9.18 episode reaction/review
Apr. 16th, 2014 07:58 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ash48(*yikes* this got long. Sorry).
That was a… difficult...episode.
I came off the ep wondering what on earth I just watched. Then I remember that this is what Supernatural does and I really shouldn’t be that surprised. In fact, I probably should be celebrating. But not so much this time.
The main problem, for me, was how messy and seemingly disjointed it was. It also felt like it was trying to be everything to everybody. There were moments that I thought worked really well and then moments that either didn’t make sense or were just plain awkward. Mostly it felt like a mix of fan service, fan/writer acknowledgement and some story telling (though pretty light on the story telling – rather ironically).
I usually love Robbie Thompson’s episodes. They are often fresh, well constructed and interesting (Slash Fiction, Time After Time, The Girl with the D&D Tattoo and Pac-Man Fever spring to mind). I felt like Robbie was channelling Ben Edlund and not quite pulling it off.
I am still trying to work out (like I seem to do a lot these days!) if it was extremely clever (and perhaps I’m missing just how clever it is) or just trying to be clever. As I like to be as positive as I can in my reactions (I STILL WANNA LOVE THIS SHOW!) I am going to try and look at this as though it’s clever (where I can).
Starting off the episode by smashing the 4th wall was very disconcerting. Especially when it suggested that what we were about to witness may not be "real". Now, this is something that could actually be very clever. By having Metatron address us directly we are seeing how he is the “god” he wishes to be. That he’s so powerful he can remove himself from the universe he is creating to tell us all about it. We later find out that he was actually addressing Cas, so "we" were Cas for a moment also. Complicated.
But it could also be seen as condescending to fans by telling them (reminding us!) that writing is “hard” and not everyone will be happy with the outcome. That the characters and situations are there to be “interpreted” and if you are not happy with what’s being written then that’s because of the way you are interpreting them. Or that we are being given the characters and they will dictate the direction they will go in - so don't blame us!
Personally, I felt it was the latter and it’s one reason the episode made me fairly uncomfortable. I don’t particularly like being reminded that I’m an observer and that the writers are “gods” (though clearly they are when they are creating these universes). The reminders that “continuity” can sometimes be messed up and that even “retconning” is all part of the process seemed a little excusatory. It felt like we were being spoken to the whole time *shifts nervously* (I appreciate that this may have been tongue-in-cheek but it fell flat for me).
The thing that strikes me most about that episode is how little progress was made in the story. Rather ironic, considering the whole episode was about story creating. If we strip back everything in the episode and look at how the story has advanced what are we actually left with? The biggest step forward was Cas becoming a leader - the manipulation by Metatron for it to be so. Other than that what did we learn? About Dean – he’s changing (which we knew), about Sam - um…he’s pissed at Gadreel and worried about Dean (which we also knew), about Gadreel - he’s possibly getting ready to ditch Metatron (I’m sensing redemption arc here) and about Metatron - that he continues to be a douche.
Maybe simple confirmations about where the characters are at are exactly what we need at this point. Perhaps preparation for the lead up to the finale? The characters are all in place – ready to be manipulated (by Metatron) for the final outcome. Perhaps it's shoutout to the past notion of "free will". It seems their destinies are being manipulated, but in fact they are going to be the ones calling the shots.
Stuff I liked
Aside from the obvious thrill of getting a shower scene from Dean, I think it had more significance. (trying to not read “fan service” here ;D). I think there’s an attempt by Dean is cleanse himself – to free himself from the burden, to wash away the dark (and dirty) guilt and shame. He did it twice in the episode and both times checked to see his reflection. Maybe it was to see if he had changed afterwards? Maybe to try and see deeper into himself – an attempt to understand what’s happening to him. This notion of cleansing was probably my favourite part of "meta" in the show.
It’s frustrating that we don’t know what’s happening to him – but I figure we’re not supposed to yet. It makes me wonder if it’s not going to be as obvious as it seems (dark!Dean who has to fight his inner urges to killkillkill).
