sweetondean’s Review – Supernatural 7.20 – “The Girl With The Dungeons and Dragons Tattoo”
By sweetondean
“She’s kinda like the little sister I never wanted”
Well that was fun! Kinda Supernatural meets Ocean’s 11 or Leverage even. A caper comedy! Complete with gadgetry and split screens! I don’t think we’ve seen them do a caper style episode before. After so much angst it’s always good to get a bit of lighter fare. Though we can’t be completely angst free now can we? We still have the “Bobby issue” to contend with, just so we don’t get too happy. This is Supernatural after all.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Girl With The Dungeons And Dragons Tattoo”. It was a geek-gasam the like of which I haven’t had since I went to see Joss Whedon talk at the Opera House. It was geeky reference after geeky reference. Star Wars, The Lord Of The Rings, Harry Potter, Wargames, Star Trek, Dungeons And Dragons, Comic Con, Batman and Wonder Woman mugs and the piece de resistance, Veronica Mars. Veronica Mars! I screamed.
Let’s start at the beginning. Exposition anyone? That was like, the biggest explainer ever, .and, . a little on the late side, because the regular viewer was already a few episodes ahead on the “˜what’s the Leviathan up to’ question. Yep, eating the world. Yummy. But still, it was good to get the whole evil master plan lain out on the table like that, moving things forward, at a great rate of knots. Man, this was a fast paced episode. Bobby’s the one who finally filled in the gaps for the boys. Seems he remembers what was on the blueprints he saw in Dick’s office before he got ‘Lincolned’ and that the plant being built, in the field where the numbers led, is for the purpose of farming humans. Oh those crazy Leviathan and their people eating ways. They’ve also bought out a whole bunch of fast food outlets (might explain why I always feel sleepy after MacDonalds) and now they’re going to feed the world, .but not in that great 80’s song way. I’m not seeing Bono and Sting singing about this plan. As all this is unfolding up pops an email from the missing Frank Devereaux and it ain’t good news. 1. He’s most likely dead and 2. His stolen hard-drive is about to get hacked and on that hard drive is the most precious of information, .where Baby is stashed! Someone go rescue her quick! Then for God’s sake drive her already. Geesh. Sorry, digressed, . Of course the hard-drive in question is being held captive at Richard Roman Enterprises, or as Dean so perfectly puts it, at the heart of the Death Star. My geek-girl cup runneth over, I had visions of Sam and Dean whizzing through those canals on the Death Star, shooting rounds into a 2 by 2 metre hole, just like when they used to shoot womp rats in their T-16 back.., , . Wait. Anyhoo, so our heroes zoom away to rescue the hard-drive with a rather unhappy ghost in tow. I will get to that unhappy ghost later.
Cue Charlie Bradbury dancing to Walking On The Sunshine.
Ok I think I might have a girl-crush on Charlie. Which she’d probably be cool with, seeing as she’s a lesbian. I thought Charlie was pretty awesome. She was smart and funny, super geeky and tough enough to realise she could do her bit to help stop world annihilation. Also, her desk kind of looked like mine, except mines covered in movie character Mr Potato Heads. She thought Hermione should have ended up with Harry, I love Ron and all but I agree with this, and drank coffee from a Wonder Woman mug, mine says Bitch/Jerk. One thing that always astonishes me is how blaze everyone seems when the boys start talking monsters! No one blinks an eye. I mean, if the Winchesters came to me and said “Hey guess what, there’s monsters and we need your help” I’d, well actually this whole scenario is flawed because I’m not sure I’d hear anything they said, as there would be a wall of the words OMG THEY’RE SO HOT screaming in my head, then I’d probably just mindlessly follow them because I’m shallow that way. Of course Charlie wouldn’t be affected by their manly wiles, which I thought was kinda of cool. Writing her as gay removed that whole “there’s a chick working with the Winchesters where’s this going” thing. Even Sheriff Mills fell foul to fan-talk about her having on-screen chemistry with Sam. But that’s not going to happen with Charlie. Yay.
