Telling the story of a young Clark Kent (aka Superman), Smallville did an outstanding job of delivering entertaining and memorable standalone episodes, while at the same time giving viewers more complex season-long narratives. Like many television shows created in the early 2000s, the first few seasons of Smallville followed a conventional “monster of the week” formula, however, later seasons of the Superman prequel introduced over-reaching storylines, which would naturally conclude in an epic-scale season finale.
Over the course of ten seasons, Smallville delivered more than a few outstanding season finales but, as is always the case, some were certainly better than others. In its monumental ten year run, the series had its ups and downs and while we love each of the shows season finales, we can’t ignore the fact that some are worse than others. To celebrate Tom Welling’s upcoming return as Superman in the next Arrowverse crossover, we’ve decided to re-examine Smallville and rank each of the shows ten season finales.
“Doomsday” - Season 8
In the somewhat disappointing finale to a great season of Smallville, Clark searches for a way to stop Doomsday without killing Davis. When Oliver and the Justice League take matters into their own hands, however, Clark is forced to stop the monster in any way possible. Meanwhile, Lois has a shocking confrontation with Tess that will have major ramifications for the series moving forward.
“Doomsday” certainly isn’t a bad episode of Smallville, but it’s fair to say that when you compare it to all of the other finales on this list, the episode doesn’t fully deliver everything fans expected and hoped for. After an entire season of building Davis as the big bad, the finale failed to give viewers the epic showdown they had been promised.
“Phantom” - Season 6
Proving that a good finale can save a less than amazing season, “Phantom” saw Clark finally confront Lionel about Lana’s marriage. Meanwhile, Lana ends her relationship with Lex and Clark comes face-to-face with the final Phantom.
Season six was certainly one of the shows weakest, but “Phantom” still managed to give fans an enjoyable and memorable finale. The episode brings more than a few major storylines to a satisfying end while setting up something completely new (and totally exciting) for the future.
“Covenant” - Season 3
In this heartbreaking finale to an undeniably brilliant season, Kara arrives in Smallville to entice Clark to join Jor-El and accept his destiny. Meanwhile, Lana leaves Smallville behind while Lionel is refused bail and Chloe is seemingly killed in an explosion.
Season three was arguably one of the shows best, so it’s only fitting that it ended with an outrageously shocking finale. The episode, which seemingly killed a number of major characters, teased a more mature tone for the series moving forward.
“Tempest” - Season 1
In the epic-scale finale of Smallville’s first season, Clark and his friends prepare for the spring formal while Lionel shocks his son by closing down Luthorcorp’s Smallville plant. Meanwhile, Roger Nixon confronts Jonathan and promises to expose Clark’s secret to the world. Nothing goes to plan for anyone, however, when a tornado threatens to tear Smallville apart.
The first season did an outstanding job of introducing the characters and setting up the tone, but the finale was arguably the episode that solidified Smallville as a worthwhile and wildly entertaining Superman prequel. Ending in epic fashion, “Tempest” pushed Clark’s powers to the limit and perfectly displayed how difficult it would be to balance a superhero life with a normal human one.
“Vessel” - Season 5
In the shocking finale of Smallville season five, Fine (Brainiac) threatens to unleash a computer virus that will kill millions, unless Clark agrees to release General Zod. After learning that Lex is the vessel of Zod, Clark is forced to do whatever is necessary to stop the iconic villain.
“Vessel” might not be the shows strongest finale, but it gave fans what was undoubtedly the biggest-scale episode of the show so far. After years of teasing the Superman mythology, Smallville finally delivered a major villain and took the series to exciting new heights.
“Exodus” - Season 2
In what is arguably Smallville’s most heartbreaking season finale, Clark is forced to choose between his ordinary life in Smallville and his somewhat terrifying destiny with Jor-El. Meanwhile, Chloe considers Lionel’s offer to investigate Clark and Lex prepares to walk down the aisle.
When you compare it to some of the other season finales on this list, “Exodus” is far from the biggest or most exciting episode. The episode does, however, take the series in an exciting new direction and hits on an emotional level, in ways that a lot of season finales fail to.
“Arctic” - Season 7
Obsessed with discovering the truth about the Traveler and “protecting” the human race, Lex makes his way to the Arctic Circle where he finally discovers Clark’s secret. Meanwhile, Clark is worried about Kara’s unusual behaviour and finds himself powerless in his battle against Lex.
Looking at the episode objectively, “Arctic” is arguably one of the weakest season finales. From a fan’s perspective, however, it’s impossible to deny that seeing Clark and Lex finally go head-to-head was one of the shows most exciting and satisfying moments.
“Commencement” - Season 4
In the earth-shattering finale of season four, Clark and his friends prepare for their high school graduation, but things don’t go to plan when a second meteor shower makes its way to Smallville. With only hours remaining until Smallville is once again destroyed, Jor-El orders Clark to assemble all of the crystals before it’s too late.
Featuring one of the shows best cliffhangers, “Commencement” is undoubtedly one of Smallville’s most entertaining season finales, bringing the fourth season to a destructive and emotional end. Even more than that, however, “Commencement” marked the point where Smallville left high school behind and grew up with its audience.
“Salvation” - Season 9
In the epic-scale season nine finale, Clark and Zod finally fight for control of the planet. Chloe is forced to call in reinforcements when General Zod unleashes his Kryptonian army on the world. Meanwhile, Zod tells Lois that he is the Blur and asks her to steal the Book of Rao from Clark.
After a somewhat disappointing ending to season eight, the writers behind Smallville made sure to give fans a wildly entertaining and outrageously badass finale to season nine. Tying up multiple loose ends while also giving fans an epic fight between Clark and Zod, “Salvation” was unquestionably one of the show’s most memorable and satisfying finales.
“Finale” - Season 10
In two-part tenth season finale and conclusion to the entire series, Clark fully accepts his destiny just in time to suit-up and defeat Darkseid and stop Apokolips from consuming the Earth. Meanwhile, Lois and Clark prepare for their wedding and Lex Luthor makes his triumphant return.
After ten seasons and 217 episodes, Smallville finally said goodbye to fans with what can only be described as an incredibly satisfying and shocking two-hour finale. Managing to win over even the most brutal critics, the series finale of Smallville was somehow able to tie almost every loose end and deliver on a promise made ten seasons earlier.
