Thursday, January 29, 2009

After School Special Supernatural Episode 4.13

First of all, I want to say I was amazed by Colin Ford's performance was young Sam. He's a dead ringer for a young version of Jared Padalecki. It's uncanny.

Second, this episode was different from what I expected. Basically, it was a look back at what life was like for Sam and Dean growing up: always on the road, new schools, new friends, never being able to be who they really were, etc. But because it was within the context of the main story, it was a very superficial look back on their lives in high school. (Sam a freshman and Dean a senior.)

I think the best part of the episode was probably Dean (Jensen Ackles) in tight, red shorts with his skinny, white legs. LOL

I really hope that they continue to use Colin Ford as young Sam. He does a great job and, as I mentioned before, is a dead ringer for a young Jared Padalecki.

All in all, this episode was okay but it didn't blow me away. I really didn't appreciate the over-the-top sex jokes (the cowgirl and reverse cowgirl); however, the joke about the gym teacher getting married in Massachusetts wasn't lost on me.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Supernatural Episode Summary 4-12

I have to admit that I haven't been entirely enthusiastic for Supernatural this season. I've been nostalgic for seasons one and two which had better characterization and plot development. You can tell that executive producer Eric Kripke is done with the show even though there are rumors that Supernatural will be renewed for a fifth season due to it's viewership all time highs. (which several episodes even beat out Smallville.)
Kripke has said in past interviews that he didn't want the show to go on too long because you get into "Jumping the Shark" and he didn't want to go there but unfortunately, we have seen some of that going on this season. (i.e. Monster Movie, Yellow Fever, Wishful Thinking)
I agree with Kripke that the show should end on a high note instead of being drug out until you get so sick of it you quit watching. That happened with me and ER and I couldn't bear if that happened to my relationship with Supernatural.

