“Supernatural” and the Dying Art of Scripted Television
As television goes, particularly by 2013 standards, “Supernatural” is ancient. Coming to the close of its eighth season and having been renewed for a ninth, “Supernatural” is a veteran in a world whose current loves include learning how people’s addiction to eating vaporub began and deciding whether or not Obnoxious Housewife Number One is more irritating than Obnoxious Housewife Number Five.
Most days when I’m in front of the TV rather than actually being able to find something to watch, I’m left marveling at the poor state of television and the dying art of scripted entertainment. “Supernatural” stands as a rare gem among the wreckage. So what keeps “Supernatural” successful, strong and thriving even after all these seasons? Many would argue nothing, I’m sure. For those that still tune in and watch though, like we did back when Sam and Dean rode around looking for John and following coordinates, there are many elements that make up the core skeleton of “Supernatural” and those are what I want to talk about here today ““ what keeps a show like “Supernatural” alive?
First let’s be clear that I’m neither an expert in television marketing, scripts or design nor do I purport to be. Everything I’m going to say is based on years of observation and opinion (not to say that make me any less right). Second, this article will contain spoilers for current and past series including “Buffy,” “Joan of Arcadia,” “Gilmore Girls,” “Lost,” and “Once Upon a Time.” Read and your own peril”¦
Okay, let’s get to it.
Children
First, before we delve into the deep stuff I simply have to get this off my personal checklist of issues: kids. As far as I’m concerned, children are rarely a positive thing on a television show. Usually they aren’t any better in film either, but that’s not exactly our concern at the moment. It’s not that I don’t like children I just find they add very little and mostly detract from realism of a television series. Also, they’re annoying. Somehow, “Supernatural” has managed to avoid falling into this trap. Even writing the child characters, “Supernatural” avoids the stereotypes for the most part: the kids they write are unique, fit their situations, react appropriately and, most importantly for me – act their ages.
“Supernatural” also understands that, given the nature of the show, it would be inappropriate and out of sync with the world that the viewers have come to value and love to have a regular child character. Long term child characters on these types of shows, particularly when added later, often mark that “jump the shark” moment of desperation for something new. They also mark the beginning of the end, in my experience. Two prime examples being of course Dawn on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (much controversy over that character) and, for a non-supernatural example, the introduction of April on “Gilmore Girls” (I have nothing positive to say about this character whatsoever). Both introduced towards the end of their respective series to shift energies and bring change, both, in my humble opinion, detestably annoying and a huge blow to the series success.
“Supernatural” could have done this with Ben, and one could argue they even teetered at that edge for a hot minute. Luckily, the writers recognized that this is not the atmosphere for a child, or at least, our main characters aren’t ones who can properly develop as we’ve invested in watching them do once you throw a child into the mix full time. Instead, the writers remained grounded in the initial premise of two brothers hunting things ““ sans children ““ and that works pretty well I’d say.
Okay, onto the real pillars of successful and enduring television”¦.
Strength of Script
Without question there are brilliant minds on the “Supernatural” team, including but certainly not limited to the writers. “Supernatural” has unquestionably developed into a complex show, but it did so with grace, good pacing and thoughtful writing ““ an area where so many shows have floundered. Have you ever wanted to love a show but just could not get beyond the B-grade dialogue and shockingly unshocking plot reveals? (Ahem ““ I’m looking at you “Arrow.” How I want to like you!). Meanwhile, other shows start so strong only to drown themselves in their own pretentious clever work. Some “Lost” viewers, for example, will tell you the show simply became over complicated too quickly and got itself so tangled up viewers couldn’t follow the threads.
An advantage of simplicity of premise such that “Supernatural” has (which we’ll expand on in a moment) is the thoughtfulness it allows when considering a long term possibility for the characters and the universe of the show. Not only can writers ensure, for the most part, that plots aren’t overly or unnecessarily complicated but you can also take care not to limit the show by painting characters and storylines into a corner. Consider the show “Joan of Arcadia,” for example. The first season was clever and had mostly well written scripts. It was even based on a unique and intriguing plot device. The problem is that it didn’t allow much room for development in the long run. The premise of a girl in high school who gets seemingly innocuous tasks from God that in the end have a life lesson attached and/or impact somebody around her profoundly quickly finds itself weighed down by redundancy. At the same time, when the show attempted to tackle more serious issues and move beyond this, it was tripped up by darker storylines outside of the nature of the lighter atmosphere of the show itself and the age of the main character herself.
“Supernatural” has never suffered from these problems; it is a show that understands its own nature and always has. I have never had an episode so totally out of line with my expectations for “Supernatural,” be it in terms of character nature or atmosphere; that it made me question whether I’d ever tune in again. There are few other shows for which I can say this.
