E! Online reports that James Marsters is returning for four episodes of "Smallville":

We last saw Marsters's character, Dr. Milton Fine (aka Brainiac), in Smallville's fifth season finale.

While it's unclear exactly how James is returning, I can tell you he's reprising the exact same character, he's returning to set very soon and his episodes begin airing in January.

"Smallville" premieres on The CW Thursday night.