Smallville really is a different show in seasons 8-9, than it was in the first 7 seasons. I think seasons 1-7 & 8-9 are both really great, and I don’t prefer one over the other, but is really nice that the show is maturing and bringing different elements in. In seasons 1-7 is was really about Clark coming into his own. Learning about his powers and learning about responsibility. The Spider-Man quote definitely comes into play. With great power comes great responsibility. I think Jonathan Kent was really responsible for a lot of that learning. In seasons 8-9, Clark is learning that is more than just about him though. Sometimes he needs help, but even more than that, he needs to be a leader, a great leader in fact. In episode “Absolute Justice” the members of the Justice Society really tried to make this clear to Clark. Dr Fate: “You will lead this generation” and “It will be a silver age of heroism”. Stargirl: “So what do you call your team anyways?”. Hawkman: “You don’t do this for glory or vengeance”. Great leaders don’t lead to be great, they lead because they see the need is there, and because they do what is right and just. Sometimes great leaders are thrust into power, not of their own accord, but because those around them know they can do the job and do it well.