Hero: One long, cheesy commercial for "Stride" gum.

[lastwords]

Stride gum factory, stride gum gave the superpowers, stride stride stride...
Plus the jokes about the factory having to close because of the "super long lasting flavor..." Fun

Plus....why did nothing from the commercial ads eg.clark getting trapped in that box thingy not happen...?

well probally thats for a future episode..
meh.

[Twitch]

Haha yep, they should have just named the episode STRIDE :lol:

[lastwords]

that would have been funny.
Instead of Hero....Stride.
wow. that would really have been more approiate.
Anyone want to buy stride gum now?

[superhippie2000]

i dont see the episode till tommorow but remember its a Pete episode and pete episodes have always been about promotion lol.

as for the box thing that trailer was for more tyhen one episode.

[lastwords]

yeah i figured that but thats too bad. It would have been better if it wasn't. Meh.

[NeoSuperman]

Smallville has been a product placing whore for a while now hasn't it? I don't get it, is the show in need of money or something? I don't know which plug was more shameful, this one or the one where they spend like, what, 10 minutes of Lois advertising that Yaris car.

[BkWurm1]

Well, it is kind of appropriate for Pete, the product placement king, to be infected from product placement gum.

As for buying it, well, since it started showing up in random scenes I have been buying it to show support for the show (advertiser money rules the roost) but I'm not so sure now that they are bludgeoning us over the head. Also, I might want to avoid the green version from now on.;)

[Charissa70]

guess Stride commercials weren't working before-lasting long..... so now it will be placed in some kids minds that it has super powers. Maybe they are hoping that everyone gets it placed somewhere in the back of their minds about the superpower and go out and buy it. (be funny if the cw gets caught doing that subliminal message thing and now everyone will start buying that stupid gum)

[Lara Lane]

I don't know which plug was more shameful, this one or the one where they spend like, what, 10 minutes of Lois advertising that Yaris car.

Wasn't it a Ford Fusion?

Or wait, were there two of them? :p

[lastwords]

Serousily, for anyone who has yet to see the episode well...Its a all out ad (duh) anyway.... Its....great. I might invest in Green stride gum. I want to be able to strech;):p:D

[Polomontana]

Stride Gum. A concert in a gum warehouse?

[biggkoz]

Stide stride stride stride stride stride stride you want some stride stride stride stride

[ginnyfan]

:rotfl:

*goes out to buy stride gum*

[smallvillefreak24]

ya definatley a little over the top and WHY In the world did One Republic play at a gum factory?

[alienkinfolk]

Plus....why did nothing from the commercial ads eg.clark getting trapped in that box thingy not happen...?
well probally thats for a future episode..
meh.

:confused:yes... i was wondering when CK was going to be in the cage. When he was snooping around the factory I was saying to myself....okay is this when he gets caught in the cage. but nada
they really don't need to do that to us

[Ginx]

I was almost ashamed and embarrassed that SV had such an overpowering product placement this time... I mean.... it was just sad.

I'm surprised Ollie didn't show up just to hold a pack of gum because he's green and the gum flav they were hauking was green.......

I hang my head in shame for SV for this episode..... they could have done so much with it and bringing Pete back.... they chewed up the episode and spat it out like a crappy piece of gum.....

[Minela]

That was the most blatent form of product placement that I have ever seen in my life. Smallville is really good at that, I guess I really don't mind it since it gives the show money and without it we wouldn't have a show. It just really cheapens the whole thing, IMO.

[psyko69]

To copy my other post:

I've noticed a ton of product placement and in show ads this season, but I have to say I really don't mind. We are getting the most awesome season the show has had. It is kicking the crap out of five. The ads pay for the killer special effects (flying, Brainiac, Canary Cry...) which have all been top notch this season. I honestly don't mind this ad stuff one bit if it keeps delivering such wicked payoff!:D

[TWLOVER03]

its ppp [Product Placement Pete] at it again!

[rocana]

Don't forget Clark's Toyota Tundra that constantly gets extended shots of it driving off... That looked totally out of place too!

[TWLOVER03]

plus isn't clark supposed to be like financially challenged? so the fact that he has a spankin' new truck every three episodes in kind of funny

[Randy G.]

The whole Stride overkill thing sucked. :rolleyes:
I might have before, but I wouldn't buy the gum now if I had to.
I'm tired of hearing about it. They even sponsored Reaper tonight too.

[TWLOVER03]

Stride Gum. A concert in a gum warehouse?

