Big Smallville News

press release:
As previously reported, two DC Comics legends, Clark Kent and Batman, will unite on Wednesday, May 18 (8:00 p.m. ET) as The WB presents the world premiere of an exclusive eight-minute special footage preview of the highly anticipated theatrical release Batman Begins, which will air within the 90-minute presentation of the season finale of the network's hit drama, Smallville.

"This is a great night for fans of the two most popular superheroes in the history of American Pop Culture," said David Janollari, President of Entertainment at The WB. "Fans of Smallville will not want to miss this special extended version of what will be the series best-ever season finale. Broadcasting exclusive footage of the summer's most anticipated feature film, Batman Begins, makes this a very exciting night for us and a natural fit for the fans of Smallville."

"We are thrilled to share this exclusive preview of Batman Begins with fans of Smallville," said Dawn Taubin, President of Domestic Marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures. "Not only does this special event bring together two seminal American super-heroes, but both Smallville and Batman Begins give fans the opportunity to delve deeper into the mythology behind their heroes. May 18 promises to reveal exciting new chapters in the history of these legends, and kick off a summer that fans will never forget."

Smallville's 90-minute season finale is packed with murder, betrayal and an unforgettable graduation day for all.

"Superman and Batman have always been inextricably linked to each other, so it seems fitting that a show chronicling the Man of Steel's youth give you the first look at the birth of the Dark Knight," said Al Gough, executive producer Smallville. "Christopher Nolan is an incredibly talented filmmaker and we couldn't be more excited and honored to have our season finale complimented with exclusive footage from Batman Begins."

The WB has released titles and descriptions for the final three episodes of the fourth season of Smallville.

Following is a rundown:

Wednesday, May 4: "Ageless"

Clark (Tom Welling) and Lana (Kristin Kreuk) discover an abandoned baby in the cornfield and take him back to the Kent farm. However, once the baby ages from a newborn to a 7-year-old in a matter of days, Clark and Lana frantically search for a cure for his condition. Meanwhile, Genevieve (guest-star Jane Seymour) orders Lionel (John Glover) to kill Lana.

Wednesday, May 11: "Forever"

Clark must stop the school photographer (guest-star Steven Grayhm) after he sets up a secret simulated high school and begins kidnapping students -- starting with Chloe (Allison Mack) -- to keep the glory days of high school going forever. Lex (Michael Rosenbaum) and Lionel are kidnapped and tortured by the Teagues in an effort to find the crystal. However, after Genevieve realizes Lana has the crystal, she decides to put an end to the hunt once and for all.

Wednesday, May 18: "Commencement"

Clark begins to piece together the reason he was sent to Earth after he has a nightmare that something horrible is going to happen to Smallville and heads to the cave to seek answers from Jor-El. His biological father tells him he must reunite the three crystals immediately or a disaster of epic proportions will befall the planet and even Clark won't be able to stop it. Meanwhile, Lex first helps Lana escape Smallville after the death of Genevieve Teague then takes shocking action to get one of the crystals away from Lionel. Realizing the crystals are connected to Clark, Chloe tries to stop Lex from discovering the truth.