[Updated] Supernatural episode review: 99 problems, most of them relate to Castiel's inability of using a cell phone

"You've reached the voice mail of...."

"I don't understand, why do you want me to say my name?"

"Doo doo doo doo doo...."

So.. what do you think? After my reaction to previous episode Dark Side of the Moon, I felt somewhat relieved to read Julie Siege's name on the opening credit. She wrote some of my favorite episodes including It's the Great Pumpkin Sam Winchester and Monster at the End of the Book. In general I love 99 Problems more than Dark Side of the Moon.

The episode was almost 99 kinds of awesome. Apart from one continuity problem, I love it. While this episode didn't score the perfect ten from me, like Pumpkin and The Winchester Gospel, the thing I love about 99 Problems is that this is the other type of Supernatural episode I love. 99 Problems certainly has the Jus in Bello-Croatoan vibe, and you know how much I adore Jus in Bello and I love Croatoan.

Continuity problem

Let's get the only WTF comment I have for this episode out of the way and then I can blog happily ever after.

The ending with Lisa was very random. The continuity and the connection seem somewhat very strange to me. We have seen Dean's vision of Lisa and the Picnic in Dream a Little Dream of Me. In The Kids Are Alright, we found out Dean cared about Ben, he enjoyed spending time with him. Lisa was the first girl Dean wanted to see when he knew he was going to die. In both episodes, the writers had established that Dean wouldn't mind to have a son, deep down he wanted some happy time with Lisa and he would love a nuclear family, but it's just not his life.

Perhaps Dean needs Lisa and Ben as leverage in negotiations with the angels. There is nothing in his life left apart from Sam and the Impala. So I think this is the only reason for the writer to bring Lisa and Ben back into the picture briefly. I feel that if Ben is indeed Dean's son, this would've been a very good reason to bring them back, otherwise what's the point? When I saw Dean standing in front of Lisa, I really thought he was going to ask her "Is Ben my son? I really need to know." But he didn't. And Lisa has denied all along that Ben is not Dean's son. If he is, then there is certainly a Winchester connection there.

I guess if we've seen a bit more of Lisa and Ben stuff or even if we've seen one Lisa and Ben moment in Dark Side of the Moon, then I'll have no problem with it. I just felt that the ending was very random and sudden. Some of you also pointed out that Dean whispered something into Lisa's ear, but I thought it was just a kiss.

OK.. let's get on with the stuff I love..

I love this episode from the beginning. I love the Jus in Bello-Croatoan vibe. I love it when Dean and Sam have backups. I love it when Supernatural goes ... well.. Jus in Bello. I wouldn't mind seeing the brothers gathering a few hunters to fight the war together. I also wouldn't mind seeing a few hunters who we've met in The End. For continuity purpose, I think it'll be really cool to introduce them as civilians in this episode and go Terminator 3 about it. I know I know! For the 99th times, I just want Supernatural to go Terminator Salvation. Deal with it!

I love Michael Shanks. A bit disappointed that he didn't get to play a more important role. For the 99th times, I really really wanted Dr Jackson to play the Archangel Michael or God when I first heard about this casting. But nevertheless, I love me some Shanks. It was great to see him in Smallville and now Supernatural.

I love Castiel. He is just 99 kinds of awesome! Oh boy! I just wuv to hugz him. I am lost for words when it comes to Cas. "I don't understand, why do you want me to say my name?". He is soooooo funny when it comes to using his cell phone. He is too cute when it comes to Cas and his cell phone ^_^ OMG I love him!!!! LOVE HIM! My life would suck without Cas. Seeing him drunk and depressed is heart breaking. But we all have our moments.

I love the idea of having a true servant of Heaven to kill the Whore of Babylon. Dean? Yeah baby! I still think apart from the bloodline stuff, Dean really is the righteous man and he has underestimated himself. So I think he should man up and kick some asses! Beside, Dean and Sam are the best hunters in the business, that's why they have their own show! The world needs Dean and Sam.. and Castiel.. and Bobby...

