Queensryche frontman Geoff Tate is set to star in upcoming horror flick House of Eternity. This is Tate’s acting debut, in which he is the villain Alder Grayson. His wife in the movie will be portrayed by Blackmore’s Night singer Candice Night. I hope Tate contributes to the soundtrack, because it would be wonderful to have his song play in the background of a poignant scene, similar to hearing Queensryche’s “Silent Lucidity” at the end of Season 2, Episode 17 “Heart.”

Additionally, Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson has co-written a film called Chemical Wedding, which will be showing on May 17th at the Cannes Film Festival. In fact, Dickinson will personally fly invited guests to the screening in the band’s own Boeing 757 (he is a trained pilot).

Dickinson has said that the movie is inspired by the story of occultist Aleister Crowley. You can see an interview with Dickinson on the set of his film at Reuters.

TAGS: iron maiden, queensryche, geoff tate, bruce dickinson, house of eternity, chemical wedding

Dean: Hey Sam, I was wondering. When you were in my head, what did you see?
Sam: Uh, just Jeremy. He kept me separated from you… What about you? You never said.
Dean: Nothing. I was looking for you the whole time.

To read other recaps/reviews of this episode, check out BuddyTV, Starpulse, SyFyPortal, and TVSquad

For some history in the episode’s title, check out what tv.com has to say about it.

Along with “Fresh Blood,” “Dream A Little Dream of Me” might be one of the best episodes of Supernatural to date, let alone this season. Besides offering us a great look at Bobby Singer’s background and how he became a hunter, we also learned more about what Dean felt about himself and his brother. While I objected to the clumsy dialogue of the scene between Dean and himself, it gave us the first look at his vulnerability this season.

The one line from this episode that has stuck with me until now was when Dean told Bobby, “You’re like a father to me.” Considering that Dean did have a father while he was growing up, one has to wonder what Bobby offered him to be considered in the same light as John Winchester.

In season 2, episode 14 “Born Under A Bad Sign,” Bobby was there when Dean had to face the demon version of his own brother. In fact, Bobby didn’t interfere at all except to break the bond the demon had made with Sam’s body. He was willing to let Dean take control of the entire situation. Additionally, Bobby knew that Sam had killed another hunter while possessed, yet only warned Sam and Dean to be careful as they left.

Would John Winchester have let Dean handle the demon alone or would he have just killed Sam? Would he have understood that Sam was possessed when he killed the other hunter? Whatever John would have done in that situation is merely speculation, but Dean’s appreciation for Bobby’s cool-headed reaction is obvious. In the ending scene at Bobby’s house, Dean pauses at the door before leaving. He and Bobby share a look that is both a ‘thanks’ and a ‘I’m not sure I can handle this on my own.’ I personally don’t think Dean would have dared to share a look like that with his father.

The biggest difference between John Winchester and Bobby Singer was obvious in season 2, episode 22 “All Hell Breaks Loose, Part 2.” Namely, Bobby and John would have had different reactions to the news of Dean’s deal with the Crossroads Demon. John would have supported Dean’s deal because it was Dean’s ‘duty’ to protect Sam. Bobby, on the other hand, immediately asked Dean how he could have made that deal, when he knew how much anguish he would put Sam through when Sam found out.

What Dean responds to in Bobby is more than just respect - it’s the sense that someone actually cares about him. While John obviously loved his sons, he never showed his concern verbally. Bobby did and still does, which Dean considers to be ‘father-like.’ Now John Winchester has become an ‘obsessed bastard.’

It’s odd that Dean never thought to actually question why Sam’s life was so vitally precious to John; after all, anyone can see that there’s something more to that order than just a father-son relationship. But that’s what Dean ridicules in himself, isn’t it? Never asking questions, always taking orders - “Dad’s perfect little soldier.” Dean’s decision to live is more than just rebellion - it’s the most selfish thing he’s ever done.

The other part of this episode that really stood out to me was Bela’s actions. Why on earth would she steal the Colt now instead of all of those times that she must have seen Sam and Dean with it? She only seemed to notice it when she saw it in the safe. I also don’t see any use to her having it, unless she’s about to sell it to another hunter. Most regular people don’t even know about demons in this world. So, if she’s going to sell the Colt, who’s going to buy it? It’s a priceless gift - I can’t think that any hunters would actually have enough money to purchase it at her price.

