Supernatural 'Goodbye Stranger' Extended Promo; J2 at WB Mondo International Press Tour

Are we there yet? This episode looks super epic!! It almost feels like an epic classic Supernatural episode from season five. 

Goodbye Stranger airs on March 20.



Blah Blah Blah.. Just flash forward to March 20 already!!

Oh, have you guys seen these hot pics of Jensen and Jared during the WB Mondo International Press Tour recently? You can find MORE photos on The TV Watch Tower.
 

Game of Thrones Season Three Posters

I love them! I am getting excited. I have been trying so hard not to think about it, but now I can! Because Game of Thrones is back on March 31 on HBO. 

The character posters have been released and they are awesome! There are 12 promotional character posters in total. And on top of that, I love the official season three show poster! DRAGON! BRING IT! I want more Dany and dragons stuff, and I hope there will be more of her prophecy, which was clearly under-played last season in my tiny opinion. I love her prophecy in the book, and I expect to see them to fullfill their potential on the show. But that's just me.

You can see all 12 posters via IGN.

I know I am obsessed with it, but I am not the only one! I hope the Dany and Jon linkage will be like the Once Upon A Time's Emma/ Bae scenario -- when they eventually do reveal the truth, we are like WE KNEW IT! I pray to the old Gods that GRRM will finish writing all his books soon! I know it's a long process, but time is running out. I don't want to watch the story's finale on TV before I read the books.

But that's just me... As you were.
 

Review: Supernatural 'Remember the Titans'; Happy Birthday Jensen Ackles

This week's Remember the Titans is another filler episode, so naturally, I compare it with other fillers. While there are no better filler episodes than Southern Comfort and LARP and the Real Girl in season eight, but I did enjoy last week's witch episode and also this week's Remember the Titans. The Greek Gods are one of the most explored topics in pop culture, and I do appreciate Daniel Loflin's take on it.

There were some really fun moments and that 'so are you like a Kenny' line, killed me! I love the zombie-obsessed cop, he was simply too cute! I like the Kenny-was-Jason-Bourne take on the Greek God myth. I think Artemis was hot, she clearly needed more dialogues and kick ass actions. John Novak as Zeus was good and he was one badass evil -- who would treat a kid like that? You sad person you! But I love his accent. Prometheus Kenny was a bit weak to me, he seemed helpless most of the time. I did expect him to remember things so that he can have a real battle with Zeus. I kinda thought Hayley was like a spy for Zeus, her appearance and the vibe were very suspicious to me at first. The whole time I was like "Don't trust her! Don't bring her to the bunker!" Despite having no chemistry with Prometheus Kenny or whatsoever, I do see the point of including Hayley and Oliver to enrich the family theme and humanise Prometheus Kenny, which has been a bit of a recurring theme for this season.

Part of me was wondering who would be the first people the brothers invited to the Men of Letters bunker? My money was on Kevin, Garth and Castiel (not hard to guess!) But it was Kenny, Hayley and Oliver. I was fine with it, it was cool and hilarious to see Dean to finally feel proud to tell others he was legacy of the Men of Letters. He was too cute! But seeing other people in the bunker that were not Kevin, Garth or Castiel, was a bit weird. Like, if I am organising a house warming party for Dean and Sam, they would be the first I invite. But I guess it was a matter of safety. Because, like I said, the way Hayley was written or may be something else, I don't know, I thought perhaps she couldn't be trusted, like she was a spy or something, and if she was bad news, then the bunker would be compromised. Just saying. But glad it turned out she was just a mother who protected his son, who happened to be a son of a Greek God. Percy Jackson, anyone?

I love the MoL bunker. We are seeing more and more of it, it was the first time our heroes were out of the library area. We saw Dean's room again, and the other guest room for Oliver, but I want to see Sam's room and the kitchen! I love how the bunker is being integrated, just like Bobby's house, the Batcave, Smallville's Watch Tower, 24's CTU or Friends' Central Perk.

Sam was smart! I love Sam in this episode. I said it over and over again, I love Sam when he was focused and smart. Sam is hiding a secret from Dean, Sam is sick, he is hurting. He didn't tell Dean, but oh his big brother knows! Which brings me to the following point…

The Dean monologue at the end of the episode WINS. The episode has its moment and I could easily not care too much about it. However, Remember the Titans has one of the BEST scenes EVER in the history of the show. Remember Dark Side of the Moon in season five? I didn't really like that episode for many reasons, but the firework scene at the beginning was one of the best scenes I've seen on television, and you know I watch television like I drink champagne.

