Supernatural - TV Fanatic

Supernatural Preview & Sneak Peek: Call Kanye!

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:55:13 EST

Supernatural aired a classic episode on Friday, an all-time great and definitely the best of season seven.

How will The CW favorite follow-up?

With "Repo Man," which features the return of Mark Pellegrino as Lucifer and which takes the brothers back four years to a case they thought they solved. It involves a demon and postal worker named Jeffrey, who now resides in a psych ward. Dean and Sam will pay him a visit on the episode.

Get your first look at what's to come now via the following preview and sneak peek:

Supernatural Promo: "Repo Man"

Supernatural Clip: "Repo Man"

Supernatural Review: Clowns Kill

smckenna412@gmail.com (Sean McKenna) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:22:41 EST

Season seven of Supernatural has had its ups and downs and - for lack of a better word has been relatively... average. Sure, it's had fantastic episodes such as "Meet the Boss," Bobby's final hurrah in "Death's Door," and The Untouchables-themed "Time After Time."

Yet, for the most part, there's been a littering of episodes that haven't been bad, but haven't possessed the spark that makes any truly standout.

And on some level it's understandable, after seven years I imagine it becomes harder to find a way to keep a show fresh and at the same time still hold onto all the qualities that made it entertaining in the first place. Perhaps the fact that the "big bad" hasn't been all that big or all that bad adds to the problem, especially when an enemy like that should drive the show forward with its intensity and fear inducing qualities.

It's possible that the final stand off between the Winchester brothers and the Leviathan could reach epic proportions, blowing away any aforementioned concerns and my oftentimes boredom with the bad guy. And I hope that's how it all works out.

But I don't feel as if Supernatural is simply on its last legs, particularly because of "Plucky Pennywhistle's Magical Menagerie." It was great.

More often than not, mythology heavy episodes are typically the strongest and most memorable because they drive the story forward and provide a dramatic context for the characters. Yet this particular hour didn't worry about that and came through as a definite highlight of the season, in part because it felt exactly like an episode from season one or two.

I haven't laughed as much this year, but the clever one-liners, the fantastically entertaining banter and the brothers being their typical selves in this episode hit at the heart of what made this show so good.

The perfect combination of hilarity between Sam and Dean mixed with the scariness of their supernatural case was enjoyable from start to finish.

Sam and Dean have had such an emotional back and forth recently that to watch them truly work together was refreshing. Additionally, both characters managed to garner their own funny, scary, and dramatic moments without one overshadowing the other.

I couldn't help but laugh at Sam's discomfort when surrounded by the clowns, even though the clowns were tremendously creepy. Simply watching this giant of a guy break down at the mere sight of them, even after he's faced horrendous and evil foes, illustrated a perfect throwback vulnerability and moment for Sam to not be so serious.

I even loved the bringing up of Sam's past issues with clowns and using the "previously on" to reiterate his fear. Man, how young did they look in that "Then" sequence? Wow.

Sam got to interrogate the workers, but his tough guy routine was so overdone that it was more comical than intimidating. Plus, it was hard to take him seriously, as he slammed his hands down on the table and demanded answers from a guy dressed in a lion costume. It was a great way to break for a moment from Sam's usually ever so serious tone without making him campy or straying away from his character.

Of course, Dean managed to get those great quips like "Yeah, a guy in his thirty's hanging out at Plucky's alone. That's normal. That's not pervy at all;" or simply cracking up at Sam covered in glitter. Let's not forget Dean playing skee ball and wanting to win the slinky. It really is hard not to laugh at Dean being Dean.

The sharp writing and perfect playing off each other of Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki made this a top notch episode. It was as out there as the time that the brothers dealt with the suicidal teddy bear including just enough scare and the perfect amount of charming humor, even without any larger mythology Leviathan plans.

And the perfect way that the brothers laughed off their experience at the end, while giving Dean a chance to reflect on leaving Sam alone when he was younger, without making the moment melodramatic, was true to the characters. It was fun seeing them have fun.

The switching back and forth between "now" and a digital countdown like 24 was probably unnecessary. Although I have a feeling that the writers simply wanted a way to throw in the amusing "RIGHT FRIGGIN' NOW" because it just added to the extreme factor of unicorns with rainbow tails and glitter exploding clowns.

In the end, what many could call a filler episode reignited the spark of what makes this show standout offering an hour of unadulterated enjoyment. This is what Supernatural is all about.

