Con Report: Salute to Supernatural New Jersey 2013, Sunday and Monday
And that brought us into the marquee event of the afternoon, the Jared and Jensen panel. As usual, this was standing room only. The long lines had already formed on the sides of the ballroom for questions, and I really had hoped Misha had come out again to taunt those people far back in line that they had a zero chance of getting their question asked. Ah well, the theme here, the anticipation was high, and the mood was excitedly anxious!
The big intro happened, and Jared came out minus his white knit cap from the “private†panel ( Yay, the Padahair!), but Jensen looked a bit different. A bit meaning very off. For one, he was several inches shorter, and he was wearing his Trueman High gym teacher outfit from “After School Special,†shorts and all. Except I remember those legs looking so much better in the episode. Yes, it was Richard again, goofing around with the outfit. I hope wardrobe let him keep that, because he was obviously having too much fun with it all weekend. “It’s been such a party being in Jensen’s pants this weekend.â€
Yes, it wasn’t long before the real Jensen came on stage. “I don’t miss wearing that.†He confirmed that the outfit that Richard was wearing was the one and only outfit from the show. Usually there are multiples of outfits, but not that one. He called up wardrobe at Richard’s request to see if they’d let him borrow it. It’s one of a kind. “One of those shorts was all anyone ever needed to exist.†The guys got settled, and Jensen started by telling everyone how happy he was that he finally made it to the East Coast. We all echoed that sentiment!
I’m not exactly sure how Jared took that leap of mentioning how being in New Jersey was being protected from the California wildfires, but Jensen raised his hand. “I’ve got a hose hooked up to my pool right now, ready to go. I’ll stand there with a gas mask on going, “Bring it on!†Jared agreed. “He has the outfit.
Yes, I’m starting with the big controversy first, because honestly this was was THE VERY FIRST QUESTION. The lady started simply, and as soon as her mention of being bisexual escaped her lips, the room groaned and Clif very quickly cut her off. While that very uncomfortable situation was going on, Jensen jokingly took back his comment about the East Coast. Clif listened to the gal, and then I heard him say (as did most of the room) she couldn’t ask that question. She apologized, and went on her way.
Now, in fairness to the lady, her question was pre-screened by Creation (or at least a Creation volunteer) and she allowed the question. A similar sort of question was asked to Misha the day before and he handled it. Apparently signals were crossed. She didn’t mean harm, and she actually had a very well thought out question, but unfortunately it was still very inappropriate for this forum. These are not the type of issues Jensen wants to be addressing. What made this very awkward though is Jared was on stage actually encouraging this lady to ask the question and bring up the issue. It was shelved though.
The girl has posted her side of the story here on her Tumblr, and it’s very fair minded. She isn’t angry at Jensen, or Creation, and defended New Jersey con for being a really wonderful experience. She also told fans to stop making this an issue and lighten up, and I so agree.
http://themysterygirlfromnjcon.tumblr.com/post/49756443708/direct-from-the-mystery-girl
Here is her question, just to show how well thought out it was:
I’ve loved seeing Dean’s character become more comfortable with himself this season. As a bisexual, I’ve noticed some possible subtext, as seen in Everybody Hates Hitler, that Dean might be coming to accept himself as something other than straight too? I know you’ve said you know Dean better than anyone, so, in your professional opinion, as the preeminent scholar on Dean Winchester, if you see that as a valid interpretation of what’s going on with the character this season.
While I’m all for dropping this and moving on, I actually got several comments from people afterward, outraged that a con could be ruined with questions like that. There are kids in the room, and this kind of talk isn’t appropriate. I had others outraged that Jensen wouldn’t allow the question and there were accusations he is homophobic. Lord knows the online fandom exploded, and just about everyone had an opinion on tumblr. For those that wished that I raise this issue, I’m going to give my simple opinion.
I’m not against debate about sexual subtexts in “Supernatural.†The writers mess with that enough, bringing it up because they know that it will give the fandom a big stir. We had a very lengthy “Let’s Discuss†subject here on this site that I was willing to open up because there were so many that wanted to talk about it. Irregardless of what I think, there are many out there that don’t want this discussion. Forcing this type of a debate in front of a large crowd of people that paid good money to be entertained, not push social agenda, is wrong. I was okay with Misha trying to handle the question, but many weren’t. They were uncomfortable about the whole thing. If Misha wants to have these discussions in a more private forum, that’s fine. Ditto with Jared and Jensen. But please everyone, just out of common courtesy, please avoid questions that are going to make a crowd of 1200 or more uncomfortable. The desire to push social taboos and get your voice heard is one thing, common manners is another.
