Rating: - Most great shows end before the final episode
and "Smallville" is no exception to this rule. In fact, this show ran out of steam after Series 3. No matter - Series 2 is the best of them, and you can switch the video off just before the end of the penultimate episode to achieve a satisfactory conclusion with no real cliffhangers.

Where this series got it right and the later ones lost it is in the characterization. It is a sci-fi show, so fantasy of course plays a big part in the storylines. That said, at least a couple of the episodes in Series 2 are quite gripping, with minimal superpower input ("Precipice" and "Accelerate"). "Insurgence" is almost movie-like in its pace and highlights the Luthor family struggle as perhaps the most dramatic thread running through the series. ("Skinwalker" is annoyingly political and can be skipped by reading a precis of the plot off the Web.)

Clark Kent is always at risk of being one-dimensional, but that's what red kryptonite is for. In any case, the young Kryptonian needs upstanding examples of human virtue to encourage him on his path to becoming Superman, and, in the good series of "Smallville", he has this in his foster parents and his close friends: Pete, Chloe and Lana.

In Tom Welling and Kristin Kreuk, the show had two impossibly attractive actors who could be exceptional TV role models for the virtues of generosity and loyalty. Unfortunately, in later series, the writers seemed more interested in appealing to the "American Pie" audience. At that point it becomes harder to believe that Clark would not become more cynical and introspective.

No matter, Series 2 of "Smallville" is a good piece of work and enough to tide fans over until the next adaptation of the Superman legend.