Simplicity of Premise
Every show, the good, the bad and the frighteningly bad started with an idea. Some of those ideas are too complex to ever get off the ground, while some get slight lift off only to crash and burn in their own complications. A successful show, at least in my opinion, has to start with a straightforward and simple premise. Like “Supernatural.”
Now, some of you are sitting there thinking, “Umm, have you even seen the show recently? It’s the anti-thesis of simple.” You’re right. “Supernatural” is comprised of a complex mythology that never stops evolving, delving deep into many worlds and involving untold numbers of rules. At its core, however, “Supernatural” stems from one very simple foundation: two brothers hunting things along the back roads of middle America. To break it down further one could even say that the heart of the show is as base as family, but I don’t want to go that deep right now.
Two brothers hunting things. Yes, there was more plot development necessary than this before the show was set to film however with this simple idea the show was able to grow in so many directions, to never be either limited or tangled right out of the gate. Supernatural was not tripped up in its own mythology from the get-go, as some shows might be. This concept also allowed for the world to evolve and carry the show forward without getting stale. Could there have been eight-going-into-nine seasons of Sam and Dean just looking for their father while staking demons? Nope. But, two brothers hunting things leaves many doors such to open ““ why are they hunting? What happens when they find what they’re hunting? What are the rules of this world? The possibilities for “Supernatural” were broad from the get go and the show has taken full advantage of these opportunities at almost every turn.
Roots & Growth
While growth is significant, everything depends on the roots of a show to keep it strong and thriving throughout its lifetime. Much like remembering the simple premise on which a story was conceived, the roots keep the characters and audience connected, because despite the people they’ve grown into, the things they’ve survived and loss they’ve endured, we know where they come from and who they are. It’s no secret that my other most beloved fandom was/is “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” This show, like “Supernatural,” knew its roots and how to stem strongly from them, rather than break away entirely. The show was about Buffy and her destiny, her strength as a slayer (not just her physical strength either). It was about how she grew into herself from the relationships she had, being the first slayer allowed to have such relationships, and realizing who she really was. At the end of the second season there is a famous exchange between her and the big bad that was Angelus that I think sums up the theme as it carried forward for the rest of the show:
Angelus:Now that’s everything, huh? No weapons… No friends…No hope. Take all that away… and what’s left?
Buffy: Me
Established early, this foundation was recalled several times at the fundamental moments in the BTVS series (Buffy flings herself into a swirling Hell vortex, for example) and as a result, kept it strong (almost until the end, but let’s not go there).
My point is, like Buffy, “Supernatural” knows where it comes from. It constantly draws on and remembers the past. The characters grow and change and learn but without losing the things that made us love them and motivated them in the first place. Sam and Dean mature and come to understand things as pieces of the past and present click together to form the future in ways that didn’t make sense or they could not fully realize until now. To quote “Glee,” “roots before branches”. Luckily for the show and the viewers, “Supernatural” has done a radiant job of laying the foundation on which to build from.
Expansion is part of life and so too is it a part of television reality. “Supernatural” has excelled at growing its own world each season by building on the established mythology, examining huge concepts like fate, destiny, Heaven and Hell and not only managing to tie it back to our main characters in personal ways, but also managing to leave some of those larger concepts more ambiguous than ever. Growth and expansion are fundamental to successful stories that hope to endure for audiences don’t want to see characters learn the same lesson over and over each season, let alone each episode. A current example could be “Once Upon a Time.” Although the show has many aspects and plots that change and develop in interesting ways, every episode I get more frustrated with tired trope of evil, slighted, revenge seeking Regina who wants Henry. Time to change this up and move it along. (Henry is also one of those annoying TV children, by the way).
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, “Supernatural” has made it this far because it is comprised of a brilliant team all around and a loyal viewing audience. The team delivers when it comes to storylines that have emotional depth, humour, continuity and refreshing elements. They understand when to bring in new characters and how to say goodbye to old friends and why it’s important to not only be true to the heart and foundations of the show but also to the fans who’ve watched for eight years. “Supernatural” is certainly a rare find on television today and if you’re new to the series, welcome, glad you finally discovered this treasure. If you’ve been on the ride since the beginning, well you hardly need to be told what’s so great about the show, do you?
So, aside from the pretty faces and great acting, what mojo do you think “Supernatural” has got (or traps it’s cleverly avoided) that keeps a show running, and so smoothly, for this long?
Thank you for writing this. Brilliantly done and an excellent summation of why this show is my main must see live each week.
I think you hit the nail on the head about history. They do find a way to trace a current thread all the way back to the beginning to make it connect, yet make it fresh and take us on a new path that allows for growth in character and story.
I think that’s why we saw this show earn its ninth season so quickly. I think the ratings largely back up what you’ve said, too. This show endures because it still has, at its heart, a story about two brothers hunting monsters and evil, and it is ultimately about how family can be our greatest strength.
