Review: Supernatural 'The Great Escapist'

I am not only saying this because I am a diehard Supernatural (and I know I say this week in, week out), but this week's The Great Escapist is another solid episode. It challenges me, you know. It is one of those episodes that gets me thinking! Last week, I used the words 'sweet' and 'adorable' to describe Pac Man Fever. My word choice for this week's episode is: clever. Not only The Great Escapist is a clever episode, most of our characters have a clever moment or two. There are multiple arcs in this episode, so let's get to it in a logical order, or whatever.

So, the episode started with Kevin in a replica of Garth's safe boat. The Crowley film crew had the prophet under surveillance in the spirit of the Truman Show. I just love how Crowley paid attention to details about his demon's performance as fakeDean and fakeSam. He couldn't risk of erasing the wrong part of Kevin's brain. I thought that was really clever of him to put Kevin under surveillance and let things unfold. I knew Kevin wasn't dead when he told Dean and Sam otherwise in the video. Kevin has a crouching tiger hidden dragon thing going on with him. It's a set of survival skill he's been gaining ever since he became a prophet. And because this prophet wasn't being protected after by an archangel, he has to look after himself. Kevin knows about casting a spell and how to make demon bombs. He is a little clever vegemite, well, he is in advance placement! He can fight demons with a Potato Gun Mark II if he wants to!

Kevin used his tech skills to send Dean and Sam a message and all the files. I thought that was so cool! Kevin has been more busy than we realise! While he was at the replica of the safe boat, I think he was just messing with Crowley, making a statement -- "screw you!" The fakeSam and fakeDean thing was brilliant! If I asked for all these food and I get them without any problems, I know my sisters are demons! I am in agreement with Dean when he said they should have moved Kevin to the MoL bunker sooner! Like… HELLO? The MoL bunker needed to become CTU or Watch Tower like.. NOW!

Kevin prepared to die and he was OK with that? Ah!! Poor guy! Turned out, Kevin was saved by the angel Metatron. I thought this Kevin arc in The Great Escapist is so cleverly written and planned. Kudos to the great Ben Edlund! This is probably Osric Chau's best episode in my opinion. His performance has been so consistent and he totally owns the role! So, where is Kevin now? He is probably reading Shakespeare or Iron Man comic to Metatron. Assuming he survives this season, what role will Kevin play in season nine? Will he go back to his old life, his mother and go to college? If he becomes the president, wow, he will be like Lincoln the Vampire Hunter? Or will he move into the MoL bunker and continue to help the Winchesters? But Kevin always wanted to just get this tablet things over and done with and move on. But will he get what he wants?

Am I the only one who is listening to the Spanish Flea right now?

So, King Crowley has brought his A game. He is full of surprises! Put him in the Westeros and the seven kingdom will crumble within a day. The whole Truman Show idea was brilliant! Too bad it didn't turn out quite perfectly for him. Crowley worked smart! I was actually surprised he showed up and 'helped' Castiel. OK, he didn't really help but... glad he showed up to get his hands on the angel tablet. It's 1-1 between Crowley and Naomi. What about Crowley's newest creation? His R&D team melted the angel blade and turned it into bullets. OMG! That's so Samuel Colt! The third trial is revealed -- to save a demon. Who will it be? Am I the only one who thinks this demon will be Crowley? Read Jeremy Carver's interview! Of course, if it was up to me and if Meg is still alive, it would also make sense to save her.

A big shout out to 'Kara' the waitress at the Biggerson's. 

Castiel used a clever tactic, trapping himself in a quantum super position. (Quantum -- that's just so SG1 talk!) Even the Biggerson's got a nice call back! This must be like the tenth appearance of Biggerson's? Awesome! Castiel was smart to hide the angle table inside his body, but Crowley was smarter in working out the hiding place! That was awesome! Painful to watch, but awesome! So, there was a bit of an insight into Castiel's past -- Egypt and how many times Naomi has reprogrammed him. Castiel had never done what he was told. Good on him! Castiel wasn't afraid -- "In the words of a good friend, BITE ME!" Naomi said Castiel never do what he was told and he didn't even die properly every time. Do you think Castiel is special or something? May be Castiel is Mark 42?

The A&F model, Ion, didn't help Castiel. Oh well, his hair gel and nice suit were wasted anyway. 

Metatron couldn't have a better introduction. My immediate reaction is that, I like this guy! He reminded me of Gabriel. Gabriel loved family, he cared about his brothers and father. He couldn't stand the fighting, so he left and went into hiding as a demigod. Metatron left because he didn't want to help the archangels by providing them the word of God. Without God's word, the angels couldn't pull a massive operation to take over the universe. Metatron didn't stick around to help. But upon Metatron's departure, the angels still managed to start the apocalypse! I thought, OK, there is NO WAY Metatron didn't know about that, right? Then I thought, if the apocalypse happened, he'd know. But it didn't because Sam and Dean stopped it!  

