TV News: What May Happen In Smallville Season Nine

* Justin Hartley said we will see a lot more of the Green Arrow this year. He's going to be struggling in a dark place. Peterson added that in the first eight episodes you "will see him hit rock bottom."

* Clark and Oliver's relationship will be tested this year. There's jealousy because Clark has powers Oliver doesn't have—and for the sheer fact that Lois and Clark are on their way to a relationship, while Ollie attempts to rekindle things with Lois.

* Erica Durance is in 18 episodes this season. "I think you guys are going to be pretty excited this year," Erica said regarding the Clark and Lois progression. "Lois is dealing with being smitten with Superman and still finds Clark irritating." This season is going to be "spicy," she added. Lois and Clark will definitely grow closer this year, but there's a love triangle between Clark, Lois and the Blur. "Just as Clark falls for Lois, she's falling for someone else," said Peterson.

* A relationship for Chloe and Clark is "dead in the water," said Allison. Clark is preoccupied with other women, and Chloe is dealing with the loss of Jimmy while stepping into a more powerful position with the superheroes.

* Allison explained that she's on her own this season, since the rest of the supes are all off saving the world: "We'll see [Chloe] experimenting with some different paths. We're definitely going to see her trying new things. Always with the intent to save the world, but maybe not necessarily the way that Clark Kent has done."

* Chloe and Clark's relationship will be very strained. Said executive producer Kelly Souders, "They have a little bit of a rocky start."

* Zod is not quite a general yet, toting the name Major Zod. Zod is very manic and not quite in control of the troops he's brought with him. In his mind, Krypton has not been destroyed yet, and he is unaware of Clark's existence.

* The producers said Metallo is a big part of the first two episodes. The ninth season also brings the return of Toyman, and we'll see Roulette as well.

* Geoff Johns, who wrote "Legion", is writing another episode this season and said it will be "Justice Society of America."

* Tom Welling is directing two episodes this season, while Allison Mack will direct one.

* There could be a 10th season

VIA: ATOWNSCORE