Thanks again!
Thank you! I think the connective thread that runs through out is a huge part of what makes SPN successful – a lot of shows forget their history, or never mention the past again. I think it’s important.
Hi Elle, so nicely done. I love how you compared SPN and how they go about their business, to past shows. I have been TV watching for many decades and appreciate how truly great this show is. Not just good but great. It will become a classic in time. Not perfect, but no show is. The premise is deceptively simple. Family devotion, hunting supernatural beings. It took off from there to weave a detailed world with demons, angels, gods, heaven, hell, and purgatory. It continues to spin amazing stories each week. Some I love, some not so much but I will continue to keep watching until the end. I will mourn when it is over.
I do think the amazing actors play a HUGE part in it’s success and without this cast it may not have had the longevity it has had .
Thanks for this great article!!
For the record I hate most of reality TV. Particularly ANY of the bickering housewives from anywhere. If that is the wave of the future, count me most definitely out.
Thanks! I too will be devastated when this show is over. I have my fingers crossed for an even 10 seasons.
Brilliant summation of what I consider the best show on tv at this time-and possibly any time. The family tie that binds Dean and Sam is both remarkable and believable. The writing is great and draws on the past, as well as setting up new paths to be explored. And the acting is absolutely amazing. It is very difficult to understand why the show-writing and acting-does not have a mantle full of Emmys. This has really been season GR8-and #9 will only be better. Thanks for your article. I loved it. New show April 24.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. SPN seems to have so much thought put into it, even after all these years, not just going through the motions.
Great article! Decent scripted TV really does seem to becoming a thing of the past; how sad. Basically I loathe ‘reality’ TV and don’t watch any of those that are current running. And I particularly dislike the ones that seem to be about displaying the worst kind of human behavior for a generation of viewers who sit in their living rooms and gawk.
In many ways Supernatural reminds me of another one of TV’s all time great shows M*A*S*H, which displayed many of the same traits in structure and depth as Supernatural. It too had a clearly defined structure and a simple premise that stayed basically consistent throughout the years. These characteristics allowed for pretty much unlimited character growth and a deep complexity that gave that show it’s incredible longevity and the intense loyalty of its cast, crew and fans. Supernatural has done the same; it has remained true to its initial premise (the family business) and it’s prime motivation (love and loyalty among family), which has allowed the show to really be creative and varied in it’s episodes and in plot lines. How many other shows out there have been able to have a character go to Hell, or come back to life, or be taken over by Lucifer or become God and get away with it? Even when Supernatural has delivered an episode that perhaps misses in some ways, I never once felt that the show has been untrue to it’s initial premises and it’s overall motivations. I think that this consistency is at the heart of why it still works 8 years later.
That and the pretty….. can’t forget the pretty 😀
I agree – consistency of heart is a great way to phrase it. You can see how much love the team puts into this show on the behind the scenes and the final products. No half-ass stuff here. Such a great show!
Hi Elle,
Excellent, thought-provoking article.
I’ve been thinking the same thing. Where are all the good scripted dramas?
Part of it is that I don’t think networks want to invest either the time or money in true dramas anymore. They might try out a police procedural or a medical show, since those usually perform OK. But nowadays, networks can spend a pittance on reality shows and make big, big bucks. And if you can do that why shell out the bigger budget for a drama not as many will watch?
Personally, I can’t stand reality shows, because there’s nothing real about them. They may not be scripted, but they are shaped and manipulated as if they were. I find it somewhat ironic that the fictional characters on a show like Supernatural seem much more realistic, and human and believable than do the real people on the so-called reality shows.
I also think networks are reluctant to give shows time to find their voice, or their fans. Thinking back on Friends and Cheers, neither were good performers at the beginning. But they had the luxury of being allowed time to grow and find their true storyline. There’s an interesting article about Scandal in a recent Entertainment Weekly. It’s a rarity. It’s did not start with huge ratings, but they’re gaining numbers all the time, partly because of their activity on social media. And that’s something it shares with Supernatural.
I’m also a fan of Once Upon A Time (we watch it as a family. It’s not as scary as SPN. My youngest has an EXTREMELY vivid imagination. So a little gore goes a long way with her! She really likes SPN but it keeps here awake at night.) But I have to admit, I’ve found this season I feel like I need a scorecard to keep up with all the new characters and storylines and criss-crossing relationships. (And really, what is the attraction between Belle and Rumplestilskin. She seems a tad bland for him!) I still really enjoy it, but it’s mythology is getting very dense.
You hit the nail on the head that one of the strengths of SPN is its simplicity – two brothers hunting. I feel like they moved away from that premise a bit in the past few years (not just Season 6 & &) and now maybe they’re trying to find that through-note again.