With OneRepublic playing in Smallville in a gum warehouse...
yeahh!
\hapens all teh time...:rotfl::lol::p

[AndiGirl]

And...a two day concert?? Or did all of this happen in the span of a day? I was confused...seemed weird either way.

[rocana]

Well Pete was wearing the same clothes the entire episode... but then again I think all the guys on this show have one set of clothes so who knows?

[Alexander III]

Geez, can't they all be just friends for one episode?!?!?! Why can't Clark, Lex and Pete just stand in front of the stage and enjoy theOneRepublic concert and sing along with the band?! Why can't it happen? Why? Whyyyyyyyyyy?

[minerva73]

The advertising for the Stride in this episode was so excessive that the ads at the top of the page here are advertising Stride as well... -_-

[AndiGirl]

If I saw Pete chew another piece of gum I was going to scream...plus, it just looked weird. Is that what we really look like when we pop a piece of gum in? thats enough to make me quit!

[Twitch]

If I saw Pete chew another piece of gum I was going to scream...plus, it just looked weird. Is that what we really look like when we pop a piece of gum in? thats enough to make me quit!
:rotfl:

That was some serious gum chewing by Pete, he was really getting into it! Had that great 'smacking' sound to it as well, you're supposed to chew with your mouth closed Pete! Gawsh!

[ginnyfan]

ya definatley a little over the top and WHY In the world did One Republic play at a gum factory?

And didn't anyone working for either the gum factory or the concert company notice that there was a huge crack in the foundation oozing toxic substances?

[Who]

I want mine Kryptonite flavored please.

[KKrazy]

Don't forget Clark's Toyota Tundra that constantly gets extended shots of it driving off... That looked totally out of place too!

I totally saw that!!! What is the point of that?!?!?! :D

Stride gum factory, stride gum gave the superpowers, stride stride stride...
Plus the jokes about the factory having to close because of the "super long lasting flavor..." Fun

:rotfl::lol::rotfl::lol::rotfl:

I want mine Kryptonite flavored please.

I wonder what that would taste like...................... minty???

If I saw Pete chew another piece of gum I was going to scream...plus, it just looked weird. Is that what we really look like when we pop a piece of gum in? thats enough to make me quitThat was some serious gum chewing by Pete, he was really getting into it! Had that great 'smacking' sound to it as well, you're supposed to chew with your mouth closed Pete! Gawsh!!

Hahaha, that was funny, every scene you see Pete in, he was chewing gum, :lol:

[highdro_pharmer]

plus isn't clark supposed to be like financially challenged? so the fact that he has a spankin' new truck every three episodes in kind of funny

I think Clark probably has some cash flow left over from the bank heist at the start of season 3 when he went Godzilla on the ATM machines... either that or he's growing dope out in Evans' Field with Ricky and Julian from Trailer Park Boys... now that's a cross-series promotion I'd like to see!


I don't know which plug was more shameful, this one or the one where they spend like, what, 10 minutes of Lois advertising that Yaris car.

As far as cheap plugs go, I really hate the flavour-of-the-week pop bands that they devote 5 minutes of the show to feature... for a high school prom scene I can understand getting bands like Lifehouse or Remy Zero, but why the hell did Lex get the All-American Rejects to play at his costume party (Season 6)? Doesn't he always listen to classical music when he's bombing down the highway in his many tricked-out rides? IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE!:eek:

[smallville32]

Was I the only one who thought it was stupid at the beginning when Pete was all like: Man I need some gum! COME ON!! The product placement for this episode was through the roof and I THINK IT REALLY MADE THE EPISODE WORSE THAN IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN

[xrayvision]

As soon as I saw the Stride gum logo, I immediately had the reaction that it was done as a joke regarding "Product Placement Pete".

[plasticpopcorn4/SuPeRd]

OMGGGGGG, for me cheesy isnt the word. TACKY is more like it.
when i saw the sign on the club i was like wth it looked liked the gum, and then they go to the scene where petes asking for gum and i was like wow...

yea it did seem to make the episode worse. What happened when things used to be subtle or did stride just give out big money?

[ClareKent]

I don't even know what the Stride gum it is :lol: and yeah, all that product placement was awful :mad:

[BWOracle]

I didn’t mind the Stride stuff too much but I hated when Chloe used their ad line in her dialog about lasting a long time.