I totally dug the boy’s engagement with Charlie’s character. I loved how when she said she’d never broken in to anywhere, Dean asked if she had Bluetooth and then they launched into their speciality, how to break into anywhere. Sam talking her through her sudden fear with Hermione inspiration was, well, inspired, as was Dean’s “Dumbledork”. Then Dean having his Cyrano moment and talking Charlie through flirting with the security guard was sheer brilliance. I always knew Dean could flirt his way out of or into any situation. Sam giggling next to him just made the whole thing even more perfect. That had to be one of my favourite moments in a while. Very nice interaction between the boys. Their dialogue was spot on. Seriously though, .can I come back to Dean and the flirting? His voice was like velvety sex! Distracting! I adored Charlie’s Vulcan sign, “Peace out bitches” too! I really hope they renege on their hand-shake deal and contact her again!
The other highlight of this episode was that we got lots of Dick. We finally got a good helping of Dick Roman and I really liked it. Dick’s kinda awesome in that, he’s completely evil and he’s going to kill everyone, way. His snarky dialogue and smarmy presence is exactly how this style of Uber villain should be. He’s a villain of this century, even though he’s the most ancient one we’ve faced. His “Good talk”, W1nn1ng computer password and shifty asides about making a meal of things were all a treat as was his frustration with not only humanity and the fact that he can’t really clone us all as he thought he could, but with the stupidity and failings of his underlings. Why waste a good meal indeed! I love that they went this direction with the big bad this season, what with all the paranoia about monopolies and global industrial dominance. He’s a true corporate monster. He’s someone we’ve all either seen in operation or have read about. I know this is wrong, but I enjoyed him so much in “The Girl With The Dungeons And Dragons Tattoo” that I don’t really want them to off him just yet! I was the same with Lucifer. I loved him too. I know Dick’s got to go, but damn, he’s so much fun!
Which I guess brings me to Bobby who’s having no fun at all. Look, I think the boys were a little harsh on Bobby in this episode. But I totally understand it. They thought he was gone for good, now he suddenly there. They know what happens to spirits who hang around. They’ve seen it and Dean’s been told about it by Tessa the Reaper. They’re scared for him and I’d say a little scared of him. He’s a ghost, something they’ve been raised to not trust and to kill. What a place to be in. They’re trying to get their heads around Bobby still being with them, trying to get their heads around what he’s done and terrified as to what that means for him and most likely, full of dread as to what they’re going to end up having to do about it. So I forgive them for not noticing that without Bobby, they may not have been able to get in to the building to rescue Charlie, at least not so epically, .commando dive roll through the glass FTW, .and they may not have been able to escape quite so unscathed had Bobby not kept Dick at bay. But I understand that from where they stood, Bobby must have looked downright frightening and you’ve got to wonder, if it were someone other than Dick he was up against, would Bobby have acted quite so violently, probably not. I’m worried for Bobby. But here’s the thing, telling him that he can’t help and making him feel alone and isolated in his ghostly state is not going to help that vengeful spirit vibe one iota. Like I said, I totally get it, the whole thing must be wigging them out and it’s going to take time for them to not be constantly giving each other sideways glances every time Bobby says something they don’t like, but I don’t think any of this is helping the situation. I was really pleased to see Dean jump to his defence in relation to Charlie’s broken arm being an accident and it seems that he’s not in a hurry to figure out what to do, going with the let’s just do our job first and work out the Bobby thing later, strategy but boy-howdy, do I feel for the boys being faced with this and do I feel for Bobby who thought he was doing the right thing and now feels like it’s not been appreciated. Boooo all around. I have absolutely zero clue how this is going to turn out but 2 things I don’t want, the brothers to have to take action against Bobby in anyway and Bobby to go vengeful or actually, 3 things, I don’t want Bobby to be a ghost at all, wait make that 4 things, .I don’t want the boys to have to say goodbye to him again. Oh yeah, me no likey. Everything about this situation stinks up the joint.
