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I really don't think Smallville's losing its touch. Sure, a lot of it can be plot cliches or things are becoming "Smallville cliches" (ie the "I'm allergic" line) but they always add some sort of fantastic twist that makes it Smallville. The thing that really hooks me though isn't always the story anyway (though I looooved Void), it's the directing, cinematography, and special effects - sometimes the acting, especially as it gets better. The way they wrap up the whole episode makes even some cliches interesting.
I admit though, I was a bit surprised with some of the episodes this season, like Fragile. Though it was still really good and had a lot of Season 5 elements, if felt a little to me like a Season 1 influenced show, back with the "meteor freaks". Maddie's situation also kind of reminded me of Ryan's, though very vaguely. I think there was at least another "season 1"-type show but I can't remember which offhand.

well the whole tellign truth stuff is gettign annoying and old. they keep dragging on and on with that lesson.

oh and the lana climbing up the barn stairs tol talk to clark is getting boring too

no not really i dont thiink when lana and clark together its boring. i think the whole scene at the end is boring.

Well really, all the characters have their little "cliches" now. Of course, some are still bigger and/or more annoying than others, but still. I agree that the loft scenes with Lana were getting a little old because there were just sooo many in the other seasons but, no offense Chloe, you are kinda biased for Chloe and Chlark. Because Chloe is still a great character, but she's becoming more and more like Pete I think, now that she knows Clark's secret. You don't see as much of her curiosity because she knows now. Although, her always digging too far and totally making Clark mad could also kinda be her cliche. Anybody here could probably find at least some sort of cliche for every character.

Of course she still has her curiosity - without it, she wouldn't be Chloe. But what Lex said about her never having a bf was partly true - if harsh. I don't think she's a "totally new character" though, because sure she was always Clark's close friend, but now I think she's taken up Pete's role. The only difference is their personalities (otherwise Chloe would be like Pete and that would be creepy...nvm) and the fact that she loves him. I bet you wouldn't call Chloe's love a Smallville cliche, even though it's been pretty consistant and has lasted as long Clark's love for Lana in the show. It's Archie, Veronica, and Betty.

I still wouldn't say new, I would lean more towards matured. She still has her journalistic drive, whether for the Torch or the Daily Planet, and she still keeps her love of Clark hidden and locked. Plus that love will always make her be partly jealous of whoever Clark's with, whether or not it's Clana. Chloe's cliche's are consistant but yea, they're not constant.

And, yes, Archie does go out with Betty, but, especially in the older ones, he has a tendency of always picking Veronica first. A) Archie's a bit of an idiot and B) that's what always tears Betty: to be with him when Veronica dumps him for Reggie (hehe which could be Lex) or to keep her pride and not be second best or a substitute.