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Dean: (after Sam gets stabbed) Hey, hey... come here, come here, let me look at ya. Oh, hey look, its not even that bad.. It's not even that bad, alright? Sammy, Sam! Hey, listen to me, we are going to patch you up okay... You'll be as good as new. Huh? I'm going to take care of you, I'm going to take care of you! I gotcha. It's my job, right, watch after my pain-in-the-ass little brother.... Sam... Sam.... Sam! Sammy! (Sam dies) No.. no-n-n-n-n-no. Oh God. Oh God... Sam!

Whoa! - Just Saw "Changing Channels"

(Updated 10/31- Now with more teasery goodness.)  I checked my email box like I do every Friday for some clips for the next episode.  Imagine my shock when Warner Brothers instead sent a link for critics and bloggers only to see in ITS ENTIRETY next Thursday's episode, "Changing Channels."  I needed to get some coherent thoughts together and come up with a non-spoilery review, but a day later I managed.     

Holy crap!!!!  That's nothing what I expected.  Nothing!  It's incredible.  Of course I don't want to be guilty of setting lofty expectations, but there's a reveal in there that blew me away.  Heck, the whole episode blew me away.  (Below is a list of teasers.  I promise, no massive spoilers.  I'm basing these comments on the fact that you've already seen the preview and have an idea of what's happening).

********************************************** You've been warned and yes, even the comments section is fair game. **************************

-  This is a Mytharc episode.  A very important one.  Castiel is in it.  As is The Trickster, but considering the episode description says that, I don't consider that part a spoiler.  As we would expect, Richard Speight Jr. does not disappoint.
-  This plays a lot like "Mystery Spot."  Funny to start off with and then it turns dark.  It's also as well done as "Mystery Spot" but not as fast paced.   
-  It starts off with the sitcom and it's huge goofy fun. 
-  There's a new mock episode intro ala "The Monster At The End Of This Book," and it's the craziest damned thing I've ever seen on this show.
-  They do spend a fair amount of time in the medical show, Dr. Sexy MD.  Yes, that's the exact name used by the publisher in "The Monster At the End of This Book."  It is SO a Grey's Anatomy spoof.  Dean is funny in this bit for reasons you'll see early on and Sam is forced to play surgeon.   
-  I especially died laughing over a little Public Service Announcement that made Sam's issues with the clap this past episode seem tame. 
-  The CSI Miami thing is brilliant, and both brothers jump into the role a bit too much.  There's a line that Dean says about wearing sunglasses at night that had me falling off the couch in laughter. 
-  One of the shows is a spoof on Knight Rider.  So the Impala is the Kitt car, that leaves one brother to be the driver and the other...well, figure it out. 
-  One burning fandom question about "Mystery Spot" is answered.  
-  Don't be fooled by the goofy TV Land stuff.  There's some heavy stuff in this episode.  

No wonder Warner Brothers wanted to get the buzz out.  Either that or they were testing a new way to streaming previews like this online instead of sending discs.  I like it!  "Changing Channels" is a must see.  No filler here.   

Last Updated (Sunday, 28 February 2010 01:31)

