Dear Jensen and Jared
Dear Jensen and Jared,
There is so much to say about “Road Trip”. We asked the writers for “feels” and they delivered big time!! It is really hard to know where to start. This wonderful hour of unparalleled story telling included stunning plot twists and outstanding acting. Andrew Dabb scripted a brilliant study of emotions that were overpowering and blinding in one moment, and insightful and sensitive the next. Through Andrew’s writing, Jeremy’s vision, Bob Singer’s direction and your fabulous acting, the Supernatural family did not watch this story unfold; we were a part of it. We literally felt every transformation experienced by Sam, Dean, Castiel, Crowley, Gadreel and the host of supporting characters who completed this drama. Through humans, angels and demons, we were swept into a tidal wave of conflicting emotions. We pitied the ache for redemption and acceptance that drives people to desperate acts. We felt a grief that consumes and overpowers all reason and rational response. We were comforted when compassion, understanding and forgiveness were offered by a friend to relieve guilt. We experienced Crowley’s conflicted identity as the personification of evil who believes in fairness, and Castiel’s slow realization that he was in the presence of the being that allowed the downfall of paradise. We felt Gadreel’s confusion, Dean’s desperate self-loathing and despair, and Sam’s exhaustion from his own fight and from trying to get his brother to understand and accept love of himself and others.
Jensen, at the Chicago convention in October you commented that this episode was among the hardest acting challenges you had ever faced. You must have been emotionally drained by the unending pain you had to portray. You alone had to say our goodbyes to Kevin. You had to expose the betrayal Dean felt after taking the risk to trust Gadreel, and the guilt Dean felt knowing he lied and abandoned Castiel. You had to bare Dean’s suffering while he made yet more impossible decisions and listened to Sam being tortured. All of Dean’s anguish had to come through you, yet everything about you created the tortured soul that is Dean. Your voice, facial expressions, eyes, movements, hesitations and tears all made our hearts break for Dean. Laura Prudom said in her review that “the whole enterprise was anchored by Jensen Ackles’ powerhouse performance”. I completely agree. You were the core that made the story sincere and genuine. You gave the story the credibility that transported the cast and audience into that dark place of despair. For that, I want to thank you for your willingness to empty yourself into your character and your unwavering commitment to excellence.
Jared, Ryan Curtis revealed that the scene where Gadreel was tortured with pins being pushed into his head was filmed on Halloween. That was the exact day that you tweeted to me “Today’s been a rough day. Havin’ a hard time…” You have since shared that the restraining strap on your head was cutting into your lip the entire time you were filming that shot. So you had to find a way to convey Gadreel’s suffering and maintain the intensity of the scene to support Jensen as he channeled Dean’s agony, all while you were actually in pain. I have to imagine at one point during the day you also had the fleeting thought that it would be a lot easier (and a lot more fun!) to be home trick-or-treating with your family! You had every right to feel that was a “rough day”! Later you admitted, “the scene with Gadreel and Metatron is possibly the 1st time I ever asked for another take”. It seems this episode was difficult for both you and Jensen. So we are right back to thanking you for the sacrifices you make for us and for this show. Your dedication to always give it every last ounce of your talent really does affect the quality of the final product and its impact on the audience. I see why this was your “co-favorite episode of the year”. You deserve to be proud of it.
There has been a lot of speculation about whether the two of you would want to continue with Supernatural. Are your talents being wasted since the critics and awards seem to ignore a genre show filmed in Canada? Would your careers stagnate if you signed up for more than 10 years on one show? Would your prime acting years be better spent trying to get movie roles? After seeing “Road Trip”, I have a completely different perspective on this. “Road Trip”, and “Sacrifice” from season 8, were masterful demonstrations of your talent, as well as the exceptional talents of Mark and Misha. Putting the four of you together sparks a chain reaction that results in something that is greater than the sum of its parts. Truly something exceptional. You have said many times how much you appreciate your co-stars, but we are all lucky to benefit from your combined artistic creativity and dedication. You each contribute your unique gifts. Jensen, you have a commitment to dig deep and always deliver the best. Jared, you have the drive to never let down your fans or your fellow cast members because they deserve all you can give. Mark brings his wry, witty, brilliant understanding of character delivery and Misha gives his irreverent, funny, undaunted ability to conquer any challenge (plus his ability to put up with the two of you!). Add to that Jerry and Serge’s unmatched talent in set design and lighting, Jeremy’s story writing leadership, a devoted crew, your friendship and chemistry…and you have the perfect storm of talent. Whenever there is a nucleus of this caliber of people, magic happens. M*A*S*H, West Wing, and so many others. Supernatural is becoming that thing.
In addition, Supernatural has broken through many barriers in the TV industry. Cast, crew and fans are family. Together we are experimenting, refining and redefining our reciprocal relationship on social media and at conventions. Misha is changing people’s lives in a very real way by harnessing the power of his fans into Random Acts of Kindness. The show’s successful shattering of the fourth wall is groundbreaking. The SPN Family is relentless in getting you recognized in every award we can influence. I can now see that it is only a matter of time before you and the show turn heads of studio executives, critics and nominating committees. We may not have the reach of the big network ratings, but this kind of quality gets noticed. You don’t have to leave to get the critical recognition you deserve…it will come to you. Your work will demand it.
