radioreverie
Mar 20, 2006 @ 5:24 am
Very sad. As bad and as frustrating as Smallville can be, I really do love it right now. And it's just a comforting presence. I've never quite understood the desire to have a formerly loved show cancelled. Stop watching, and it's as good as cancellation, without that pesky problem of letting down all the other people who still care. And without putting hundreds of people out of their jobs.
PepSinger
Mar 20, 2006 @ 8:31 am
I would be very sad. I love this show, and I love the cast. I've only gotten into it in early S4. Even though we nitpick and get frustrasted, I still love it. :D
wrighty555
Mar 20, 2006 @ 12:26 pm
Radio I think Hell just froze over because I completely agree with your last post. :)
Frelling Tralk
Mar 20, 2006 @ 12:53 pm
Yep, what radioreverie said *g* I think season 5 is a really strong season. With episodes like Cyborg and Splinter, the last thing I want is cancellation
scout1279
Mar 20, 2006 @ 1:12 pm
If the show was cancelled, I would be OK with it as long as I was satisfied with the ending. But I think there's alot of story to tell, and as long as I am entertained with it more often than not, I'll be happy to keep watching it for a while longer. I think I'd miss the pretty actors the most, even KK and ED.
BelleImani
Mar 20, 2006 @ 7:57 pm
If it were cancelled I don't know if I'd miss it.
I haven't watched on a regular basis since Asylum I think when Clark did the unforgiveable and I saw the writing on the wall. One of the things George Lucas did right with the SW Prequels was show how everyone contributed to Anakin becoming Darth, it wasn't all just him being all, 'Yeah I'm gonna be evil now' and that's what I wanted with SV. I wanted it to be seen, and acknowledged by someone other then the fans that Clark's lies and Jonathan's attitude and Lionel's ...Lionelness were all contributing factors to Lex becoming the Lex from the books.
I don't see that and I stopped caring a while ago. So if it was cancelled I wouldn't mind at all though I'd miss the hoYay and Professor SoSo Fine and Chloe.
PsiFighter37
Mar 20, 2006 @ 8:25 pm
Having watched Smallville since season 1, I'd be sort of sad to see it go. I'm already bidding farewell to the two other dramas I watch after this season (Alias, because it's the right time for it to go; 24, because they've irrevocably fucked the show up this season, IMO...ironically, both premiered the same year as Smallville did), and Smallville is sort of a guilty pleasure for me. Yeah, they may screw things up a lot of the time, but it does have its good moments, and it's a fun show to watch at times.
I can see Smallville bowing out after one or two more seasons...but I don't want it to go now. I feel like they've recaptured a sense of direction this season after wandering all over the place last season.
viola1
Mar 21, 2006 @ 5:03 am
I'd be very sad, jayseyfield. I've loved this season, and I agree w/ what's been said too - I think there's a lot of story left to tell.
Whenever it is decided that the series has come to an end though, I hope they know well in advance so that they can plan for it. I really want it to be their decision, and for them to be able to tell the rest of the story without it being rushed or pushed into a timeframe that just can't sustain it. ITA, I want a great ending!
But when it happens, I know I'm going to miss the show, the characters, and actors. :(
La Anah
Mar 23, 2006 @ 9:58 am
You mean like "Must-HoYay-Thursday"?
That's great but does Supernatural have HoYay? The Deans are two brothers so I guess it's more BroYay.
It's got
HoYay AND it's got
BroYay. In fact the BroYay has been commented on by on-screen characters, so it's nut just fanwank.
I think it's a good combination. SN kept about 95% of SV's audience last week, it will be interesting to see what happens when new episodes start next week.
jayseyfield
Mar 28, 2006 @ 3:40 am
What a great night of television this Thrusday is going to be. You've got Smallville returning from it's hiatus at 8 and then you've got the rejuvenated The OC at 9. I like these two shows side-by-side as opposed to going up against each other.
Unfortunatley that leaves Supernatural as the odd man out for me. If only that show could keep a recurring female character without needing a fire extingusher. Oh well.