Speaking of Sam, I like Sam in this episode. I like it when Sam asked Dean not to give up. That scene in the motel reminded me of the season 3 Sam. I love Sam's don't-friggin-give-up-now-don't-you-dare attitude. Look, it's just a dysfunctional family, Sam knows he's got issues, but Dean is pretty messed up too. (Wait.. is that a song?), so at the end of the day, their lives would suck without each other.

So, there is something seriously wrong with Dean. He has hit rock bottom, like he has hit the core of earth! Will Dean say yes? 'oly merde! I am going back and forth with this. Right now, I don't think he will say yes. His heart is telling him to say yes and I know all clues point to him saying yes, but I think the writers will keep throwing us the curve ball.

Without thinking about it 99 times, this episode is definitely 99 out of 120. Apart from the random Lisa moment (which I guess I understand where the writer is coming from), I think it was a solid and awesome episode. I was expecting a sleeper filler, but I am glad that I was wrong. And I certainly love this episode more than last week. Having said that, last week's fireworks and Dean wuv hugz moment were GOLD!

The rating for 99 Problems was pretty good at 2.96 in the first hour and 2.58 in the second hour. Source Spoiler TV and TVbytheNumber.

I think this is a treat for all the Dean girls ^_^

PS* This is for the Crossroads nation: If JoHan kills the scary movie guy with his mullet, I am growing a mullet. HA!

A couple of reminders:

The Crossroads podcast, the best Supernatural podcast in the universe, will have a live show on UStream on Sat 17 April 8pm central standard time (US). The Queen and I and a few other tweeps will be glued to our computers for that! Come join us on UStream, there will be a live chat while we listen to Ty, Star and may be Tim discussing the 100th episode. You can download the weekly program on iTune.

Team Panic Room is hosting a Chadathon (Dr Badass) on Sunday 18 April (3pm) Sydney time. (Which is really a few hours after the Crossroads live show due to time zone.) So join us if you're around, we are going to rewatch some of the Dr Badass episodes: Everybody Loves a Clown, Simon Said and Hunted. Details here.

[Updated] Official synopsis for 5.20 The devil you know; remaining episodes; other stuff

Official synopsis for episode 5.20 The Devil You Know is surfaced.

"SAM AND DEAN FACE OFF AGAINST THE HORSEMEN — The demon Crowley (guest star Mark Sheppard) tells Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) he can help them find the remaining Horsemen rings so they can trap Lucifer. The brothers are doubtful until Crowley leads them to Brady (guest star Eric Johnson), the Handler for Pestilence (guest star Matt Frewer) and Death. However, Brady refuses to give up their locations and sets Pestilence after the Winchesters. The episode is directed by Robert Singer, written by Ben Edlund. The episode airs on 29th April."

No official synopsis is released for 5.21 & 5.22 (I am 66% sure). But according to Wikipedia, 5.21 Two Minutes To Midnight is written by Sera Gamble (airs on May 6) and 5.22 Swan Song is written by the devil himself, Eric Kripke (airs on May 13).

Boy, am I excited!!!!!???? Hellz yeah bizzatches!

I was talking to the Queen on Twitter the other day that it's not a season of Supernatural if there is no cliffhanger. So we both agree that a cliffhanger is highly likely. Should/ if there is a cliffhanger, we are certain that while we may not see Apocalypse a Sequel, it doesn't mean the writers will give the angel story line a clean chop. Kripke is best known for screwing the fans. I just feel that the season 5 finale and season 6 premier have to have a connection. If not, I understand and I am fine with it, but that's just my thought.

[Spoiler] Supernatural 100th Episode: Point of No Return

I'd like to say a few words about the Supernatural 100th episode.

It's interesting to point out how some of my favorite TV shows treat their 100th episode. For example, Smallville decided to kill off Papa Kent; Stargate SG1 went funny with their 100th episode; Stargate Atlantis's 100th episode was also the series finale, so they went epic. While other shows like Lost and 24 celebrated the milstones off camera rather than doing something ultra special on screen. Lost was great but there wasn't anything 'milestone-y' about it, except the return of Daniel Faraday. I loved Variable for what it was. On 24, it was just another day on 24.