 
Comments (42)
1 Saturday, 31 October 2009 04:31
Jasminka
…and here she phrased my biggest fears…
Hi, Alice – this is exactly what I was somewhat afraid of.
With all those funny, goofy scenes the CW gave us in the trailer, I began thinking – no, it’s impossible that they are going to give us a comedy-only episode. It wouldn’t fit into the story, and – looking back – those episodes in the past that included a lot of comedy, also revealed some cruel info.
Mystery Spot was hilarious, but it also opened Sam’s mind to a world without Dean and served as a sort of catalyst to put him on his doomed path. Yellow Fever confronted us with Dean’s fears of Sam (still forgotten the blink-of-an-eye moment in the end when Dean realizes the flash of yellow in Sam’s eyes). The Monster At The End of This Book gave some great side blows to overactive fans, but revealed a lot about the brothers’ destiny.
I’m looking forward to Changing Channels, as it will probably give the guys a lot of different environments to show their acting abilities, but it somehow scared me to hell. Even more after what you hinted at here… Being afraid of a tv-show… yes…. This is serious… maybe I should consult a shrink. Or a sorcerer… Gandalf, anyone?
Owner's reply:
Saturday, 31 October 2009 11:42
alice
There's only one episode this one can compare to, and it's Mystery Spot. That is my all time favorite episode, so I didn't think that was a formula they could do again. They can (especially since its the same writer) and it works.
2 Saturday, 31 October 2009 05:05
Deborah
Oh, Alice, I just knew this episode was going to be more than the hilarious stuff we'd been teased with in the promos and pictues. Jeremy Carver has become one of my favorite SPN writers, and the Trickster, with his soft spot for Sam and Dean . . . well, I had a feeling he was again going to be trying to get something profound through their thick skulls. I am so looking forward to this episode, especially now after reading what you say here. Thanks so much for keeping us informed!
Owner's reply:
Saturday, 31 October 2009 11:44
alice
My pleasure. Thank Warner Brothers too! I love it when they do cool things like this.
3 Saturday, 31 October 2009 08:25
joelsteinlover
I LOVE THE TRICKSTER. Just putting that out there. He is my very favorite recurring character, I've loved all of the episodes he's been in, etc.

I LOVE THE ALTERNATE TV UNIVERSE IDEA. I will admit that on occasion I watch silly Nickelodeon shows like the Fairly Odd Parents and the one with the magic remotes I will always stop and watch or record every time it comes on.

I LOVE JEREMY CARVER. No explanation needed.

Mmmmmmmm I don't think I can wait until Thursday now. =[
Owner's reply:
Saturday, 31 October 2009 11:54
alice
I was like everyone else and thought this was some goofy fun comedy episode. I was so thrilled to find otherwise! It makes sense Jeremy Carver got the call to do this one.
4 Saturday, 31 October 2009 08:53
vana naine
There should be warning somewhere: MAJOR SPOILERS IN COMMENTS SECTION or something like that.

But more than irritated I'm just anxious. Come, Friday, come!
Owner's reply:
Saturday, 31 October 2009 11:46
alice
I'll monitor comments to make sure nothing spoilery shows up on the front page, but the Trickster being in this episode is not a spoiler. He's in the previews and the episode description. But yes, the comments section in the article thread is fair game for spoilers. I put that in the article.
5 Saturday, 31 October 2009 09:05
Randal
If it even plays in the same ballpark genius as Mystery Spot, I'm sold.
Owner's reply:
Saturday, 31 October 2009 11:47
alice
It is, without a doubt.
6 Saturday, 31 October 2009 09:31
Dany
The Trickster and Jeremy Carver, yep, that works for me!

And know I have to wait until friday, so not fair Mad
Owner's reply:
Saturday, 31 October 2009 11:49
alice
Sorry to hear that. My only consolation is it'll be well worth the wait.
7 Saturday, 31 October 2009 13:41
Michelle
So excited!!!! Thanks for the early review.
I didn't think I could be more excited...guess I was wrong. Is it Thursday yet????
8 Saturday, 31 October 2009 13:43
Freyja
I am so glad this is going to be a good episode, thanks for your review Alice. I am more excited than I was before. I had a feeling that the Trickster was back for a reason, he is always trying to teach the boys a lesson...
9 Saturday, 31 October 2009 14:56
immie_8
I have got to get my name on a critics list somehow - you guys are SO LUCKY!!! Thanks so much for sharing, I was all ready to just sit back and enjoy the laughs, but now hearing that this is a mytharc ep that can be compared to Mystery Spot, I am eagerly crossing off the days until Thursday!