The main reason “The Girl With The Dungeons And Dragons Tattoo” was so sharp and wonderful was the script. Robbie Thompson, you sure as hell better be signed on for season 8! His 3 episodes this season have been absolute standouts. He writes insightful witty dialogue and he nails the brothers. He really seems to get them as individuals and as a partnership. I love that he makes them smart. Think Sam’s note in “Time After Time” or the brilliant suitcase switcheroo in this episode, complete with awesome Sam and Dean disguises. I really loved the disguises! He also balanced the comedy and the pathos, created a lovely new character and propelled the mythology. Robbie is a keeper, I sure hope they kept him. I’ll also mention director Johnny MacCarthy and his neat use of split screens to set the tone for this episode. They worked well for me and he managed to get the pacing pitch perfect.
“The Girl With The Dungeons And Dragons Tattoo” was definitely one of the more fun outings for a while, but still managed to bring into play the serious issues that the Winchesters have been dealing with in season 7, the Leviathan and loss and grieving. Their renewed ability to rely on each other and operate as a unit is something that was once again on show and is something I’m enjoying immensely. I have no clue what that chunk of clay is or what it’s going to do. Is something in it, on it? What on earth? No pun intended. The rip-roaring pace of “The Girl With The Dungeons And Dragons Tattoo” is exactly where we should be at this point in the season, so I really hope they keep that energy up. Next week is a Ben Edlund special, so I have high hopes for more awesomeness, plus the promo looked amazing! 3 episodes left, Boooo. That makes me sad!
What did you think of the episode?
Thanks for reading! See you next week for Edlund-palooza!
-sweetondean
Again, I agree with everything you said! A few things about the episode; I’m really hoping Frank isn’t dead…but I have a feeling we won’t be seeing him again. 🙁
This is the second time this season Dean has used “The Death Star” title/name for something Levi-related. Kind of funny…
Glad to finally know the Levi plans. Even if it was no surprise.
Bobby. I didn’t really see the “meanness” in what Sam and Dean said to him. I agree with them regarding their reservations. I also agree that by being that way they are, in a way, fueling a bit of vengeful emotions. I can’t even begin to guess what will happen with Bobby. All I know is that I want him back, alive and well. But-without Death or angel intervention it ain’t happenin’.
Charlie! I really enjoyed the character! I’ve seen so many people complain about how “cliched” she was but jeez! Those, or rather THIS cliche does exist! I have so, so, so many friends who could easily slide into the role of Charlie with little change to their overall personality; hell, part of me is just like her – all the pop culture but none of the IT/Tech stuff. On that front, I found all the pop-culture references to be hilarious (even though I am a hard-core Hermione/Ron shipper; since like Book 3 :P) and I LOVED Charlie’s choice of office and home decor.
(Amy-I have movie-themed potato heads! They just aren’t put out at the moment but I love them all!) 😀
I’m a big fan of Felicia Day (The Guild is so damn hilarious and she’s a joy in Dr Horrible too) so I really hope she makes another appearance in season 8. Part of me feels like making her a lesbian was a bit of a cop-out (though it did give us the tragically hilarious flirting scene) because I don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion that every straight female on the face of the earth would immediately fall under some kind of spell being in the presence of Sam and Dean (though I don’t see how they couldn’t, it’s possible). But it is what it is and irregardless of Charlie’s sexuality I liked the relationship she built up with the guys, and her final scene, “Peace Out, bitches”, was just great.
I really have liked Robbie Thompson’s contributions to the show this season, so I hope he remains on staff! Next week looks…interesting. Not sure what to make of what’s coming these last three episodes. All I know is I lament them coming because soon (sooner than I want) it’ll be summer hellatus and that’s going to be torturous.
Also – a Baby mention! Ugh, Dean’s face when he thought her location to be in danger/compromised…give the man back his wheels, please!
And to leave the most shallow stuff for last – I thought Jensen looked DAMN FINE this episode. He looked rested, had some color, and the perfect amount of stubble. He looked so, so, so good. I found myself struggling to pay attention to what was happening because I couldn’t stop staring at Jensen this week. That man is just too much. *sigh*
You have movie themed Potato Heads too?! 😆 Do you know I got specialised Sam & Dean ones made? The Spudchesters! I sent a set to the boys and got them to sign my set!
