Some of the worst acting in the Series

[supermanover21]

I don't think the acting has been bad the entire series. I think that T.W and E.D have not been as solid as in previous seasons. I'm really enjoying Allison Mack and Justin Hartley more plus the banter between Oliver and Mercy.

It might be the scripts, but at times where Tom and Erica would normally be great, I think they seem a little more wooden.




What do you think?

[SuperFan85]

I think the acting this season has been far superior to previous seasons.

[baltazor]

Yes both TW and ED are doing a fantastic job. They are the only ones that have improved in contrast to past seasons.

[Imzadia]

I don't think the acting has been bad the entire series. I think that T.W and E.D have not been as solid as in previous seasons. I'm really enjoying Allison Mack and Justin Hartley more plus the banter between Oliver and Mercy.

It might be the scripts, but at times where Tom and Erica would normally be great, I think they seem a little more wooden.

What do you think?

:rolleyes: I Wholeheartedly Disagree. IMO, the Acting has, on average, been consistently outstanding. I even feel the enthusiasm for their new storylines being translated through the actors' performances, which is also acknowledging the creative efforts of the Writers this season. :p

[amalie]

Afraid I'll have to disagree too supermanover21 :\

I think TW has definitely improved upon previous seasons, the fact that the episodes this season are so enjoyable and that we finally have some character progression are probably helping there. I've always found Erica to be one of the best actresses on the show but I still think this season she's managed to get better. Her performance in the 'confession' scene from committed was phenomenal and I thought she was amazing as Faora as well as in her other scenes.

[abbaspice1]

I have to disagree also.

TW has improved vastly. Erica has always been great, just wasn't given great material. A. Mack has always been great as well.

Now, we have great material and great acting. Story lines may not go the way certain fans want them to go. But the acting is still great and the story lines are better than I've seen on SV in years.

[susangail]

One thing you might be picking up on is the lower melodrama this season. S8 seems darker, so you're seeing a more serious Clark with less angst. With the right material, TW has done a fine job moving Clark from emo toward hero. The only place I might agree with you was the final scene with Kara in "Bloodline"; I thought it was underplayed, but definitely not wooden.

Even though Lois can really annoy me at times, I've always thought ED did a good job with her. And AM is doing a phenomenal job -- look what weirdness she has to deal with...

[Sweetie]

I disagree.I think Tom is doing a much better this season than the previous ones.My guess is he became tired of the mope & obssessed Clark Kent and now that his character is changing and becoming more and more the superhero,he is really enjoying himself more,it's noticable through his acting.He is doing a fantastic job this season and so does everybody else mostly Erika who became my 2nd favorite this season.

[Timester]

I can't believe that after ED as Faora (contrasting with Lois) can someone actually say that her acting is worst. Uh? :confused:

[scifigirl]

I too disagree with the original poster. Erica has been given a chance to shine and she is doing so. I don't see any vast improvement in TW's performances; but, he is not doing a worse job. TWs performances have always run the range of laughably bad to great and I will be fair to him and say that the writing or directing may have a lot to do with that; but, imo his performances feel much more consistent this season.

[SCaL4ever]

I can't believe that after ED as Faora (contrasting with Lois) can someone actually say that her acting is worst. Uh? :confused:


I know what you mean she did a brilliant job, i think she is a really good actress especially after this episode.

[supermanover21]

I just think they can and have done better. I, also don't like the chemistry between the two of them as much as previous seasons.

That's just how I feel.

[Sv.LoisLane]

^ It's only fair that everyone has personal opinions/preferences. :)

I, for example, think Tom and Erica are doing a fantastic job, better than previous seasons (which were great anyway). Erica is at the top of my list, Tom right after her.

Chemistry is also subjective hence I adore theirs, but can't see the one between Allison and Tom.

[TOMophilus]

Well, I´m afraid you´ll stay pretty much alone with your feelings. There´s nothing wrong at all with Tom´s acting. It is obvious that he enjoys himself much more than in the boring past two seasons.

[lm1212]

I can think of a few instances where the script could have been better, but the acting is solid to me, especially ED's acting.

[Mars Investigations]

I don't think the acting has been bad the entire series. I think that T.W and E.D have not been as solid as in previous seasons. I'm really enjoying Allison Mack and Justin Hartley more plus the banter between Oliver and Mercy.

It might be the scripts, but at times where Tom and Erica would normally be great, I think they seem a little more wooden.




What do you think?

I think you're in the minority there. I think TW and ED have only grown in their acting ability this season. ED, in particular, has made me fall in love with Lois.