If you know about Metatron in the Bible, you'd know about his Twin Brother, Sandalphon. Just saying!! Shawn and Arron Ashmore could've played the role! Or Nina Dobrov.
 
"We are the friggin Winchesters!" -- Metatron is like WHO? He didn't seem to care, he was being very careful (not careful enough, the Winchesters found him!) Metatron claimed that he didn't know about anything. He has been 'entertained' by books and stories, while his father's creation was in the toilet. The monologue by Metatron about stories and people almost have a tone of sarcasm. It's like 'this is what you naked apes do with free will'. If he read Victor Hugo's Les Miserable, he must be wondering, all that for a loaf of bread? 

Which brings this review to God. So, God was worried what may happen to his work after he left. The tablets are for safety, if things go crap, these tablets provide instructions to close the gate of Heaven and Hell. Perhaps it was about God's experiential projects -- which project will be successful -- angels or humans or monsters? God created an army of angels with divine power, and they must be programmed to obey because they are so powerful. With monsters like Leviathans, perhaps it was an experiment that went wrong from the get-go, that's why God put them in Purgatory. Lucifer created demons, and wanted to take over earth and destroyed the one thing he hated the most -- human. God created human because perhaps he wanted to put free will to the test. People are the variables. Human are free to make their own choices, they have to decide what's right and wrong. I think God put a lot of faith in human -- he didn't give the angels the option! But when the archangels have freedom to make their own decision, they started the apocalypse. Danger! Danger! It always comes back to free will. Many of the choices have been made by the Winchesters to save their family, the world and innocent people, and they are about to make another very important decision. 

Which brought me to the Winchesters. Yeah, like I've forgotten about them! Sam was as sick as a dog. It was heart breaking to see Sam's 'flu' got really fugly. Like, the giant could barely walk! Poor guy! I mentioned in my last review that the more I watched Sam this season, the more I realised how much crap he's been through in his head, and the more I understood why he wanted a normal life. It totally seems logical to have Sam to do the trials relating to the demon tablet and closing the gate of hell. These trials are giving him pain, but they are also purifying him. These trials mean to much to Sam. It's not about how the writers position Sam in the story as the 'oh Sam is not the better brother and he has to prove himself' blah blah blah. It isn't about the writer's perspective, it isn't about what the writers want, subjectively. It's about Sam's perspective within the story -- he needs to do the trials, it feels right to do it, it helps him. This is almost like his constant. 

At the end of the day, saving the world isn't the motivation in season eight. Sam will get better when the trial is completed. That's the major motivation for Dean (and Sam). This season started off with Dean returning from Purgatory, Sam returning from his gap year, there were some trust issues etc. But when the trials were in the picture, things got more personal. It almost felt like the brothers needed the trials to remind themselves (and fans) how important they are to each other as brothers. Things got a little out of hand sometimes and something big needed to happen to reconnect the brothers and the family again. 

Different episodes give us insights into the brothers and their motivation, showing us different perspectives. The writers put the brothers into different situations, interacting with people and monsters. From these events and the choices that they've made, we see what the brothers are made of. I think season eight has been very good from this point of view. It's actually more focused than we realise. It's not something that can be easily told in just one episode. Once things got personal, it all makes sense. The story telling has been top notch this season.

Dean is worried sick about Sam. He can't help it! Get over it! It's in Dean's big brother DNA -- Dean has no problems with doing the laundry and cooking for the 'little big man', reading comic books to Sam, going to hell for Sam, sacrificing for Sam. Dean simply cannot help it! That's him. That's what he does! Dean is selfless. Taking care of Sam is like breathing air to Dean. Metatron gave Dean the heads up in the dialogue with Dean about sacrifice and choices. Dean has to know if Metatron is going to help or not. There is no faffing around. No matter what the situation is, Dean will always make sure little brother is safe first. I won't be surprised if Dean sacrifices again for Sam. Or may be everyone will sacrifice something in order to get this trial done. It's logical that if Sam is connected to the demon tablet, Dean is connected to the angel tablet. That may be the storyarc for season nine. But I think there will be a big cliffhanger at the end of the season. 

