Thursday, January 30, 2014

Spoilers Sweeties! Promo Pics - Supernatural 9.13 "The Purge".

OH. MY. GOD.
Well we all needed some happy after last week's episode...

HOW'S THIS FOR HAPPY!

Please be to enjoy the promo pics for Supernatural 9.13 "The Purge" AKA - THE GUN SHOW!
(Excuse me while I objectify)

Wait a moment... just trying to find words...
(Also, I would so GO TO THIS GYM and I don't do gyms!)


Still trying...for words...(though feet comes to mind)


 Can I be this lady pretty please?


He's doing that on purpose isn't he.
(I like it)

Wait. Where's the hotness gone?


Oh it's back!


 Now... I am liking the tightness of Dean's shirt combo... (And Sam's tight guns. What? Nothing.)


What is completely ridiculous is that he can still be beautiful in a hairnet!


 He can actually carry this look off! How is that possible?


 Yay! Tight clingy shirts. If he can't be in a singlet like Sam at least his shirt is clinging!


Oh. I should probably say something serious about this episode here. 
Nahhhh! (Sam's hair looks pretty.)


Maybe this episode should be called "The Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrge"

Okay, I'm done now. I'm so sorry. (Not sorry)


-sweetondean

Supernatural Spinoff Update - Title and More.



So there's more information starting to come out about the Supernatural spinoff.

We already know that it will kick off in Supernatural episode 9.20 - which will be written by/has been written by Andrew Dabb.

9.20 will be what is known as a "backdoor pilot" or "embeded pilot". This means that the CW and Warner Bros are using an existing show to launch a new show. The CW have successfully done this with The Originals, which took existing characters from The Vampire Diaries and spun them into their own show and is also hoping to have success again with the Arrow spinoff, The Flash. The Flash character was introduced over a couple of season 2 Arrow episodes.

Supernatural 9.20 is said to introduce some new characters which will then spinoff in their own right into their own show.

The spinoff will be set in Chicago and will be stand alone - in that it won't have the regular characters from Supernatural, AKA Sam and Dean appearing in it. Though whether characters from Supernatural ever crossover to the spinoff, we'll have to wait and see, (not that many characters other than the main characters are left alive to cross over to the new show!) but the bulk of the news about this new series seems to suggest that the CW are building a brand new show that will stand on its own two feet.

Jensen and Jared have both discussed the hope that they may be able to shoot part of 9.20 in Chicago, but being as most of the Supernatural crew is Canadian and that it would require a US crew set up to shoot the episode and also all the other associated costs of transporting a Canadian produced show to Chicago - like Baby - chances are that won't happen - at least not the whole episode, though it is possible that some elements of the episode may be shot separately there.

But what about the spinoff series if it's picked up?

Well let's just say, The Tomorrow People is set in New York and that's where they shot their pilot, but the show now shoots in Vancouver. So that might be an indication!

Here's what was revealed about the spinoff back in July via Entertainment Weekly.

As buzz continued to build about Supernatural’s upcoming spin-off executive producers Jeremy Carver and Robert Singer yesterday shared with EW some new info about the spin-off, which is currently scheduled to be introduced to viewers in episode 20 of the upcoming new season.

In the Chicago-set episode, Carver said we’ll be introduced to a show that would, if picked up by the network, “explore the clashing monster and human characters” living in the city. In fact, he said, “we’ll have main characters who are both human and monsters.” That will include, added Singer, “families of monsters and families of hunters.” “It’s much more of an ensemble than Supernatural,” Singer said.

Starting with a fresh slate of characters, Singer explained, felt like a non-traditional approach to a spin-off that also left room for Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) to introduce viewers into the world. “Most spin-offs, you spin characters out and create a show about them. Jared and Jensen will be in the spin-off, but it’s an entirely different cast of characters,” Singer said. “And unlike Supernatural – which is a road show — this will take place in one place with a wider cast of characters.”

And while news of the in-the-works Supernatural spin-off may have caught some fans of the long-running series by surprise, Carver said he had a feeling it would eventually become a topic of discussion. “I think any time a show goes this long — unless you’re Chicago Fire [which got a spin-off after one season] — then you’re always in the back of your mind going to be thinking the what-if scenario,” he said.

“It’s going to be quite a departure — the same world but from a whole new perspective,” Carver added.



In August the head of the CW, Mark Pedowitz had this to say:

"It will be set in Chicago. There will be hunters. There will be monsters [...] I don't believe anyone is intending to have continuing characters in it that are presently on Supernatural". 

Now as Supernatural starts prepping episode 9.17 and the spinoff series "backdoor pilot" is getting closer to production, there's some more news coming out...

We have a title! They're utilising the Supernatural brand. The show will be called: "Supernatural: Tribes."


The Hollywood Reporter  also has this information:

Supernatural: Tribes will explore the clashing hunter and monster cultures of Chicago and hails from Supernatural's writer Andrew Dabb, who will exec produce alongside Eric Kripke, Robert Singer, showrunner Jeremy Carver and McG. Singer will direct the Warner Bros. Television entry.

Fabulous that it's being created and executive produced by the Supernatural crew. There's also been talk that if the pilot gets picked up, Andrew Dabb will move over to "Tribes" as showrunner. Which is a bit of a bummer because I've grown to love his episodes. Especially the work he's done in seaosn 9.


