I got a pleasant surprise yesterday. For the first time this season, I had the honor of getting a special critic's preview of a Supernatural episode. I saw in it's entirety episode 6.12, "Like a Virgin." After watching this episode twice, I couldn't wait to get online and share details (okay teasers) about what I saw. Then, I started reading recent comments on this site"¦
Pardon me before I get into the awesomeness that is "Supernatural," but I can't avoid being philosophical first. You see, these long Hellatuses really drive fans crazy. Tempers are flaring a bit right now. We get restless, overanalyze, start nitpicking and fighting, and tend to lose perspective. Sometimes fans decide they want to see this in a character or that in a story line and grow more outraged over what's not happening and start building a platform to state their cases and eventually shout from rooftops "Oh why oh why won't they listen to us!" Then, to make matters worse, there are those of us on the ground who end up shouting back, mostly in the attempt to talk people down from the roof, but it ends up being antagonistic. That naturally makes the rooftop dwellers madder since they think their opinions are being disrespected and mass insanity ensues. You may think I'm being overly absurd, but read some of the recent comments on this site. I'm actually being rational with that analogy.
Anyway, fan behavior is not the point of this article. It's to get excited about Friday's (Feb 4th) upcoming episode, "Like A Virgin." In the past with these special previews, I have usually squealed like a fan girl, jumping up and down, raving about the absolutely freaking awesome episode that is coming and you won't be disappointed. However, if I've learned anything from season six, it's that setting fan expectations too high is a dangerous thing. It's clear that what I love is not what many others are going to love. So this time, I'll speak from a more analytical perspective.
I can honestly say, watching this episode felt like an old friend was back. It's one of those hours that by the time it ended, I was shocked that the time passed so quickly. I was engaged from beginning to end. My advice in watching "Like A Virgin" is to sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode with no expectations. It comes out better that way. If you go in thinking "Dean should be like this and Sam should be like this and the brothers should be doing this" you might leave disappointed. "Like A Virgin" doesn't follow a predictable path. This is a show about TWO brothers and two brothers you get in this one. Plus Bobby and Castiel. I see it as a win for everybody, but again, that's my FWIW opinion.
For those looking for teasers in bullet point form rather than a speech over how to watch the episode, well, how can I not accommodate? Here's the quick highlights as I remember them...
Warning, it's spoilery!
Warning, it's spoilery!
- There's a classic rock opening montage! I hope you all like classic Aerosmith. (I do!)
- About six or seven minutes in, I got pretty misty.
- Dean starts to act like his old self, the first time we've seen him like this for a long time. He's got his brother back and wants to believe all is right with the world again. He's joking, acting confident, has many great lines (laugh out loud lines) and he's the one that gives us the howlingly funny moment of the episode. I think that scene will stick with fans for a while.
- Sam does come back but...let's just say he's got some adjusting to do. I won't give too many details, but he at least does work with Dean well during the case and they have some fun moments. It's not quite old times, but it's the closest they've been in a while. There's some funny brotherly teasing on both ends. One part that sticks out for me is when Sam turns on the puppy dog eyes to get someone to talk to them. Dean's smile when he does that is priceless.
- There's an awesome brotherly talk in the Impala. It isn't long, but it's reminiscent of times past. Also, Phil Sgriccia, the director, does some really interesting shots in this scene.
- So, Bobby is all forgive and forget with Sam, right? No, not by a long shot. He's still really creeped out.
- Castiel appears in two scenes and he's not happy with Dean. Sam on the other hand, he's more than willing to help.
- The pop culture references are really good in this one. They certainly run with the dragon theme. I laughed out loud at a Harry Potter reference because a) I'm reading the books for the first time right now and b) Of all people it came from Bobby.
- It's back to good old fashioned research for this case. Clippings on the motel wall, John's journal, looking up lore on the laptop, calls to Bobby...it's all familiar (in a good way). BTW, the motel room is definitely one of the more outrageous ones.
- The mythology takes a big turn. The ending is a must see and pretty much defines what's coming for the rest of the season, maybe beyond. There's a good reason the dragons have come back after 700 years.
Okay, that's all I'll share for now. I have two rules in the comments for this article. For one, we're only maintaining positive attitudes. No complaining about what's going to happen when you haven't seen it yet. Second, I won't share outright plot lines or major spoilers in the comments, but if you have some questions, I might be able to tease a little more. We'll see! Only two more days. I think the wait will be worth it, but that's just one person's opinion. Wait until Friday and judge for yourself.
Comments
I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS OH MY GOODNESS. I Can't wait until friday. Why isn't' it here already?
I am so happy they're getting back to what they used to be, with the hotel rooms and the classic rock. It's making me all smiley. This has made my day.