Overall, the episode was pretty epic. I really enjoyed it. Though, I thought the editing was a little choppy, like mainstream chopping. That's what big shows do sometimes. But I can live with that. I can really feel that an end is near, because the story is being wrapped up nicely, unlike the previous two seasons in which the story was dragging a little. I do like the multiple arcs in The Great Escapist -- everyone has a mission, everyone has a battle to fight and everyone has their own motivation. But everything will come back to the same point -- the Winchesters. In Metatron's word, when one creates a story, that person becomes a god. (Yeah Ben Edlund! No one will argue with you! You're a god with a cool hairdo.) It's about choices and consequences. Everything just feels bigger and more epic all of a sudden!

8.22 Clip Show

FAMILIAR FACES RETURN AS THE THIRD TRIAL NEARS — Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) reunite with Castiel (Misha Collins). Digging through the Men of Letters’ files, they stumble upon an undiscovered film which could be the key to the third trial. Metatron (guest star Curtis Armstrong) enlists Cass to mull over problems at home. Meanwhile, Crowley (guest star Mark Sheppard) digs into Sam and Dean’s past. Taylor Cole, Graham Wardle, and Cindy Busby also guest star. Thomas J. Wright directed the episode written by Andrew Dabb.

Spoiler Pics: Supernatural's New Angel, Metatron

This is what I've been waiting for. YES! I'll reserve my thoughts and stuff when I know more about the new angel, Metatron. There has been a report about the possibility of Metatron being a recurring character in season nine. I am very interested in seeing this new angel. Very! He will appear in episodes 8.21, 8.22 and 8.23. This better be awesome!

Ben Edlund is very great at creating and writing many things. One of the things he is good at is to set the pace and story for future episodes. He is very good at keeping existing elements but he is also very good at adding bits and pieces that will serve a greater good in the near future. Example: Season seven's Reading Is Fundamental. This episode has single-handedly paved the way for future seasons. His writing is very skillful and I for one would love to live inside his brain for one day.

Anyway, TVLine has released some photos of the episode 8.21 The Great Escapist, which airs on May 1. 

FEELING LUCKY TONIGHT? — When Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) receive a distressing video message from Kevin Tran (guest star Osric Chau), they set about trying to uncover the Third Trial. The boys make a discovery that sends them to a casino in Colorado, to find a mysterious recluse (guest star Curtis Armstrong) who may be able to fill in the holes in Kevin’s research. Meanwhile, Crowley (guest star Mark Sheppard) is on a winning streak. Castiel (Misha Collins) tries to elude Naomi (guest star Amanda Tapping) and the angels hunting him. Robert Duncan McNeill directed the episode written by Ben Edlund. Source: KSiteTV

Supernatural 'Everybody Hates Hitler' Episode Description

Ben Edlund writes! 

Here is the episode description of episode 8.13 Everybody Hates Hitler.

SAM AND DEAN FACE OFF AGAINST A GOLEM — Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) investigate the death of Rabbi Bass (guest star Hal Linden, “Barney Miller”), who spontaneously combusted. The case becomes ever more confusing when they learn that the Rabbi was researching Nazi Necromancers. Sam and Dean are attacked by a Golem (guest star John DeSantis) who turns out to belong to the Rabbi’s grandson, Aaron (Adam Rose). The key to the case lies with the Golem but Aaron doesn’t know how to control him, which leaves everyone in danger. Phil Sgriccia directed the episode written by Bed Edlund. Source: KSiteTV

Finally we are doing a Jewish folklord. The description doesn't really tell me what kind of episode this will be. But Edlund wrote this! I can't wait!!

Review: Supernatural 'Blood Brother'

Review -- Supernatural episode 8.05 Blood Brother

Blood Brother is written and directed by my dream team -- a Ben Edlund script directed by Guy Bee. After last week's forgettable episode but nevertheless a good effort in thinking outside the square, I am very satisfied with great characterisation, great dialogues, great performance and great flashback in Blood Brother. 

Blood Brother is different from other Supernatural episodes in many ways. We don't usually get a monster-centric episode that is character driven like Blood Brother. The way Benny  is written and constructed is so different from other monsters. Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think we have ever seen a vampire or a monster on the show that is like Benny. Supernatural has many monsters/ supernatural personalities in the past that we almost don't consider them as 'the bad guys' -- Lenore the vampire didn't want to kill; Molly in Road Kill didn't know she was a ghost; Mr and Mrs Stark in Shut Up Dr Phil were considered as the 'good' guys. I think what season eight is doing is to address humanity on a whole new level. When the humanity of a human, an angel and a vampire come together, what do you get? I don't know yet, but that's what this season is addressing, and I am loving it! The scene where Dean witnessing Benny helping Cas in purgatory is my favorite scene of Blood Brother.