Over at the Chicago Tribune, they're speculating whether "Supernatural: Tribes" will be shot locally:

The CW announced Wednesday that long running drama “Supernatural” is getting a spinoff. And unlike the original, which follows brothers Dean and Sam Winchester as they hunt ghosts and monsters all over the country, the spinoff, “Supernatural: Tribes” will take place in Chicago.

According to Entertainment Weekly, “Supernatural” executive producer Robert Singer revealed in July during San Diego Comic Con that a potential spinoff would be introduced as a backdoor pilot toward the end of the current “Supernatural” season (You might remember “Chicago Fire” did the same thing with its spinoff, “Chicago PD”). Singer added that the spinoff would “explore the clashing monster and human characters” and that “we’ll have main characters who are both human and monsters (and) families of monsters and families of hunters. ... It’s much more of an ensemble than ‘Supernatural.’ ”

The original “Supernatural” is filmed in Vancouver. Will the spinoff film there as well or shoot on-location in Chicago? “No word on them filming here, yet,” said Chicago Film Office director Rich Moskal by email Thursday.

“Supernatural” is known for having one of the most passionate fanbases. There’s even a “Supernatural” convention, which this year will take place Oct. 24-26 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont. “Supernatural” stars Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki are scheduled to attend.


So what do you think? I'm not sure! 

I watch The Originals. I actually like it better than The Vampire Diaries these days! But, Supernatural to me is Sam and Dean and while I love the stories, the monsters, the hunter mythology etc., I watch for the relationship between these wounded, gloriously frustrating, chaotic, epically heroic, tragic and beautiful brothers. I know many of you are the same and a lot of fans feel similarly about Castiel. So will a brand new show with brand new characters, even if set in our Supernatural Universe, have the same charm? Hmm. Dare I say doubtful? I think Supernatural is lightning in a bottle, a magical combination that rarely happens in television. Jensen and Jared infuse that show with so much love that it bounces off the screen. It's special. That's why we're so passionate about it.

But this spinoff might be awesome in its own right! It also might bring a new audience across to Supernatural, if people tune into the new show and then get curious about the existing show. Geesh, could our ratings jump again in season 10? That would be incredible!

I'm super interested to see what episode 9.20 has in store for us and what/who these new characters are. Let me know your thoughts on all of this. Are there any living Supernatural characters/monsters you'd like see take up residence in Chicago and become a part of "Supernatural: Tribes"?

Until next time my friends, have a Supernaturally awesome day!
-sweetondean




Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Spoliers Sweeties! Promo and Sneak Peek for Supernatural 9.13 "The Purge"


Well we can probably all do with a laugh...and a hug...and maybe some gratuitous Sam flesh...and goofy Dean, right?

Welcome to 9.13 The Purge!

Please be to enjoy the following promo and sneak peek!


SWEET LORD OF THE RINGS! Why has it taken 9 seasons to have Sam dressed like THAT! 

Also, somehow Dean can even carry off a hairnet. I mean, it's not natural...it's Super...oh you know.


Now are there any Fargo fans out there? "I gotta be honest with ya...oh yar".  Weeee!


Dean with that donut. Sam telling him he has stuff on his face. Dean with that donut. I'm squeeing like a fangirl! Which of course I am! Oh yar! Also, that cop is the best thing ever.


So looks like some much needed lightness...though whats a bet it's pepper with angry at each other brotherly angst. 

Oh yar... good stuff!


Oh and...just because we're talking HOT stuff (for something completely different), The CW has updated their TV Now promo. Yes, it has some of that lovely promo shoot stuff of the guys. Jensen wielding that knife. HOLY... *thud*


Come onnnnnnnnnnnn Tuesday!
-sweetondean


Tuesday, January 28, 2014

The Light On Spoliers, Heavy on Squee Preview of Supernatural 9.12 "Sharp Teeth"


Huh.

I feel like this episode is being kept a secret from us or something! Mainly because this week there was no sneak peek released. At least not yet. 

Did they think it would be too spoilery? Why? What happens? WHAT? WHAT HAPPENS?

*panics alittle* 

Geesh. It makes me want this episode even more than I already did... and that is A LOT (as you can probably tell.)

So what do we know? How about we look at the synopsis.

GARTH RETURNS - After finding out that Garth (guest star DJ Qualls) is in the hospital, Sam and Dean go to check on him. Still carrying the guilt over Kevin, Dean lays into Garth about disappearing and demands to know where he's been. Garth makes an excuse and then hightails it away from the guys. Confused as to why Garth would run from them, Sam and Dean do some investigating and are stunned by what they find. John Showalter directed the episode written by Adam Glass (912).

Great team! John Showalter last directed the opening episode, "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here", which was a cracker and Adam... well I think we're all pretty versed with Adam's work and wonderful interaction with the fandom. He's a true Supernatural fanboy. Whether you dig his stuff or not, you can't doubt that. For me, "Bad Boys" has been an episode highlight of the past few seasons, harking back to all the things that made me fall in love with this show and these glorious brothers. (If you didn't read my love filled review of "Bad Boys" check it out here.) So I'm looking forward to seeing what Adam does with our favourite brodependent duo, what with them being in such an icky place emotionally and all. We know that they aren't going to repair their relationship overnight, but here's hoping they at least takes steps towards understanding. If Adam's teasing tweets are anything to go by, I think we're in for a world of feels!