So do the boys have "Mc-something" nicknames for their Dr. Sexy, MD characters?
10 Saturday, 31 October 2009 15:06
Alison
Thanks for this, Alice.Your enthusiasm only makes me more enthusiastic for this episode! I also have to wait until Friday but a Supernatural Friday is definitely worth waiting for Very Happy

If 'Changing Channels' is as good as 'Mystery Spot' then I love it already Very Happy

I have to say that this season has exceeded all my expectations so far.Jeremy Carver has been an inspired addition to the writing team and I'm really looking forward to this episode & the rest of the season.I love this show!!!
11 Saturday, 31 October 2009 19:40
Drezza
I Love the thickster,I Love the thickster,I Love the thickster!!! *_* ( I not need say anything more, right.)
Very excited to see this episode, I love this series, it is very special to me
12 Saturday, 31 October 2009 22:41
Allison
I've been so let down by recent eps, with hints of yet another 'meta' ep coming and the previews for this one, I was about to hang it up until after the hiatus, hoping they'd get this show back on track. Sadly, several of the people I turned onto the show over the summer have already given up and the previews for "Changing Channels" had a couple more ready to throw in the towel. So, thanks for the encouraging review of 'Changing Channels'. I'll give it a shot after all, in the hope it's not as inane as the previews indicate and that it actually does have something to do with the mytharc. But I really need Show to get back to what made it so awesome in season 4, and move away from the insipid shtick and gimmicks (Paris Hilton? Really????), sooner than later.
13 Sunday, 01 November 2009 03:17
Evelyn
I am very excited about this episode. Read another review on Buddy TV and they raved about it as well. Is it Thursday yet??!!?!?!?

One question though, anyone have any ideas on what the burning question that will be answered from Mystery Spot will be? I've been going over that episode in my head and can't think of anything that really stood out that we would want an answer for. Any ideas?
14 Sunday, 01 November 2009 07:00
vana naine
Does Dean know about Sam being 6 months out there with him being dead for example?
15 Sunday, 01 November 2009 08:01
supernaturalfan
Alice, thanks o much for your review!

I need to ask you something... You don't 'have' to answer, of course, but the reviews that I read made me nervous for what is about to come, so... I would really appreciate if you could.

With the revelations that will come and the scenes that you teased us about, does this episode make the brother more connected or does it make them to be upset with each other or torn apart somehow?

Thanks so much again! Smile
16 Sunday, 01 November 2009 09:05
elle2
as for the burning question...if I remember the eppie (Mystery Spot that is) Sam asked the Trickster a question and the fab. Trickster answered cryptically to the effect of..."that's for me to know" and then snapped his fingers and it was Wednesday and Dean was back. So perhaps this is the answer we've long awaited.

Sadly, my powers of clear memory are faulty -- probably all the candy I ate yesterday -- thus I cannot remember the dialogue clearly. However, I now know what I'll be doing Thursday at 8:00 p.m., watching Mystery Spot to get back into the groove.

I'm loving this season and am thoroughly looking forward to this episode even without this teasing review from Alice...but I'm thrilled to get the tease.

Congrats Alice on getting this 'reward' from the network, with all your efforts, you definitely deserve it!
17 Sunday, 01 November 2009 11:05
MyMADWorld
Ditto to all comments! Mystery Spot is my all time favourite too. Great idea Elle2 - I'll watch it right before Changing Channels. PVR all ready for Thursday!

Alice - one question - way back in your summary of the Supernatual interviews at Comic Con you said:
"More meta episodes are coming after Kripke had his fun with the online fan base. There's a great story behind the creating on "Monster At The End of This Book" that I'll share."
Did you ever share that story? I've been checking regularly and never saw anything about it. Please share it!!!
18 Sunday, 01 November 2009 13:09
cassi
You lucky duck! ;D that's so awesome alice! I just skipped to the end because I don't want to be spoiled too much for the episode but it's seems like there is a lot of buzz about Changing Channels, it's gonna be SO awesome!! Can't wait to see it myself!
19 Sunday, 01 November 2009 17:54
Cathy1967
Oh wow. You are so lucky. Man, I would love to see the episodes early. As in yesterday. *LOL* No matter how negative others get about the show, I just don't follow that. I love this show, love the actors and the writers and everybody. They do such an outstanding job.