4.4 Metamorphosis
Sam and Dean help out a fellow hunter by tracking down a man who may turn into a Loupgarou. Dean also finds out about Sam using his ability to exorcise demons and kicks his little brother's butt. (Go Dean!) However, Sam gets a wake-up call by witnessing that even the best of men can turn into something evil if given the chance. This revelation convinces Sam to stop using his ability which gives relief to Dean since the angel, Castiel, told Dean to stop Sam or the angels will.
4.5 Monster Movie
Sam and Dean investigate a series of murders at an Oktoberfest in Pennsylvania. What was cool about this episode was that it was completely shot in black and white and very reminiscent of the old 1930's horror films. This was a feel good, humorous episode that had nothing to do with the central plot.
4.6 Yellow Fever
Sam and Dean investigate a series of deaths in which perfectly healthy men die of heart attacks. It's only when Dean's behavior changes and he begins to be paranoid and fearful do they figure out that ghost sickness is causing these deaths. This episode was terribly funny especially watching Dean, who is usually very bad ass, scream like a little girl when a kitten leaps out of a locker during the boys' investigation of an old lumber mill or running away from a "killer" Yorkie. They even had a special after the episode of Jensen Ackles lip syncing "Eye of the Tiger."
4.7 It's the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester
First, it was the Christmas episode last season and now they had a Halloween episode. While investigating a man chocking on razor blades while eating Halloween candy, Castiel shows up in the town with fellow angel, Uriel, basically to tell Dean and Sam to get out of dodge because they are going to smite the town Sodom and Gomorrah style in order to kill a witch whose intent is to raise Samhain and break one of the sixty-six seals for Lillith in order to release Lucifer on Earth. Dean tells both the angels to stick it because he wasn't going to allow all those people to die when he and Sam can find the witch and stop her before she raises Samhain. Unfortunately, they were unable to stop the raising of Samhain but Sam was able to send him back to hell using his power.
4.8 Wishful Thinking
While searching for a new case, Sam comes across a news article where a woman states she was attacked by a ghost in a women's locker room. Dean gets excited about helping naked women and the boys head for Concrete, Washington. Instead of finding ghosts, the boys find a series of strange sightings and occurrences that seem more odd than supernatural. They soon find out that the wishing well at the local Chinese restaurant had been turned into a real magical wishing well with the help of an ancient Babylonian coin. One problem with getting what you wish for is getting what you wish for. The wishes turn bad like Dean's hoagie giving him food poisoning, little Audrey's life-size teddy bear turning into a bi-polar alcoholic, Wesley's love, Hope, turns into a obsessive doormat...
Sam and Dean figure out that Wesley was the first to experience the "good" luck and decide that he was the first wisher and thus the coin belonged to him. But in order for the wishes to revert back, Sam and Dean need to convince Wesley that getting what you want will eventually lead to chaos before something really terrible happens.
4.9 I Know What You Did Last Summer
If we didn't know what Sam was up to while Dean was in hell for four months, we do now. This episode is the first we see Ruby since Sam decided not to use his ability (4.4 Metamorphosis). Ruby tells the boys that there is a woman the demons want alive and they want her bad. Then, lo and behold, the angels want her too... dead.
4.10 Heaven and Hell
The continuation of the previous episode, Sam and Dean are protecting Anna who discovers she's an angel who lost her grace and was reborn as a human. (Can you see me roll my eyes...?) Just before a standoff between the angels and demons, Dean and Anna engage in some (if the Impala is rockin', don't come a knockin') hanky panky since it just may be her last night on Earth... as a human, so Dean feels obliged to help.
Of course, the good guys win with the help of Ruby; Anna gets her grace back and Sam and Dean are left to pick up the pieces. Dean confesses to Sam that he wasn't entirely truthful when he said what he remembered of hell.
4.11 Family Remains
Not the best story to come back with from the Holiday hiatus and at the end you're left scratching your head and completely grossed out.
Sam and Dean investigate a man being murdered in his locked house in a locked room. Thinking that it must be the work of a vengeful spirit, the boys check out the vacant house assuming that it is still for sale. However, it wasn't. The new home owner's show up and the boys, unsuccessfully, convince them not to move in and what transpires afterwards is creepy and gross. It seems the previous owner had a dirty little secret he kept in the basement and in the end, it made Dean feel even more like a monster.
4.12 Criss Angel is a Douche Bag
I'm surprised they didn't get in trouble for the title of this episode. Sam and Dean investigate a mysterious death at a magic convention in Ohio. All the cocky young magicians are dying after having altercations with an aged magician who is a bit past his prime and can no longer perform at the level the young ones can.
What was important about this episode was that Sam and Dean evaluate their lives and contemplate the possibility of living to old age. Ruby again appears to persuade Sam to use his ability in order to fight Lillith and end it once in for all. He tells her to get lost but at the end seeks her out, telling her that he changed his mind because he doesn't want to be hunting when he's 60.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Sanctuary Premiere "Sanctuary for All"


You have to give the Sci-fi channel props to going where no show has gone before, but once I found out the the whole set is CGI it took something away from the viewing experience.
I like the over all concept yet I really don't see this show as having longevity. After all, the Sci-fi channel is notorious for nipping shows in the bud after having a somewhat successful first season.
Amanda Tapping was brilliant. I kept listening for any waver in her British accent but she kept it consistent throughout the show. Actor Robin Dunne did a good job portraying a geeky profiler who has tried all his life to rationalize the irrational. I think he will be added to the ranks of actors playing hot geeks like Michael Shanks (Dr. Daniel Jackson, SG-1) and David Hewlett (Dr Rodney McKay, Stargate Atlantis).
Even though the premiere was a bit slow, I'm hoping that this week's episode will prove a bit more exciting.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Supernatural 4.3 In the Beginning



I KNEW IT!!!

This episode shed light on John and Mary's past and it made me remember why I started watching Supernatural in the first place. In The Beginning was phenomenal!

Jeremy Carver really out did himself. This episode was poignant and funny, and only Jensen can deliver lines like "Sammy, wherever you are, mom was a babe. I'm going to hell... again."

