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Exclusive Breaking News: ALFRED GOUGH SPEAKS ABOUT SUPERGIRL ON 'SMALLVILLE' - SEASON 7 - iFMagazine.com Send to a friend
© (C) 2006 D.C. Comics SUPERGIRL VOL. 1 - POWER

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Exclusive Breaking News: ALFRED GOUGH SPEAKS ABOUT SUPERGIRL ON 'SMALLVILLE' - SEASON 7

Plus, the co-creator reveals plans to bring original Supergirl herself -- Helen Slater -- on to the show some time next season

By ANTHONY C. FERRANTE, Editor in Chief
Published 6/12/2007




LOCATION: Smallville

THE SKINNY: When iF got the word that Supergirl is going to be a part of Season Seven of SMALLVILLE, we couldn’t wait to find out more from co-creator and executive producer Alfred Gough.

Today he gave us a glimpse into what having Supergirl on the CW series will mean and that also includes the revelation of an appearance by the 1984 Supergirl herself – Helen Slater.

In the Seventh Season premiere, Supergirl (whose name is Kara) will arrive. She’s Clark Kent’s 19-year old cousin and was born on Krypton. She is the daughter of Zor-El, Jor-El’s brother and she possesses all of Clark’s powers and one he doesn’t have yet – the ability to fly. She’s also a bit rebellious and that puts her at odds with Clark and on the radar of Lex (Michael Rosenbaum). Jimmy Olsen (Aaron Ashmore) will also be a romantic interest.

Read below for iF Magazine’s exclusive chat with Gough about what the Seventh Season will bring.

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iF MAGAZINE: The original SUPERGIRL movie was derided by fans and is still ripped apart to this day. What do you think the key is to making the character work within the SMALLVILLE universe without carrying over the movie stigma?

ALFRED GOUGH: I think that the film was so long ago, and so forgettable, that most people have done just that. Our interest in Supergirl stems from her recent resurgence in comics especially the work done by our old pal Jeph Loeb.

iF: With Clark it's a no flight, no tights rule. For Supergirl, she's going to fly, but are you giving here the "no tights" rule too?

GOUGH: Kara will have flights, but no tights

iF: Will Supergirl be learning her powers like Clark did during the season or will she be more advanced when we meet her than Clark and serve as sort of a mirror to Clark's evolution?

GOUGH: Kara will be more advanced, although there will be powers that Clark teaches her about and vice versa -- perhaps Clark will even attempt "flying lessons."

iF: Will we be seeing a Helen Slater cameo by any chance?

GOUGH: Our plan is to have Helen on the show sometime this season, although when, how and who she would play are still up in the air.

iF: Since Jeannot Szwarc helmed the original SUPERGIRL movie and has directed many SMALLVILLE episodes, any plans for having him direct the first episode of Supergirl's appearance?

GOUGH: Jeannot, unfortunately, was all booked up on other shows by the time we got the official Season 7 pick-up, so he won't be back this season.

iF: How will Bizarro fit into all of this and will the character have a season-long arc?

GOUGH: You are just gonna have to wait and see about Bizarro like everybody else, but I'll tell you one thing, he won't be completely vanquished in the season opener like Zod was.



Reader Comments

Jean-François from Montreal sez....
Is there one or twenty person come from Krypto? We saw Kara, Lara ,Jor-el, Professor Fine, etc. And now this Kara come from where? Krypto again! There's more than two people alive from Krypto and they always said that Clark is the only one. I'am tired to heard about a new one who his kiiled at the same episode or the second one. This Kara will stay. The first time we heard about a second surviver of Krypton we all being react surprising but now it's start to be disappointing.
11/4/2007 11:24:18 AM

CARLOS from COLOMBIA sez....
ESPERO DE VCERAZ PODER VER TAN EXITOSA SERIE EN SU 7 TEMPORADA LA VERDAD ES DE LAS MEJORES DESPUES DE LAS MOVIES DE SUPERMAN SMALLVILLE ES LO MEJOR QUE HAY KARA BELLISIMA COMO TODAS LAS CANADIENSES,,,SUERTE ATODOS LOS FANATICOS COMO YO.........
9/15/2007 9:59:08 AM

Andresw from Argentina sez....
hola me llamo Andres vivo en argentina hace algunos meses y me parece exelente q sigan ampliando la serie con nuevos personajes ya q la serie para mi es la mejor de todas soy un fanatico de primera por esta serie y no me he perdido ni un capitulo y mas q ahora esta supergirl mejor todavia......... este es mi correo si me quieren escribir...... andrew_0018@hotmail.com
9/10/2007 8:51:44 AM