As actors, you have to make yourselves publically vulnerable to find the motivations and emotions of your characters. I just wanted to let you know that your fans appreciate it. We recognize and are grateful for your work. You really delivered in “Road Trip”, but then you always do.
With admiration,
Nightsky
@LSAngel2
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SPNFamily, do you have any reactions to “Road Trip” that you would like to share, or anything you would like to add to our letter? What made “Road Trip” special for you?
That was beautiful, Nightsky. I was particularly moved by that one line, “You don’t have to leave to get the critical recognition you deserve…it will come to you.” I’m glad you said that because for me, discovering this show has been discovering these truly gifted people who – on the one hand – deserve to be A-listers. But on the other hand, I know that this show gives them a balance in their lives that some more well-known actors dream to get back and I want that for them. I want Jared and Jensen to call the shots and have the best of both worlds until THEY are ready to take it to a new level. In the meanwhile, I feel so honored that they will give their all where they are where I can sit back and bask in all that glory. And while here, I want them to get the accolades they deserve because they aren’t just pretty to look at. There are lots of actors lot that. I don’t stay for that. I stay because they are phenomenal and believable and I love them greatly. I stay because I feel like this comet is just getting started and I want to hang in for that ride.
I’ve already watch this ep a few times, but your write up, Nightsky, gave me all sorts of new feelings and I’m gonna watch a few times today alone. Beautiful.
That was beautiful, Nightsky. I was particularly moved by that one line, “You don’t have to leave to get the critical recognition you deserve…it will come to you.” I’m glad you said that because for me, discovering this show has been discovering these truly gifted people who – on the one hand – deserve to be A-listers. But on the other hand, I know that this show gives them a balance in their lives that some more well-known actors dream to get back and I want that for them. I want Jared and Jensen to call the shots and have the best of both worlds until THEY are ready to take it to a new level. In the meanwhile, I feel so honored that they will give their all where they are where I can sit back and bask in all that glory. And while here, I want them to get the accolades they deserve because they aren’t just pretty to look at. There are lots of actors lot that. I don’t stay for that. I stay because they are phenomenal and believable and I love them greatly. I stay because I feel like this comet is just getting started and I want to hang in for that ride.
I’ve already watch this ep a few times, but your write up, Nightsky, gave me all sorts of new feelings and I’m gonna watch a few times today alone. Beautiful.
Nightsky you are so right about the writers delivering the “feels” for us. I keep rewatching Road Trip and each and every time I find myself reaching for the tissues.
Jensen your depth in Dean as a character is just amazing. Every little movement, expression, word, and tear(s) enhances and impacts what we all feel with you. I can only imagine what you physically and mentally have to put yourself through to get that emotion on screen but I just want to say that you do it wonderfully and I thank you for all that you give and more. I hope you feel the love because it is here for you and I just want to give you a big cyber hug and say thank you.
Jared, each week you push the envelope in how you deliver the words on a page and the turmoil that you also put your self through to get those feels on screen and you are amazing! To read and hear that you really were physically in pain in filming those scenes shows the dedication you have in bringing us the best, most believable performance you possibly can. Playing multiple characters, sometimes in the same scene takes an enormous amount of talent and you pull it off week after week. I watch those scenes in awe of how seamless you make those transitions from one character to the next. I hope you also feel the love and my cyber hug to you.
The additional stars in this episode, Misha and Mark, were equally amazing. A little smirking, a little compassion, and a bunch of support and team work in a less than comfortable situation brought out additional feels. Overall I feel this was the best episode yet for Season 9. The final scene with Cas, Sam, and Dean just broke my heart for all the obvious reasons.
Thank you nightsky for this letter to our most beloved actors, your words also caused me to jerk a tear or two.
Nightsky you are so right about the writers delivering the “feels” for us. I keep rewatching Road Trip and each and every time I find myself reaching for the tissues.
Jensen your depth in Dean as a character is just amazing. Every little movement, expression, word, and tear(s) enhances and impacts what we all feel with you. I can only imagine what you physically and mentally have to put yourself through to get that emotion on screen but I just want to say that you do it wonderfully and I thank you for all that you give and more. I hope you feel the love because it is here for you and I just want to give you a big cyber hug and say thank you.
Jared, each week you push the envelope in how you deliver the words on a page and the turmoil that you also put your self through to get those feels on screen and you are amazing! To read and hear that you really were physically in pain in filming those scenes shows the dedication you have in bringing us the best, most believable performance you possibly can. Playing multiple characters, sometimes in the same scene takes an enormous amount of talent and you pull it off week after week. I watch those scenes in awe of how seamless you make those transitions from one character to the next. I hope you also feel the love and my cyber hug to you.
The additional stars in this episode, Misha and Mark, were equally amazing. A little smirking, a little compassion, and a bunch of support and team work in a less than comfortable situation brought out additional feels. Overall I feel this was the best episode yet for Season 9. The final scene with Cas, Sam, and Dean just broke my heart for all the obvious reasons.