Dean's 007 look!

Jensen Ackles, today is your birthday. I really must tell you, I love you, I am obsessed with you, I am addicted to your goodness, your spirt, your body and your acting. You are the best thing ever happened in my life. You inspire me. You show me things I didn't know existed before. You ruin my life and my desire in other men. You are a beautiful sexy man. Your existence is totally illegal. Girls want to do dirty things to you.. ok may be the guys too. You are so good, so hot and you are a BRILLIANT ACTOR, I want you to win all the Oscars, Emmys and Golden Globe from now on. 

Sorry, I had a moment…

Jensen is brilliant in doing a lot of scenes, he has the ability to carry any scenes, any emotions. But one thing about Jensen is that he is fucking brilliant in doing monologue. Pardon my French. In WIAWSNB, we saw Dean doing monologue for the first time when he spoke to John in front of his grave -- "why do we have to be some kind of a hero?" In Monster at the End of the Book, when Dean prayed in front of the vending machine and Cas appeared -- "praying is a sign of faith." And then we have Dean praying again at the end of My Bloody Valentine where -- "I need help." And now, we saw Dean prayed again to Cas -- "…keep a look out for my little brother." Dean keeps saying he isn't the praying type, but the more he does all these monologue, the more I think he is the praying type and he wants his prays to be answered. I know Cas is listening. I know it! Jensen nailed every single monologue. The last scene along is enough for me to die over and over again…like Kenny.  

"Cas, you got your ears on? Listen, you know I am not one for praying, 'cause in my book it's the same as begging. But this is about Sam, so I need you to hear me. We are going into this deal blind and I don't now what's ahead. Or what it's gonna bring for Sam. Now, he's covering pretty good, but I know that he is hurting, and this one was supposed to be on me. So, for all that we've been through, I'm asking you keep a lookout for my little brother, okay?" ~~ Dean, Remember the Titans

I cannot process how great that last scene was, kudos to Dan's writing and Jensen's acting. Hot stuff! I didn't expect to see it at all, I thought the episode would just end after Kenny's body was burnt. But no, wait, there was more! Dean knew something was up with Sam and Sam was hurting. And damn! Stop making me cry! Damn you Dean Winchester. Damn you Jensen Ackles!! Damn you Daniel Loflin!

So, Supernatural will now have a mini break and will be back with Goodbye Stranger, Hello Meg on March 20. While it's gonna suck, I welcome a break. And I look forward to catching up with Arrow! Yes, Arrow!

Again, Jensen Ackles, I love you, I am obsessed with you. You are so damn good. Dean Winchester is live because of your brilliant craftsmanship. I am getting dirty. I should stop.

Supernatural Returns March 20 With 'Goodbye Stranger'

And so we are on hiatus. Supernatural will return on March 20 with Goodbye Stranger. I usually pace very well when it comes to Supernatural, I don't get too excited too early. 

Oh wait.... I lie. My attempt to act normal has failed. It's cool to be a crazy and passionate fan of a show that is clearly one of the best writing TV dramas this decade.

Goodbye Stranger has a great buzz about it already. I think the show has been remaining tight-lipped about this episode until now. In the midst of the recent development of the story, the imminent return of Castiel and the angel tablet acr are not forgotten. What I find most interesting is this -- Sam and Dean are still on assignment to complete God's tasks to close the gate of hell based on the demon tablet, and now the angel tablets are officially their assignment. There is a LOT going on! What's more? Meg and Crowley are back! I just love Meg's strange dynamic with Castiel and Crowley is just badass awesome!

While it comes as no surprise that Crowley will stop them from closing the gate of hell, but Crowley also has his own quest to may-be-do-the-same to Heaven. If so, Castiel and Naomi will do anything to stop him. We still know very little about Naomi and the angel tablets, since Alfie died, it kinda left it there untouched. Involving the Winchesters is a good move, because we have season nine and I want season ten! It's personal! I know! Not to mention, how my new obsession -- Men of Letters -- will come to integral with the story and how Dean and Sam will utilise the MoL resources to do their job.

I think everything will come full circle, and I have a feeling the closing the gate of hell arc will carry on to next season. I think the season eight's finale will present to fans as one of the best I-loose-sleep-over-it cliffhangers since season three and four.  

Supernatural is definitely building up to something epic! Who says they can't top the apocalypse? Jeremy Carver and his 'Writers of Letters' are totally doing it!

I love this episode based on the synopsis and the promo alone already!!! The Unholy Trinity!!! There is not better term to describe it for sure!!! What's best? Robbie Thompson wrote this! Like.. seriously! OMG!

