We're just days away from the ninth season premiere of Smallville.

While fans have been buzzing over major casting news regarding the show - the latest focusing on Julian Sands as Jor-El - let's take a look at the actual developments set to take place on "Savior" this Friday night.

First off, Lois will be interwoven throughout numerous storylines; she's at the center of the episode, which takes place three weeks after the events of the finale.

Clark is training to be Superman, struggling with the abandonment of his humanity, frustrated with his inability to fly.

Meanwhile Clark's relationship with Chloe has never been worse, while he remains obsessed with Lois... who has no idea where she's been for the last three weeks. Keep a close eye on Lois' eerie dream sequence at the conclusion of the episode: there's sex, sweat, blood and death.

There's also Brian Austin Green as John Corben and Callum Blue as Major Zod. Both are pictured below, as the following photos are taken from the September 25 premiere of Smallville:

[Photos: The CW]

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