An open letter to Michael Rosenbaum

Dear Mr. Rosenbaum,

Like so many 'Smallville' fans out there, I am quite sorry to hear that you lack the desire to return to the show for its series finale this May.

During the show's first seven seasons, as Lex Luthor, you provided an excellent counterpoint to Tom Welling's Clark Kent and created one of the deepest and most complex modern incarnations of the classic villain.

Granted, you have kept busy since your departure with your work in the DC Animated Universe as well as your television commitments such as 'Saved By Zeroes' and 'Breaking In.' But can you honestly say that either of those series have offered you a role as meaty as the bald-headed arch-nemesis of the biggest superhero icon in the world?

While Kristen Kreuk will not be returning for the finale, there is at least a logical reason behind it. Her storyline was pretty much wrapped up in season 9 as Clark moved on with his love life. Lana represents the past and series finales tend to be more of a glimpse into the future. Given Luthor's iconic role as Superman's nemesis for the entirety of his life, his inclusion at the end is a no-brainer.

I could go through a long list of famous actors who went out of their way to appear in the series finales of the shows that made them famous. Even movie stars such as Topher Grace and Ashton Kutcher did not let their celebrity get in the way of appearing in the series finale of 'That 70's Show.' Former 'Doctor Who' actor Tom Baker said that one of his biggest regrets after playing his iconic role was not appearing in the 20th anniversary special, 'The Five Doctors.'

Granted, the writers have already compensated for your absence by introducing the entire "Luthor clone" storyline in which another actor could potentially take on the role (therefore explaining how the more mature Luthor is unaware of Superman's secret identity).

I don't know the details of your departure. I'm hoping it wasn't a case of bad feelings between yourself and the creators of the show or its parent company. If it was, then I'm hoping the hatchet can be buried long enough (and not in any bodily orifice) to include at the very least a cameo appearance, perhaps even in the final scene of the program.

In conclusion, I am hoping you'll reconsider; there's still time, since filming is not yet completed. If you don't appear, then the writers will most likely compensate in some way, acknowledging Luthor's existence as a background character or, God forbid, putting another actor in the role as Clark dons his familiar tights and cape.

Your role in this long-lasting television program will be considered part of history rather than the future. Given your historically excellent and nuanced portrayal of the character, it would be a shame to not get your applause before the curtain falls.


Respectfully,
--Brad Trechak
TV Squad Writer


UPDATE: Michael Rosenbaum will return to 'Smallville' for the series finale, as just reported by TVLine.com. Hurray!