[supermanover21]

^ It's only fair that everyone has personal opinions/preferences. :)

I, for example, think Tom and Erica are doing a fantastic job, better than previous seasons (which were great anyway). Erica is at the top of my list, Tom right after her.

Chemistry is also subjective hence I adore theirs, but can't see the one between Allison and Tom.

True. It's all subjective. We all have different tastes and standards. I just feel that they've been better in different seasons.


I'm not telling people their opinions and preferences are wrong. I respect everyone's opinions.

[Nerial]

I have to disagree with you. In fact, the whole season feels like a breath of fresh air, and all the actors seem to be feeling it. Out of all the scenes I'm enjoying the most, Clark & Lois scenes are by far the best.

I don't think Tom Welling is a great actor, but he's good for this role, and I haven't seen any changes with him. Erica Durance is just fabulous as Lois, and that hasn't changed, either.

[Alicia Chipy]

In my humble opinion, the acting AND writing have greatly improved this season.
There's even been an attempt at continuity and character development too!And for me the Lois/Clark chemistry is darn near COMBUSTIBLE this season!

[supermanover21]

I have to disagree with you. In fact, the whole season feels like a breath of fresh air, and all the actors seem to be feeling it. Out of all the scenes I'm enjoying the most, Clark & Lois scenes are by far the best.

I don't think Tom Welling is a great actor, but he's good for this role, and I haven't seen any changes with him. Erica Durance is just fabulous as Lois, and that hasn't changed, either.


I love this season, too (far more than last season) and I love Tom and Erica. Maybe I'm just upset because it feels more like Superman than Smallville. They've been so intent on introducing characters from the comics that, to me, it doesn't feel like Clarks' journey to becoming Superman anymore.

There are some scenes between them, though, that come off as "going through the motions."

So far I'm happy with this season, though. I was very impressed in "committed" when the guy asked Lois if she loved clark and she said yes while crying. I was more impressed with that than when she was Mrs. Zod. There are always ups and downs, though.

[curiosity]

I think the acting this season has been far superior to previous seasons.

I totally agree. :)

[Firebunny]

Well, I'll be the one person to agree with the OP.

I think TW's acting this season has been below par. He's been very wooden. I don't like saying this, because he's my favorite actor on the show, but he can do (he has done) better.

I thought the Clark/Jimmy hospital scene in Instinct was particularly bad. He resorted to model poses and voice inflection, but put no real meaning behind his lines. In Prey, which I thought was written fairly well, he was one note. Clark came off as a jerk mostly because TW didn't add any levels to his performance.

When I look back at Vengence, Freak or Persona (amoung others) I can see the skill he's developed in his craft. So far this season (with the exception of maybe Odyssey) that skill has been missing. I hope he steps up in future episodes, because I don't like thinking these things about him.

As for ED, I haven't noticed any drop in her performance level. It's pretty much the same as it's always been.

[supermanover21]

Well, I'll be the one person to agree with the OP.

I think TW's acting this season has been below par. He's been very wooden. I don't like saying this, because he's my favorite actor on the show, but he can do (he has done) better.

I thought the Clark/Jimmy hospital scene in Instinct was particularly bad. He resorted to model poses and voice inflection, but put no real meaning behind his lines. In Prey, which I thought was written fairly well, he was one note. Clark came off as a jerk mostly because TW didn't add any levels to his performance.

When I look back at Vengence, Freak or Persona (amoung others) I can see the skill he's developed in his craft. So far this season (with the exception of maybe Odyssey) that skill has been missing. I hope he steps up in future episodes, because I don't like thinking these things about him.

As for ED, I haven't noticed any drop in her performance level. It's pretty much the same as it's always been.

That's a very good critique.

Erica has had moments I thought haven't been to her usual excellence, but they've been few and far between. I'll change my stance on her this season, because she has been very solid.

[Sue Denim]

Tom doesn't look like he's having fun anymore to be honest. I blame work hours and Clark's story line. Clark comes off as only having one emotion with different volume levels now.

Erica's performances have been consistant, but perhaps a bit better in Siren. She blew that Clois scene out of the water, IMO.

I think Sam Witner is doing a fabulous job though. He's got difficult character to interpret I would think.

[BadToad]

Oh, so its going to be a Tom bashing thread. Thats always fun :\

Well, IMO, I think Tom has been amazing this season. I think he's brought a lot of strength and conviction and confidence into Clark. He seems to me, IMO, to be enjoying himself. I think he must LOVE the opportunity to play Clark as a grown up. I think he likes playing Clark with a bit of humor too, not to mention intelligence. And God knows he hasn't been able to show those things over the last few years. I don't think being depressed over Lana, and having Chloe act as his brain is the sort of thing that really allowed him to have any fun. He must've been sick to death of those scenes.

