'Smallville' to lose Lex Luthor, gain two new villains

Duriel Tue, May 13, 2008 at 12:59 PM EST

I hear they're putting down Shelby, too. :)

Duriel Tue, May 13, 2008 at 12:58 PM EST

I hear they're putting down Shelby, too. :)

steven Fri, May 9, 2008 at 02:29 PM EST

I can't believe Alfred Gough, Miles Millar and Micheal Rosenbaum are going to leave Smallville

-g Mon, May 5, 2008 at 11:08 AM EST

I think we all agree, ax Lana. Get on with the flying already, if you have to have Doomsday, get him in and "forget about him for awhile", at least you've intro'd him. There has been progress in the show in the last two seasons..finally! Mr. Rosenbaum was a tremendous asset to the show. But he too has reached his weekly quota. He's evil. We all know that. And for too many shows you get the 'Something bad is going to happen. Where's Lex? Yep, there he is." syndrome. We should move on to the rest of the Superman story. However, if we get on with the story, so endeth Smallville. We are really only missing more on The Justice League anywho. Let me repeat, get on with the flying already!

Tom Di Roma Sun, May 4, 2008 at 09:06 PM EST

Say good-bye to Smallville. When it worked best was when clark had all the other characters to bounce off of emotionally. Now that Lana, Mrs. K, Papa L, and now Lex is gone, who is clark going to react with? There's Cloe of course, but unless Lois finds out about clark's powers, he's going to have to act in a vaccume and that ain't going to work. I give the show one half of the next season, then it's out of here. I'll be sorry to see it go. I hope they at least end it with Tom in the Superman suite.

Urs Sun, May 4, 2008 at 12:27 PM EST

At the very least, wouldn't it be nice for EW to have a photo in the magazine saluting an actor so unselfish to shave his head for a role and received very little accolades for his work of the past seven years? Michael Rosenbaum is consistently ignored by reviewers and awards while he offered a compelling performance every week.

Jamie T. Sun, May 4, 2008 at 12:10 PM EST

M.R. was one of the best reasons to watch Smallville. While Tom Welling is a feast for the eyes, Michael Rosenbaum is a banquet for the soul.

Jason S. Sun, May 4, 2008 at 11:23 AM EST

Serious Shark Jump losing Lex. It's pretty much his series. I always thought of Clark as sort of a side character to Lex.

Jason S. Sun, May 4, 2008 at 11:23 AM EST

Serious Shark Jump losing Lex. It's pretty much his series. I always thought of Clark as sort of a side character to Lex.

SO DONE Sun, May 4, 2008 at 09:00 AM EST

let me get this info straight,MICHEAL ROSENBAUM is leaving the show and KRISTIN KREUK have already left the show somewhat and maybe A.MACK aswell( GREAT!!!) this show started with the BIG 4(clark/lana/lex/chloe and pete i may ADD) and now my main reason for watching the show is leaving one by one,u are kidding right,because if they leave(or in limted episode next season) that would leave the lois/clark duo(ouch) to deal with next season(NO THANKS!!!)

GOING BACK IN TIME ISN'T WHAT I CALL ENTERTAINMENT

Tasha Sun, May 4, 2008 at 06:57 AM EST

I mourn! Micheal as Lex made Smallville! I so connected with him, and totally agree-he's the hot one in the show! I don't know if i can care to watch the new series because Clark has never really done it for me! Oh well, I hope Michael's career blossoms!

Why EW? Sun, May 4, 2008 at 12:03 AM EST

It always surprised me that EW ignored his wonderful job as Lex Luthor. Best Wishes, Mr. Rosenbaum, and good luck in your future endeavors!

Sorry Sun, May 4, 2008 at 12:02 AM EST

I will miss him on this show. He was the most talented actor and gave a depth filled performance.

meh Sat, May 3, 2008 at 11:29 PM EST

This show needed to end about three seasons ago. It just feels like a bad marriage at this point.

jojochicago Sat, May 3, 2008 at 09:55 PM EST

This is tragic. I was waiting for the development of the rivalry between the 2 characters. Hopefully he will appear from time to time

karl anglin Sat, May 3, 2008 at 01:41 PM EST

Thank you, Mr. Rosenbaum, for both a
professional job well done and for the
sacrifice of your hair. Here's to
your continued career.

karl anglin Sat, May 3, 2008 at 01:41 PM EST

Thank you, Mr. Rosenbaum, for both a
professional job well done and for the
sacrifice of your hair. Here's to
your continued career.

Th3rdpwr Sat, May 3, 2008 at 08:05 AM EST

Rosenbaum's performance was superb, a joy to watch. The scenes between he and the equally excellent John Glover always crackled. The show, which has often strained for interesting stories as it twisted continuity, will lose its last great asset. I'll watch to see what happens, but I have low expectations for this Doomsday (one of DC worse creations, in my opinion) storyline.

