Supernatural 7.21

[i_speak_tongue]

I've watched it twice now, and still feel like I need to see it again to really be able to say something intelligent about it, but I loved it, and feel like there's a great deal of depth to it. Especially thematically and with regards to the position Dean's being put in for the last two episodes.

Give me a few days, and in the meantime, read this: "

Comments

[i_speak_tongue]

Yeah. SO MUCH.

Though, I don't know if I agree with the idea that the writers BELIEVE Dean doesn't need to be cared for. I think it's just them being their usual, sadistic selves. I think they know what Dean needs, and just refuse to give it to him. Which may be more frustrating? IDK... Lol.

[chemm80]

I think you may be giving the writers too much credit--I'm not sure they give Dean's character anywhere near that much thought. Maybe they did once, but I haven't seen evidence of it lately. In fact, I agree with the author of the meta you linked (very insightful and interesting, especially in light of this most recent episode--"burnout" seems very descriptive of his aspect) that this has been left almost entirely to Jensen. And he's brilliant at it. I never realized, before I started watching him so closely, that acting could be such a powerful art.

[i_speak_tongue]

Well, yes, Jensen does an amazing job of adding a million dimensions to Dean's role in almost every scene he's in, but I think the writers deserve some credit. I mean there are moments where the writing simply begs a certain reaction from Dean, such as in "Season 7, time for a wedding," when, at the end of the episode Sam tells Dean that he can finally spend some time looking after himself, and Dean's reaction is clearly not meant to be one of relief or happiness. We get the feeling he's at once having a lot of trouble accepting that Sam is actually okay, and also terrified of the prospect of taking care of himself. And it's also extremely telling that Sam doesn't instead propose HE take care of Dean in a reciprocal way, but that Dean simply do it himself. And none of these layers could exist without that one simple line Sam's given. I think we need to remember that the writers' don't just write blank-faced dialog. They know the actors, and very likely visualize their emotional reactions to the lines as they write the scripts. I'm

[lolachrome]

I agree that there was a great deal of depth in that episode--so much so that it's made it hard for me to wrap my head around, because it's so emotional, but so complex and messy. I'm having trouble being articulate about it (or even wanting to!)

[i_speak_tongue]

I know. I almost feel like it was TOO smart for me. Like T S Eliot or something. LOL.

[lolachrome]

Ha, I was just about to say something like that in my comment to you, and then held off cause I thought you might think I was crazy if I compared SPN to modernist poetry. But it was exactly what I was thinking.

I think the only way I'm going to be able to deal is to vid it. It's my only option.

[i_speak_tongue]

Oh, please do!!!!!!

[shallowz]

Fantastic meta.

The only thing that tweaked was the writers not believing Dean needs caring for. I've got to believe there's a plan for all that. As disjointed and lost as some of the writing can be, there's still some of the original writers that have these characters down. Know what these actors are capable of and go from there.

Emotional or not (and I think the meta was better for the emotion behind it), it was an excellent look at Dean - without dismissing any other characters.

Heart goes out to the author of it, though.

[i_speak_tongue]

I agree with you 100%!

[mad_server]

Ooh, great find. It reminds me very much why I'm a Dean girl and not a Sam girl... his continual burdenedness and need for lovin' has always been appealing. Now I really really want to see Cas and Sam team up and shower his sicky-exhausted self with looooove and recognition and compassion.

[i_speak_tongue]

YES. I'm still fully expecting the Sam-carries-Dean moment. Either literally or metaphorically!

[juppschmitz]

...I think you'll be waiting a long time. Sadly, show!Sam has nothing on your fic!Sam in the caring department!

[juppschmitz]

Do you see maypoles' icon a few comments down?

Surprise and forehead feels! You ruined forehead feels for me!! (Not really, LOL!)

But they're exactly my reasons for being a Dean girl. That and Jensen Ackles, of course. (Which makes sense, cause anyone else probably wouldn't have been able to pull it all off...)

[maypoles]

Very interesting read; thanks for the link!

Dean still playing that caregiving role to the extent he's compelled to when he's obviously not equipped to with his own depressed, season 7 mindset has made certain aspects of this season really squicky for me. ;/ It's just too much/too sad, and I like sad! I require a Dean breakdown and some caregiving!Sam now, pleeease. <333333

[i_speak_tongue]

I know. I wish, if only for the sake of all my fellow Dean!girls who have such a hard time with this, that he was getting the snuggles he needs! :(