I think season 2 is stronger overall than the first season as well. Dean and Sam become more fully realized as characters, and there's at least a few episodes where Padalecki takes off his shirt, and that's probably reason enough to make your purchase of season 2 worth it.
Robin, I I look forward to your thoughts on The Return.
Shadow Lady Joined: Nov 07, 2006 Posts: 6624 Threads: 116
Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 8:08 am Post subject:
Padalecki with no shirt on? I'm there.
I watched the episode yesterday that took place in Hibbing Minnesota. The one where the family likes to hunt people. Okay, just want you all to know that we don't live like that here in Minnesota. There is no human hunting in Minnesota. There are no hick inbred families here in Minnesota. I'm a little disappointed that the episode that takes place in Minnesota happened to not have anything to do with the supernatural but just a bunch of hicks who like hunting people.
The episode was good I just didn't like the setting.
Anyway, I like to watch an episode while I'm jogging on the treadmill and every once in a while I yell out in surprise (or terror) and it throws my jogging off but I still love it.
_________________
My own private Sammy
robin unsuspecting bleeding heart Joined: Jun 17, 2005 Posts: 8997 Threads: 76
Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 3:52 pm Post subject:
I like The Benders episode. (Who's surprised? ) Growing up, I would visit my grandparents in MN and have good feeling associated with it (MN, not the creepy Benders!). So, I only think of the ep supposedly being set in MN when the really pretty awesome lady cop is doing her thing. She and Dean connecting over their responsibility for missing brothers came off as really genuine to me. The rest of the time, I'm sure they're in Deliverance territory.
I will say, though, that I'm just as happy to be from Nebraska when it comes to this show and to Stephen King. Not sure why they both allow mostly good connotations, but I'm thankful for it.
robin unsuspecting bleeding heart Joined: Jun 17, 2005 Posts: 8997 Threads: 76
Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008 8:21 pm Post subject:
OK, you had to know I'd find an excuse to bump this thread. So here it is, my first ever animated gif!!! I am amazed at the extent of my genius! (Seriously, you don't want to know how much trouble I had getting this far.) I'd use it as my av, but I'm pretty sure it's not actually as perfect as it looks to me. (In other words, Hot Rod Otis does not need to worry about competition from me any time soon. Come to think of it, though, season three has plenty of good 'raw' material for HRO to have fun with, you know...)
It's from next week's repeat of 3.07 Fresh Blood which I'm really looking forward to seeing again. I did tape the ep but am not letting myself watch before Thursday's airing. That'll put us only a week away from a brand spanking new episode.
Spoiler:
BTW - I love that Shadow Lady's new av has both Sam and Dean instead of a solo Sam. And I'm all curious about whether that means she's gotten attached to Dean now or to the whole brother thing OR if I'm just reaching a new scary level of caring too much.
Terr's been ripping into the second half of season two this week so I've had someone to talk to about the show while anticipating Miscreation's list.
Shadow Lady Joined: Nov 07, 2006 Posts: 6624 Threads: 116
Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 2:18 pm Post subject:
Oh yes, I am loving Dean too. I'm beginning to see what it is you love in their relationship. Dean is so guarded and so closed in. He never really lets anyone get close to him but the more I watch, the more I find out why.
I recently saw the episode where their dad makes an appearance (the one with Meg) and now today I saw the one where Dean has to fight the witch ghost in Wisconsin. Sam doesn't undestand why Dean has to do this but Dean finally opens up a little to Sam and tells him he failed to kill it when Sammy was being attacked as a kid. I like it when Dean lets Sam in, even though it's just a little at a time, it's enough to carry their relationship through.
The episode where the brothers play jokes on each was a little weak. They could have done so much more with that episode. But I guess they can't all be great episodes.
I've started recording the season 3 episodes so when I finally get done with season 2, I can start watching what I have saved in the DVR. Then, hopefully, the writers will not be on strike and I'll be up to speed when the new season starts.
_________________
My own private Sammy
amberlita Joined: Jun 17, 2005 Posts: 17485 Threads: 291
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:46 pm Post subject:
S1 - Skin
Great episode. Dean irked at the idea of the shape shifter driving his beloved baby was hilarious. Evil Dean was nearly as hot as hero-sarcastic Dean. Ackles plays that role well. They are kind of giving him more to do in this series early on then Sam in that sense, though Sam has the deeper personal story.