Thanks for the review, Alice. That was really cool. Can't wait to see it. It sounds amazing.
20 Sunday, 01 November 2009 19:03
Dawn N
I've seen every epi of SPN and loved "Mystery Spot" but I'm going crazy trying to think if I had any burning questions from the epi and I'm coming up with nothing. Could you please tell us what the fan burning question is because I'm sure I haven't the foggiest clue. Throw a tiny bone, please!
21 Sunday, 01 November 2009 19:19
alice

Okay, I'll experiment here with using a different colored font as a spoiler tag for Dawn N's (and a few other of you) question. Highlight the rest of this at your own risk!



The "burning question" answered is from when Sam asked The Trickster "What's that's supposed to mean?"  The Trickster's answer, "That's for me to know and you to find out."  In other words, there's a reason The Trickster is taking such an interest in the Winchesters.  Also, Dean kind of throws us a bone about how much he knows about the entire Mystery Spot incident. 
22 Sunday, 01 November 2009 20:49
Dawn N
Thanks Alice! I'm still curious but the tiny bone did help Smile I embrace spoilers and if able would love to know an entire episode before it even airs, as knowing in advance never makes me think twice about watching an epi. Shoot, I knew in S2 AHBL that Sam died in Dean's arms almost 3 weeks before the epi aired and I still sat on the edge of my seat to see that one. Thanks again for the speedy response Smile
23 Monday, 02 November 2009 02:41
Cathy1967
Dawn, I'm right there with you. I love, love, love spoilers and would love nothing better than to know what went on beforehand. No spoiler has ever ruined anything for me. On the contrary. I look forward to the episode even more if I know what's coming.

But I can wait. I'm patient. *bites fingernails* Honestly I am. I can be. *bounces on chair*
24 Monday, 02 November 2009 05:13
Suze
AAARGH! Alice! That just made it worse!

I thought this was going to be more TV spoofery that would bounce right off me as I don't watch much and never get the jokes ( sniff ) and now it's huge and heavy AND has the Trickster doing his thing ( joy! ) and it's only Monday and I bet the sodding computer goes down again cos it hates me and wants me to suffer ... AAARGH!
25 Monday, 02 November 2009 08:23
elle2
I got it! I got it! I got it!

Yep, I like it when I 'get' what 'it' is. At least I know what the burning question is...don't know the answer yet but yee, hee, love when I actually remember something.

Okay. Self-congratulatory, narcissitic moment over...back to counting down to the eppie.
26 Monday, 02 November 2009 11:26
Chris
Alice -- thank you so much for this preview! I love Mystery Spot, and if this episode is of the same quality, then I'm sure it will be great as well.

I can't wait!
27 Monday, 02 November 2009 11:37
Evelyn
Thanks Alice for the answer to the burning question. Now, I am even more anxious now for this episode. I agree that a watching agin of Mystery Spot will be in order before viewing Thursday's ep. This is gonna be good.
28 Monday, 02 November 2009 11:52
Bia - Brazil
I'm anxious to see this episode ...
Witnessing today ... I think it will be one of the best of the season, but the best! Smile
29 Monday, 02 November 2009 11:54
Bia - Brasil
Difficult this translation Google translator ... It sucked! Distorted much of what I meant earlier. "/
30 Tuesday, 03 November 2009 20:02
Dawn N
Oh, Alice, as more siffs out now I might just have to reduce myself to begging. Could you possibly shed any light on the two bombshells the Trickster tells Sam and Dean near the end of this week's epi. Maybe a little something ... I know it has to do with Mystery Spot and the bone you did throw our way but could you elaborate just a little?
Owner's reply:
Tuesday, 03 November 2009 21:02
alice
Sorry Dawn! As much as I'd like to share more, Warner Brothers put a caveat out when they sent out the preview invitations. There are certain things we are not allowed to reveal, including the bombshells. If I did, they'd never send me anything again.