The boys finally air it all out. Plenty of boy drama. OH YES! I hope they do... But not all yelly and punchy. Please not yelly or punchy.

Anyhoo, let's look at the one measly 20 second promo!


Do you think the CW would actually pop a major plot point in a promo? Well, probably, they have before, though I have a sneaking suspicion that we're going to find out that there's a bit more to Garth's "I'm a werewolf" statement. 

But to be honest...all I see is the Winchesters kicking down a door TOGETHER.

Hey, at least their talking.

Now, this is the promo that was released before the end of hellatus a few weeks back, that has footage from the first 3 episodes. I'm including it, because there's some stuff from "Sharp Teeth" in here. Check it out.


So Garth gets hit by a car and the brothers go to see him in hospital. Do you think that they get to him independently of each other? Like maybe someone from the hospital calls one of them and that brother calls the other? Like in a family crisis. Or does Garth call them? Just. I want to know all right? Because once again, all I see is the Winchesters TOGETHER.

Praise be to Chuck. Let's hope they stay together so they can damn well work out their crap! No more stowing it!

One thing I have to say, Garth has always been an insightful guy when it comes to the brothers and he has in the past, pointed things out to each of them about their relationship. And he manages to do it in an awesome non-confrontational way. So I have hopes that Garth will be another person on the outside of the brother's relationship who looks in and gives them a different perspective. Sooner or later they've got to listen, right? RIGHT?

Okay... we also got some promo pics today. 

SPOILER ALERT... THEY'RE HOT!



Told ya! You can check out the rest of the promo pics (and my ridiculous running commentary) here.

Now, if by some chance we get a sneak peek late in the day I shall add it. And of course, I shall add the CHCH promo when/if it drops!

So what are your thoughts?

  • Is Garth really a werewolf?
  • If he is, how do you think the bros will handle it?
  • How do you think Sam and Dean come back together?
  • Do you think Sam will take one of the cars from the bunker garage? He has to get places! 
  • Do you think Dean will go back to the bunker?
  • Do you think the brothers will actually TALK?
  • Is this the beginning of the long road back to where we thought they were at the end of "Sacrifice" GAH!
  • Will I cryyyyyyyy?

Let me know your thinky thoughts!

Eeeeee! New Supernatural! 
-sweetondean

STOP THE PRESSES

Here's the CHCH promo!


Um. Dramatic music much? Good grief. Sorry, promo producer coming out on me!

Not much here...

I'm still thinking there's more than meets the eye to the Garth is a werewolf thing. Yes/Yes? Yes/No?

NOT LONG NOW AND WE'LL KNOW!

Woohoo! 
-sweetondean (again)

P.S. In case you're jonesing for more, here's a spoilery interview with DJ via Zap2it. It is pretty spoilery about a couple of aspects of this episode (not the werewolf stuff though), so clickity click at your own peril! Read it here.



Monday, January 27, 2014

Spoilers Sweeties! Promo Pics - Supernatural 9.12 "Sharp Teeth"


Finally! Some promo pics from the next episode! Next being like TOMORROW. Geesh CW, way to make us wait!

Of course... 9.12 "Sharp Teeth" has none other than Garth as our returning character/possible monster of the week.

Enjoy...and I do mean enjoy...these pics!


Aww. Look at that face.



PHWOAR LOOK AT THAT FACE! 
I simply have no words for this photo of Dean. Wait... yeah I do... "g"
(Okay I also have the words, never shave.)



My statement from previous photo continues here.



For some reason I'm hearing "Hisssss".  Probably not...



Ruh-Roh. On a more intelligent note... I like that shirt and Sam's hair is looking glorious as usual!



It is official. Dean Winchester wants to kill me. Kill me with hotness.



Think she's going to tie Sammy up too? I'm confusing reality with porn again aren't I? No wait, I'm confusing...never mind.



Look, that dude has to hold on to the fence while talking to Sam, else he'd faint from the sight of the glorious hair (and everything else).



Those pics were pretty. I'm going to love this episode. Wait. I love every episode. (Except maybe that Mannequin one)

-sweetondean


BUT WAIT...THERE'S MORE!

Lookey what just showed up! A few more pics from the episode.


As someone who doesn't eat meat...this is quite possibly my worst dinner party nightmare! (Though I'd suffer it for Dean!)



Just don't ask them to toss you a bread roll Dean! Ewwwww!



Um. No midnight snack for you Dean!
There was a shot very similar to this in "Dog Dean Afternoon". Seems Dean spends a lot of the time gazing into refrigerators! 


So it looks like Dean gets to attend an awkward werewolf family dinner!
Bet you their flatware is not made of silver! Ha!

-sweetondean




Spoilers Sweeties! Supernatural Upcoming Episode Titles - Update.

Just a bit of an update on episode titles as they currently stand. Episode titles often change, but this is what it looks like at the moment.