Initially I was concerned that Dean removed Sam’s outlet to vent his anger on Gadreel – yet again not allowing Sam to express his feelings about what he was made to do by Gadreel’s hand (and what Dean allowed to happen to him), but in hindsight I think it’s important that Sam has been able to keep that level of control - that revenge isn’t going to be (purely) part of his reaction. I’m happy for it to remain more complex than that (if indeed that's what they are doing here).
I liked that Gabriel wasn’t real. Having him return was weird (and perhaps fan service), but if they were going to do it then I’m glad it was done like this. It was making little sense that he would just turn up out of nowhere. The fact that he was being manipulated (as a manipulator himself) was a nice touch.
Gadreel is the most interesting of the angels. Let's hope they allow that to develop
I thought both Gabriel and Metatron’s performances were entertaining. They both seemed delighted to be back on the show. I enjoyed the energy and commitment they had.
I also enjoyed many of the one-liners. And Dean manhandling Sam. And the growing familiar and more comfortable relationship between Cas and the boys. And Sam's obvious worry over Dean. And the Supernatural books being used in context. And Cas recognising the Mark for what it is (though...care to share?).
Other stuff
The need for this show to return characters is problematic. I get that it’s awesome for some fans, and I appreciate that, but it makes me wonder how much it burdens the story writing. If they keep bringing back “beloved” characters it lessens the effect of their deaths. It makes me wonder why they don’t just hide them away until they are needed again. It also worries me that fans are controlling who returns – which ultimately effects the way in which the story is unfolding. Maybe I only feel like this because I accept characters' deaths as part of the SPN universe and have no desire to keep seeing them return (though I’m possibly hypocritical because I loved seeing Ellen returned). *sigh* I don’t know. Perhaps I am getting tired of it all.
The brother’s relationship continues to make little sense to me. After Sam saying they’re more like business partners than brothers he continues to be exactly opposite. I’m not complaining because I'd rather see them being brotherly, but what was the point of that if the status is essentially quo?
Though I do have a theory about that.
More and more we are getting reminders that Sam told Dean that he won’t save him (I know he actually said "No Dean, I wouldn’t. Same circumstances, I wouldn’t.”, but I think we are suppose to read that as many fans actually have – that Sam won’t save Dean). It digs deep into Dean and Gadreel used it to try and get Dean to kill him. It suggests that Sam will be put in a position to save Dean and maybe just the act of the that will be enough to “save” Dean. After all, it’s Sam’s faith and belief in his brother that has saved Dean before.
I did worry that all the stuff Gadreel was spouting about Sam was going to be even more fodder for the Sam hate, but I think even the Sam haters are beginning to see the manipulation going on. In fact, it was rather wonderful because we KNOW that everything Gadreel said was bullshit. There’s enough canon to absolutely prove otherwise. It doesn’t mean that Dean doesn’t believe it though – in fact, he believes it absolutely. I think Gadreel was definitely tapping into Sam’s knowledge of Dean. He knows exactly what would fire him up. And Sam knowing this stuff means just that. Not that he wouldn’t trade himself in a SHOT for Dean - just that Sam knows exactly what makes his brother tick (and why he's able to say things that he knows will hurt him. Even when he doesn't mean it).
I truly wish I was more interested in the angel stuff. I am sure it’s supposed to be interesting, but it fails to capture me. Maybe because it confuses me. They have to keep making excuses for why they have no “juice” or why they can’t achieve angel type things. Same with the demons. I suppose at least Metatron told them why he was keeping them alive.
I felt Cas was the only character we really saw move forward. He accepted his leadership role. I didn’t mind that – even though I’m not really interested in it. Let’s hope he’s a competent, clever, compassionate leader and isn’t made to fail for be the “villain” again. So much rehashing of character issues I wouldn’t be surprised if this will be revisited also (god, I hope not!).