LOVED the fight sequence!! Reminded me of Raphael and Leonardo dueling in TMNT. One of those squeal-worthy fan moments. It's also one of those excuses to get scenes in a show like this you know you won't get unless someone is not themselves, like Mulder and Scully kissing in The XFiles. Here, we get them fighting as well as Dean confessing things he'd never reveal otherwise (a convenient detail of the shapeshifter but it worked!). Nice moment, Dean talking about how he is a "freak". I'm not surprised this would be a facet of his insecurities.
Also feel I should remark on the music. It's perfect for this show. Lots of the songs give me flashbacks to when I was a kid and went to haunted houses. They always played this type of creepy rock music set to strobe lights and such that was so disarming. Plus the music is just good.
robin unsuspecting bleeding heart Joined: Jun 17, 2005 Posts: 8997 Threads: 76
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 6:21 pm Post subject:
Guess what? My brother -- who was only lukewarm to S1 (that I forced on him) -- 'fessed up to getting ready to rewatch his set.
Skin IS excellent, Amber. Shapeshifters are awful (awful!) creatures and I love every episode they show up in. I remember being disoriented right from the opening scene with the music a large part of that. And, ha!, I'd never thought of the TNMT comparison with that fight, but now I'll never watch it again without throwing in a cowabunga.
It's like the new Terr quote in my signature. You know (I'm sure you know!) the LOST scene he brought up to me. Well, I'd never made the connection to the S2 Supernatural episode that made him think of it. Now, I've got that extra reason to know I'm right to love both my shows.
Anyway.... Keep going, girl!
edit: Don't we get Dean climbing a fence in this ep? Also,
Spoiler:
I've got to say this ep may have cured me from wanting him to take off those usual 19 layers. I was enjoying it.... up to a point.... Then look what happened! He just didn't stop!
robin unsuspecting bleeding heart Joined: Jun 17, 2005 Posts: 8997 Threads: 76
Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 5:03 pm Post subject:
FRESH BLOOD -- It's what the episode is titled, but it's also what I'm looking for.
It's new to you! Isn't that what they say? You're not really going to watch The Apprentice, Grey's, or CSI tonight, are you? Not when there's a kickass repeat of Supernatural on. Here's your chance to see whether the show might have something to offer you.
Buffy fans -- You all liked Harmony. She's guest starring with the boys tonight.
FRESH BLOOD -- It's what the episode is titled, but it's also what I'm looking for.
It's new to you! Isn't that what they say? You're not really going to watch The Apprentice, Grey's, or CSI tonight, are you? Not when there's a kickass repeat of Supernatural on. Here's your chance to see whether the show might have something to offer you.
Buffy fans -- You all liked Harmony. She's guest starring with the boys tonight.
I didn't watch the repeat, however, I was really struck by how violent Fresh Blood was when I saw it, probably the most violent episode to date on the show.
Also I've stopped procrastinating and am working on my list.
robin unsuspecting bleeding heart Joined: Jun 17, 2005 Posts: 8997 Threads: 76
Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 8:01 pm Post subject:
This whole season really amped up the gore and this episode the most, I'd agree. Somehow I mind it less in this ep though because it's so well balanced with the Sam and Dean stuff and because Gordon's story really is tragic. We know enough about him (and even Creedy) to realize it. This episode is 100% awesome.
amberlita Joined: Jun 17, 2005 Posts: 17485 Threads: 291
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 6:35 pm Post subject:
S1 - Hookman
- Kind of a lame episode. Just not very interesting to me, maybe cause I've seen those same urban legends played out in half a dozen hollywood movies.
- The fact that they are always "saving" some teenage hottie is getting a bit old. Plus these gals always seem to make the worst actors. Does afford for some smooching though (Go Sam!) but the reason to keep coming back continues to be the interaction between the two guys. It does concern me though cause I know there's a couple of gals that come into the show as regulars later? I know next to nothing about this, but, I dunno. Hope it doesn't screw up the vibe.