The creative team of Supernatural has decided to go with intense! Point of No Return is on Thursday 14 April on the CW. I have decided to bake a cake for the occasion.

As a reminder, I am on lockdown. One of a very few things I know about this episode is that Jeremy Carver wrote this episode. For this, I am excited already! Here are a few clips from SpoilerTV. I won't watch them, but if you can't wait, you can get your fix here.

[Spoiler starts here]

Another Twitter Party: A Very Badass Supernatural Chadathon (Sunday 18th April, 3pm Australian Eastern Standard Time)

A Very Ben Edlund Marathon Twitter Party on Easter Monday was really fun, except I was in twouble. I was in Twitter jail without even realised it. But it kinda worked out in the end, thanks to some awesome tweeps who helped out. I love you all.

Everyone was already asking about the next Twitter Marathon. If you want it, we deliver! So, Ladies and Busboys, here are the details!!!

TeamPanicRoom Presents
A Very Badass Supernatural Chadathon

Details
Sunday 18th April 2010
3pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
Hashtag #Chadathon. Some of you prefer #MulletPorn (Seriously?!)

Episodes viewing in this order
Season 2: Everybody Loves A Clown
Season 2: Simon Said
Season 2: Hunted

Twitter Icon
We will change our Twitter icon to Ash for this special occasion. So don't flip when you see so many Ashs around on Twitter, it's the Mullets taking over Twitter!

A Guide to Twitter Marathon
A Twitter Marathon is basically for Supernatural fans (regardless of where you live) to rewatch SPN episodes together and we tweet about the episodes at the same time on Twitter.

So, to join us, you just need to be on Twitter. If you are not, just go to Twitter and sign up.

If you are on Twitter, here are three ways to join us:

Follow Tiny HERE & HERE
Follow Tweets on TweetChat HERE
Follow *TeamPanicRoom HERE

Get your DVDs/ downloads/whatever ready! We watch each episode from the "Previously On".

There will be a countdown so that we can all press the play button together. Don't worry if you are a few seconds or minutes in front or behind. Every 10 mins or so, I'll tweet the viewing time of the episode, so that you know where we are up to.

You are welcome to come in and out during the Chadathon.

If you're in a different time zone and need a clock converter, go to The World Clock Time Converter.

Remember this is highly interactive. So don't just read our tweets or the episodes, join our conversation and make new friends.

We'll have a short break in between each episode, so that you can go get yourself another drink or another pack of chips or do your 'business'.

*About TeamPanicRoom
As you know, Kara and I go into lockdown on a weekly basis to avoid spoiler clips, so that we can enjoy the episodes more. We basically lock ourselves in the Bobby's Panic Room to avoid spoilers so to speak. In recent weeks, a few more tweeps have been knocking on the door, they also want to avoid spoilers and wuv hugz.

TeamPanicRoom is born today, it consists a group of Supernatural fans who wish to avoid spoilers. Inside the Bobby's Panic Room, we just stare at each other, pass purple nurples and panic as we try very hard to support each other to avoid spoilers.

Find us here and contact any of us if you want to avoid spoilers or if you simple wuv hugz, just knock on the door and we'll let you in. ^_^

Anyway, hope you can join us at A Very Badass Supernatural Chadathon on Sunday 18th April, 3pm Australian Eastern Standard Time.

Got questions? Just come to Twitter or post a comment here.

Mid-Week Diary

OK, so the ending of Dark Side of the Moon still bothers me. And the more I think about the episode in general, the more it bothers me. I need therapy. You may not agree with me, but I just have to vent! So just let me do this..

I just think that perhaps my problems with this episode is that, it wasn't as well written as episodes written by the star writers such as Sera Gamble, Ben Edlund, Jeremy Carver, Julie Siege, Raelle Tucker, Cathryn Humphris, Nancy Weiner and Eric Kripke himself.

Note, the following episodes (including Dark Side of the Moon) were written by Daniel Loflin & Andrew Dabb.