8.17 Goodbye Stranger
 
SAM, DEAN, CASTIEL AND MEG TEAM UP AGAINST CROWLEY AND HIS DEMONS — Castiel (Misha Collins) reappears in Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean’s (Jensen Ackles) life and tells them Crowley (guest star Mark Sheppard) has unleashed several demons into a small town. The demons are looking for Lucifer’s Crypt, which holds a valuable asset, but Castiel lies to Sam and Dean about what it is. While interrogating a demon, the three discover Crowley has been torturing Meg (guest star Rachel Miner), who knows the exact location of the crypt. Sam and Meg fight to hold Crowley off while Dean and Castiel go in search of the crypt. Thomas J. Wright directed the episode written by Robbie Thompson. Source: KSiteTV

Upcoming Supernatural TV Schedule and Episode Titles

I always ask and I always forget.. yes, here comes the very annoying but imminent mini hiatus. After this week's episode, Remember the Titans, Supernatural will into a mini hiatus and return March 20 with ep 8.17 Goodbye Stranger.

The CW has also released the season finale date for Supernatural (and Arrow), it will be May 16. Source: KSiteTV

I haven't caught up with Arrow, I'll try to do that during the mini hiatus. I have been watching Once Upon A Time on and off, but Manhattan didn't disappoint! While I was watching it, I was like I KNEW IT! Well, we all knew it! We totally saw it coming! 

Don't forget tomorrow episode Remember the Titans. And in case you miss it, here is my review of last week's Man's Best Friend With Benefits.

Here is an updated list of up-coming episodes: 


8.01  We Need to Talk About Kevin

8.02  What's Up, Tiger Mommy?

8.03  Heartache 

8.04  Bitten 

8.05  Blood Brother

8.06  Southern Comfort 

8.07  A Little Slice of Kevin

8.08  Hunteri Heroici 
8.09 Citizen Fang

8.10 Torn and Frayed 

8.11 LARP and the Real Girl

8:12 As Time Goes By
8.13 Everyone Hates
8.14 Trial And Error
8.15 Man's Best Friend With Benefits
8.16 Remember The Titans
8.17 Goodbye Stranger
8.18 Freaks and Geeks (previously known as The Apple Dumpling Gang)
8.19 Taxi Driver
8.20 Pac-Man Fever
8.21 The Great Escapist  

Supernatural -- Misha Collins Promoted to Season Regular...Again

It isn't the first time Misha got promoted to a regular on Supernatural. After his promotion in season five, and back to a special guest star statue, Misha will once again get back on the cast list as a regular for season nine. Misha is loved, Castiel is loved! 

I believe in Jeremy Carver. I think he will have a good Castiel story to tell. Castiel is going through some personal struggle, I think with the way the tablet storyarc is going, I think it just makes sense to have Castiel back as a regular. We won't see him in every episode, but we will see him more often than we have in season six to eight. He will be back later on this season. 

Not only Misha will return as a regular in season nine, he will also direct an episode of Supernatural. OH.MY.GOD!

I love Castiel. I love him. I can start singing On My Own right now. Too much?

Source: Huffington Post

Review: Supernatural 'Man's Best Friend With Benefits'

I have been reading a number of selective articles recently about Supernatural and its eighth season. Noticeably the SFX's article on how good a show can still be in its eighth season. And it got me thinking, sometimes showrunners don't want to reinvent the wheel, but other time they want to keep innovating without wracking the core of the show. It's all about trial and error. It's about the journey. 

The more I watch Supernatural, the more I realise for a show like Supernatural to be so good in its eighth season, it comes down to a team of passionate writers who collaborate and interact with each other. Above all things, they keep the writing of the brother relationship consistent. Writers have to know the show, they have to know the characters -- what makes them angry, happy, laugh, what is their strengths and weaknesses. The writers have to know the myth of the show, but not to misinterpret it. They have to know the history of the shows as well as doing good research and produce good writing for future episodes on witches, werewolves, vampires, angels or demons, whatever the supernatural thing may be.

A more positive opening than other review you read on this episode? This episode reminds me of one thing -- no one is set out to write a shit script. Even the worst episode of Supernatural is better than most TV dramas. On paper, Man's Best Friend With Benefits is a true filler episode. It isn't branded as one of the strongest episode. It isn't one of the best written episodes. It has flaws but I can forgive and forget. And I am in the minority, I like this episode better than I should! And here is why.

