New Spoilery Sera Gamble Interview - Comic Con Special TV Guide Edition
Friday, 22 July 2011 19:43 | Written by Alice Jester
Burning Questions
What's next for Castiel, and what dangers will the Winchesters face in Season 7?
By Ileane Rudolph
Are we finished with the arc about Sam's memories of Hell?
No. Sam heroically got it together to help his brother in the finale. He spent a lot of credit just to be vertical in that final scene (when he tried to rescue Dean from Castiel). He'll pay a really big price for that in the beginning of season 7.
Now that Misha Collins is no longer a series regular, how much will we see Castiel?
I can't say exactly how much he'll be around without giving away a lot. We will see him in more than just the first episode. There's never been a character we've loved as much as Castiel or an actor loved as much as Misha. With the exception of Jared and Jensen, Supernatural has a long history of weaving characters in and out of the story.
What does that mean for Castiel's story line?
I can't give away too much about it, but I can say that we plan to pick up very, very soon after where we left off and explain exactly what the transformation was for Cas, what he plans to do with the angels in Heaven and to Sam, Dean and Bobby, and to Crowley. The whole nine yards.
That doesn't sound good.
What we're saying is that Cas is not evil. He's transformed. That might not be good, but that's not mustache-twirling evil either.
Balthazar and Crowley have added great wit to the show. Is Balthazar truly dead? Will Crowley be back?
Cas really stabbed Balthazar with an angel knife, so he really killed him. But this is Supernatural. We often find ways to explore characters again in the future, and we really like Balthazar. And yeah, we will see Crowley again.
Will goings-on in Heaven be a plot line this season?
We did the Apocalypse [in season 5], then we did the post-Apocalyptic civil war [in season 6]. Those were huge celestial stories. We’re interested in what happens on Earth in Season 7.
Will Sam and Dean be on the run a lot?
They will be. We have new creatures in story for the boys. We'll bring back some favorites and bring in some new ones. There's an earth full of monsters and demons and evil spirits. There's always another bad thing for Sam and Dean to kill.
Like what?
Good old-gashioned monsters that eat people. I was just pitched a story with a new creature that does nasty things to people. We'll also have ghosts and a story with psychics and mediums.
Now that Dean has wiped the memories of ex-girlfriend Lisa and her son Ben - who had given him his once chance at living in a normal family situation - does that kill all chances for the boys to find true love and happiness?
It wasn't what I call a high point for Dean. I don't think it's a statement about the rest of their lives necessarily, but it certainly is a statement about where they are today.
You’ve killed off or at best exiled anyone that the Winchesters have cared about, other than Bobby. The show’s been pretty depressing lately. Any chance for some fun and happiness next season?
There’s always been measure of darkness in the show. This season, there is a fun story line that’s emerging. There’s almost a tongue-in-cheek satirical quality to some of the story lines and mythology. We definitely felt that after all the twists and turns of Season 6, we wanted to have some fun. We’re all emo, but we’re ready for that.
Does that mean some fresh blood or favorite faces from the past?
You will see some faces from the past - alive or dead. We also have some new recurring characters in mind.
Any women?
Some of them are not gender-determined, actually. [Laughs]. I guess that tell you that they are not love interests.
Will Sam and Dean’s half-brother Adam return? He seems to have been left languishing in Hell.
We have a couple of ideas. People ask me about him all the time and I promise that we haven’t forgotten about him.
And finally, what's the prognosis for the wrecked Impala?
Well, the last time we saw it, it was upside down! But it would have to be in a million pieces not to have Dean put it back together again!
For all the latest Supernatural info and article links, follow The Winchester Family Business on Twitter at @WinFamBusiness
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Comments
Quote:I've been really curious about the toll the whole integration process is going to take on Sam, especially once the adrenaline of getting to his brother's side is gone, so, while nerve-wracking, this excites me, haha.
Also:
Quote:Psychics? Please tell me there'll be some reference to Sam's AWOL powers here.
Getting really excited for September the more tidbits that start coming through!
Right.
Because being love interests is the most important thing about any potential female character.
And being love interests is reserved for women only.
You know what, whatever. Sera can gush all she wants about how this season is going to be about going after monsters~ and spirits~ and dealing with Sam's soul and hell issues for another year, but you know, Castiel and his story is redundant.
What a strange quote. Somewhat feminist in that, if they are women, that's not their defining characteristic, but sexist and heterosexist in that for them to be love interests, their defining charactersitic would be their sex.
Strange quote.
"What we're saying is that Cas is not evil. He's transformed. That might not be good, but that's not moustache-twirling evil either."
Lol. I can't help but like Sera though.
What a strange quote. Somewhat feminist in that, if they are women, that's not their defining characteristic, but sexist and heterosexist in that for them to be love interests, their defining charactersitic would be their sex.
Strange quote.
hehe - I think what she's saying is that the characters are being written for roles other than love interests, whether female or not - and - of course their sex will determine if its possible for them to be love interest since the boys don't swing both ways.
