Supernatural -- Robert Singer's TV Guide interview; my theories left, right and centre

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I am going to put my fedora hat and crack the whip!

This morning I woke up feeling awesome and happy. I read some spoilers from The Winchester Family Business because Alice Jester got an advance copy of the Comic Con edition of the TV Guide! So apparently there is a total of eight pages of goodies including an interview with EP Robert Singer in the mag. Robert Singer is one of the most well-respected mentors/ executive producers/ directors in the business. When he talks, we listen and learn. We love Bob.

I haven't been this excited about pre-season spoilers. I think the last time I was jumping up and down was when the show announced the angels were coming. I remember I was at the Brisbane airport, trying so hard to control myself. I love the heaven-hell arc, I am a sucker for movies such as Constantine, where there was this huge grey area of good and evil. And I love the mysterious-archeology-god themes in popular culture, for example Indiana Jones. That kind of supernatural theme is very appealing to me. I guess that's why I love the heaven and hell, angels and demons stories in Supernatural. A personal preference, I know, but it's justified as a main arc for the show.

I have previously blogged my views on the heaven and hell, angels and demons theme on the show. As far as I'm concerned, this theme is the big cheese of the show. I think certainly the urban-legends-monster-of-the-week episodes are an integral part of the show, but I just love that fact that the 'ultimate goals' always involve something bigger than vampires, ghouls and ghosts -- heaven and hell. I, for one, love that fact that this is still part of the storyline. Some will question the angels-heaven storyline is not directly linked to the Dean and Sam journey. I bet to differ. It is everything. If nothing ever happens, the boys will never be challenged and did what they did. Sure, the angels and the demons sometimes make Dean and Sam so small, but they defy gravity EVERY TIME, and this is what the show is about.

Like Bobby said before, "The storm's coming, and you boys, your Daddy – you are smack in the middle of it." Dean and Sam have always been in the middle of something big for a long time and they will continue to be challenged by angels and demons. Life ain't gonna get easier for the boys. This is when heroes are born and tested! The supernatural stuff around the boys have to be bigger than them, I think this is the way to test their strength. Like I said before, killing vamps, ghosts and Starships are too easy for the boys. While it's fun to watch, the big bad has to be something bigger like Voldemont and Vader big, and not Jabba, Death Eaters and goblins. So I think as far as keeping the angels and demons, it's totally justified. And if fans only want mummy porn instead, they can write their own fanfic.

Robert Singer has confirmed that season eight is another year of angels and demons. Yay! It will be about gaining control. That certainly ties in with Crowley's role and Kevin's role on the show. A lot of us question Crowley's motive in keeping the prophet Kevin? Now that Robert Singer has said season eight is the show's "Raiders of The Lost Ark year" with a "season-long story quest", and "it's about Kevin and the tablets and the Word of God." So, there are more tablets uncovered? Double yay! If there is a tablet about the Leviathans, there must be others. I have had this feeling about Crowley and his goal, there is something we haven't seen and discovered about Crowley. I cannot wait to see how this year's main arc unfolds. Go Jeremy! Team Jeremy! I can make this onto a t-shirt!

I have also previously talked about how Supernatural has been building their supporting cast 2.0. Bobby and Cas aside, supporting cast 1.0 includes Ellen, Jo, Ash, even the Ghost Facers, they are almost the 'signature' gang from the Kripke era. So now everyone is dead (except the Ghost Facers), I feel that the show has been building up a supporting cast 2.0. You got Sheriff Mills, Charlie, Garth and Frank (who may or may not be dead). Robert Singer mentioned their return is not concrete yet but it's possible. Why the hell not? I love them!

Speaking of guest stars, there are some major iconic names appeared in season seven -- Nicholas Lea, Keven MacNally, Felicia Day, Charisma Carpenter and James Marsters. Who do you want for season eight? I tweeted last night, I want Gillian Anderson on the show! She has to! It's almost imperative, right?! I would also love to see Jensen's and Jared's buddies Zachary Levi and Tom Welling on the show. I just think it'd be fun, you know what I'm saying?