(But I'm not so I won't...)
What a relief! Can't wait for Friday. Happy dance! (and I love dragons)
I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS EPISODE!!!!!
Im a bit curious about youre opening comments - those who have concerns or might not be 100% happy with the show are wrong and on the roof. Arnt we lucky that we have wonderfully grounded people like you to talk us down from our madness! Its so great to have wonderful objective viewers like you to show us the way.
One quick question : will we get a hug between the boys ?!
Any way i wont tie up your thread any further as you have said you only want positivity here. But I do appreciate you holding your hands up.
I've got one question for you, though: What did you think of the dragons? Did you think they handled them well? I don't need to hear anything specific if that's too much of a spoiler, but ever since I heard that they're going to introduce dragons to the show, I've been DYING to know how they're going to portray them because they seem like a rather odd choice to me and I just don't know if they fit the show's mythology.
Thank you Alice!!!!
Can't Wait Til Friday
Choco
And your "misty" bit, referring to the question one poster asked above? Oh dear me, I definitely need to go buy a box of Puffs today at the store and have them ready and waiting for Friday night! LOL! I am somewhat worried about the Sam and Bobby thing, though rightfully so Bobby has ever reason to feel the way he does. I just hope that soon Bobby sees that our Sammy is back to being Sammy again. And oh, the puppy dog eyes! LOL! I can't wait! Once again, you have me very pumped up for Friday! Thank you again so much for putting up with us Alice and posting wonderful snippets of information for those of us in need since we're all running a little dry from the hiatus.
"These are not cuddly creatures, that's for sure."
That's all I wanted to hear. Now I can rest easy till Friday.
I'm glad to hear there are some great brotherly moments to look forward to. I'm glad real Sam is back and that Dean is more like his old self. Yay!
It was mentioned in the official CW summary for this episode that Dean has to "prove he's worthy" to slay the dragon -- so I hope he at least is able to do that? Even though I'm discouraged by the lack of a real storyline for Dean this season, it would be great if the show just threw him a little bone now and then, you know? So it would be great if the show actually told us that "yeah, Dean IS worthy." *fingers crossed*
Anyway, thanks again Alice.
But there is one problem here. I am jelous. Wish Friday would be here already. Well for me actually Saturday morning. There is one thing missing here. Something we miss in the cbox too. A green smile that expresses our jelousy.
And there is one more thing. Was able to read the article earlier and I wanted to leave a comment immidiatly (would have been the third comment to this) but then suddenly I was cut off and everytime I tried to get back on I got an error message for the WFB. Reason given the server of WFB is too busy (well something to that account). Took me until now to manage to get back on.
The preview/spoiler s are very much so worth it.
I'm dying right now as I wait for Friday. Dyinnngg!!!
I'm actually glad that my shift at work got canceled tonight. I doubt I'd have done a good job tonight when in two days Supernatural is back!
I already have a plan. My friend and I will be getting together to watch the episode, and afterward I'm going to discuss it with another friend. It'll be party night for me, that's for sure!
Besides the cbox seems to be working fine which seems funny to me that the server only acts up on articles.
I can't believe I won't be able to watch until Sunday! Stupid real life! At least I have your spoilers to fantasize about until then!
I read that, they changed the title to "How To Train Your Dragon".
PEOPLE, SUPERNATURAL RETURNS THIS WEEK.
Only one question (2 parts) ... I noticed in the preview clip where Sam is still unconscious that he is hooked to IV fluids in the panic room. How long is Sam out before Castiel is called to do the soul cavity search? How long is he still out after Cas leaves Dean in the basement after he says his "if you wanted to kill your brother ..." line?
See, I'm being good, not asking for anything super spoilery, although I love spoilers
Thankyou soooooooooooooo ooo much for those spoilers
Can't wait to see the scene of Sam and Dean and the puppy dog eyes sniffle goooooood times
After reading a comment reply..... oh my gosh we get a hug i'm literally about to explode from happiness these spoilers have made my day i cannot wait for friday
THANKYOU !
I couldn't stand it if the father figure didn't like Sammy anymore...
Am I the only one that's just thoroughly amused by a pissed off Castiel? He's like an angry kitten with the boys, even if he is a badass angel.
Wait -- think I might have a coherent comment --- nope!
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! I love my show.
LOVE. IT.
I could give a rats ass how Bobby feels about Sam, the writers did a wonderful job of making me hate him, so again the fact Bobby thought he knew best and kept Sam's being alive a secret for over a year, still isn't an issue that will ever be dealt with smfh. I hope Sam pulls his head out of his ass, and tell Bobby that he was wrong and that HE'S not going to forgive him for that. Here's a wonderful idea for character development, how about the Winchester Brothers quite listen to daddy figures, and make their own decisions with their lives. Eh hopefully you're correct and the show is going to get it's heart and soul back, I think I'll have to wait it out a little before I decide to start watching again, which really irks me to say!
