It's full speed ahead on Smallville.

As the long-running CW hit moves toward its May 14 finale, it will feature:

• A new villain
• An awkward double date
• A brutal, global attack

First, Gil Bellows guest stars this week as Maxwell Lord. Get your first look at the actor in this role NOW.

Then, on May 7, Annette O’Toole reprises her role as Martha Kent. She surprises her son with a new boyfriend: Perry White! The show's most uncomfortable dinner ensues, as seen below:

As for the ninth season finale? It will be titled "Salvation" and stop reading now if you wish to be surprised by the developments to come during this hour. For everyone else...

The CW has released the official description for the May 14 installment. It reads:

When Zod (Callum Blue) and the Kandorians launch their brutal attack on Earth, Chloe (Alison Mack) calls in some old friends to join the fight against the aliens.  Clark (Tom Welling) and Zod face off in an epic battle for the control of Earth.

How can we not tune in to see what happens?!?

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.