Spoilers for the finale of the Arrow-verse crossover “Crisis on Infinite Earths” are discussed below. Proceed with caution!
The Arrow-verse gave Smallville fans a huge thrill when it brought on multiple versions of Superman for its “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover, including Smallville’s Clark Kent, as played by Tom Welling. But what does the significant twist at the end of the crossover mean for his future?
Well, the multiverse is a whole lot less multi as of the end of "Crisis on Infinite Earths." The crossover saw many universes meld, seemingly once and for all, leaving the five shows of the Arrow-verse (or six, if we now include Black Lightning) entirely combined into Earth Prime. The twist also leaves the fate of many characters in question. What does it mean for Smallville’s Clark Kent moving forward? Batwoman showrunner Caroline Dries told TV Guide:
I didn't like the idea of thinking that there could only be one Superman and we would lose Clark — our Tom Welling Clark as Superman when the universes morphed into one. And so the idea, at least, that allowed me to sleep at night was thinking if he had retired the Superman of it all, that there was a chance that he would still exist in our [Earth Prime].
That seems to be a reassuring update! Smallville fans just got a peek back into what the show’s version of Clark Kent has been up to, thanks to Batwoman’s crossover installment. To have it ripped away now would be shattering, especially considering how much Tom Welling liked where the Arrow-verse took his version of Clark.
For the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover, the Arrow-verse was able to reunite Tom Welling with his Smallville co-star Erica Durance. Both actors reprised their roles as Clark Kent and Lois Lane. They did not get a chance to also reunite with Michael Rosenbaum’s Lex Luthor. However, the Arrow-verse did give Smallville fans an update on how Clark and Lois are doing.
It turned out that Earth-167 Clark and Lois, a.k.a. Smallville’s Clark and Lois, had been enjoying their lives together on the Kent family farm. There was a substantial twist, though. Clark had given up his superpowers and became a father. Yes, Lois and Clark have kids! It does not sound like the Arrow-verse is ruining that happy ending.
Fans are already dealing with the definitive death of Oliver Queen. To also face the reveal that Smallville's Clark Kent no longer existed due to "Crisis" and Earth Prime would be too heartbreaking. Based on what Batwoman showrunner Caroline Dries is saying, Clark could still be alive and well under a specific condition.
Clark has to continue his retirement as Superman. Caroline Dries also mentioned there is a “chance” that Smallville’s Clark could exist in Earth Prime. Is that the same as confirmation? Something tells me that if the Arrow-verse wants to and Tom Welling is willing, the writers could find a way to keep him viable.
Remember, Tom Welling eventually made his way into the Arrow-verse after some Smallville references were weaved into the previous year's crossover. It all culminated in a sweet homage to the series. While Arrow is ending, that does not mean the Arrow-verse cannot eventually revisit Smallville’s Clark Kent. Right?
There is one significant issue potentially complicating matters. The Arrow-verse is giving the Superman and Lois Lane originally of Supergirl's Earth-38 their own spinoff series. Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch will lead the series. Is The CW or, rather, Earth Prime, large enough to simultaneously house both versions of the iconic hero? Time will tell!
You can currently relive past seasons of Smallville on Hulu and Arrow on Netflix. The latter superhero drama is set to be joined by a lot of new 2020 content.