In terms of the likeability of the supporting cast and story, the witches in Man's Best Friend With Benefits were much more intriguing than the farm story and its people as seen last week in my opinion. I don't find the farm story nor the people interesting at all, in fact it was quite cliche in terms of the soul-selling stuff. We've seen that before. Not that it was crap, as you know I enjoyed last week's episode. It was a good story for Kevin, the tablet, the God's tasks and the hellhound. It was a great call back to the crossroad demons and hell stuff. Above all things, there were so fantastic brotherly moments and dialogues. But other than that, I really don't care about the whole Dallas arc. It's personal, I like the witches better.

I look at Man's Best Friend With Benefits in two ways. On one hand, the episode isn't one of the strongest in the history of the show or the season. On the other hand, in the 'witches' file of Supernatural, this is probably a more solid witch episode since season three's Malleus Maleficarum.

I haven't been paying much attention to the witches episodes, but when I come to think about it, I do like them as the villain and the 'good guys'. I love Mr and Mrs Stark in Shut Up Dr Phil. Episodes written by Brad Buckner and Eugenie Ross-Leming can be a hit-and-miss. They really tried to bring us something refreshing about the witches. I didn't think much about this episode before I watched it, I thought it could be another witchcraft episode blah blah. But this was a refreshing episode. I do like the 'battle' between the two witches and the idea of Familiars are quite interesting, dirty jokes aside. I do like the special effect in the battle of the witches scene. I like the idea of the secret bar for the supernatural. 

I think it was a good thing for the boys to witness the battle of two witches, instead of getting involved. Because they have to see it to believe that James was the good guy fighting the bad guy. They have to see it to not to kill James 'the good witch'. Otherwise I don't know it James' words would be enough to convince Dean and Sam that he was the 'good' witch. If James was capable to fight his own fight and his mind was still intact and not screwy, Dean and Sam had one thing less to worry about. At least they don't have to worry about the 'bad witch who got away'. So, I thought giving the development of the story, the battle between the two witches was a good move. It was refreshing to see the supernatural beings involved -- James and Portia -- fighting their own fight. Moreover, the writers have to give Dean and Sam a reason to not to kill James. Not many people care, but based on the material of this particular episode, I think the point to explore was this -- we know why Dean and Sam kill supernatural things, but under what circumstance would they not kill supernatural things?
 
Once in a blue moon, Supernatural would 'humanise' a supernatural being, but not very often. The more I watch season eight, the more I think the 'humanisation of a supernatural being' has become a bit of a recurring theme -- Kate the werewolf, Benny the vampire, Golem, and James the witch and his Familiar This is forming some sort of pattern. The idea of 'if it's supernatural, we kill it, end of story' has evolved.

Could Supernatural be building up to something that even they didn't think was possible? My imagination is going a bit crazy at the moment, but after listening to the awesome Crossroads Podcast, I think perhaps it is possible to have The Avengers of Supernatural? Perhaps the writers are toying with this idea? Imagine this -- should the gates of hell and heaven are closed, these 'supernatural things' may have a duty to keep their kind in line, forming some sort of alliance with the Men of Letters. OMFG!

I love the consistence of the writing on the brother's relationship. I just have this feeling that the writers are talking to each other more this season. I think there is a breath of fresh air in the writer's room. The brotherly stuff is just so damn good!!! It's like the dialogues are written by the same writers but spread over to different episodes. I love the consistency that has been carried through from the last episode to this one. 

I get why the 'trust' issue is still on the card. Sam's right, Dean can only trust himself. I think Dean has to find reasons to trust. Dean isn't the guy who can trust people based on pure talk and belief. He has to see it to know it to believe it. Dean hasn't seen anything that gives him the reassurance. He still doesn't know what is going to happen to Sam. Sam is perhaps one step ahead of Dean -- it's done, there is no turning back, so let's just do it! If Dean doesn't fight for Sam and if anything bad happens to Sam, it's on Dean's hands. Dean won't let Sam to die again. It happened before, but he doesn't want this to happen again, because he knows where it will take him emotionally. And if Dean can take one for the team, he will take it! It isn't about Dean not trusting Sam, he wants to, but he is struggling with it because he is finding a reason for himself to get over it. It's the big brother syndrome.

But the last shot of the episode is heartbreaking! Sam!! What's going on with Sam? Part of me watching him to tell Dean about his health condition. However it was only a 40 mins episode, and we have to come back for more. Jared did say the trials will take a toll on Sam and also Dean. If Sam is going to close the gate of hell, do you think Dean will close the gate of heaven in season nine? Just throwing it out there. Sam can't have all the fun, right? 