[DreadShamus]

The nonstop product placement was really weak, but I really didn't pay too much attention to it. It didn't ruin the show for me... the poor writing and lame character development did.

----- Added 35 Seconds later -----

I'd vote... but...

Yes, it ruined or made
No, it ruined or made?

[hemmy]

It happens a lot in Smallville, although not to this extent. Honestly it doesn't effect my feelings toward an episode AT ALL, and it shouldn't for most people because it isn't being focused on.

[MidgardDragon]

No, I thought it was hilarious. It was a big old reference to Product Placement Pete, and it was very funny throughout. People getting worked up about product placement need to get off their high horse, and preferably have more faith in themselves. Do you really believe you will be brainwashed into buying Stride gum now, or are you just being self-righteous and indignant because that's what you're supposed to be?

http://www.deanesmay.com/posts/1132695749.shtml

ETA: *reads back over the thread*

Wow, did so many people really NOT get the reference? Go read some old threads for Seasons 1-3. It was in reference to Pete's role that the fans often commented on, AND it helped pay for the episode. They probably got enough money from Stride for Pete's stretching ability to not have had to spend any of the show's original effects budget. Seriously, get over it people.

As soon as I saw the Stride gum logo, I immediately had the reaction that it was done as a joke regarding "Product Placement Pete".

*Exactly*. I guess we're the only ones that got it. :lol:

[Superbeard]

SHAMELESS product placement.

Advertising these days wouldn't know aesthetics, subtlety or good taste these days if it was rammed up their ass. Which is kind of ironic now that I think of it...

[AmericanJan1]

The product placement was so cheesy. It was almost laughable. I understand they gotta pay the bills...but it was seriously hilarious this time. I am hoping I get some Stride gum that is laced with kryptonite. I wanna know what my 'meteor enhancement' is!!

:lol:

[ClarksGal]

Of course it was cheesey product placement. And it was even cheesier than usual, which I think was an intentional nod to Pete's famous plugs. The fact that they made him a roadie was just icing on the cake!!!

[ClarksGal]

Haha yep, they should have just named the episode STRIDE :lol:

Oh that woudl have been awesome!!!!

I think it's hilarious that they went so over the top with the product placement in this one. I mean, there's been a long-standing joke with Pete that he was the king of "hey, check out this CD that you should buy" or "this is the best concert ever!!!" I think the fact that they went so over the top with both themes in this episode was hilarious!!!

[Vergon6]

And...a two day concert?? Or did all of this happen in the span of a day? I was confused...seemed weird either way.
Yeah I was wondering about that myself, but some more popular bands actually have two concerts if they are popular enough in a city. U2 has done it for example. Also, some bands play special 'residencies' where they play several shows at one club. It's kind of bizarre that it was a gum factory though.

Regarding the absence of the cage. Most of the trailers they were showing for Smallville returning March 13 includes scenes from the next three episodes-"Hero", "Traveler" and "Veritas". If you look at the Director's cut for "Traveler" on the CW's website (or the trailer) or if you look at the Spoilers section, you will note that the cage thing happens in the next episode, "Traveler"

[lastdaughterofkrypton]

Hero:
A Stride episode guest starring Smallville cast!

[RichardMarx]

I didn't like product placement either, but Smallville is an expensive show to produce and it's one of the least watched shows on television, so I can understand that they need to do it.

[Maddie Van Horn]

Hero:
A Stride episode guest starring Smallville cast!
thats exactly how i felt about the episode!

[GuitaristX]

What a horrible way for Pete to come back. Episode was OK at best, it did advance the Kara plot a little, and the CHLImmy (I don't even know what you people call this ship around these parts anymore) is apparently back on... so yay for that. But yeah, I didn't things could get any worse than Pete shouting "Remy Zero!!" back in Season 2... but it just did. "Stride" would have been a way better choice for the name of the ep.

[last man of krypton]

Do you really believe you will be brainwashed into buying Stride gum now, or are you just being self-righteous and indignant because that's what you're supposed to be?


Of course we're not expecting to be brainwashed, but considering how long Pete's been away it would've been nice to have a story where...
.....
........
must. buy. Stride.
must. buy. Stride.
*car revs, tyres screech*
*from distance* Remy Zero! :p

[clana4everfan2]

That was really cheesy product placement and it could've been done in a more interesting way.

[MRluvr]

Aww, c'mon! Who can hate Product Placement Pete??? yeah----LOL

[jazzylg]

cheesy but profitable!