I also think that the strength of the storytelling lies in the fact the two main characters are related. Family automatically conjures up the themes of love, devotion, sacrifice, betrayal, anger, humour, reconciliation etc because that’s what happens in any family. The show would likely still work if it was Dean Smith and Sam Wesson. (After all buddy shows are one of the staples of scripted dramas, especially the cop variety.) But I don’t think it would be as good. The stakes are higher, the themes more resonant when it’s your flesh & blood who might die.
The other thing about a “supernatural” or sci-fi show is that it lets you delve into all kinds of issues that would be much more difficult, or at much more blatant and in-your-face if it was set in Precinct 32 in real time. It opens the door to discuss faith, torture, good vs. evil, zealotry, bigotry etc.
I think part of the goal or purpose of Season 8 was to build a new mythology which would refresh the show going forward. Because, as you pointed out, that’s the other vital ingredient for scripted dramas. We want them to be consistent and familiar ( for examples, we don’t want drastic character turns for our heroes – unless there’s a good explanation, like a possession or a curse!) but we also don’t ever want them to get predictable. Then they get boring and we tune out.
I think Season 8 was designed to shake things up a bit, while also returning to the basics. It’s going to be an interesting ride for the next 4 episodes and into Season 9.
Thanks & happy watching!
Pragmatic Dreamer
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the article – it was fun to think about and write. I agree with you – reality TV drives me nutty most of the time, by and large because it’s on 800 times a week between the performances and results shows. Sigh.
As long as Sam and Dean are on TV, I’ll get by…..
Elle, I agree with most of what you said. There are so few show worth watching (The only reality TV show I can watch is So You think You Can Dance, because they leave out all that orchestrated drama). And Twin Peaks was another show that played itself out in a year. It was a fantastic year, but it just did really work long term.
But while I do think kid and teenager characters in movie and especially TV are often done badly. Making them too innocent, too sweet, too earnest or perfect etc(IE Wesley Crusher on TNG) or just flat out annoying at times. But I can think many, many fabulous kid characters in Sci Fi/Fantasy, especially in movies. Some of my favorite characters have been kids. Harry Potter is a bit of a cheat, since they came from books but all the kids in ET or in Stand By Me or Goonies. In fact, most kids in Spielberg movies are realistic and easy to truly love. TV is a bit harder of this genre (non-sci fi, I have a bunch), but River Tam on Firefly was actually a teenager and as were all the characters on Buffy. I think Carl on Walking Dead is pretty good as well. Sometimes he’s the least annoying person in the episode.
That said, I don’t think they would work on a regular basis on SPN (I would like them to have kids after the show though) and I think the writers have been wise not to go down that road.
The things that I think SPN has done spectacularly well at is: One is writing characters I absolutely adored. Who I come to love so much that they feel like family and I become very protective of them because of it. This is not unique for me, but it is an issue for me on MANY of the shows I watch. That biggest issue on Lost for me. That I never really cared that much about any of the characters. I thought Sawyer was hot and amusing and Hurley was adorable, but I just didn’t care that much what happened to them. Same with Walking Dead (though I would be kind of bummed if Daryl, Glen or Michonne bites it or you know gets bitten). And Grimm, though I do have a soft spot for Monroe. But again it’s all kind of mild when compared to SPN,X-Files or Firefly.
Second they made me believe deeply in their relationship. I believe they would do idiotic things like sell their soul for each other or completely go off the rails if the other dies. I believe it and grieved with them and loved them for their stupidity. They made believe it and then that became the basis for many of the seasons storylines. (So they’re to blame when I whine all the time this season 😀 )
Third, they “finish” storylines at the same time they expand the mythology while not ignoring established canon (usually). I don’t think I’ve ever scene another show do this quite so well. When I first started watching I was sure looking for Dad would be this on going thing and that they would find the thing that killed their mom until the show was almost over. This is what a lot of shows do. Instead they find their dad pretty quickly, he dies so looking for him is official off the table. They start a whole new amazing storyline over his final words. So I figured, okay now it’ll just be about killing the demon. But they kill him THAT season and have Dean sell his soul and start Sam down a dark path. And on and on it goes. Each one leading beautifully into the next. Winding storylines up but just giving them more story to tell, especially the first 5 seasons. S6 was a bit of reboot, but I did think that was handled very nicely. They took some risks that for the most part paid off.
Which leads me into the other thing I think they do really well. Take risks(again usually-I’m still holding out hope for this season). Both with the characters and the storylines. They’ve taken characters down pretty dark path and allowed them to change, in both good and bad ways. But they haven’t stagnated which is a real concern this many years in. They characters and the show continue to evolve, which many shows don’t and eventually the just rot on the vine.
Hi Kelly, I agree with you about Grimm, I like the show and the characters just not with the same intensity. Not even close.
I also love how they dangle mysteries, solve mysteries and at the same time create more. They are masterful at this! I personally think Kripke was best at this!