Hunting monsters have been so black and white, it is the Winchesters family business. And it has been so black and white for the monsters too. As Dean said, "We want them dead, they want us dead." This is how the game is played. But things are more complicated now in comparison to earlier seasons -- the show has addressed the angel, Castiel, having 'too much heart', which has caused catastrophic disruptions in heaven, earth and purgatory. Death, one of the horsemen, helped Dean to kick Lucifer's ass back to hell. Through his motif and revenge, Benny is gaining new perspectives on his feelings, humanity and his identity as a monster. It seems to me that at the end of the episode, Benny has developed some sort of 'monster' depression. When he questioned if he was real, he was really confused about his feelings and identity. He is a monster but he is having all these feelings about Andrea, revenge and humanity, this is not normal for a monster! Dean saw the confusion and struggle in Benny's eyes, which caused him to question his own view on vampire like Benny who has a heart and believes in humanity. At this stage of the season, Dean has already accepted Benny as a 'friend' and his perspective will continue to develop throughout the season. This concept will definitely spark some heavy discussions for the brothers and fans. 

I know it is debatable that perhaps Benny is doing a 'Ruby' ("I remember what it was like to be human.") But I think Jeremy Carver is taking on a new direction. Perhaps we will see a monster turns good guy, this is something we haven't seen before on Supernatural. Ty
Olsson's performance as Benny is a winner! I love the accent and on screen personality he is bringing to the show. For a new guest star to have his own character centric episode, it is a great sign. Ty is exactly the kind of actor this episode needs in driving the character's emotion and struggle. I am convinced that Benny is a 'good guy'.

Is it just me or do you also want to see a spin-off based on all the purgatory flashback? I am loving it. I get why purgatory make strange bedfellows, as Jeremy Carver put it. Dean, Cas and Benny developed this strange bond during their time in purgatory. They had a common goal, they argued and they fought side by side. The Dean and Benny partnership really reminds me of the Sheppard and Todd partnership in Stargate Atlantis. In Stargate Atlantis, the odd 'partnership' between Sheppard and Todd developed throughout the series was super interesting, and it was one that I enjoyed very much, so much that I can have a Sheppard/Todd marathon! Todd was a wraith, an alien race that was the enemy of the human. Sheppard and Todd were held prisoners by the Genii (human 'bad' guys). Sheppard and Todd found a common goal and eventually helped each other to escape. They crossed path many times after that. Todd is a very cunning wraith, but he was different from others, he wanted to survive and he would work with the humans if that was what it took. At one point, Todd was considered somewhat an ally. 

Unlike Todd, Benny has more humanity in him, but it is the way two different races are brought together for a common goal and how partnership/ friendship is formed. Benny's motif is very clear, he needs to get back to the world and kill his maker. He is neither loyal nor care about his vampire nest. He is this vampire who wants revenge, he still thinks about this girl, he wants to survive, he wants to stay out of trouble by surviving on the AB+ blood packs. He wants meaning and finds connection, he still believes in humanity. Through the process of knowing Benny and working with him, Dean gains new perspectives, and he starts to see things differently, he no longer sees things black and white. This is very arguable from Sam's point of view, afterall Dean has always been the one who refuses to work with Ruby, Crowley and Meg, and killing Amy Pond was what Dean needed to do. With all the new perspectives and complication, Dean needs to remind himself that if a monster is caught killing people, Dean will hunt them down. I think that's why Dean makes the point very clearly to Benny to keep his nose clean, because Dean wouldn't want to kill Benny, who he considers him as a 'friend'. Perhaps we will get to see this friendship being tested later on.

Dean has this thing about Sam not looking for him. In We Need To Talk About Kevin, Dean was upset that Sam didn't even know where Dean had disappeared to. Sam had a break down and left hunting. Dean could get over the fact that Sam didn't look for him because afterall he is here, he is alive, he is hunting with his brother, let's move on. But as fans, we know that's not the end of it, it will boil over. Based on the promo of next week's episode, Southern Comfort, Dean said to Sam "You left me to die for a girl?" Dean is going to explode!! All these are materials for the never-ending discussions -- is Sam wrong for not looking for Dean? Should he has known, would be still pursuit a normal life and happiness? And because Dean was on his own in purgatory, monsters is the only game in town, can Sam really blame his older brother for calling a vampire his friend? This will never end, especially on fans forums. 

I was very happy to see Cas in this episode. I think his air time in season eight has been really well used so far. I love seeing Dean and Cas in a unfamiliar territory, fighting and surviving like never before. It is a very fresh thing we are seeing on Supernatural, and I think Benny is adding something really awesome to the show. I really love the chemistry between these three characters. I love how commanding Dean is, with him calling the shots like a Colonel. He is so hot when he is in charge and so bossy like this! Sorry.. you know I can't help it. When Cas and Benny have disagreement, Dean holds the partnership together, and I think he will continue to do so as things continue to develop outside of purgatory. Now that Sam has met Benny, I am very interested to see what he has to say to Dean about Benny and how Dean will respond to Sam. I am also very interested to see the reunion of Cas and Benny. 

