http://community.tvguide.com/blog/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/700000049
Ausiello Report
by Michael Ausiello
Read Exclusive: Smallville's Big Chloe Problem
It looks like Smallville's about to take another, potentially lethal,
hit.
Just a week after it was announced that Michael Rosenbaum would not be
returning full time as Lex next season, sources confirm to me
exclusively that Allison Mack, arguably Smallville's most popular
heroine, may be the next to go.
This marks quite a turnaround from a few months ago, when I deemed
Mack a lock to come back next season. And I wasn't the only one.
Although a deal wasn't signed at the time, Smallville insiders tell me
that all indications were that the actress was on board for Season 8.
But then Rosenbaum terndered his resignation and everything fell
apart.
"Allison's camp used Michael leaving as leverage in the negotiations
with [Warner Bros.]," says one Smallville source, who adds that
Kristin Kreuk's decision to only return for a handful of episodes as
Lana only strengthened Mack's bargaining position. "They need Chloe
now more than ever — and Allison's people know it." (Mack's reps
declined to comment for this story.)
But will the studio suits budge? In this climate, with ratings down by
double digits and belt-tightening going on everywhere, no one is
optimistic. However, everyone pretty much agrees about one thing:
Smallville can't afford to lose Mack right now. "If Allison leaves,
they've essentially got Lois and Clark left," notes one insider. "And
that show's been done before."
So, what do you think? Should Warner Bros. man up and give Mack what
she's probably been worth all along? Or are you OK with Smallville
turning into Lois & Clark: The Early Years? Sound off below!
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