[Twitch]

Wow, did so many people really NOT get the reference? Go read some old threads for Seasons 1-3. It was in reference to Pete's role that the fans often commented on, AND it helped pay for the episode. They probably got enough money from Stride for Pete's stretching ability to not have had to spend any of the show's original effects budget. Seriously, get over it people.

*Exactly*. I guess we're the only ones that got it. :lol:
Okay there Captain Serious, no need to be such a party pooper!

I'm pretty sure everyone got the Product Placement Pete thing, but that still doesn't mean it wasn't cheesy as hell. C'mon admit it, you must have cringed at least once during that episode. :lol:

[LovelyLoisLane]

It was very cheesy and the over the top, like all the Old Spice Red Zone going on in 'Jinx' lol, but it didn't bug me. It's pretty common place in 'SV' right? Now if I were watching a big budget Summer movie at the theater and that level of product placement was going on (and it wasn't a parody/comedy movie) I'd be like 'what the hell?' but on TV they need some budget help right? Nah, didn't bother me and I don't think it affected the storyline, beyond k-rock gum being a pretty cheesy plot device, but then the bright red-k lipstick in Crimson was too . . . and the magical Black K-rock in 'Crusade' and . . . *list goes on for a very long time* So, in conclusion, no it didn't ruin the episode.

Chloe's 'maybe they shouldn't make the flavor last quite so long' line was pretty lame though. I myself feel lame for thinking the big 'ole 'STRIDE' sign at the beginning was the name of a club . . .lol.

< Triple L = Dumb@ss

[Twitch]

It was very cheesy but it didn't bother me. It was over the top though, like all the Old Spice Red Zone going on in 'Jinx' lol, but it didn't bug me.

Chloe's 'maybe they shouldn't make the flavor last quite so long' line was pretty lame though. I myself feel lame for thinking the big 'ole 'STRIDE' sign at the beginning was the name of a club . . .lol.

< Triple L = Dumb@ss
Well that makes two of us then, I thought the same thing, until Pete asked for some gum. :o

[LovelyLoisLane]

Okay there Captain Serious, no need to be such a party pooper!

Captain Serious, lol, you sound like DCU Lois

"Thanks for the news flash Captain Obvious." :p

Speaking of product placement, that Stride (C) gum factory, is really going to need a Bissel (C) floor cleaner and probably some Lemon Pledge (C) to clean up that mess, no? Unless they want to put Post Its (c) all over warning people to stay away from the area.

----- Added 40 Seconds later -----

Well that makes two of us then, I thought the same thing, until Pete asked for some gum. :o


I'm glad I'm not the only one, it makes me feel slightly less like slapping myself in the head, lol.

[Twitch]

I'm glad I'm not the only one, it makes me feel slightly less like slapping myself in the head, lol.
Haha, glad I could help.

Who's that in your avatar btw?

[silver5liter]

what product placement? i thought it was just a 45 minute stride commercial with a smallville theme

[Superman790]

I was disappointed to find that Stride's Spearmint flavor did not give me superpowers like they advertised.

[guittarjedi]

Crass product placement is my kryptonite. I just started watching SV this season so I don't know who Pete is. I now hate him and wish I never would have found out who he was. I never want to see or hear about him again.

[Dannyblue1]

The product placement in "Hero" reminded me of this scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7thSdlRhuM

It was a tad more subtle in "Hero," but not by much.

[kasealaine]

Aren't we used to it by now? I remember back in the day when Pete gave Clark the Talon Mix and I thought, "Wow. What a low." A million Dells, AOL chats, and Yarises has desensitized me.

[Dannyblue1]

Aren't we used to it by now? I remember back in the day when Pete gave Clark the Talon Mix and I thought, "Wow. What a low." A million Dells, AOL chats, and Yarises has desensitized me.

I think there are ways to do product placement that can be tasteful and unobtrusive.

One character asking another if they'd like a Pepsi. (Something that happens in real life.)

A character using a specific type of computer, and the camera getting a shot of the logo on it. (Again, something that happens in real life.)

A character driving a specific model of car. (Again, people in real life buy automobiles. Although the long, lingering shot of Clark's new truck driving down the road was a bit much.)

But, dang, Stride gum was like another character in this episode. It was mentioned, shown, mentioned again, used as a prop, integral to the plot, shown a couple more times, and the slogan was even worked into conversation.

