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There is still fannish life in me *twitches*
Seeing as I`m better today, I thought I could give my reasoning for not being so down on 3.02.
There were even bits I liked:
- the scenes that had Dean/Sam together - all 6 or so minutes of it. :-p
- the rescue and end battle in the half-build house - cool fight
- the mother-daughter subplot, I thought was well-acted and creepy
- most of the Dean/Ben interaction, especially the way Dean lifted Ben out of the cage and then stroked his head, also the park scene
- final scene Dean/Lisa
Now for nitpick-me
- everything is too bright, bring back the blue filters
- I know there are reasons why Dean and Sam are separated right now but stay true to the characters somewhat:
Case in point? Dean walks into the restaurant and catches Sam OBVIOUSLY lying to him, on the phone and with his laptop open. Now it`s pretty clear - and would be to Dean as well - that Sam is researching the stupid deal. So he should effing remark on that. Questioning, threatening, anything.
- the story construct, so Dean goes to look up some chick he had one weekend with 9!!! years ago. Now I get that he might think back fondly on the sex BUT it`s still nine years ago and he just assumes that she still lives there, is not married or otherwise not available or has maybe gotten fat AND will simply hop in the sack with him once he shows up. Right.
Predictably when he shows up at her door, she seems weirded out and wanting him to leave. If he wasn`t as hot as he is, his self-inviting ass would have been ON THE LAWN OUTSIDE.
Why not, instead, have them go for a case first - mysterious deaths in the paper - and there he stumbles upon Lisa. MUCH less contrived.
- Dean the oversleaze which is actually a trademark of Sera Gamble. Me? Not likey.
Usually Jensen tones it down but I don`t know if it was the extremely uncharming writing "gumby girl" or if he thought "ha fuckers, you want sleaze? I give you sleaze" but he hammed it up for all he was worth, overmugging and everything. Don`t succumb to the Gamble, man. Fight it.
- The Five Deanly Anvils. For heaven`s sake, show, I get it, Ben is JUST LIKE DEAN. As in he is a mini-clone of Dean-traits. Subtlety is your friend.
- and it would have been nice to bring Sam into the story a little bit as in I`d have LOVED to see Sam`s reaction to maybe Dean`s kid
- Ruby continues to be a non-entity for me, since she is a demon which was pretty clear from one of Kripke`s earliest interviews in combo with the Season Premiere - if there is an awesome twist about her, then it could only be that in one she seems to be a demon but turns out a hunter or the other way around - I don`t mind her being smug, condescending or Superfighter but I envision her as the ultimate cheat code. We need secret demonic info? She`ll provide it. Magical weapons? She`ll provide them. Etc. I realize Bobby has done that to a degree as well but hm the old greeks had a word for that, writers. See that you use it sparringly.
- "It`s all about you, Sam" - that makes me go cross-eyed. Did the YED off all the friends of the other mothers of Psy-Kids too? If not, why was Mary so special? Why was Sam so special? Not special enough apparently to lift a finger for him whenever he was about to die, YED. Not enough to help him win the Evil Overlord Beauty Contestant. If not for Dean, he`d be dead. Which means Sam CAN`T have been the predestined, mythical, unique ruler of demonkind. Because if you only have one of those, you treat them with frigging care.
I really care about Sam on a personal level right now but if they plan on making him some Superspeshul Chosen One, my mind checks out. Sick of those.
Also, what about Dean in this storyline? Right now he doesn`t know about it and seemingly isn`t connected to it AT ALL. Now that might change but if it doesn`t, take your myth-arc and shove it, show.
So, I`ll give it one step up from the Premiere but still not exactly my cuppa tea. Now, shows need to change, I realize that, but they should never change their core, their heart because that is what attracted viewersto it in the first place.
There were even bits I liked:
- the scenes that had Dean/Sam together - all 6 or so minutes of it. :-p
- the rescue and end battle in the half-build house - cool fight
- the mother-daughter subplot, I thought was well-acted and creepy
- most of the Dean/Ben interaction, especially the way Dean lifted Ben out of the cage and then stroked his head, also the park scene
- final scene Dean/Lisa
Now for nitpick-me
- everything is too bright, bring back the blue filters
- I know there are reasons why Dean and Sam are separated right now but stay true to the characters somewhat:
Case in point? Dean walks into the restaurant and catches Sam OBVIOUSLY lying to him, on the phone and with his laptop open. Now it`s pretty clear - and would be to Dean as well - that Sam is researching the stupid deal. So he should effing remark on that. Questioning, threatening, anything.
- the story construct, so Dean goes to look up some chick he had one weekend with 9!!! years ago. Now I get that he might think back fondly on the sex BUT it`s still nine years ago and he just assumes that she still lives there, is not married or otherwise not available or has maybe gotten fat AND will simply hop in the sack with him once he shows up. Right.
Predictably when he shows up at her door, she seems weirded out and wanting him to leave. If he wasn`t as hot as he is, his self-inviting ass would have been ON THE LAWN OUTSIDE.
Why not, instead, have them go for a case first - mysterious deaths in the paper - and there he stumbles upon Lisa. MUCH less contrived.