YADIRA PUENTES from BOGOTÁ - COLOMBIA sez....
Hola, me parecen muy buenos los capitulos de Smallville. lo empezé a ver desde q mi novio de Argentina llegó a mi pais. Yo soy diseñadora de ropa, trajes y todo eso. En especial disfraces. Ya realize ropa de Superman y Superchica, Batman, Robin y hasta Spiderman. quien desee contactarme por cualquier consulta, lo puede hacer a: yadirapuentes@hotmail.com
8/30/2007 10:45:09 AM

MARCELO from BOGOTÁ -COLOMBIA sez....
Soy argentino, viviendo en Colombia desde el 07/07/07, y aunq vine a vivir aqui, nunca dejé de ver los episodios de Smallville. soy re fanatico y no me perdi ni un capitulo. Espero con ansias la 7ma temporada y mas aun si hay novedades como la llegada de SUPERGIRL. Aparte me parece q seleccionaron a la actriz perfecta para ese papel a interpretar. Ojala yo tuviera un pAPEL AUNQ SEA DE EXTRA EN SMALLVILLE, JAJAJAJA seria mortal.!!! suerte a todos. mi mail para quien quiera contactarme es: marceloledesma_bdc@hotmail.com.
8/30/2007 10:38:32 AM

MM from Rhode Island sez....
I think Supergirl is a great character. She's my favorite. In my opinion the series can still go on for a long time. This way Smallville can still continue when Clark finally moves to Metropolis and becomes Superman. Season seven should be 24 episodes long and season eight should be 26 episodes long.
8/8/2007 8:07:58 PM

Lexi from Mattawan, Michigan sez....
I think that bringing in supergirl is a great idea. But for all those people that think that lana will be jealous are wrong because kara is his cousin. Also i think that everybody should just enjoy watching the show.
7/28/2007 2:54:06 PM

javier from colombia sez....
excelente... me parce de lo mejor supera cualquier espectativa ni u2 puden superrarlo....
7/25/2007 12:05:44 PM

canadiansisterchick from canada sez....
I really hope they don't let Chloe die. Her character has more substance and dimentions than most of the other characters. And it's time to make Lois way less flighty and actually notice "Clark" more. When is Clark going to get the nice tights anyhow. I sure hope that they'll find a way to work Smallville into a spinoff....same Clark (Tom) I hope.(if this season is the last) Even if Michael decided to leave they could bring in one of Clark's other nemisis. Micheal could hopefully do special guest appearances at least. I hope Martha is still going to be seen as well. Clark always needs to have a connection to his Smallville roots.....when are we all moving to Metropolis at least part time......The next show could be called Metropolis or Daily Planet.....? Oh, and did I mention Chloe better not be dead!!! Supergirl character sounds like a good edition, but new editor and Lois dating him seems forced.
7/24/2007 12:28:39 AM

zgore from Minnesota sez....
A episode that features both Clark and Kara, taking on Bizzaro and ZOD, in all black tights with a big silver "S" on their chests to protect their identities would be neat. That way you could intro duce the tights, without the traditional blue/red/yellow. They could both fly and have a visor to protect their identities as well. Perhaps the last three episodes of the 8th season.
7/11/2007 5:20:17 PM

nan from new york sez....
Keep Martha in the show for more than guest appearances. Don't take her off the show like you did Jonathon. It would be fun to see Martha with a rebellion teen.
7/9/2007 11:59:57 AM

Ian from Michigan sez....
Uh no Clark cannot fly yet buddy. Go back and watch your series again.
7/6/2007 6:33:43 AM

Hector from Chicago sez....
kara was not the name of the girl that JOR-EL take over he take that name because it was his brother daughter. kara want to take clark back to where they from because i little picece of thier world is still them and have people like them there.
7/2/2007 6:07:46 AM

Hector from chicago sez....
lana cant get jeslous because kara is his cuz
7/2/2007 6:01:27 AM

Kevin from Missouri sez....
Back when Season Three's season finale aired, I thought they were going to introduce Kara Zor-El then. I was happy to find out that it wasn't Kara Zor-El because of the way the young lady presented herself. Now they are going ahead with the idea of introducing her in Season Seven and I'm all for that even though I feel she should be around the age of sixteen or seventeen. In that way, she could carry "Smallville" while Clark could move on to "Metropolis".
6/30/2007 1:37:45 PM

Chris from maine sez....
I think the whole idea is great.I missed the tights and the flying at first but now it doen't matter,it's fresh it's new and there nothing like on tv
6/25/2007 5:08:16 PM