PepSinger
Mar 28, 2006 @ 8:11 am
I don't know how I'm gonna pick between them. Even though The O.C. has gotten better, Supernatural is just a better show than The O.C. has been most of this season.
Manddoo
Mar 31, 2006 @ 12:11 pm
Where are the ratings for Hypnotic?
KatieFlirth
Mar 31, 2006 @ 12:12 pm
Fast Nationals for Hypnotic.
Zap2ItFOX in fourth, just ahead of "Smallville," 2.8/5, on The WB. UPN went with reruns of "Everybody Hates Chris" and "Love, Inc."
MediaWeekRelocated Supernatural on the WB (Overnights: #5, 2.8/ 4; Viewers: #5, 3.59 million; A18-49: #5, 1.5/ 4 at 9 p.m.) fit relatively well out of Smallville (Overnights: #4, 3.4/ 5; Viewers: #4, 4.60 million; A18-49: #5, 1.9/ 5 at 8 p.m.) with retention of 82 percent in the overnights, 78 percent in total viewers and 79 percent among adults 18-49.
Massena1
Mar 31, 2006 @ 1:11 pm
nevermind.
norahcynthia
Mar 31, 2006 @ 1:23 pm
Are those ratings high or low? I can never quite figure out the whole ratings thing...
Epiprometheus
Mar 31, 2006 @ 1:42 pm
Wow aren't those statistics kind of awful for Smallville? Did they not run enough ads about its return? I think this might just be the worst rated episode in the 5th season yet. I hope this doesn't have to do with the Clana breakup (and that AlMiles might take that as a sign that they made a wrong move).
Edited to include the past ratings Massena has kindly provided earlier in this thread for everyone's convenience:
Season 5
1. Arrival - final number 5.9 million.
2. Mortal - final number 5.9 million. (WB Network)
3. Hidden - final number 5.9 million.
4. Aqua - final number 6.4 million.
5. Thirst - final Number 5.8 million. ( WB Network & USA Today)
6. Exposed - final Number 5.4 million
7. Splinter - final Number 5.5 million
8. Solitude - final Number 6.0 million
9. Lexmas - final Number 5.4 million (ABCmedianet.com)
10. Fanatic - final Number 5.5 million
11. Lockdown - final Number 5.0 million.
12. Reckoning - final Number 6.3 million.
13. Vengence - final Number 5.4 million.
14. Tomb- final Number 5.4 million.
15. Cyborg - final Number 6.2 million. (ABCmedianet.com)
16. Hypnotic: (tentative?) 4.6 million (Mediaweek)
Massena1
Mar 31, 2006 @ 2:31 pm
Epiprometheus - That is not a good comparison. The figures I posted are FINAL numbers. the numbers from mediaweek and zap2it are from overnights and fast nationals. It's comparing apples to oranges. The final number for "Hypnotic" won't be out for a week or so.
To compare more fairly:
Vengeance mediaweek numbers = 4.2/ 6 (#4); 5.07 million viewers (#5); A18-49 2.3/ 6 (#5)
Hypnotic mediaweek numbers = 3.4/ 5 (#4); 4.60 million viewers (#4); A18-49:1.9/ 5 (#5)
So, yes, Hypnotic did perform significantly lower than the other episodes this season, but there could be many reasons why. Lack of advertising could be one. But, the overnights/fast national numbers could be affected if there were any preemptions in the markets used for those numbers. And this may not have anything to do with it, but I'll throw it out there that I've read some local affiliates who are upset about the CW merger are sorta sabotaging some shows by doing preemptions since they won't have programming for the Fall. It's been mostly reported as UPN affiliates doing this because they are mostly the ones losing out on programming for next Fall, but I did read something from Dawn Ostroff that suggested she worried about similar childish retaliation by affiliates all this spring which might affect the ratings for the shows. I'm not saying that has anything to do with these lower ratings, but I thought it was interesting that Dawn Ostroff is concerned about that.
wrighty555
Mar 31, 2006 @ 3:02 pm
I think it was a marketing problem. I mean the show was gone for 6 damn weeks and the trailer they run for it doesn't include Brainiac. Just some skin and lana. Not exactly a draw if you don't get on the internet and are aware that Brainiac was coming back. They should have included Brainiac in the trailer. I mean his storyline is one of the most successful they've had to date. I also think Britney Spears on Will and Grace may have had an impact. I mean who doesn't want to see that train wreck on TV?
ratman
Mar 31, 2006 @ 3:17 pm
Even based on the prelim ratings, it does seem like Hypnotic follows the trend this season of mythos selling well while Lana and sex tank.