Supernatural Round Table: "The Slice Girls"

smckenna412@gmail.com (Sean McKenna) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:54:35 EST

Supernatural dealt with the dangerous ramifications of a one-night stand on "The Slice Girls" last Friday, an episode that featured guest star Sara Canning and a shooting by Sam.

In the latest edition of a TV Fanatic Round Table, panelists Sean McKenna, Carissa Pavlica and Matt Richenthal breakdown the action, analyzing Dean's choice of hookup music and more...

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Dean hooking up to AC/DC. Hot or not?
Carissa: Hot. Had he hooked up to Britney Spears? Not.

Sean: Definitely hot. It feels like it’s been a while since Dean got to be his true ladies man self and a little classic rock simply amped up the steam factor.

Matt: Not. There's too much pressure. You shook me all night long? Come on. What guy can live up to that standard?!?

Did you like the idea of Dean becoming a father?
Carissa: It was done in a really cool way, and I wish it had worked such that they could have kept her around. That would have definitely made up for all the losses this season, and turned their lives upside down.

Sean: It was an interesting idea, but my only fear is that the concept doesn’t get discussed the rest of the season. I mean, c’mon, that’s his kid!

Matt: Not really. A good try and certainly different, but she only stuck around for the one episode. Plus, we've seen Dean play the father role with Ben before.

Should Sam have shot Dean's daughter?
Carissa: Yes. Her short life was three days long. Three days of learning to hate; in particular her father, Dean. If she didn't kill him then she would have eventually.

Sean: Yes. I know it brings back up the “a monster is a monster” idea but not only did we get to see her brought up with killing Dean in mind, but she was also ready to do so. Sam saved his brother even if the kill was familial.

Matt: Yes. Unless Sam didn't want his brother to live because she surely would have killed him. He was doing what he had to do. Such is life sometimes.

Does it make the brothers even since Dean killed Sam's friend, Amy?
Carissa: I don't think it's tit for tat, but it certainly helped Sam to understand where Dean was coming from when he made the decision and I thought it was really great the way the show chose to spin that past choice on it's edge in a way that brings the brothers closer.

Sean: I agree with Carissa that it’s not the exact same experience but I think both brothers have gotten a taste of how difficult it is, especially when it’s personal. To be honest with everything the brothers have gone through, it’s a wonder they’ve been able to keep it relatively together this long.

Matt: It makes them even on killing someone personal, but it's not the same. It was Dean's daughter, after all.

Is it really Bobby that keeps causing weird happenings like moving the paper or is it something else entirely?
Carissa: I'm only guessing based on things that I've gleaned off of the Net, and the lack of finality to the Bobby issue on the show, but yes. I think he's coming back in some shape or form.

Sean: I don’t know. I feel like it must be important, but is it Bobby? I keep thinking it might be someone else entirely.

Matt: Bobby as a ghost? Maybe. Castiel coming back? Perhaps. Either way, there's something mysterious going on and it's not just a coincidence.

Supernatural Teaser & Sneak Peek: Clowning Around

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:36:51 EST

Dean became a father on last week's episode of Supernatural, but, this Friday, it will be Sam who is forced to face down a major fear:

Clowns.

On "Plucky Pennywhistle’s Magical Menagerie," look for the brothers to take on a case in Kansas, one that finds them inside a local pizza chain known for hosting children's birthday parties. They'll find a frightening drawing there, along with a magical man and and a few angry entertainers in makeup, a wig and big red shoes. Take a deep breath, Sam. You can handle this!

You can handle this! Watch the official CW preview and take a sneak peek at the episode now:

Supernatural Promo: "Plucky Pennywhistle's Magical Menagerie"

Supernatural Clip: "Plucky Pennywhistle's Magical Menagerie"

Supernatural Review: Dean, You Are The Father

smckenna412@gmail.com (Sean McKenna) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:24:32 EST

It's interesting that "The Slice Girls" pulled a role reversal on a similar situation that took place during "The Girl Next Door."

Rather than Dean making the decision to kill a "monster" that was emotionally close to Sam, it was Sam who was forced to shoot Dean's rapidly aging daughter and prevent her from killing anyone. Granted, Sam didn't go behind his brother's back to commit the act and it was seemingly done to save his brother, but I was certainly surprised that Sam didn't give her a chance.

In fact, I was really curious as to how the episode was going to tie everything up because I knew that the following episodes wouldn't be about Sam, Dean, and Dean's daughter. The particularly dramatic proposition for the Winchester brother would have to be solved meaning she would either be killed off, sent away, or was really never his kid in the first place.

