GHOST WHISPERER and SMALLVILLE are two long-running TV shows I’ve never seen, but at least have a mild interest in, given their genre-heavy subject matter. Each has a new accompanying book: Kim Moses and Ian Sanders’ GHOST WHISPERER SPIRIT GUIDE and Craig Byrne’s SMALLVILLE: THE OFFICIAL COMPANION SEASON 7. One will attract new fans; the other has no interest in reaching out to anyone but the already converted.
Unusual for this type, GHOST WHISPERER’s book is written by the series’ executive producers, so when they write something about the show, you can take it as an informed truth. But rather than pen a standard episode guide — and there is that, but it’s purposely limited — they’ve delved into the entire production and its themes, including a detailed look at the arty credit sequence, “spirit symbolism” and interviews with real-life mediums who claim to talk to the dead.
The square-in-size book is jam-packed with full-color photos of the show’s cast members, particularly star Jennifer Love Hewitt. So every effort is made to placate existing fans and those who’ve not yet watched.
By contrast, the SMALLVILLE title is dullsville. For one thing, it’s in black-and-white and looks cheap in every aspect where GHOST WHISPERER looks classy. Perhaps when you’ve hit a seventh season — similar to a seven-year itch, I suppose — you just don’t care anymore about putting forth any extra effort.
The bulk of the book is comprised of too in-depth summaries of episodes. I’ve never understood the appeal of plot-point-by-plot-point rehashings; I’d much rather watch them than read them. SMALLVILLE also looks at each character (hey, isn’t Black Canary supposed to be hot instead of emasculating?) and offers scant behind-the-scenes info.
Looks like Superman is vulnerable to more than just Kryptonite. Add Hewitt’s pushed-up bosom to the short list. —Rod Lott
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