Family Values

[dangermousie]

This post is all about family values. Sounds grandiose, doesn't it? But since I am not a politician out campagning, this post is actually about how interesting I find the non-romantic, famly relationships in TV shows which deal with them at length or show them as important

Comments

[crumpeteer]

With Supernatural, while the main issue is between brothers, when John shows up again it becomes all about the family dynamic. John KNOWS he wasn't a good father and that he demanded far too much out of Dean and was far too controlling with Sam, but in spite of that, you still end up liking John because he's only human. He loves his sons more than anything, but he's also fighting addiction in his need to kill the demon that killed Mary. It's a complicated relationship, with snarky, tough Dean not being able to stand up to his father while it's Sam who can.

And there are complicated brotherly issues. Dean resents Sam for getting a shot at a normal life as voiced in "Skin". Dean defends his father and reveals some things Sam didn't know about him in "Bugs" (their entirely different perception of their father in this ep is interesting). Sam literally facing down death and doing something very unethical to save Dean's life in "Faith". Sam walking out on Dean but then realizing that Dean needs him in "Scarecrow". Sam's complete faith that his big brother will save him in "Benders". Dean's complete flipping out in "Devil's Trap" where he terrifies himself by killing innocent people to protect his family and has a truly frightening scene where he pretty much promises to march on Hell itself if it means saving his family. Also the Demon's use of Dean's insecurity about his place in the family as a weapon and the sad little scene where Dean realizes that there's something wrong with John simply because John isn't yelling at him for disobeying. Dean breaking down and crying on the phone in "Home" under the increasing pressure of a severely messed up brother and the thought of having to go back to the place where his mother died. The incredible flashback in "Something Wicked" which shows the stem of a lot of Dean's problems.

The show is entirely about family in my mind (with some scary stuff thrown in). Sam and Dean would unapologetically do anything for each other and it's extremely refreshing to see a show that allows guys to be "manly", but doesn't shy away from emotions. Interestingly it's Dean who cries more than Sam and Jensen is one of the few actors who can get away with crying without looking in the slightest bit weak. Vulnerable, yes. Weak, no.

And I went off on a tangent.

[dangermousie]

And I went off on a tangent.

You should go off on tangents more often. This was brilliant and I haven't even seen the eps you talk about (though I am watching more tomorrow). I just love shows (or books or movies) that show family relationships in their all-too-complex glory.

And Dean cries? You are kidding. *melts preemtively*

Btw, where can I get some good SPN icons?

[crumpeteer]

While he doesn't break down sobbing, Dean does get teary quite frequently mainly when trying to deal with emotional issues. You get the feeling that he's been holding it back for so long that if he lets much out he'll totally go to pieces.

supernatu_icons is the best icon site for the show, but you have to join. The fandom has some of the most incredible icon makers out there. Also try carmendove's icon journal.