For those of you who don’t like Spoilers, you should just stop reading right now, because there are some big spoilers in this post about the 8th season of Smallville.

They start…now.

Ok, the Comi-Con panel was wild, with many guest asking for actor’s name cards, and all kinds of other shenanigans, but the big info came from the talks about season 8, where the creative team behind the show was candid, and very revealing. Here are some highlights

* Season 8 still has a “No Tights” rule, but “No Flights” may be off the card

* Sam Witwer will play “Justin Bloom” who becomes Doomsday during blackouts.

* Clark will begin working on a secret identity this season, and use the Daily Planet as a resource for finding people that need his help.

* Michael Rosenbaum will NOT be returning this season, but the door is always open to him (and Same Jones as well) should he wish to return..

* The Legion of Super-Heroes will appear on the show this season, as will the Justice League (who will show up in the season opener).

* There will be more exploration of the Green Arrow character this season – who is now a regular cast member.

Originally I had heard that Rosenbaum was going to make an appearance this season, at least for an episode or two, but apparently that didn’t work out. It looks like things are getting a much needed shake-up on Smallville this year, and I can’t wait to see where they go from here.