Thank you nightsky for this letter to our most beloved actors, your words also caused me to jerk a tear or two.
Thank you, Nightsky.
Once again, you have written a powerful message that conveys all of our love to “our boys”, Jared and Jensen…. And to Misha, Mark, Osric, and all the cast, writers, and crew back through the years.
They have all given back so much to all of us. I know that I, personally, seem to be able to find something in the performances on this show – perhaps just one scene, or one episode, or even from the season or series as a whole – that meets some need or touches some part in me. It always brings out passion – Sometimes it’s anger and frustration. Sometimes grief or despair – but always with some degree love and hope. I believe that is true for each of us in the family.
I also believe we have become something more than just “the audience”. We’ve built friendships, and more than that – using our common interest in one tiny little show as “stone number one”.
I hope that we can continue, through conventions, charities, and through pieces like this, to let them know how much we appreciate all their efforts.
Because we really do.
Thanks again for your wonderful words, Nightsky.
Thank you, Nightsky.
Once again, you have written a powerful message that conveys all of our love to “our boys”, Jared and Jensen…. And to Misha, Mark, Osric, and all the cast, writers, and crew back through the years.
They have all given back so much to all of us. I know that I, personally, seem to be able to find something in the performances on this show – perhaps just one scene, or one episode, or even from the season or series as a whole – that meets some need or touches some part in me. It always brings out passion – Sometimes it’s anger and frustration. Sometimes grief or despair – but always with some degree love and hope. I believe that is true for each of us in the family.
I also believe we have become something more than just “the audience”. We’ve built friendships, and more than that – using our common interest in one tiny little show as “stone number one”.
I hope that we can continue, through conventions, charities, and through pieces like this, to let them know how much we appreciate all their efforts.
Because we really do.
Thanks again for your wonderful words, Nightsky.
Beautifully written Nightsky.
@ #1 digyd, I agree with what you said about this show giving them balance. They strike me as truly exceptional human beings and in a weird way I want them protected from superstardom. Still, more critical acclaim is certainly due.
Beautifully written Nightsky.
@ #1 digyd, I agree with what you said about this show giving them balance. They strike me as truly exceptional human beings and in a weird way I want them protected from superstardom. Still, more critical acclaim is certainly due.
Beautifully said st50!
Nightsky thank you so much. 🙂
Beautifully said st50!
Nightsky thank you so much. 🙂
“Road Trip” was definitely a milestone episode of Supernatural and especially so because we’re almost half way through it’s ninth year. Just when you think it can’t get any better, wham it does. Kudos to the writers for great writing and new depths and surprises.
Kudos to Jared for his dual roles of Sam and Gadreel this year. Even though Gadreel has killed Kevin and betrayed Dean I am still hoping for his redemption because….well he has Sam’s puppy dog eyes so he can’t be all bad, right, just misunderstood?
Kudos to Misha who has made Castiel such a multifaceted and intriguing character and Mark, who makes the king of hell hard not to like. They were all at the top of their game in this episode and dynamite being all together at the same time.
And last but not least kudos to Jensen who has made Dean an iconic character that I love and the reason I tune into this show week after week and year after year and always will. When he’s in a scene he owns it.
Thanks Supernatural for a super terrific show.
“Road Trip” was definitely a milestone episode of Supernatural and especially so because we’re almost half way through it’s ninth year. Just when you think it can’t get any better, wham it does. Kudos to the writers for great writing and new depths and surprises.
Kudos to Jared for his dual roles of Sam and Gadreel this year. Even though Gadreel has killed Kevin and betrayed Dean I am still hoping for his redemption because….well he has Sam’s puppy dog eyes so he can’t be all bad, right, just misunderstood?
Kudos to Misha who has made Castiel such a multifaceted and intriguing character and Mark, who makes the king of hell hard not to like. They were all at the top of their game in this episode and dynamite being all together at the same time.
And last but not least kudos to Jensen who has made Dean an iconic character that I love and the reason I tune into this show week after week and year after year and always will. When he’s in a scene he owns it.
Thanks Supernatural for a super terrific show.
I am not sure, as much as I love Jensen/Dean, that I would love the show so much if it were not for Jared’s amazing portrayal of Sam. His chemistry with Jensen and his ability to get across all of Sam’s complex emotions with sometimes nothing more than a look is truly awe inspiring. I think they both make each other better actors. I couldn’t love them more. The characters they play and the people they are.
I am not sure, as much as I love Jensen/Dean, that I would love the show so much if it were not for Jared’s amazing portrayal of Sam. His chemistry with Jensen and his ability to get across all of Sam’s complex emotions with sometimes nothing more than a look is truly awe inspiring. I think they both make each other better actors. I couldn’t love them more. The characters they play and the people they are.