And Jensen did look super fine in this ep. Totally distracting!
[quote]You have movie themed Potato Heads too?! 😆 Do you know I got specialised Sam & Dean ones made? The Spudchesters! I sent a set to the boys and got them to sign my set![/quote]
WHAT?!?!?!!!! How did you get Sam and Dean ones made??? I WANT! OH.EM.GEE!!!!! lol…
Yeah, I love my Potato Heads! They are fun. I need to add a few to my collection, and eventually find them a home. haha!
I work in TV and I knew someone who could do it! Here’s the story of the Spudchesters, if you fancy reading it 🙂
[url]http://sweetondean.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/sam-and-dean-spudchesteran-excellent.html[/url]
oh cool, thanks. I’ll check it out!
Holy Batman! I’m the first to comment, now is that SPECIAL ? First help what is FTW? Can’t tell you how much pleasure and fun reading your reviews. I love the way you write, your sense of humour and the way you look at SPN. I can always count on a couple of smiles and a few laughs so thanks.
I loved the episode. It was filled with so much fun and awesomeness. Loved Charlie and her interaction with Dean and Sam. Dick Roman (the dick hehe) is just so smarmy he’s great. I’m not real happy with boys and the way they are treating Bobby. He saved their asses to many times for this crap. Great examples of the worst cars Dean and Sam can drive BUT I WANT BABY BACK SHE’S BEEN GONE TOOOO LONG now it is just ridiculous. I am also in the group that liked S6 and I’ve loved S7.
As I have done for last 6 seasons at episode 19 of the season I stay away from spoilers and even the promos. I like it better not having any idea of what is coming.
I’m in that geek group too. I have posters and my photo ops from Torcon all over my desk and my coffee cup is the supernatural mug with the devil’s trap that morphs into Dean and Sam’s faces when hot liquid is in it. .Being an obsessed Dean fan I have the throw blanket on my bed, 3 SPN calendars around office, my bedroom and my kitchen, lots of t-shirts and most important all Dean’s jewelry.
Only three episodes left wailing NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Bring on next week’s Ben Edlund episode.
You sound like me! I have all that stuff! I love my Dean blanket! I was spoiler free bar the promo for this one. I’m currently on lockdown in the panic room so I can head into the finale fresh. I hope you’re right and Frank’s not dead. Seems feesable that he might not be. Though I kinda got the vibe when they clone them they get the knowledge not just when they chow down on them. I’m also happy to meet someone else who dug season 6! Hi! We are few and far between!
Oh and sorry…FTW = for the win 😆
Loved this episode for all the things you wrote so I won’t repeat the wonderful parts. I loved Charlie, I know Felicia Day she is fantastic in Eureka actually the same kind of genius geek.
I’m not happy with Dean and Sam in regards to Bobby. He knows what happens to spirits so I’m hoping the boys are just getting a handle on the situation, I think they will come around to seeing Bobby is trying to control things. Not really sure they knew it was Bobby who broke the glass and give them time may come to realize Bobby saved their bacon.
Regarding Frank this isn’t my idea I read it someone’s comment. Not really sure Frank is dead because if he was food a steak dinner for a leviathan they all his knowledge about the boys, where the Impala is and passwords etc they would have absorbed and since Dick needed Charlie to break into the hard drive tells me Frank maybe in hiding despite the e-mail message. I also had no problem with Dean and Sam working behind the scenes. It was just such a well written episode and direction was perfect. Can’t wait for Ben Edlunds episode
As I have done for last 6 seasons at episode 19 of the season I stay away from spoilers and even the promos. I like it better not having any idea of what is coming.
Sorry most of the last post is a repeat didn’t mean to post it the only part I wanted was the part about Frank not being dead
Actually, I have a feeling that Charlie was going to say that Hermione ended up with the wrong……WEASLEY!!!!
Otherwise, 100% agreement with everything you said!