There is no doubt season eight will test the hero strength of Dean and Sam once again, which is the heart of the show. And what about the big arc of Dean in Purgatory? Obviously fans won't see the boys being separated for too long as mentioned by Robert Singer, the brothers will be reunited in early episodes and there will be flash backs in later episodes. Awesome! Looks like Dean will find his way out of Purgatory.. How? I got nothing! I cannot wait to see it. As for Cas, he will still be on the show to support the boys. I am not ready to let him go, I love Cas, I love him!

"Lightning. Fire. Power of God or something"...

I have previously posted my wishlist for season eight and I think at least 50% of the stuff is possible. But in light of the Robert Singer interview, I have one more thing to add my wish list -- The Ark of the Covenant! I know.. and I don't care if I am taking this too literally from what Master Singer told us in the interview. This year is the show's Raiders of the Lost Ark year. It's not impossible to make the Ark as part of the storyline for season eight. In season six when Cas appeared and responded to Sam's fake 'prayer' about his recovery of the Ark (Sam of course told Cas it was the plot from Raiders and Cas seemed perplexed), we knew then the Ark exists on the show and the angels may have 'lost' it. You got Crowley keeping the prophet, and we know there will be more 'Word of God/ tablets' stuff involved. So something like this along the line is possible.

And of course, I got nothing better to do today than theorising the plot and direction of season eight. But I can't deny the fact that I am very excited to see season eight and I just cannot wait!

Don't forget the Supernatural Comic Con panel is on this Sunday! For now, I will leave you with this clip.

Review: Supernatural 7.21 Reading Is Fundamental

In season six, Ben Edlund wrote and directed The Man Who Would Be King, that was a game changer. Not only it changed everything for the rest of season, it totally had the 'just when you thought you knew everything..' kinda vibe. It also marked the beginning of the transformation of Cas, resulting in the downfall of his friendship with Dean, the Leviathans being set free…it set things in motion. The Man Who Would Be King put all the puzzles together just in time for the season finale, as well as setting the direction/ tone for season seven. 7.21 Reading Is Fundamental has a similar purpose. While the season seven finale and main storyarc of season eight are yet to be revealed, I believe Reading Is Fundamental is shaping the future in more ways than I can process right friggin now.

Reading Is Fundamental is enabling me to focus on a few talking points this week. This may or may not be my usual episode review. So here we go…

Demons and angels have always been part of the mytho of the show. They are always there in the end one way or another. The main event was about the Winchesters being the chosen bloodline to take part in the war of Heaven and Hell, which the angels and demons played an important role in the journey. While season six and seven seemed to be taken on a different path, but demons and angels were never far away from the story, they always pop up here and there. With the Leviathans in the picture, it still goes back to God's agenda.

When some fans say they are sick of anything that has to do with Heaven or even the angels, they even want Castiel to be off the show, because it takes away the main story about Dean and Sam. Really? Here is the thing. Yes, the show is about the brothers, their relationship and their dynamic is the DNA of the show. Evil creatures are programmed to create chaos, most people are smack in the middle of it without even knowing it, only a few are destined to save lives. And THAT is the Winchesters' job. The show is about the brothers dealing with bigger d-bags in different supernatural events and dealing with creatures and people/ friends. Through these situations and human interaction, we see their true colour and what they're made of.

Pull my finger. Touch it.

The Winchester Gospel began with John and Mary, but it didn't end with Lucifer going back to his cage, it kept going. I think the show is really about Dean and Sam dealing with bigger problems that no other hunters could. The ultimate problem to solve was never about the vampires, ghosts or whatever monster-of-the-week may be. The end game was never about the random monster A,B C. The end game always involved demons and angels one way or another -- YED, Devil's Gate, Dean's Demon Deal, Sam's Demon Blood situations, Lillith, Archangels, the apocalypse, the falling angel working with the King of Hell, Purgatory and Leviathans.