- Dean the oversleaze which is actually a trademark of Sera Gamble. Me? Not likey.
Usually Jensen tones it down but I don`t know if it was the extremely uncharming writing "gumby girl" or if he thought "ha fuckers, you want sleaze? I give you sleaze" but he hammed it up for all he was worth, overmugging and everything. Don`t succumb to the Gamble, man. Fight it.
- The Five Deanly Anvils. For heaven`s sake, show, I get it, Ben is JUST LIKE DEAN. As in he is a mini-clone of Dean-traits. Subtlety is your friend.
- and it would have been nice to bring Sam into the story a little bit as in I`d have LOVED to see Sam`s reaction to maybe Dean`s kid
- Ruby continues to be a non-entity for me, since she is a demon which was pretty clear from one of Kripke`s earliest interviews in combo with the Season Premiere - if there is an awesome twist about her, then it could only be that in one she seems to be a demon but turns out a hunter or the other way around - I don`t mind her being smug, condescending or Superfighter but I envision her as the ultimate cheat code. We need secret demonic info? She`ll provide it. Magical weapons? She`ll provide them. Etc. I realize Bobby has done that to a degree as well but hm the old greeks had a word for that, writers. See that you use it sparringly.
- "It`s all about you, Sam" - that makes me go cross-eyed. Did the YED off all the friends of the other mothers of Psy-Kids too? If not, why was Mary so special? Why was Sam so special? Not special enough apparently to lift a finger for him whenever he was about to die, YED. Not enough to help him win the Evil Overlord Beauty Contestant. If not for Dean, he`d be dead. Which means Sam CAN`T have been the predestined, mythical, unique ruler of demonkind. Because if you only have one of those, you treat them with frigging care.
I really care about Sam on a personal level right now but if they plan on making him some Superspeshul Chosen One, my mind checks out. Sick of those.
Also, what about Dean in this storyline? Right now he doesn`t know about it and seemingly isn`t connected to it AT ALL. Now that might change but if it doesn`t, take your myth-arc and shove it, show.
So, I`ll give it one step up from the Premiere but still not exactly my cuppa tea. Now, shows need to change, I realize that, but they should never change their core, their heart because that is what attracted viewersto it in the first place.
no subject
It was, but I found it sooo boring, because it took up so much time.
- most of the Dean/Ben interaction, especially the way Dean lifted Ben out of the cage and then stroked his head, also the park scene
Even though the characterization of Ben was a bit heavy-handed, I liked this, too. Dean is good with kids, and I actually like seeing him with kids. I loved the kid in Dead in the Water and the one in...uh...the episode with the Shtriga (sp?).
Why not, instead, have them go for a case first - mysterious deaths in the paper - and there he stumbles upon Lisa. MUCH less contrived.
hehe I just posted something like that in a comment somewhere else. That's exactly what I think. Even if it was more contrived, it would have made more sense for the show and for Dean, IMHO.
I know there are reasons why Dean and Sam are separated right now
Yeah, Jensen and Jared wanted more time off and they are trying to integrate the new characters and spend more time on characters that don't mean anything to the show. *g* (That's how it seems to me. I don't see any other reason for it.)
- Dean the oversleaze which is actually a trademark of Sera Gamble. Me? Not likey.
Usually Jensen tones it down but I don`t know if it was the extremely uncharming writing "gumby girl" or if he thought "ha fuckers, you want sleaze? I give you sleaze" but he hammed it up for all he was worth, overmugging and everything.
Exactly. Me no likey either.*g*
- and it would have been nice to bring Sam into the story a little bit as in I`d have LOVED to see Sam`s reaction to maybe Dean`s kid
Exactly, because what's the point of any of it if Sam doesn't know or we don't see his reaction? It'll be just like this never happened.
I agree with you about all the Sam stuff, though my main concern is the fact that Dean seems almost unrecognizable as himself and that there is no "good stuff" in these episodes (and by "good stuff" I mean Sam and Dean, and not in a boring way like in that episode with the Faux!BSG actress or Hollywood Babylon).
Now, shows need to change, I realize that, but they should never change their core, their heart because that is what attracted viewersto it in the first place.
Exactly, and that's what they've done.
I liked this episode less than TMS, mainly because I see this as a harbinger of things to come.
Great review! I enjoyed reading your thoughts, as always. :-)
no subject
Michael? And yeah, those were more sublte, especially DitW.
It was, but I found it sooo boring, because it took up so much time.
It was a bit much there indeed. I think it clocked out to about a quarter of the whole ep.
Exactly, because what's the point of any of it if Sam doesn't know or we don't see his reaction? It'll be just like this never happened.
Yup, that`s kinda a "and it fell by the wayside."
and by "good stuff" I mean Sam and Dean, and not in a boring way like in that episode with the Faux!BSG actress or Hollywood Babylon).
I kinda of liked Hollywood Babylon though such an inside joker one is usually something you do in your fifth or so Season to poke fun at yourself. Roadkill was just off.
I liked this episode less than TMS, mainly because I see this as a harbinger of things to come.
