The dreamy Winchester Brothers (Jensen Ackles, l, and Jared Padalecki) of Supernatural
Midway through the eighth season of the CW thriller Supernatural, our favorite Winchester brothers, Dean and Sam (played by Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki, both of whom broke the top 10 on 2012 AfterElton Hot 100 list) are still fighting off evil demons, corrupt angels and the occasional visit to hell and/or purgatory. All without their perfect faces and hair getting too messy.
The show brought in a new showrunner, Jeremy Carver, for Season 8. We've gathered some great online TV critics to weigh in on how things are going. Do we need more Benny and Kevin? What about a Castiel spin-off (starring another Hot 100 regular, Misha Collins)? And, of course, whether this should be the final season or if there’s still plenty of life left in the show.
Our Roundtable includes Laura Prudom (Associate Editor, Huffington Post TV), Matt Fowler (Writer/Critic, IGN.com), Clarissa Rocco (Managing Editor, TV Overmind), Danielle Turchiano (Entertainment Reporter,LA Examiner) and Vini Bhatt (Supernatural Recapper, AfterElton).
Executive Producer Jeremy Carver took over steering the ship this season. Overall, has he done more right or more wrong?
Laura Prudom: I love what Carver has done with Season 8 so far -- he's placed a real emphasis on characterization over "Monster of the Week" standalones; he's declared that he wants to help Sam and Dean find their way to a more mature relationship (and has laid the groundwork to do so). He's also started to repopulate the Winchesters' world with fascinating recurring characters, like Benny. I'm excited to see where he takes the show next.
Matt Fowler: I would say more right than wrong, albeit this is a challenging show to be molding eight seasons deep. Despite the supporting crew, this is a two man show, and there's only so many times the brothers can argue and abandon one another. So I would say that the "wrong" for this show was continuing it on past its prime. Season 8, however, is still better than Leviathans or Soulless Sam.
Vini Bhatt: I did have high hopes for this season, especially after the mindblowing first episode. But the season has gone consistently downhill since then. The stories (both episode-wise and the whole arc) have started becoming more juvenile and melodramatic. The Sam-Amelia track seems too forced, too convoluted, while Cas’ role feels half-hearted at best. Now the newest track – “angels are programmed and mind-controlled by Naomi” – seems like something out of a low budget Sci-Fi movie from the 90s. Overall, it lacks the heart that once made Supernatural...Supernatural.
In tonight's episode, Felicia Day returns to try to out-pretty the boys. Good luck, Lady!
Demon tablets. Angel tablets. Too many tablet stories?
Matt Fowler: The idea of a tablet is fine. The idea of a second tablet though? As a big reveal? Not so impressive . Especially since the Angel tablet holds the secret to, I assume, cutting off ties with the angels. Which I don't think anyone would shed a tear over considering how much they've been portrayed as cold, directive-driven jerkwads. So I hope they come up with higher stakes/different loophole for the angel tablet.
Clarissa Rocco: I’m enjoying this tablet story because, unlike the past two seasons, this arc feels like it could build to something final and series-ending one day (much like the Apocalypse could have back in the day). I’ll admit that the existence of an Angel Tablet was predicted long ago, but what I’m most curious about is what other kind of tablets exist (Other monsters? Spirits? Humans?) and what they can accomplish.
Danielle Turchiano: You can't have demon tablets without angel tablets. For every evil, there must be good-- even if only to understand evil. So it seemed to be a given that the angel tablets were going to become a part of the story. I was a little surprised it took so long for the show to actually admit their existence, because let's face it, there's still a long way to go to figure out exactly what they say and what can be done about them. The real question for me is whether or not there are even more tablets out there, like dare I say, one for humans? Not to get on a soapbox, but people have polluted and corrupted in lesser ways than actual demons, but still in ways that might need to be controlled.
Castiel is obviously being controlled by Naomi. Any guesses what her agenda might be?
Laura Prudom: It now seems likely that her agenda has something to do with the tablets, and whatever angelic vulnerabilities might be revealed through those writings. I'm also predicting an instance where she orders Castiel to kill the Winchesters, which I'm hoping will lead to another Cas rebellion and a demonstration of free will over predetermined fate.
Clarissa Rocco: I’m inclined to believe that Naomi wants to do everything in her power to protect the Angel Tablet so that the angels are free to roam the world. And maybe she wants to get her hands on the Demon Tablet in order to lock the demons in Hell, but that seems a bit simplistic for someone so mysterious. It’s clear Naomi and her cohorts have some sort of larger agenda, and I have no other guesses as to what it might be.