Dean and Sam are the best hunters in the business, killing regular monsters is like a walk in the park. They are not amateurs like the Ghostfacers! Of course I want the brothers to destroy Vader and the Death Star, not just Jaba or Bounty Hunters or the Sand People. Vader is the big cheese, Death Star is the big cheese, the Empire is the big cheese. The demons and angels are that big cheese in Supernatural and it's Dean's and Sam's job to deal with them. And all these problems are the real test to their relationship but it's also about showing their strength when it counts, and they are stronger as a family.

It's easy for fans to say the show is about the brothers and fans don't want anything else to take the dynamic away. But there are just so many factors involved. Without the big events, d-bags and friends, the brothers will never be challenged. It's like playing video games, you have the mini events and then you have the big monsters to fight and a village to save before you advance to the next level. This is what everything is all about! And Dean and Sam always prove that family (and friendship) is stronger than anything and can save lives. It's so much deeper than it appears because the show has so many layers. Supernatural contains layers and complexities, setting a whole new benchmark for genre shows. This is the reason I watch the show, it's out of love and appreciation rather than hate.

Castiel is one of my favourite characters on television and he is an integral part of the show. It's not like he is popping up every week, but I do like the recurring/ regular characters like Cas. I like the fact that Supernatural took a risk and showed us his transformation. It presents a new challenge for the brothers and I think they really took Cas in like a brother. Supernatural is at its best when we see the brothers' personalities, whether it's about them working together, fighting each other or the bromance, a lot of time they really shine when caring for Bobby and Cas.

Forgiveness is one of the major themes in Supernatural and I think ultimately this episode is about forgiveness. While a lot of fans think Dean is still struggling to forgive Cas, I actually think Dean has simply moved on. In Dean's mind, he is thinking "Cas is back and he is sorry. We've all been through a lot, but I got my friend back. The situation is still a mess, but there is still a fighting chance, we are all in this together, so deal with it!" Cas has been given a second chance to live and Dean is willing to give Cas the second chance to fix this mess and fight with them. If this isn't forgiveness, I don't know what it.

Dean could've just ignored Cas, punched him or killed him. But he didn't. He is talking to Cas because of their friendship and because Dean still cares, not because he hates Cas or talking to him as if he is his enemy. I have mentioned before that Dean has a big heart. I think it's very important to keep this in mind. Dean wanted Cas to get back to the fight mode and fight the Leviathans with them. Perhaps Dean is struggling with the fact that Cas has given up and not in fighting mode. Just like Cas struggled to understand why Dean was going to give up and be Michael's vessel in season five. With this new attitude, the sarcasm, the random talk about honey bees and flowers…it's not like Cas has gone completely insane or simply doesn't care. He just doesn't think he deserves redemption and there is nothing he can do to fix anything. Cas is feeling extremely guilty and he is struggling to forgive himself. He knows the Winchesters is always strong than he is, they can ALWAYS solve problems and kick ass. Cas is still ashamed for what he did, but he'd decided not to fight or get involved again, and he's decided not to like conflict and argument. The perfect example is when whats-her-name was beating up Cas, he is more than capable of fighting her and destroying her, but he chose not to fight. For this, Dean is upset. Because all Dean has to say is "I forget you." But for Cas, he just cannot forgive himself no matter what.

With Meg, you know, I never really pay attention to her in season one and two, but she has become more interesting. She is a survivor. I won't hold my breath about her being helpful or anything, but I just think it'll be kinda cool to see a demon searching for redemption. It's not in their nature but it's a good 'what if'. I have this really really strange soft spot for Meg and Cas acting like a old married couple in this episode. Ah shit!

I really want to get inside Ben Edlund's mind and see how it works. He is capable of writing profound things, and I really dig this episode. It's a rather philosophical episode and it's one of those episodes you have to watch many times to understand the layers.

