My New Jersey Con Story
Saturday
The first guest on Saturday was Steven Williams. I remembered him from the X-Files as Mr. X, and have always liked him. He was even cooler in person than he is on either show. As much as I liked him as Mr. X, though, I’ll always like him best as Rufus. Something about that curmudgeon just strikes a chord with me. And seeing him with Jim Beaver on the show against Bobby, what a perfect pairing on the show of two actors and seeing the magic they made in their respective roles. I found it interesting that Steven would rather be facing the aliens than the monsters, as someone asked him. He also thinks there’s so much more out there that we human beings don’t know and that what we do know doesn’t really amount to much. I have to agree with him. He was extremely philosophical, and I found myself thinking deeply on very little sleep. I had hoped to ask him about his impressions of Kim Manners, as Kim was a part of both the X-Files and Supernatural, too. Unfortunately, the panel ran out of time and they excused everyone in the question lines.
We had another trivia contest, this time a “stump the experts†style game. I decided to ask rather than be an “expert.†My question was where is Adam from, city and state? I’ve been to Windom, Minnesota, as it is not far from my town. I remember when I first saw “Jump the Shark,†and the location popping up and being stunned. It just seemed like such an odd choice, and I’m fairly certain it was rather random. I wouldn’t be surprised if they hovered a finger over the map, circled it down and whatever town in Minnesota it landed on was the town they chose. Even so, it’s just neat that I’ve been to a few of the places actually on the show—and the smaller ones, not the big cities. It was answered and a few prizes were given out. I wasn’t sure how many people had caught that. After all, on Supernatural, it’s pretty rare that we see the same place twice or that often (Bobby’s being an exception).
We had another first appearance for a convention with Rick Worthy, the Alpha Vampire from season 6. He was really neat to see. I rather had liked his scenes in the show, and he was really creepy. On stage, he was very sweet and humble, nothing like his character. He seemed just thrilled that fans would want to see him at this, considering how small of a role he played in the season. I thought it was interesting that in his preparation for the role he checked the episodes with vampires only to get a feel for what the Supernatural twist on the lore was. It seems almost everyone has their own twist on it, after all. The question about pranks came up again, and Rick said that he was also not pranked by Jared and Jensen. I’m beginning to think it’s largely a mythical story about the boys pranking. He said that he really enjoyed his time on the show, that the atmosphere was wonderful, and that he’d love to find a way to come back. It seems that everyone would love to come back. Several questions pertained to his time on Battlestar Galatica, and he expressed that he wished it would have gone on longer.
After this, we had a look at the “Real Supernatural” with Jason Gowin. It seemed technical difficulties wanted to lord the day, so most of his audio and video simply refused to cooperate. He was mentored by George Lutz, the man whose family is the basis for the Amityville Horror. I’ve seen Ghost Hunters on Syfy, but not really watched his show Extreme Paranormal. I’ve seen some of the things he was trying to show, technical difficulties and all. His stories about encountering various angry spirits was fascinating to listen to. It’s hard to say how much of what happens in this investigations is real paranormal or human imagination, but there’s got to be something to all of it.
Matt Cohen was our next panel, and boy was he a delight. He came out in a t-shirt with a giant maxi pad strapped to his back. He said that this was carry over from another convention, after a fan slapped one on his back there. He seemed to have a lot of fun with the joke. His panel was funny. He told us a story about how he wanted to be on a show that is all female cast, but they told him he couldn’t. He decided to show up in Daisy Dukes, shaved legs, a wig, fake boobs in a tight top, and make up. It got him on the show. It’s a webseries and I’d absolutely love to see it. Something tells me that it’s crazy and over the top and silly—and judging by how Matt Cohen is in person, funny. It also confirmed that I had made the right decision in purchasing a last minute ticket for a photo op with him. I figure I had danced with him the night before, it was only fair. I couldn’t believe when he said that he had broken ribs. After last night’s dancing, I can’t imagine how much that must have hurt! He was hugging people endlessly, too.
Again, Matt was “iced†and I learned what it meant. Someone gave him a Smirnoff Ice, which he had to drink while on one knee. It’s a frat party game of some sort. If someone gives you a Smirnoff Ice and you do not have one already, you must drink it. If you do, then the person trying to “ice†you must drink both. Somehow this just seems silly, but it did provide some entertainment. Matt charged us fans with the challenge of getting Misha iced the next day. He said that Misha would talk his way out of it somehow. The gauntlet was down now and we HAD to go through with it.