From the new pics I`m kinda stoked for 3.07, it looks like an "old-school" ep. Maybe I`ll get my poor heart broken for it but I try to be hopeful.
Also I liked from the promo at least the thing where unlucky!Sam just tumbled down. Hopefully the klutziness will be entertaining at least.
no subject
I know you liked Hollywood Babylon, and I didn't dislike it exactly. I liked it much better when I watched it again with the family, but I just remember that even though Dean and Sam were together in that episode, they almost...weren't. *g* That's what I'm seeing now, too.
no subject
(Anonymous) 2007-10-20 09:34 pm (UTC)(link)**"It`s all about you, Sam" - that makes me go cross-eyed.**
Word. I don't want to go through the Destiny crap again like last season. If it was all about him the YED wouldn't have let him be killed off. Curious that Dean is the only one out of the Winchester family that hasn't fully crossed over to the other side...he had a near-death experience in IMToD but he didn't DIE. Oh and he's been saved by black magic TWICE a la Faith and IMToD with a 'faith healer' and Demon!Tessa.
The only way I see Dean having anything important in regards to the mytharc is if TBTP slap some superpowers on him real fast because the way the show seems to be going power is everything and he don't have those as far as canon is concerned. That could change over the course of the season but at this point I seriously doubt it.
**why was Mary so special? Why was Sam so special? Not special enough apparently to lift a finger for him whenever he was about to die, YED. Not enough to help him win the Evil Overlord Beauty Contestant.**
Again this has led me to rethink Sam's overall importance to the mythos isn't that important. He's a small piece to a much larger puzzle not the MAIN piece. Sam is simply a means to an end. The PK's are expendable including the self-proclaimed "boy king" man I REALLY want that concept to be thrown out the window ASAP.
We'll find out soon enough why Mary was considered special.
**If not for Dean, he`d be dead. Which means Sam CAN`T have been the predestined, mythical, unique ruler of demonkind. Because if you only have one of those, you treat them with frigging care.**
I've long been convinced this is all about Dean. You don't in your right mind skip over the firstborn and the stories about the power they have. Keep in mind we've seen nothing about Dean's infancy or what could have gone on during/before that 3 1/2 year timeskip. Yes if there's ruling material you don't want to as Meg said "damage that fine packaging." The YED could have let Dean die in that hospital or killed him in the cabin yet I got the distinct impression it was holding back. And when a demon gives you a reprieve it's not for very long.
no subject
(Anonymous) 2007-10-20 09:44 pm (UTC)(link)**"It`s all about you, Sam" - that makes me go cross-eyed.**
Word. I don't want to go through the Destiny crap again like last season. If it was all about him the YED wouldn't have let him be killed off. Curious that Dean is the only one out of the Winchester family that hasn't fully crossed over to the other side...he had a near-death experience in IMToD but he didn't DIE. Oh and he's been saved by black magic TWICE a la Faith and IMToD with a 'faith healer' and Demon!Tessa.
The only way I see Dean having anything important in regards to the mytharc is if TBTP slap some superpowers on him real fast because the way the show seems to be going power is everything and he don't have those as far as canon is concerned. That could change over the course of the season but at this point I seriously doubt it.
**why was Mary so special? Why was Sam so special? Not special enough apparently to lift a finger for him whenever he was about to die, YED. Not enough to help him win the Evil Overlord Beauty Contestant.**
Again this has led me to rethink Sam's overall importance to the mythos isn't that important. He's a small piece to a much larger puzzle not the MAIN piece. Sam is simply a means to an end. The PK's are expendable including the self-proclaimed "boy king" man I REALLY want that concept to be thrown out the window ASAP.
We'll find out soon enough why Mary was considered special.
**If not for Dean, he`d be dead. Which means Sam CAN`T have been the predestined, mythical, unique ruler of demonkind. Because if you only have one of those, you treat them with frigging care.**
I've long been convinced this is all about Dean. You don't in your right mind skip over the firstborn and the stories about the power they have. Keep in mind we've seen nothing about Dean's infancy or what could have gone on during/before that 3 1/2 year timeskip. Yes if there's ruling material you don't want to as Meg said "damage that fine packaging." The YED could have let Dean die in that hospital or killed him in the cabin yet I got the distinct impression it was holding back. And when a demon gives you a reprieve it's not for very long.
Dean's been explored in detail throughout S2 too much to be disconnected to the mytharc. Makes no sense to go through all that trouble just to dumb him down again with the same stupid stuff all over again.
Sam's beginning to grow on me. But you're right if they make this the Special Sammy Show then you can forget about me tuning in. Just makes them more unbalanced. The reason why I loved Dean's "vision" is cause for a few moments he was EQUAL with Sam in terms of powers. I could definitely get used to that.
Oh and his whole "I'm tired" speech is getting on my last nerve. Seriously it needs to stop. Sam's tired as well, maybe more so what with all these secrets and the task of finding a loophole to Dean's contract, but he's sure as heck not complaining about it every fifteen seconds.
no subject
(Anonymous) 2007-10-20 09:45 pm (UTC)(link)