Frelling Tralk
Mar 31, 2006 @ 4:02 pm
the trailer they run for it doesn't include Brainiac. Just some skin and lana.
Exactly. I love that Cyborg (more of a mythology episode, and plently of Clex to boot) stormed the ratings, whilst Exposed and Hypnotic try to use skin to sell the show, and end up with season 4 ratings. I wonder if anyone at the WB is paying attention here..
scout1279
Mar 31, 2006 @ 4:22 pm
Maybe they are showing the wrong person's skin. Last season, wasn't Devoted one of the highest rated episodes outside of the premiere and the finale. And te ads for that were all Chloe in a cheerleader costume and Clark's football jersey. I'm not saying this because I'm a Chloe fan, because I would honestly prefer it if we did not see any more sexually exploitative episodes at all. But Chloe does have a certain amount of appeal to fanboys as she has more of a geek-girl quality than the other women on the show. I had assumed that people were responding to the comedy aspect of the episode, but I can't deny that it is one of the few sexually exploitative episodes that has done well in the ratings.
I could be wrong though as I have a a terrible memory. Actaully, I would prefer to be wrong, because it would be nice for there to be clear evidence that every time they try to use sex to sell anything it fails. How did Unsafe do in the ratings?
queenbess
Mar 31, 2006 @ 4:28 pm
"Devoted" was the first episode to air after Christopher Reeve's death and all the press it received.
"Unsafe" had terrible ratings. It was the first episode after a hiatus, much like last night's, but still...
scout1279
Mar 31, 2006 @ 4:42 pm
So sex, pretty universally is a "no sale" for Smallville. Good to know. Let's stay away from it in the future.
queenbess
Mar 31, 2006 @ 4:44 pm
Yeah, I think it's pretty telling that the best ratings this show has ever had all occurred within the first two and a third seasons or so, when the show was still relatively skin-free.
It's always difficult to say definitively what caused a ratings spike or a ratings plummet based on one or two episodes, but when skin has consistently proven to be a non-starter for the show, then you'd think the people in charge would learn.
I personally don't have a problem with a lot of sex or a lot of skin when it seems organic, or when it's not incongruous with what has happened before on a show. I have a problem with loads of sex and skin on Smallville because it's usually exploitative, not to mention dull, and because the show didn't start incorporating much of it until the fourth season. Which smacks of pathetic desperation.
scout1279
Mar 31, 2006 @ 4:49 pm
It speaks to how exceptionally bad it is handled on this show, since the entire cast is very attractive and, one would think, that people would want to see them naked.
ETA:
I personally don't have a problem with a lot of sex or a lot of skin when it seems organic, or when it's not incongruous with what has happened before on a show. I have a problem with loads of sex and skin on Smallville because it's usually exploitative, not to mention dull, and because the show didn't start incorporating much of it until the fourth season. Which smacks of pathetic desperation.
I completely agree.
PepSinger
Mar 31, 2006 @ 6:41 pm
I think it was a marketing problem. I mean the show was gone for 6 damn weeks and the trailer they run for it doesn't include Brainiac. Just some skin and lana. Not exactly a draw if you don't get on the internet and are aware that Brainiac was coming back. They should have included Brainiac in the trailer. I mean his storyline is one of the most successful they've had to date. I also think Britney Spears on Will and Grace may have had an impact. I mean who doesn't want to see that train wreck on TV?