Thank you, I’m done. I hope the issue is done, for now, because Lord knows it’ll come up again at the next con.
Here again, in bullet point form (cause I’m lazy) are many of the highlights of this panel:
- How did Sam get by at Stanford financially? Jared speculated he was using the fake credit cards, but I don’t think that was right since Sam was giving Dean such a hard time in early season one about not making an honest living. So, that still remains open for debate in my mind. If that’s really a pressing issue, which it isn’t.
- Here we go, one of the “always asked†questions. Have they had any supernatural experiences? Jensen is still waiting for one. “And now they’re not going to mess with me. I know too much.†He claimed his biggest supernatural experience to be that the show has gone on this long. Of course, Jensen really knows what will happen if that moment comes. “When something does happen, I’ll scream like a girl.â€
- The show has certainly given the boys both their share of world travels. Jared – “I don’t think anyone who reads for a pilot of a show would think all this would come from it.â€
- Jared let his Texas show! He does all the time actually when he talks about the amazing fans, and his appreciation for “Y’all.†At other cons we’ve loved poking fun at him for “Y’all†and “All y’all,†and the crowd erupted here too. So Jared changed his wording and went a little New Jersey this time. “Youse guys.†Aww, I like “y’all†so much better! “Our job does not exist without you.†He went on further, and he wouldn’t stop saying “Y’all.†Jensen joked he was counting them all. Jared finished up with yet another “Y’all†and realized he did it again!
- Jensen on the next question. “How are y’all doing?†What is the hardest scene they had to shoot? Jared’s is “The French Mistake.†The acting scene was so hard. Jared and Jensen, playing Sam and Dean, playing Jared and Jensen, playing Sam and Dean. It was terrifying and difficult. Jensen mentioned a number of scenes, both technically and emotionally. He recalled the recent scene between Dean and Castiel in the crypt. “It was a really, really difficult scene because there was so little dialogue, but the scene was saying so much.†He and Misha were literally wracking their brains trying to make their words mean what they were trying to get across. They had to do a lot of brainstorming. Jensen wasn’t convinced it worked, but the crowd let him know it did. Jared commended Misha for pulling it off. I think so! Jensen also mentioned he didn’t love the prosthetics on his face and the glue in his eye, and Misha was trying to punch him and… “I don’t want to talk about it anymore.
- What do they think about fans getting anti-possession tattoos? They love that it can mean that much to fans. Jensen talked about the tattoo of a car that’s on Guy Norman Bee’s shoulder. It’s his first car. “When you’re passionate about something, celebrate it.â€
@guynormanbee: It’s a Yugo! RT @Bardicvoice: Jensen: @guynormanbee has a tattoo of car on his shoulder. When passionate about something, celebrate it.
- Any scene make them laugh? Jared mentioned “Yellow Fever,†and how he’s not in those shots much with the snakes because he’s laughing and freaking out too much.
- Aww, Ty Olsson and Rick Worthy crashed the panel, bringing both the guys their mixed drinks. Their very stiff mixed drinks.
- Jensen brought up a story about how Jared usually laughs in between takes, throwing things off. Jared talked about shooting “Skin,†which was directed by Robert Duncan McNeill. He stopped to mention he just did “The Great Escapist,†too, and they really want him back (AGREED!). Anyway, Robert was having a problem with the way they were saying “shapeshifter†and wanted them to slow it down. So Jensen comes rushing in saying a line really fast, and then slows down for “shapeshifter.†Jared – “It was like a bad voiceover.â€
- What kind of film would they both like to be in? They’d both really love to be in a Tarantino film. Jensen loves Django Unchained.
@winfambusiness – What about working with Misha? Jensen – “What about Misha? We’ve already worked with him. He’s not that great.”
- The boys already plan on making Misha’s life Hell when he directs next season. They will collect his tears and give them to fans! I really hope they keep that promise.
@winfambusiness – Next question is for Jensen, so Jared gets up and takes a break. Jensen – “This is a 31 year old man acting out.” Jared – “I’m 30!”