The only think that is a little odd to me is the Sam's flashback, which is edited and incorporated in strange spots throughout the episode. But having said that, I get it. I think it was done to compare and contrast -- Dean in purgatory is dark and intense; and Sam pursuing happiness is straight out from a chick flick. The contrast also paves way for emotional connection, and how their experience has changed the way they see life, monsters and friendship, creating new meanings to everything they know previously.
Season eight is pretty well planned so far, the main and sub plots are revealed to us in stages, we are not too overwhelmed by the volume of content. So far we have seen Dean back from purgatory; Kevin, Crowley and the tablets; Sam's gap year to pursue happiness; Benny's motif...The only thing that needs to be introduced and addressed is the return of the angels and Castiel. This should complete stage one of season eight. We will probably get a filler episode or two before we move on to stage two and see how all the pieces coming together.

PS -- According to TV By The Numbers, Supernatural was the only show gaining ratings with 0.9/3 in the demo with 2.11 million viewer due to Halloweens and the Storm.

In next episode we will see the return of Garth. Yay!! Here is the episode description and promo for episode 8.06 Southern Comfort:

GARTH RETURNS TO HELP SAM AND DEAN ON A CASE — Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) investigate a murder and find Garth (guest star DJ Qualls) is already on the case.  Dean is not happy to learn that Garth has assumed Bobby’s duties, but Garth points out that both Sam and Dean have been missing for the last year and someone needed to do it. They guys discover an 'avenging ghost' is responsible for the murders and they need to find the source before the killings starts again. Tim Andrew directed the episode written by Adam Glass. Source: KSiteTV

Supernatural Official Season Eight Poster; Ben Edlund's 'Blood Brother' Description

Finally.. A brand new poster artwork for Supernatural. It's is interesting, VERY interesting to see Mr Crowley made it to the poster alongside with Castiel. This is the first time, a supernatural villain featured on the poster with Dean and Sam. Not once, not even YED, Dick and Lucifer were ever featured on the poster, so this is very very new and cool to me. 

I wish The CW/ WB can invest in a new photo shoot EVERY SEASON, rather than using the same photos they took a few years back. There are a lot of great fan-made posters, and surely The CW/ WB can do better than this. Just saying.

But I am happy, I am VERY happy to see Supernatural gets a new poster.. This is the least the network can do. 

Official Season Eight Poster Artwork. Source: KSiteTV

Here is another one, but I don't know if this is an official one or fan-made.

The description of 8.05 Blood Brother is released. I am excited!! Ben Edlund pens this episode. I worship and his hair. And Guy Bee directs this episode. OH MY GOD! Team AWESOME!!

BENNY CALLS DEAN FOR HELP — After Benny (Ty Olsson) gets brutally beat up by some vampires, he calls Dean (Jensen Ackles) for help. Dean abruptly packs up and tells a confused Sam (Jared Padalecki) that he’s taking a 'personal day'. Benny confesses that he’s going after his Maker (guest star Patrick Stafford) so Dean offers to help, flashing back on the many times Benny helped him and Castiel (Misha Collins) in Purgatory. Meanwhile, Sam (Jared Padalecki) uses his solo time to reflect on the life he left behind with Amelia (guest star Liane Balaban). However, when things go bad for Dean and Benny, Dean calls Sam for help, which makes everything very complicated. Guy Bee directed the episode written by Ben Edlund. Source: KSiteTV

New York Hotdog stands can wait, I will watch this episode rain or sunshine.

The Premiere Is Near - Supernatural

Two more sleeps to go until the season eight premiere of Supernatural and I am on lockdown. 

There was an advance screening for the press. Based on the tweets from those I follow on Twitter, their words are good! This will only get me more excited than ever and I really can't wait. I know I say this a lot, but I really cannot wait! 

I won't read any preview features and clips but KSite has a few tidbits which isn't too spoilers. I love the guys at KSite! Why? Because it is always great to get the guys perspective rather than the ladies.  

Miss me?

This is usually the time I revisit some of the stuff I blog earlier. Here is my five cents on what I expect from this season.

Is it Wednesday yet? The season premiere of Supernatural, We Need To Talk About Kevin, airs on Wednesday. WATCH IT! 

Supernatural Season Eight Premiere Preview Clip; Jensen Ackles Talks About Directing

The season premiere preview clip of Supernatural is floating on the internet everywhere! Which means, I am officially going into lockdown -- I will not watching any video clips to avoid spoilers. If you are brave and love spoilers, you can watch the preview clip here.