I disagree. It's interview after interview after interview. Contrast Sam's shiny soul with calling Dean a scruffy drinker. Yeah.
That is left for Sam good job he is there what would they have done . hardly bears thinking about.
Not really, no.
That's the biggest laugh I got out of this whole joke. I've seen Gamble's love for Misha/Cas and Dean/Jensen, and it seems to me that she'd rather they didn't exist or interfere with her preciousssssssss Sammy.
Whatever Gamble. Your lies are quite evident and your bias is also. Season 7 isn't giving me any excitement, since I see it as another extension of Gamble's Sam fetish/fantasies that she's forcing on the audience.
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Funny, Dean heroically held it together all of season 4 to save his brother from Ruby, and all he got was a kick in the face for it. Sam, of course, gets the hero's story. What a farce this show has become.
Ok, so far:
Acknowledgement of Hell memories: Good
No twirling of the moustache Castiel: Good (Can’t imagine Castiel with facial hair)
Crowley back: Good (albeit begrudgingly)
Old fashioned monsters: Good
Faces from the past: Good
Adam acknowledgment: Good (and about fecking time).
Omigod, JOHN is going to rescue Adam! That would so tie up these two bits of info. He’s done it for his other two sons. This is gonna happen lads, I feel it in my bones. I’m predicting a season finale with this one!!
For those waiting on spoilers re: Dean, I know I’m (definitely) the last person who should be saying this but please, have a wee bit of patience. There are no new or in-depth revelations in this interview beyond what most viewers already surmised in the aftermath of 6.22. We knew they’d have to deal with Castiel, Adam and the hell memories because they were hanging storylines; they were about the only things it was safe for Sera Gamble to acknowledge.
At the start of season 6 no-one could have guessed Castiel would end up with the storyline he did as it was never alluded to in any interview I read (especially none that came out 9 weeks before the new season even started). The same will happen with Dean, he’s always had a storyline, he’s not just going to be left in the car scratching his (fine) ass.
This is kind of the problem. Everyone else HAS a storyline hanging, except Dean. Okay, not Bobby either but that makes Dean the same rate as an occassional sidekick supporting character.
The same will happen with Dean, he’s always had a storyline
I very much disagree. He had a nominal plotline in Season 3 and one in Season 4 or 5 that turned out a complete red herring. He didn't have a PLOT - not side emo stuff, a real plot - in years 1, 2 and 6. And by all accounts he won't have one now.
he’s not just going to be left in the car scratching his (fine) ass.
Maybe not literally all the time but yes, I'm thinking this will be what the character gets. The driving-around-Sam-sidekick stuff, waiting in the car when the real plot happens. Or kneeling by the car while Sam saves the world again, maybe cheerleading him a bit.
I wonder last Season why the character was still in the show - and for plot reasons there was never an answer. So why would this time be different? Jensen is contracted, that's why.
Hell memories? Not very interested. I hope they wrap that up in Ep. 1 and move on.
Evil or transformed Cas? The shelf-life on the angel story is way past due.
Crowley back? Okay. So far he hasn't taken over the show.
Old fashioned monsters? Good, but I hope that the brothers do more than run from them. I'd like to see them turn around and kill a few this season.
Faces from the past? I'm tired of the previouslies.
Adam acknowledgement? Gag. I'll skip that episode.
Impala back: Yippee. Missed her last year. I hope we hear rock music blasting from the windows while on an road trips. Last season it got to looking like an awful lot of stage sets.
Sam and Dean? Dean who? I hope there is a plot for both characters, and that whatever plot there is doesn't drive the two brothers. I'd like to go back to the brothers' story driving the plot this season.
Last year I quit reading anything Sera said. I think I'll do that again this year. Her interviews just fill me with disappointment and despair.
But thanks, Alice, for your hard work.
If a producer talks about a character a lot, then yeah she has tons for him. If a producer DOESN'T then she has squat.
The comment about Sam paying a big price sounds like there could be yet more Sam angst (maybe unconcsious Sam) while Dean & Bobby are all worried once again.
Yeah, I'm bored already.
Seriously they might aswell rename the show 'Hero Sam & his sidekick Dean' cos they'll probably try & make Sam a better hunter than Dean (again) or try & make him into Dean (again) Oh I suppose they might let Dean kill something to make him feel useful instead of just driving Sam to wherever to save the world and be the hero (again)
Wouldn't be surprised if he also pulled the "being tortured by Lucifer and Michael" card and compare them to Alastair, and make it sound like Dean hardly suffered and make him the weak one again.
Hated the way they treated Dean in S4. The only way they had him deal with his memories of hell was drink a lot. S7 they'll probably have some brother moments where Deans there for him, while Sam whines about it. Even though Sam couldn't really give a rats ass when Dean probably needed him, he was always out with Ruby.
Amen to that!
So if they're expecting an outpouring of "poor baby" then I think they're going to be very surprised, especially if Dean has to coddle him.