In the last 24 hours I have seen Jared and Jensen interviewed on the red carpet at the Critic’s Choice Awards and, once again, I’m impressed by how humbly they present themselves. They don’t take anything for granted and they always, without fail, thank the fans. Because of this I’ll always support them. Thanks for another great letter Nightsky… I hope ‘our boys’ get to read this one too 🙂
Dear Jared & Jensen,
It was great to see you on the red carpet at the Critic’s Choice Awards. You deserved to be there and I hope you had a great night. One day I hope you’ll both be formally recognised for your incredible work in Supernatural; for your compelling portrayals of Sam & Dean Winchester. In the meantime, you have us, your fans, who each and every week are blown away by your brilliant performances. Like fine wine, you both get better with age 😉
‘Road Trip’ was wonderful, my favourite episode in season 9 to date. I particularly loved seeing you share the screen with Mark and Misha – reminiscent of earlier seasons – as the four of you have such amazing chemistry. I think you must bring out the best in one another.
I enjoyed every single minute of this episode (thank you Andrew Dabb), but there were two highlights; moments where you each tore my heart out.
Jensen, Dean’s grief was so overwhelming and you did such an amazing job throughout the entire episode (and all season as Dean has dug himself deeper and deeper). I love all the subtle nuances you bring to Dean’s expressions and gestures, as well as his full-blown emotional breakdown after the hunter’s funeral for Kevin.
But the scene that simply killed me was when Dean couldn’t watch Crowley torture Gadreel because he was in Sam’s body (I couldn’t watch either). Your face, the anguish, the despair… ugh, your performance here was perfect. I can’t bear to think about how much pain Dean is in at the moment 😥
Jared, all season I’ve been impressed by your flawless transitions between Sam/Gadreel and in this episode, when you played both characters, it was no exception. We got to see Gadreel turn completely ruthless and defiant, and we got to see Sam tired and heartbroken.
Side-note: Do you ever wake up in the morning and forget who you are after playing all these characters within a character?
My favourite scene of the episode was in Sam’s head when Crowley told Sam to remember what Gadreel had done. Oh my… the look on Sam’s face and his words to Crowley, “Did I kill Kevin?” The close-up camera work was beautiful in this scene and you played it perfectly – your words spoken softly, caught with emotion; the despair on your face. We all knew this moment was coming but nothing could’ve prepared us for Sam’s heartbreaking reaction 😥
I can’t finish this letter without saying something about the incredible final scene, which I think is one of my favourite endings of an episode in the series. It was beautifully shot, brilliantly acted, and left us feeling completely shattered for both brothers.
Jared and Jensen, I can’t compliment you enough for making me care so much about two fictional characters. Thank you for nine (and hopefully more) wonderful seasons.
Karen (Twitter @KG_Supernatural)
In the last 24 hours I have seen Jared and Jensen interviewed on the red carpet at the Critic’s Choice Awards and, once again, I’m impressed by how humbly they present themselves. They don’t take anything for granted and they always, without fail, thank the fans. Because of this I’ll always support them. Thanks for another great letter Nightsky… I hope ‘our boys’ get to read this one too 🙂
Dear Jared & Jensen,
It was great to see you on the red carpet at the Critic’s Choice Awards. You deserved to be there and I hope you had a great night. One day I hope you’ll both be formally recognised for your incredible work in Supernatural; for your compelling portrayals of Sam & Dean Winchester. In the meantime, you have us, your fans, who each and every week are blown away by your brilliant performances. Like fine wine, you both get better with age 😉
‘Road Trip’ was wonderful, my favourite episode in season 9 to date. I particularly loved seeing you share the screen with Mark and Misha – reminiscent of earlier seasons – as the four of you have such amazing chemistry. I think you must bring out the best in one another.
I enjoyed every single minute of this episode (thank you Andrew Dabb), but there were two highlights; moments where you each tore my heart out.
Jensen, Dean’s grief was so overwhelming and you did such an amazing job throughout the entire episode (and all season as Dean has dug himself deeper and deeper). I love all the subtle nuances you bring to Dean’s expressions and gestures, as well as his full-blown emotional breakdown after the hunter’s funeral for Kevin.
But the scene that simply killed me was when Dean couldn’t watch Crowley torture Gadreel because he was in Sam’s body (I couldn’t watch either). Your face, the anguish, the despair… ugh, your performance here was perfect. I can’t bear to think about how much pain Dean is in at the moment 😥
Jared, all season I’ve been impressed by your flawless transitions between Sam/Gadreel and in this episode, when you played both characters, it was no exception. We got to see Gadreel turn completely ruthless and defiant, and we got to see Sam tired and heartbroken.
Side-note: Do you ever wake up in the morning and forget who you are after playing all these characters within a character?
My favourite scene of the episode was in Sam’s head when Crowley told Sam to remember what Gadreel had done. Oh my… the look on Sam’s face and his words to Crowley, “Did I kill Kevin?” The close-up camera work was beautiful in this scene and you played it perfectly – your words spoken softly, caught with emotion; the despair on your face. We all knew this moment was coming but nothing could’ve prepared us for Sam’s heartbreaking reaction 😥
I can’t finish this letter without saying something about the incredible final scene, which I think is one of my favourite endings of an episode in the series. It was beautifully shot, brilliantly acted, and left us feeling completely shattered for both brothers.
Jared and Jensen, I can’t compliment you enough for making me care so much about two fictional characters. Thank you for nine (and hopefully more) wonderful seasons.