What made the episode was the shocking revelations that cast all the dark shadows of the Winchesters past into the light. At the end of season two, I knew that what the Y.E.D. (Azazel) revealed to Sam had something to do directly with Mary. It was pretty much a given. I had two theories: 1) Mary was a hunter; and 2) Mary had made a deal with Azazel. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that both my theories were correct, but what I didn't expect (and it totally threw me for a loop) was that the reason Mary made the deal with Azazel was to save John. OMG!!! That just makes John and Mary's love story even more epic!

Supernatural really turned the corner from last weeks episode. However, once again, Dean is on the mission to save Sam from evil and the only way to save him is to figure out Azazel's end game. At least now, Dean has heaven on his side.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Are You There God? It's me, Dean Winchester Supernatural 4.2

This is a first - I did not like this episode at all. There were a few funny parts I liked (Dean asking Sam for pie and Sam forgetting the pie, Bobby's panic room) but other than that it left a bad taste in my mouth.

I'm an evangelical Christian and I'd like to think I have a fair knowledge of the Bible. However, it really bugs me how Hollywood generalizes Christianity and it always seems to be from a Catholic perspective.



The way Supernatural portrays these issues have never bothered me before there was just something that set my teeth on edge, especially Lilith opening the seals. (Only a specific angel of the Lord can open the seals, commanded by God himself.)
I could try and argue the dialog and state Bible verses to back up my claim but I won't. I just have to remind myself, and others, that Supernatural is a work of fiction just like any other show. I hope that other viewers will seek out the truth by doing their own study into the topics the episode addressed, take the performed dialog with a grain of salt and not as the "gospel" according to Kripke.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Supernatural Season 4 Season Premiere "Lazarus Rising"


Supernatural Season 4's premiere can be summarized in three letters: OMG!!!
Due to last years writer's strike, Eric Kripke and his writing team were forced to push on ahead even though a lot of questions from last season went unanswered. Eric Kripke has said that he will continue to answer those questions but it looks like we may have to wait a while.
Those who know and love the show know that season 3's season finale ended with Dean in hell but in the opening sequence of Lazarus Rising shows Dean rising from his grave. How did that happen? Only God knows.
I don't read spoilers of upcoming episodes but there were some things that I was pretty certain of what was going to happen on the show in this new season:
1) Dean would rise from the grave.

2) Ruby would return.

3) Sam would figure out his psychic immunity to Lilith.

4) Sam would go after Lilith.

The return of Ruby is the one thing that was addressed on the season premiere that has me the most baffled. Dean finds Sam in a motel with a girl who we find out later is Ruby. Obviously, Ruby has to pretend that she doesn't know who Dean and Bobby are when she answers the door to Sam's motel room. The scene in itself wasn't too insightful on the first view. We simply figure that Sam just started living his life where Dean left off. Only when we realize that she's Ruby do the questions start mounting.

1) Ruby has been traveling with Sam which is probably why Sam hasn't kept in contact with Bobby since Dean's death. Is this because she's been helping Sam cultivate his power?

2) Ruby was scantily clad when she answered the door to Sam's motel room. Are they sleeping together?

3) However, Sam tells Ruby that he still doesn't trust her when it comes to his power.
4) Ruby tells Sam that he needs to tell Dean before he hears "it" from someone else. We assume she is just talking about his psychic power. Again, are they sleeping together?

5) Ruby always seems to know what's going on. Did she "see" Dean and Bobby coming and then dressed accordingly as not to draw attention to what is really going on and, if that's the case, was Sam faking his reaction to seeing Dean?

Obviously, this season is going to show the boys butting heads more than usual, especially now that both of them are keeping secrets from each other. Both are strong-willed and Sam has four months of working sans Dean so we'll just have to see what happens. All I know is God saved Dean! How cool is that!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Supernatural Fan Vid #3: Who Wants to Live Forever

This one is very emotion and similar to my video about John Winchester. It uses clips from All Hell Breaks Loose Parts 1 & 2. This focuses on the brothers relationship and the turmoil Dean feels that prompts him to make the deal with the crossroads demon. The song used is from the Highlander soundtrack, "Who Wants to Live Forever" by Queen.