You will notice there are a couple of hellatus' coming up. 1 is because of the Winter Olympics being on and most networks are holding back their first run content over that period, the 2nd hellatus is most likely to position the show to ensure the big episodes hit ratings sweeps weeks.


9.13 The Purge - February 4

MINI HELLATUS

9.14 Captives - February 25

9.15 Blade Runners - March 4

9.16 Thin Man - March 11

MINI HELLATUS

9.17 Mother's Little Helper - April 8 (Directed by Misha Collins)

9.18 Meta Fiction - April 15 (date TBC)




Sunday, January 26, 2014

Supernatural News: The Week That Was - January 26 Edition




This week the news was all about RATINGS RATINGS RATINGS!

Episode 9.11 "First Born" was the most watched episode of Supernatural since the season 6 premiere!

Supernatural got a 1.1 and 2.70 million viewers. But not only that, the show got a 1.6 in the coveted female teen demographic. 1.6! That's a 5 year high!

Add to this the news that the combination of The Originals and Supernatural gave the CW their most-watched Tuesday night since October 2008!

For a show in its 9th season, it is almost unheard of to have these kind of increases in ratings. But Supernatural, the little show that could, has!

You can read more about our ratings slam dunk in my article here which also looks at how Supernatural is the only returning drama on the CW to grow its audience and more on the bumper Tuesday night in the Variety article here.

Helloooooo early pickup? Come on down season 10!

Woohoo!


In a nonspoilery interview, Jared spoke of the brother's relationship to Vlada Gelman at TV|Line.

Jared predicts that, "it’s going to take something big” to bridge the gulf between them.

“They’re handling it as you expect them to,” Padalecki adds of the conflict. “Sam kind of goes introverted and Dean goes forward. Sam is more the kind of guy that thinks something out and says, ‘Well, you know, this is where you messed up [and] this is why I’m upset.’… It’s nice dichotomy to catch on camera and, hopefully, Jensen [Ackles] and I get a chance to do a good job with it.”


Oh course the guys will do a great job! (Just wish they didn't have to. GAH)

And this from E Online:

"We're definitely at odds. The show has built on nine years on the relationship between the boys, as we call them on the set," Padalecki spills. "Obviously, they got to work it ‘cause they got to continue making things better in the world."

But the road to reunion (and one of those beloved Winchester brothers hug) will be a long and arduous one, Padalecki says. "There will certainly be a long road to travel and even as we shoot today, Sam and Dean aren't 100 percent."

"One of the things that I don't like in TV or movies is when someone is hurt and it's like, Oh, no that's okay, let's carry on,'" he explains. "I like to see, as in reality, people working through things. Like you know what, that messed me up so I'm going to hurt you back and then they kind of figure out what's what. Like you are with your family, your friends, your bosses, people you work with. You know, it's difficult to just have someone just go, ‘Okay, give me a hug.'" So I like that the writers are having a chance to really delve into the disagreements Sam and Dean have."

Ack. We know he's right about it having to be realistic... BUT GAH TO INFINITY AND BEYOND.  (P.S. "Okay, give me a hug" are now the words I want to hear most! Thanks Jared!)


Jared was also in the news when he finally revealed the name of 1 month old son number 2; the baby formally known as Welco. Well actually Gen revealed the name! Nawwwww.




Jared also chatted to People (in the Moms and Babies section!!) about fatherhood.

“For grown men who are used to playing sports, babies are tough,” the actor, 31, who welcomed his second son,Shepherd, in late December, told PEOPLE on Thursday at the Critics’ Choice Awards.

This article had some words from Jensen too, in what was probably one of the most fabulously miswritten sentences ever! Jensen was talking about how supportive the fans are that both he and Jared are married men and fathers...

Although he and fellow costar Jensen Ackles — dad to daughter Justice Jay7 months — are considered heartthrobs of their TV network, they find fans appreciative that they are happily off-limits.
“I think it’s the opposite,” Ackles, 35, told PEOPLE when asked if his admirers are upset that he and Padalecki are married. “They’re super supportive. They love it.”
THAT HE AND PADALECKI ARE MARRIED.
Oh if only the author of this article knew the giggles that one line sent through the Supernatural fandom.
Anyhooooo moving right along.

Friday saw the first day for none other than Misha Collins to step up to the director's chair, when he started prepping his episode - 9.17
Somehow, I think he's in for a world of pain and I can't wait to hear all about it at Vegascon!
Here's Misha looking like a crazed director...or you know, Misha.
The photo was posted by Tara Larsen.



Speaking of Misha... Random Acts made Ellen's The Good News blog this week! How cool is that?


Read the blog entry here, because it will make you all googey inside with the goodness. Does this mean Misha is one step closer to guesting on Ellen? Lord knows his Minions have been campaigning long enough!


For Adam lovers...well there was some good/not so good news from The Carver:
In an article over at TV Guide's Mega Buzz a fan asked the question many fans have asked about Adam. Is he ever getting out of Hell? With the talk of more familiar faces heading our way, The Carver put a bit of an end to any speculation regarding that other brother reappearing on our show anytime soon...

"As long as he's in the cage, there's always a chance," showrunner Jeremy Carver says. "He's not coming out tomorrow, but there's always a chance."

Oh dear. (P.S. let it gooooo.)