Karen (Twitter @KG_Supernatural)
Thanks for the great review. This episode was a tour de force for the whole cast and crew! Truly a masterful work of art. All of the leads and supporting characters bring a level of precision to their layered performances that raise the level of the already top notch scripts, direction, and cinematography, but every once in a while there is a performance that is trancendant, even above this high level of artistry. Jared’s performance in Sacrifice did that – and now Jensen’s performance did it here. His portrayal of a Dean, hanging on with bare knuckles, was so raw and intense that it had me on the edge of my seat for the whole hour. It was amazing. I cannot wait for the next episode.
Thanks for the great review. This episode was a tour de force for the whole cast and crew! Truly a masterful work of art. All of the leads and supporting characters bring a level of precision to their layered performances that raise the level of the already top notch scripts, direction, and cinematography, but every once in a while there is a performance that is trancendant, even above this high level of artistry. Jared’s performance in Sacrifice did that – and now Jensen’s performance did it here. His portrayal of a Dean, hanging on with bare knuckles, was so raw and intense that it had me on the edge of my seat for the whole hour. It was amazing. I cannot wait for the next episode.
I can hardly put into words what the acting on this show does to me. Forget 10 years. We need more. Don’t go for a possibility; stay with the sure thing!
Supernatural is like a spotlight on a foggy night (The fog being most of the rest of the garbage on TV). It is a fireplace, on a snowy day.
I can hardly put into words what the acting on this show does to me. Forget 10 years. We need more. Don’t go for a possibility; stay with the sure thing!
Supernatural is like a spotlight on a foggy night (The fog being most of the rest of the garbage on TV). It is a fireplace, on a snowy day.
This sums up everything I wanted to say to Jensen and Jared after watching “Road Trip”. Thank you for putting my thoughts into words.
This sums up everything I wanted to say to Jensen and Jared after watching “Road Trip”. Thank you for putting my thoughts into words.
Thank you, Nightsky, for your wonderful letter! It expresses so much of the what the fandom feels. You write it so well!
Like the rest of the fandom, I am amazed by the talent and dedication of the lead actors on this fantastic show. I am so thankful they have been willing to stick with it even with the grueling schedule and long hours.
Thanks, guys, you’re the best! And, you have the fans to prove it. 🙂
Thank you, Nightsky, for your wonderful letter! It expresses so much of the what the fandom feels. You write it so well!
Like the rest of the fandom, I am amazed by the talent and dedication of the lead actors on this fantastic show. I am so thankful they have been willing to stick with it even with the grueling schedule and long hours.
Thanks, guys, you’re the best! And, you have the fans to prove it. 🙂
Thank you Nightsky for this amazing letter. You have moved me to tears, as usual.
Unlike many of you, I have not rewatched Road Trip. Simply put, I need time to process my emotions before I can watch it again. It was the same when Kevin died and days passed before I could view the episode again.
How fortunate we are to have such talent across the whole SPN Family, both inside and outside of the show. Every day I find something new and I can hardly wait for the next discovery. Thanks and love to you all.
Thank you Nightsky for this amazing letter. You have moved me to tears, as usual.
Unlike many of you, I have not rewatched Road Trip. Simply put, I need time to process my emotions before I can watch it again. It was the same when Kevin died and days passed before I could view the episode again.
How fortunate we are to have such talent across the whole SPN Family, both inside and outside of the show. Every day I find something new and I can hardly wait for the next discovery. Thanks and love to you all.
Thank you for putting so perfectly into words what we are all thinking. Just, thank you.
Thank you for putting so perfectly into words what we are all thinking. Just, thank you.
thank you nightsky for this beautiful letter. it is perfect and you can add my name to the bottom of this letter right along side of yours. 😆
thank you nightsky for this beautiful letter. it is perfect and you can add my name to the bottom of this letter right along side of yours. 😆
Wow…. Can I just say ditto and add my name to this perfect letter? Like the rest of your fans, I to pray you never feel unappreciated or like it’s to hard, not worth it or that the grass is greener somewhere else. Of course the grass would be greener. There wouldn’t be trails of blood, no sulfur, holy oil, burned remains or shattered glass. But then, there would also probably not be as much passion, respect, faith, emotion, trust and love as you will forever have with this SPN family that is what it is because you are at the heart of it. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you give us.
Wow…. Can I just say ditto and add my name to this perfect letter? Like the rest of your fans, I to pray you never feel unappreciated or like it’s to hard, not worth it or that the grass is greener somewhere else. Of course the grass would be greener. There wouldn’t be trails of blood, no sulfur, holy oil, burned remains or shattered glass. But then, there would also probably not be as much passion, respect, faith, emotion, trust and love as you will forever have with this SPN family that is what it is because you are at the heart of it. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you give us.
Great letter and I agree with every word you wrote.