- Nice effect with the destruction of the hookman. Same with last episode's skin shedding effect (which was effin creepy and GROSS). Seems like they can probably afford one good effect per episode and they do it right.
S1 - Bugs
- ugh. bugs.
- uuuuuuuuuugh!! bugs! kill them all!
-Love love LOVED the coin flipping scene. It's really fun to see these guys interact.
-LOOOOOOOOOVED the "sexual orientation" bit and the "honey"-butt-slap. Again, the little things about the two lead actors is the reason to keep watching the show. Like how they awkwardly grin at each other when people mistake them for being gay but they aren't actually uncomfortable. You can spot that. Just from facial expressions. I'll find myself noticing and loving the smallest nuance in acting, from Sam's forced interest in a steam shower ("that's great...") to Dean's not-so-subtle interrogations ("spiderbitesssss").
- Love that Native American guy calling Dean out on his lying. He IS the liar. Moreso than Sam atleast. He seems to be the first to give a bogus backstory first. I really enjoyed that theme in this episode. Along with Sam's daddy complex, paralleled in another teenage kid who conveniently looks exactly like him.
robin unsuspecting bleeding heart Joined: Jun 17, 2005 Posts: 8997 Threads: 76
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 8:18 pm Post subject:
wtg, Amber! Yeah, for me, those two eps are less than the best as far as the monster of the week goes. I don't see how the Hookman girl was attractive to anyone. (Then again, Sam is more identifying with as a opposed to being attracted to her.) Also, I think bugs IN THEORY are creepy too, but plastic spiders make me laugh. That element does NOT improve on rewatching. At least that is as lame as it gets effects-wise.
Still, the episodes are saved by just what you described. The brothers are so worthwhile. I think I've mentioned that I them. The reconnecting as they become a real team is fun (did you catch Sam swat at Dean's belly as he pulled into that garage?) but it isn't all smooth. We get to see that Sam and Dean have such different points of view of the same events in their past. That in itself is a touch not every show acknowledges but this one has had from the pilot. I love that one doesn't have to be right.
There are new types of victims for the Winchesters to save over the next eps so no need to worry about anybody messing up the boys' dynamic -- only in the hurt-so-good kind of ways.
And, thank goodness, you can get that disc sent back to netflix already!!!!! I've felt bad about you not getting your money's worth from the plan. (The third disc goes 4 for 4 on strong episodes and we get some unexpected looks beneath Dean's surface.)
Yes saving teenage hotties does get old, but thankfully they mix it up a bit later on. I like the climax to Hookman though, it was tense. There are recurring female characters later on in season 2 and 3, but I don't feel like they've disrupt the brother thing the show has going too much, but I think the writers know enough to keep them in limited appearances, which works best.
The Bugs episode is one of my least favourite from season 1. The brother dynamic in it is good, but the premise I thought was weak.
amberlita Joined: Jun 17, 2005 Posts: 17485 Threads: 291
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:31 pm Post subject:
Indeed Robin, I spotted those plastic spiders too. I didn't want to say anything though. You've said in the past that the low budget acting and effects are part of the package that makes the show endearing to you and since it didn't bug me (no pun intended) I didn't mention it. Only the acting really starts to become painful.
Don't sweat not getting my money's worth. To be honest, I've not gotten my money's worth since I restarted Netflix over a year ago but having a job makes it hard to discontinue the service. It's terrible. I'm just throwing money away for the last 9 months or so. But I rarely get recent films from it. It serves me for the convenience of getting films and shows I couldn't get at the local video store and it's a convenience I really really don't want to give up.
I am anxious for the next disc though. In fact, it's warmed up to the 40s here today (downright balmy compared to the single digits we've had) so as an excuse to get some exercise I think I'll go for a run and take it to the mailbox down the street. I want it to go out in the mail tomorrow otherwise it'll be that much longer and there's no way I'll get up tomorrow morning in time. Better to do it now.