On another note, here is one of the season seven DVD features in which Jensen and other Supernatural directors talk about directing. HOT stuff! Ben Edlund is also in it. 

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE!

Source: EW

Comic Con - Supernatural panel round up; photos

"The strength of the show is the bond between the two brothers and their humanity." -- Jeremy Carver reminded fans what Supernatural is all about and this definition adds strength to the meaning of the 'brother dynamic'.

Supernatural packed Hall H on Sunday at Comic Con. New co-show runner Jeremy Carver was joined by Robert Singer, Ben Edlund, Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Misha Collins, Jim Beaver and Mark Shappard.

The panel kicked off with screaming fans screaming (including Jensen who went all fangirlie on Jarpad). Jarpad couldn't help to tweet a picture from where he was on stage. I love this panel.. it has got to be one of my favourites if not the favourite. Why? This is what was revealed to us during the panel:

Jeremy Carver hinted the major themes in season eight -- "Purgatory makes strange bedfellows." In the strangest hours, supernatural brings together our characters who might not usually be allies. The whole Raiders of the Lost Ark theme is continued to be intriguing. Dean and Sam will kick off the season on offense rather than waiting for things to happen. I love this angle, because it means, Dean and Sam will play Indiana Jones, they know what they are after, and they may not be in the dark as they were in season seven. Here is a plug to my previous post regarding my theories and wishlist.

While the Winchesters are in the centre of our universe, it looks like Crowley and Kevin are very much involved to drive the mythoarc this season. Everyone is looking for the same 'thing'. Jeremy won't tell us what this 'thing' is of course. But my guess (a very wild guess is...and you can't stop me...the Ark!) 'Crowley happens' when you don't pay attention and like I said on a number of occasions, there is still something we don't know about Crowley (like.. why haven't we seen his eyes turned yellow, black or read?). What about Castiel? Well.. he is having a beer and will return shortly. It's almost like he really needs beer after his not-so-bright years involving the Leviathans. But he is the Gandalf of Supernatural and he will continue to help the hobbits (who are really giants) on way or another. 

I am sensing the reunion of the brothers will be much better than season six when soullest Sam and semi-retired Dean reunited. Carver said "Each has gone a very separate way and they will each carry with them what happened in their summer away from each other. Well, it's more than a summer. The relationships that they've made in the time away from each other will be very important in their lives. They're going to have to come to terms, like any partnership, with dealing with new relationships in each others' lives." This is the second time Dean left Sam alone and went to another dimension -- Hell, and Dean returned with a bag of secrets and Dean's departure had a profound affect on Sam, who ended up with Ruby. Sam wasn't coping well at all. And the last time Sam went to Hell and left Dean alone with she-who-must-not-be-mention, Dean was out of place, the whole mysterious lane thing just didn't work for him. Both times, it tested their bond and challenged their strength and their role as big brother and little brother. I love the character stuff! 

I cannot describe how excited I am for season eight. I know it's a bit of a boy's club, and I do miss Sera (and Kripke) dearly. But it is what it is, and we have to move on. So.. I am super excited about how Dean and Sam will deal with the major arcs, bad big and I can't wait to find out what 'thing' our characters will be looking for in season eight. Also, I am sensing the return of Gabriel and Chuck.. they must return! Come on!

HOT HOT HOT photos are hot! ! I LOVE them. Hope you love them too.

When am I going to ever get a ninja episode? Ben? (Oh, your hair inspires me!)

Rob Benedict, Richard Speight Jr, Osric Chau, Sebastian Roach and writer Robbie Thompson were audiences during the panel to show their support. 

News and photo sources: WB, EW, Zap2It and other unknown sources from Twitter. Whoever you are, I love you. Thanks for sharing.

Until next year for season nine.. later Hall H!! You're been epic in biblical proportions.

Twitter: @jarpad

Oh.. and have we mentioned you will see a shirtless Jensen on the season seven DVD gag reel.. just a tiny little insignificant detail I guess.

[Update] Comic Con Reminder

[Sexy nerds, I have updated the below post, see orange. There are a few guest changes, main for the Game of Thrones panel. And also the Comic Con Goodie bags designs are out...check out the Supernatural one below. Not long to go!!!] 

Nerds, get ready for Comic Con 2012! Who is exciting? I am but too bad I am not going to be there. That means, I will be pretty much glued to Twitter to get the latest and the hottest from this year's event.