Yellow Fever
It was fun, but the "Dean is a dick" thing sparked fans' anger. I mean, we love Dean, coz he is such a dick sometimes. Anyway, Eric Kripke had to come out and address it: "Dean is not a dick, he is a hero."

After School Special
It was probably one of the best episodes from Daniel Loflin and Andrew Dabb.

Jump the Shark
It was a good episode, however, the whole 3rd brother thing was good material wasted.

I Believe the Children Are Our Future
Great episode! I love Jessie. To me, it was a better episode by their standard.

Sam, Interrupted
Pudding! It was an ok episode, not the best I've seen, but it was ok.

Dark Side of the Moon
The inconsistency of this episode bothers me. The first half was great, if you read my review, I absolutely love some of the scenes (probably one of the best scenes of the show). But let me put it this way, I am 666% sure this episode would have been better if it was written by any of the star writers as listed above.

I think the story idea was there but the character stuff wasn't well executed. I get the whole angst, losing faith thing, perhaps they have to write stuff that makes fans angry and then hopefully we can patch things up. I mean, somebody has to write the angry shit, right?!

But here is the thing, I personally feel that it was a bit of a try-hard from Daniel and Andrew. On one hand, they were sort of going for the epic-ness, but on the other hand, they didn't achieve it. The character stuff was a bit wonky. Is it just me?

I don't know which writer created the character God (for example Ben Edlund created Bela & the Ghostfacers, while Jeremy Carver created Castiel), so whoever created the character God, I pray and pray they don't screw it up.

Hammer of the Gods (Yet to be aired)
I wish to GOD, Daniel Loflin and Andrew Dabb don't fudge it up.

I am nervous when I know an episode is written by Daniel Loflin and Andrew Dabb. It's like they should just stick to the fillers and leave the characters stuff to other writers who would and could maintain and treat the characters with justice. Am I making sense? I just think that if the above episodes (including Dark Side of the Moon) were written by the star writers, the over quality would be much better and I am sure I'd be more satisfied.

Anyway, I don't mean to offend Daniel and Andrew or anyone, but that just happens to be how I feel about it. Still love you guys, but I wish things would've been written and treated better.

'All you need is legs': A special fanfic for me!

I love @TozaBoma from Twitter! She wrote this for me! AWESOME! If you missed my blog post earlier, here it is again!!

Go to Toza's LJ and read it! If you don't, I'll tickle you to death. It's a threat!

[Updated] Episode 5.17 99 Problems; Bring me the Shanks!

Geeking out now! Michael Shanks (Dr Daniel Jackson, SG1) will guess star in episode 5.17 99 Problems. That's 99 kinds of awesome!!! As mentioned before, I'd love to see Michael to play Michael or God, he is that good! But I can live with it.. I can't wait to see Dr Jackson on Supernatural!

Episode airs on Thursday 8 April on the CW. Here is the promo.



You know what! I think the CW should stop releasing spoiler clips as we come closer to the season 5 finale. Just saying. If you need emotional support, come join us in the Bobby's Panic Room, where we avoid spoilers by staring at each and sometimes sing "Tomorrow" (from Annie) after we watch a We-are-so-screwed episode. (By the way, it helps!) If you need help and therapy, follow me on Twitter.

[Spoiler] Evil spoiler clip is evil. Here it is!

[Spoiler] Episode 5.19 Hammer of the Gods Official Synopsos

Here we go folks.. the official synopsis of episode 5.19 Hammer of the Gods.

LUCIFER (MARK PELLEGRINO) RETURNS – Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) are kidnapped by a group of gods, including Kali (guest star Rekha Sharma), Ganesh (guest star Keith Blackman Dallas) and Bladur (guest star Adam Croasdell) and held hostage in a small hotel. The gods want to use Sam and Dean as bargaining chips to stop the Apocalypse, but Gabriel (guest star Richard Speight, Jr.) shows up and warns them that if Lucifer finds them he will kill them all. Unfortunately, one of the gods turns on the rest and Lucifer appears. Episode written by Andrew Dabb & Daniel Loflin with story by David Reed and directed by Rick Bota.