This went way beyond normal product placement. The only thing that stopped it from being an hour-long commercial was that no one actually looked at the camera, smiled brightly, and told us we'd love the delicious, long-lasting flavor of Stride gum.

[The Great Ymmij]

The product placement in "Hero" reminded me of this scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7thSdlRhuM

It was a tad more subtle in "Hero," but not by much.

LOL! Wow, thanks for the memories. Party time! Excellent!

[morethanmeetstheye]

But, dang, Stride gum was like another character in this episode. It was mentioned, shown, mentioned again, used as a prop, integral to the plot, shown a couple more times, and the slogan was even worked into conversation.

This went way beyond normal product placement. The only thing that stopped it from being an hour-long commercial was that no one actually looked at the camera, smiled brightly, and told us we'd love the delicious, long-lasting flavor of Stride gum.

Oh my god...this makes me laugh so hard. It was another character!
The prominence in the shots and number of times they brought it up was absolutely SHAMELESS!

Though I suppose Smallville has never been one for subtlety...(Clark's repetitive attire anyone?)

I was sitting there wondering if a new kryptonite-flavored gum was going to pop up on the shelves, they took it so far.

[Super_Kara_2007]

That's a real nice Truck. It was good to see Lana driving a different Vehicle. She had that bergundy Truck (Before it blew up) for Years. even it really fits Lana it was great to see her driving something different for a change.

[kasealaine]

But they're barely ever subtle. Last season Chloe said something along the lines of "Get in my Yaris." There aren't many people who say the brand name of their car when they're in a hurry (This was in Labyrinth. I'm pretty sure they were running-that's what they did most of the time). I mean, it just sounds awkward. The thing about product placement that is not done well is that it distracts from the episode.
Supernatural does product placement pretty tastefully. They liked to show Dean's chocolate phone, so when Sam would call him they would (sometimes) zoom in on the screen, and once he listened to music on it.

[ChrisDaMagic]

Stride must have let them use their gum because of the 'S' symbol. Stride is a very good gum though. If anyone noticed in Chloe's desk, she had Forever Fruit.

[Twitch]

Stride must have let them use their gum because of the 'S' symbol. Stride is a very good gum though. If anyone noticed in Chloe's desk, she had Forever Fruit.
Ha nice catch I didn't notice that one.

[lastdaughterofkrypton]

Ha nice catch I didn't notice that one.

I like your avatar...Do you know where I can find something like that for me?

[Twitch]

I like your avatar...Do you know where I can find something like that for me?

<a href="http://images.google.com/images?q=Stride+Gum&ndsp=18&um=1&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&start=0&sa=N">Click Here</A>

I just googled it :D

[lastdaughterofkrypton]

<a href="http://images.google.com/images?q=Stride+Gum&ndsp=18&um=1&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&start=0&sa=N">Click Here</A>

I just googled it :D
Thanks! :D

[Dannyblue1]

LOL! Wow, thanks for the memories. Party time! Excellent!

Both Wayne's World movies equal good times! :D

The thing about product placement that is not done well is that it distracts from the episode.

Exactly.

I got no problem with tasteful product placement. In the Supernatural example you used, characters on TV shows use cell phones. Often, they'll use some generic thing, and get no benefit from it. But if a sponsor will pay for a character to use a specific phone, meaning there will be more money for the budget, fine and dandy.

But the product placement in "Hero" was downright ridiculous. I wouldn't have been surprised if the following scene had ended the episode.

Lana: "Clark, I don't know how to tell you this. I did something I don't think even you will be able to forgive. I...chewed your last piece of Stride gum."

Clark: "What? You chewed my last piece of Stride gum?! Lana, how could you? You know how much I love its delicious, long-lasting flavor!"

[christian_kryptonian]

Ok, so maybe you hated it, but I thought it was pretty good. It fit in with everything, it was remeniscent of an earlier age in Smallville, and seemed to fit great for an epidsode with Pete in it. Pete always promoted the bands before, and he was around when there were FotW EVERY week. Having him sort of fill that role was good, along with him getting beat up for Clark. I thought they could have played that off a little better, but it was still great. It fit into Season 7, while making me think of back to seasons 2 and 3. I enjoyed seeing him, and I hope they bring him back for a story arc in season 8. Give Pete his chance to be a hero later with no powers. I would love it.

Call me a Pete-lover. I don't care. lol

[Dannyblue1]

Call me a Pete-lover. I don't care. lol

What does liking Pete have to do with Stride gum? And, while Pete might have been big on promoting bands in the past, what did Stride gum have to do with promoting the band?

