Type: Television
A year after John Byrne wiped Superboy from continuity, the producers of the first three Superman films (and Supergirl) came up with a tv series starring John Newton as Superboy. I didn't see any episodes when it first went out, but You-Tube is helping me justify my missing it. Shot on video, and with video effects that are put to shame even by Doctor Who's 80s output, the series had the look of bad 80s porn (is there GOOD 80s porn though?). Watch in horror as Lex Luthor defeats Superboy with pink kryptonite:Harrowing.
This version of Superboy goes to college at Shuster University in Siegelville, Florida (it was filmed - I mean, taped - in Orlando) where Clark worked on the student paper. In effect, the series took place in the "lost years" between Smallville and Metropolis. Seaquest and soap star Stacy Haiduk played Lana Lang. Clark's roommate T.J. (Jim Calvert) was Perry White's nephew. And the Kents were Stuart Whitman and Salome "Founder Leader" Jens. Lex is abominably played by Scott James Wells.
The second season would change a lot of things, from production values to casting to tone, but most importantly, it would change its star. Whether because of a DUI that broke a morality clause or his demands for a raise (or both), John Newton was asked to leave. But the question remains, would John Haymes Newton have grown up to be a good Superman?
Yeah, I could see it.Next Sunday, we'll look at Newton's replacement, but for now, if you have an opinion about that first season of Superboy, tell us about it!
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