Supernatural is truly a family of amazing people. It is the amazing acting skills and support of each other the actors, especially Jared, Jensen, Misha, and Mark bring. It is the writers who provide the scripts that tear us apart and bring us all together. It is the producers and directors who provide the framework. The VFX crew who brings so much pizazz to show off all the others’ work. The stuntmen, the costume and set designers, make up artists, and truly all the crew on the show. The family works in harmony and let’s the fans into the world to be a part of everything and help support one another. Thanks to all who make us the Supernatural Family!!!
Great letter and I agree with every word you wrote.
Supernatural is truly a family of amazing people. It is the amazing acting skills and support of each other the actors, especially Jared, Jensen, Misha, and Mark bring. It is the writers who provide the scripts that tear us apart and bring us all together. It is the producers and directors who provide the framework. The VFX crew who brings so much pizazz to show off all the others’ work. The stuntmen, the costume and set designers, make up artists, and truly all the crew on the show. The family works in harmony and let’s the fans into the world to be a part of everything and help support one another. Thanks to all who make us the Supernatural Family!!!
I could not agree with you more. Right on target. The actors lay it all on the line in each episode, but this one was outstanding. We truly were in the shot gun seat and went along for the trip…which has just begun. The chemistry between Jensen and Jared oozes even in personal appearances. It would be hard to duplicate this when they finally do go separate ways. SPN is a family truly and scattering it will be painful, but let’s not dwell on that. Young men with long futures ahead but for now I think they know how appreciated they all are. Thanks for the open letter to J2.
I could not agree with you more. Right on target. The actors lay it all on the line in each episode, but this one was outstanding. We truly were in the shot gun seat and went along for the trip…which has just begun. The chemistry between Jensen and Jared oozes even in personal appearances. It would be hard to duplicate this when they finally do go separate ways. SPN is a family truly and scattering it will be painful, but let’s not dwell on that. Young men with long futures ahead but for now I think they know how appreciated they all are. Thanks for the open letter to J2.
Jared has been amazing this season, every year he gets better and better and I adore him more and more. He has made Sam what he is, made him the kinda guy that I would want in my life even when the writing has tried to do the opposite. HE makes the lovable parts of Sam when the writing doesn’t always favor Sam in terms of screen time, character interaction, actual lines, sympathetic and cohesive writing it is Jared that has make Sam shine. His hard work and dedication and his absolute love of a show are what keep me coming back season after season. IMO while Dean may be the heart and soul IN the show, it is Jared who is truly the heart and soul OF the show.
Jared has been amazing this season, every year he gets better and better and I adore him more and more. He has made Sam what he is, made him the kinda guy that I would want in my life even when the writing has tried to do the opposite. HE makes the lovable parts of Sam when the writing doesn’t always favor Sam in terms of screen time, character interaction, actual lines, sympathetic and cohesive writing it is Jared that has make Sam shine. His hard work and dedication and his absolute love of a show are what keep me coming back season after season. IMO while Dean may be the heart and soul IN the show, it is Jared who is truly the heart and soul OF the show.
Thank you Nightsky for yet another great letter.
Although I have been an avid lifelong media consumer and analyst, I have never been emotionally invested in a show until Supernatural entered my consciousness. The work of an entire team of people has and continues to impress upon me both the strength of the medium and the beauty and power of the craft of great acting. I am not speaking only to the latest episode, but to the entirety of the show. The groundbreaking nature of Supernatural cannot be overstated. The breaking of the fourth wall itself will go down in media history. The fact that the actors, writers, and others in creative control of the show are interacting with fans and that fans are having some degree of impact on the creative direction that the show takes is mindblowing. The fact that fanfiction had been brought out of the “dirty little secret”closet is amazing. And the acting. Oh yes, the acting….
Jared and Jensen, I have such immense respect for you both. Coming to this show nine years ago as young men, you have essentially grown up with the characters of Sam and Dean. We have seen you evolve and hone your craft, we have seen these characters grow and develop as well. One cannot be separated from another. What you each bring to your character is unique. Your talents can’t be underestimated, and I don’t believe it is possible or legitimate to say one of you is above, below, or superior to the other. You are professional actors and you have incredible charisma and chemistry with one another. You are able to play off of each other poetically. I see such beauty in your work. You do deep emotion as well as you do comedy. Your skills are rare. Your humility and humanity, your willingness to interact with your fans and ability not to let your fame and success make you “better than” the rest of us minions is truly refreshing and deepens my love and respect for you both.
I wish you continued success with Supernatural, with whatever professional directions you take in the future, but most of all, happiness in your lives. Real lives, not just work.
Thank you Nightsky for yet another great letter.
Although I have been an avid lifelong media consumer and analyst, I have never been emotionally invested in a show until Supernatural entered my consciousness. The work of an entire team of people has and continues to impress upon me both the strength of the medium and the beauty and power of the craft of great acting. I am not speaking only to the latest episode, but to the entirety of the show. The groundbreaking nature of Supernatural cannot be overstated. The breaking of the fourth wall itself will go down in media history. The fact that the actors, writers, and others in creative control of the show are interacting with fans and that fans are having some degree of impact on the creative direction that the show takes is mindblowing. The fact that fanfiction had been brought out of the “dirty little secret”closet is amazing. And the acting. Oh yes, the acting….