Hey, it's only two more days. I know, that's easy for me to say.
31 Wednesday, 04 November 2009 05:27
Dawn N
Hey Alice! It's okay, I assumed as much about the gag order Smile I read yesterday that Matt Rousch said things turn "grave" near the end of the epi when the Trickster drops two bombshells on the brothers. I was a little worried with the use of "grave". Will these two bombshells cause any riffs between the boys once again just as they appear to be getting on track as brothers once again? I hope not. Are you able to answer this, maybe Smile Whose bombshell is bigger? Sam or Dean's? I'm eager for this episode Smile Thanks again for the bones you have tossed our way, much appreciated!
32 Wednesday, 04 November 2009 05:58
Jasminka
Hi Alice,
I am biting my nails in waiting for this episode, just as about everyone here. But, personally, I think you have already revealed more than enough - that's okay. If you had not had the opportunity to watch the coming episode in advance, we would have to wait just as we do now... You're obviously a woman of integrity, and the ones responsible for the sending out of the preview surely count on that (and - as you point out correctly - they would never send you anything again. I'm happy for you that you were given the chance to see something special in advance. I will wait, though for us online viewers, it's going to be Friday... I'll take a look at Mystery Spot in the meantime. Apart from Heart, that is my all-time favourite episode, too.
Love, Jas
33 Wednesday, 04 November 2009 06:01
Jasminka
P.S: I'm wronging the other episodes here... I also love When The Levee Breaks, and All Hell Breaks Loose, gosh, so many more. So hard to say which one is my fave... But is guess it is MysterySpot and, well...and Heart, what am I doing here...?
Owner's reply:
Wednesday, 04 November 2009 09:08
alice
Jas, you make me laugh. Smile You aren't slighting other episodes at all.
34 Wednesday, 04 November 2009 11:11
Jasminka
Thank heavens, Alice, now I'll be able to sleep... Kidding! Need a bit of sarcasm right now, just got my swine influenza (that's what it's called in English, right?) inoculation, and my arm hurts like hell...
Cheers, Jas
35 Wednesday, 04 November 2009 11:22
Supernarttu
Oh, crap. I shouldn't have read anything here (still remaining spoilerfree) so now I'm literally shaking with excitenent Smile)
And like some folks here, I gotta wait 'till friday afternoon to watch this ep... So damn, stupid me. I would have been living in a lovely ignorant bliss if I hadn't read these little tidbits you shared ;D

sooooo...is it friday yet? ;D
36 Wednesday, 04 November 2009 12:41
Miiiila'
supernatural is foda
es mui bueno si si
amo
amo
amo
37 Wednesday, 04 November 2009 16:02
Jasminka
Supernarttu, then a collective sigh will be heard from all across the Atlantic... as I have to wait 'till friday evening (when I get home from work) to watch the upcoming episode... Sweetie, you don't want to really live in ignorant bliss, do you? Isn't the anticipation of something wonderful blissful as well...? Take heart. It's almost friday... almost...
All my best, Jas
38 Thursday, 05 November 2009 06:30
Supernarttu
Jas, you're right...and when you're right, you're right, right? Very Happy
I'm just freaking out since I luuuuurve Mystery Spot and the Trickster and the juicy things Alice hinted just made me all giddy and stuff Smile
I love being spoilerfree this season 'cause last season I wasn't and was sometimes bummed when my hubby watched the eps with fresh eyes and I could see the suprise and excitement in his reactions... Where as I basicly new most of what was happening so the actual shocks weren't that shocking...so now I get to join the club... and it's a much better club Smile SOrry, I'm all quotatious today.

And I'll raise your collective sigh with a collective freakoutsquee tomorrow night ;D
39 Thursday, 05 November 2009 15:35
cathy1967
*jumps up and down* How am I supposed to get any sleep tonight? I am so eager to see the episode and I won't be able to until tomorrow morning and oy vey is me. Very Happy I am soooooo looking forward to this.
40 Thursday, 05 November 2009 15:40
Jasminka
Supernarttu,
you're really sweet, you know?! I like that club. It's like tasting the best ever ice cream for the first time... Or chocolate... or the first ripe strawberries of the year...
My God, I'm hungry... Laughing

It's only one more night to go... Sigh...