[coasterprincess]

ooooh Product Placement Pete. I would have been amused if it wasn't so overdone. Stride gum....okay i could deal with that. Couple logos on boxes...fine. I could even possibly stretch that a concert would play there (since the episode was sponsored by them I'd just deal with it)

But to have the flags everywhere? The cheesy "Does the flavor last that long that the factory had to close" comment from Chloe? The awkward "here let me hold up the packet of gum right below my chin so the camera can see it yet again" moves?.....way too much.

[svtwamedfan05]

Definitely

[borednow]

Oh yeah all nice and shinny and new... the hack was up with that... I thought they were poor... well Lana isn't but...

FYI it was Chloe with the Yaris

[Polomontana]

It was a hour long commercial for Stride. The end of Smallville is near but it has had a good run.

[LovelyLoisLane]

Haha, glad I could help.

Who's that in your avatar btw?

Cheri Westin from the Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles show.

I thought all the product placement was a shout out to product placement Pete and just more of the same. Smallville has been doing over the top product placement like that for awhile now, so I'm not going to riled up about it now. I'm used to it and besides the show needs the money.

[ClarkyBoy14]

Except for that last scene w/ the gum, I didn't care about the product placement. It was obviously meant as a joke w/ PPP back.

It was explained why OneRepublic was playing in a Stride warehouse, and it's not too hard to imagine you'd see the Stride logo in one of their warehouses.

--

Clark's mom is a US senator and he's friends with two billionaires. It's not too far of a stretch to think he might own a nice truck. Anyways, hasn't he had the Tundra since S6?

[clarkbunny]

:rotfl::rotfl:Don't forget Clark's Toyota Tundra that constantly gets extended shots of it driving off... That looked totally out of place too!

LOL we just needed a shot of Clark sitting in the Tundra chewing stride gum while holding the pack up whilst reading the back so the front was in clear view to the camera saying something like "you just can't beat that long lasting taste....." :rotfl:

[Twitch]

LOL we just needed a shot of Clark sitting in the Tundra chewing stride gum while holding the pack up whilst reading the back so the front was in clear view to the camera saying something like "you just can't beat that long lasting taste....." :rotfl:
...while talking on his sprint phone with Chloe asking if her Yaris gets good mileage. :lol:

Joking about the product placement is fun :D

[DreadShamus]

...while talking on his sprint phone with Chloe asking if her Yaris gets good mileage. :lol:

Joking about the product placement is fun :D

:rotfl:

[dotsie23]

Stride must've shelled out a heck of a lot of dough in advertisement for a one-hour time slot! :eek:

[clarkbunny]

...while talking on his sprint phone with Chloe asking if her Yaris gets good mileage. :lol:

Joking about the product placement is fun :D

Chloe could be shown sitting in her Yaris in an adidas tracksuit, stroking her adidas trainers and drinking Pepsi cola.

[Dannyblue1]

I know people have complained about product placement before, but I usually didn't mind it at all.

So what if they showed the logo on Chloe's computer? She's gotta use something, and if showing the logo scores them extra cash for the budget, cool.

Same with the cars the characters drove. They gotta drive something, why not a specific car a sponsor paid them to use?

But there's a difference between harmless product placement, and an entire episode being tailored to push a product, and that product being written into the dialog (in a very awkward way, I might add).

I've seen shows make product placement into a funny thing before, but I just don't think that's what "Hero" was trying to do. It wasn't about the humor, but pushing a product they were getting paid to push...hard.

Picking on the product placement is this ep is kinda fun, but it's fun I hope we won't be having with other, more serious episodes. The problem with product placement going overboard is that it pulls the audience out of the episode so they are more aware of being sold to than they are of the story. And, well, that ain't good.

[clarkbunny]

I dunno about you guys but I have just signed off on a major shipment of Stride gum to be shipped over to me in the UK. I don't know what came over me but after watching this episode I had a strange desire to want to eat it. I can't think why???

[dotsie23]

I dunno about you guys but I have just signed off on a major shipment of Stride gum to be shipped over to me in the UK. I don't know what came over me but after watching this episode I had a strange desire to want to eat it. I can't think why???

Yes how very strange! :rotfl:

[theWatcher]

I truly did not like the fact that the episode felt like a lond television commercial, however, Stride's involvement did give the show a sense of true realism.