Can it be Friday now?
It will be so good to see the 'real' Sam again...I missed him!
I am soooo excited about this episode and I can't wait. Only a few days for us European online-viewers. Yay! I missed the show. I missed the excitement!
What could be more mythological than a dragon, and if the initial title really was How To Train Your Dragon, well, I hope it's funny that way. But I can imagine the dragon not being that cuddly as the one in the film, sniff.
I love spoilers. When I go to the movies I avoid them, but with this show I love them. Strange mind, mine.
Thanks so much, Alice. Note to self: keep KLeenex at hand.
:-), Jas
I'm on the west coast, don't know if I can wait till 9pm. Anyone have a good livestream link I can hop on on Friday night?
Counting down the minutes. Friday night, here we come!!!!!
Classic Areosmith, brotherly talk in the Impala Dean back to his old self, Sam not getting outright crazy with his soul back, Bobby and Cas and espcially no Lisa.....I can't help it, but that sounds just great.
I can't wait to see how they animated that dragon, and to learn the reason why dragons are back.
One question: I write on Supernatural Legend Forum, an italian discussion board, so I was wondering if I could post the link to this article and a bit of translation of its spoilery part, beccause the italian fans too are getting crazy to know about the new episode (and we have to wait until the streaming come up...)
I read elsewhere another critic said that this episode was already on their list of favourites ever, and that they thought one scene was the funniest thing Jensen has ever done on the show.
Roll on Saturday, it has been far too long and I need my fix NOW
Sorry, Death is not in this one. If he was scheduled, he didn't make the final cut.
I'm so excited - misty brotherly hugs, swords, our heroic boys "back in the saddle again" LMAO - I'm so freaking READY for tomorrow - let's see here:
1. Got my "devils food cake" ready - check
2. Kleenex - check
3. Holy Water Beer - rats all out
Off to Sioux Falls for a beer run : merrily waves :
Thanks for the spoilage Alice you rock as usual!
This episode sounds amazing!!!!
I tried to stay away from this spoiler, I really did, but I grew weak.
Damn these long hiatus’s.
Well at least I haven’t seen any of the video’s..Yet: -?
Enjoy the site and the articles you will find here.
Sending warm greetings to ever green Eire!
CHeers, Jas
Will this not also now affect scheduling for the next few months ie will there be less episodes shown before the next break etc?
We'd better get preview clips out the wahzoo for the next week in reparation for this...
Chelsy20! Dia duit. Oh my God, it’s good to know I’m not the only one. This is what Adam must have felt like when he met Eve! You know, now that there are two viewers in (possibly the whole of) Ireland, we should totally march on Dáil Éireann and demand SPN be shown on RTE....
IT'S ( nearly ... next bloody Friday, pah. ) BACK! IT HAS ALLIGATORS! ( well, dragons, but they're still reptily-sort-of -critters, right? )AND BIG SWORDS AND STUFF! ( probably swords, anyway, as I'm pretty sure salting and burning a dragon's a bit futile ... ) HURRAH!
I feel better now. I'll get my coat.
Since you're so much luckier than me, I just want to ask you a little question. I've got tons of expectations about the scene when Sam wakes up, I mean, as a really special brotherly moment. Without giving up too many details, is my expectation justified?
I know that Bobby will feel quite uneasy about being around Sam which is perfectly understandable (knife, throat etc...) I imagine, thought, he’d also carry a fair amount of guilt. Sam came to him over 16 months ago, sans soul, and Bobby didn’t notice. He didn’t tell Dean Sam was back and had he done so, Dean would definitely have tracked Sam down. Dean would have noticed the difference in Sam a hell of a lot earlier and the odds are the soul wouldn’t have spent as much time in hell. So I imagine this is playing a wee bit on Bobby’s mind as well.
Poor auld Bobby.
I watched the spoiler clip and when I saw you wrote this I had to read it.
Now I wanna see it more!
I just wanted to say that it looks like a really promising episode and that I CAN'T wait to see it.
Plus, SUPERNATURAL and HARRY POTTER together? that's just awesome, even if it's just a reference. I read the first book of HP when I was 6, now I'm 15 and I love that thing. And an extra is that the first SPN episode that I ever watched I watched the day I finish reading the last HP book, so to my it was like the end of an amazing adventure and the beginning of another one.My two favorite fictional things in the world together, how nice?. You should finish reading those books, they are really outstanding, specially the last one.
Thanks, Alice you had give me something to look forward to Friday even more.
OH! I got all misty too! Great moment! just great!! and great show! damn that CW for making us wait!