* Season 9′s theme is “Clark’s darkest hour.”

* Look for a season-long love triangle with Clark, Lois, and Red-Blue Blur.

* Chloe, still grieving over Jimmy’s death, will immerse herself in all things Watchtowerish. Peterson also hinted at some tension for Chlark when she realizes she’s no longer content just being his sidekick.

* We’ll find out why Clark isn’t flying in a scene with him and Jor-El (the returning Terence Stamp) in the season premiere.

* Footage of Brian Austin Green as Metallo will be unveiled at tomorrow’s Con panel. As of now, he’s on board for two episodes, but Peterson says they’re hopeful he’ll do more.

* The episode they’re currently shooting (either 9.02 or 9.03) focuses on Oliver’s downward spiral.

* Battlestar Galactica’s Alessandro Juliani will reprise his role as Dr. Emil Hamilton for several episodes this season.

* Story-wise, Peterson is not approaching this season as Smallville’s last.

* I saved the best for last: Peterson recently had dinner with Michael Rosenbaum. Interpret as you like.

The CW confirms that Callum Blue, a British actor you may know from the WB’s short-lived Related or Showtime’s Secret Diary of a Call Girl, has been cast as Phantom Zone baddie Zod for season nine of Smallville. Blue will be a regular next year. As previously reported, Smallville’s other newbie will be Brian Austin Green as baddie Metallo.

Terence Stamp played the part in the 1980s Superman film series. He was Zod! I did a quick search and found out that the dude in the island (Fantasy Island) is the same dude who knocked Christopher Reeves in Superman 2! Cool!