Leah, I agree, Kripke was the best at this! I think maybe even over all TV shows, when you weigh in all the factors. It did actually seem like he pretty much knew what story he intended to tell almost from the beginning to S5. And he did it beautifully. Many shows have attempted to do this, such as Lost, but IMO failed in execution. Even my beloved X-Files, waited until David Duchovny was leaving the show to really attempt to bring closure to storylines and it wasn’t nearly as satisfying as it would have been 4 season earlier and some were never fully revealed.
Firefly is almost a perfect complete story when you factor in the movie (esp if you watch in the intended order). But because of its short run it didn’t have time to throw in a bunch more stuff that had to be resolved or left dangling. So I’m giving this one to Kripke.
Hi Kelly.
Great post. I agree with every bit of your points but I think this one got a bit of a squee out of me:
[quote]Third, they “finish” storylines at the same time they expand the mythology while not ignoring established canon (usually).[/quote]
I’m seconding this one so bad! I truly [i]loved[/i] it when they killed off dad and YED so early. As devastating as it was (John), it felt true to the story and had a huge impact that can still be seen in the boys. I love the way they have these little thing like Marys “I’m sorry” to Sam in Home to mean something several seasons after and how some huge things don’t get dragged on and on for seasons on end. Even when there are stories and plots that get dropped there are the same amount of stories and plots that do get referenced and recalled years later.
On a side note. I absolutely adore all of Ricks gang on The Walking Dead! I think that show can write well many characters, which is quite the first for me. Normally I find one or two charaters that appeal to me when the main cast is bigger than, say 5. But in Walking Dead Rick, Carl, Daryl, Glenn, Maggie, Hershel, Dale, Carol (bless her!) are all just fabulous! Heck I even like Lori (who I heard was muchly hated) and love to hate Shane. Andrea is the only one that started to annoy me the most sometime during season 2.
Okay, random rambling over 🙂
[quote]I love the way they have these little thing like Marys “I’m sorry” to Sam in Home to mean something several seasons after and how some huge things don’t get dragged on and on for seasons on end. [/quote]
Super, I love this too. It’s things like this that make me think Kripke is a genius.
I really like all the characters in the gang that are left (I’m among the I hate Lori people). Andrea I just wanted to slap up side the head most of the time. Seriously, the worse taste in men EVER. But I just don’t have that same pull to watch or the intense sadness when something happens to one of them. It’s more that’s kinda of sad I guess and less “KRIPKE, HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO MY BOYS!” 😀
I second this. I love it that they finish their storylines only to have thst finish create a greater or bigger problem to be solved later. The show has been excellent at not dangling a storyline over our heads for season after season.
And I also love that they are willing to really hurt these guys. To really bring the pain. To take risks with them. To make them evil, or have them make stupid mistakes or grieve like real people. I love that emotional intensity. How many other shows have regularly killed off their main characters. The only other show that had me this emotionally wound up was Buffy, and from time to time Firefly.
I knew that this was a show I was going to be watching long before it aired because I’d read the premise and I’ve always been a fan of genre shows and horror in particular. Anything I liked aboutthe show was this show did not skimp on the scarines and gore of a real show about horror and the supernatural. Every now and then this show can still scare me and gross me out and that’s a big thing for me.
[quote]And I also love that they are willing to really hurt these guys. To really bring the pain. To take risks with them. To make them evil, or have them make stupid mistakes or grieve like real people. I love that emotional intensity. How many other shows have regularly killed off their main characters. The only other show that had me this emotionally wound up was Buffy, and from time to time Firefly.
[/quote]
So many show the characters just don’t change, for good or bad. Or if they do it has more of a “let’s shake things up” feel to it, than honest character growth or even mistakes. But we get episodes like AHBL2 and where we see that Dean can’t live with failing Sammy and so makes this incredibly desperate move whose repercussions are still felt . And Mystery Spot, where Sammy goes from devastated to scary in the blink of an eye. Which feels almost like a revelation, but also completely makes sense. A”Yes of course!” moment.
Yes! And that we see the aftereffects of these changes of events for YEARS afterwards. Some shows either never show the after effects of a hugely traumatic event or if they do, it’ll last maybe an episode or two and never be mentioned again. On SPN? It can haunt you forever. Just like how it works in real life.
The kid things seem to be a problem when they’re added, rather when they’re the actual character i.e. the original BTVS gang, who were teens yes. Also, they were SOOOOOOO far less annoying than Dawn. Good, god. I wanted her to jump in the pit. On SPN she’d have gone into the pit.
They certainly do a good job finishing things on SPN your right about that – and I wholly believe and care for the characters 100%. I did on Buffy too (except Dawn and Riley). And about the risk taking on SPN too. It’s a rare show that makes it’s own main characters the big bad guys of the season. It’s just a damn good show all around. Well written, well acted.