Mis - the climax of Hookman was intense!! Sam and that girl in the corner and Dean's standing in the hallway staring down an invisible hook tearing slowly down the wall toward him. Great moment. I thought the build up to the ending of Bugs was good but the climax itself was really laughable. How 10,000 bees flying around the room didn't sting them to death right away is beyond me.
robin unsuspecting bleeding heart Joined: Jun 17, 2005 Posts: 8997 Threads: 76
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:49 pm Post subject:
Well shoot, Amber.... After all, Dean did
Spoiler:
improvise with the can of bugspray and turn into a flamethrower that would last until sunrise!!
robin unsuspecting bleeding heart Joined: Jun 17, 2005 Posts: 8997 Threads: 76
Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:46 am Post subject:
Some of you should have been able to predict that I'd feel guilty about being any less than enthusiastic about an episode of the show. Naturally that meant I rewatched it with the intent of finding the good stuff. That means you get to share in my research.
7 Reasons 1.08 Bugs is not only worthwhile but actually AWESOME!!
(inspired in part by Barty's ability to defend Crash )
Spoiler:
1) The opening banter between Sam and Dean -- Dean brings home the bacon while Sam lounges on the Impala ferreting out a new case. And…. Sam is smiling!!
How we were raised was jacked. You watch Oprah?
2) The coin flip, butt slap, and belly swat -- all low key moves that provide a touch of the genuine to the brother relationship.
3) This vista and Def Leppard! This really is quality cinematography. I cropped it to use as a sig banner, but it loses so much of it’s grandeur….
4) Classic, old school SPN:
Hustling pool
Scamming -- realtors, professors, and Native Americans (trying to, anyway)
Squatting -- and stopping to appreciate that the stream shower is awesome!
Breaking and entering crime scenes
5) Impala, Impala, Impala! - I’m almost certain she -- and her creaky doors and rumbling motor -- are never off screen for longer than a 5 minute span this whole episode.
6) The boys make faces!
How cute is the face Dean makes to acknowledge that no, they aren’t there to buy a house? (This isn’t it. Right after this he does the duck lips and sweeps his eyes shut, and it speaks volumes.)
Sam scores with the high difficulty combination eyeroll AND bitchface(!!) over the disparity between the brothers’ ideas of what constitutes good advice for the troubled kid.
You were kinda like the blond chick of the Munsters.
7) Here’s our two guys leaning on the car after they’ve saved the civilians. They come awfully close to getting chick-flicky when they verbalize their desire to find dad…. (bonus eyelash shot!)
amberlita Joined: Jun 17, 2005 Posts: 17485 Threads: 291
Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 11:45 am Post subject:
rmkblair wrote:
Spoiler:
3) This vista and Def Leppard! This really is quality cinematography. I cropped it to use as a sig banner, but it loses so much of it’s grandeur….
AH!! Robin I was totally going to mention this. I don't recall it being in your sig but I actually quietly gasped when that shot was on screen and was going to say something but I couldn't screencap it and I was convinced nobody would know what scene I was talking about (a 3 second driving shot over all those seasons?).
Looking at it now I also find high affinity because it reminds me of a Band of Brothers shot that I screencapped and put in my sig:
I also was going to mention the Impala too! Over that episode I started to realize just how beautiful that car really is. A number of times I said to the TV, "God that car is gorgeous." I also love how pretty it is but the doors sound so rickety when they get out of it. The familiar rickety door is very endearing.
I didn't even think about spoilers for Rico. Dummy! I'll put my stuff in spoilers from now on when I watch an episode.
robin unsuspecting bleeding heart Joined: Jun 17, 2005 Posts: 8997 Threads: 76
Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:12 pm Post subject:
Here's the sig I made and used. Doesn't even compare, so I wasn't truly happy with it.
The image is beautiful and evocative of so many locations though. You're so right about that. (I personally would have to bet that it was taken in Nebraska. )
Here's another reason why you noticed that shot.
Spoiler:
It was also used in1.04 Phantom Traveller. So you've seen it for six seconds, not just three. (It's on the page of thumbnails when you scroll to the bottom.) If you get to paying that much attention, you'll see that the budget forces them to reuse a couple of (very nice!) out on the road shots throughout the series.
I think Bugs has so much Impala because they never stop and give the boys another base camp. There's no motel room (or dorm or library or whatever), so the car is it.
