With perhaps two or three exceptions — the past two weeks being good examples — I haven't really been enjoying Smallville's tone or direction much this season. But judging from the comments to some of my criticisms, many of you disagree, and some even believe this to be the best season yet. While I might dispute that, I won't dispute that when the series gives us the long-discussed two hour Justice Society payoff episode, penned by Geoff Johns, some of the dark, lugubrious episodes may all have been worth it.

We already know that Michael Shanks will appear as Hawkman, and that we’ll be seeing Dr. Fate, Stargirl, Martian Manhunter and Amanda Waller, but now a new trailer has debuted from The CW for the episode "Disciple", which arrives the week before the "Absolute Justice" two hour event, and it offers an interesting glimpse of what we're going to see, including a painting at the end of the presently disbanded Justice Society and a quick glimpse of the ring worn by Alan Scott's version of Green Lantern.

Even though we may only see several of the Justice Society members in flashbacks, it's still pretty cool to have them presented front and center. Check out the trailer using the player below.

Tom Welling directed the second hour of "Absolute Justice", which airs February 5.

Meanwhile, according to TV Guide, Brian Austin Green will reprise the role of John Corbin, aka Metallo, in episode 18.

Fans will recall that Green first appeared as the villainous Metallo in Smallville's September 25 season opener, but was apparently "killed" in the episode that followed. Being more machine than man, however, his survival seemed almost assured.