I’m not sure I’m going to enjoy Deannavel mirror gazing for much longer. I get that he’s full of angst and guilt and is troubled by…well, everything, but I have to say I’d rather see that play out in action rather than long, pondering, man-pain shots (and I suppose brooding, depressed Dean isn't one of my favourite flavours of Dean - especially when it's beginning to look like self-pity. Is it? I'm not sure how to read it at the moment actually). I am now ready to see so much more from him. Is this only going to be about him looking dark, speaking even deeper than usual and being violent? I’m hoping this Mark will bring out so much more. Maybe a new clarity? A will to fight for himself and not always for others? Realisation and acceptance that he can mess up without feeling guilty or seeking revenge on others?
I did think that Dean seeking revenge on Gadreel for what he did to Sam very interesting. I actually said to the TV "but what about what you did?" Anything to avoid thinking about that I think.
I suppose at least Sam has been allowed to get on and hunt. We did at least get to see some of his anger – and his worry. I am going to accept that as Sam having amazing coping mechanisms and he’s actually proving that he’s not “selfish” as he’s often accused of (rather than the show completely dismissing what’s happened to him). I actually believe there’s nothing Sam can do at this point that will change anything anyway. Dean is too far gone and is losing himself to the blade for him to talk to. Being angry, sad or hurt is something he doesn’t have time to wallow in. I think I might actually like that. He’s such a strong man and this demonstrates this more and more.
I think the most troubling aspect of the episodes so far is that it’s becoming clearer that Sam’s violation has been a plot device to get Dean to a position where he believes that Sam won’t save him and that he’s such a screw up that he took on the Mark. Getting Dean to that position is all well and good IF the violation is addressed at some point too. Meaning that Sam is allowed to have some sort of reaction to it (too late for that now I think) and it somehow forms part of Dean’s growth (possibly too late for that as the Mark is the all consuming storyline at the moment). It will be extraordinarily disappointing if Sam’s consistent lack of body control and choice is overlooked for the sake of Sam having to save Dean from himself. I mean, I'm ready for Sam to do some saving, but not for the sake having everything else ignored. But I’ll make that judgement call at the end of the season.
So. Clever or a mess? Fan service or a deeper look into the characters? Robbie trying to be Ben or Robbie stamping his own mark on the SPN 'verse? I suppose it depends on your reading of it. Either way I think it was mostly setting up the road to the finale. Planted seeds. Made Metatron even more douchier so that when he finally dies (which he no doubt will!) it will be even sweeter.
That closing song was extremely ominous. If they thought the sun was shining before this episode I hate to think what it's going to be doing by the end of the season. /o\
Show continues to mess me around and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I suppose the fact that I wrote all this means I'm still completely invested. ;)
That was a… difficult...episode.
I came off the ep wondering what on earth I just watched. Then I remember that this is what Supernatural does and I really shouldn’t be that surprised. In fact, I probably should be celebrating. But not so much this time.
The main problem, for me, was how messy and seemingly disjointed it was. It also felt like it was trying to be everything to everybody. There were moments that I thought worked really well and then moments that either didn’t make sense or were just plain awkward. Mostly it felt like a mix of fan service, fan/writer acknowledgement and some story telling (though pretty light on the story telling – rather ironically).
I usually love Robbie Thompson’s episodes. They are often fresh, well constructed and interesting (Slash Fiction, Time After Time, The Girl with the D&D Tattoo and Pac-Man Fever spring to mind). I felt like Robbie was channelling Ben Edlund and not quite pulling it off.
I am still trying to work out (like I seem to do a lot these days!) if it was extremely clever (and perhaps I’m missing just how clever it is) or just trying to be clever. As I like to be as positive as I can in my reactions (I STILL WANNA LOVE THIS SHOW!) I am going to try and look at this as though it’s clever (where I can).
Starting off the episode by smashing the 4th wall was very disconcerting. Especially when it suggested that what we were about to witness may not be "real". Now, this is something that could actually be very clever. By having Metatron address us directly we are seeing how he is the “god” he wishes to be. That he’s so powerful he can remove himself from the universe he is creating to tell us all about it. We later find out that he was actually addressing Cas, so "we" were Cas for a moment also. Complicated.