There's only one brother I care about and feel sorry for, and that's Dean. He's my favourite & always will be, they can try & make Sam into Dean all they want, but it won't make me like him.
I honestly think that Sera's going to draw it out like the souless!Sam arc that seemed just a "fun" way of getting Sam to treat Dean like crap but without having Sam take responsibility for his actions/thoughts. I halfway think she'll have Sam choke or beat up Dean in the throes of his "suffering" but it'll be Dean having to apologize for not being able to fix him. ick.
Just what i was thinking. There'll probably be loads of nightmare & flashback scenes too (Which they never really had for Dean) Sam treating poor Dean like crap again like 6 & don't forget when he was a d!ck to him in 4 for no reason. Or he'll probably hallucinate Michael or Lucifer & fight back not realising he's beating the crap out of Dean... And then Dean will for some reason have to apologize for it. Or Dean will once again say Sam's stronger than him, and he can deal with it better than he did.
Nothing against Sam, but I've really lost my patience with Sera.
AGREE! I also hated when they all made fun of Dean and mocked him for being weak, (even Sam said it) The scene at the end of 4.10 & 4.11 are actually 2 of my favourite emotional Dean scenes. The confession at the end of ep10 broke my heart, Jensen was amazing in that.
I know they most likely won't, but I miss Dean wearing it. Nearly everyone who watches the show (even Jared) thinks that Sam wouldn't have left it there in the bin, so hopefully he gives it back to his brother at some point & it'll be back where it belongs.
We can always hope.
I am tired though with the way every little announcement and reveal gets pounced on by vocal fans who jump to conclusions about what it indicates or means, and always interpret the information negatively through the lens of their own personal Sam-or-Dean bias. That automatic reaction on the part of many discourages me from reading or responding to comments, because the mood is so negative. And because there's no way to reason someone out of a position they weren't reasoned into, it's impossible to change either people's minds or the often carping tone of the conversation.
Given that, I'll let the negatives go and just enjoy my own anticipation for seeing another season of my favorite show. :)
The Dean lovers are just as bad as the Sam lovers and they are all a depressing bunch.
I too will try to let the negatives go.
Thank you Alice for this interesting interview and this Dean girl has absolutely no complaints about any imagined bias as to the boys.
Why the moaners even watch the show they hate so much is beyond my understanding!
Most of these "moaners" watched because they fell for the lie that the show was about two brothers, not just one.
And don't "moan" if ratings take a hit or the boards become even more empty after the premiere when it's obvious that Sam gets to mock his "shady" brother while demanding that his "shady" brother tend to his needs.
I totally agree with you guys. I also think that maybe Sera is holding back a lot. It's too soon to let all the upcoming stories out of the closet. I eagerly await S7.
As for the Dean vs. Sam age old discussion, let's drop it. Both guys had storylines last year that were very good. I think the first half of the year was geared toward Dean. While the second half tipped more towards Sam. That's 11 to 11 and seems pretty fair to me.
Don't forget when he has to fix the Impala & worry about Sam.
They might as well have Joe Schmoe to do the occasional oil change.
It's disgusting.
Also, I'd hope that a character would get to be more than being a Supernanny after all these years. And I can't say that I'd wish anybody to be a brother's keeper for the rest of their lives. There is NOTHING in it for Dean as a character.
Dean's primary function on the show last season was to figure out what was wrong with Sam and get Sam's soul back. Oh well yeah, I guess he also had his "domesticated" storyline, which was just awful, IMO. It was just an excuse to show Dean not being a badass hunter because he had to look inept compared to soulless Sam, the uber badass hunter. And then of course it served to knock Dean down even more because his presence in Lisa and Ben's life ended up hurting both of them.
I think it'll explode then shrivel because I think a lot of Dean fans are willing to watch either Fringe or Grimm so it's not like they don't have genre options. Grimm also has the MAJOR advantage of having network FX money and has a clean slate. Also, Fringe had the better and more intriguing finale.
No wonder there is nothing about Dean.
It's that or I just missed the announcement where Ackles has also been demoted to guest star so there is no need to ask about his role and talk about him in only in the most grudging terms.
We all complain about those, too, I'd say, but there are rules.
So right, and thank you for stepping in.
I have no sympathy whatsoever for the Dean lovers and their constant moaning, and I am a Dean girl!! You just know that their carping will follow on with a spoiler or a Sera Gamble interview. They have their hate on and I guess it makes them feel good to bring others down. Just wish they'd go elsewhere. There are lots of sites that should welcome those kind of posts, unfortunately.
It's supposed to be about 2 brothers not just Sam. They might as well have left Dean living with Lisa & Ben at beginning of season 6 & just renamed the show 'Sams destiny' or 'the Sam show'.
No point in keeping Dean around, if he never really does anything apart from be there for Sam, or give him a story line for 2 years only for it to go nowhere.
If Dean once again does nothing, then I might stop watching it, I'm just sick of them treating Dean like they are.
Thank you, Alice, for all that you're going to bring us during and after this huge weekend.
