Season 9 is my favorite, it was a tight story and it was done very well. I liked the darker nature of it, and it allowed the show to do the triangle for 2 thing with Lois, which was also done very well. Clark wears black becasue he had a "metaphorical death" at the end of season 8. And as much as that finale couldve been better, I like where it startrd Clark in season 9