next year.  Allison Mack's contract is also up at the end of season 7, but until today it was thought that she was a lock to sign up for Smallville's eighth year.  Now, according to TV Guide's Michael Ausiello, Mack's participation in the next season of Smallville may not be a sure thing.  Could the series survive without Chloe Sullivan?

According to Ausiello's unnamed source, Mack's people decided to use the departures of Rosenbaum and Kreuk as leverage to get more money for their client.  Once the suits started playing hardball, negotiations between Mack's representatives and the studio started to fall apart.  The source stated, "They need Chloe now more than ever — and Allison's people know it."  Mack's reps declined to comment on the story, but Ausiello is known for having very reliable sources.

With ratings faltering for numerous shows, and Smallville moving into what may be its final season, will the studio suits be willing to hand over their wallets to keep Mack on the show?  In my opinion, they should do whatever it takes to ensure that Mack will be a part of the show's eighth season.  Without Chloe, Lex, and Lana, the show would basically become the Lois (Erica Durance) and Clark (Tom Welling) hour.  While that may have worked on ABC back in 1993, it's not what Smallville should be about.

It's unknown when this situation will be resolved, but with only two episodes left in Smallville's seventh season, it'll probably be cleared up soon.


- Don Williams, BuddyTV Staff Writer
Source: TV Guide
(Image courtesy of the CW)