Veronica Sat, May 3, 2008 at 03:42 AM EST

During this season he's played the best Lex Luthor in the show. In previous seasons we could only see a light version of him and at last the character has become as evil, egoist and Machiavellian as it should be. I think he was doing a great job, it's a pity he's leaving the show.

ceej Fri, May 2, 2008 at 09:08 PM EST

Congrats Michael... get out while you can. I was done with Smallville when they killed off Pa Kent...

Nate Fri, May 2, 2008 at 03:52 PM EST

Yes Darrin we ARE watching the same show as you. I am SICK of Lana Lang. I am sick of the endless pining for her. Everyone knows they wont be together long END the tiresome horribleness already. I am so sick of storylines revolving around her.

darrin Fri, May 2, 2008 at 03:22 PM EST

i had to respond again with people dogging the show. are you watching the same show as i am? this current season has been great and the episode this past thursday night was one of the best of the entire series! quit whining! if you had watched the current season you would see lex has been taken as far as he can go in the show. he's evil! this is not a show about superman it is a show about how they all became to be the superman and lex luthor that we all know. lex has completed his journey. clark is down to one season to complete his next year! don't comment that the show stinks if you haven't been watching like the rest of us. pa kent had to die by the way - its part of clark's journey ya know! lana and lex both are supposed to appear in a few episodes next season so stop whining!

Van Fri, May 2, 2008 at 02:30 PM EST

About time! Now the very talented Rosenbaum can do something worth of his talent instead of being stuck on this "show". Good luck!

Lois Fri, May 2, 2008 at 01:51 PM EST

At least we'll still have Alison Mack...she's the best thing going for that show now...

amelia Fri, May 2, 2008 at 01:15 PM EST

I'm almost in tears right now, you have no idea. The only reason I fell in love with Smallville was because of Michael Rosenbaum. I'm actaully known as the girl who thinks bald guys are sexy. And I'm 17, LauraT, I've never thought Tom Welling was hot, I took him to be too much of a typical hollywood hot. Lex's character is so mysterious and tortured. That's the best kind of character there is.
I loved the storyline of Smallville, but now that Lex is gone, I don't know if it will be the same.
Why are they making Doomsday a character? Doomsday is only in the comic books for a few issues. He shouldn't actually be a character. He's just a creature made of hate, he has no personality, no character to be made.
Smallville has gone down the drain...I'm a very sad person.

Meredith Fri, May 2, 2008 at 12:52 PM EST

Michael Rosenbaum is the best thing on that show. I will missing seeing his goregous face on Smallville. I wish him nothing but the best of success in his future.

M Fri, May 2, 2008 at 12:25 PM EST

while i certaintly understand being upset over lex "leaving" the show, its not all bad.

lex will likely still be back for a some episodes next season. this may be the best thing because, if deason 8 really is the last season, it makes sense that lex and clark should separate more. lex needs to get out of smallville more, and focus on controlling metropolis.

the same goes for lana lang, who will probably not be in many episodes in season 8 either.

as for doomsday, i am excited and a little worried. this show gave up on following comic continuity ALONG time ago! i mean, he's met lois, supergirl, braniac, and zod, and he hasn't even flown yet. so bringing doomsday in isn't gonna make a difference.

my only fear is how he will be represented in the storyline and what he will look like. but i'm still excited!!

shin goon Fri, May 2, 2008 at 11:42 AM EST

I used to L-O-V-E this show (but a notch below Gilmore Girls), but its story/plot has become L-A-M-E and stale through the last 3-4 seasons. I H-A-T-E Lana Lang in this version. Why can't she just disappear?! Superman's adult life should have just Lois Lane. He should be done with Lana by now. And, please! LET HIM FINALLY FLY! (Enough blue/red shirts/sweaters, too!)

ENOUGH! - CONTINUATION Fri, May 2, 2008 at 11:26 AM EST

but you can't say that the show is officialy "over" and "finished" just because Rosenbaum is gone!
Long live Smallville!

ENOUGH! Fri, May 2, 2008 at 11:24 AM EST

Stop whining! Yes, Michael Rosenbaum plays Lex Luthor with the most credibility I've ever seen, but people stop the whining already! The show is great regardless of it's coordination with the comic books' storyline! I did not know Martha Kent was out (in my country season 6 is broadcasted...), and I was devistated as weel when Jonathan Kent died, but the show still kept my interest even after Lana went all bitchy and Clark went all sentimental and stuff! Ya, there has been a few STUPID episodes and seasons (the whole Zod seaeson - DUMB)

Robin Fri, May 2, 2008 at 09:28 AM EST

I've been a bit out of love with Smallville ever since poor Bo got heart-attacked off the show. Then they stole away the beautiful Mama Kent. And now no Lex? Who's Clark going to make out with?

Watching has been an obligation I've left to my Tivo this season. Now I'm even less excited to watch those 9 episodes waiting on my Now Playing list.

