Tom Welling Shares Favorite Smallville Episode

Tom Welling’s Bold Stand on Smallville’s Musical Episode Plan

Tom Welling recently opened up about a proposed Smallville episode that he flatly rejected. Throughout the 10-season journey of Smallville, many episodes defined Clark Kent’s evolution before he donned the Superman cape. Yet, one potential episode, once imagined by producers, might have missed the mark wildly had it reached production as planned.

An Unlikely Musical Twist

On the latest TalkVille Podcast, Welling, along with Michael Rosenbaum and guest Aaron Ashmore, discussed the peculiar origins of the season 6 episode, "Noir." Here’s where things get interesting. "Noir" was envisioned as a musical noir episode. Welling revealed a show-stopping moment when he was pitched the idea, stating, “I will not show up to work. You can film it, but…” His firm stance ensured that the episode took a different route. The final product centered on Jimmy Olsen dreaming he lived in 1940, but kept its storytelling traditional and not musical.

Why The Change was Fortuitous

While the episode’s noir theme didn’t wow everyone, adding a musical could have backfired significantly. The idea of characters singing might have distracted viewers, as music wasn’t integral to the plot. Additionally, the potential lack of musical talents among the cast worried many. Prior to “Noir," Smallville never ventured into musical territory, hinting this might have been a forced experiment during its debut on The CW.

A Shift Away from Breaking Boundaries

In retrospect, transforming "Noir" into a musical episode may have diluted its narrative. A musical fits creatively when a show’s tone and cast support such a leap. The Arrowverse’s successful musical crossovers came much later and featured actors known for musical skills. Smallville’s audience, accustomed to a more serious tone, might not have embraced such a sudden departure.

Welling’s objection remains understandable — he avoided an awkward singing spotlight, staying true to his capabilities. The series, rich with imaginative storylines, didn’t need this risky step. Episodes like "Noir" maintained Smallville’s identity, ensuring it remained captivating while steering clear of unnecessary gimmicks. For those eager to revisit this iconic series, Smallville is available on Blu-ray/DVD and streaming platforms.