But it could also be seen as condescending to fans by telling them (reminding us!) that writing is “hard” and not everyone will be happy with the outcome. That the characters and situations are there to be “interpreted” and if you are not happy with what’s being written then that’s because of the way you are interpreting them. Or that we are being given the characters and they will dictate the direction they will go in - so don't blame us!
Personally, I felt it was the latter and it’s one reason the episode made me fairly uncomfortable. I don’t particularly like being reminded that I’m an observer and that the writers are “gods” (though clearly they are when they are creating these universes). The reminders that “continuity” can sometimes be messed up and that even “retconning” is all part of the process seemed a little excusatory. It felt like we were being spoken to the whole time *shifts nervously* (I appreciate that this may have been tongue-in-cheek but it fell flat for me).
The thing that strikes me most about that episode is how little progress was made in the story. Rather ironic, considering the whole episode was about story creating. If we strip back everything in the episode and look at how the story has advanced what are we actually left with? The biggest step forward was Cas becoming a leader - the manipulation by Metatron for it to be so. Other than that what did we learn? About Dean – he’s changing (which we knew), about Sam - um…he’s pissed at Gadreel and worried about Dean (which we also knew), about Gadreel - he’s possibly getting ready to ditch Metatron (I’m sensing redemption arc here) and about Metatron - that he continues to be a douche.
Maybe simple confirmations about where the characters are at are exactly what we need at this point. Perhaps preparation for the lead up to the finale? The characters are all in place – ready to be manipulated (by Metatron) for the final outcome. Perhaps it's shoutout to the past notion of "free will". It seems their destinies are being manipulated, but in fact they are going to be the ones calling the shots.
Stuff I liked
Aside from the obvious thrill of getting a shower scene from Dean, I think it had more significance. (trying to not read “fan service” here ;D). I think there’s an attempt by Dean is cleanse himself – to free himself from the burden, to wash away the dark (and dirty) guilt and shame. He did it twice in the episode and both times checked to see his reflection. Maybe it was to see if he had changed afterwards? Maybe to try and see deeper into himself – an attempt to understand what’s happening to him. This notion of cleansing was probably my favourite part of "meta" in the show.
It’s frustrating that we don’t know what’s happening to him – but I figure we’re not supposed to yet. It makes me wonder if it’s not going to be as obvious as it seems (dark!Dean who has to fight his inner urges to killkillkill).
Initially I was concerned that Dean removed Sam’s outlet to vent his anger on Gadreel – yet again not allowing Sam to express his feelings about what he was made to do by Gadreel’s hand (and what Dean allowed to happen to him), but in hindsight I think it’s important that Sam has been able to keep that level of control - that revenge isn’t going to be (purely) part of his reaction. I’m happy for it to remain more complex than that (if indeed that's what they are doing here).
I liked that Gabriel wasn’t real. Having him return was weird (and perhaps fan service), but if they were going to do it then I’m glad it was done like this. It was making little sense that he would just turn up out of nowhere. The fact that he was being manipulated (as a manipulator himself) was a nice touch.
Gadreel is the most interesting of the angels. Let's hope they allow that to develop
I thought both Gabriel and Metatron’s performances were entertaining. They both seemed delighted to be back on the show. I enjoyed the energy and commitment they had.
I also enjoyed many of the one-liners. And Dean manhandling Sam. And the growing familiar and more comfortable relationship between Cas and the boys. And Sam's obvious worry over Dean. And the Supernatural books being used in context. And Cas recognising the Mark for what it is (though...care to share?).
Other stuff
The need for this show to return characters is problematic. I get that it’s awesome for some fans, and I appreciate that, but it makes me wonder how much it burdens the story writing. If they keep bringing back “beloved” characters it lessens the effect of their deaths. It makes me wonder why they don’t just hide them away until they are needed again. It also worries me that fans are controlling who returns – which ultimately effects the way in which the story is unfolding. Maybe I only feel like this because I accept characters' deaths as part of the SPN universe and have no desire to keep seeing them return (though I’m possibly hypocritical because I loved seeing Ellen returned). *sigh* I don’t know. Perhaps I am getting tired of it all.
