Allison Mack has been surrounded by so many costumed costars on Smallville, who could blame her for wanting to slip into a cool disguise?  She’s joined the second season of Riese, a sci-fi/fantasy web series so impressive it may soon find a home on television.  The story involves a kingdom overthrown by a shadowy, terrifying group called The Sect, which drives the people to near-feral behavior.  Their only beacon is a mysterious wanderer, Riese, and her wolf.  Allison plays Marlise, an ambitious member of The Sect feigning innocence to mask a manipulative mind and thirst for power.  The series is on brief hiatus while new distribution paths are hammered out, but you can click here to preview the upcoming episodes.  Allison’s longtime boyfriend, Chad Krowchuk, is in charge of the production design; go behind-the-scenes with him here.  The two also star in a unique short film, Frog, which is currently traveling the festival circuit.  It unfolds across five blocks in one single camera shot, examining “the fragile nature of human dependence and the difficulty of saying goodbye to a person we still have so much of ourselves stored inside,” the synopsis notes.  You can enjoy the trailer below.  These are just two of the side projects Allison is involved in.  Once a supporting star, she is now one of The CW’s most beloved leading ladies, and we look forward to Chloe’s evolution in the Justice League watchtower. 

If you enjoy a healthy dose of shock-and-awe while watching television, you sure weren’t disappointed in the past few evenings of CW dramatics.  Let’s take a whirlwind review:  

The Vampire Diaries:   The captivating 1864 flashback episode revealed that Anna (Jeremy’s new stalker girlfriend) was a vampire child back when her mother, Pearl, and Katherine were supposedly burned in the church fire.  And Stefan was inadvertently responsible for Katherine’s capture!  But unless we’re missing something, it sure didn’t seem like Katherine was the vamp who turned the Salvatore boys, did it?  So who did?  In the present day…Bonnie and Elena are both kidnapped by the undead.  Uh-oh. 

Supernatural:   Another trip to the past, just not as far.  Landing in 1978 to save their young parents from rogue angel Anna, Sam and Dean were forced to tell their mother who they really are.  Major wow.  But just when it appeared they’d all be killed, the archangel Michael made his first appearance, using the body of John Winchester.  He easily vanquished the bad seeds before laying out Dean’s stunning destiny. 

Smallville:   The Absolute Justice event was a true TV milestone.  We knew Hawkman, Dr. Fate and Stargirl were key guest stars, but who expected to see historical newsclips of so many other Justice Society legends:  Atom, The Flash, Wildcat, Green Lantern, Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl and Ma Hunkle—along with the untimely murders of the now-aged Star-Spangled Kid and Sandman?  Did you catch the confirmation via Dr. Fate that Lex Luthor is, indeed, alive?  The more immediate threat, however, may come via Agent Amanda Waller and her Checkmate/Suicide Squad operation.  And Tess Mercer’s a secret agent?  Gal gets around. 

One Tree Hill:   When Bess Armstrong dropped in on her three girls for the first time in five seasons, you had to know something was up.  Pancreatic cancer and a short time live.  Haley and Quinn are devastated, and rebel sister Taylor is unable to face the end, quickly fleeing town without a goodbye.  Armstrong is a real heavyweight actress, and we’ll see her tackle this on-screen challenge over the next few weeks.  It was a bit surprising to learn that Haley’s father had also passed away, since it had never been mentioned on the show. 

Life Unexpected:   A week after the kookiest family dinner this side of Stars Hollow—and Lux’s shocking $3,200 rent payment for Baze—the kid reverted back to the kind of destructive decision teenagers often make.  In a fit of unbridled (and unjustified) anger, she exposed Cate and Ryan’s secret engagement to their radio audience.  And that led to the series’ most poignant lecture to date, as Cate offered up an ultimatum to a clearly-shaken Lux:  I’m doing the best I can at being a new mom, and you can take it or leave it…the choice is yours.  Powerful stuff.   

