'Smallville' Producers Jump Ship To 'Melrose Place'
By BRYANT GRIFFIN
Feb-11-2009



The CW is placing "Smallville" executive producers Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer at the helm of the "Melrose Place" reboot.

With a ninth season of "Smallville" likely, Slavkin and Swimmer's departure leaves Brian Peterson and Kelly Souders to assume the reins. This marks another shift in "Smallville's" management following the exit of Alfred Gough and Miles Millar at the conclusion of Season 7.

Recent "Melrose Place" casting breakdowns offer a peek into the producer's new neighborhood. Entertainment Weekly reports the show includes the characters of David Patterson (the son of Jake), Ella Flynn (a public relations whiz with a sharp tongue), Auggie Kirkpatrick (a recovering alcoholic), Jonah Miller (who strives to be the next Kevin Smith), and Violet Foster (a small-town girl).

Mark Schwahn, creator of "One Tree Hill," was anticipated to pilot the "Melrose Place" rebirth, but a deal never materialized.

The reduction of showrunners from four to two is a good sign in a way that there aren't too many hands in the pot of managing "Smallville." At the same time, it might be a sign that The CW may not move forward with a ninth season despite strong ratings this year.

What have the roles of Peterson and Souders been? How long have they been involved?

Overall I have been not only pleased, but surprised with this season. If another season could keep up with this level of story I'd be happy to have another.

However, I'd trade 2-4 episodes for more budget towards location and sets. I'm tired already of that one street set being repurposed so much.

Not sure what their experience is or how much input they have over the show now. I think they should end it this year.

I have a feeling all of the episodes are filmed. Maybe not? I'm sure they could have done a huge arc at the end that was satisfying and not ended in a cliffhanger. Clearly it would still leave the door open for another season...unless they flash forward and show the final days of CK/Superman.

I am guessing they dont finish the season for another couple of months but I dont know how far in advance the film.

They are at least 6 weeks ahead. They should finish production by April.

Interesting preview for the March 12th episode:
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I wonder how they will reset this one.

If Lex came back knowing Clark's that would be a HUGE violation of cannon. I know Smallville doesnt always stay right on with cannon, but that would be a little much even for them.

When I was watching the show I knew that Lex wasn't in the back of the truck. It has to be some sort of trick.

And, when is Lois coming back??

Even though Jor-El told him there was only one "Go Into The Past" crystal, there are really two. Maybe even three.

Duh.

Meh. They'll probably borrow from The Man Who Has Everything but make it a plant grown with Kryptonite laced fertilizer.

March 12th.

Eh, the show has ignored cannon so many times now I could really care less.


Lois is coming back next episode.

when's this come back to tv?

March 12