- This question gets a bit bizarre, and by a bit I mean a lot. What kind of cologne does Jensen like to wear, and what kind of perfume does he prefer women wear? Okay, not exactly sure why this didn’t apply to both guys, but Jensen runs with it. “I don’t know what the name of these things are.†One he got recently, it’s just called “Wood.†So Jared gives him a sniff and then nods. “Wood.†Jensen claims it works, but Jared wants to know where he sprays it. That causes a huge break in the action so both can laugh hysterically. Jensen just take a sip of his drink, recalling how his father told him that no real man sips out of a straw. Oh yes, he’s resorted to diversion. He tries to continue on with the question, but Jared gets up to crack up some more. So Jensen offers some to Jared! “Good stuff, and it works.†Jared wisecracks and they laugh even more! Eventually, Jensen gets around to going back to the question. He was trying to remember the name of one his wife wears. The crowd went “awww.†“Well obviously!†Jensen said. So he starts throwing out random names. “Casablanca, Cassandra, Calcutta…I think it starts with a C.†Jensen does confess that his cologne is not actually “Wood.†It’s “Oud.†Jared has a great time repeating that word on stage. “But it smells like wood,†Jensen closes. He was sorry he couldn’t have been more help. “I’m sure you smell lovely too.†Oh my, the tangents these two take.
- What was their weirdest photo op? Jared recalled the guy who was dressed like Jesus. Jensen thought a girl said, “choke me.†“She’s passed out in the back.â€
- Did the guys ever think that they’d hear from people who tell them how much they’ve changed their lives? Jensen believes that’s the beauty of art. It’s therapeutic, it touches and inspires. They are quite humbled, because the fans affect them too.
- Okay, this gets a bit deep. A fan had a long, well thought out question about the disparity between how John raised Sam and Dean vs. Adam and maybe John was sometimes really Michael. Both guys had no clue how to answer that. Jared gave her a standing ovation. Jensen – “My brain just exploded.†Jared suggested that would be a great thing to explore in season 11. Jensen speculated the writers may have talked about that, but since they’re 1500 miles away they don’t talk to them.
- Having worked with Robert Duncan McNeill, would Jensen want to follow that path from acting into directing? Jensen wasn’t sure if he could direct on another show, because he has been with “Supernatural†since day one. He knows the tone of the show and the crew very well. The crowd of course gave their collective “Awws†when Jared jumped in saying that Jensen could never fail because he’s that good. He could do another show, but it would be a huge challenge. Jensen talked about advice that Phil Sgriccia had given him, which is to always answer people’s questions, and believe in yourself.
- It was mentioned that Mark Pedowitz, president of The CW, is a huge fan of “Supernatural†and thinks it can go a long time. That’s opened up a lot of new doors that Kripke and Sera Gamble didn’t have. For one, Jensen thinks the amulet could come back. Not that there are plans, but it could.
- The last four episodes were not very fun for Jared, having to play sick Sam. “I still feel hungover from the last four episodes of Sam.†Jensen – “Jared really wrecked himself the last four episodes.â€
- Will they ever do a body switch episode? The script in “Swap Meat†had Sam and Dean exchanging bodies, but only briefly. They cut it though, because it wouldn’t work. For Jared, that would have been really tragic, because he would have had to cut his hair! Jensen – “I’d have to wear stilts and a mop on my head.â€
- What would season 1 Sam and Dean think of season 8 Sam and Dean? Jared – “I think season 1 Sam would look at season 8 Sam and go, ‘Wait, I do what in the next couple of years? Screw it, I’m going to Maui.’†Jensen thinks that season 1 Dean would look at season 8 Dean and wonder where was the jacket. Season 1 Dean would look at season 8 Sam and say, “Still with the hair?†Jared – “Having gone through Sam 172 episodes, everything that has happened to Sam since the pilot Sam has not only developed Sam, but it’s developed Jared, and it’s developed Jared as Sam. Season 8 Sam is not season one Sam, he’s just season one Sam, plus season two Sam, plus season three Sam, season four Sam, yeah, that’s a lot of seasons of Sam.†Even looking at who he is 8 years ago, he’s grown a lot. He’s a husband and a father now.
- Someone wondered why Sam didn’t have a harsh reaction when going to Hell in “Taxi Driver.†Jared actually had a great explanation. That wasn’t the Hell Sam was in. He was in the cage with Lucifer. So that was a conscious choice, it wasn’t the same place to him. Speaking of “Taxi Driver,†the script originally had Sam returning from Hell/Purgatory in 8 hours. They changed it to 24 because Kevin Parks realized that it would take much longer for Dean to drive.