The brother’s relationship continues to make little sense to me. After Sam saying they’re more like business partners than brothers he continues to be exactly opposite. I’m not complaining because I'd rather see them being brotherly, but what was the point of that if the status is essentially quo?
Though I do have a theory about that.
More and more we are getting reminders that Sam told Dean that he won’t save him (I know he actually said "No Dean, I wouldn’t. Same circumstances, I wouldn’t.”, but I think we are suppose to read that as many fans actually have – that Sam won’t save Dean). It digs deep into Dean and Gadreel used it to try and get Dean to kill him. It suggests that Sam will be put in a position to save Dean and maybe just the act of the that will be enough to “save” Dean. After all, it’s Sam’s faith and belief in his brother that has saved Dean before.
I did worry that all the stuff Gadreel was spouting about Sam was going to be even more fodder for the Sam hate, but I think even the Sam haters are beginning to see the manipulation going on. In fact, it was rather wonderful because we KNOW that everything Gadreel said was bullshit. There’s enough canon to absolutely prove otherwise. It doesn’t mean that Dean doesn’t believe it though – in fact, he believes it absolutely. I think Gadreel was definitely tapping into Sam’s knowledge of Dean. He knows exactly what would fire him up. And Sam knowing this stuff means just that. Not that he wouldn’t trade himself in a SHOT for Dean - just that Sam knows exactly what makes his brother tick (and why he's able to say things that he knows will hurt him. Even when he doesn't mean it).
I truly wish I was more interested in the angel stuff. I am sure it’s supposed to be interesting, but it fails to capture me. Maybe because it confuses me. They have to keep making excuses for why they have no “juice” or why they can’t achieve angel type things. Same with the demons. I suppose at least Metatron told them why he was keeping them alive.
I felt Cas was the only character we really saw move forward. He accepted his leadership role. I didn’t mind that – even though I’m not really interested in it. Let’s hope he’s a competent, clever, compassionate leader and isn’t made to fail for be the “villain” again. So much rehashing of character issues I wouldn’t be surprised if this will be revisited also (god, I hope not!).
I’m not sure I’m going to enjoy Dean
I did think that Dean seeking revenge on Gadreel for what he did to Sam very interesting. I actually said to the TV "but what about what you did?" Anything to avoid thinking about that I think.
I suppose at least Sam has been allowed to get on and hunt. We did at least get to see some of his anger – and his worry. I am going to accept that as Sam having amazing coping mechanisms and he’s actually proving that he’s not “selfish” as he’s often accused of (rather than the show completely dismissing what’s happened to him). I actually believe there’s nothing Sam can do at this point that will change anything anyway. Dean is too far gone and is losing himself to the blade for him to talk to. Being angry, sad or hurt is something he doesn’t have time to wallow in. I think I might actually like that. He’s such a strong man and this demonstrates this more and more.
I think the most troubling aspect of the episodes so far is that it’s becoming clearer that Sam’s violation has been a plot device to get Dean to a position where he believes that Sam won’t save him and that he’s such a screw up that he took on the Mark. Getting Dean to that position is all well and good IF the violation is addressed at some point too. Meaning that Sam is allowed to have some sort of reaction to it (too late for that now I think) and it somehow forms part of Dean’s growth (possibly too late for that as the Mark is the all consuming storyline at the moment). It will be extraordinarily disappointing if Sam’s consistent lack of body control and choice is overlooked for the sake of Sam having to save Dean from himself. I mean, I'm ready for Sam to do some saving, but not for the sake having everything else ignored. But I’ll make that judgement call at the end of the season.
So. Clever or a mess? Fan service or a deeper look into the characters? Robbie trying to be Ben or Robbie stamping his own mark on the SPN 'verse? I suppose it depends on your reading of it. Either way I think it was mostly setting up the road to the finale. Planted seeds. Made Metatron even more douchier so that when he finally dies (which he no doubt will!) it will be even sweeter.