Danielle Turchiano: I think after the ordeal with Samandriel it's obvious Naomi is after the angel tablet. But if I had to guess on the why, I'd say she's not actually acting on behalf of heaven at all. Instead, she's got her own, probably selfish, agenda.
Romance gets poo-poo'd but we're all for Dean getting his hump on every so often, right?
A lot of this season has involved Benny and Kevin. Do you want to see more of them or would it be better letting their parts of the show conclude?
Laura Prudom: I think Benny is a fascinatingly layered character whose dilemmas have already mirrored those of Sam, Dean and Castiel this season. (His struggles with his darker, natural impulses vs. his desire to be human and live a quiet life, for example.) So I hope he sticks around and is allowed to develop into another reliable supporting player. I also love Kevin (although I can only deal with his mother in small doses). Kevin's own reluctant struggle to put the needs of the many ahead of his own happiness means that he fits in well with the rest of Team Free Will.
Matt Fowler: I feel like Benny's story will conclude tragically while Kevin's will continue on. He might vanish from the show once this arc is over, but I don't think, considering what he's already been through, he'll end up with a sad ending. I like seeing these extra players if only to break up the eight year long spat between the Winchester brothers. And with the new characters usually comes humor, like DJ Qualls' Garth or Felicia Day's Charlie. But to answer the question more directly, I feel Benny's story will end, and in turn mark the cathartic end of Dean's experience/trauma in Purgatory.
Danielle Turchiano: I think Kevin is the character that actually has a semi-decent sized arc left in him, and Benny really just needs another appearance or two to really give his character closure. Kevin has been holed up, so obsessively working on dissecting the tablets, he has become completely consumed with his destiny as a prophet. It has affected his life and his relationships. He even sent his mother away for her own safety. Obviously, he has a lot to do with those tablets before this fight is over, but I would love to see the boys step in and help him at least find his way back to his mother and Garth. They have always been so alone in their own mission, and it's always been to their detriment. It doesn't have to be that way for Kevin.
Romantic interests are always a challenge with fans. (Even when we get naked Padalecki in a bed scene). Would you like to see Sam end up with Amelia? Or is Amelia gone for good?
Matt Fowler: I don't want to see Sam settle down, but I think that it was important, this season, to circle back to Sam from Season 1 - as the brother who didn't want to hunt. I think it's good to emphasize the differences between Sam and Dean. That being said, neither Sam nor Dean can end up with anyone, or settle down into attempted complacency, until the series ends. And even then, it will probably be Sam and not Dean.
Clarissa Rocco: I’ve said this many times, but I don’t really believe that romance has a place on Supernatural. While I have liked some real and potential romantic interests on this show (like Jess, Madison and Lisa), I just don’t think they have a permanent place in the overall story. This is not a soap opera or a teen drama, this is a show about two brothers who are on a quest. Short relationships along the way are okay, but not genuine ones...but obviously any excuse to get the boys out of their shirts for an episode is good. So bring on the one-night stands!
Vini Bhatt: Romantic interests are a complete no-no as far as Supernatural verse is concerned. It’s not just fans, it seems the writers actually have no idea what to do with them after they are introduced. Be it Lisa for Dean or Amelia for Sam, they have just succeeded in mucking up the storyline and alienating the fandom. For me, at least, keeping the final moments of the latest episode in mind, Amelia storyline is done for good.
"You mention buzz cut one more time, friend, and you're a goner."
Do you think the show works better when Sam and Dean are together or apart?
Laura Prudom: The brotherly bond has always been and should always be the heart of the show, and that dysfunctional-yet-supportive relationship is what hooked many of us in the first place. That being said, Sam and Dean haven't been on the same page in terms of their goals or desires for a few seasons now (pretty much since Dean went to hell) so I'm glad to see Jeremy Carver working to slowly repair their bond. It's a long road, and right now, both brothers could probably use their space, but in the end, this is a family story and I'm rooting to see Sam and Dean actively enjoying being a team and feeling satisfied by their work again.
Matt Fowler: I suppose it depends on what's made them come apart. At this point, with Sam giving up on reconnecting with Amelia, I hope there are no more splits due to arguing. This year, anyhow. Still though, I like side adventures and seeing the guys paired up with new faces. But that can be done without a big blowout.
Clarissa Rocco: Together. I understand the need and dramatic impact of strife between the brothers, but it’s hard not to root for their close bond after watching this show for all these years. Seeing them at odds is difficult, because you know how much they love each other, and it becomes frustrating when a lot of their problems are a result of their terrible communication skills. Still, even when there’s tension I would want them to be together more than apart. They’re a team.