Furthermore, Bela’s assumption that she would join ‘the hunt’ struck me as suspicious. The last time she ever directly involved herself was in season 3, episode 6 “Red Sky at Morning,” and even then she was involved for her own gain. In fact, why did she consult her Ouija board in an effort to help the Winchester boys? Was that more deception on her part? I can only hope there’s an answer to this in the four upcoming episodes this season.

All in all, an excellent episode that brought along probably more questions than even the writers expected. Dean’s decision to live was very anticlimactic, but at least Sam and Dean are on the same wavelength at the end of this episode.

TAGS: supernatural, dream a little dream of me, episode 3×10

Are you sitting down?

Supernatural has been renewed for a fourth season!

Instead of dragging out this decision (like they did last year) and incurring the wrath of the very devoted fans of the show (as they’ve been doing and will probably always do), the CW released a press statement on March 3rd with the news.

Even better news came the very next day, when the CW revealed that Supernatural will return with repeats on April 3rd before the new episodes start airing from April 24th. For those of you worrying how the show will keep up with its competition on other networks - you have one less thing to worry about. Lost is moving to Thursdays at 10pm, which should help out fans of both shows.

If you remember, I mentioned that Jensen had been in Australia while promoting the show. He had an interview with the Australian magazine TV Week where he discusses how the Winchester brothers would smell in real life, what he’d like in his future as an actor, and the craziest rumor he’s ever heard about himself. You can read it all here - it doesn’t mention any plot points, but it’s definitely funny.

Interestingly enough, there are also two new updates on the Jared Padalecki front. On March 2nd, Jared attended a Lakers basketball game with his longtime girlfriend Sandy McCoy (you might know her better as the Crossroads Demon that Sam killed in Season 3). You can find those images below:

click on images to view

On March 4th, Jared also attended the premiere of the new movie Never Back Down, also with Sandy.

click on images to view

He’s really been hitting the celebrity circuit, hasn’t he? Can’t say I blame him for taking a break from work. I would love to see his hair return to it’s natural length, though!

TAGS: supernatural, jensen ackles, jared padalecki, sandy mccoy, never back down

Immediately after the strike concluded, according to Sera Gamble, Supernatural writers had a grand total of three weeks to work on scripts before production began. As recent reports have indicated, shooting has already begun on the four new episodes that will be arriving on April 24th, so all four scripts are probably mostly finished.

While we fans impatiently await the end of the current hiatus, we can distract ourselves a bit with news on what the actors did, where the mythology of the show stands right now, and what we can expect for the end of the season.

During the strike, Jensen Ackles was in Austalia for two weeks in February, promoting the show there on various talk shows and interviews. Jared Padalecki, on the other hand, had his last public appearance at the Fangoria Convention in Austin, TX on February 19th. Since production has already begun, it’s a safe bet that they’re back in Vancouver. More recently, Jensen turned 30 on March 1st.

Meanwhile, Katie Cassidy (who plays Ruby) has been ordered to take a diversion class as punishment for being cited for underage drinking last year. The class is for first-time offenders and she will have the opportunity to take it in California, where she lives. All in all, a breath of relief for Cassidy.

Finally, the biggest news-maker of the roster of current and former stars on the show has definitely been Jeffrey Dean Morgan. On February 13th, Us Magazine leaked the news that Morgan was engaged to his girlfriend Mary-Louise Parker of Weeds fame. Congratulations to them both!

TAGS: supernatural, jensen ackles, jared padalecki, katie cassidy, jeffrey dean morgan

In the middle of working on my review for episode 3×10 “Dream A Little Dream of Me” (yes, I’m going out of order), I received some news that pretty much superseded anything I had in mind to post.

Supernatural has been nominated for a Saturn Award for “Best Network Television Series.”

Now, don’t get your hopes up because the show’s been nominated for the same award before, in 2006. Of course, we lost to Lost, who is our rival again this year.

