Another great Smallville tonight. How is it they continue to deliver such quality?

My friend Mike Balmages gives the formula: Evil kid with superpowers (and access to kryptonite) befriends girl (Chloe or Lana). Clark tries to warn girl about evil kid. Girl rejects advice. Evil person is then exposed, almost kills someone, and just in time Clark saves everyone without anyone finding out about his superpowers. Girl comes back to Clark saying, "thanks for saving me--you were right."

Good formula, yes, but it helps a lot that they have interesting characters and put them into constant conflict with each other. John and Martha Kent trying to protect their son versus Clark wanting to mess up his life. Clark and Lana wanting each other but Clark always lying to her and nearly getting her killed. Lex Luthor trying to be a good person but his dad or fiancée trying to kill him. Lex's dad in constant conflict with everyone around but with a huge pocketbook to give him an edge.

Whenever that's not enough, they bring in the red kryptonite that makes Clark into evil Clark. Those episodes are always good. Except for season finales, they always clean up the mess so that no one hates Clark by the end, too.

So, could be formula, could be conflict, could be careful use of the red kryptonite.

Nah, I changed my mind. It's probably just that Chloe and Lana are super hot.