I'll be checking for your updates on the other panels you're attending as well. Hope this weekend you stay healthy for the entire time...and then some.
Thank you!
It saddens me immensely that people who call themselves fans of this show that is - at its core - all about friendship and decency demonstrate in this often vicious manner how disconnected they are from the show's contents...
Alice, thank you for typing all this up. I'm sure you're swamped at Comic Con and I appreciate your efforts.
Thank you so much! Love, Jas
Love,
Robin
Sam gets to talk and talk and talk about his time in Hell, something he complained when it was someone else, his supposedly DEAR brother. Sam has magic blood that can bind death. Sam gets an episode all about him in episode 3. Dean . . .nothing, squat, nada. Situation ain't the same at ALL.
Truth is the truth.
Actually you don't have the certainty that it will be so. Sera said just that Hell's memories will be a strong issue for Sam in S7. And I, for one, would be very disappointed if it wasn't so because that's not something that you just shove under the carpet. It would be just psychologically logical.
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He complained just ONE time, and it was under the effect of a poison that expanded and exasperated negative feelings. And negative feelings you have when you're watching someone you love suffering without knowing what to do to help him. You feel frustration and exasperation, and sometimes you just want him to stop suffering, like magic, and above all to stop voicing that suffering. You can ever be mad at him. I suppose it is what happens to people waiting on beloved ones terminally and painfully ill, but it happens (even if more blandly) also to parents with babies who cry ALL the time and cannot be comforted in any way (personal experience here!
I think that's what Sam was feeling for Dean during S4, and one of the reasons why his search for revenge on Lilith was so obsessive even if Dean was back from hell: without knowing what to do to help his brother, he reached out to the one way he could think of to be in control of the situation, to right the wrongs. But the negative feelings, the desperation, the exasperation, were there, and siren's poison amplificated them, made them the only ones Sam could feel at that moment. Just like the supposed "truths" elicited by Veritas in this Season.
Take care, dear. Love Jas
The rules can be found here if anyone is confused, but we do have posted rules. http://www.thewinchesterfamilybusiness.com/news-and-announcements/news-and-announcements/14338-we-are-a-happy-site-but-there-are-rules.html
The biggest rules are respect others and no Sam vs. Dean nonsense. From what I've read so far, people are upset about Dean but I haven't seen a ton (or any) Sam bashing. So, those comments are okay.
Please keep in mind though, we still have the Supernatural panel and press room tomorrow at Comic Con. More info is coming. Jensen will be among those interviewed and I'm sure he'll be asked about Dean's direction. So, before going off too much, let's wait and see what comes out of that.
However, I would also like to have something exciting to look forward to in regards to Dean. So far, we've got nothing. And I know that not many spoilers have been released, but at least we have some semblance of what Sam and Castiel will be up to. We know Dean will fix the Impala, but that's a given. Which is why I'm hoping we'll get something from Comic Con.
It's true, though.
Love,
Robin
I'll be checking for your updates on the other panels you're attending!
Italy! The country of magnificent food, Puccini and Verdi, Cinecittà, such immense history!
Cordiali saluti a l'Italia!
I'm always here to read some news, but I'm sure I'm not the only one from other country, especially Italy!
Forgive my english too, good at reading but not so much at writing!
I'm feeling the love man.
I'm feeling the love.
Thank you so much for taking the time to type this all out for us Alice, especially during such a busy weekend.
I can't wait to see what tib bits you have for us from the Comic Con.
Hope your having a fantastic time!
Cheers!
And once again the SPN fandom overreacts to every single word. I have an idea...how about we wait and see before judging. That's a thought
Speaking for myself, I am a bi-bro (not really, though: I am far more interested in the story itself than in one or another character, even if I do care for them), but if I have to choose one dear to my heart I would choose Dean. And I fell in love for him just for his role of "protector" (not just of Sam, but of people in general). So maybe you can love him and find him "heroic" in his own right even if he doesn't have the "big", "mythological" storyline. For one, I wasn't too thrilled when this kind of storyline popped up for Sam: I was and am SO sick and tired of stories of "chosen ones" who have to fulfill their supposed destiny... If it wasn't for Dean and his role of tying the story to family and people relationships, of grounding it down to the earth, maybe I would quit the show long ago.
Cheers, Jas
It's been six years, why can't Dean have the plot for a change? Why can't Sam just be the lowly sidekick for a change? Is the role so beneath him? Or just good enough for Dean?
I loved Dean despite the show making him barely more than that, not for it, because Jensen managed to bring more than that to the role. That doesn't mean I have to be content with it forever and ever. The character deserves his turn in the sun for a change.
And it doesn't have to be a zero sum game, in fact I don't know a single other show on TV, over or present, that doesn't/didn't manage to give at least TWO measly characters plot importance. So I truly fail to see why SPN can't give a lead character a storyline of their own, that is hardly an outlandish wish for fans of said character. Meanwhile they overburden the other character with so much specialness and over-the-top-everything-ness, I find him completely unrelatable now and I tended to at least like him okay.