[Drew]

I don't mind product placement, like in an earlier episode when Clark is tying up his laces for football and they have Greenday playing in the background with a huge Old Spice banner behind him. This episode however, went overboard.

Chloe's line about the Stride gum factory closing because of the long lasting flavor was one of the biggest cringe-worthy moments on SV.

Not saying the episode was bad, but the advertisement lessened the overall quality of the show.

[Old Juan]

I know people have complained about product placement before, but I usually didn't mind it at all.

So what if they showed the logo on Chloe's computer? She's gotta use something, and if showing the logo scores them extra cash for the budget, cool.

Same with the cars the characters drove. They gotta drive something, why not a specific car a sponsor paid them to use?

But there's a difference between harmless product placement, and an entire episode being tailored to push a product, and that product being written into the dialog (in a very awkward way, I might add).

I've seen shows make product placement into a funny thing before, but I just don't think that's what "Hero" was trying to do. It wasn't about the humor, but pushing a product they were getting paid to push...hard.

Picking on the product placement is this ep is kinda fun, but it's fun I hope we won't be having with other, more serious episodes. The problem with product placement going overboard is that it pulls the audience out of the episode so they are more aware of being sold to than they are of the story. And, well, that ain't good.

Agree 100 percent here. Smallville has had product placement before but never so blatant and over abundant as in this episode. Calling it a hour long commercial for Stride is a pretty accurate assessment. That's something that can't be said for any of the other times when Smallville has had product placement. It's pretty embarrassing. I feel sorry for actors whenever they have to deliver product placement lines and that goes doubly for this episode.

[Vergon6]

Yeah I agree. The episode was good in my opinion, but the over-use of references to Stride gum, and that cringe-worthy line by Chloe were a bit too much to bare. Hopefully they will use the money they got from this episode for some spectacular special effects in the next few episodes.

[mish]

ya definatley a little over the top and WHY In the world did One Republic play at a gum factory?

the same reason why All american rejects play at a local hick town coffee shop.
and Life house play at school proms.

[smallvillelogan]

What other gum companies have gum packages that are colored kryptonite-green? Not many. Stride works into it because they do.

[jazel]

Currently I am in the market for a Yaris, while chewing my green-k colored Stride....I don't believe in product placement, but there might something to it.:lol:

[Ardiem3]

Stride is a sponsor for the show but the episode wasnt made for Stide. I think Pete still would of gotten meteor freak powers from gum, even if Stride wasnt the sponsor, but since they were, it was some more advertising for them.

[Welling_is_pretty]

I had read some spoilers before this episode aired that said that Pete got his powers from chewing gum. I immediately began to wonder which gum he would be doing product placement for. Cause we all know an appearance by Pete means Product Placement!

[smallvillelogan]

Cause we all know an appearance by Pete means Product Placement!

:lol:

[Hopefulsuicide]

Anyone want to buy stride gum now?

:rotfl:

well i'm in britain so i can't lol... the advertising was a little lost on me

but im not sure i would have wanted to anyway... i mean its was glowing, made pete into an arrogant and immature boy with a kinda creepy temporary power

if they wanted the gum to seem cool, they could have made his breath so minty fresh it was irrisistable or something

[Ardiem3]

I actually bought some the day after it aired, the green package. Did "Smallville" incorporate a subliminal message for me to buy some, I dont know, but I did, curious... :confused::lol:

[dcmarriott]

I bet that in three or four years, when we watch this episode on DVD, we'll be trying to remember if Stride Gum was a real product, or just something that the writers made up for this show.

[ginnyfan]

Well I bought a pack of Stride gum and a pack of 5 gum. They taste like gum. The packaging is very cool.

[aXem]

Of course we're not expecting to be brainwashed, but considering how long Pete's been away it would've been nice to have a story where...
.....
........
must. buy. Stride.
must. buy. Stride.
*car revs, tyres screech*
*from distance* Remy Zero! :p

ahahahha

----- Added 40 Minutes later -----

this thread is so funny, I can't wait to see this episode

----- Added 41 Minutes later -----

the same reason why All american rejects play at a local hick town coffee shop.
and Life house play at school proms.

those are very different scenes than a gum factory.

[smallvillelogan]

I actually kinda do want to buy some stride gum now. :lol:

[Kryptongurl07]

I hated all the promo crap they did for Stride. How obvious can you be that you've sold your soul to a gum factory in this episode? Smallville creators, how could you?