Speaking of familiar faces... Look who flew to Vancouver this week to start shooting their episode! Can anyone sing, Ghost Ghostfacers!


God even got a mention this week, with Jensen and Jeremy both weighing into the will He/won't He ever show up argument.
Selfishly, Jensen would love to have Rob Benedict come back to the show because he's one of my favorites of all time," Ackles tells TVGuide.com. "I mean, God would not be too happy at the disarray that has become his creation, so to speak. It's utter chaos. It's everything but the Apocalypse."
Showrunner Jeremy Carver admits that the God debate is a constant topic in the Supernatural writers room, but the timing just isn't right. "We talk about it all the time," Carver says of Chuck's return. "And I think we have all determined that up until this point at least, God has always served our story best as an absent father. It's a very understandable characterization."
What other show has these kind of discussions around God?! You can read the whole, fun and interesting article here.


Speaking of God...or someone angling for the job!


Want to know Curtis Armstrong a bit better? Here's a great Q&A with Metatron, our favourite-love-to-hate-really-not-favourite-bad-nasty-bastard-killed-Kevin-what-the-hell-is-he-going-to-do-next-so-awful-he's-awesome angel.

Find out what song was playing during his first kiss, what posters he had on the wall as a kid and what guilty pleassure is on his DVR in the article here!



Matt Cohen held another UStream chat.

He's going to do these weekly (where he can I guess) and he's recording them, so even if you miss watching him live, you can got back and watch the recorded session! 

Matt answers questions and tells you his news - like how he's going to be designing some limited edition t-shirts, so keep an eye out for those. He's going to have some friends dropping in too...so you never know who'll be joining him!

Check out episode 1 and 2 already recorded and keep an eye on Matt's twitter @mattcohen4real.

Here's Matt's UStream Channel link.



And of course, let's not forget a very important day... 



DEAN WINCHESTER'S BIRTHDAY!

I celebrated with 35 reasons why I love Dean! Hard to get it down to 35!

Happy birthday, baby. I hope you got lots of pie and maybe a hug (we know how you secretly love them.)


Another busy week of news in the Supernatural week that was!

If you missed my review of this week's episode, here is a link. Also Jules from Superwiki and I recorded a new Women of Letters podcast, discussing the first two episodes of the year.

That's it for now! Enjoy another Supernaturally awesome week!
-sweetondean

The Women of Letters Podcast - The all Aussie Supernatural Podcast! Episode 18 - An indepth discussion of "Road Trip" and "First Born".



In the latest edition of the Women of Letters Podcast, Jules from the Supernatural Wiki and yours truly have an indepth chat about the first two episodes of 2014 - "Road Trip" and "First Born".

We look at the extension of the mytharc regarding Cain and possible scenarios of how painfully that might play out, as well as looking at the brother's current relationship upheaval and Castiel's and Crowley's parallel stories surrounding their humanity residue.

Plus we also talk facial hair...the magnificent beard of Timohty Omundson and also, shaggy Dean's oh so beautiful ranga beard (that's a ginger beard for non-Aussies). And when I say we discuss...I mean me!

So please enjoy and don't forget to subscribe to us on Podomatic or iTunes.
And if you left a review on iTunes we'd be as happy as Dean Winchester in a pie shop!


Friday, January 24, 2014

Review - Supernatural 9.11 "First Born"

Why, Dean... Why!

Hold me!

I can’t remember being so frightened by the ending of an episode, as I was this week. I mean I probably have been. There have been some terrifying moments after all. I’ve more than likely blocked them out through emotional distress! But sweet lord of the rings…WHAT THE HELL IS GOING TO HAPPEN!

But I’m jumping ahead of myself…

*wibble*

I think “First Born” may be my favourite episode of the season. I say, “I think”, because every time we get a new episode I go, “Oh yeah, new favourite!” The season is just that good. Not one dog. Not even the one where Dean became a dog! Which happens to be one of my favourite episodes of the season…along with the other 10.

Robbie Thompson wrote another gorgeous script, full of pathos and humour and way more kickass than we’re used to from him. He’s officially taken over as my favourite writer on the show from the no longer with us, great and powerful Edlund (damn you Kripke *shakes fist*). He can write humour and he can write angsty angst angst. And he gets the brothers. He wrote an episode where the brothers were apart; totally, with no contact at all, and yet, they were ever present in each other’s minds and almost a shadow in the scenes. You could feel Dean in Sam’s scenes and visa versa. Just as Robbie managed to get the brothers to connect across decades in “Time After Time”, he managed to keep the brothers mentally connected even when they were trying not to be. Demonstrating clearly their love for each other, even when they were fighting against it. Well done, Robbie.

On a side note, this is only the second episode in the series where Sam and Dean have spent a whole episode apart without even a phone conversation. The last time was “Free To Be You And Me” which was the aftermath of Sam saying he was too dangerous to be around and Dean saying I’m not going to stop you. Familiar much? Oh these brothers, if one does something, they both have to. Can anyone say Hell, Purgatory, trying for a ‘normal’ non-hunter life, dying (again and again). These Winchesters and their shared experiences. Bless their damaged, brodependent hearts.