Jared and Jensen, I have such immense respect for you both. Coming to this show nine years ago as young men, you have essentially grown up with the characters of Sam and Dean. We have seen you evolve and hone your craft, we have seen these characters grow and develop as well. One cannot be separated from another. What you each bring to your character is unique. Your talents can’t be underestimated, and I don’t believe it is possible or legitimate to say one of you is above, below, or superior to the other. You are professional actors and you have incredible charisma and chemistry with one another. You are able to play off of each other poetically. I see such beauty in your work. You do deep emotion as well as you do comedy. Your skills are rare. Your humility and humanity, your willingness to interact with your fans and ability not to let your fame and success make you “better than” the rest of us minions is truly refreshing and deepens my love and respect for you both.
I wish you continued success with Supernatural, with whatever professional directions you take in the future, but most of all, happiness in your lives. Real lives, not just work.
Road Trip was indeed fabulous. As has been mentioned before we didn’t just watch it, we experienced it with you. At the end I was leaning on the edge of the pier next to Sam, emotionally wrecked, watching Dean leave…feeling desolate that he was going but wondering when he was ever going to get what Sam was feeling. …and I pondered upon just how much Dean loves Sam. He will stop at nothing to save Him: whereas Dean was prepared to kill Mrs Tran to kill Crowley he rather accepted Crowley’s help to save Sam in exchange for freedom. So deep is Dean’s love for his little brother, so well portrayed by Jensen the raw emotion and desperation.
Supernatural has got a wonderful mixture of cast and crew that produces the quality of the best feature films time and again. The centrepiece of this magic are the two lead actors. Jared and Jensen- I am convinced you are not only the best men for the job but that you bring out the best in others too. I have had to invest in copious quantities of tissues and waterproof mascara since knowing you, but it’s so worth it 🙂
I would love to see you both in films too…but do feature films and Supernatural have to be mutually exclusive? Especially if the new related series takes off (with the employment of the same crew?) would it not be possible to have a longer schedule or bigger gaps between seasons which could be filled with the likes of Thor and Batman?
Jensen’s dream about how Supernatural might end was amazing but desperately sad. For all the messed up ways he went about it I am glad that Dean saved Sam’s life. – I don’t think I could bear to be without my Sam now. …you see what you have done to me? You have given me so much more than a beautifully crafted television show. Jared, I actually love that man that you take off the script and portray so magnificently – ….and you’re not so bad yourself 😉
Thank you both for the epic story of Sam and Dean. Much love, Sue xxx
Road Trip was indeed fabulous. As has been mentioned before we didn’t just watch it, we experienced it with you. At the end I was leaning on the edge of the pier next to Sam, emotionally wrecked, watching Dean leave…feeling desolate that he was going but wondering when he was ever going to get what Sam was feeling. …and I pondered upon just how much Dean loves Sam. He will stop at nothing to save Him: whereas Dean was prepared to kill Mrs Tran to kill Crowley he rather accepted Crowley’s help to save Sam in exchange for freedom. So deep is Dean’s love for his little brother, so well portrayed by Jensen the raw emotion and desperation.
Supernatural has got a wonderful mixture of cast and crew that produces the quality of the best feature films time and again. The centrepiece of this magic are the two lead actors. Jared and Jensen- I am convinced you are not only the best men for the job but that you bring out the best in others too. I have had to invest in copious quantities of tissues and waterproof mascara since knowing you, but it’s so worth it 🙂
I would love to see you both in films too…but do feature films and Supernatural have to be mutually exclusive? Especially if the new related series takes off (with the employment of the same crew?) would it not be possible to have a longer schedule or bigger gaps between seasons which could be filled with the likes of Thor and Batman?
Jensen’s dream about how Supernatural might end was amazing but desperately sad. For all the messed up ways he went about it I am glad that Dean saved Sam’s life. – I don’t think I could bear to be without my Sam now. …you see what you have done to me? You have given me so much more than a beautifully crafted television show. Jared, I actually love that man that you take off the script and portray so magnificently – ….and you’re not so bad yourself 😉
Thank you both for the epic story of Sam and Dean. Much love, Sue xxx
Thank you so for much for writing this beautiful tribute to this beautiful episode. I agree with everything you said here, 100%.
I was lucky enough to be on vacation this week for this episode—and so I was there when Jared tweeted about how hard the scene with Metatron and Gadreel was. It’s amazing to me how dedicated they are after all these years, and I think it shows how much they not only care about us, the fans, but about the story they are telling. All of them—-Jensen, Jared, Mark, Misha, and all the crew/writing team.
“Road Trip” made me cry when we first saw Dean in that opening sequence. It made me laugh when Crowley and Castiel fought over the backseat. “Road Trip” made my heart ache for Sam and for Dean as we watched Crowely torture Gadreel—all the whole the angel wore Sam’s face. It made me sit up and cheer with triumph as Sam threw out Gadreel. It made me hurt again after we see Dean decide not to drag his brother into this anymore than he already has.
This episode stands as one of those episodes that makes my love for this show even stronger. It’s full of such love, pain, and human emotion. It may not get recognized by the critics—or garner the audience numbers that other shows get—but this episode is a work of art. Pure and simple.