I do like the fact that the writers (IMO) snuck in some resentment for the Stride Co. When Chloe says "I guess the flavor really did last too long" and the fact that the factory was shut down and was tainted with dangerous chemicals shows the writers weren't pleased with the hostile takeover of Stride.

Ha. I just realized how much Stride sounds like LuthorCorp. Kinda funny, huh?

[boberthavok]

Stride probably paid for most of the episode. Plus with out all these products and stuff on Smallville the show would not have the budget it does have.

[LexLuv180]

Product placement doesn't bother me. If I even notice it, I just find it funny. As long as it keeps our show on the air, I say go for it

[Ardiem3]

Product placement doesn't bother me. If I even notice it, I just find it funny. As long as it keeps our show on the air, I say go for it

Yea, its necessary, for if it wasnt for products, sponsors, and placements, "Smallville" and other shows wouldnt have a budget.

[smallvillelogan]

Stride probably paid for most of the episode. Plus with out all these products and stuff on Smallville the show would not have the budget it does have.

This is exactly right. Too stay on the air, they need these advertisements to help their funding. Don't we all like expensive special effects to help the show look good? For this, I say, thanks Stride.

[Lostfan588]

I saw a Stride pack of gum at Walmart today...for some reason I felt a surge of annoyance.

[TheANIMAL (marcus)]

I bought some Wrigleys Extra the other day out of spite, i don't often buy gum anymore but i felt annoyed by this episode.

[Twitch]

I bought some Wrigleys Extra the other day out of spite, i don't often buy gum anymore but i felt annoyed by this episode.
Haha I'm not as strong as you then, I gave in and bought a pack of Stride like two days ago.

And yes, I'm still chewing my first piece.

[Welling_is_pretty]

I saw a Stride pack of gum at Walmart today...for some reason I felt a surge of annoyance.
hee.

I will never be able to see Stride gum (in stores or their commercials) now without thinking of Product Placement Pete!
;)

[dotsie23]

Welcome to Strideville! :D

[dunkman]

Wasn't it a Ford Fusion?

Or wait, were there two of them? :p

Lois had the Ford Fusion, & Chloe has the Yaris. If I remember correctly, it was crazy Chloe in "Labyrinth" that first had the Yaris - before that she had the VW Beetle. All these college-aged kids seem to have no trouble buying new cars, huh? I'm sure Lana had money from her parents' death even before her "divorce settlement" with Lex, so that's a good enough explanation for why she kept having those red SUVs, & Clark didn't get the Tundra until his mom was a senator, so that fits, but how did Lois afford a new Fusion after having just started working at the Inquisitor, & how does Chloe keep getting all these new cars? Product placement should make more sense that this!

As far as Stride gum goes, the other day I was at Wal-mart hoping to get some kryptonite-laced gum myself, & there was no green Stride gum to be found! Apparently, as much as we knock it, the marketing schemes on Smallville work!

[Dannyblue1]

This is exactly right. Too stay on the air, they need these advertisements to help their funding. Don't we all like expensive special effects to help the show look good? For this, I say, thanks Stride.

I've got nothing against product placement. In fact, if a show can get more money just for having a character use a specific make of car, phone, computer, etc., I'm all for it.

But there's a way to do product placement that isn't obtrusive and doesn't mess with the storyline. Because, no matter how much money the show has for special effects, if blatant product placement has driven some of your viewers away, there won't be many left to see those pretty effects.

In one episode, Chloe opened her desk drawer, and there was a pack of Stride gum. That is what I consider reasonable product placement.

But when you've got a character holding a pack of Stride up to the camera, and smiling brightly like they are in an actual gum commercial, it's safe to say that's going overboard.

[LovelyLoisLane]

I only chew Orbit. ADA approved and prevents cavaties, not to mention . . .

Dirty mouth? Clean it up with Orbit. Fabulous!

Sweet Mint
Bubble Mint
Raspberry Mint
Orange Mint
Lemon Lime
Mint Mojito
Melon Mint

Stride didn't win me over.

[clarkbunny]

They featured Stride gum in this episode???? I can't say I noticed LOL!

[laughingjellybean]

AGH i thought the stride advertising was absolutely shameless in this episode. what with the 47-second shot of Pete opening the box of stride gum ZOOMED IN on the "s" and everything, yeah it was pretty darn bad. if there's an award for most relentless advertising in a tv show, Hero/Stride should definitely win. haha. it was pretty darn terrible. I will definitely be boycotting stride gum for a while... ha.