I also have to mention that “First Born” was directed by John Badham. Now, we get our fair share of über talented people working on Supernatural, both in front of and behind the camera…but John Badham! This is the guy who directed such classic movies as Saturday Night Fever, War Games (as quoted in Robbie’s “The Girl With The Dungeons and Dragons Tattoo” and “Pac-Man Fever”. Robbie must have been wrapped) and a favourite ‘80’s movie of mine, Short Circuit. He’s directed stars like, Kevin Costner, Johnny Depp, Mel Gibson, Michael J. Fox. He was one of the most prolific and successful movie directors of the 80’s and 90’s. He then went on to direct a stack of television and now he’s added Supernatural to his belt. I mean, WOW. I bet everyone was so excited to work with him.

“First Born” was split into 2 concurrent, parallel stories, with a mash up of partnerships. Sam was with Castiel, while Dean was with Crowley. It’s like the brother’s have switched up their rolls. Sam with the angel, Dean with the demon. Where is this going? *tiny voice* nowhere good.


With Dean parts unknown, Sam headed back to the bunker with Castiel, to recover from the aftermath of the trials and the Gadreel fiasco. I was beyond excited that Sam went…HOME. I was beyond, beyond excited that it actually looked like he was going to stay there! In the past, Sam has been the one to split. So often, it’s felt like he’s had one foot out the door. Whether through anger or through need, he’s often spoken of leaving the hunter life, or has walked away from Dean. He's vacillated between wanting to hunt and accepting the life and not. I’ll be honest and say I’ve found this frustrating and sometimes infuriating…mainly because I like my Winchesters as a set! But this time around, I find Sam’s willingness to continue and fight, in the place that Dean and he live, a nice bit of character growth…of course, there were things going on that also made me yell his name at the TV…but hey, Supernatural makes me yell plenty of names at the TV and quite often, expletives!

Sam and Castiel together (no, not together together), is something I’ve wanted to see for a long time and I know I’m not alone on that one. I’ve always felt that they’d have a hell of a lot in common. They have both made very dubious decisions with good intent, which have well and truly blown up in their faces. On that level alone they should connect. Cas, over the years, has been resistant because of Sam’s demon blood ties. But Cas, through his own experiences, has changed and this episode had a lovely exploration of this.

Thank goodness for PB&J (in more ways than one, though I prefer honey).

Thank goodness for Castiel’s lingering humanity.

Sam, Sam, Sam. The tragedy of Sam always feeling like he needs to atone is never, ever not going to be heartbreaking. He’s tried over the years to put it all behind him and sometimes, for a brief shining moment, it seems like he has…but here we are, back onboard the guilt train with a full set of baggage. It makes me so sad for him. Obviously Sam’s going to be deeply disturbed by what happened when he was possessed by Gadreel. All those horrible images, the most horrible of which being the death of Kevin, are burnt onto the back of his eyeballs. When Sam pleaded to Cas, ”Please help me do the right thing”, I may have groaned for him... So sad. He’s always done the right thing, or at least tried to. I wish like crazy he could see that.

Sam is a stubborn S.O.B. Both the Winchesters are, but I’ve always felt like Sam can make stubborn an art form when motivated. Both these brothers are so full of self-hate and self-doubt. Why can they not see how freakin’ awesome they are! I want to cuff them both around the ear.

Anyhoo...


Like I said before, thank goodness for human Cas. The scene where Cas was trying to extract the Grace from Sam was as painful for us to watch as it was for Sam to have it done to him (and I was so disturbed I couldn’t even enjoy Sam all sprawled out, long bodied with a v-neck t-shirt on). Cas was obviously in as much distress as we were. He was right, why do the Winchesters always chase death? They run at it headlong. I know that Sam feels like crap right about now and yes, he feels his life isn’t worth more than anyone else’s (with all the lives he saves, I think I may disagree a bit, but then I’m bias), but why must he always want to die.

I admit this is where I started yelling Sam’s name (and maybe the odd expletive) at the TV because, hey I’m just going to say it, I was upset that he was lying there going, yep, take the Grace, if it kills me so be it, I deserve it, yes yes yes. All I could think of was, you do not deserve it, no Sam you don't! But also... HEY wait a minute here, Sammy, your bro who loves you more than anything is out there, somewhere, parts unknown and you’re just going to up and die without even speaking to him, without even saying goodbye. You’re going to leave him…when you know he feels like the biggest piece of crap on the face of the earth right now…you’re going to check out. Please don't do that to him or you! I’ll admit it, I was a bit mad.


Look, I understand Sam’s in terrible pain as well, I feel for him so much, but whatever happened to “I’m not going to leave my brother alone out there”. Dean is about as alone as he’s ever been right about now and Sam was willing to die in that moment. If that happened, Dean would simple break. If he found out that Sam had sacrificed himself because of the guilt he still feels over everything, but more profoundly, the guilt he feels over the actions of his body whilst possessed…something his brother is responsible for. OH MY GOD. I couldn’t even. The whole thing haunted me for days. Those boys.

I saw Sam wanting to die, or at least, accepting of death in this moment as a very different thing to the conversation Sam had with THE Death. This was all about guilt and hurt and most likely anger and not in any way about being in a good place and ready to move on. Sammy, you don’t have to be happy with what your brother did, you have every right in the world to be angry. But… Oh man, leaving him like that. It made my stomach tie into knots. (Don’t worry; I still love you Sam…always will).

