Expanding the cast to include yet more DC luminaries, the producers of Smallville have announced that Supergirl will be joining the cast next season. According to TV Guide, the character's origin will be similar to that in current continuity (*cough*) in which Kal-El's teenaged cousin Kara arrives on Earth after having spent the intervening years in suspended animation.  She will be introduced in the premiere episode and will appear in about half the episodes this season (number seven for those still keeping count).  Her storyline will follow much of the basic "fish-out-of-water" plot, as Clark mentors her in fitting into life with a secret identity.  Also, she can fly.  The role has not yet been cast, although Millar and Gough are hoping to debut her in front of fans at SDCC.

Smallville of course tells the story of the younger days of Clark Kent, his highschool crushes, his early friendship with future archenemy Lex Luthor, and so on.  Recently, the series has been introducing more and more characters from DC canon, including his wife-to-be Lois Lane, Green Arrow, Cyborg, and Aquaman.