WARNING: Details about the Smallville Earth-167 scene in Crisis on Infinite Earths are being discussed within.
Those who might have been let down by the fate of Smallville’s Clark Kent as played by Tom Welling in The CW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover might have a reminder that this may have been his wish way back in his own series’ first episode, written by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar back in 2001.
In a scene from the “Pilot,” Clark is showing off that he is anything but normal by putting his arm inside a woodchipper in front of his adoptive father, Jonathan Kent (John Schneider).
“I’d give anything to be normal,” he said.
Now, several years after Smallville’s end, Clark has gotten his wish, settling down with Lois Lane (Erica Durance) and raising two daughters. Producers have discussed part of the reason this decision and “happy ending” for Clark were made, though the decision has been controversial among some Smallville fans, even though it could be noted that in his own way, Tyler Hoechlin’s Superman also had given up his powers to raise a child with Lois Lane on Argo City.
Here’s the thing:
Like Hoechlin’s Superman, Smallville’s Clark would not have given up his abilities unless he knew the world was safe, even in a world where Lex Luthor is President. As seen in the Smallville series itself and the “Season 11” comics that followed, Clark had developed quite a support system, from Watchtower down to Green Arrow, Aquaman, Impulse, the Martian Manhunter, and many others. The comics even introduced a Wonder Woman, Green Lanterns, and a Batman to that world, so Earth-167 certainly has a lot of backup to protect that Earth. Additionally, here is no doubt that Clark would have a way to regain his powers if needed — but right now, he has another priority. That humanity is part of what made him Superman. Jor-El said it best:
“Your abilities may be of my blood, but it is your time in Smallville, with Jonathan and Martha Kent and all the people there, that made you a hero, Kal-El.”
And that is why Clark Kent will always hold on to Smallville, and return to that farm, raising a family with Lois… and there’s no reason to trade that for the world. Especially since it was Clark’s deep-down desire all along. Superman had his adventures; he may have more when his children have grown. But for now… a wish is fulfilled.