I know I’m probably pissing off some of my readers, but I’m being honest in how I felt in the moment. I was mad at Sam even considering leaving his brother out in the cold, alone, unknowing, and completely unaware that his brother is gone with everything unresolved. I just kept thinking…could you imagine the moment Dean found out? It hurt so much to see Sam even considering it. It hurt so much for both for Sam and for Dean.


Thank goodness for PB&J and thank goodness Sam is a thoughtful man who, even when you’re not sure he’s taking something in, does and then thinks it through. It’s one of my favourite things about Sam. How thoughtful he is and how level headed he can be. He got there in the end thank goodness, with a little help from Castiel, someone who now understands Sam because of his own experiences as a human. It was Cas’ empathy and gentle words that got Sam to see that there were other choices. I’m so glad Cas still has the remnants of his humanity. Praise be to Chuck!


And then they hugged and it was funny and it was awkward and I really liked it. I like this Cas. I like angel Cas, but angel Cas who seems to have learnt something. Like he said, if an angel can change, maybe a Winchester can. Maybe a Winchester can even learn something.


But stubbornness is always going to be a primary Winchester personality trait. Cas tried several times to get Sam to reach out to Dean. He told him they chose each other, he told him they’re going to need all the help they could get, he was trying all the angles…but, yeah…Winchesters, man. You could see Sam was processing it, thinking about Dean, at one point he looked like he was even hesitating, but he came back to Dean’s the one who left (ack Sam…not like you’ve never done the same thing). He’ll get there. I have a lot of faith in Sam. I’m hoping he lives up to my belief in him. I’m sure he will.

So gloriously wilful Winchester number 1… Now onto gloriously wilful Winchester number 2!


Meanwhile, somewhere in a bar in America, Dean Winchester LOOKS HOT.

OMG, let’s get this out of the way shall we. Dean is a little more shaggy than usual. I’m in love with his ranga beard (that’s a ginger beard in Aussie lingo). I loved him openly checking out the waitress. Hot damn. Dark Dean is smokin’!

Okay…I just had to get that out of my system.

I’ve been frightened for Dean before. Hell, Purgatory…but I’ve always felt like I had a fair idea what we were getting ourselves into. Not this time. I’m scared shitless.


Crowley and Dean. I knew they’d be an awesome duo. Crowley is just as smart mouthed as Dean and also a cheeky flirty, which both annoys Dean and throws him for a loop!

There was so much wonderful stuff in the Crowley and Dean scenes. I loved the talk about John and that the search for the first blade tied to the boy’s father. I always get excited when John’s Journal makes a showing and I loved getting to see another storage unit. I adore that these throwbacks to the original mythology of the show still happen. That the boys still know John’s codes, that they have storage units all over the country with John’s stuff (and some of theirs) in them. They should probably bring some of those files and artefacts into the MoL bunker actually…good home for John’s collection…also save some money on storage rental!

John’s old hunter companion/other kind of companion, Tara was wonderful. A ballsy female character who knew what was what. I’m always a little overjoyed when someone says something about how pretty Dean is. Not that I think he should be only judged on his looks, but because he’s so damn pretty I find it hard to believe everyone doesn’t start their sentences with OMG YOUR FACE! Okay, that’d probably be weird and a tad rude! But really, he is pretty; let’s not pretend he’s just an average looking guy! So I loved that Tara said he’d grown up pretty and that he was handsome like John (John was very handsome), okay she also said he was as dumb as John…probably true too. I’m bummed that Tara was a one-episode wonder, because I love the idea of other hunters being out there and Tara was really kind of cool. Pretty sure she was hitting on Dean…who the hell can blame her.


Then we got to meet Cain and how magnificent was he? Timothy Omundson was fabulous (so was his beard). Glad he didn’t die…well, I guess he can’t. Glad it sounds like he’ll be back, even if it’s just for Dean to kill him. Maybe he can be helpful in the battle against Abaddon; he does have a bone to pick with her…and a jaw bone blade to stab her with! He was so much more than he could have been, with his tragic love story and trying to retire and live a quiet life tending bees. Like so many characters in Supernatural, he had a sad story of loss involving family, love and sacrifice.



Cain and Dean standing toe to toe was a sight to behold. And Dean fighting. Wowsers and hubba! You sometimes forget how totally bad-assed Dean Winchester is. That battle royale between Dean and the demons as Cain watched on and shucked corn was a tour de force. Then to hear that it was Jensen in every shot! Well, it made the whole thing even more deliciously awesome. It was so beautifully staged and choreographed in such a small space. Kudos to all involved in putting that together. I wonder how long Jensen had to rehearse that scene? That might have to be a question for Vegascon! (I have about 5 now!)

I thought the twist on the Cain and Abel story was marvellous. Cain saved his brother’s eternal soul and sacrificed his own in the process. Gosh, who the hell does that sound like?