If you would like to know more about me, click here Justy213

Supernatural Fan Vid #2: Dean Winchester is a Real Good Man

I finally got around to posting more of my fan videos. This one I made for my friend, Bec. It could also be named "The Best of Dean." It does contain clips from season 3, so be forwarned.
The song used is "Real Good Man" by Tim McGraw.


Sunday, November 25, 2007

My Supernatural Fan Vids #1 John Winchester-What Hurts the Most

I've been busy working on my applications for USC so I haven't had time to post my thoughts on The Kids Are Alright, Bad Day at Black Rock, Sin City, Red Sky at Morning, and Fresh Blood. I have finished my three Supernatural fan vids. The first one is John Winchester-What Hurts the Most. It's about John and the love he had for his boys even though he may not have come right out and said the actual words. It's set to the Rascal Flatts song "What Hurts the Most". It's the first fan vid I've ever made and I really enjoyed making it.





Saturday, October 6, 2007

Supernatural Bedtime Stories Promo Photos

Supernatural episode 4.4, Bedtime Stories, doesn't air for a couple more weeks but here are some promo photos to keep you company until that time.





I don't read spoilers (I like to be surprised.), but from the looks of things, Sam may be making his own deal to save Dean. Boys, Boys, Boys... we have to end this vicious circle. Don't you just love the backlighting for this last photo, though. Very cool!
As always, I get my photos from Supernatural.tv

Stargate Atlantis 4.2 Lifeline


Unfortunately, I was unable to watch episode 4.2, Lifeline, on Friday. I did catch the last fifteen minutes in which Carter came to Sheppard's aid and rescued them from The Replicators. Elizabeth, however, is presumed dead since her signal could not be picked up by Carter. So, Atlantis is now on a new planet, undetected by The Replicators.
Next week's episode 4.3, Reunion, has Ronon running for his life when old friends drop in to visit.

Supernatural 3.1 The Magnificent Seven


OMG!! Eric Kripke is a creative genius! I have always sung his praises when it comes to his writing but he really outdid himself for the premier episode of Supernatural which aired Thursday, October 4th.
Of course, we all know that Sam and Dean couldn't stop the Yellow-Eyed-Demon from unleashing a legion of demons from hell but what we didn't know is what kind of ancient evil actually got out of hell. We were given a "sneak-peek" of sorts when Sam, Dean and Bobby go up against the "Seven Deadly Sins" which, according to legend, are not just sins but demons that bring out the worst in people.
What I loved most about this episode, besides Eric Kripke's genius, was the way Bobby has just become this awesome moral compass, not only for Sam and Dean but also for other hunters. He keeps his wits about him and doesn't let his emotions get the best of him. He is the level-headed voice of reason that keep everyone around him from getting killed. Jim Beaver is an excellent actor and the chemistry between him and Jensen and Jared is terrific.
What I didn't really like, but you can't hate him for it, is the regression of Dean's emotional state. In season one, Dean was the fun-loving, kinda sleazy, womanizing yet totally charming guy that we grew to love despite his deficiencies. In season two, Dean (as Sam so eloquently put it) was "twisted and broken" after John sold his soul to save Dean. He became more serious especially with the revelation that he may have to kill Sam if the Yellow-Eyed-Demon had his way and turned Sam evil. Gone was the sleazy Dean and in his place was a very angry and determined man who just wanted to save his brother. Now, with Dean only having one year to live, we have the sleazy Dean back who just wants to live it up and kill some demons along the way. I hate that Dean has reverted to his old ways yet you can't really hate him for it. After all, he is extremely charming.
Another thing I didn't like was the introduction of the girl who saved Sam's butt. There's just something about her that I don't trust. The way the demons knew who she was plus the way she moved when fighting the demons just screams "don't trust her!"
It's too bad that Eric Kripke can't write every single episode. There would be no question about whether or not The CW would cancel the show. He is very good at what he does but I know that it isn't possible to write 23 episodes plus make sure that the show is being run the way you have envisioned it without help. We just need to keep our fingers crossed that this new season will draw in the male viewers that The CW is so desperate to gain.
Episode 3.2, The Kids Are Alright, airs Thursday, October 11th. It looks super creepy and reminiscent of season one.

