Though she’d appeared on many TV shows (including The Love Boat) before starring on Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Teri Hatcher’s playing Lois Lane really made her a household name.

After the TV show’s cancellation, Hatcher went on to various other roles until she landed back on ABC’s Sunday night schedule in the part of Susan Mayer on Desperate Housewives.

It’s been said that Hatcher has tried to put Lois & Clark behind her but it seems she doesn’t mind paying homage to her role. EW reports that Hatcher will be playing the mother of Lois (Erica Durance) on an upcoming episode of Smallville.

According to Smallville mythology, Lois’ mother Ella is deceased. However, in the eighth episode of this season, the young reporter will discover a videotape of her mother.

Dean Cain, Hatcher’s super co-star on Lois & Clark, played immortal physician Curtis Knox in season seven. The character’s initials are an homage to Cain having played Clark Kent previously. It seems like Hatcher’s character name, Ella, is a similar tribute to her having played Lois Lane.

Hatcher is the latest in a long line of performers who’ve paid homage to their Superman connection. Others have included Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Helen Slater, Marc McClure, Terence Stamp, and of course, Annette O’Toole.

Hatcher’s Smallville episode, titled “Abandoned,” should air during November sweeps.

What do you think? Are you looking forward to seeing Hatcher on Smallville? Who else would you like to see appear before the end of the series?