Lawrence.com

What if Superboy's rocket ship had crash-landed in "Dawson's Creek"? That idea must have seemed irresistible to the WB Network big shots who acquired the new teen drama "Smallville" (8 p.m., WB) that adapts and updates the Superman mythology.

John Schneider ("The Dukes of Hazzard") and Annette O'Toole ("Superman III") play Jonathan and Martha Kent, the childless Kansas couple who find an alien baby in a cornfield after his spaceship made a meteoric plunge through the atmosphere. "Smallville" cleverly lays out several plot lines early. We learn how the young Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) loses his hair in the same cornfield where Superboy was discovered.

The action then jumps 12 years to present-day Smallville, where a teen-age Clark Kent (Tom Welling) appears to be dimly aware of his powers and unusual origin. He has a crush on the dreamy Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk). For reasons we will soon discover, he feels rather wobbly on his feet whenever she is around. Both Welling and Kreuk are charming young stars, projecting good looks, sensitivity and innocence.

The drama's idyllic setting sits in stark contrast to some of its darker plot twists. A cruel school tradition leaves one student with an urgent need for violent revenge. This forces a confused Clark to save Smallville High from a teen-age bloodbath that may remind some viewers of "Carrie" and others of Columbine.

� They don't make teen-age exploitation movies like they used to, but "Wolf Girl" (8 p.m., USA) comes darn close. Dig this crazy cast: Tim Curry ("Rocky Horror Picture Show") stars as the head of a freak show who introduces his talent with decadent musical numbers that seem right out of "Cabaret." Disco diva Grace Jones performs as a Half-Man/Half-Woman. Victoria Sanchez stars in the title role. She's Tara, a teen-age beauty with an unusual condition that lands her in a sideshow, where she is teased by local punks. Lesley Ann Warren ("Cinderella") stars, too, as a local scientist who may have a cure for our hirsute heroine. Her son Ryan (Dov Tiefenbach in a memorable performance) befriends the taunted Tara. Highly recommended.

Tonight's other highlights

� A serious case of cold feet on "Gilmore Girls" (7 p.m., WB).

� Nick defends a gay homeless teen-ager on "The Guardian" (8 p.m., CBS).

� Jared pops the question on "Judging Amy" (9 p.m., CBS).

Series notes

l All are new ... Mac is caught in an Indonesian embassy under siege on "JAG" (7 p.m., CBS) ... Kitty redecorates the gang's basement hangout on "That '70s Show" (7 p.m., Fox) ... Dharma takes her first steps on "Dharma & Greg" (7 p.m., ABC) ... Feeling overburdened on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (7 p.m., UPN) ... Things change for Lizzie and Steven on "Undeclared" (7:30 p.m., Fox) ... Jake helps Joan's class prepare for a big test on "What About Joan" (7:30 p.m., ABC) ... Roz meets a dream guy with a trashy profession on "Frasier" (8 p.m., NBC).