- Final question, and it’s a great one. What has “Supernatural†done for them? Jared – “It introduced me to my wife.†Jensen – “It introduced me to his wife.†No, it really has defined them, become a massive part of their lives. Just take in the warm fuzzies from this last quote from Jensen. “I think it was maybe around season five they said they want season six, we knew it just wasn’t slowing down. This is going to become a very defining job for us. A lot of actors will go into a TV show and it will go a season or two and then they’ll go to another show or they’ll do a movie. This has become a very defining thing for us and were invested heavily in it and heavily in you guys. I was 26 when I did the pilot. I was single, I was hanging out with too many people that probably made me do things I shouldn’t have been, but I was in my mid 20’s so whatever. I’ve grown up, I’ve gotten married, I’ve got a child on the way now, it has introduced me to thousands of people that I wouldn’t have never meet otherwise, it’s given me lifelong friends with cast, with crew.†This has become a very sculpting thing for both of them. Jared – “A healthy portion of our whole lives.†Jensen concluded, “I wouldn’t change a minute of it.â€
Whew, after that, I was pretty exhausted! We still had autographs, and a Ty Olsson panel. At least waiting for autographs gave us a chance to catch our breath. This time, I didn’t have anything very exciting for Jared and Jensen to sign. I had them sign a photo of Sam and Dean in their cowboy outfits in “Frontierland.†It was a gift for my son, who doesn’t have any Jared and Jensen items (unlike my daughter who has a few signed photo ops on her wall). I was able to give Jensen a bit of parenting wisdom. As a mother of a teenager daughter I told him…good luck with that. I also told him how an old man shared that with me when my daughter was two, and dammit he was right. Jensen did find that amusing, so I’m certain I wasn’t the first person to give him such warning. As for Jared, I just wanted to know how covered with cake Thomas got on his first birthday. Seems like he had his fair share of mess, and they got pictures.
Eventually, after a long autograph session, it was time for Ty Olsson. For the last panel of the con, after Jared and Jensen nonetheless, there was a pretty good crowd there. Not capacity by any means, but pretty good. Still, Ty was astute enough to realize there were tons of people in the lobby that weren’t at his panel. So he opened the ballroom door, and had us all shout very loudly, “Come inside!†A few did, but most stayed where they were. So he went out there to fetch people. He did get a few more, but there were still available seats.
@Bardicvoice: Ty: I can’t wait in an empty room for 20 minutes! I’d burn the hotel down! #NJCon
Ty: Something you have to know about me; I have the attention span of a gnat!” #NJConTy: “Hey, I’m an actor. We have huge egos. We’ve gotta have an audience!” #NJCon
Here’s the other highlights, again in bullet point:
- So what broke Benny, aka why did he decide to die? Ty figured it wasn’t just one thing, just that the world had changed without Benny and there just wasn’t a place for him anymore. It’s like going into a bar of 20 year olds when you’re 30.
- Ty was the voice of Ord in Dragon Tales! He does a whole bit in the voice of Ord, and it’s quite entertaining. Of course he also used the voice to ask for a Dragon beer, which I think was a signal to someone. Then he just came right out and said it, he hoped his brother Rick Worthy would visit.
- Something did happen at the cocktail party involving squirt guns that may or may not have been filled with booze. I won’t try to speculate since it was the first time I heard that story, but Ty claimed his was filled with water. Except I’m not sure we were meant to believe that claim, since he also referenced a glass that was half full of “apple juice†(it was booze). Anyway, if anyone knows what this story is all about, those are the facts as revealed in the panel. I hope it all makes sense.
- What job would he like to do on a set if he wasn’t an actor? “There are a few leading ladies I’d like to mic.†I’m sure! He then said that he would love to direct someday. Come on Jeremy Carver, make it happen!
- Ty had brought up on stage a boy named Cody that was suffering from bone cancer. He had him sit up on stage during the entire panel. He used this opportunity too to call a fan that was sick in the hospital with cancer as well. The person that answered the phone said she was sleeping. Ty asked if that person could wake her up, and she was a bit reluctant to do so, but then did. As soon as the woman realized who was on the phone, she was pretty excited. And overwhelmed. Ty told her to get better so she could drag her ass up on stage there. “You won’t have to drag me!†she said. Oh yes, there were plenty of “awws†in the crowd. It was a very nice gesture and I’m failing to capture the true emotional beauty of it with my generic descriptions.
- If Benny were a female, what actress should play her? Jessica Alba. “I’d want private rehearsals.â€
- It’s right around this time that Ty invited a cute, adorable young child up on stage (probably about 2 or 3 years old), and this kid was quite a character. He sat on Cody’s lap, and he ended up being quite a scene stealer later in the panel. I think Ty met his match! This is definitely one of those “you had to be there†moments.