Shadow Lady Joined: Nov 07, 2006 Posts: 6624 Threads: 116
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 7:25 am Post subject:
I have one more episode left and then I am done with Season 1. I like the direction the show is going now. They have given the boys a real mission, not just traveling the country hunting the supernatural but an actual mission, something to clarify their lives and give them real purpose.
Dean and Sam are really coming together as brothers. At first it was like Dean was treating Sam the way their dad treated the boys but now Dean is showing a little more independence from his dad and becoming more of a free thinker, like Sam.
_________________
My own private Sammy
robin unsuspecting bleeding heart Joined: Jun 17, 2005 Posts: 8997 Threads: 76
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:32 pm Post subject:
Shadow Lady - I'm afraid to say anything to you right now!!!
So, I'm going to leave it with congrats on the move that got you S2 ready and waiting.
Shadow Lady Joined: Nov 07, 2006 Posts: 6624 Threads: 116
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 6:59 am Post subject:
I am done with Season 1. OMG, I can't believe the way it ended. I am so glad I don't have to wait to start Season 2. I watched the last episode of Season 1 last night then my son wanted to rewatch the last two episodes of Season 1 so we watched them again.
I'm thinking about doing some type of Season 1 recap, if I get the time today. Just so I'm more prepared when I start Season 2, tonight.
_________________
My own private Sammy
Shadow Lady Joined: Nov 07, 2006 Posts: 6624 Threads: 116
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 9:09 am Post subject:
Okay, I've done a brief recap of Season 1. I'm going to post it here and I want everyone to give me criticism on my writing. I'm really trying to improve my writing skills.
Also, for one of my classes I have to design a website, which will be published through the school's intranet site. I have the website done but I need material to put on it and I wanted to do a TV page devoted to my favorite shows so help with my writing would be greatly appreciated.
_________________
My own private Sammy
Shadow Lady Joined: Nov 07, 2006 Posts: 6624 Threads: 116
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 9:10 am Post subject:
Supernatural – Season 1 Recap
When we first meet Sam and Dean Winchester, their relationship is tense, to say the least. Sam has been attending college and has not seen his brother Dean for four years. Dean shows up at Sam’s residence to inform him that their dad went missing, on a hunting trip. Sam, who is living with his girlfriend and about to graduate college, does not want to have anything to do with his brother or his father. Dean convinces Sam to help him locate their father.
Sam leaves with Dean for the weekend but makes it clear he must return to college by Monday morning to attend an interview to get into law school.
Sam and Dean head to a small town called Jericho, following a lead left by their father in his journal. Although they don’t find their father, what they do encounter will send any man into the depths of Hell and soon find out their idea of a hunting trip does not include furry animals.
After cleaning up the mess in Jericho but failing to locate their father, Sam returns home to find his girlfriend, Jess, in the shower, so he assumes. He goes up to the bedroom, lays on the bed and closes his eyes. When he opens his eyes, he sees Jess, on the ceiling, covered in blood. A fire erupts and Jess is killed, the exact same way Sam’s mom died when he was only an infant. Sam runs out of the house and finds Dean waiting for him.
And so the hunt begins with Sam focused on revenge and Dean focused on finding their father. The boys have only their father’s journal to guide them as they begin their journey across the country in an effort to battle both the supernatural and the natural.
Season One is a well executed introduction into the lives of the Winchester boys as they learn more about who they are, as well as their mission in life. As soon as the boys think they know each other, as well as themselves, they are thrown into a plot involving their father, in which all they have learned, including their relationship with each other and with their father, is put to test.
Will the boys make it out alive? Will their father survive the deadly supernatural forces that are so intent on taking him? Will Sam, Dean and their father ever be able to be a normal family?
) Growing up, I would visit my grandparents in MN and have good feeling associated with it (MN, not the creepy Benders!). So, I only think of the ep supposedly being set in MN when the really pretty awesome lady cop is doing her thing. 
She and Dean connecting over their responsibility for missing brothers came off as really genuine to me. The rest of the time, I'm sure they're in Deliverance territory. 
Come to think of it, though, season three has plenty of good 'raw' material for HRO to have fun with, you know...) 
At least that is as lame as it gets effects-wise.
them.
I know! Well, if you're going to use a completely implausible weapon might as well have a hot guy using fire!