In that vein, a swap would be highly appreciated by me.
Save for the fact that without this "minor sidekick role" the "overarching arc" would never have been fulfilled, without his choices, the story would have been very different. Please, rewatch "The End" and remember why (i.e., thanks to whom) Sam didn't let Lucifer wwear him for the prom...
I hate yellow crayon moments in general and this one had to be one of the most humiliating ones ever for a character I have had the displeasure to witness.
So, if I had to list the characters in that episode in order of importance, it would go: Sam-Lucifer-Michael-Adam-Castiel-the car-the plastic soldier, then Dean and Bobby as the ones easiest to lose without making the story much different.
To me, they gave Sam the entire world-saving by himself and anyone could have stood in as a cheerleader on the ground.
so nope, not remotely anything I'm talking about. I was excited when Dean was brought back from hell by an angel for a seemingly bigger purpose related to specifically him, any purpose that wasn't all about Sam. Granted, I got taken in for a fool with that hope.
To me Dean's strength is not and never will be "being a good brother to Sam" because that would be liking by proxy. If I felt that way, the one I really liked was just Sam and I'd care for Dean only insofar as how he revolved around Sam. I don't, I want him to be seen as his own person and being special just for that, without bringing Sam into it. And if he was a protector, fine, but then let him be one for people at large, even storywise. His entire reason for being and worth doesn't have to start with an S and end with an M.
I agree that Dean's strenght is not "being a good brother to Sam", but I never found THAT to be his strenght (but maybe that was what HE thought). His strenght is to be a protector, period, and for what I have been watching, Dean finally came to the point where he understood that all his world doesn't revolve around Sam: if not so, he would never have let a comatose Sam alone to go to save the day like he did in 6x22. Hell, he would never have refused to go with him at the end of 6x01! BUT is a fact that Sam is the core of his sense of family, and family is the primary drive in Dean's life. It always was and always will be. It's the core of the character.
Anyway I don't think that ALL Dean will do in S7 will be being at Sam's side to help him to cope. And I don' think ALL Sam will do in S7 will be moaning or pitying himself for being in the Cage. I don't think even this will be the overarching arc. It's a bit too little to build a season plot and fill in 23 episodes, and the writers are more smart than that. BUT it is certainly an issue underlying the season, just like it was for Dean in S4, while the overarching arc was to stop Lilith, and therefore the problem with Sam's powers.
For me, I think that Sera was just answering the fans (again, angry fans. Again. So boring!) who objected the seemingly "easy" way Sam came out of his comatose state and pulled himself together. SO, since neither Dean nor Sam seem to be specifically addressed by S7 plot (of which we still don't have any clue, apart from the obious issue with God!Castiel), I don't think it is so obvious that Dean will be just "his brother's keeper" and Sam will lead the plot. On the contrary, the situation seems pretty open to me, and potentially could show the brothers teaming up as perfect equals (even if one of them has some issues, but it wasn't so time and again for one or another also in past seasons?) to save the day, leading the plot together to stop/save/whatever God!Castiel and shove the monsters back into the Purgatory. IF this is going to be the season plot.
So it's OK to listen to angry fans when it comes to Sam but not so much when it comes to Dean. Thanks.
Besides when even Sam mocks and complains about Dean for his brotherliness, that pretty much killed my interest in Dean being a caretaker. When it's mocked even on the show yet they insist on sticking him in there, that's just another form of torture.
And please, WHEN and WHERE Sam mocks and complains about Dean's brotherliness???
I don't like those opinions, either, and I strongly disagree with many of the voiced positions.
Your assumption (that they view life in the same way) might be correct, of course. But to my mind it's unfair to assume it was a fact. I only meet those fans in this context. I know too little about them to build an opinion about their whole outlook on life merely on comments like that. One can easily be mistaken.
Jas
I have to remind myself constantly that I might be unfair when I am in danger of judging one of the commenters here, because I don't know anything else about them.
But, as it turns out, decent dialogue seems to be impossible with some of them. Several comments here are proof to that.
Gosh, it does sadden me. It does. I don't like that...
Take care, Jas
Um, no actually he wasn't. In season 4, wow, he actually got a storyline! One that was erased out of existence at the end of season 5 with the line "You're no longer a part of this story." That says it all about Dean ongoing and Sera's obvious fangirling of Jared is embarrassing to watch. Funny how the seventh version of "what's wrong with Sam" isn't redundant, but a decent storyline for Dean and Castiel is.
Oh yes, and I never was so happy like I was when he refused to fulfill that storyline. Like I said, I am sick and tired of "special, chosen ones" of any kind, I could stand Sam's storyline exactly because there was Dean to give us the opposite perspective of an "ordinary guy" who act not to fulfill some kind of "big, special" role or destiny, but out of love and sense of duty.