Heroes 2.2 Lizards


I have to say that Heroes redeemed itself after episode 2.2, Lizards aired on Monday October 1st. The introduction of Maya and her brother, Alejandro, made more sense, especially since they revealed that he too also has a power that counteracts Maya's. However, the story line that followed Peter was a bit trite. He saves the sister of the man that is holding him against his will and now she will be Peter's new love interest. Hiro's character is always fun to watch. Especially as he decides to save the legend of Kenesai by dressing up as him and saving the swordsman's daughter. Unfortunately, the real Kenesai gets shot with arrows but, low and behold, he too has a ability.


The plot between Noah Bennett and Mohinder Suresh to invade "The Company" is a bit confusing and you know that it's going to cause another chasm between Mr. Bennett and his family, especially Claire, who is still struggling to trust her father. I loved the last scene when Claire, curious about the limits of her ability, cuts her little toe off with her mother's sewing scissors as Claire's classmate, who can fly, peeps in from the window. I was kinda sad to see it end but am relieved that Heroes is still going to be one of the top shows to be reckoned with. Episode 2.3, Kindred, airs Monday, October 8th.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Supernatural 3.3 Bad Day at Black Rock Promo Photos

Here are some promo photos for episode 3.3, Bad Day at Black Rock which airs October 18th. Promo photos are from Supernatural.tv






Stargate Atlantis Season 4 Premier "Adrift"

What an awesome start to season 4!! Full of suspense and emotion. The only thing that bugged me was that it was "To Be Continued..." Ugh! Going to the Replicators homeworld is a suicide mission but they are dead anyway unless they can get more power. Plus, Rodney activating the Replicator nanities in Elizabeth's body in order to save her life may end up biting them in the butt. I guess I will just have to wait until next Friday to see how things work out.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Heroes 2.1 Four Months Later

Heroes Season two premiered on Monday, September 24th, 2007. Despite all the excitement and anticipation of the new season, I was sorely disappointed.
Episode 2.1, Four Months Later, was confusing. In the season finale, we were left with all the main characters in the square in New York watching Nathan fly Peter into the atmosphere, where Peter then exploded, in order to save New York from a nuclear disaster. It then picks up four months later, everyone living their own lives and giving no indication to what happened right after Peter "died".
I know that Tim Kring has a way of taking you forward, then back, then forward again, but personally I don't think the season premier lived up to the finale. The only story line that wasn't confusing was the one that followed Hiro as he went back in time to find Kenesai. The other story lines following Matt Parkman, The Bennetts, The Petrellis, and Mohinder Suresh, you had to read-between-the-lines and sort of figure out what must have happened to these people in the four months since they narrowly escape disaster. Plus, introducing the new character of the young Mexican girl, with a terrible power she can't control, seemed out of context. It seemed like they just threw her in for the heck of it. Now, the introduction of the boy who can fly fit into the story line and plot since they introduced him as one of Claire's new classmates who has shown an interest in Claire.
Another confusing factor was the introduction of the symbol that in season one was connected with Kenesai, which was considered good but is now being associated as "evil" due to the fact that Molly, the little girl that can find other people with powers and who Matt Parkman saved from Sylar in season one, is having nightmares about a man and the symbol is linked to this man. Also, at the end of the episode, we see Peter locked in a large container and he has no idea who or what he is. The only link is that same symbol hanging around his neck.
I'm hoping that Tim Kring will shed more light on everything in episode 2.2, Lizards, instead of just building on and then go back to explain things right before the winter hiatus.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Supernatural 3.2 The Kids Are Alright Promo Photos

Here are some promo photos for Episode 3.2, The Kids Are Alright, that airs October 11th.






