SPN: a poll (post-Devil's Trap v.2)

[sargraf]

Manon, I hope you've noticed that my last few posts have been utterly emotion-free. ;) I told you I could do it! And now, I'll go back to my regularly scheduled program... :P

Comments

[sargraf]

What I meant by the WTF moments are more on the writing level, than for the characters themselves. A lot of it is realistic human behavior, and while I may have a problem with that for the character on the receiving end, I can't honestly define it as faulty characterization. And then there are things like Misery in Home, and Dean calling Sam selfish (for the millionth time) in Devil's Trap, and I just wish Kripke would remember what the characters have been through... That's more what I meant. WTF, Kripke? :)

From what people have been telling me about Buffy and Angel, perhaps I can stop trying to bend SPN into this dark world, and appreciate the two different atmospheres for their own sakes. Although I still say, given their upbringing and what they've seen, it would just make sense and make for more unforgettable storytelling (IMO) for Kripke to take it bleak and harsh. However slowly building up to an unremittingly desolate atmosphere before the final climax. It wouldn't have to be so much into the abyss, at least initially, so that there isn't humor. But things like Michael choosing to believe would have enormous resonance if he wasn't smiley and happy-go-lucky at the end. Dean's line that he would have wanted Sam to keep that innocence would have more weight, if we saw the drain on them. You know? Dean would be stoic about it, and I believe JA could find that perfect balance of weariness and courage. But it should be a distinct strain, to make their decisions matter. Is my .02 cents...

[dotfic]

Misery in Home, and Dean calling Sam selfish (for the millionth time) in Devil's Trap, and I just wish Kripke would remember what the characters have been through...

On the subject of Missouri, I need to reply to your other essay. Dean calling Sam selfish I read as Dean's character flaw, not bad writing, the same way Sam isn't at all wrong for wanting his own life but can be a little too heedless about how his anger hurts Dean's (and John's) feelings.

Dean's line that he would have wanted Sam to keep that innocence would have more weight, if we saw the drain on them.

You're right, we don't see the drain enough. I think we see it some, but it's more my interpretation and reading it in than real textual evidence. I thought both brothers changed a lot, in addition to being simply revealed, and part of that change was the quest, the road, wearing on them. Dean seemed to get tireder, more bitter, by the time we get to Dead Man's Blood and after that. But again, maybe I'm reading something that's not there, or of course, it could be 100% Jensen Ackles' performance.