We had the costume contest, and it came down to Mary on the ceiling, the fugly scarecrow from “Scarecrow” and Pam. The fugly scarecrow won, though the best costume by far was that of a child in a cat suit in the locker. They divided adults and children, and since there was only one child in the running they automatically won theirs. It was such an adorable costume and I’d love to see that come to my house on Halloween. Even if you’ve never seen the show or that episode, how can you not like the costume? It’s cute!
I went after that to get my photo taken with Matt. I told him that he was adorable, to which he said thanks. They snapped the photo, and I am pleased to have it signed by him, too! I could tell that this was not a chore for him. I can only imagine having your photo taken so many times with random people must be weird, but he handled it well.
The big attraction of the day was Richard Speight Jr. Our resident Trickster turned Archangel (or is it the other way around?) was a joy. The way he just connects with the fans is something to see. Richard talked about his time on the show, the Bring Back Gabriel campaign, and his Pepsi Max ads. He said that his favorite scene to shoot was the warehouse one, simply because it was just him and Jared and Jensen, acting. There wasn’t any real special effects or action or what have you. It was just them presenting the scene. He also admitted that he had never been pranked by the boys, either. I think it’s an urban legend the more I hear that they haven’t pranked such and such guest actor.
I managed to ask him about his Pepsi Max commercials, of which I am a huge fan. I asked him which one was his favorite, after he said that his favorite athlete to make one with was Mark Sanchez. He said that his favorite commercial was the one with Snoop. The snap in the commercial that identifies him as Gabriel to us Supernatural fans? Purely coincidental. He said that he was supposed to push a button on some device, but the director found it cumbersome, so told him to simply snap his fingers. He told them after wards that all the Supernatural fans would notice that instantly, to which they were pleased. They love the fact that we embrace those ads. I did even before I had watched Supernatural, they’re just good commercials, and with so many bad ones it’s nice to see good ones!
What really got my attention was his talk about his time on Band of Brothers (something he’d also mention in his second panel on Sunday). So often we think of him as the dark comic on Supernatural, the Trickster. To hear him talk about such a serious role in such a dramatic story, and to have met the real band of brothers was amazing. I’ve meant to always check it out, but I most certainly will now because of how moved he was by being in it. It’s a testament to how powerful of a story—and a true one—it must be.
After that, we had photo ops with Richard. On a whim, I asked him if he’d pick me up, which he did. He had to do it twice, as he blinked. The photographer managed to get my gladiator sandals in the frame, too! I’m so glad I got to take a photo with him, as I am with all those I got a photo op with. He was so at ease, thus making me feel at ease. It really helped me during the weekend to see how personable each and everyone of these people were!
We got in line for the autographs a while later, and when I got to Matt, I asked him how he had danced with a broken rib. He said he’d taken about five or six Advil and some scotch. I said that’d do it and then told him that he was adorable again. He just is! Richard signed my season 3 DVD set, which just seemed appropriate considering “Mystery Spot.” I told him those are some of my favorite episodes. I told Steven that I had remembered him in the X-Files and that I loved his work, and I told Rick that it was so nice to see them. Again, the graciousness each showed was amazing and commendable.
Later that night, we had the cocktail party. Each guest for Saturday went to each table and talked to us. It was a nice treat. I actually manged to ask Steven about Kim Manners. He said that he hadn’t had a chance to work with him on Supernatural, but had on X-Files. He said that Kim had struggled with personal problems, had overcome them, only to end up with the cancer. He said that Kim was a fighter to the very end and had such a vision that it’s a shame he’s gone. I agree. The genius we see in the episodes he’s directed are so evident. It went by so fast, and by the end of it I was so tired. As soon as the guests were done for the night, so was I!
Far Away Eyes, thanks so much for reliving your experiences at the New Jersey Convention for us. They were so in-depth I kinda felt like I was there beside you (in a good way, not a creepy way!) Yirabah actually posted a few videos from the Convention (including one of JP reciting Pi to about 12 decimal places; freak of nature…) and it looks like it was tremendous fun. I don’t think I’ve ever read of anyone having a bad experience at one of these things.
It’s always great to see how refreshingly normal and down to earth these actors are; a far cry from the antics of the ‘celebs’ we’re used to reading about in magazines and whatnot. It’s also lovely to read that the guest stars are such fun, and only have good things to say about their experiences on the show (and I fear I might be developing a new found, ahem… ‘appreciation’ for Matt Cohen.)
In relation to the shoes… what were you thinking?? Heels are bad enough but open toed heels! My toes are curling in sympathy at your plight.
Anyway, good luck with the writing, girl and thanks once again.