Quique from Argentina sez....
One questions? Why is the supergirl name "Kara Zor-El"? Your name would not have to be "Kara-El"? Like "Kal-El" son of Jor-El? But also "Kal-El" would have to be "Kal Jor-El"
6/24/2007 7:03:18 PM

Matthew from Pennsylvania sez....
I agree with Guyver about flying, at this point he should have been flying since he was a teen, I do like the idea of Kara in the show, and the idea of the Pre-crisis supergirl, I never liked her anyway I think the Jeff Loeb version is more interesting because of all the issues she has been having since her arrival in the comics. I am an avid comics reader and especially Superman for over 25 years and find this "TV" continuity just fine, I don't need it to be exactly like in the comics in order to enjoy it, it is a different take on a beloved character, people should just enjoy it for what it is. I can't wait for season 7.
6/21/2007 8:51:27 AM

Juan Carlos from Bogotá, Colombia sez....
Don't worry people, just enjoy the show. remember it's just a show
6/18/2007 12:44:17 PM

AD from Calexico California sez....
i think that you are wrong GUYVER, bringing supergirl to the show its a cool idea. she could demostrate clark who he really is, and of course, who he will be. why? easy, because she is the last kryptonian after him, and she is the only one on earth that can teach him to fly, because it seems like he cant do it alone. so just considerate one thing, this could be thelast season, son just leave them do theyre work!!
6/18/2007 9:17:52 AM

Trevante Redmond from Detroit,Michigan Hudson3380 sez....
i think that having supergirl on smallville is great and if lana is still alive and she gets jealous dat is goin 2 b even greater
6/17/2007 3:30:04 PM

Tom from Romania sez....
Can't all of you guys just stop arguing over whats best, and who's right and not right, everybody should enjoy the part about Superman they like, and shut the fuck up about the part the don't, cause someone else might. PS - I personally think the entire Smallville timeline is new yes, but original, it's different, but thats what makes it cool. And on Kara, I hope they find a girl that resembles Michael Turner's Kara Zor-El
6/17/2007 7:21:37 AM

Jared from Racine sez....
I HATE what Jeph Leob as done with the Character I want to see the REAL Supergirl who Died during the Crisis, not any of these Pale imitations that have been thrown out since.
6/15/2007 2:20:53 PM

Dan from Florida sez....
I Think I just figured it out people. Clark can't begin his destiny without her! Jor-el and Zor-el made a pact that their children would survive Krypton, so both were sent away; Clark to Earth, Kara into suspended animation until needed, to watch over Clark. Other notable eyes and ears- Raya and the Martian Manhunter(are we seeing the picture now?) As Clark grows with his powers, he still needs guidence, so Jor-el had stepping stones in place to keep an eye on Kal-el just in case. Look outside the Box my friends, and it will become clear that it is all tied in. So bring on Supergirl and get Bizarro in his place. (if any one remembers, Bizarro Superman does eventually make friends and allies with Superman in the Comics. For all you diehard fans, hang in there. "It's gonna be bumpy ride mon!
6/15/2007 2:09:29 PM

Phil from Smallville sez....
Three words : Worst idea EVER!
6/15/2007 7:32:58 AM

Paulyd30 from tamap , fl sez....
Guyver you are so right the show is a insult to all the true superman fans out there. This show does not follow the movie or comics timeline its a weird telling of superman. I have reading the comics for over 30 years now it it would be nice to show some respect to the tru fans and superman mythology.
6/14/2007 12:00:10 PM

Matthew from Virginia Beach, VA sez....
Actually Gisle you're forgetting one other Kryptonian who was on Earth and flew, his name was Jor-El and he wandered around smallville back in the 60's under the name of Joe. Got mixed up in a whole crime with Lachlan Luthor and met Hiram Kent. Happened in season 3.
6/13/2007 10:41:26 PM

Errr from Around sez....
I'm sorry... WHAT??? Clark has been able to fly since season 4 of Smallville... he said 'i dont like it'... but he can fly, just chooses not to. So this is kinda all wrong.
6/13/2007 7:01:21 PM

Supes30 from Chesapeake, VA sez....
I think Supergirl coming on to the show is a great idea. I have been reading past comments and many of the commentors fail to realize what Henry from Toronto points out. The other Kryptonians arriving on Earth did not have to "embrace" their heritage, so they therefore came with all their powers. And by the way, if any of you have watched the original Superman Movie, Jor-El explains all of his sons powers BEFORE Kal-El even leaves Krypton. Whats to say the other Kryptonian knew about the affects of the yellow sun. But before I go any further, just remember, it is only a TV show. None of this is real, most importantly, none of this can ever happen. I am a die hard Superman fan, don't get me wrong. I named my son Christian Aryc Limas (CAL). My wife caught on to the initials and wouldn't let me name him Kristian. Oh well. Remember, enjoy the show and don't think about it too much.
6/13/2007 2:03:36 PM

