Variety is reporting that the WB Network has commissioned an Aquaman pilot from Smallville producers Albert Gough and Miles Millar.  As was the case with Smallville's treatment of Superman ("No Tights, No Flights!"), Gough and Millar plan to downplay Aquaman's superpowers, so don't expect to hear the "A" word or to see this new twenty-something Arthur Curry ride seahorses or talk to the fish, though he will be able to breathe underwater and even a small amount of water will give him extra power, perhaps leading to Popeye-like scenarios in dry land adventures.

This "made for TV" Aquaman will focus his energies on protecting the oceans from polluters and unscrupulous exploiters.  He will operate out of the Florida Keys just close enough to the Bermuda Triangle, which will provide the requisite amount of paranormal fantasy and X-Files-like mystery.

Although Arthur Curry did make a recent appearance on Smallville, Gough and Millar are determined not to make their second DC-Comics-based TV series a spin-off -- actor Alan Ritchson, who played Aquaman on Smallville is not under consideration for the lead in the new series.  Unfortunately, neither is Entourage's Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier), who has spent the last year agonizing about whether or not he should take the title role in a James Cameron directed Aquaman feature film.

Aquaman's appearance on Smallville, which Gough & Millar referred to as "our out-of-town" tryout, was a ratings winner.  If the Frog does like the pilot and gives it a chance, the series may eventually prove to be a long-running hit like Smallville -- after all if this Aquaman "jumps the shark" you can bet it won't be on water skis.