Re: The supernatural is magically different!auroramamaJune 29 2012, 02:15:51 UTC
That I could get behind, but I don't think it's always the story the show's trying to tell? There's a line (I think when they're burying Adam?) where Dean says "that's why you and Dad butted heads so much, you're so much alike" or words to that effect. And that is a false equivocation, one which I think the narrative means to endorse.
Yeah, you're right -- the show just loves this sort of trope. "Gee, Sam disagreed with John, but really (surprise twist!) they're practically the same person! O, the irony!" And Dean finding out that he doesn't like Sam being less morally squeamish as much as he thought he would. ("They can be the same person if they want to, but it's a terrible idea! Oooh, how will Dean stop Sam from imitating him?")
I think Show doesn't always know whether it's a smart show playing dumb or a dumb show taking itself too seriously. So how can we be sure?
teenagers can be reasonably expected to be ferociously stubborn?
So I've heard. But Dean wasn't. I've mentioned elsewhere my theory that Dean's uncanny obedience, enthusiasm, and reverence spoiled John for more normal adolescents. Your first child sets your expectations. It's the only way I can explain John's ridiculous astonishment and dismay when Sam started yearning for forbidden delights like college, a girlfriend, a career, and not dying bloody real soon. Dude, adolescents can and do rebel against being rich and pampered. Did you really think military discipline was enough to keep a teen from rebelling against being attacked by monsters? Yes, he did.
Re: The supernatural is magically different!obsessive_a101June 29 2012, 04:36:46 UTC
The older sibling and younger sibling dynamic/expectations you describe are definitely ringing true to me here. LOL! I'm the older sibling, and some times I look at my younger sister with her headphones plugged in and her chat box opened for friends while my parents are trying to talk to her, and wonder if I really was never quite a teenager as my aunts and uncles like to tease me and my parents about.
Re: The supernatural is magically different!pocochinaJune 29 2012, 05:01:51 UTC
the show just loves this sort of trope.
It really does! And I generally really like how the show plays it, if it's not a gloss over this sort of power discrepancy.
I think Show doesn't always know whether it's a smart show playing dumb or a dumb show taking itself too seriously. So how can we be sure?
this. Like Dean, Supernatural is happiest when it's sure people are underestimating it. Then it gets called out, tries to fight back, and starts stammering about how your face is ...moron...the stupid. I think it's a smart show that has a lot of potential if it would just apply itself and lose a little of the attitude, young man.
I've mentioned elsewhere my theory that Dean's uncanny obedience, enthusiasm, and reverence spoiled John for more normal adolescents. Your first child sets your expectations.
ooooh, I really like this insight. It does explain a lot.
Dude, adolescents can and do rebel against being rich and pampered. Did you really think military discipline was enough to keep a teen from rebelling against being attacked by monsters? Yes, he did.
ahahaha! He really did manage to convince himself of that, the poor schmuck.
Yeah, you're right -- the show just loves this sort of trope. "Gee, Sam disagreed with John, but really (surprise twist!) they're practically the same person! O, the irony!" And Dean finding out that he doesn't like Sam being less morally squeamish as much as he thought he would. ("They can be the same person if they want to, but it's a terrible idea! Oooh, how will Dean stop Sam from imitating him?")
I think Show doesn't always know whether it's a smart show playing dumb or a dumb show taking itself too seriously. So how can we be sure?
teenagers can be reasonably expected to be ferociously stubborn?
So I've heard. But Dean wasn't. I've mentioned elsewhere my theory that Dean's uncanny obedience, enthusiasm, and reverence spoiled John for more normal adolescents. Your first child sets your expectations. It's the only way I can explain John's ridiculous astonishment and dismay when Sam started yearning for forbidden delights like college, a girlfriend, a career, and not dying bloody real soon. Dude, adolescents can and do rebel against being rich and pampered. Did you really think military discipline was enough to keep a teen from rebelling against being attacked by monsters? Yes, he did.
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It really does! And I generally really like how the show plays it, if it's not a gloss over this sort of power discrepancy.
I think Show doesn't always know whether it's a smart show playing dumb or a dumb show taking itself too seriously. So how can we be sure?
this. Like Dean, Supernatural is happiest when it's sure people are underestimating it. Then it gets called out, tries to fight back, and starts stammering about how your face is ...moron...the stupid. I think it's a smart show that has a lot of potential if it would just apply itself and lose a little of the attitude, young man.
I've mentioned elsewhere my theory that Dean's uncanny obedience, enthusiasm, and reverence spoiled John for more normal adolescents. Your first child sets your expectations.
ooooh, I really like this insight. It does explain a lot.
Dude, adolescents can and do rebel against being rich and pampered. Did you really think military discipline was enough to keep a teen from rebelling against being attacked by monsters? Yes, he did.
ahahaha! He really did manage to convince himself of that, the poor schmuck.
Reply
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