That closing song was extremely ominous. If they thought the sun was shining before this episode I hate to think what it's going to be doing by the end of the season. /o\
Show continues to mess me around and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I suppose the fact that I wrote all this means I'm still completely invested. ;)
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no subject
Date: 2014-04-20 03:21 pm (UTC)There is a theory going around that Dean and Gadreel some how switched places in the factory. Something is really off about Dean in that scene and also Gadreel when he was with Metatron. That would be an interesting twist but I don't see these writers being that creative. Sigh, I hate beating a dead horse, but at this point we have to take what we get with the Carver Administration since he clearly doesn't care what fans think of his new version of Supernatural.
no subject
Date: 2014-04-21 12:38 am (UTC)I have to admit that I do to. It's hard for me to separate what I know they see and what they write and not join the two. Though, on the flip side, Kripke was writing this stuff (Swan Song and Monster at the End of the Book) and he wasn't on Twitter. I think he might have been fairly engaged with what was going on in the fandom though. He also created Becky (or was in charge when she was around) so their idea of imagine of what a fan girl is has always been pretty ...um....unflattering.
I'm still pissed about the destruction of Sam and Dean and have no idea where this is headed, but do have a sinking feeling it's not good.
I think we've seen the lowest the relationship can go already and they are working to have some sort of resolution at the end. What worries me is how they plan to resolve the big issues that they have created this season - they will have spent over half the season tearing down and apart so there's a lot to fix. I'm worried he's going to try and do that in one (finale) episode (and that Sam will be the one to say "sorry"). I constantly fluctuate between thinking Carver has really dug deep into this relationship and is examining some really interesting issues (their constant sacrificing for each other - also control, consent, abandonment etc etc) and he has a plan for acknowledging those to the boys can build a stronger, healthier relationship AND between the thought that he actually doesn't like Sam and Dean and is doing everything he can to show us how horrible they can be. We've certainly seen the darker side (or less likeable) to both their characters over the last two years. I'm hopping S10 is all about rebuilding their relationship and their characters.
/sorry to blab so much about that.
There is a theory going around that Dean and Gadreel some how switched places in the factory.
Oh wow. I hadn't heard that one. Um...I doubt they'd do something like that without us seeing it, or getting some bigger hint. BUT...it's a curious idea and I suppose anything can happen at this stage. The only issue is Dean would have to have said yes and I can imagine for a moment how that would have come about. Dean definitely looked to have the upper hand in that scene. Dean is off because the Mark is taking over and I think Gad is changing his mind about Metatron.
Also - wow - that would add another huge layer to this story and I'm thinking they still have a lot of balls in the air that need resolving without adding Dean being Gad and Gad being Dean for the next few episodes.
Ha! We'll see! (thanks for popping by. It's been a while! *g* (sorry for talking your ear off))
no subject
Date: 2014-04-21 04:02 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-04-21 10:22 am (UTC)hee...and Casey andI have been battling this out for ages now. We have very different points of view on this - luckily we have been able to discuss it without it turning nasty. :)
no subject
Date: 2014-04-21 02:34 pm (UTC)Some of the writers certainly are full of themselves now on twitter. Adam Glass takes things to heart and got reamed so bad he took a break and hasn't been back for awhile. Robbie Thompson seems to enjoy poking the bear for controversy. Robert Berens is my favorite writer on twitter. He's intelligent and funny and doesn't let the small stuff get to him. Love to pick his brain at a con if that ever happens! Kripke doesn't have a public twitter, Sera Gamble has one but never uses it. I think they're like Jensen in that regard - avoid avoid avoid! They do get their info from somewhere, whether it's message boards/blogs on tumblr or even LJ's like yours, and that doesn't creep you out at all, does it?? *snicker*
About the boys, I've thought for awhile now that Carver was doing just that, tearing them down to build them back up (one of the writer's tweets suggested that) but he's really pushing it to the limit. Sure they've had moments of concern and caring which are little gifts, but the big "I'm sorry and I can't live without you" scene may not come this season, imo. If you don't do spoilers I won't spoil you on who's returning but just say it's not a good thing if the character is there for a certain purpose. (Just speculation on my part what could happen there.)