Short of actually visiting Maury Povich for a paternity test, I think it was fair to assume that Emma was his kid.

And as much as Dean claimed he wouldn't have let her go, I find it hard to believe that Dean, who has become a natural at dealing with kids, would choose to shoot his own daughter even if he'd only known her for a few hours. I guess that was the point in putting the shoe on the other foot to reveal just how hard it is to take a life when there is an emotional attachment.

But why make that personal connection his daughter? Isn't that more of a difficult choice because she's of his bloodline and not simply some girl that he fell in love with? And because she's now dead, is the fact that Dean became a father going to be swept away and never discussed again?

I guess if anything, it's clear to see that Sam and Dean are traveling on a difficult road expounded upon the fact that two of their closest friends were recently killed. Hunting monsters for a living is certainly going to take its toll at some point.

Although Sam and Dean aren't in the same place emotionally or mentally as they were in the early seasons, season 7 has done a nice job of bringing back the focus on the monster of the week stories. It's allowed for that classic feel, but at the same time shown just how much its effected them and changed them. Most important of all is the fact that they are still pushing strong even with each of them seemingly unraveling at their respective seams.

At least the brothers have each other to help keep them going with that smile on their face for each day they get to keep living.

I loved that the episode brought back some classic rock and utilized AC/DC, especially for Dean's hook up scene. It's felt like a long time since the show used music other then during the "previously on" segments. Of course, the music synced perfectly with another classic element of Dean getting busy with the ladies. Yes, hot and steamy was his rowdy night and even that particular aspect of his character had been on hold for a while. Dean has still got the moves.

Even the banter between the brothers was top notch from making cracks about the professor to commenting about talking babies. Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki play off each other so well whether it's playful wit to their arguments about dealing with death that they really do act like brothers.

Yet, what was up with Dean thinking that his papers moved? It can't really be Bobby as a ghost, can it?

The idea is an intriguing aspect, especially with Sam discussing it could be that Dean simply wants it to be Bobby. After all, Sam said they burned his bones. But then what is causing stuff like that to happen? It has to be more than just a part of Dean attempting to deal with Bobby's death. Is there something more?

Overall, the episode managed to combine a majority of the features that make for an entertaining hour of Supernatural from the mysterious legends, the gruesome killings, the humor, and the brotherly situations. Now if only the show could make the Leviathan a bit more interesting, a bit more scary, and oh, yes, a bit more recurrent on screen. Let's just hope that the closer we get to the season finale, everything will come together nicely.

What did you think of the episode? Should Sam have killed Emma? Should Dean? Will the brothers reach a breaking point?

Supernatural Season 8 Scoop, Hope: More Leviathans to Come?

matt@tvfanatic.com (TV Fanatic Staff) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:27:03 EST

There's plenty of action remaining on season seven of Supernatural, starting with tonight's "The Slice Girls" (previewed below), in which Dean has a one night stand with Sara Canning and we proceed to meet... his daughter?

But Jared Padalecki spoke to TV Line this week and took a much longer look ahead, responding to a question about the possibility of another season with:

"I’m excited... I feel like there are more stories to tell. I feel like we haven’t wrapped everything up. Season 8 could be a great season. Even if we have to wrap things up... I feel like it would be a nice last hurrah."

Supernatural Promo: "The Slice Girls"

And what might that hurrah include?

"The Leviathans," the actor said, expressing merely his own hope. "We introduced this great character, this great demon, and just doing one season – introducing them and then getting rid of them – doesn’t give them the seriousness that they deserve."

As for the return of Lucifer? And Sam's ongoing reaction to Bobby's death? Visit TV Line now for the full interview with Padalecki.

Supernatural Sneak Peek: Dean Gets Dissed!

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:18:21 EST

On Friday's new episode of Supernatural, Sam and Dean look into a case where the hands and the feet of all victims have been severed and branded with a weird symbol.

But that discovery actually might not be the most awkward development.

As teased below, Dean will also spend one (naked!) night with a woman named Lydia (Sara Canning, Aunt Jenna on The Vampire Diaries), only to call her the next day with a question and get seriously served. Does she have an ulterior motive for this reaction? Probably. But it's still funny to watch Dean's reaction:

Supernatural Clip: "The Slice Girls"

Visit TV Fanatic soon after "The Slice Girls" concludes for our weekly, detailed Supernatural review.