But, if we look at this nomination the right way, this could be great news for us. As Kripke always warns us, we face the possibility of cancellation every May at the Upfronts. So far, we haven’t been canceled, but this could be just the thing to tip us over the edge into a renewal.

Then again, there’s no predicting what the CW execs will look at for determining the fate of Supernatural. But the internet buzz has to account for something, right?

TAGS: supernatural, saturn awards

Trickster: Sam. There’s a lesson here that I’ve been trying to drill into that freakish, Cro-Magnon skull of yours.
Sam: Lesson? What lesson?
Trickster: This obsession to save Dean, the way you two keep sacrificing yourselves for each other? Nothing good comes out of it. Just blood, and pain.

To read other recaps/reviews of this episode, check out BuddyTV, Rabiddoll, SignOnSanDiego, and TVSquad

This week’s episode was certainly something to savor. Not only was it the first time this season that we’ve been treated to two excellent episodes in row, but it was an amazing look at the future of the season and its two main characters.

First of all, major kudos to the writer of this episode, Jeremy Carver, and the director Philip Sgriccia. You might recall their names from episode 3×04 “Sin City” and episode 3×08 “A Very Supernatural Christmas.” I think it’s safe to say that any episode Carver writes might be a little short on the suspense but will be chockfull of hints for upcoming episodes.

True to form, this episode was nearly brimming with hints for the future. While “Sin City” was the breaking point in Dean’s cool facade (I’ll discuss this further in my review for episode 3×10 - forgive me!), “Mystery Spot” was Sam’s breaking point.

We’ve seen over and over again throughout the season so far that Sam still believes Dean will be saved. It took a drastic change, namely the consistently inevitable deaths of Dean, to really drive this lesson home: Sam will not always be able to save everyone. Sam’s dealt with this before, as we’ve seen in Season 1 and even Season 2, but he always had the strength of knowing that he couldn’t save other people - Dean has always survived it all. Now that he’s realized Dean might not be able to avoid his deal, we’re seeing to the core of Sam.

Frankly, what I saw of him was absolutely frightening. It’s amusing that Dean and Sam are so complementary that they’re perfect foils for each other. Dean’s sloppiness and bonhomie offset Sam’s analytical and now-fearless actions. Seeing them brush their teeth side by side, and observing the differences in toothpaste tubes, was a true revelation into each of their characters.

I don’t know about you, but while I watched Sam living his life after Dean had ‘died,’ I expected to see the black eyes of a demon in every shot. The way he utterly distanced himself from the world and Bobby and yet managed to kill so efficiently was mind-boggling. This is not the boy we met in Season 1’s “Pilot.” He hasn’t somehow found a way to survive without Dean and branch off into different relationships - instead, he’s merely existing.

This, of course, begs quite a few questions. In “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” we saw an inkling of what a demon-Dean would look like. He would be fierce, almost animalistic, and completely vengeful. Yet, we also saw Dean’s inner self, and he simply seemed weary of his life and his own guilt. There were distinct differences between the two; we certainly didn’t need the black eyes to betray which one was a demon and which wasn’t.

Yet, there is no such distinction with Sam. In fact, Sam’s more humanistic when he’s around Dean than when he is alone. I personally don’t believe that Sam came back from the dead ‘changed,’ but I do have to wonder if this portrayal of Sam was the writers’ attempt to show us there is a ‘demon’ living in Sam under the surface, and more broadly, in all of us.

Another factor in the differences between Sam and Dean that really struck me was that only Dean was willing to change his behavior and talk to the professor’s daughter. We all know that Dean’s a ’skirt-chaser,’ but Sam never wanted to change the smaller details like that one. He could have helped the movers who were trying to fit the desk through the doorway, or he could have ordered his breakfast at the diner from the counter instead of at a booth. Instead, he was content to sit back and let the day go on as before, while aiming for the larger goal in sight: saving Dean’s life.

I have a strong feeling that was a hint at something that could save Dean. Sam can’t seem to notice the little details, the little changes could add up to make a larger one. Maybe Sam needs to make his research more indirect in nature. Or, maybe he needs to let Dean die and go to hell in order to find a way to bring him back. In fact, this line of reasoning would support my predictions of Sam eventually leading a demon army of his own. I really can’t wait to see if I’m correct or not.