Source: Krypton SPN Site

MARK PELLEGRINO!!!!!
JACOB!!!!!!!!!!
*Faint*

A Not So Heavenly Review: Dark Side of the Moon

Dark Side of the Moon left an emotional scar on my brain, which was already fried. It was an emotional roller-coaster. Did I sleep well last night? Did I wake up ok this morning? Who put that bin there?

Here are the highlights of my emotional-Supernatural-meter during the episode. These thoughts occurred in real time. [Sound effect: 24 count down clock]

I loved the 'previously on', it usually set the tone of the episode and Supernatural does very awesome 'previously on'. Five seconds into the recap, I knew I was going to love this episode...

Then, the boys died. So OK.. not to worry, they'll be back. So let's move on!

Life flashes before your eyes when you die. I like how Heaven was written on the show. Different people have different experience when they get there. I know what my Heaven will be like. [Sound effect/ cue: evil laugh]

Dean's first memory was beautiful. I cannot use another word other than beautiful to describe this memory. It was about him and little Sammy (Colin Ford) doing normal things as brothers. Just the two of them. Young and innocent. It was probably one of THE BEST scenes of the entire episode. It was beautifully done. I mean, when was the last time you see Dean smiled like he meant it? The soundtrack was perfect for this scene: Bob Dylan's Knockin' On Heaven's Door. That hug from little Sammy bought tears to my eyes.

At this point of the episode, I was pretty sure I would love love love this episode..... Like 99% sure.

Then it came Cas's voice from the Impala. Wait... the Impala died too? We love Cas! But he didn't honk.

Next, we saw Sam's first memory. Having Thanksgiving with another family. Good one Sammy! Let's move on. Shall we?

We then saw Castiel appeared on TV. You go ahead and appear on my TV anytime any day honey! Cas couldn't return to Heaven, so this was the only way to communicate with the brothers. We found out Zach was looking for them (what's new?!). Just stay away from the light and find a road. They now must locate Joshua, the angel who talked to God.

I thought the toy track/ car thing was a great touch, it was very fitting because the next memory was about Dean's childhood, and it was Dean's toy. Kudos to the writers, it was very thoughtful.

Dean's second memory was about Mary. Naturally. The sandwich scene was as nicely done as the one in WIASNB. But Sam was there this time, which was fine until he opened his mouth. When Sam said to Dean "let's go, come on." I was like.. SAMMY SHUT UP! Give Dean a minute!!

Sam should have known by now that Dean actually remembered his life as a child with his mother. Unlike Sam, who had no memory of Mary because he was only six month old when she died. Sam may not know this, but as viewers we know Dean remembered about the Hey Jude and the tomato rice soup. So to me, it was either the writers purposely wrote Sam as a douche or it was a Sam 'who cares, it's not real, so why bother to stay longer' moment. The Dean and Mary hug at the end was beautiful. Dean didn't get to give Mary a hug last time in The Song Remains the Same, so yeah, it was beautiful. Tissues anyone?

Next, Sam's second memory was about a dog. WTF? And it wasn't even a family dog, it was a random dog. Of course, at this point I was asking myself, may be it was Zach's doing, may be it was his trick to show Dean how selfish Sam was, so that Dean would just give up and say yes. Dean was pissed (I would too), because Sam's idea of happiness was to run away from his family, while Dean was worried sick about his brother's safety for two weeks. The thing was, Sam didn't even realise it caused Dean to worry. He just went off to do his own thing.

Next we saw the road where Sam left for Stanford. Dean totally flipped! At that point, I was like, someone please tell me this was Zach's doing because I can really kick Sam in his Elvis sideburns right now! And of course, if one of Sam's memories was having sex with Ruby, I'll throw my Aussie thongs at my TV.

Next!

Houston, we've found the Winchester boys. I repeat, we've found them. The brothers were running from Zach. Kurt Fuller did a fantastic job in this episode! I love Zach. He is the perfect villain.