I bet the WB execs thought they were being very slick. I bet it when something like this:
"Hey! Since the online and longterm fans don't really like the sex sells marketing technique, we'll show them pictures of Brainiac and Lex to draw them in. But, to draw in new viewers, we'll show TW and some hot girl naked!"
Durq
Mar 31, 2006 @ 9:37 pm
My boyfriend falls into the coveted 18 - 34 demographic and he will only watch episodes that prominently feature John Glover or DC characters. He hates the soapy stuff even more than I do.
wrighty555
Mar 31, 2006 @ 9:49 pm
K-Site has the final ratings numbers up. The ratings went up for the second half hour. So my Will and Grace theory seems to have merit.
PepSinger
Apr 1, 2006 @ 1:16 am
Before I start my post, I want to make sure I understand this:
18-34 year-old males are adults, right?
I ask because I've been reading other SV boards, and people feel that kids shouldn't watch the show because of the 'sex' stuff. Even though I hate how they think showing skin will improve ratings (when, in fact, it does the opposite), I thought this show wasn't marketed towards kids. I think people feel like, "Well, since it's about Superman growing up, it's okay for kids to watch!" However, I've seen other supposedly wholesome shows have rather questionable subject matter in their shows.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, I don't understand how people could be outraged by the fact that this show isn't always kid-friendly. Since when are 18-34 year-olds kids? Does anyone think that SV is confused as to who their target audience is? Or is it the fans? And is an issue the timeslot it's in?
BadToad
Apr 1, 2006 @ 1:27 am
What I think is strange is that people are up in arms about the sex stuff, which was actually relatively tame, but the beginning of the episode that had 2 men going into a cabin that contained bloody corpses, then being attacked by Fineiac in a rather brutal manner (completely with handy dandy spearing finger)...nope, no one complaining about the young'en's seeing that. But kissing and sexual situations? Sweet merciful Jesus, turn the channel.
PepSinger
Apr 1, 2006 @ 1:33 am
nope, no one complaining about the young'en's seeing that. But kissing and sexual situations? Sweet merciful Jesus, turn the channel.
Exactly. The TV isn't there to babysit kids. If a show wants to show skin or violence and you don't like it, then turn the channel.
I personally think one of the most disturbing things was the hanging body of Alicia.
Arista
Apr 1, 2006 @ 1:43 am
nope, no one complaining about the young'en's seeing that. But kissing and sexual situations? Sweet merciful Jesus, turn the channel.
Sexuality and sexual situations have always been more susceptible to ridicule than blood and guts, in America. I don't know why but people are generally more uncomfortable with dry humping than gorey disfigurement and/or mutilation. Americans, go figure.
Epiprometheus
Apr 1, 2006 @ 5:37 am
Epiprometheus - That is not a good comparison. The figures I posted are FINAL numbers. the numbers from mediaweek and zap2it are from overnights and fast nationals. It's comparing apples to oranges. The final number for "Hypnotic" won't be out for a week or so.
I see, thanks
Massena! I'm still trying to my wrap my head around this American ratings system. Are the numbers on Kryptonsite the final ones then? I'm still nursing my disappointment over the poor ratings. I know CW has stated that Smallville would be picked up for another season, but until there is official affirmation, I refuse to get my hopes up!
kdsch123
Apr 1, 2006 @ 8:10 am
think people feel like, "Well, since it's about Superman growing up, it's okay for kids to watch!" However, I've seen other supposedly wholesome shows have rather questionable subject matter in their shows.
Absolutely,
Pepsinger. Since SV is on at 8:00, (here on the east coast, but I remember reading somewhere that it is not shown in another part of the US(?) until 11:00 p.m.), I used to have no problem leaving it on when my son was awake. Now, I make sure he's not around when I watch - the violence factor, with the skin thrown in. I think if they changed the time slot, they might have more of the "right" viewers, but I think the problem of people letting their kids watch, because it's about Superman will be there no matter what.
BTW, the Alicia hanging scene bothered me too. The idea of the small arc was good (needed more time) but there was much about those epsiodes that bothered me.