Men of The CW: At Work, Shirtless!

matt@tvfanatic.com (TV Fanatic Staff) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:24:35 EST

What do the following have in common? Wilson Bethel shirtless. Ed Westwick surrounded by bikini-clad woman. Ian Somerhalder in a bathtub.

The answer? They are all featured in the following new CW promo, which promotes a handful of its hits in the most effective (read: SEXY) way possible: by showcasing its hunks at their... hunkiest.

From a soaking wet body in Bluebell body to a stud muffin from Supernatural, sit back, enjoy and thank us later for posting:

The CW Men: At Work!

Supernatural Sneak Preview: "The Slice Girls"

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:19:04 EST

Aunt Jenna lives! Sort of!

Supernatural will not return with a new episode until February 3, but when it does, a former CW favorite will at least grace our small screens once again: Sara Canning (The Vampire Diaries) guest stars on "The Slice Girls" as Lydia, a woman who meets Dean at a local bar and takes him back to her place. Ooohhh yeah?!? Or, uh-oh?

Watch the official CW preview now and get an idea of the ramifications for yourself:

Supernatural Promo: "The Slice Girls"

Elsewhere on the episode, look for Sam to make a discovery related to the case of a victim's heads and feet being severed. That really has got to hurt.

Supernatural Round Table: "Time After Time After Time"

matt@tvfanatic.com (TV Fanatic Staff) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:42:23 EST

Supernatural took viewers back to 1944 last Friday, paying tribute to The Untouchables and airing a generally fun episode.

What did our Round Table team of Carissa Pavlica, Kate Moon and Sean McKenna think of the time travel? What were their favorite scenes? Read the Q&A below and chime in with your take on these questions...

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What was your favorite scene or quote from the episode?
Carissa: The repeated references Dean made about the Untouchables, down to "I'm never watching that movie again." Still makes me laugh.

Kate: I found Dean and Sam's banter about anime hilarious. It is an underrated "art" form. Looking for more anime... or are you strictly into Dick now?

Sean: I loved all the Untouchables references as well. It was hilarious watching Dean try to fit in and everyone looking at him like he was crazy. The Chicago Way? Who talks like that?

Did you enjoy having another time travel episode?
Carissa: Absolutely. Especially since it included contact with a real life historical figure in Eliot Ness, someone who Dean thought of highly. I loved every minute of it.

Kate: Yes! Especially because of the noir-coolness of the episode. It strangely reminded me of a Charmed episode where Paige got sucked into the same time period. I loved that Dean was so into his new look and era as well. The man cleans up nicely, no?

Sean: It was fun getting to see some classic Supernatural and put another spin on the time travel. Plus, it allowed Dean to get to have his own fun in trying to be another Untouchable. He cracks me up.

Who did you like seeing more: Nicholas Lea as Eliot Ness or Jason Dohring as the God of Time?
Carissa: Nicholas Lea (Kyrzcek!). Any X-Files reference is always welcome in my world. He's been gone too long and then he graced our screens twice in one weekend. Score!

Kate: As a Veronica Mars and Moonlight (don't stone me!!) fan girl, I'm absolutely going to have to go with Jason Dohring as a sexy Chronos.

Sean: I’m going to cheat and pick both. They did great jobs playing their respective characters, although I think Eliot Ness had more of a chance to be developed during the episode. Good choices, Supernatural.

Do you think the show is attempting to replace Bobby by bringing in Frank and Sheriff Mills?
Carissa: I don't think they are trying to replace him, but they guys have to have contacts to help them. The odds are the people they go to will have been in the hunting business longer than they have because it would seem like there would be few people their own age who have had as much experience.

Kate: No one can replace Bobby but I actually don't mind that the boys have surrogate hunter parents... especially while going through their mourning period.

Sean: I don’t think anyone can replace Bobby, nor do I think the show is trying. Rather, characters like Frank and Sheriff Mills showing up mean that Sam and Dean aren’t as alone as they thought.

What do you think of Chronos’ ominous message to the brothers about the world covered in black ooze?
Carissa: Nothing. I'm so over the black ooze. Worst. Big. Bad. Ever.

Kate: I have to agree with Carissa on this one: was it really necessary to mention that? I mean, the Winchester boys are on it already so what's the point in trying to spook the audience with an empty threat? Weak sauce, Chronos.

Sean: Definitely going to agree with both of you. It really wasn’t anything new for us or Sam and Dean to learn. Maybe if the message was at the start of the season, but since we’re already half way through, something a little more descriptive would have packed a punch. Still hoping there’s going to be a big finish that knocks my socks off.