I think part of the beauty of the show is how they have let the brothers grow up and mature. When I rewatch the early seasons I am amazed by how young and innocent they seemed back then compared to now. The brothers grew, not just in knowledge and ability, but in how they look and act, while still keeping the basic premise intact. Not only are we 8 years older but so are the brothers and they don’t hide that fact but embrace it.
For me it’s both the consistency and the maturity to allow the show to actually mature. I’m a passionate rewatcher – as most of us are – and even when I go back as far as the Pilot, the show I know and love now, is there, in its infant stages sure, but it’s there. That’s amazing story telling, to keep the heart of the story alive, while allowing it to develop and grow and allowing the characters mature.
The strength is in the story, the characters and most importantly, in the heart that continues to beat strong and clear, 8 years on.
Thanks Elle, for a lovely well thought out article.
Thank you for your lovely comments 🙂 It is the amazing stories and how it’s told, even after 8 years, that keeps everything fresh and keeps us loving these characters and their journey.
I’m going to suffer such harrowing withdrawal when this show finally ends…..
What a great article, Elle. Thank you.
I used to be a huge TV addict, but there are so few TV shows I watch regularly anymore. (At least that makes my hubby happy! lol)
I, too, have been trying to figure out just what exactly is missing in the current crop of shows, and I think you have it right. I must care about the characters, their dialogue needs to be real and witty, their interactions must be deep enough to allow growth, and their world must be believable and understandable.
While the actors are critical to bringing life to the written word (Thank God the Js have both talent and prettiness 😉 ), it all comes down to the writing. I’m so appreciative of the work of the writing staff on SPN. With very few exceptions, they produce some incredible stuff, week after week after week. We have some of the best and under-appreciated writers in the business!
I think the team on this show cares about the show and the product in a way that I’m not sure many shows necessarily do anymore – not a lot of the new ones at least. SPN has art and heart, drama and quality, love and story where a lot of others are about ratings and timeslot fillers these days. You are absolutely right – we some amazing writing on SPN. The nuance and thoughtfully planned twists….sigh. Pure genius.
Hey elle.
A great article! And a very spot on one too, if I may say so.
I’ve been watchin SPN since -08 even though it had been airing here since -05. It had evaded me for some time before stumbled upon its greatness 🙂
What captured me was AHBL part 1 in early 2008. I’d seen bits of some episodes during the years but nothing had really grasped my attention. Even hubby had recommended it to me many times but I just didn’t believe it to be that good. And now he keeps reminding me that he was a fan first. And then I tell him “Shut your cake hole! My Show is on!” 🙂
So when AHBL 1 happened to be on that one night, I was “so sure” what was going to happen. Sam was going to live. And when the absolute opposite happened, I was left both emotionally shocked and pleasantly suprised.
They hadn’t gone the easy way, like most shows. Supernatural does that. It has no easy answers and even if some answers seem easy, the actions and reasons behind them never are. This show has the shades of gray attitude which I love. It may seem simple but it’s anything but. It’s supposed to be a struggle. I like that.
After I’d ordered the first 2 seasons DVD sets and started to watch from the beginning, another important thing tickled my obsessive side which had lastly been operational during Buffy, Angel and The X-Files (allthough in a much much lesser intensity when compared to SPN). Chemistry of the leads. And their refreshingly not-romantically entangled relationship. There’s nothing wrong with romance on TV but I was just ready for something emotionally as strong but sans the making out 🙂 But yes, chemistry. And boy do these guys have it. They don’t really look related but man, I did feel that familial bond from them right away. There’s a lot of good chemistry in many TV shows and movies but chemistry like this? I had not seen before. And I still haven’t come across leads who can top that.
Another thing that I love is quirkyness. They don’t over do it. I used to watch Pushing Daisies and was very bummed when it got cancelled so soon, but maybe it was due to the fact that it was a too quirky. Allthough I believe it was intentional for them but still, sometimes it was a bit too much, too “Look at me I’m quirky!”. Supernatural has it’s own quirkiness. In the way the grapple a myth or a storyline. In the way they write a guest character or a villain. Or in the visual side, like the zany motel rooms. I love the hilarity or oddness that sometimes seem downright unfitting, but yet somehow weirdly fitting.
I like the overall visual, gritty, backwoods look. I like that it’s dark. I like that it’s creepy. I like that they wear the same clothes more than once.
The Baby. It’s an icon. It’s a trademark. I can’t even hear the word Impala (or Chevy even!) without thinking about Show. It’s a pretty bitchin’ car, creepy but cool. I love the way Kripke came up with it and I do believe it’s a 3rd lead in our cherished show. It’s their home.
Okay, gonna stop now, this has been long enough 🙂
Thanks for a great read, Elle.
