I'm Kind of Surprised (Weekend at Bobby's Thoughts)
Well. That was refreshing.
Now don't get me wrong. For me, Supernatural will always be the Epic Love Story of Sam & Dean. And I certainly have no interest in the show expanding to an ensemble feel. But I really enjoyed last night's episode. I thought there was wit and action, I laughed out loud at points, the performances were strong, and Jensen's directorial debut certainly seemed to go off without a hitch.
Things I particularly liked:
- Crowley. How good to have you back, you once-upon-a-time-Scottish-tailor-with-an-inferiority-complex (apparently). Mark A. Sheppard rocked the house as usual. I really hope he's mixed up in the mystery of what's going on with Sam, because I'd like to see more of him, and without that connection, I'm not sure how organic more guest appearances would be. Still, I hope this be the first of many.
- Rufus. Why did I never realize how freakin' funny Mr. X could be? Prior to SPN, my exposure to Steven Williams was largely limited to X-Files and a one-time guest spot on Veronica Mars. He'd always played a humorless tight-ass. Who knew how hysterical he is?! He got some very funny lines, had wonderful chemistry with Jim Beaver and was all in all, an overall pleasure. Come back, Rufus! Come back!
- Sheriff Mills. She is another character I wouldn't mind seeing more of. She's smart and brave and has a really nice warmth about her. I liked how she wasn't willing to take any BS from the FBI or Bobby, yet in the end, she couldn't help but lend him a hand.
- Marcy Ward. I got a kick out of Bobby's would-be love interest. I especially liked their conversation after the monster of the week had been vanquished--both of them covered in blood, discussing Marcy's schemes and Bobby's tentative interest. Poor things. Maybe they can find a way to come together after the shock has worn off. I'd love to see Bobby have a little happiness.
- Bobby, himself. Nice job of carrying the episode, Jim. I really felt for this man. His strength and his loneliness came through so vividly. It was an interesting day in the life.
- The Direction. I know a fair amount about theatrical direction and next to nothing about film/tv direction. All I know is the director's work shouldn't really call attention to itself (unless there's a reason for it). But from what I could tell, Jensen did exceptionally well on his maiden effort. I thought everything flowed beautifully, it looked terrific, and all in all, nothing gave away the fact that the guy leading the charge had never done this before. I was impressed.
- "More important than Sam!?" Really--is anyone surprised I dug that? :-)
Things I'm pondering:
- It was weird to see the guys in CGI Scotland. I understand the need for it, and realize it wasn't gratuitous. But immediately my mind went to places like: Where could they find passports that would pass customs scrutiny? And: Where did they find the dough to bankroll something like that? The guys are just so quintessentially American, it was jarring to see them out of that element.
- I really and truly do NOT want to get into a Dean vs. Sam debate here. While I admittedly favor Sam, I love Dean to death and think Jensen Ackles does a brilliant job portraying him. That said, I'm ready for the focus on Dean to widen some. I understand the audience and Dean are meant to be united in their concern over what the hell is up with Sam. I get that his motivations are meant to be murky. But we've done this already...like since season one. And last night, when there was a very good reason for Dean to be put in a more secondary role (seeing as Jensen was doing two jobs), we still got Sam shunted off to the side. Dean was the one on the phone to Bobby, the one whose fears and needs were were given voice. Next week looks to be more of the same, as Dean is going to be made into a vampire (that's no spoiler--it was in the previews). Again, for one episode--I haven't any issue. I love Dean and am invested in his story. But it's not one episode. Or even two or three. It's entire story arcs. I'm dying for a little Sam development here. Shirtless Sam is awesome, Sera. But could we get him emotionally naked too from time to time? Thanks.
Onward! Next week looks intriguing indeed and the week after is the ep I've been waiting for. I'm really digging season six so far (despite my gripe above). Thanks CW for renewing my show.
Now don't get me wrong. For me, Supernatural will always be the Epic Love Story of Sam & Dean. And I certainly have no interest in the show expanding to an ensemble feel. But I really enjoyed last night's episode. I thought there was wit and action, I laughed out loud at points, the performances were strong, and Jensen's directorial debut certainly seemed to go off without a hitch.
Things I particularly liked:
- Crowley. How good to have you back, you once-upon-a-time-Scottish-tailor-with-an-inferiority-complex (apparently). Mark A. Sheppard rocked the house as usual. I really hope he's mixed up in the mystery of what's going on with Sam, because I'd like to see more of him, and without that connection, I'm not sure how organic more guest appearances would be. Still, I hope this be the first of many.
- Rufus. Why did I never realize how freakin' funny Mr. X could be? Prior to SPN, my exposure to Steven Williams was largely limited to X-Files and a one-time guest spot on Veronica Mars. He'd always played a humorless tight-ass. Who knew how hysterical he is?! He got some very funny lines, had wonderful chemistry with Jim Beaver and was all in all, an overall pleasure. Come back, Rufus! Come back!
- Sheriff Mills. She is another character I wouldn't mind seeing more of. She's smart and brave and has a really nice warmth about her. I liked how she wasn't willing to take any BS from the FBI or Bobby, yet in the end, she couldn't help but lend him a hand.
- Marcy Ward. I got a kick out of Bobby's would-be love interest. I especially liked their conversation after the monster of the week had been vanquished--both of them covered in blood, discussing Marcy's schemes and Bobby's tentative interest. Poor things. Maybe they can find a way to come together after the shock has worn off. I'd love to see Bobby have a little happiness.
- Bobby, himself. Nice job of carrying the episode, Jim. I really felt for this man. His strength and his loneliness came through so vividly. It was an interesting day in the life.
- The Direction. I know a fair amount about theatrical direction and next to nothing about film/tv direction. All I know is the director's work shouldn't really call attention to itself (unless there's a reason for it). But from what I could tell, Jensen did exceptionally well on his maiden effort. I thought everything flowed beautifully, it looked terrific, and all in all, nothing gave away the fact that the guy leading the charge had never done this before. I was impressed.
- "More important than Sam!?" Really--is anyone surprised I dug that? :-)
Things I'm pondering:
- It was weird to see the guys in CGI Scotland. I understand the need for it, and realize it wasn't gratuitous. But immediately my mind went to places like: Where could they find passports that would pass customs scrutiny? And: Where did they find the dough to bankroll something like that? The guys are just so quintessentially American, it was jarring to see them out of that element.
- I really and truly do NOT want to get into a Dean vs. Sam debate here. While I admittedly favor Sam, I love Dean to death and think Jensen Ackles does a brilliant job portraying him. That said, I'm ready for the focus on Dean to widen some. I understand the audience and Dean are meant to be united in their concern over what the hell is up with Sam. I get that his motivations are meant to be murky. But we've done this already...like since season one. And last night, when there was a very good reason for Dean to be put in a more secondary role (seeing as Jensen was doing two jobs), we still got Sam shunted off to the side. Dean was the one on the phone to Bobby, the one whose fears and needs were were given voice. Next week looks to be more of the same, as Dean is going to be made into a vampire (that's no spoiler--it was in the previews). Again, for one episode--I haven't any issue. I love Dean and am invested in his story. But it's not one episode. Or even two or three. It's entire story arcs. I'm dying for a little Sam development here. Shirtless Sam is awesome, Sera. But could we get him emotionally naked too from time to time? Thanks.
Onward! Next week looks intriguing indeed and the week after is the ep I've been waiting for. I'm really digging season six so far (despite my gripe above). Thanks CW for renewing my show.