You don’t need to be a comic connoisseur to realize the significance of this Friday’s world premiere movie event, Smallville: Absolute Justice.  Executive Producer Brian Peterson calls the two-hour superhero-fest “one of the seminal episodes of the series” which now spans nine years and 185 stories.  Over the last two seasons in particular, the drama has reached deep into the DC Comics vault to bring legendary characters in contact with young Clark Kent.  And now, the pinnacle!  “It’s the first live-action Justice Society of America,” raves acclaimed writer Geoff Johns, who also penned the 2009 Legion of Superheroes episode.  For those unfamiliar, JSA is the first-ever team of underground crimefighters, dating back to World War II, with iconic members like Green Lantern, Atom, Flash, Wonder Woman, Batman and Wildcat.  In a CW spoilery nutshell, the retired heroes are targets of an assassin—DC madman Icicle—and Sylvester Pemberton (aka, Star-Spangled Kid) lures Clark’s crew into the fray.  Hawkman, Stargirl and Dr. Fate play major roles, but expect many hush-hush cameos and “things you never thought you’d see on TV,” Johns teases to TV Guide.  Outlandish costumes add to the fun, and one joint scene “looks like you’re flipping through a comic book,” says Justin Hartley (Green Arrow) on IGN.  “It’s really cool.”  New recurring villain Amanda Waller (played by Pam Grier) makes her first appearance, as well.  Advance promos spy Clark in awe of the secret Society’s historic lair, and sharp-eyed viewers will get goosebumps as he examines the museum-like display of JSA accessories.  Whereas current Justice League upstarts are flying solo, “Clark gets to see what it was really like to have a team that functioned together and worked together as a family,” Peterson tells Fancast.  It’s a formative lesson for Superman from the “greatest generation”—and promises to be one of the year’s most electrifying nights of television.

The list of long-departed characters heading back to their CW series continues to grow, and each new announcement brings more excitement than the last.  Which star are you most anxious to see? 

It’s been more than five years since we’ve heard from “Lydia James,” mother of Haley, Taylor and Quinn on One Tree Hill.  The always-radiant actress returns February 8 with a shocking announcement for her girls.  Are there even more siblings out there?  How many recall that rock star Huey Lewis played Haley’s father back in Season Two?  And can it really be three decades since Bess stole our hearts in her film debut opposite Alan Alda and Carol Burnett in The Four Seasons? 

Remember when Supernatural sent Dean sent back in time to meet his young parents—and his grandfather (Mitch Pileggi), who turned out to be possessed by Azazel?  Next Thursday, both Winchester boys find themselves in 1978 trying to prevent the murder of John (Matt Cohen) and Mary (Amy Gumenick).  The previous flashback was one of the series’ best episodes, and Sam’s first encounter with his disco-era folks will be emotional.  On a side note, how is Matt Cohen not a series regular somewhere on The CW?

Martha Kent has been one hard-working congresswoman, absent from the Smallville farm for nearly three seasons.  And Perry White, last seen in ‘03?  It’s about time he starts barking orders at the Daily Planet.  The real-life married couple returns with some big news in May, EW reports, and there’s online speculation it has something to do with “government agent/villain” Amanda Waller (Pam Grier).

You didn’t think we’d seen the last of Clay’s deceased wife, Sara, on One Tree Hill, did ya?  It was the season’s most heartfelt love story and certainly ended too soon.  Foreshadowing a new mystery, E! Online says we’ll see Sara again…but she won’t be Sara.  Hmm.

Last season, the Canton, Ohio native delivered one of the unlikeliest twists ever seen on Supernatural.  Turns out, Sam and Dean had a secret half-brother their dad never mentioned…and the kid led a normal, monster-free childhood.  Well, until a ghoul ate him.  On a press tour this month for Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Jake revealed that “Adam” comes back to play a pivotal role in an upcoming episode.  

Nostalgia and superheroes appear to be fertile fodder for Hollywood studios in search of their next breakout film.  Now comes word via Pajiba that two projects with ties to WBNX are on the production assembly line.  Saved by the Bell debuted two decades ago, introducing tweens to Zack, Slater, Screech and a cache of Bayside High issues comically solved within a half-hour.  Stars Mario Lopez and Mark-Paul Gosselaar parlayed their roles into steady careers, while outcast Dustin Diamond took the tell-all route.  It’s a kitschy show which may turn campy—similar to The Brady Bunch movies—on the big-screen.  Producers of the Steve Carell comedy Dan in Real Life have secured the rights and are shopping for writers.  Meanwhile, Warner Bros. has sudden interest in periphery D.C. Comics characters.  Superman and Batman are one thing…but Jonah Hex?  And now Hawkman!  Yes, the same winged member of the Justice Society who’ll fly into Smallville for the Feb. 5 two-hour event.  “WB is looking to make Hawkman a tentpole franchise, and describes the movie as part Indiana Jones, part DaVinci Code and part Ghost,” the story notes.  Go figure.  One thing is certain, Smallville provides the studio a great vehicle to test-market many of the heroic figures, from Aquaman and Green Arrow…to Zatanna and Green Lantern—who is rumored to be a surprise JSA guest.  Would either of these films be on your date night agenda?