Man's Best Friend With Benefits isn't perfect, considering how great the past few episodes were, this episode won't even be one of the most talked about episodes, except the beastiality jokes. This episode has flaws, but based on my first impression after the first viewing was that, it was a refreshing filler episode about witches, and it has some brilliant dialogues exchanges between the brothers. So, I'll leave it at that.

Episode 8.16 Remember the Titans

GODS VS. ZOMBIES — Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) are stumped when they investigate a possible zombie case where an amnesiac man (guest star John Reardon) dies and then revives himself once a day. After the guy is attacked by the goddess Artemis (guest star Anna Von Hooft), Sam and Dean realize he’s not a zombie but instead a god, more specifically, Prometheus. Steve Boyum directed the episode written by Daniel Loflin.

Game of Thrones Season 3 Trailer

Game of Thrones has been a bit of a strange love for me personally because of the waiting. I waited for the books, I waited for the TV series. I try not to think about it during the waiting period because the actual wait and the thought of waiting keep me in purgatory. 

But the time has come. HBO's series Game of Thrones season three is near! The new premiered on March 31st at 9pm on HBO.

I am intrigued as to what details they have changed for this season. I am obsessed with Dany and her dragons, as well as Jon Snow and his story in the North. Part of me wanting to see a spin-off with only them in it, but I do care about other characters and it is an epic tale with loads of dramas. The Song of Ice and Fire is definitely one of my favourite book series and Game of Thrones is a great TV series that I have fallen in love with. Season three, bring it!

A Chat With Supernatural Writers

I love the writers of Supernatural. I love them. I have my concerns in recent years on occasion, but true love never runs smooth. 

I really enjoyed reading this interview from Spin-Off Online. They recently talked to Adam Glass, Daniel Loflin, Andrew Dabb, Robbie Thompson and Jenny Klein about season eight and the writer's room.

I was also reading an article from SFX about Supernatural, and how good an 'old' show can still be in its eighth season.

Supernatural has been through a lot -- being on WB before going to the CW, scheduled for Thursday to dead Friday, then out of Purgatory and makes Wednesday their new home. And just how many times have Dean and Sam died and back again? How many times we have laughed and cried? Fans are so emotionally attached to the show, and so are the cast and crew. 

There will come a time when the show comes to an end, but I am not ready to let Supernatural just yet. In fact, once the passion in the flame is ignited, I can't put it out. 

In case you missed my review of Trial and Error, here it is again. Don't forget to watch the all new Supernatural this Wednesday on the CW.

8.15 Man’s Best Friend With Benefits:

DEAN REALLY DOESN’T LIKE WITCHES — A police officer named Kevin (guest star Christian Campbell), who turned to witchcraft after working a case with Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles), is plagued by nightmares in which he murders innocent people. However, when the murders actually happen, Sam and Dean are called in by Kevin’s “familiar” (guest star Mishael Morgan) to help — but the brothers aren’t sure they want to save a witch. John Showalter directed the episode written by Brad Buckner & Eugenie Ross-Leming.

I Love Star Wars

Photo by David Eger. It's funny, because when I was working on this blog, I was listening to the song New York State of Mind. 

I don't play dress up and hang posters, but I love Star Wars. There are flaws, but I can forget them. The Star Wars stories remains influential to today's pop culture. Star Wars was inspired by the Joseph Campbell's ideas on a hero's journey and the power of myth. Many writers are still influenced by these ideas. A hero's complex is heavily embedded on TV shows and movies, TV drama such as Supernatural is a great example of that. 

I am a female fan of Star Wars. I don't know what that tells you. Whatever. People have different reasons for loving Star Wars. Sometimes people tend to look at it as a gender thing. But for me, this is a genre that appeals to me, and Star Wars is the greatest piece of artwork to study, especially for a student of writing such as myself. As someone who grew up under an uninspired education environment, I can honestly say I learn more about literature in pop culture than in school. There is just so much to learn. George Lucas is still taking me to school after all these years. I am not embarrassed to admit I love Star Wars, especially when I go to Baby Showers and all these twenty-something young mums profess their love for The Real Housewives, or worst, Fifty Shades.

The dark side is there. You don't have to fit in and it is cool to be different, and George taught me that. 

By David Eger

The point of this blog post, really, is to share with you what I saw yesterday. WIRED has this great article about the work of David Eger, an artist, who created some of the best Star Wars-inspired photos. Check this out here! You can follow David Eger on Twitter.