The Winchester Family Business

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it’s time once again for a visual review!  There are a lot of really cool shots in this one from some very interesting camera angles, so expect a number of overhead/nearly overhead shots in particular.  Overhead shots are generally an exception on this show.  But not this episode!  It was directed by Phil Sgriccia, so I’m sure we can expect some wonderful bloopers from this episode.  I’m crossing my fingers for some Dean vs. the Sword of Bruncvik mishaps because that sword is clever.  Also, be forewarned as this is a loooong one, and there are about 7 or 8 shots I didn’t even include because I didn’t want Alice and Jenniffer to hunt me down and kill me.
 
 
1.


 
I think we all know by now that I’m a sucker for restricted view shots like this one through a doorway.  I like that we get just a hint of Sam laying on the bed in the corner but not so much that it’s hitting us over the head.  And poor Dean, worrying about his brother and not sure if he should go check to see if he’s okay first or listen to what Cass has to say first.
 
2.


 
Look how early in the episode we’re starting up with the overhead shots!  Well, nearly overhead. Very cool.  And I am always in favor of wide-angle shots anywhere in Bobby’s house because that place is a treasure trove of interesting things.  Which is a very nice way of saying he’s a hoarder.
 
3.


 
If Bobby’s hesitation at Sam’s hug wasn’t a strong enough indication that he’s still uncomfortable around Sam, this shot sealed the deal.  Just look at Bobby’s body language right here.  He’s about as far away from Sam as he possibly can be without Sam raising too many questions.  But he’s very rigid, and he’s got his arms folded in front of him.  I do the same thing when I’m not exactly comfortable with someone.  If he wasn’t leaning against the stove, I bet he’d be standing at an angle to Sam with one foot in front of the other in a classic defensive posture.  Also, I like how the light is washing over Dean’s face in this scene.  It’s sort of helping sell his earnestness and desire to keep Sam in the dark.
 
4.


 
This isn’t exactly an overhead shot, but it’s still pretty cool.  Take care of your Chevelle, Bobby.  Now if we could only convince him to give her a bitchin’ paint job...  I also really like that part of Bobby’s yard, with that awning and table and the car parts all around.  It’s almost the Impala of Bobby’s house with all the important conversations that have been taking place there lately.
 
5.


 
I love this shot of the Impala, with her lights cutting through the dark, illuminating just a hint of the road in the blackness all around.  Gorgeous.
 
6.



 
This is a two-parter because I just really liked how Phil shot this Impala conversation.  Shooting from slightly over their shoulders felt like a new twist on an old classic.  It was like the viewer was sitting in the back seat leaning forward as far as possible to hear what they were saying.
 
7.


 
Apropos of nothing, but was anyone else totally creeped out by the shadow guy in the background of this scene?  I know it’s an apartment building and people come and go, but when I first saw that guy walk by, I swear my first thought was, “Dean, Sam, it’s a ghost!  Get him!”  But then they didn’t care, so I realized I was being silly.  Still, that is creepy.
 
8.


 
Big Az burgers, huh?  I see what you did there, show.  I see exactly what you did.  Also, well played.
 
9.


 
And here we have yet another slightly overhead shot.  It’s kind of like if they stuck a camera in the very top corner of the room and just filmed from there.  Also, look at that hotel room.   It’s wonderfully tacky.  And can someone smarter than me please tell me when we’ve seen that tabletop printer before?  I feel like it has to have been around, but I just don’t remember seeing it all that often.  It’s like their research papers usually appear out of thin air!
 
10.


 
Okay, this is an extreme overhead shot!  Seriously, the crane they used for this shot must have been gigantic.  I love when the show does crane shots because it’s a really neat change of pace.  I obviously love the normal shooting style, but it’s always nice to change things up a bit.  This is especially awesome because it’s a dragon POV shot.  Yep, just a dragon sitting up in the tree waiting to swoop down on an unsuspecting virgin.  Pay no attention to the dragon in the tree!

< Prev		Next >