Lee from LA, California sez....
The fact that Clark cant fly and the other can is that he has been here his entirely Human inside and does not know exactly what he is capable of. It like a child being raised by dogs and who has been using both his legs and arms to move around. Zod, Raya(i know she didn't fly but she could) and Kara were grown up enough where they left krypton to know what a Kryptonian is capable of(like flying).. I like the way the Al and Miles came up with that idea and it makes the show very likable and particular. Thats how the show is and if you guys don't like that, you'd better start your own shows. I can see you guys doing a better job with all the ideas you have hehehehe
6/13/2007 1:56:39 PM

Stan the Man from Spring City, Pa. sez....
These nay sayers are a bunch of STIFFS! Trust the creators. You are the same wastes that were against Lois coming to the show. Erica Durance has become THE BEST Lois Lane EVER!!!(And she looks even better in person.)They will cast Supergirl with expertise, and THIS SHOW WILL SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS!YEAH, SEE? BEAT IT.
6/13/2007 1:32:54 PM

Gisle from Norway sez....
You make it sound like there`s been a lot of kryptonians on the show that could fly..The fist kryptonians that arrived on earth except Clark was nam-ek and aethyr,(none of them could fly..) than there was Zod, and yes he could fly but he was like all powerfull and stuff, so its not that weird really..than there was Raya.. ( No flyning there...) if you`r refering to kara in season 3,, she wasen`t even a kryptonian, neighter was bizarro.. So to wrap it up... Zod is the only kryptonian that has arrived on earth and have the abbility to fly.. ( But i do agree that its weird that they know how to use their powers just like that but stil...)
6/13/2007 12:55:36 PM

Carlo from Florida sez....
I think the introduction of Kara will be interesting for the new season. I just ask for one thing, being a Smallville fan and a Superman fan. In the series finalie please, PLEASE, drop the "no tights no flights" rule. Dean Cain once said since Tom Welling has never worn the suit he is not really Superman. Well the last scene before the series closes you sould have Tom in the suit flying into the sky akin to the final panel of the "Man of Steel" mini series. That's just my two cents.
6/13/2007 10:28:56 AM

Chris from Dallas, Tx. sez....
I’ve always looked at Smallville as it’s own continuity so I don’t have a problem with Kara showing up. One thing that has always bothered me about the show is that Kryptonian’s keep showing up and instantly have powers and know how to use them. It has taken Clark his entire life to learn about his powers and how to use them and they have gotten stronger the more sunlight he absorbs, but here comes some new Kryptonian’s that instantly has powers and uses them without a second thought to kick Clark’s butt. One good thing is that since Kara was a teenager when she left Krypton she may finally be able to let Clark know who his father was and all the good things he wanted for his son. And, perhaps, Clark will think to ask what the hell happened with the miss-translation of Jor-El’s message where he thought Jor-El was wanting him to rule the planet instead of protecting it.
6/13/2007 9:24:30 AM

woods from manchester uk sez....
The finale of season 6 was great and i feel that having new character intoduced is great as well. but i just hope that the show is not overwelmed by the amount of charcter introduction to the show. but on the other hand how would people find out info about superman without this or the use of the comics. i think smallville is the best show that is out and totally rivals Buffy! keep it up and i look forward to season 7
6/13/2007 8:11:49 AM

Joe from Mississippi sez....
I like the idea of Supergirl coming to the show this season, (I hope she has several appearances during season 7 & 8). But I do agree with everyone else about Clark, it's time for the boy to start flying. Also how about a show next season where Clark somehow go's into the future (like he did so many times in the comics) and meet himself as an Adult Clark Kent as well as the costumed Superman that he is to become?
6/13/2007 5:31:39 AM

Kevin from Greenville, MI sez....
Wonderful...now they're REPEATING stuff they already stole from the comics. I fear for the arrival of this "Supergirl", especially if the producers are using Jeph Loeb's crappy comics interpretation as the primary basis for bringing her on.
6/13/2007 3:47:13 AM

Tracy G. from Michigan sez....
I totally love the idea of having Supergirl on Smallville. It will be so great to see how she will fit into everyones lives and the part about her flying...that is so cool. I can't wait to tell my son. I hope everyone will be excited about Supergirl so much that they will consider making a new Supergirl movie and then maybe make a Superman meets Supergirl movie and then maybe even more...
6/12/2007 11:34:31 PM

