Supernatural Featured in This Week's Entertainment Weekly - Why I Didn't Like It

04 Apr 2009

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Created on Saturday, 04 April 2009 14:05

Last Updated on Sunday, 09 June 2013 22:44

Written by Alice Jester

I've been a subscriber to Entertainment Weekly for a number of years, and I'm very pleased to see that they finally have given some deserving space to Supernatural after years of only giving them little blurbs in upcoming previews.  They're even mentioned on the cover, which is cool for those skimming at the newstand.

Still, I wasn't thrilled with the article.  True, I appreciate any mainstream press for the show, and this was long overdue, but the writer Alynda Wheat went for sensationalism instead of capturing what makes this show great.  The cover states, "Supernatural.  It's Sexy!  It's Scary!  So Why Do the Stars Want out?"  Huh? 

The inside explains a little more.  "So why do the stars and creator want to vanish after one more spooky season?"  I still don't get it.   

After turning to page 28, the pretty is there.  There's a fantastic two page shot of Jensen at the wheel of the Impala, looking all sexy, while Jared can be seen leaning in through the passenger side window.  Then there's two pages of story, but the main focus seems to be on how everyone's burned out and wants the show to end.  Sure, season five is a given, but no one seems thrilled about it. 

I hated the slant and the way quotes were used to serve the purpose of stirring up trouble.  Of course Jared and Jensen are tired and Kripke doesn't want to go more than five years.  That's been said by them several times in interviews.  We also know from those interviews they love what they do and appreciate the fans.  There's only a hint in one sentence that they love their work.  "Ackles and Padalecki are also eager to move on, even as they affirm their love for the show."

Even Ken Tucker, and EW critic who has said in other columns he's only recently started watching the show, had a chance to list five pivotal episodes to catch us up.  He didn't exactly nail it.  Here are the episodes he picked:

"Home"
"Born Under A Bad Sign"
"All Hell Breaks Loose Part I and II"
"Bad Day At Black Rock"
"Lazarus Rising"

I agree with three of those, but the Pilot should be on that list, as well as "Mystery Spot."  Considering it was Bela that got the mention for "Bad Day At Black Rock," we know they've got it wrong and really don't know this fandom.  

Overall, I had hoped that this article would be a way to intice new fans, and it failed miserably.  If anything, it managed to stir up trouble in an already turbulent fandom.  They didn't really get to the heart at all of what the fan experience is all about, and why the "show's fiery fan base," is that way.  They didn't even give an adequate explanation as to what drives the show and makes it successful, aka the chemistry between the lead actors and the family drama behind the horror.  

There are a few positives, like they did give Misha Collins a good mention.  They also got a quote about the show from CW President Dawn Ostroff, showing that Hell has indeed frozen over.  They also preview a few episodes to come, so WARNING SPOILERPHOBES.  

I know that the rule in Hollywood is there's no such thing as bad press, so I guess exposure is something.  Still, I hate anything that misses the point.  Luckily, loyal fans will know the difference.    
 

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