I love the way Tom has been in scenes with all the actors. And I see more and more of the future Superman in every episode. I don't think he's wooden at all. But then again, I never did, and my enjoyment of his character and acting are not tied to the female character he's having scenes with. I like him for him. :)

In this last episode, I think my favorite scene of his was the one with Tess. I love the calm resolve he brought to that scene. In the past, he would've gotten all nervous when confronted with the footprint. But now Clark has much more confidence in himself, and I think Tom plays that beautifully.

I also loved all his scenes with Kara. I found his refusal to leave Kara very moving, and his last scene with her was very emotional.

For me, IMO, I think all of the SV's actors have had the chance to shine this season (and they've all had moments when they didn't so much). But when I watch, I get the rather strong feeling that Tom is loving a lot of the material he's being given this season, and who could blame him?

And I think Erica has never been better, IMO Her Faora was great.

Cassiday and Sam are both very good actors that bring a lot. Cassiday might want to tone down the Cruella De Ville a bit thought, IMO.

[Inked]

I don't know which group to go into - that Tom isn't enjoying himself as much or that he's not too happy with the way his character is this season. I went back to see some episodes (including the Gemini arc) from last season and I must say, he looked like he was having a whole lot of fun doing them. I don't see the same thing now, at least not as much, just glimmers here and there.

I was thinking about LV earlier today and I think she's around KK's level from the later seasons. LV seems to improve quite fast though so I can see her getting a lot better.

AM - I really enjoy her performances in every episode because she brings something very human into them. Or in-human, when the script calls for it.

I think ED hasn't improved much. Actually, I enjoyed her a lot more in season 4-6, then she was written passively in season 7 and I can't see any real acting improvement this season. Faora was fun, but that's what possessions are for on this show - getting you out of having to play the same person.

JH is impressing me more and more this season, I think he's becoming comfortable as Ollie and GA and having more episodes is making him secure with the way he approaches the character. I loved him in season 6 and now he seems even better :)

SV hit the jackpot with the new actors this season. Sam Witmer is a very high class actor, Cassidy Freeman is also amazing. Tess/Clark, Tess/Chloe, Davis/Chloe and Davis/Clark are usually my favorite scenes this season.

I think AA is severely underused and Jimmy has been proven to be written a lot better (Identity) so why they don't drop the romantic bollocks and focus on the cool Jimmy, I really don't understand.

[TOMophilus]

Well, IMO, I think Tom has been amazing this season. I think he's brought a lot of strength and conviction and confidence into Clark. He seems to me, IMO, to be enjoying himself. I think he must LOVE the opportunity to play Clark as a grown up. I think he likes playing Clark with a bit of humor too, not to mention intelligence. And God knows he hasn't been able to show those things over the last few years. I don't think being depressed over Lana, and having Chloe act as his brain is the sort of thing that really allowed him to have any fun. He must've been sick to death of those scenes.
I totally agree. All this "subpar this season" and "wooden" escapes me... :rolleyes:

I just hope Tom leaves after Season 8 because it seems the SV viewers simply don´t deserve him.

[Bane]

The acting has always been pretty solid, especially regarding the season regulars. The only bad acting I've seen thus far this season was from the actress who portrayed Maxima.

Also, you guys need to calm down. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and if you can't handle that, you shouldn't even be here.

[Kalista]

You can be a fan of the actor and still admit when their acting isn't the greatest. If you are fan, then it obviously isn't bashing, it's just an honest opinion. AM and TW are my favorite cast members but I can recall several scenes off th top of my head where I wasn't sold on their acting. Does that mean I'm bashing them? Does it make me less of a fan? No. I just don't understand that all or nothing mentality. It's like saying you can't be a real fan of character/actor X if you happen to dislike their acting in a couple of scenes.

[TOMophilus]

^^ Yes, but the complaints here are not about the occasional scene but about the entire season. And that´s what I don´t see at all in Tom´s case.

[Kalista]

Well, I only skimmed the comments in the thread but I don't see anyone saying that the acting has been bad every second of every episode this season. The OP used the phrase "at times" when he mentioned certain actors being wooden. I can agree with that opinion.

ED wasn't convincing as Faora. I know Kryptonians are rigid and stiff but she was too robotic. All I could see was ED pretending to be another character and it felt like she was acting. The best acting I have seen from her happened in Siren. I feel that TW is bored in certain scenes especially his confrontation with Faora and I didn't like the way he delivered the "kumbaya" line in Prey. I hated AM's delivery of the "what's with the 'tude" line in Prey .