As the New Year and new episodes quickly approach, let’s take a quick glance at each CW series and choose the storylines which promise to keep us on the edge of our futons: 

One Tree Hill:   This is a tough one, since many conflicts wrapped up nicely two weeks ago.  It’ll be interesting to see how the Brooke-Julian-Alex love triangle develops, but the show really needs Dan Scott to revive his villainous ways—or a new troublemaker to ride into town pronto.   Returns Mon., Jan. 18 

Life Unexpected:   Critics call this heartwarming gem The CW’s “next big thing.”  Who are we to argue?  You’ll be hooked from the first ten minutes.  Premieres Mon., Jan. 18 at 9pm 

Gossip Girl:   There’s juicy drama dripping from every corner here; however, so many lives will be turned upside down by the imminent appearance of Serena’s long-lost father…and Chuck’s long-dead mother.  Returns Mon., Mar. 8 

90210:   Now that Annie and Jasper have flung their criminal cards on the table, will they walk away hiding each other’s secret?  And what drives one of our West Beverly friends to attempt suicide?  Returns Tue., Mar. 9    

Melrose Place:    Well, we know the producers want a more “fun” show, and hopefully that means a lot more Heather Locklear.  Wonder if she’ll rip that complex apart looking for her $19-million painting?  And is it coincidence that David shares her larcenous hobby?  Speaking of David…is he the father of his half-brother?  Returns Tue., Mar. 9   

America’s Next Top Model:   The panel of judges for Cycle 14 will have an outrageous flair, with the addition of sassy Andre Leon Talley and Kimora Lee Simmons.  Let’s hope for some fierce, opinionated controversy.  Returns Wednesdays in Mar.  

The Vampire Diaries:   Yeah, just try to narrow this one down!  More vamps and witches are coming, along with a werewolf and a crypt full of new faces.  But the real mystery involves raising Katherine and those other 26 vampires from their ‘prison’ beneath the 1864 church remains.  Is it humanly possible for the series to get any better?  Returns Thu., Jan. 21 

Supernatural:   What’s more suspenseful than the outcome of the Apocalypse?  As Lucifer said to his expected vessel Sam, “I’ll see you in Detroit in six months.”  Along the journey, the Winchesters make another trip into their parents’ past and also encounter Bobby’s dead wife.  Returns Thu., Jan. 21

Smallville:   ‘Epic’ may not begin to describe the two-hour movie event, Absolute Justice, premiering on Feb. 5.  What began as an ambitious reunion of several Justice Society veterans has evolved into a full-scale landmark phenomenon that’ll have comic book geeks abuzz for years.  Details are being kept under close wraps—but suffice to say, don’t make other plans.  Returns Fri., Jan. 22

Almost seven years before Paul Wesley found his niche as brooding Stefan on The Vampire Diaries, the actor yanked some chains as sociopathic Lucas Luthor on one episode of Smallville.  To recap, billionaire Lionel had an affair with his sickly wife’s nurse, Rachel Dunleavy (played by Blair Brown), who gave birth to Lucas.  Since Rachel was unstable herself, Lionel had her institutionalized and placed the child in foster care.  Eighteen years later, Lex rescued his newfound half-brother in Edge City, intending to use Lucas in a covert takeover of LuthorCorp.  From there, the double-crosses came fast and furious, ending with a not-really-blind Lionel forced to shoot Lex or be killed himself.  Clark’s heat-vision saved the day, and Lex was restored to his place in the company…safely hiding Lucas away under his protection.  It seems odd that the (supposedly) sole surviving heir to a $42-billion fortune would remain overlooked much longer.  Lex, of course, shoved his father out the window to his death two seasons ago, and Oliver allegedly destroyed Lex with one of his own bombs last year.  All of which leaves the door perfectly ajar for a surprise visit by Lucas.  And why stop there?  His mother, Rachel, is still roaming the infamous Belle Reve psycho ward—so there’s a wealth of Luthor backstory material to explore while we await Michael Rosenbaum’s eventual expected return.  Think of the great cross-promotional opportunities, as well, with The Vampire Diaries fans following their favorite Salvatore for a stint in Metropolis.  It’s time to make this story happen.  