The way it's been set up, the boys will go down to the wire in the finale to gank MT and could end with one of the boys dying, if the show follows the Cane/Abel story. I really want Sam to save Dean from going too far but there is a twist coming so who knows what show will do with it.
I do want Dean to see what Sam went through being possessed and losing control of his own body and mind. That could be the equalizer that's been needed for so long between them, for Dean to appreciate Sam's past predicaments, level the playing field so to speak. Could be what Carver's 'maturation' process is with the MOC, otherwise his plan has failed miserably with the brothers. I can't tell you how frustrated I am with Carver's version of the brothers, they are nothing like they used to be. And don't get me started on Sam's virtual muteness in Season 9.
The theory of Dean and Gad switching places is an interesting one that would be hard to carry through 'til the end, but anything's possible as we know. My confidence in the writers and show runner is dwindling weekly and I hate it. I'm still holding out hope Carver will surprise the hell out of us with something awesome but, not getting my hopes up too high.
Goodness I've rambled, feels good to get it off my chest in one place! xo
(p.s. I listened to your voice meme, love it)
no subject
Date: 2014-04-22 04:11 am (UTC)I've been following you on twitter and I enjoy hearing your thoughts on things. :)
I do read your epi reviews every week and always love your insights and the corresponding comments.
Thanks! I think what others say is really interesting and can often shed some light on troublesome things in the show.
They do get their info from somewhere, whether it's message boards/blogs on tumblr or even LJ's like yours, and that doesn't creep you out at all, does it??
haha! That would totally freak me out. though, sometimes I'd love them to hear what we've got to say. Though it's important that they have their own vision for the show and aren't to swayed by our reactions. On the one hand I'm happy that they care that much about our thoughts but on the other hand we all think differently so there's no way they could make a show that would satisfy all of us. They know that the brotherly bond is a really important aspect of the show, but even that can be interpreted differently depending how you come at it.
but the big "I'm sorry and I can't live without you" scene may not come this season, imo
It's tricky because if they make the resolution "simple" then it disregards a whole season of trouble they have stirred up. What would be important is that the resolution is lasting and not just a bandaid. They've stirred up some pretty dark stuff and if they don't really examine that, the relationship will be even less healthy than it was before. So yeah, I think steps toward reconciliation might been seen this season but perhaps the full understanding won't happen until next season. I imagine Carver has a 3 year plan - so he won't want it all resolved by the end of this season. (boo!)
but there is a twist coming so who knows what show will do with it.
Yeah. This "twist" that I've heard mention is scaring the hell out of me. It could be awesome (I SO want to be wonderfully surprised by something) or a complete let down because we've already guessed it. OR they think it's a "twist" but in fact it's something we already know ( like - omg, Sam really does care about Dean).
I can't tell you how frustrated I am with Carver's version of the brothers, they are nothing like they used to be. And don't get me started on Sam's virtual muteness in Season 9.
Yeah, it's pretty distressing. He created a Sam who didn't even attempt to look for his brother in S8 (instead hit a dog and fell for a not very nice woman - without any obvious reason) and now a Dean who not only allowed Sam to be possessed without consent he also used Zeke/Sam when it was convenient and continued to lie about it for ages. I know these things create drama but they also showed us dark sides to their characters that actually makes them harder and harder to like (I'm really struggling to like Dean this season, which makes me so sad).
I'm still holding out hope Carver will surprise the hell out of us with something awesome but, not getting my hopes up too high.
Me too! Exactly. This season could be amazing. I love the idea (and horror) of what's been set up but it could end up being awful (if all the potential isn't utilised)
Hee...and thanks for listening to the voice meme! I have so much catching up to do on that one...)