We’ve known for a long time that the brother’s linage goes back to Cain and Abel. Now looking at the change up in mythology, the ties seem even closer. Of course, Dean has already sold his soul once to resurrect Sam. But Dean has also, on more than one occasion, grappled with the possibility that he may one day have to kill his brother to save him. Whether it was because Sam was one of the YED’s chosen children and might go dark side, or because Sam had no soul and consequently no concept of right or wrong, or because an angel had taken over Sam’s body, Dean has faced this possibility again and again and always found a way to save Sam that involved Sam continuing to live.

And Dean would never kill Sam right? Right… Though… I was thinking. After everything that happened with Gadreel and how Dean’s love filled good intentions went south. How Dean blames himself for all the deaths, including Kevin’s that have happened since he convinced Sam not to close the gates of Hell. How Sam’s so angry with Dean for once again making choices on his behalf. In Dean’s current emotional state, if he was once again faced with this kind of choice… that the brothers could save the world, but Sam would have to be sacrificed and that Sam was cool with it… Obviously never going to happen (unless that is some coda the show is working towards in which case I will hunt each and every one of them down!) But all of this trauma and how destroyed and devastated Dean currently is, made me a little twitchy when I realised that the whole Cain mythology was coming into play for Dean. I know that Dean would never kill Sam under normal circumstances, but with Sam a little hell bent on dying anyway…if they were faced with another save the world kind of situation, if Sam was cool with taking one for team humanity and with the backlash of stopping the trials still very much on their minds… ACK. I’ma just gonna shut the hell up. I just made my stomach hurt.

Bottom line, the brothers will not kill each other. There. I’ve decided. (Of course they won't).


When Dean took on the Mark of Cain I was screaming at my TV “ASK WHAT THE BURDEN IS!” Oh my gosh. What the hell! Dean cares so little about himself, even more so right now, he couldn’t give a damn enough to even ask what the burden Cain spoke of was. In fact he probably thinks he deserves that damn burden. Dean Winchester, you break my heart into a thousand tiny pieces.

What will it mean? *tiny voice: help* There are so many different interpretations of what the Mark of Cain means. From the curse of immortality, to having people steer clear of you for fear of retribution sevenfold, to wandering the earth alone for eternity as a nomad estranged forever from family, to not being able to grow crops…um…that one probably isn’t relevant! Some passages talk about ties to Purgatory. Of course there are ties to Lucifer and Hell. With Gadreel in the picture who also has ties to Lucifer, is that something that might be relevant?

WHAT WILL IT MEAN FOR DEAN.

I do not know but I’m so very, very, very, very, very to infinity and beyond, scared for him.


The final scene of the episode with Dean alone looking at the Mark on his arm… So tragic. My poor baby. That boy can devastate your heart. He needs his brother STAT! Sam is going to freak the hell out when he finds out what Dean has done! Not that Dean will tell him, OF COURSE NOT! Bet it’s Crowley that spills the beans! Oh Crowley.

One thing that I’ve found super interesting about this season is how a lot of the characters are reflecting the brothers back at them. It seems to be a theme. Remember Jody telling Sam that he and Dean have something special, something that most people search for. In “First Born” we had Castiel telling Sam that Sam and Dean chose each other, commenting on how the brother’s always seek out death and how he understands Sam and his guilt because like Sam, he’s tried to do the right thing and failed. We had Crowley actually telling Dean he was worthy (aww, Crowley you softy) and that no one hates Dean as much as Dean hates Dean…and Crowley knows this, because he’s tried. Both Crowley and Cas were encouraging the brothers to contact each other (call your brother, moron!), if for no other reason than they’re going to need all the help they can get (and as we know, they’re stronger together, we also know there was another reason). Crowley also said, “It’s always something with you boys.” Amen Crowley! Wait. Is that appropriate? There has been so much insightful dialogue coming from the outside. I love it! Because the Winchesters are so close to everything that goes on between them that they can’t see the forest for the trees. I have this sneaking suspicion Garth will be continuing this trend next week! He’s never shy!


But while both brothers rejected contacting the other (stubborn bastards) both were very much in each other’s thoughts. That you could see. It was the episode you have when they’re not together, but are very much together, in their hearts and minds and emotions.

“First Born” was a magnificent hour of television for a show that seems to be hitting extraordinary week in week out…and in it’s 9th season! Inconceivable! Every single character was portrayed wonderfully, both through the writing and the performances. Castiel and Crowley’s parallel is fascinating as they both continue to operate with lessons of their recent brush with humanity still resonating in their interactions. Tara was great, Cain was simply a revelation and Sam and Dean…well they were infuriating and heart wrenching and beautiful and all the things I love and oh my gosh…please, please realise how much you need each other.


Dean is in such a bad place, probably the worst we’ve ever seen him. How far will he go and how far down will the Mark of Cain take him? Right now, I only see one way Dean can be saved from himself and what is about to befall him…Sam. Like Colette’s love saved Cain from who he became, Sam Winchester’s love can save his brother.

It’s time for Sam to save Dean. It’s all I can see. It’s all I want. I want this more than I can express (though I’ve managed to express close to 4000 words!)

Hey Sammy… your brother needs you.

As much as this whole storyline is super scary from every angle, it’s also super exciting! I feel like the show just notched it up to eleven! This mythology feels like something that can carry us into season 10 (and dare I say, beyond).

Terrifying and yet epically awesome…just how Supernatural should be.

Squeeeee! 
-sweetondean