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Save for the fact that such line proved wrong in the end. Yes, he wasn't part of THAT story: the story that angels and demons were plotting since the beginning of time. But that was NOT the story that actually happened: the book was ripped apart, like we were said several times in S6, and it was so essentially thanks to Dean. Dean who didn't accept to be thrown out of the story and showed himself at the Stull Cemetery. Dean who taught Castiel Free Will's importance.
Yes, he didn't fulfill his "mythic" role. That's exactly why he (HE, because without him, Sam would have "saved the world" my as*) could save the day.
First I want to thank Alice for typing this up in what I am sure is a manic schedule there, I am very grateful she does this and keeps us all in the picture with what is happening at comic con.
For a show that, despite the monsters, angels, demons, ghosts and all manner of `nasty things`, has its core based on love I am amazed at the amount of vitriol that has been written here about it. I love this show and cannot understand how, if you do too, you cannot love both characters. But of course we all have our own `preferences` I think it has always been pretty obvious to whom my heart really belongs, and I have no complaints whatsoever about Dean`s role or, in my view, incorrectly perceived lack of role in any season.
I just wonder at times if people do indeed watch the same show as I do. When I read comments complaining about no growth or evolution of the characters and of them staying in the same roles they were introduced in I fail to understand at all. Do people really see the same `boys` in the pilot when they view the Winchesters now? I also don`t understand why, if people are so unhappy with the show and dislike the direction in which it had gone, do they continue to watch?
Personally I just cannot wait for season 7 and I trust the team producing the show to maintain the wonderful standard we have come to expect and to enjoy for the last 6 years.
I have decided I am now going to stop reading the comments here about this interview as frankly they are becoming detrimental to my blood pressure.
That being said, I've clicked on some of the comments in response, and then wished I hadn't. "Such anger, young Skywalker!"
I am with you. Love the show, don't see why everyone is so up in arms over what should be exciting and wonderful news about the upcoming season. No interview or teaser spoiler can sum up the whole we will see in a couple short months.
I will have to discipline myself to not do that. Ever again? Nothing remotely pleasant comes out of it, and I come to this site exactly for that - to have fun, discuss in a pleasant and civil manner, love the show...
If you admit to loving the show as it is, you're being attacked, if you try to defend the storyline, there's another bash... That's not to my taste at all. In fact, I can't abide it.
It seems to me, whenever Alice or one of our writers takes the time to transcibe an interview like this, the negativity comes out of the dark and the discussion suddenly isn't about the contents of the article anymore but, well... I don't have to name it, do I?
Mind your blood pressure, Julie. I should have been smart and do that, too. Those out there who enjoy sowing dissent and sadness can be happy now.
Hugs, Jas
Second of all, as Julie noted, this thread is rather hyperreactive right now. So as I was reading the comments and the article I realized that one of the reasons that I love the show so much is the amount of care and love that the writers, actors, and everyone else on Supernatural give to the characters, even when they recognize the LIMITATIONS of their resources - including time, space, and storyline. It's an hour long drama with an infinity of possibilities and these writers make choices, as is their right as writers, to follow those possibilities.
And to be honest, I'm not really understanding the frustration. In point of fact, having watched the show from beginning to the end of the fifth season in a concentrated time (3 weeks perhaps) I saw how Dean became much more of a central character than he started out as. But this show has been, since the middle of the first season, about the brotherhood, not about the brothers. The pendulum swings back and forth, and does it stay a little longer on Sam sometimes? Yes, and that's understandable since the frame of the show was always to be "Sam's" story. The writers adapted, though, when they saw that the real core of the story was not Sam, but Sam and Dean, and from the middle of the first season onward, if you watch carefully, you can see that the show tries its damnedest to always bring it back to the two of them. And Dean? The strength and center of his character, or at least what I read as the core, is his unconditional love and loyalty for a brother who has been troubled since infancy. Without Sam he would not be Dean. Without Dean, Sam would not be Sam.
I also think that what takes me aback the most about the vitriol thrown at Sera is the underlying accusation that she has somehow fetishized or overly sexualized Sam, and at the core of the accusation is a strange sentimentality for the Dean character that requires all other characters to become less than in order for him to become equal to, which I think is a mischaracterization of the show, first of all, but Sera most of all. I joke about Sera's "love" for Sam, as has Jared in interviews, but my joke and I imagine Jared's joke as well, are just that, joking because she has often been the one "assigned" to write Sam in emotional episodes. And it would make sense that she continue to do that since that has been demonstrated as one of her writing strengths. To me, episodic television is a collaborative art, not a singular vision.
Okay, I've gone off on a tangent and should not have probably. Again, thank you Alice. I, for one, am excited for the seventh season and for what it means for the brothers.