Watson Fri, May 2, 2008 at 09:27 AM EST

I know Smallville isn't known for continuity with the comic universe, but DOOMSDAY!!! Are they trying to see how much they can screw with this universe and completely destroy its credibility with Superman fans. This is worse then that season when they copied most of their episode plots from movies.

Winona Fri, May 2, 2008 at 07:52 AM EST

Noooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even though he's turned very, very bad (like I didn't know it was coming), I will miss him every week. Throughout the series, the Luthor family has had the most consistently interesting characters and stories.

whatever Fri, May 2, 2008 at 07:28 AM EST

A sad day for the show. They should try and end the series next year and bring Michael back for a few episodes to close out the series. This is horrible. How many shows have lost so many characters and can still be good. ER does not count because that show has sucked for years now.

lilian Fri, May 2, 2008 at 06:02 AM EST

Laura T, I'll second that. I've been smitten with Michael Rosenbaum ever since I caught sight of him wearing one of those dark suits, oh so elegantly. He was terrific as Lex, and the only reason I got hooked with the show (that doesn't mean that it's not a good show, but no Lex, no reason to care). His evolution as a character was wonderful and I never understood what Lana saw in Clark in the first place - she was meant to be with Lex, and an idiot for not seeing that! But I respect his decision and I'm eager to see what he'll be up to next!

mike Fri, May 2, 2008 at 05:51 AM EST

Wow... you know what? whatever!! I am so frustrated with this show.. the only reason i have stuck with it is to catch some glimmer of clark actually becoming superman. In the comic line, by this time in his life he could already fly and had all his powers. Im sick of hanging on to watch him finally develop. I stuck through the "natie american" caves.. and the horrible general zod story line... etc.. this is the last straw. im done.

Nate Fri, May 2, 2008 at 05:18 AM EST

Doomsday? Seriously? that is just stupid. How is Clark going to even come close to hanging with Doomsday before his full power potential as Superman?

Judith Fri, May 2, 2008 at 01:34 AM EST

I knew it was coming but I was hoping for a last minute reprieve. Say it ain't so, no Lex means no reason to watch.

darrin Thu, May 1, 2008 at 11:02 PM EST

although he will be missed dearly - it seems like a necessary step at this point in the show considering the storyline of season seven and how we have seen the full transformation of evil lex.

darrin Thu, May 1, 2008 at 11:02 PM EST

although he will be missed dearly - it seems like a necessary step at this point in the show considering the storyline of season seven and how we have seen the full transformation of evil lex.

RedRidingHood Thu, May 1, 2008 at 10:51 PM EST

So sad! This is breaking my heart, seriously. MR/Lex is one of the best parts of the show! Without him we're left with the Soap opera of Clark Kent's love life. Michael is fantastic, and I hope if nothing else he at least returns for the series finale. He will be missed very much by this Smallville fan.

Snarf Thu, May 1, 2008 at 10:37 PM EST

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
First Bo, then Mama Kent, then Lana (catatonic - is there a difference?)then Papa Luthor, now this?

sean Thu, May 1, 2008 at 09:04 PM EST

I've watched smallville since sea 1 & I'm sad to see the char. of Lex, & Michael's performance go from the show. The show has really gone downhill due to the writer's obsession w/ the char. of Lana Lang. I heard the actress, Kristen Kruek is leaving the show. If this is true, the char. of Clark can really fly (figuratively & metaphorically) & the series can end w/ a bang. Again, I wish Mr. Rosenbaum look in his future projects as I think him & Alison Mack are two of the best actors on the show.

RJ Thu, May 1, 2008 at 08:40 PM EST

OK now we can really end this series with a bang!

Michael's Lex was iconic and there is really no other reason to watch this show anymore. Can we get to the tights and flight and end the series while it has something of a pulse left?

shelley Thu, May 1, 2008 at 08:21 PM EST

I have always loved smallville for its serial approach to the story over the years. I just hope they can keep it interesting even after they lose one of their central characters.

nama Thu, May 1, 2008 at 08:14 PM EST

I'm so done with Smallville...

remember season one??

GOLDEN

LauraT Thu, May 1, 2008 at 08:13 PM EST

So it's finally official ... Just a note, as of the end of this season, he's been on the show for seven seasons, not six.

Michael's portrayal of Lex is the ONLY reason I ever professed love for Smallville ... As they brought in the ridiculous "he goes evil because Lana's SUCH a catch" storyline, I promptly lost interest as my favourite character fell for a mincing, whiny girl. I really don't think all major character development for the Superman mythos needs to tie into Ms. Lang, thankyouverramuch.

But I digress ... I absolutely loved Michael's version of Lex--psychologically complex, darkness surrounding a rock-hard nugget of good that slowly eroded from external and internal pressures. And sexy as hell ... The young teens may have swooned for Welling, but the women knew where the real hotness lay.