Cyb
Apr 1, 2006 @ 8:58 am
The show was sometimes hyped as family-friendly in the past, which always seemed weird to me, as did reruns airing on ABC Family. (I don't think that's the case anymore, but correct me if I'm wrong.)
Sexuality and sexual situations have always been more susceptible to ridicule than blood and guts, in America.
Well in most cases, I'm pretty much "yay sex!" but the way sex is portrayed on
this show sends such a mixed message that it often weirds me out.
romantic idiot
Apr 1, 2006 @ 9:39 am
True dat. The loving couple on the show were never in a sex scene - not much kissing as well.
But with episodes like Bound and Unsafe and generally the way sex is portrayed, I would not like kids to watch not because there is sex, but because there is warped sex.
mobiusklein
Apr 1, 2006 @ 10:42 am
I don't think people would mind two happy, somewhat normal people getting it on. As much as I hate pod!Martha and platypus!Jonathan, them having sex wouldn't phase me. Clark happily and consensually having sex with someone somewhat stable who didn't die a violent death and knew the secret would probably be enjoyable, since there wouldn't be horrible, horrible meta connected to it.
Look, I watched American Pie and thought the "tongue tornado" line was funny and sweet because he was actually trying to make sex with his girlfriend pleasurable for HER by reading a manual handed down by his brother.
I just think that a lot of viewers in general have squick levels that keep them from enjoying anything involving coercion AND tries to make it sexy. CSI has tons of coercion scenes but the perp is ALWAYS shown to be in the wrong and the meta is less icky, not icky-free, but less icky.
PepSinger
Apr 1, 2006 @ 11:00 am
Absolutely,Pepsinger. Since SV is on at 8:00, (here on the east coast, but I remember reading somewhere that it is not shown in another part of the US(?) until 11:00 p.m.), I used to have no problem leaving it on when my son was awake. Now, I make sure he's not around when I watch - the violence factor, with the skin thrown in. I think if they changed the time slot, they might have more of the "right" viewers, but I think the problem of people letting their kids watch, because it's about Superman will be there no matter what.
I think the problem will always be there, too; I just don't feel people have as much right to complain since their target audience isn't kids from my understanding. I have cousins who watched the ABCFamily reruns, and there are some episodes that I wouldn't feel too comfortable with them watching. However, it's not like it's in every episode (S4 came pretty close) though.
The show was sometimes hyped as family-friendly in the past, which always seemed weird to me, as did reruns airing on ABC Family. (I don't think that's the case anymore, but correct me if I'm wrong.)
I don't understand why ABCFamily buys shows and edits them. If it isn't appropriate, don't buy it for the network. I had no idea of the editing they did until I watched "Visage" on UPN at 1:00 AM, and the scene where Tina/Clark gets a sharp pipe was much more bloody and gruesome than I thought.
meloni
Apr 2, 2006 @ 2:34 am
The best part is that they cut lines out of Gilmore Girls like "You're a dick." and "Because I'm on crack."
jayseyfield
Apr 2, 2006 @ 2:39 am
You know I hate that Aqua was like the highest rated episode of the season. Hence the title of the thread. It was one of the worst episodes of the season and had the lamest character and the lamest actor playing him. Go figure. BatChica was much cooler than Aquadude or Cyborg.
PepSinger
Apr 2, 2006 @ 8:59 am
"Aqua was seen by how many viewers?!" It just needs to be reiterated.
Trevacious Guy
Apr 2, 2006 @ 2:45 pm
Especially when it leads to article excerpts like this:
Thanks to the popular "Aqua" episode of "Smallville," showrunners Al Gough and Miles Millar began filming in March a pilot for new network CW (the merging of UPN and The WB) based on DC's Aquaman.
PepSinger
Apr 2, 2006 @ 3:59 pm
...And when "Cyborg" was a much better episode and had a much better guest actor.
I can't wait until that show flops.
hc_8
Apr 4, 2006 @ 4:11 pm
The final nationals are in for last weeks episode. According to abcmedianet.com "Hypnotic" got 4.78 million viewers, which makes it the least watched episode of the season.