Sera tried to take the "hunter" role away from Dean this season to a degree, in what was sold to us as a "role reversal"-and which, in truth, was THE lamest example of a role reversal that I have ever seen in my life. Off all the things Sera did, I hated that the most and while I expect we'll get that role back for Dean in S7, as they realized halfway through that Sam as the "new Dean" and Dean as...I don't know who or what...wasn't working, the fact that Sera even tried to do that ruined this season for me. If they were going to take the thing that, in my mind, connected Dean to the myth-arc(the hunter role) away from him and give it to Sam, then the true role reversal would have been to give Dean Sam's Chosen One role as that was HIS connection to the myth-arc. I guess Sera wanted both for Sam and she wanted us to know that Dean's connection to the myth-arc is really ONLY through his being the Protector of Sam. The fact that many in the fandom saw Dean's connection to the myth-arc as being the Best Hunter on the Planet(something special about Dean, and Dean alone) was apparently a no-no on our parts. Dean is only in the story to service the Sam storyline and nothing else seemed to be Sera's intended message. A storyline about "finding oneself"(apparently what she was going for as regards Dean) might fit on a soap opera, but that's not why I watch this show; and it shouldn't be surprising to anyone that different people watch this show for many different reasons and through different "eyes"-perception is not a universal concept, after all. I DO hope that with the outpouring of comments this season that reflected the absolute and far-reaching dislike of what she tried to do in those terms this season, TPTB will have learned something. They don't want to give Dean(or Jensen-which is sadder to me) a myth-arc storyline that isn't dependent on strictly and only being Sam's support system, again seems to be the message they wanted to send this season. Fine. Message received, loud abnd clear, but they could at least give us back a large part of the core of the character that we fell in love with in Season 1-The Best Hunter on the Planet-becasue this, in addition to being the heart of The Winchester Family-is who *I* fell in love with from the series' inception; and I hope Jensen won't have to work as hard(and against the writng as much) in S7, to give him to us, as he did in S6. I've stopped hoping for anything more, which is why the show has lost much of it's luster for me, but to answer that other question-I'm still watching because of Jensen and Dean, and the Cas story, too. The writers have turned me off to anything or anyone else, but the show is still worthwhile viewing for me becauseof those characters and that storyline.
For the angry Dean girls, Dean was the hero last season. When I say hero, I'm speaking mostly in the literary sense - the protagonist who stumbles into a situation that doesn't feel quite right, whose perspective we uncover the story through, and who saves the day or dies trying at the end. Dean saved his brother, he killed Eve, and he was the one dealing with Cas at the end. In addition, we saw a more personal storyline - Dean's struggle with his Daddy issues and his conflict between being a hunter and being a father.
The big "story" in SPN is usually the monster that needs to be killed, or a family member that's turning into a monster. Do you really want Dean to come back as a monster next season, and have the story told through Sam's perspective as Sam tries to save him? As someone who leans more toward Sam, I'd love to get more quality Sam time, and I'd be quite happy with that story, but I'm wondering if Dean girls are really on board with that.
If iz entailed the same things Sam got: being pushed as the super badass while inherently any dark acts could be easily explained away by "it wasn't really him", hell yes.
Because in my understanding of storyline, it would be entirely about Dean. Even if Sam got the "save Dean" part and the "perspective part", he'd still revolve around Dean and his perspective would be just on Dean's story.
I don't consider being the POV anything worthwhile anyway so if Dean got the mystery with all the glory, then please by all means give Sam Dean's old role. However, I don't think a lot of Samgirls would be down with that.
The perspective would be on almost everything in their world, the way it is now with Dean. Most of what we know about Cas, we know from Dean's interactions with him (with the exception of TMWWBK). Most of what we know about Bobby, we know from Dean's interactions with him. What we know about Death, we know from Dean's interactions with him. The hero of the story is the character who has most of the interactions with all of side characters, so we see SPN world through the hero's perspective.
Quoting Sasha:
I certainly can't speak for all Samgirls, but from conversations I've had elsewhere, I think you might be surprised. I think most right now just want some quality time hearing Sam's story.
I'd disagree. For me the hero is the one the story is about.
Quote:
I've been reading a lot of wishes for him to have learned special secrets in the cage, have his powers come back, have a new mystery about him etc. On top of getting emotional exploration, sure, but I haven't seen anyone saying they'd be content of he was just "Dean's brother". In fact when for a brief moment in Season 4 it looked like Dean was the chosen one, there was an outcry how that role wasn't good enough.
Which in itself is fine, you know, but in that vein I can't understand this way of thinking that Deanfans have no right to expect or want any of that. Or that Dean as a character shouldn't get any of that. Yes, I'd like a good Dean-related mystery arc more than anything right now. I don't see why there is such resistance to the mere idea of a storyline for him that is outside of Sam. Sam's storylines - Chosen One and soullessness were outside of Dean as well.
Can Dean choke Sam then have Sam apologize for making Dean choke him? Can Bobby tell Sammy that he's a whining and a princess when Sam goes on and on about Hell? Because you'll get tired of THAT real fast!
OK, I don't even remember this. When did Dean say to Sam, "I'm sorry you had to choke me"? And on the flip side of this, Dean beat Sam to a pulp in YCHTT, and never apologized. I'm not blaming Dean here. I was on his side with the way Sam was at the time. But my point is is that there has been brother-on-brother violence from both sides throughout the series.