Haha! Yes of course she was! 🙂
You certainly had a lot to say about this episode! Despite not seeing too much of our boys in it I thoroughly I joyed every minute of it. Dick’s wit was delightfully wicked! I can sort of see where Bobby is heading….mmmm.
I really loved the character Charlie she was brilliant cool & a dorky dancer just like me! I loved her line about making herself indispensable so she can get away with being herself at work…that’s what I do! I’m no genius but I could totally relate to her!
I like how you explored so much of the different angles of episode in your review. Well done Amy!
Miss Amy! Ive told you many many times that i love your blogs.
And i gotta say…at first i was a bit weary about this episode. Just by the title – (i avoid plagues like the 1Direction boys) so i kinda went into this episode thinking it would be cliche and blah blah but i was pleasantly surprised. And really enjoyed it. Loved the geek-a-thon references, loved that Dean knew the Deathstar (now if only there was some Salvatore references and i’d die happy).
But what i loved more than anything was Charlie! She’s amazing! I love her! Her goofy-free-living spirit. Her go-get-em attitude and more than anything her Dean-trained flirting.
She just had this chemistry with the boys that i can’t quite put my finger on… it was fresh. It wasn’t morbid or depressing, its like ‘oh leviathans?, monsters? oh ok. lets deal with it while walking on sunshine!’ loved it! She was happy which is something thats been lacking in the episodes (i know killing monsters can’t be that exciting – but there was a joy missing). She reminds me of Garth the same view of the world – lets just go get them, guns blazing and ready to get the job done. Really enjoyed it!
OH and Jensen looked super uber HOT…his yumminess just oozed out of that beautifully sprinkled face!
Now to the important thing – Whats your favourite Mr Potato head? Do you have a ‘scream’ one?
Kel.
No! No Scream one. My favourite is probably Luke Frywalker, or maybe Optimash Prime 🙂 Oh actually, my custom made Sam & Dean Spudchesters!
Great review, except you’re completely wrong about Hermione and Harry.
About Bobby, I’m really afraid that the “kill the monster” thread this year was leading up to Bobby and maybe Cas (sure he’s a angel, but he did some pretty horrendous things this year). Because Dean told Sam that he killed Amy because Sam could and Sam brought that up when he killed Emma because Dean couldn’t. I’m wondering if Bobby going to take himself out because they won’t be able to. But I completely hope I wrong and that maybe the “lesson” will be that not all “monsters” have to die. Or maybe I’m just wrong about that entire thread, if it is a thread.
Great review! I totally agree – it was an excellent episode. The disguises, the guest characters, the writing all spot on. And yes, I too squee’d at the VMars comment – that was truly a highlight of the episode for me – glad I wasn’t the only one.
Great review! Off to read about these Winchester Potato Heads now – it’s too awesome to comprehend….
That was a great review, I agree with everything you had to say about it. I’m still geeking out over it. Loved Charlie, hope to see her again despite her saying she never wants the Winchesters to contact her again.
My favourite part was definitely when Dean is talking Charlie through her flirting with the security guard, I had watched the preview of it so many times that by the time it aired I knew it by heart.
I’m so happy about this episode, I’m going to go watch it right now, and it is a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon, but I don’t care, I need to see it again, and again…ad infinitum.
I really loved this episode and Charlie’s character. She was quirky but not annoyingly so and strong. The geek out was fantastic, it was fun checking each one off. The mythology got great progress and I loved the Leverage style of the show’s caper. The last 2 episodes have highlighted 2 very different but strong and likeable female characters for me. I’m liking this momentum but scratching my head as to how they are going to tie it all up by the finale. Methinks with S8 almost a certainty a lot of things may flow over to next season, likely Bobby and Cas’s storylines I hope.
Great episode & great review! I always read & enjoy your reviews! My office has Supernatural & Lord of the Rings stuff all over it, & on Fridays, I make sure to wear one of my 15+ Supernatural-themed tee shirts under my lab coat. I even wore one of my shirts to a car show today. I’ll do whatever I can to promote our show!