[quote]Or in the visual side, like the zany motel rooms. I love the hilarity or oddness that sometimes seem downright unfitting, but yet somehow weirdly fitting.[/quote]
As soon as I read this I couldn’t help but think of the disco themed motel room from Provenance and the little montage it was given near the start of the episode. Hilarious, fitting and memorable! Sometimes I’ll look that little scene up on youtube just to hear the boys go “huh.”
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is an excellent review. I agree with you, yet I feel I must write anyway. (Mark of a good show.)
Kids: The show itself said it “more SPN children†by the Hookman at the first SPN convention. But so far I’ve liked the kids, especially Audrey and her giant Teddy Bear. I loved her and the way she told Dean her name when he called her “Little Girl.â€
Strength of Script: I remember when I used to watch TV. I watched Buffy, Angel, and Star Trek long-term. When “reality shows†began their take-over, I quit watching. I watch just one show now, and you know it is SPN. I love that it sets up several ways for the characters to go. I love that the characters can make choices. I love the way it sometimes takes the fandom one way and then goes another way altogether (still hoping for this season).
Simplicity of Premise: Our two guys are the good guys hunting the bad guys. Yes, they get possessed and drink demon blood and go to hell but they come back to the good side and hunt bad guys, but by then it is more complicated. That is a good thing to keep viewers interested. They always come back to be family as well.
Roots and Growth: S1 to S8. Family and a strong brotherly relationship. Boys to men. Still love each other. Remarkable. SPN still draw on these. I wonder how many of the fandom wish they could have this?
Directing and lighting: Stunning. The shots they find are beautiful! Sometimes a background for burning a body or Baby driving by is worth seeing again and again. And what they do with people! The shot where Dean begins talking to Dead!Sam in AHBL 2 is breathtaking. All dark, then a very small line of light that you realize is Dean’s profile, the light follows his face like the moon getting full until you see his whole face.
Acting and pretty: The show never would have made it without J2. They are so good they should have shelves filled with awards. They are so beautiful we already have an uncountable number of pictures of them!
Final Thoughts: I can’t believe I wrote so much that is a duplicate of what other people think and write. I just had to get it out of my system! I’ll stop now. I know you stopped reading long ago.
I read every word you wrote, love2boys! I agree with your post, so well said that I’ll just ditto everything and pretend I wrote it! 😀
Thanks Elle! A wonderful analysis of why this is a beloved show even after almost 8 years.
The reality shows and the weird ones we get nowadays with unlovable real folks are to me just one big boring waste of time. I’ve watched a few ‘Walking Dead’ shows and they do nothing for me and I notice none of the ones I’ve seen have EVER had any smidgen of ANY humour included. Not a joke or funny remark to be seen to break the unending gloom. Was interested to see Lauren Cohen again though. I liked Bela as a great antagonist for the boys. She got a bad rap from the fans.
Watch Grimm and like the main characters but can’t get my head around the fact that almost every single other character is a Grimm monster. Not believable for me.
Been watching TV for decades. Loved the two guys in ‘U.N.C.L.E.’, ‘I Spy’, 3 guys in ‘Star Trek’, Mulder and Scully, but NONE of them offers the dramatic relationship that makes the Winchesters tick. The combination of the writing and the two J’s awesome acting just rip my heart out at times and make me laugh out loud at others. This show is just exceptional at every level and I have never missed a day in years when I haven’t watched an episode before bedtime. NEVER get tired of any of them! So I am mighty grateful to Eric Kripke, both for his creation and for picking his two amazing leads. 😛 🙄
Thanks for the compliment – glad you liked it.
I tried Grimm but I just couldn’t get into it. Too gory for me I think. Never tried Walking Dead. I do enjoy True Blood through.
Eric Kripke should get awards for putting Jared and Jensen in as Sam and Dean. It makes me laugh out loud to think of Jensen auditioning as Sam though. I’d love to see that tape.
Well said – I agree with you on everything.
Thanks for the article Elle. Really enjoyed it!
One of the things that I think keeps the series fresh and interesting is the cast and crew. You can really tell that everyone has become a big family and that they really have fun doing what they do. Often times with a long running series, you can tell that the actors (or crew members) just start dialing it in. No matter how good the writing is etc… once the actors get bored or the directors, set designers, DPs, etc… get bored, it shows!
I think Jensen said something at one of the cons about this. Someone asked a question like “what has working with Jared taught you as an actor?” and his response was something like “you can’t fake chemistry.” I’m not sure of the exact quote but it was something to that effect. The entire crew seems to have a symbiosis and really enjoy playing with and off each other and making sure everyone shines. It is so nice to see people being real people instead of egomaniacs crying about the money they should be making or whatnot.