Growing up with Barnabas Collins on Dark Shadows, and later Angel and Spike on Buffy, we knew these undead dudes had otherworldly abilities, but nothing like their kindred on The Vampire Diaries.  There are actually some eerie similarities between the Salvatore brothers—especially Damon (Ian Somerhalder)—and the young Man of Steel, Clark Kent (Tom Welling) on Smallville.  

To begin with, they’re immortal, possess super strength, lightning-quick speed, and instant healing.  Going a few steps further:

Affected by the sun:   Clark draws his strength from it; while vampires normally flame out.

The eyes have it:   Clark shoots fire and has x-ray vision; Damon’s “glamour” stare can control thoughts

Wear my ring:   Clark can time-travel with his Legion of Superheroes ring; Damon and Stefan can be exposed to daylight with their unique signets

One weakness:   Clark…and kryptonite.  The vamps…and vervain. 

Gothic threads:   Both Clark and the vampires prefer to dress in black.

Mortal romance:   Clark fixated on Lana, then Lois.  The Salvatores are hooked on Katharine doppelganger Elena.

It’s a secret:   Heard the one about hiding their true identities from the world? 

Tragic history:   Clark’s planet was destroyed; while Damon and Stefan were changed into ageless monsters.

A few more odd coincidences?  When Somerhalder guest starred as “Adam Knight” for seven episodes of Smallville, his character was brought back to life…using Clark Kent’s blood!  On The Vampire Diaires, Damon’s arrival is often accompanied by a crow or fog.  Smallville High’s mascot—a crow.  And Tom Welling’s first film role lead?  You guessed it…The Fog. 
 

Here’s an awesome casting update that hits close to home…as in Cleveland.  Parma Padua grad Sean Faris is in Atlanta today to begin filming (at least) a multiple-episode arc on The Vampire Diaries.  He’ll play a former high school football buddy of Matt (Zack Roerig), with both guys employed at the Mystic Grill hangout.  And, of course, we fully expect Sean’s entanglement with the freaky town’s supernatural entities and eligible bachelorettes.  Often compared looks-wise to Tom Cruise and Travis Van Winkle (Jamie on 90210), Sean’s kept busy in film work since the conclusion of his two TV series, Life As We Know It and Reunion.  The Bruins’ four-sport HS star (soccer, basketball, baseball, diving) put his natural athleticism to work in Forever Strong—where he played rugby opposite Penn Badgley (Dan on Gossip Girl)—and in Never Back Down, a mixed martial arts fight club drama.  Smallville fans might also remember Sean’s appearance as one of LuthorCorp’s “experiments gone wrong” in season two.  With two vampires and a rising death toll in Mystic Falls, nobody’s neck is safe for very long.  But we can’t wait to see how our charismatic hometown star shakes up the dynamics on The CW’s biggest hit series ever.

Over the course of nine action-packed seasons, Smallville has offered dozens of memorable climactic scenes.  But an upcoming installment is so colossal, it’s been expanded into the first two-part episode in series history.  As writer Geoff Johns tweets, the tale “is actually an insane, D.C. Universe-infused epic.”  The story will lure members of the Justice Society of America from retirement to give the shaky new Justice League a pointed wake-up call.  Stargate favorite Michael Shanks (pictured) will appear as Hawkman, along with Dr. Fate (Brent Stait) and Stargirl (Britt Irvin).  New generation heroes include Clark Kent (The Blur), Green Arrow and the return of Martian Manhunter.  Johns said the producers “wanted it to be HUGE and wanted the guest characters done right.”  As such, Shanks maintains Smallville is “breaking new ground with Hawkman and the logistics of it.  The character will fly,” he tells the Huffington Post.  And while the winged icon is strangely antagonistic toward Green Arrow, Hawkman and Dr. Fate have a “really neat relationship that makes the first hour quite heart-wrenching.”  Tom Welling will direct part two, with the episodes tentatively slated to air Jan. 22 and 29.  Exec Brian Peterson suggests that guidance from the costumed JSA members could edge Clark away from his black outfit and closer to Superman’s classic red-and-blue suit as the season progresses.

UPDATE:  The Justice League-themed episodes will now air as a two-hour “movie event,” SMALLVILLE: ABSOLUTE JUSTICE, on Friday, February 5.