Thanks again for writing this. It touched my heart.
Thank you so for much for writing this beautiful tribute to this beautiful episode. I agree with everything you said here, 100%.
I was lucky enough to be on vacation this week for this episode—and so I was there when Jared tweeted about how hard the scene with Metatron and Gadreel was. It’s amazing to me how dedicated they are after all these years, and I think it shows how much they not only care about us, the fans, but about the story they are telling. All of them—-Jensen, Jared, Mark, Misha, and all the crew/writing team.
“Road Trip” made me cry when we first saw Dean in that opening sequence. It made me laugh when Crowley and Castiel fought over the backseat. “Road Trip” made my heart ache for Sam and for Dean as we watched Crowely torture Gadreel—all the whole the angel wore Sam’s face. It made me sit up and cheer with triumph as Sam threw out Gadreel. It made me hurt again after we see Dean decide not to drag his brother into this anymore than he already has.
This episode stands as one of those episodes that makes my love for this show even stronger. It’s full of such love, pain, and human emotion. It may not get recognized by the critics—or garner the audience numbers that other shows get—but this episode is a work of art. Pure and simple.
Thanks again for writing this. It touched my heart.
Amen, Nightsky!!! Such an amazing episode made even more so by such amazingly skilled performers. Jensen, Jared, Misha, and Mark were all in top form on this one. It makes me wish for lots more episodes with all of them working together.
Amen, Nightsky!!! Such an amazing episode made even more so by such amazingly skilled performers. Jensen, Jared, Misha, and Mark were all in top form on this one. It makes me wish for lots more episodes with all of them working together.
Excellent letter that captures my thoughts as well. Supernatural is on the air still not just because of the fans but because the quality is still there. The acting is always top-notch. As someone new to the show, what surprises me is that there is never a sense of anyone giving less than their best. Road Trip was a showcase episode and everyone took it up yet another notch. Which frankly, I didn’t think was possible.
Like others I hope that this is the a part of long, prolific careers for both actors. They are a joy to watch every week.
Excellent letter that captures my thoughts as well. Supernatural is on the air still not just because of the fans but because the quality is still there. The acting is always top-notch. As someone new to the show, what surprises me is that there is never a sense of anyone giving less than their best. Road Trip was a showcase episode and everyone took it up yet another notch. Which frankly, I didn’t think was possible.
Like others I hope that this is the a part of long, prolific careers for both actors. They are a joy to watch every week.
Jensen has been brilliant this season, he has conveyed much of Dean’s conflicting emotions with just his facial expressions and body language. This episode was anchored by Jensen’s powerful performance, he can bring out the emotion and make me feel for a fictional character like no other actor can.
Jensen has been brilliant this season, he has conveyed much of Dean’s conflicting emotions with just his facial expressions and body language. This episode was anchored by Jensen’s powerful performance, he can bring out the emotion and make me feel for a fictional character like no other actor can.
That was a truly beautiful letter, Nightsky, thank you so much for saying what I could never find words for. This was a truly exceptional episode. Much love to the brilliant writing team, Serge’s lighting (especially on the wide shot down at the pier), and the wonderful crew who go to such lengths to bring us into the story with them.
Jared, how he can play multiple characters at the same time, and how Jensen can create whole worlds with just his eyes, I will never stop being blown away by these guys. I wish I could thank them for everything they do. And Mark and Misha, my love just flows for them, they are magical on screen, butting heads and battling wits.
While I know they all bring their best to every episode, they went above and beyond here, and I am grateful and appreciative of every gut-wrenching, tear-jerking, nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat moment they gave. Thank you.
That was a truly beautiful letter, Nightsky, thank you so much for saying what I could never find words for. This was a truly exceptional episode. Much love to the brilliant writing team, Serge’s lighting (especially on the wide shot down at the pier), and the wonderful crew who go to such lengths to bring us into the story with them.
Jared, how he can play multiple characters at the same time, and how Jensen can create whole worlds with just his eyes, I will never stop being blown away by these guys. I wish I could thank them for everything they do. And Mark and Misha, my love just flows for them, they are magical on screen, butting heads and battling wits.
While I know they all bring their best to every episode, they went above and beyond here, and I am grateful and appreciative of every gut-wrenching, tear-jerking, nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat moment they gave. Thank you.
Dear Nightsky, Jared and Jensen,
The letter and the episodes were both amazing! I think you spoke very well for our fandom and delivered a great example of our emotions and how we are affected by this show on a daily basis. As you said this show has brought us all together not only as a fandom, but many of us have become great friends due to this show that began years ago. It started and brought not only people who loved the show, but people who would never have had a chance to meet each other. I am so happy to have my #SPNFamily!
Dear Nightsky, Jared and Jensen,
The letter and the episodes were both amazing! I think you spoke very well for our fandom and delivered a great example of our emotions and how we are affected by this show on a daily basis. As you said this show has brought us all together not only as a fandom, but many of us have become great friends due to this show that began years ago. It started and brought not only people who loved the show, but people who would never have had a chance to meet each other. I am so happy to have my #SPNFamily!