We now know how to kill the Leviathans, all thanks to an emergency note from God. I like Kevin Tran, the new prophet. Although I do feel this would be a perfect episode to bring Chuck back, but Kevin will do for now! Kevin may have missed his exams, but he didn't get an Asian F from the Winchester! Kevin managed to translate Metatron's work into English. Dean and Sam will need the bone of a righteous mortal, washed in the three bloods of the fallen. They have already got Cas', and all will be revealed as we approached the seasons seven finale. What about the bone of a righteous mortal? Not the bones of Joffery's, that's for sure! No one is more righteous than Ned Stark! (A shout out to Kara's brilliant idea!) I am sure his bones are kept somewhere in Westeros.

A very personal note: Thank you for mentioning my hometown in the episode. 'Perth, Australia' never sound so sexy! Ah I love Dean! His geography is so good!

Don't miss next week's episode, 7.22 There Will Be Blood My hero Guy Bee directed this episode! Woot!!

SAM AND DEAN SEEK OUT AN ALPHA — In order to defeat Dick Roman (guest star James Patrick Stuart) and the Leviathans, Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) must locate three key items. Castiel (Misha Collins) helps with one but for the last objects, the Winchesters must face two of their strongest opponents – an Alpha (guest star Rick Worthy) and Crowley (guest star Mark Sheppard). Meanwhile, Bobby (guest star Jim Beaver) tries out a new ghost trick that ends up being very dangerous. Guy Bee directed the episode written by Andrew Dabb & Daniel Loflin.

Supernatural Season 8 Renewal; My Wish List

Supernatural through different eras of awesomeness.

No Emoji can describe how excited I am right friggin now! Cue my song of the week Walking on Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves.

Try waking with this awesome news is unbelievable! I was like..."wait a second.. am I dreaming?"

With Jeremy Carver (not exactly Chuck Shirley) has already been confirmed to return as a co-showrunner with Robert Singer (not the character Bobby Singer), it comes as no surprise that‎ Supernatural has been renewed for season eight. Check out the short release as posted on TV Guide.

I am always excited about renewals for Supernatural, but this time is somewhat different. I think the return of Jeremy Carver is the closest thing to having Joss Whedon to pen for Supernatural. Too much?

What we get from the press normally don't have anything about the writing staff, what I am most interested to know is who will be writing for the season. I assume Ben Edlund and Robbie Thompson will remain as writing staff. I like the others, but with Carver, Edlund and Thompson, I think we are good!

Before he left the show to run Syfy's Being Human (which I love), Jeremy Carver wrote 12 episodes for Supernatural including Point of No Return, Changing Channels, Free to Be You and Me, The Rapture, A Very Supernatural Christmas, Mystery Spot and In the Beginning. Now you know why I am so excited to see Jeremy back on the show!!

So, what's on my wish list for season eight? I don't care how random they are... You know you want it too!

• Ben Edlund and Robbie Thompson to remain and write until their hands bleed
• Eric Kripke to come back at least a few hours to break the stories with Jeremy Carver
• Joss Whedon to direct an episode written by Ben Edlund
• Young John and Mary to return because we all love Amy and Matt
• Old John and Mary to return, I think it's imperative to have Jeffrey Dean Morgan to return to the show just once before it ends. (By the way, season eight was not announced as the last season. More convention for me?)
• Jeremy Carver and Ben Edlund to pen an episode featuring Chuck Shirley
• Felicia Day and DJ Qualls to be promoted to be season regular (what are the chances, right?!)
• Misha Collins to return (period!)
• As much as I love Bobby, I think he deserves a hunter funeral
• Ben Edlund to write his ninja episode and plenty of shurikens
• Tones of dead people should come back, I don't care!! Ash, Gabriel, Ellen, Jo.. I want a Harry Potter dead people scene!
• Ghostfacers!
• The backstory of Samuel Colt, the Colt (how and why) and Ruby's knife 
• DEATH returns to eat taco with Dean
• Comic Con; Hall H 
• Tom Welling to guest star and Dean to say, "Suck it, Superman."

The season premier of season eight of Supernatural will also be the series' 150th episode. That cannot be more awesome!! Suck it Tom Welling.. ok.. not yet! 

What's on your wishlist?