Next! Johan's* twin brother, ASH!!! [*Only the Crossroads Nation know what I am talking about.] Meet Dr Bad-Ass in his Kick-Ass outfit!!! That was awesome! I love Ash! It was great to see him. I feel that the writers could have given him a purpose to be there. Like ok, he helped the boys to escape and he used his Mac, I mean PC to track down Joshua. But I was kinda expecting a bit more. It was nice to see Pam too. However, I am not convinced about Pam's speech with Dean. She was convincing Dean to say yes. Anytime anyone tried to convince Dean to say yes, I think it's Zach's doing.

OK.. next! (Fudge, this is turning out to be a very long review.. oh well.. suck it up and keep reading!)

The brothers ran into Mary, who was not herself. I wasn't liking the whole Mary-acting-strange thing. Was it necessary? It was Zach's doing obviously of course. Then, Zach was talking talking talking about how he was going from 'employee of the month' to 'joke of the month'. And he started talking about his feelings, his favorite boy band and fairy floss...

Oh but excuse me sir, the boss wanted to talk to the boys now....

When I first read about the new angel, I was really excited. Do I like it after I watch this episode? Well...I like his mannerism. He reminded me of the Oracle (from The Matrix) or Missouri (from season one of Supernatural). Joshua's purpose was to rely God's message to the brothers. The message was "BACK OFF." Perhaps he is God himself but he doesn't reveal himself as God.

This leads to my official discussion... I know! Here comes the main course..

Let's talk about God

Where the pie are you?!

OK so.. if God doesn't give a shit, why did he save Dean and Sam from the church? Why did he save Castiel? May be I am reading too much into this, but God's message was "Back off" not "Give up" or "Just say yes." I am not sure what it means!

Dean was so heart-broken by the end of this episode. Just when he thought he couldn't get any lower in emotional terms, God's message was in-your-face! Has Dean done enough? Has he tried hard enough to save the world? What else can he do it to fight supernatural creatures?

This is a whole new level of despair for Dean. I know this is Supernatural and not Alice in Wonderland, but I wish there is a sign of hope, just one, you know? Just show Dean one sign of hope. Give him one good reason to fight. People have already mentioned it, perhaps it was a test. I mean, since when God live your life for you? I think Dean needs to be DEAN. Just take a step back and find a way, fine hope and create his own path. Go save people, hunt things.. Screw the apocalypse.

At the end of the episode, Castiel was so broken too, like a kid realized Santa wasn't real or the whole man on the moon thing was shot in a Hollywood studio. [I like how Dean woke up from being dead and immediately called Cas. Lucky he has enough minutes.]

Don't throw the amulet into the bin!

This is pretty much on everyone's lips: Don't throw the amulet into the bin!

If I work in the props department of the show, I will not put the bin there. They can fire me after that! I understand why Dean did it. But I think it was weird to see it, I feel that it was the writing of the scene. The amulet was a Xmas gift from Sammy, it symbolized the brotherhood or the bond. It was only revealed to us the other purpose of it, which was a God EMF. Dean was absolutely gutted after returning from Heaven, he was disappointed to know that he and the family wasn't part of any of Sam's happy memory (the argument is, it could have well been one of Zach's tricks); Dean was also disappointed with God's state of mind. I just hope that Sam would pick up the amulet from the bin (off camera).

I've love gut-wrenching episodes, but this one... this one was weird to me. I think from now on, I shall create a new category called We are so screwed and file all the gut-wrenching-we-are-so-screwed episodes into this category.

Japan loves Jensen, so do we! Jensen Ackles in Safari Magazine

It all started last night when I randomly posted the October 2007 cover of a Japanese magazine, Safari on my TwitPic. That issue featured Jensen Ackles. I don't have the inside pages of this magazine, and I've been searching. I've asked my tweeps to spread the words to locate the scan of the inside pages.

Today, thanks to Sydney_Marrow, we have the missing scans! I love you forever!!! So here they are folks. A big shout out to Chevybb67 for the That's Awesome blog.

I've asked one of my tweeps to translate this. So stay tuned!!

The cover screams JASON TODD/ RED HOOD to me. Again, I want WB to make the life action movie Batman: Under the Red Hood. Jensen could so nail the role of bad boy Jason Todd.


I am happy.