Erica Durance Is Now My Favorite Lois Lane

I’ve been a sporadic Smallville viewer. I mostly watch for the supplementary characters (e.g. Kara-El/Supergirl, Legion of Super-Heroes, etc.) that surround the core cast. As a result, unlike regular viewers of the show, I haven’t seen much of Erica Durance’s version of iconic character, Lois Lane. This tenth season–stated to be the last–I returned to find Durance a revelation.

The season of the series I watched the most was number seven, the one featuring Laura Vandervoort as Kara. That season also had appearances by the persistent reporter, Lois Lane. I’ve looked at some of those episodes recently because my memory was that Durance’s Lois didn’t impress me at the time. The refresher confirmed that for me. It wasn’t the best performance. What a difference three years makes.

Without a doubt, Ms Durance is hitting her stride as an actor. She exudes a natural confidence with Lois. Her expressions and reactions are subtly complex and unaffected. It’s some of the most “natural” acting I’ve seen in a while. I’m starting to tune in to Smallville more for her than any other reason–I’ve found it that much fun to see her ply her art.

Once the show ends its run, if I had the say for casting almost any part calling for a woman (not a woman-wannabe or a woman-in-training…regardless of age), I’d make sure to give her a call. Not many actresses turn my head like she has this television season.

She’s definitely replaced Teri Hatcher (in the later seasons of Lois and Clark) as my favorite Lois Lane…though if I had to include the totality of seasons playing the character, Ms Hatcher might still get the nod. Without a doubt these two lead the pack. I still have a warm place in my heart for both Noel Neill and Phyllis Coates who played Lois opposite George Reeves in Adventures of Superman from the 50s. As for Margot Kidder (Superman: The Movie + sequels) and Kate Bosworth (Superman Returns)…well, let’s just say that they left me underwhelmed.

So…with the amazing job she’s doing with Lois this season, I’m pleased to say that Erica Durance has won herself a new fan. I’m looking forward to seeing her in the years to come.