Danielle Turchiano: Like with the demons/angels and the yin and the yang, Sam and Dean are two sides of the same coin (to lesser extremes, of course). They balance each other out and each brings something to their fights that the other just can't do alone. Therefore, things are always better when they're together. That being said, though, it is always most interesting when they are physically together but still somewhat emotionally distant. That kind of tension adds for fantastic colors in the guys' performances.
Vini Bhatt: It’s actually a difficult question, but the answer is both. There is no doubt that Dean is a much more efficient Hunter by himself. Without Sam he just turns into a mindless killing machine - as was evidenced during his Hell stint or in Purgatory. And while Sam is a way better fighter than Dean by himself, he’s just that. A highly lethal weapon in the hands of whoever’s controlling him, be it Ruby in season 4 or Samuel Campbell during season 6. As Dean once eloquently put it, “They need each other to stay human.”
Should Castiel (and Misha Collins) have his own spin-off? Or would that be a horrible idea?
Laura Prudom: Castiel has been one of the show's very best creations, and he continues to be a compelling and surprisingly touching character, especially in his love for humanity. I'd happily watch our dorky angel sitting and interrogating a cat for 22 episodes a year, but if The CW did develop a spinoff, I would only want it as long as Cas could continue popping over to Supernatural to impart wisdom/hilarious one-liners and help out the boys on a regular basis, like in the early days of Buffy/Angel while both were on The WB. Misha Collins is certainly strong enough to carry his own show.
Matt Fowler: I think Supernatural is filled with great, crowd-pleasing characters, but I think it would be a mistake to give any of them, including Cas, his own series. In a "best case scenario," they give Cas the supporting team of Kevin, Garth and Charlie (or any combination therin) and it becomes a new Angel. But more often than not, these projects tend to fizzle and fade.
Danielle Turchiano: I could always go for more Castiel, but in this case, I would say web shorts, rather than full-on spin-off. I'm not nearly as interested in the majority of angels the way I am with Castiel, and a spin-off would imply a deeper look at the angels. He's a hilarious, fascinating character, but I like him best when he's trying to figure things out on Earth, being manipulated and not realizing it or not.
Vini Bhatt: *ponders a bit* Actually a Cas spin-off by itself could be a decent idea, but again there would be a “been there, done that” air to it. So, no. But I wouldn’t be averse to seeing more of Misha Collins on my TV screen!
"I'm on the AfterElton Hot 100 list. Shouldn't I also get my own show?"
Supernatural is currently in its 8th season. Does the show have life in it for a few more? Or is it better to end the demon hunting for good?
Matt Fowler: Time to wrap it up. I'm assuming, story-wise, the show will stick around for a ninth year, but let's end it there. Ever since Season 5, it's been one long wait for God to appear and the final arc to begin. And that's partially the reason for Seasons 6 and 7 feeling rather less-than, from an endgame standpoint. The character of God was the next step after Season 5, but it all got sidelined in favor of extra innings. There have been some good moments over the past few years, but it can't be denied that the show, like most shows in later seasons, has been jogging in place.
Clarissa Rocco: I’m not good at letting anything I like go, so I think the show still has a few more seasons left in it. I also think that Jeremy Carver deserves a few more seasons to prove himself as the new showrunner, and I’m eager to see if he has an ultimate vision for the show that can continue through season 9 or 10.
Vini Bhatt: At the risk of sounding like a grouchy old fart, I think Supernatural has overstayed it welcome. Though it was once a loved and cherished series, right until the end of Season 5, the series has consistently gone downhill since. I don’t have complaints about Sera Gamble or Jeremy Carver’s prowess like most of the fandom. For me, personally, it’s because of the “now, what?” question.
Bonus: You’re on a sinking ship and can save Dean or Sam but not both. Who do you choose? (I know...I'm evil but Crowley made me do it!)
Laura Prudom: Either one of them would never forgive me for not saving the other, so it's a total lose/lose -- I'd throw myself overboard to escape their wrath!
Matt Fowler: Dean. Because I don't even know what kind music Sam likes. Or worse, he could be one of those people that has no preference at all when it comes to music. Those people are terrible.
Clarissa Rocco: Dean. Because there’s less of a chance that I’ll drown keeping Dean afloat than Sam. That guy is huge!
Danielle Turchiano: Dean. Look, he was the angels' choice, and who am I to say I know better than angels?
Vini Bhatt: Actually at this point, I’d sit on a Tropical Beach with Crowley drinking one of those large colourful drinks and watch the show. *laughs* But if I had to choose someone, well… Dean. I don’t care much for sculpted boys like Sam. Besides, with Dean there’s always a bonus of blue-eyed supernatural men hanging around and calling on him at ungodly hours :)
Supernatural airs Wednesdays at 9pm after Arrow on the CW.