I also don't remember Bobby calling Dean a princess because he was talking about Hell. I thought the self-pity comments were in response to Dean saying that Sam was never really his brother. Bobby's point is that family comes flawed, but they're still family.
The interview Alice posted here was of another content... I honestly don't know where you take all that from.
Please, stop it. Or simply go away. Thank you.
I've read the comments about Dean's storyline and let's be honest, from the very beginning of the story, he was meant to be a character in support of the hero's journey. Kripke identified Sam as his hero, at first. It was the chemistry and the organic nature of telling a story that moved the show to focus on two characters rather than one. It is not your story. It is not Dean's story. It's not even Sam's story anymore. It's a Winchester story. But you know what? Sam is just as important as Dean, and I've made the argument several times that I think Dean is our frame, he's the audience. But the mere thought that those who claim to support Dean engage in what can only be described as a hatred for Sam, the one character that Dean loves beyond all else, is so anathema to the "character" of Dean that again, I will say that this frustration is not about the character at all.
And another thing - these debates demonstrate plainly why the show should've kept its damn fourth wall up - constructive criticism is one thing. Full on attack and demands for fundamental storyline changes is another.
I know this is harsh and if it's deleted, I understand, but I had to say it.
Actually, screentime is the one thing I never really had a complain about. Jensen gets ample of it. So nope, screentime is not my issue, it's the quality of the material. In fact I'd prefer less screentime to much better writing for him.
As far as prefering the character of Dean and not liking Sam, well, I like the character but I'm not him, I don't have to love who he loves. That's never how TV viewing has worked for me. Either I like a character by themselves or not at all. People also don't like their friend's of their friends all the time by proxy.
And again, since I don't want or need a character to be "me" aka the audience, I consider this "role" completely worthless.
For those who aren’t happy with the way the show is going, I’m truly sorry and I’m sure everyone associated with the show, fans, writers and actors, hopes that you find something in Season 7 you are happy with, whether it’s a storyline or some character development or even a new shirt! You must have found something in season 6; otherwise you still wouldn’t be watching and commenting. Hang tight for another few hours, there might be some reveal in Comic Con for you to get excited about. If not, then there’s a whole 22 or 23 (thought I read that somewhere) episodes ahead of you to find something you do enjoy.
For those who are happy with the show; excellent. Keep watching, keeping posting, keep talking and keep enjoying.
In lieu of Alice posting another spoiler to distract us and in the hopes of bringing some peace to this discussion, I am willing to offer up John as a sacrifice, a sort of common enemy, so to speak. We won’t be attacking each other if we have a big, strong, brave, talented man with a lovely smattering of chest hair, mad dimples and little bunny rabbit teeth to turn on. So come on, give him your best criticism. I won't even try to defend him! Don’t worry, he raised Sam and Dean, he can take it.....
Second, what's up with the dying crap? I know you had Grey's Anatomy on the backburner, but really, Kathering Heigl is so not worth walking away from Sam and Dean. Bad parenting. Bad.
Finally, why no friends? You don't even interact with Bobby before you shuffle off the mortal coil. And the priest? Well he's just dead from the beginning - by the way, I want Pastor Jim back story, people. I mean those kids were already screwed up - imagine adding Catholic guilt to it?
Just some thoughts for a sunny afternoon.
While Sam's gonna suffer a major break in his psyche and it's going to bring a lot of problems that can't be fixed. And Season 7 will deal with Sam remembering Hell and what follows. We see Sam struggle to figure out whether or not it's a dream
So it sounds like Dean hardly does anything again, while Sams storyline will probably drag on again for at least half of season 7.
I think I'm definitely done with the show now. I don't care what happened to Sam in hell.
Dean is going to have to deal with his brother and his memories of Hell, but he’s also going to have to deal with Castiel, too.
So yet even more worrying Dean. I'm with you on not watching anymore, I've lost interest.
Sounds to me like there'll be hallucinations/nightmares/flashbacks at some point.
Wouldn't be surprised if he thinks he's still in hell & starts beating the crap out of Dean thinking he's Michael/Lucifer.
People, Sera and Co. are not going to give away the whole season in any interviews. So, stop reading more into them then what is there.
Supernatural is about the Winchester family. John and his lovely wife Mary and their handsome sons Dean and Sam. They have friends like Bobby Singer. They have enermies like Azazel. And they have people like Castiel and Crowley, who, depending on the day, are an enermy or a friend.
So, stop with the Sam vs Dean bullcrap.
Everyone, this is a place where we do not engage in Sam. vs. Dean debate. If you can't keep things friendly, then please don't post comments. Discussion is one thing. Attacks are quite another. If this continues, Alice and I will start editing offending comments. If Sam vs. Dean nonsense continues, we will close comments.
Thank you for your co-operation in this manner.
Ardeospina
To the commentator whose final lines are quoted below -
"I'm with you on not watching anymore, I've lost interest."
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
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