Blessings, Jas
41 Thursday, 05 November 2009 22:55
Rachel
Just finished watching the episode. I think you must have been watching something other than what I was watching. Because what I just saw was 40 minutes of retconning at its finest - and definitely nothing new was brought to the table and no burning questions were answered.

They went back and made the Trickster an angel to fit their shiny new mytharc. They told us Sam and Dean were vessels (heard that already), told us that it was their destiny and they had no choice (heard that, too), they repeated the story of Lucifer and the angels and we saw yet another angel begging for an apocalyptic ending, and most of all, Dean and Sam going head-to-head and one killing the other? Hasn't that obviously been where this is all heading for two seasons now? I thought so. Not a single thing was news to me. Not to mention, the shoehorned Castiel in because Misha Collins hasn't hit his 17 episode requirement yet.

So disappointed that a show about two brothers, urban legends, monster and love of family has become about angels, demons, apocalypses, and killing one another.
Owner's reply:
Friday, 06 November 2009 00:46
alice
Rachel, your opinion is welcome here and I've read frustration like this before. It's okay to have it. But there's something here I dont' understand when I read this complaint here and on other boards. This show hasn't been about the two brothers and the urban legends since mid season one. This mytharc has been mushrooming for over four seasons now. Sorry it's disappointed some fans, but that's not going to change now. It can't go back to that.

Of course the idea of Sam and Dean going head to head is nothing new. That's not the point of the drama. "As it is in Heaven it shall be on earth." Its the reveal that its been predestined since the beginning of man. The angels have just been sitting around, biding their time, waiting for this moment. They think it's pre-destined. Sam and Dean say otherwise, which brings in the whole free will of man thing. In other words, the possibilities are huge.

One burning question was answered. When the Trickster said in Mystery Spot, "That for me to know and you to find out." I know several fans that were dying to know that answer and they got it tonight.

Can you share what type of episode makes you happy? Whats the last exceptional one you saw? I'm curious where this show started to turn for you.
42 Friday, 06 November 2009 09:02
Rachel
I beg to differ about the urban legends. There was definitely a "mytharc" starting from "Home," but it didn't take over the show and relegate the boys to caricatures. I feel like that's what they've done. It's like they're so enamored with their angel idea that now that's what everything is about, which maybe would be okay, but we know for a fact that Kripke never planned to include them in his story, so knowing that everything about them is a retcon makes it hard for me to swallow from a creative perspective. I appreciate a linearr story much more than one cobbled together that restarts every season because the creator either got bored or ran out of ideas (e.g. Kripke saying he got bored with the Psychic Kids in an interview).

The last exceptional episode I saw that I can think of is Born Under a Bad Sign. I was never a fan of the whole "Dean's deal" storyline because I felt like they really wrote themselves into a corner, and then didn't pay it off in season 3 because apparently they can't tell a story in 16 episodes (hate to see what they'd do on a cable show with a 13 episode season). So that's about when I started scratching my head. That being said, the last episode that I really enjoyed? A Very Supernatural Christmas - good old fashioned hunt, minimal grade-school humor (omg!nutcracker,herpes,haha!), appropriate levels of angst, no angels, and both boys playing an equal and important role that was not diminished by being the ultimate meatsuits.

After season 3, though, it became a different show, and Sam and Dean became different characters. To say that I've been disappointed with the execution of it all is an understatement. I think there was an intelligent and capable way to change the story, and I would have been all for it if I felt they did it well, but they didn't. In my viewing experience, they've done it badly. There's zero finesse, zero subtlety, retconning abounds, continuity is out the window, the plot holes are big and dangerous, the brotherly relationship was ripped apart and cobbled back together using bad writing and a lot of anvils, and on a more minor I really wish that the grade school humor and meta would stop. The meta especially takes me right out of the story. The only episodes that I really enjoyed last season were Lazarus Rising, It's the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester, When the Levee Breaks, and Criss Angel is a Douche Bag.

I just really find myself wishing they'd done a better job with all of this.

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