Thanks so much. I’m glad you enjoyed my story. I’m going to put it in my convention binder so that I can start building that for the next one, too.
I’d LOVE to see videos from this convention. I had a camera, but it just did not cooperate with me and take any decent photos, so I gave up rather quickly trying to take them. They all either came out dark, blurry or dark AND blurry, so I saw no point in wasting time with it.
Normal? What was normal about the Theater People antics described above? They were truly down to earth, which is beautifully refreshing. Most of the stars in the press that we see just don’t seem to have the talent or waste that talent and have to rely on spin and shock.
Matt Cohen is amazing and you should truly appreciate him. He was awesome and I really hope he’s at my next convention so I can give him a hug properly without broken ribs this time.
The shoes looked hot! They didn’t really hurt until about an hour standing on them, so I didn’t know they were going to be THAT bad. I learned. I wouldn’t mind doing it again, but probably not for karaoke.
Thanks for the encouragement on the writing. I still don’t know how I pulled that rabbit out of the hat. I was not nervous at ALL the entire time, so perhaps it helped.
Thanks for this write-up! I was there, and this was a great way of reliving every awesome moment. (I was gold, but did no M&Gs.) I missed the karaoke & concert Friday, but I had the pleasure of giving Jared his card on Sunday! (Yes, the giant card was mine.)
I love this fandom so much. It’s so hard to explain to people who don’t know. We can relate everything that happened, but we can’t relate the feelings.
That was YOUR card? Awesome sauce! He was so stunned when he got it and that photo with him in his trailer was probably just what you wanted to see.
I absolutely adore this fandom. Those that don’t get it just are missing out on such a beautiful thing.
I wish I could go to another one sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, retail does NOT pay all that well to do that. (Besides, I’m not even close to having my novel ready.)
Far Away, thank you so much for recounting your convention experience. I agree with you completely about the Gold ticket — “Go big, or go home.” I only hope I am as brave as you and not get a fit of shyness when I go to the Toronto convention. Though it would seem I will also be wearing heals as I am barely 5′ 3″ myself.
I really need to save for TWO for next time, but we’ll see. I most certainly lived up to the “Go big or go home” motto.
Don’t worry about being nervous. Just be you and relax. I noticed that it made Jared and everyone else there relax with me when I was the same.
Just don’t dance in those heels! My goodness was that painful!
Aw, it sounds like you had a lot of fun! 😆 I would love to go to a Con, but I really don’t know if that’ll ever happen. It’s nice to know that the actors on this show genuinely are nice people, though I’d be so nervous I had the chance to speak to any of them!
I hope you do someday get to go to one of these. It’s a blast to know that not only do we watch an excellent show, but we’re supporting wonderful people who make it that are genuine and smart.
As for being too nervous, I had some jitters at first when I got there, but quickly I shoved them aside and was just myself. Do that and you’re in.
Great job on the con summary! It was very complete, and you managed to capture the spirit and atmosphere of it very well. Also, as stated above by Adina, reading about it allows those of us who were there the pleasure of reliving it!
And though I mentioned this at the con, thank-you again for being the first person in that Q & A to ask a question. When time was going by and no questions were being asked, my resolve to ask the one that I had planned out for quite some time was weakening. Asking your question so eloquently gave me the nerve to ask Jared about how his portrayal of Sam has changed through the years. I needn’t have been nervous, though; Jared is so down to earth, he makes you feel comfortable talking with him, doesn’t he?
I totally agree that all of the guests were warm and down to earth. I went to Richard Speight Jr’s private meet and greet, and he was so very nice. We all ended up having a drink of chocolate wine with him (which I never had before)! For the toast, he had each of us seated around the table state something we were grateful for on that weekend. He also made sure to spend a few minutes speaking individually to each one of us. At the end, he decided we should all sneak in to Brock’s photo op while he “iced” him. What a crazy time I had!
I hope to go to next year’s NJ con again (that is the one closest to home for me). I hope that you will be there also! I am glad that Supernatural inspired you to focus on your writing again. You are talented, and I look forward to reading more of your work, whether here at TWFB or someday on a bookstore shelf…
You’re very welcome. To be honest, I listen to whining at work all day, and considering someone had set him on the tangent about airline woes, I knew I had to steer the ship away or that’s all we’d get.
I got the sense by Jared’s “Oh please do!” that he was just as anxious to get a real meaty question to change things up, too.
Jared’s such an easy going guy, and I think he’s very comfortable with himself as a person, so he is relaxed, which relaxes those around him. I had no idea I’d have the cajones to say what I said to him, but once it had tumbled out there was no going back.