As a reminder, here are a list of panels that I'll be following in real-time:

At Comic Con

(In order of appearance)

Friday July 13 (12:30pm) -- Firefly 10-Year Anniversary

Guests: Joss Whedon, Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Sean Maher, and Summer Glau. (Ballroom 20)

Friday July 13 (2:45pm) -- Game of Thrones

Guests: Alfie Allen, Emilia Clarke, Michelle Fairley, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Richard Madden, *Rose Leslie, George R. R. Martin, and Carolyn Strauss (Hall H).

[*Update: Kit Harington and Lena Headey have unfortunately cancelled their appearance due to conflict of schedule. And Lord Snow has an injured ankle. Guess Ghost wasn't there to help. Rose Leslie (aka Ygritte) has been added to the panel. At least one Targaryen will be there.. and not one Lannister this year! You know they could bring Mamoa back..]

Friday July 13 (5:30pm) -- Joss Whedon 

Guest: The one and only, Mr Joss Whedon (Ballroom 20)

Saturday July 14 (11am) -- Once Upon a Time

Guests: Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Morrison, Josh Dallas, Lana Parilla, Emilie De Ravin, and Meghan Ory (Ballroom 20)

*NEW! Saturday July 14 (1:00pm) -- Misha Collins, Jim Beaver and Mark Sheppard (Channel Surfing, the IGN TV podcast)

Guests: Misha, Jim and Mark will join other guests for this special live recording podcast session, hosted by the very awesome Eric Goldman of IGN.

Saturday July 14 (2:30pm) -- Ben Edlund

Guest: The one and only, Mr Ben Edlund (Room 8)

Saturday July 14 (6pm) -- Revolution

Guests: Eric Kripke and stars Billy Burke, Giancarlo Esposito, Tracy Spiridakos, and J.D. Pardo for a screening and Q&A. (Room 6BCF)

Sunday July 15 (11:15am) -- Supernatural returns to Hall A!!

Guests: Join Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Misha Collins, Jim Beaver and Mark A. Sheppard, as well as new executive producer Jeremy Carver and consulting producer Ben Edlund for Q&A. Fans will also see an exclusive video presentation featuring series highlights, as well as a portion of the special features from the upcoming Supernatural: The Complete Seventh Season DVD and Blu-ray release. (Hall H)

(Meaning? We may not get to see any clips from the episode that is currently directed by Jensen. I think because of the season seven finale cliffhanger, it will be a little premature to show fans anything. I kinda like that.)

[Update: WB has revealed their shows' goodie bags.. I tell ya, I would love to have the Supernatural.. think they may sell it at Supernatural Conventions sometimes.. hummm. Damn you Supernatural for causing damages to my wallet!! See all WB designs here]



For a full schedule visit the official website of Comic Con.

 Off-Sites Panels -- Nerd HQ

The nerds are back! The Nerd Machine will host a number of off-site panels -- Conversations for a Cause. Here are a few panels I will be keeping an eye on...

Thursday July 12 
12pm -- Chuck

Friday July 13
4:30pm -- Nathan Fillion

Saturday July 14 
3pm -- Joss Whedon
4:30pm -- Damon Lindelof

Sunday July 15
3pm – Jared Padalecki   
4:30pm -- Zachary Levi

Last year's panels were recorded, so look out for any signs of videos if you can't get tickets to attend.

For a complete schedule, you can visit Comic Con Geeks and Zap2It for more details.

Supernatural Season 7 DVD & Blu-Ray -- Release Date & Details

VERY PRETTY!

Mark your diary! The release date for both the DVD and the Blu-ray Supernatural -- The Complete 7th Season is September 18th.

Both the DVD and Blu-ray will include all 23 episodes, plus bonus material such as featurettes, commentaries, deleted scenes and a gag reel. The Blu-ray will include exclusive additional featurette, and UltraViolet digital downloads of the episodes (available only in the USA). OH BOO!

No words as yet as to which episodes will have commentaries and who will be featured in the commentaries. It's pretty safe to speculate that Sera Gamble, Ben Edlund and Robert Singer will be doing the commentaries. The surprise, if any, would come from the cast themselves doing the commentaries -- i.e. Jim Beaver doing one for Death's Door, or Misha Collins doing one for The Born-Again Identity, or Jensen doing one for Time After Time, or Jared doing one for Plucky. Who knows! That's just me talking! And you know what I've always wanted? The behind the scene interviews and/or footage from Comic Con. A fan can only dream!

Watch this space for more details..

Here is the official season seven description for the DVD:

"The seventh season of Supernatural put the Winchester brothers in a terribly lonely place.  After losing their good friend and ally Castiel at the beginning of the season, the writers systematically stripped away many things that they loved, including Bobby's house, their beloved Impala, and then Bobby himself.  Although both Castiel and Bobby returned towards the end of the season, it's clear that Team Free Will isn't what it once was.  Not to mention the fact that they spent the season dealing with flesh-eating monsters called Leviathans."