SW is wonderful but I thought he was a little over the top in the scene at Isis where he and Chloe discussed the possibility of him being the killer and so on and so on.

Actually, based on the comments in this thread, there are more people who share your opinion than those that do not so I don't think a few dissenting opinions are that bad.

[margroks]

I think TW was always believable as Clark and it must be remembered he is always directed to make Clark stoic, especialy in early seasons. But even TW admits he didn't know what he was doing at first and his solution was to get an acting coach and watch the pros he had around him such as MR, JG and AM. It became quickly apparent he was interested in his chosen craft and interested in improving and it showed. Tom's best work has always been with those same experienced actors and that's what chemistry is all about: being able to bounce off one another and come off as believable. It's been wonderful to see him grow as an actor to the point he is considered a leader on set.

The worst acting on the show has often been guest stars, KK, especially early on although she has improved substantially, and IMO, from the start, ED has never performed well. When she arrived, her earliest scenes with Tom were good because Tom brought the comedic funny which I would love to see more on Smallville. ED consistently performs poorly, and overacts to try and compensate for her lack of range and experience and I think she is actually getting worse, not better. Tom has a hard time acting opposite her both because of her lack of abilty and their complete lack of acting chemistry and because of the whiplash plots and retcons which have to make any actor's job harder when characters and background get altered and what you thought was your motivation changes. All of the actors have had problems this year because of that but ED just hasn't got it and he scenes are often unwatchable as a result. Giving ED a little more screentime has made her lack of talent and experience even more glaring and the show has gone downhill as a result.

[stenochick]

I think ED is hitting it out of the park and TW is always consistent. He plays a budding superhero so it's not like he's going to be Hamlet every week. Clark does not display a lot of emotion. TW really shines in his scenes with ED, and whenever there is humor involved.

[miks]

I agree with the OP. TW is not a bad actor he's just not doing that great this season, that isn't a bash, it's stating my opinion. ED was never a good actor in my opinion and her role as Faora was not convincing to say the least, so she hasn't gone down in my book, she's been exactly the same.

[mistaguitarmasta]

TW, ED, and especially AM are having an amazing season. Just fantastic. Some of the best material since mid-Season 5

[Tatiana]

I like Tom's acting, it has definitely improved since season 1, the only times I don't believe his emotions too much is when he cries. Although there are some scenes where he has cried in the past, like when his father died, where I cried with him. I think he has great facial expressions. I think Erica is doing awesome with her flirtatious yet trying to hide her feelings attitude. I have to agree that the girl that played Maxima wasn't so good. I also love Sam, he is so scary, yet vulnerable at the same time..he makes me feel sorry for Doomsday and scared. I like Cassidy, I am not sure we have seen the best of her yet though...I am still waiting.

[petitemimi]

First, I totally disagree with the original poster. Some people may not like the direction the show is going, that doesn't mean that the acting is bad.
Tom has always been a professional, even when the writing made Clark look bad in previous seasons, and Clark being more proactive than ever this year, I don't see why his acting would be subpar. It isn't, IMO.

I also disagree with "I'm a fan, therefore what I say can't be bashing."

[Tatiana]

well bashing is different than critizing, you can give constructive critizism without bashing, like I said I think Tom is doing a great job this season and has improved a lot, he still has some things he can work on but I love what he is doing with Clark this season, he has even made his body look more Supermanly

[Bizarrolover]

I really like the performances this season, the actors seem to be enjoying themselves a lot more than in S7 (except for the Bizarro arc, it's obvious that TW enjoys it when he's liberated from Clark's rigidity) though I think that some things could be polished. Tom should try to get rid of some of Clark's mannerisms (he cocks his head to the side too often for my taste, sometimes two or three times per episode) and AM comes out as too sweet when playing the protector of the meteor freaks. But that's just me, I can't really complain about the acting that much. I'm loving the season so far.

[Kalista]

I also disagree with "I'm a fan, therefore what I say can't be bashing."

I'm not sure if this is directed toward my comment but allow me to clarify. In other words, AM and TW are my favorite actors. I absolutely adore them and that's why I watch the show. Yet, as much as I adore them, I can freely admit when their acting is off. Basically, since I love them so much, I wouldn't needlessly criticize them. That's what I meant when I said that I am a fan so I'm not bashing them.

[SteveS]

Well, I have gone on record as saying ED did a good job as Mama Zod so in this case, I disagree that the acting has been generally poor.

[Alicia Chipy]

Well, I have gone on record as saying ED did a good job as Mama Zod so in this case, I disagree that the acting has been generally poor.

