The DC Comics character Aquaman definitely made a splash on “Smallville” back in 2005 with actor Alan Ritchson as Arthur “A.C.” Curry, who teams up with future Man of Steel Clark Kent (Tom Welling) – aka Superboy/Boy Scout – to stop Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum)’s Leviathan project and save the big blue – the ocean, that is – from ecological disaster. A.C. not only won the heart of Lois Lane (Erica Durance), but “Aqua” became the highest-rated episode for a Thursday night in the history of the then-WB Network. That led them to go hook, line and sinker for a “Aquaman” pilot – this time, with future “This Is Us” star Justin Hartley in the role.
Sadly, the pilot wasn’t picked up, but Hartley was when he was cast with direct aim as Oliver Queen/Green Arrow on “Smallville,” as Ritchson reprise the role of A.C. for season six’s “Justice”. Another fan favorite episode, it was the formation of the Justice League with Green Arrow as the founding leader when he, Aquaman, Victor Stone/Cyborg (Lee Thompson Young), future Flash Bart Allen/Impulse (Kyle Gallner) and Boy Scout shut down one of Luthor’s Project 33.1 experiments in the name of freedom and democracy.
A.C./Aquaman also appeared in season eight’s “Odyssey” and season ten’s “Patriot”, when the character finally discovered his true origins and destiny, and found his soulmate in Mera (Elena Satine), as the duo expressed their passion against the Vigilante Registration Act (VRA). However, in the end, they decide to follow Clark’s example of a true patriot in the name of truth, justice and the American Way.
No matter what, though, one thing remains the same: A.C. still hears fish jokes, which is why “Aquaman” never got the superhero respect and recognition he deserves as the King of the Seven Seas. Until now, with Jason Momoa on the big screen as a member of last year’s “Justice League” opposite Henry Cavill as Superman, Ben Affleck as Batman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Ray Fisher as Cyborg, and Ezra Fisher as the Flash.
Now, he is about to make an even bigger splash this holiday season with his own movie, which is making waves right now.