It takes the whole team, working together to make a series like this work and Chuck was looking down on them when the pulled this bunch of folks together! 😉
The team that works on this show is amazing. You can tell they have fun together, unquestionably. The pranks alone, I mean, I’d love to spend a day just watching on this set.
Maybe we could have a discussion thread about the scene (or scenes) that reached out and grabbed us? The scene that let us know in no uncertain terms that this ‘little show that could’ was truly something special… or does an article like that already exist?
Great review and probably the most difficult question to be asked – why on earth we love what we love? Self analysis should be applied here, right? 🙂 Okay, SPN is unique for me (never been a fan before though watched lots of shows and enjoyed many of them) because of its characters who are so multi-dimentional, true to life and relatable. SPN is a human drama wrapped in an overwhelming mythology, it combines humour, horror, adventures and those “feely touchy” moments we would laugh at but secretly adore. And the result is that I believe in these characters. They’ve become as close to me as … I dunno … Terry Pratchett’s Captain Wimes, for a start, or private detectives from Hammett’s stories. Sam and Dean have become real, and if I’m not very much mistaken it’s a sign of a true work of art.
The idea of E is great! Even if such a thread does exist so what? Would be interesting read , that’s what I’d say.
Loved this article, Elle.
I agree completely about the ‘kid’ concept. I loved Buffy, but the creation of Dawn, was just something that annoyed the crap out of me. So much that in the series finale, when Anya was killed and Dawn survived, I cursed Josh W. I loved Anya and thought she should have survived the ordeal. Dawn was just a whiny creature that needed to come to an end.
I find it amazing that the Winchester men do not use condoms. Ben, may or may not have been Dean’s son, he should have worn a condom. John knocks up Adam’s mother after she takes care of him. Now we hear talk about Amelia maybe being preggie. 😡
The episode with the Amazons” Slice Girls,” Dean makes it quite clear that he uses protection and did not just “Roll the Dice”. However,he does mention that there was an accident -which can happen in real life. Don’t think they are going the kid route with Sam. It just doesn’t work for hunters, although Sam does tell Amelia that their last sexual encounter was a mistake- does he still have psychic abilities? Dean as surrogate Dad to Krissy, and Lisa swears Ben is not Dean’s kid if we believe her but he has his doubts. But with Lisa he was a very young man and may have taken chances- it seems that the older Dean is more responsible and would not risk a child. Just saying, he knows better at this point. Sam seems to be sensitive, and not sure he wants kids, so don’t ya think Dean as an older brother might have told him the facts of life and prevention-refer back to Sam’s knowledge of condoms in Slice Girls. Besides Ameilia, and Charlie and the fairy, there has been little action for either character, so not to worry unless Sarah from Provenance and Sam had more toth one dinner date that we do not know about. Looks like Sam is too ill at this point to be with anyone. But the show is usually socially responsible.
Thanks nancyL! Glad you enjoyed the article. Dawn is the top of my hated characters list. I can find nothing redeemable about her whatsoever. Absolutely nothing. Zip.
I’m curious why you think the Winchesters don’t use condoms though? They’ve never said this outright certainly. Adam could exist despite John having used a condom – not 100% after all. Same can be said for Ben, though as Lisa has sworn up and down on varying occasions, Ben has another daddy (I have doubts though – which I suppose are moot at this point though).
I think both boys are too responsible/smart to not use condoms. The Slice Girls thing wasn’t exactly a kosher occurrence and as debbab states Dean states he used protection in that instance anyways.
Anyhow, thank you for reading – glad you liked! And I’m with you on Dawn and Anya. But then, I think Dawn should have burned in a hell vortex long before the end of the series. Just saying 😛
Well thought out essay. While not every episode is a homerun, the writers try to stay within Sam and Dean as they were originally written. While the backdrop is the horror genre, it really is a show about family, even when it is dysfunctional and the brothers are at odds- this is true in many families-. Ut us far less gory than some of the police shows on the main networks. It does have a basic premise-the brothers’ relationship and although it has some formulaic impulses, the season or multi-season arcs are creative although sometimes some are weaker than one would expect, but I always find something redeemable in the episodes, whether it be a quip, an emotional scene done so well by the actors, and sometimes even sage advice for getting through the worst. Having watched since the pilot, I feel that I have watched characters I know grow up just as I watch my own family change yet people are who they are character wise and that is not tampered with so much nor are characters introduced that are not plausible.So, not to go on, SPN is a special show. Not sure the CW appreciates it as much as it should. It could easily be movie material but we would not get as much fun with Dean or sadness from Sam. It is amazing what is covered in 42 minutes. Not to go on, but it is a special type of show with special fans that stay loyal.
Thank you! I agree that both the writers and the actors have a firm and solid understanding of who these characters are and how they grow through out the years. It keeps the heart of the show true and beating, no matter what – even if the episode may have been a bit shakier.
I heart SPN.