You were with Richard, eh? Awesome! I love that man so very much having met him. I’ve ALWAYS loved the Trickster/Gabriel, but now? Totally will love those episodes for all new reasons now. I’d have passed on the wine, but it’s all good for the rest!
I’d like to go to the NJ one again, but I don’t know if that’ll be the one I end up. Chicago is much much closer for me, and if I can somehow get my friend to go with me, I’ll have to see where she’d like to go.
As for my novel? First step is to finish it. Second is to edit it to death. Third is to get it into Jared’s (huge) hands. Then I’ll worry about shopping it around, I guess. I see hundreds of rejection slips in my future!
I do hope to see you again at another con!
Hi Far Away Eyes (one of my many favourite Rolling Stones song btw)
Thank you for sharing your first Con experience with us.
I felt like I was there along side you.
I’m so happy your first experience was so amazing.
I don’t think I have ever read anything but wonderful things about the actors that go to these Cons. That they are always gracious, warm and friendly.
I think that says a lot about the actors themselves and about the show.
I hope your book does well when you have it published, you must let us know when it is, so we can help support your efforts.
I’m so glad someone else enjoys this song so much. I love the tongue in cheek nature of Far Away Eyes, and it just seems like a great internet screen name. Once I took it, I knew I’d use it everywhere.
I felt like I was at home—or a three day Ren Fest. The Minnesota Ren Fest is the best place in the WORLD. Even with as great as this con was, that’s still true. I didn’t feel any unease. I guess I took it from a writer’s POV, that we’re all the same, even if we’re in different mediums. I thought to myself a few times through the weekend, “These are MY type of people!” Sure, theater people are crazy, but when they’re this nice and down to earth you can overlook their hobbies (Tibetan Throat Singing, anyone?)
I’m so glad people want to support my writing. Honestly, I don’t know that it’ll live up to the bold expectations I’ve set here in this retelling of the Con story. Let’s just hope a certain moose isn’t disappointed by the final product!
Just love your retelling of your first con experience. 😆
I went to this one and had a ball as well. Too bad you did not stay for the dancing part of the Dessert Party because Rick danced with us. He went around the dance floor and danced a little with everybody that was there. 😀
I am definitely going to the NJ con in August. Hopefully I will see you there. 🙂
I’m glad you liked it. Here I thought I babbled and no one would want to read my rambling retelling.
NICE about Rick. I would have stayed but I was beat and just shot to hell and knew I needed to get up around my normal time to get ready for the morning and such. I got up at quarter to five to shower and primp and the like. I wanted to look decent and alive for my damn photo.
I’m not entirely sure which Con I am attending next. I’d like to get a hold of my friend that didn’t get to come with me this time and take her to one, so I don’t know. If she doesn’t or can’t and I can book things proper I’d like to go to this one again, but that gives me only about a year to get my novel done!
Hey Far Away Eyes. That was such a great story! Thank you so much for sharing, I felt I was there with you. I’d love to go to one of these cons, but I don’t really see that in my future, so in the meantime, it’s through people like you that I can live a little bit of what is going on.
Good luck with your novel, I hope it gets published.
Aww. I certainly do hope you manage to make it to one someday. It’d be fun, trust me.
And thanks for the luck. My goal is to get it into Jared’s hands first, as a courtesy, THEN get it rejected a billion times over by the publishing houses.
We shall see what happens. I’m just going to give it my all and that’s that.
Hello! My daughter was the “locker kitty” costume contest winner. I’ve been scouring the web since the con ended and have yet to find any video or pics of the costume contest with my daughter in them. Would you happen to have any links to any? Thanks so much!
I don’t, but I wish I did! She was adorable! It’s so nice to see so many of the NJ Con people showing up here!
I should scour the net for things sometime soon. I’d love to have some videos myself.
Thank you! She just loves that locker kitty scene from Yellow Fever. The idea for that “costume” just popped into my head one day. All she wanted that weekend was a long-sleeve SPN shirt she saw at the vendor’s table. She won the contest and got the shirt with that certificate. 🙂
I love that locker scene. Dean’s girly scream is amazing and hilarious and Sam’s incredulous look make it perfect!
I’m glad she got what she wanted. I got that shirt, too, mostly because here in Minnesota it gets cold. Why not wear something cool if you have to bundle up?
Sam’s look is perfect. XD I love it!
I bought that shirt for me too! LOL! I think it will be perfect for the fall here in PA. Nice Halloween shirt too. My favorite holiday! o/