Wow!! A positive comment about ED by SteveS.:eek:
Hell has frozen over, and pigs do fly!:lol:

[The Krypton Knight]

Personally, I don't feel Sam Witwer's performances much. His speech about "a darkness within me" with Chloe earlier in S8 sounded corny to me.

It's early though, so maybe he'll grow on me, ala Green Arrow/Justin Hartley.

I think Tom Welling has been as good this season as any other. He IS Clark Kent to me now, so I don't ever find much fault in his acting. I also enjoy ED's performances now as much as I ever did. She does a good job bringing out Lois' over the top personality, and is playing the "tentative feelings for Clark" role perfectly, IMO. AM is her usual consistently brilliant self, and I agree with the sentiments that JH has really improved and has a good hold on his characters personality. Overall, I don't have any problems with the acting this season, I think it's as good as its ever been, besides my points about Witwer/Davis, though I do find it annoying (slightly) to see Cassidy Freeman doing her best Michael Rosenbaum impression. It's not her fault, he's just so good at it!

[Firebunny]

I'm not sure if this is directed toward my comment but allow me to clarify. In other words, AM and TW are my favorite actors. I absolutely adore them and that's why I watch the show. Yet, as much as I adore them, I can freely admit when their acting is off. Basically, since I love them so much, I wouldn't needlessly criticize them. That's what I meant when I said that I am a fan so I'm not bashing them. I have to agree with this. It's not bashing to give an honest opinion of one of your favorite actors. It doesn't make you less of a fan or "undeserving."

If I was in the mood to bash an actor I wouldn't choose TW. I generally like and admire the work he's done on Smallville (just not this season). If I wanted to bash an actor I'd pick someone else, because there are one or two on the show that I don't really like. But I'm comfortable enough in my admiration of TW to look at his work critically. When I give him praise, which I do, it's because he's earned it. It isn't a hollow "Oh my Gosh! I LOVE HIM!"

I criticized MR in Season 6 when I felt he was phoning it in. In Season 7 he came back and nailed his scenes. I'm hoping TW will do the same. I'm excited to see what he'll do in Abyss, because I think there may be a chance for him to shine.

[ClarksGal]

I think that this year has really allowed ED to expand her character and flex her acting muscles, and she has risen to the occasion beautifully. This is the first year I have seen true chemistry between ED and TW, other than the snarky stuff, but I don't think that's due to the actors...I think the stories didn't yet call for it. I think both of them are fantastic actors. In fact, I think the entire cast of SV is amazing.

[Hopefulsuicide]

i don't think Tom has expressed much emotion all season... he's been kind of paper thing too me... but i know i'm in a serious minority

i think everyone else has been brilliant, i finally adore ED's Lois, Alison has been great, i have been enjoying davis, and even jimmy stepped up in identity in my eyes...

but there hasn't been a moment in the season that has made me go 'yes, that was great acting tom'

[old guy]

i don't think Tom has expressed much emotion all season... he's been kind of paper thing too me... but i know i'm in a serious minority

i think everyone else has been brilliant, i finally adore ED's Lois, Alison has been great, i have been enjoying davis, and even jimmy stepped up in identity in my eyes...

but there hasn't been a moment in the season that has made me go 'yes, that was great acting tom'

I would agree that Tom has been less emotional this season, but I wouldn't say that it is a result of poor acting. If being more emotional means doing more whining and pining over Lana, I'll gladly take the less emotional version!

But I think that Clark is clearly taking very distinct steps closer to becoming Superman this season. And as a rule, I think Superman tends to be less emotional than other superheroes. When you have a woman screaming as they are falling from a helicoptor and Superman calmly catches her and just says "easy Miss, I've got you" with the same ease as carrying a bag of groceries, there may not be a lot of emotion there, but yet playing it as if this is so easy for you because you have the power of a god - yes I would say that is very good acting. That is what that type of character requires - and Chris Reaves delivered that. And Tom is getting closer and closer to that level. So I interpret Tom's "more serious" tone this season to be by design to show his development.

[supermanover21]

First, I totally disagree with the original poster. Some people may not like the direction the show is going, that doesn't mean that the acting is bad.
Tom has always been a professional, even when the writing made Clark look bad in previous seasons, and Clark being more proactive than ever this year, I don't see why his acting would be subpar. It isn't, IMO.

I also disagree with "I'm a fan, therefore what I say can't be bashing."


Direction has nothing to do with acting, that's true. I don't dislike some of the acting this season because of the direction the show is gong.

Making 22 episode season is hard, I'm sure. I don't expect the acting to be "Superb" every week, but I would think that each week the actors would give it all they have, and I don't think that's always the case.