On TV last night: ‘Smallville’

Clark Kent is a new man this season on The CW’s “Smallville.”

During Thursday night’s season premiere, Clark decided to leave the past — his tortured relationship with Lana, the family farm in Smallville — in the past and move on with his life.

The show’s writers have promised Clark will get closer to his destiny as Superman this season, meaning he’ll finally start working alongside Lois at “The Daily Planet” (though I’m a little confused as to how a kid with zero experience could start out as a reporter; but I’m going with it).

The show already feels rejuvenated.

Clark has always had a tendency to be a bit of a martyr, but Lois brings out his fun, playful side. They had so many entertaining exchanges last night and have more chemistry than he ever had with Lana.

In the past, some fans have complained about the show’s often heavy-handed “in” jokes that hint at his future as Superman.

But I love them —whether it’s Clark saying he feels like he needs to be two separate people or Oliver telling him to “be careful. Pretty soon you’ll be sporting a homemade costume and leading a double identity like the rest of us.”

Speaking of Oliver, oh boy am I glad to see Justin Hartley back. Clark and Oliver’s friendship is becoming such an important part of the show.

Other thoughts I had while watching:

—In our first glimpse of Lois this season, she was wearing a French maid costume, pretending to be on the Luthor mansion’s cleaning crew. Um, Lois, I don’t think anybody wears those outfits anymore. She looked ridiculous, and it’s time the writers stop putting her in those silly “undercover” outfits.

—The first shot of Clark was much better. My, has Mr. Kent buffed up even more this season. Or maybe his muscles are just more visible because he wasn’t covering them with one of his signature red or blue jackets. Either way, I like what I’m seeing.

—I just had an epiphany: that Ty kid on the new “90210” reminds me of Tom Welling! Same dark hair and baby blue eyes.

—Love, love, love Jimmy and Chloe’s reunion and subsequent engagement. They’re one of my favorite TV couples.

—It’s definitely weird to not have Lex around, but it’s a perfect opportunity to focus on the Lois and Clark dynamic. And Luthorcorp’s new CEO, Tess Mercer, seems to be a worthy successor. She’s pure evil!

You can say that again, or the episode’s best quotes

“What took you so long?” – Clark to Oliver after his rescue

“It’s better than Lex walking around with a remote control to a Clark-bot.” – Oliver after Clark tells him Jor El’s plan was to take away his powers

“What are you gonna do if you get caught? Bite someone?” – Oliver during Chloe’s rescue

“Lex was never able to find us. How did his bozo zookeeper get so lucky?” – Black Canary to one of Lex’s henchmen

“You disappear for a month and come back with a sense of humor?” – Lois to Clark when they’re reunited at the Luthorcorp research facility

“Sometimes I feel like I need to be two separate people.” – Clark, hinting at his future dual identity
“You might want to try something a little more form-fitting.” – Black Canary about Clark’s possible superhero duds

“Looks like we’re gonna be neighbors, Lane.” – Clark, telling Lois about his new job