Smallville season 4
fourth season of Smallville

The fourth season of Smallville, an American television series developed by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, began airing on September 22, 2004 on The WB television network. The series recounts the early adventures of Kryptonian Clark Kent as he adjusts to life in the fictional town of Smallville, Kansas, during the years before he becomes Superman. The fourth season comprises 22 episodes and concluded its initial airing on May 18, 2005. Regular cast members during season four include Tom Welling, Kristin Kreuk, Michael Rosenbaum, Jensen Ackles, Allison Mack, John Glover, Annette O'Toole, and John Schneider.
Season four chronicles Clark (Welling) and his classmates' senior year of high school and centers on his attempt to unite the three stones of knowledge, and trying to cope with Lana Lang's (Kreuk) new relationship with Jason Teague (Ackles). Clark's friendship with Lex Luthor (Rosenbaum) becomes increasingly strained, as he begins to distrust Lex more and more. At the end of season three, Sam Jones III, who portrayed Pete Ross, left the series, and Ackles was brought in as Jason and given star billing. Erica Durance was cast as Lois Lane, and became a recurring character for 13 episodes. Writers also brought in other popular DC Comics characters, such as Bart Allen, Mister Mxyzptlk, and Sam and Lucy Lane.
Smallville's season four slipped in the ratings, averaging at 4.4 million viewers a week.
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