Useful links: Amazon, TV Shows on DVD, TVOvermind

UPDATE: The back cover art work is on the Amazon website, see below. I actually haven't found any release on the actual special feature items, but Supernatural Fans Online posted a few details on their website.

Stay tuned for more update as WB releases more official details.

Ben Edlund's The Tick

I should, but haven't read Ben Edlund's The Tick, a comic he created when he was 17. What was I doing when I was 17? Here is a rare interview where Ben talked about The Tick. It was an inteview/write up from The Animation World Magazine back in 1997.

Don't forget Ben has a solo panel at Comic Con this year! 

Ben Edlund Solo Panel at Comic Con

How can I not know about this? EPIC FAIL!

Ben Edlund's solo panel will take place on Saturday, July 14 from 2:30pm to 3:30pm at Comic Con (Room 8). The panel will be moderated by Ben Blacker. Here is the release:

2:30-3:30 Spotlight on Ben Edlund— Comic-Con special guest Ben Edlund (creator of The Tick, writer/producer, Firefly, Angel, Point Pleasant, Supernatural) tries to understand what he’s been up to for the last four decades, with clips of some of the lively absurdities in which he’s had a hand. Spend an hour in this hot bath of mind and then write home about it! Moderated by Ben Blacker (co-creator of The Thrilling Adventure Hour, host of The Nerdist Writer’s Panel). Room 8

I love him...

SDCC -- Hall H for Supernatural (Again!)

The cast and producers at SDCC in 2010. Good times!

Remember how excited I found out when Supernatural was in Hall H at San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) last year? Hell yeah!! They are doing it again! A fan can take as much excitement as possible! I love conventions. Don't judge me!

SDCC is a sign of many things -- the direction of the season is set; ideas are flashed out (are we going to Ninjas this year?); scripts are written (at least the first few anyway); writing staff is confirmed; the first 1 or 2 episodes are shot; Jensen Ackles will have been already directed his episode; Jeremy Carver is sitting comfortably at the co-show runner's chair; and we will get a review clip (possibly introduced by Jensen) at the beginning of the Supernatural Panel on July 15.

Here is the WB media release:

Sunday July 15 -- Hall H

"Supernatural (Wednesdays 9/8c The CW): Returning to Hall H are series stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, joined by recurring guest stars Misha Collins, Jim Beaver and Mark A. Sheppard, as well as new executive producer Jeremy Carver and consulting producer Ben Edlund."

The panel will be moderated by TV Guide's Rich Sands

It's a little weird not to see Sera on the panel this year, she was on every year! And I am a little surprise to see Jim's name on the list. Does it mean we will see Bobby again? Mark is fan's favourite like Adam Baldwin.. LOVE!

In other news....

Eric Kripke's new show, Revolution, is also a WB show. Kripke is attending SDCC this year for Revolution. (I know, it sounds a it weird!). But hey.. the man is a god! The Revolution panel will be on Saturday July 14. Here is the WB media release:

Saturday July 14 -- Room 6BCF

"Revolution Series stars Billy Burke, Giancarlo Esposito and Tracy Spiridakos join creator/executive producer Eric Kripke and director/co-executive producer Jon Favreau."

Kripke AND 'Happy' Favreau together on stage? THAT'S EPIC!!

I suppose JJ is the EP for far too many shows, he can't be on stage for all of them at SDCC. Otherwise SDCC will be a JJ show.. (which I don't mind!) May be he will do the Star Trek II panel instead? Don't know... Watch this space.

Source: WB, WinchesterBros

Ben Edlund - The ATX Television Festival Panel

I was gutted for about a few hours when I saw rumors about Ben Edlund's departure yesterday on Twitter. HOWEVER, he is not departing. In fact, he is very much staying because Supernatural needs his magic. So, if you were like me, destroyed by the rumors, we are GOOD! Please don't do this again whoever you are, I cannot handle the boo-boo. 

It was Ben Blacker and writer partner Ben Acker who have left Supernatural. They wrote 7.07 The Mentalists. The duo is also best known for The Nerdist Podcast and Thrilling Adventure Hour, which I am a huge fan of. Good luck guys! Ben Blacker tweeted last night to clarify.

Moving on.... Ben Edlund was on a panel recently at the ATX Television Festival. I am hoping to find the recording of the panel. In the mean time, here is the write up from Kimberly Jones of Austin Chronicle -- ATX Television: TV Fantasy Goes Mainstream.

I can now have a good day... And I wish I can buy you a drink.

Peace out V_V