It still managed to be the WBs most watched show for the week but I think most of the WBs shows were in reruns which may also have contributed to the lower audience figure.
Manddoo
Apr 4, 2006 @ 4:25 pm
Just for comparison purposes, what was the figure of the lowest rated episode of last season?
Thanks.
queenbess
Apr 4, 2006 @ 4:51 pm
The lowest rated episode of season four was also the lowest rated episode in the history of the series: "Onyx." Its final numbers were 3.85 million viewers, according to the Los Angeles Times final ratings posted at DTS.
PepSinger
Apr 4, 2006 @ 5:56 pm
The final nationals are in for last weeks episode. According to abcmedianet.com "Hypnotic" got 4.78 million viewers, which makes it the least watched episode of the season.
It still managed to be the WBs most watched show for the week but I think most of the WBs shows were in reruns which may also have contributed to the lower audience figure.
Supernatural's ratings weren't too high, either. I think hiatuses really hurt WB shows. Not to mention the fact that they didn't show Brainiac in the promos.
ghost writer
Apr 5, 2006 @ 4:45 pm
Onyx was the lowest rated episode last season. You got to be kidding me. That was one of the best episodes for me anyway. What episode was before Onyx? I think alot has to do with the previous episode. How did Ageless and Forever do?
PepSinger
Apr 5, 2006 @ 5:09 pm
Does anyone know how Transference did on its first airing?
queenbess
Apr 5, 2006 @ 5:38 pm
PepSinger, "Transference" did pretty well.
Here are the final numbers, from
DTS Source: LA Times unless indicated otherwise from other souces.
Summary of season 5 viewership (In the millions).
1. Arrival.......final number 5.9 million viewers.
2. Mortal.......final number 5.9 million viewers (WB Network)
3. Hidden.......final number 5.9 million viewers.
4. Aqua.......final number 6.4 million viewers.
5. Thirst.....Final Number 5.8 million viewers ( WB Network & USA Today)
6. Exposed......Final Number 5.4 Million Viewers
7. Splinter.....Final Number 5.5 Million Viewers
8. Solitude......Final Number 6.0 Million Viewers
9. Lexmas........Final Number 5.4 Million Vewiers (ABCmedianet.com)
10. Fanatic.......Final Number 5.5 Million Viewers
11. Lockdown.....Final Number 5.0 million Viewers.
12. Reckoning.....Final Number 6.3 million Viewers.
13. Vengence.....Final Number 5.4 million Viewers.
14. Tomb....Final Number 5.4 million Viewers.
15. Cyborg....Final Number 6.2 million Viewers.
16. Hypnotic...Final Number 4.8 million viewers.
Final numbers summary of viewership for last season 4.
1. Crusade...............final number 6.1 million viewers.
2.Gone................final number 5.7 million viewers.
3.Facade........final number 5.5 million viewers.
4.Devoted........final number 6.2 million viewers.
5.Run............final number 5.4 million viewers.
6.Transference......final number 5.7million viewers.
7.Jinx...............final number 5.0 million viewers.
8. Spell............final number 5.5 million viewers.
9. Bound.......... final number 5.1 million viewers.
10. Scare ............final number 4.9 million viewers.
11.Unsafe......... final number 4.2 million viewers.
12.Pariah............. final number 4.8 million viewers.
13. Recruit........... final number 4.9 million viewers.
14.Krypto ............final number 5.1 million viewers.
15. Sacred ..........final number 5.3 million viewers.
16. Lucy.............. final number 4.5 million viewers.
17. Onyx........... final number 3.9 million viewers.
18. Spirit........... final number 4.4 million viewers.
19. Blank........... final numbers is 4.6 million viewers.
20. Ageless.......... final numbers is 4.5 million viewers.
21. Forever........final number 4.0million viewers.
22. Commencement.......final number 5.5 million viewers
High for Season 4: 6.2 million (Devoted). Low 3.9 million (Onyx)
High for Season 3: 6.9million (Slumber). Low 4.2 million (Memoria.)
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