AM4Lois from Brazil, International SV fan... :D sez....
GOUGH: Kara will be more advanced, although there will be powers that Clark teaches her about and vice versa -- perhaps Clark will even attempt "flying lessons." NOW we're talking... That's the spoiler I was hoping for, thanks Al!! GOUGH: Kara will have flights, but no tights That seems about right... The tights would just be too strange... iF: How will Bizarro fit into all of this and will the character have a season-long arc? GOUGH: You are just gonna have to wait and see about Bizarro like everybody else, but I'll tell you one thing, he won't be completely vanquished in the season opener like Zod was. WOW!!! I'm surprised here, I really am... That's the 3rd good spoiler I read already for season 7... Supergirl, Clark with flight lessons and Bizarro being in more then one epi, creating a possible superfight with Kara-Clark-Bizarro down the line, with possible flight involved not only by Kara, but by possibly Clark as well... WOW!!!!!!!! That's the Smallville I've been hoping for... By this alone, Season 7 is TOTALLY going to OWN Season 6... Season 5 still remains the best in my book, but we'll see how this goes, looks VERY promising. Smallville has a loyal viewer (I was seriously considering only watching the premiere) in S7 already.
6/12/2007 9:47:56 PM

Gregory from New York sez....
I like the idea as well. I am looking forward to the 7th season this fall. I will have an open mind about it rather than judge it prematurely.
6/12/2007 9:35:13 PM

jonathan from indiana sez....
i think having supergirl show up on smallville is a great idea and gives clark another family to be responsible for. i also think it could make lana jelious.
6/12/2007 6:53:28 PM

john from Iowa sez....
I like to see bullets bounce off Kara's body
6/12/2007 6:42:34 PM

G from Newark, NJ sez....
I find the Kara angle very interesting. Judging by how they explain her, she was sent to Earth to look after Clark but due to the fact she was in suspended animation, Clark is now older. I think she will help him embrace his kryptonian heritage and by season's end he should learn how to fly. I cant wait till the season premiere. Gough also said Kara will be a little rebellious towards Clark. A lot of ways to go. Kara along with Bizarro should make for interesting TV.
6/12/2007 4:22:53 PM

Henry from Toronto sez....
I don't mind the whole idea of having Kara on the show... they pretty much made Jimmy roughly the same age as Clark, even though in every other type of media he's clearly younger... and I guess they're doing the same with Kara (well, younger in the sense that, she's not suppose to be, but is, or something like that, you guys get it)... as for the Clark being able to fly because he's been here so long, whereas other Kryptonians just get here and off they go... he did fly when he was 'reprogrammed' as Kal-El, and that's because he embraced his Kryptonian heritage then... Clark hasn't yet... he still struggling with his Kryptonian heritage which he came from, and that of humanity which he was raised on... that's why can't fly yet... didn't the producers of the show state something along the lines that once he fully accepts who he really is, that's when he'll reach his FULL potential...
6/12/2007 1:59:46 PM

James from Hendersonville, TN sez....
I like that they are bringing in Supergirl; it could be interesting. However, I agree with everything else that Guyver said. I understand the 'no tights' rule, but Clark should be flying by now. It's rediculous that other Kryptonians that have been on Earth for an hour can fly, but Clark, whose been on Earth for at least 19 years, cannot. I liked season 6, but I was disappointed. In season 5, they delved deeper into the mythology of the character, but I feel that they strayed away from that in season 6. There was just too much 'soap opera' type drama. Here's hoping that season 7, which should be the last in my opinion, will be the best yet.
6/12/2007 11:01:08 AM

Guyver from California sez....
Bringing Supergirl in is one of the worst ideas in the history of this show. I get that this show is pretty much it's own Elseworlds version of the Superman mythos. But Clark is still in his early twenties and hasn't got his stuff together, so how much good can he do in helping another Kryptonian fit in when he hasn't mastered his own abilities yet or seem to keep them a proper secret? Also, since he doesn't become Superman until his late twenties and Kara will be 19, wouldn't that negate the whole "Supergirl" aspect since she's near adulthood? And why would they give Clark yet another reason to stay put in Smallville. at this point (actually at around Season 4) Clark should be looking to leave Smallville to either finish his FoS training or at least get truly aquainted with his adoptive homeworld. Which brings me to the most glaring issue. It seems that every Kryptonian that steps foot on Earth can use their new abilities like its nothing, yet Clark can't walk and chew gum at the same time. At this point, Clark not even being able to semi-fly or practice flight is just stupid and insulting to the fans' intelligence.
6/12/2007 10:26:14 AM

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