It looks like little Ben may be following in Dean's footsteps. Hmm... wonder if his mamma wants to confess something??

Supernatural AC/DC Recap Video

The CW site has a new recap promo of season two set to the AC/DC song, "Hells Bells." I loved it but it needed to be longer. Click here http://www.cwtv.com/video?vid=hellsbells to view. Enjoy!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Entertainment Weekly's Fall Preview


I'm standing in line at the checkout at my local Safeway last night and right in front of my face is Entertainment Weekly's Special Double Fall Preview issue so I grab it to check if Supernatural was even mentioned. Last year, you were lucky if you saw even a brief nod in Supernatural's direction. I flip the pages to find one paragraph. That was it, one paragraph. In this paragraph, they mention that Eric Kripke said that since Dean only has one year to live, his hedonistic tendencies are going to become more pronounced. That's just code for sex, sex, and more sex.


The introduction of two new female characters was also mentioned. One is supposedly a supernatural bounty hunter and a thief and the second is a hunter. All I know is that the actresses they pick better be able to convey "bad ass" better than Alona Tal when Kripke introduced Jo.


Jo is one of the most hated characters by the fan base at large due mostly to the fact that Jo was portrayed by actress Alona Tal. When you look at Alona Tal - 5'5', 105 pounds soaking wet with tiny spaghetti arms - it's hard to believe that she could kick an ant's butt let alone a demon's. When introducing strong female characters it's hard to convince the audience that she can kick butt and take names when the actress is blonde with big boobs and a perfect manicure. That just isn't reality. It's some man's weird fantasy. I think the fan base would respect or at least tolerate these new characters if they are introduced as pivotal characters needed to progress the plot and not just as eye candy used to up the male viewership. The character of Ellen, Jo's mother, portrayed by actress Samantha Ferris is a perfect example of a strong woman who moves the plot forward and does an excellent job of convincing the audience that she can kick butt and take names -particularly Dean's. (Just in case you think that I'm spewing about this because Dean and Sam are two hot guys and I'm a woman, I feel the exactly same about introducing new male characters as well.) Women who have pulled off tough yet sexy in a realistic way is 1) Jennifer Garner, 2) Jessica Alba, 3) Mila Jovovich, 4) Ali Larter & 5) Kristanna Loken. However, Kristanna Loken does have the big boobs thing going on and wardrobe does work that to her advantage. Sometimes I wonder that she doesn't fall out of her blouse while delivering a roundhouse kick to a bad guy's mid-section.


Last year was a real roller coaster for the boys. Not only do they lose John but John's secret about Sam comes out and the Yellow Eyed Demon plays his hand, almost succeeding in turning Sam evil in order to create a hell on earth. Dean's journey last year was very introspective and he had to put a lot of perspective on his roll in life and as Sam's older brother. I hope that Eric Kripke and his writing team doesn't try to gloss over Dean's sacrifice for Sam with lame porno jokes and sex. They need to concentrate on how to undo the deal Dean made with the demon since the show is about the Winchester Brothers. As much as I adore Jared Padalecki as an actor, I don't think he has the emotional depth to carry the show alone. Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki make an awesome acting duo and you can't have one without the other. I guess we will find out about the next stage of the boys' lives when Supernatural airs on Thursday, October 4th on The CW Network.

If you would like to read the small paragraph EW published, here's the link: http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20054862,00.html

Friday, September 7, 2007

Medium

Last season, I fell behind with my updating Medium but what a season finale! It ended with a bang as Allison was exposed by someone she believed to be her friend. (Deliciously played by Neve Campbell.)
News is that it will return with all new episodes in January but the bad news is that I think it will be exclusively online. This whole "all television networks going digital" is wreaking havoc with my viewing schedule. Do the network execs think that everyone one owns a computer or better yet, knows how to use it? My mom is going to be up you-know creek without a paddle when I move next year. She barely knows how to navigate out Directv menu.

Anyhow, if you do have a computer (duh... you wouldn't be reading this if you didn't) and know how to use it, keep an eye out for all new Medium.