Comments | jeannev: Clark time through 6 episodes, S2-S9

jeannev

Clark time through 6 episodes, S2-S9

Nov 03, 2009 18:59

I was asked by the lovely and charming tariel22 how Tom screentime for S9 in the first 6 eps compares to his screentime in previous seasons.

Now, some of those numbers I didn't have. Because I started doing the screentime totals in real time at S6, thats when I started to keep a tally of the numbers as the season went along. But for seasons 2-5 (yes, ( Read more... )

screentime minutes, clark kent, smallville

Comments 38

tariel22 November 4 2009, 00:24:02 UTC

Thank you so much for doing this! I'm stunned at how quickly you put those numbers together. You rock!

Wow, would you look at that. When I look back at the beginning of S6 now, it really hits me how heavily Oliver was featured. And that's pretty much what we've been seeing this season, along with a new focus on Lois.

I'm with you, if this is the culmination of Clark's story, the climax before he actually becomes Superman, why aren't we focusing on him? Where are all those stories Brian said they still had to tell?

starry_dawn November 4 2009, 00:41:07 UTC

You know, for some reason, even though they're featuring super heavily on Lois this season (how many episodes has she had more screentime than Clark so far?), it doesn't feel that forced or annoying as it did when the focus was Oliver. I guess they're finally learning to write so that even when Clark isn't on screen, the focus is on him. Since Lois' storyline is 90% about Clark, it doesn't take so much of the spotlight off him.

That being said, the decrease in screentime is ridiculous. And it bugs me that they're thinking about S10 right now when they have practically nothing left to tell wrt Clark. It's kinda pointless if all they have is stories for all the other characters, because hello? Way to shoehorn your lead character into the plotlines!

tariel22 November 4 2009, 01:13:26 UTC

I have to admit Oliver didn't annoy me all that much in S6 because I was very frustrated with where Clark was at that point. Until Valerie set me straight about a few things, that is, and gave me a whole new perspective on everything Clark had been through up to that point, and what he was struggling with as a result. I wasn't in fandom then, I just lurked on TWoP, but her posts there really opened my eyes. But by the time I got a clue, Oliver was already on his way off the show. And then Justin did his interview with SHoE and I fell madly in love with him, but that's a whole different story. :)

I have noticed the new focus on Lois, but I don't resent it. Like you say, her story revolves around Clark, and that makes a difference. But really, we shouldn't be left jonesing for a Clark fix when the episode ends. There's definitely something wrong with this picture.

Look at us, talking Smallville! *twirls*

jeannev November 4 2009, 02:23:29 UTC

Oh, when it comes to my numbers, I'm like Speedy Gonzalez. I just whip my files out, and get to tallying.

I am also seeing a corrolation on the heavy Oliver focus in S6, and the heavy Oliver focus in S9. It does seem a bit like when are focusing heavily on Oliver, they forget a little about Clark.

As for Lois' screentime, I'm mostly OK with that. I won't lie. Do I think they could throttle back just a wee bit? Yes, I do. And I also think that a lot of her association with the Oliver stuff helped her numbers a lot, while it didn't do squat for Clark's on screen time. Because lets face it, Clark was pretty much rendered obsolete in Oliver's big "redemption" arc. When all is said and done, Lois and Chloe really played the biggest roles there.

Thread 5

starry_dawn November 4 2009, 00:37:44 UTC

You know, what struck me most in your post was you wondering how Tom could have less screentime with a smaller cast. That ... just boggles. The cast has reduced by 3 or 4 since the 1st season, and I'm willing to bet Clark was featured most heavily then. It's just crazy.

And every single thing I hear/find out about S6 just confirms why it is my least favourite season. Chloe's hair, Clark's screentime, Chimmy, Chloe's ridiculous meteor freak power ... there's no end to the suck.

tariel22 November 4 2009, 01:14:45 UTC

Okay, how much do I love that you mentioned Chloe's hair first? ;)

starry_dawn November 4 2009, 03:38:42 UTC

Well, it WAS the biggest tragedy of the season! ;)

jeannev November 4 2009, 02:24:34 UTC

There was much to dislike about S6. But I think I have more issues overall with S7, and the back half of S8.

Thread 6

dm_wyatt November 4 2009, 00:44:17 UTC

You know I was thinking about this for the other side of my online life...

*cough*

It's a shame, really. There have been so many good Clark moments but oddly Clark isn't as visible as he should be. I just don't know why that is.

I really hope this isn't a trend.

*pouts*

If this is a sign of things to come, then I don't want a 10th season. They need the show to end strong, and it end with a lot of Clark.

jeannev November 4 2009, 02:25:43 UTC

I'm hoping its not a trend either. But I'm looking ahead, at the spoilers, and I don't really see it changing. Aside from Kandor, not one eps sounds really Clark-centric to me.

dm_wyatt November 4 2009, 02:39:18 UTC

It's ridiculous. All they're seeing is the dollar signs, but all I want to see is more Clark.

I'll be very sad if we don't get more of him, it is a Superman show, after all...

It's why I watch.

jeannev November 4 2009, 02:42:17 UTC

I hope I didn't spoil you in any way. I was trying to keep it very general, and its only my impressions, which could be totally wrong. They have been before.

I do think a lot of it has to do with prolonging the show because, really, who wants to be out of a job? And apparently this is a pretty happy gig for everyone. But I do think in the interest of prolonging the show, it stopped being a show primarily about Clark Kent, and its turned into more of a ensemble/comic book story. And that might totally work for some viewers. I'm just not really one of them.

Thread 5

agentobrian November 4 2009, 00:46:06 UTC

If we look at those numbers, it does seem like Clark is not getting as much time. But Clark's time at the end of last season was higher than Season 5, 6, and 7. He's not being focused on as much right now, but I think by the season finale, he'll still have good time.

I have full confidence that after the next couple of episodes, Clark will once again be the focus.

jeannev November 4 2009, 02:27:29 UTC

Yes, thats true, so there can still be a lot of Clark focus to come. At least I hope so. Because through 12, I'm not getting that vibe.

tasabian November 4 2009, 00:52:59 UTC

That might explain why S3 remains my favourite season! Very interesting about S6 - All my fave S6 episodes -Freak, Labyrinth, Nemesis - come after the halfway mark, and no coincidence, feature generous amounts of Clark.

Was decreased screen-time part of Tom's deal, do you think? To allow him more time to learn the production ropes? I can see why that would be an incentive for him, especially since he now has his own production company to run but....I miss his pretty face!

jeannev November 4 2009, 02:30:23 UTC

Yeah, early S6 was kind of...unmemorable. Particularly from Clark's story POV. I think only Fallout stood out there for his character. Labyrinth is the ep that totally skews that season, from a screentime perspective, because Tom's screentime is insane in that ep, and so it throws off the numbers.

I don't know what to speculate in regards to Tom's contract, or if this is his choice, or what. I can only say that I like when he's on screen, and the show never holds my interest quite to the same degree when he's not.