- Also, Rick Worthy finally showed up! But, he didn’t exactly have the beer and/or alcohol Ty was looking for. He did have a couple mini red velvet cupcakes though, so they did red velvet cupcake shots on stage. I do love how Rick got into character, saying he was checking in on “his special son Benny.†Rick is still waiting for the Alpha vamp and Benny to have a scene together. Come on Jeremy Carver, make it happen!
(Photo courtesy of Fangasm)
- In preparation for hisX-Men role Ty put on 30 lbs in just three weeks! The costume they made for him was never big enough. Ian McKellen had fun patting Ty’s stomach. Ty also took time to mention how much he respected Ian McKellen and his support of gay rights.
- Who’s his favorite “Supernatural†cast member. Come on, isn’t it obvious? Jensen. He had nothing but huge praise for Jensen, saying he was a sweet, sweet man. He thinks the whole cast is awesome though, and he wished Jensen had more time to hang out, but he’s so busy. He gets to meet other actors at these cons though, so that’s been fun.
@winfambusiness: @TyOlsson had a great time meeting everyone this weekend outside of #supernatural. “That Matt Cohen is a good looking dude.”
- I don’t know what prompted this, but Ty broke into Shakespearian actor form and recited several lines from Macbeth. Talk about turning a room full of ladies into a puddle! He did it in Benny’s accent to boot! That was one very pleasant surprise. I’m sure it’s out on Youtube somewhere.
- What happens when a monster dies in Purgatory? Ty had a great answer. “I have no f***ing idea.†He speculated the vampires become zombies. I’d like to see that!
- Benny was written as having an accent. He really didn’t have a specific place in mind, but it came out cajun. That worked!
- Ty got the audience to chant “We want Benny!†for a Youtube video, thus sending a message to TPTB. He would love to be back on “Supernatural.†We’d love to have him back!
- The panel was supposed to end, but it was going rather well so Adam at Creation let it go on longer. Ty cackled maniacally over having that kind of power.
- Ty talked a bit about that scene between him and Jensen in “Taxi Driver.†The emotion that came out of that really surprised them both, and they were amazed with the results. They really didn’t put a lot of prep into that, it just happened.
@Bardivoice: Ty: Get an actor like Jensen, very talented and giving, you get magic happening.
- What attracted Ty to the role of Benny? Another obvious answer. Being employed. He’s an actor, so it’s kind of a no brainer. Actors wait tables usually. It also helped that it was “Supernatural,†what he thinks is a well written show. Benny is a great character.
- Right around here the small kid that was sitting on stage started dancing. Just randomly dancing. It was so damned adorable! Ty realized he was being upstaged, and the audience was too busy laughing. Then that kid touched Ty’s butt. Ty didn’t mind, and said to the audience, “You’ve been doing that all weekend.â€
- Ty closed it all out by walking through the audience and getting the crowd to do some whooping before the panel ended. Overall, this whole panel ended up being a huge treat, and New Jersey con closed with a bang.
@winfambusiness: Thanks @TyOlsson for the great panel! I hope you don’t go last at the next con. #njcon
The evening closed out with a dinner with Stimtasic Appie, Bardicvoice, and Lynn at Fangasm. Plus a lot more strong beer. It was the post con let down, and it’s always best to share it with company.
(On page 3, a rare Monday report!)
Thank you, Alice, for this sweet, positive and detailed report! Hope you had as great time visiting the con as you gave me with this read! Never enough of a good thing, so looking forward to reading your next reports – and shame on Creation for being greedy!
Alice, nice to read this report. Do you think this format change will be at all the conventions or only at the biggest ones, like Las Vegas and New Jersey? Is Vancouver a large convention? I finally decided to buy a gold ticket to Vancouver, after reading how wonderful the meet and greets were but if the format has changed, I want to prepare myself as much as possible for the changes.
So glad we are able to read these personal reports of the different conventions.
Thanks for yet another great report. Nice to see you in some of those pics! 🙂 Ty Olsson sounds like such a nice person to meet. I can’t wait for my first con in Toronto, he’s one of the invited guests. But I have the same question as EireneS about the format of the convention. Do you know if all of them will be changed? Because I have a gold ticket, and as you’ve stated, they are pretty pricey, so I want my money’s worth for sure. 😀
Thanks, Alice!
I’m just clarifying something without opinion: On the first question, the audience did not groan when the questioner said “bisexual”. They groaned when she said “subtext”. As a member of the audience, It’s an important distinction. I listened to it a few times to be sure.