The use of the Trickster (who was played by Richard Speight, a name that should be familiar to all of you Jericho fans) was a great touch. Season 3 has been such a large departure from Seasons 1 and 2 that it was heartening to see that the old storylines haven’t been forgotten. I rather wondered at the Trickster’s desire to ‘teach’ Sam a lesson. Why would he care? As he said himself, the Winchesters attempted to kill him the last time they met. Other than toying with them, what other reason could he have to ‘help’ Sam? Unless there is something about the deal that involves the Trickster? I don’t know enough of the mythology that Kripke has created to answer that, but it’s a possibility isn’t it?

The use of Bobby in this episode was also particularly brilliant. Bobby is the last tie to Dean that Sam has, and yet he’s willing to kill Bobby even though he knows it’s a mirage created by the Trickster. Remember how Dean said that Bobby was ‘almost like a father’ to him in “Dream A Little Dream of Me”? Well, Dean would have never done that, even if he was pretty sure that the Bobby he was seeing was a mirage.

You could always point out that Sam did because he’d become ruthless, and there is some truth in that, but I think it lies even deeper than that. As the comics have told us so far, Sam always had his father’s attention while Dean never got the same kind of love. When Dean said that Bobby was like a father to him, he really meant it (you’ll see this explained further in my upcoming review for episode 3×10). Sam, on the other hand, never saw Bobby as more than his father’s friend and a fellow hunter. In some ways, I think Bobby fostered that kind of relationship because he has always treated Sam with intellectual respect, while he’s always had to push Dean into a certain direction.

So, in my opinion, it didn’t matter to Sam that Bobby was his last link, other than Ellen, to his father and Dean - what mattered to Sam was that he was a way to get Dean back (remember, the whole purpose in killing Bobby was for that sham of a ritual that would have brought Dean back from the dead). In other words, Sam places more meaning in blood relations than Dean does. Whether or not that distinction is solely the blame of John Winchester is debatable, but there you have it.

In all, I was expecting far more humor from this episode. Eric Kripke mentioned that Dean’s deaths would become more and more ridiculous; they certainly did, because I did laugh quite a bit at some of them, but they all had an underlying sense of dread. Somehow, the audience was able to see just how much Dean’s deaths were hurting Sam inside. I have to credit Jared Padalecki on his incredible performances here. Not only was he brilliant with the angsty parts, but his portrayal of Sam without Dean was like a punch in the gut. I seriously think he needs more work as villians instead of heroes - he’s just too good in either role.

TAGS: supernatural, episode 3×11, mystery spot

Rising Son #1

(click on the images to enlarge)

I know that I haven’t really been writing about the other things that accompany Supernatural, such as the magazines and comics, for a while now. Due to the unpredictability of the WGA strike (though, it’s been rumored that a draft of a proposed deal between the Writers Guild of America and the AMPTP could be ready by today), the comics are especially a welcome reprieve from our lack of new episodes this season.

Supernatural: Origins, the first of a trilogy, came out last year to surprisingly disgruntled reviews by fans of the show. Two of the biggest complaints was the style and the story behind the infamous Chevy Impala, which has become a third main character in the show. In Origins, the Impala was said to have belonged to Mary’s uncle. When John accidentally gets him killed on a hunt, he claims the Impala as his own. Yet, as we all know from seeing the pilot episode in Season 1, the Impala has always been with the Winchesters. It’s pretty safe to say that’s the official canon lore for the show, which the comic completely pushed aside.

To add insult to injury, the comics themselves lacked the distinct flavor of the show. With two excellent leads like Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, it would be natural to assume that the comics would portray strong emotions in the characters’ faces. Instead, the characters had block-y faces that never triggered emotion.

Peter Johnston, the comics’ creator and co-executive producer for the show, heard these complaints, and promised to rectify them in a re-release of Origins called Supernatural Origins: Director’s Cut. He also promised to adapt those changes further into the trilogy.

Supernatural: Rising Son is a six-issue miniseries that will focus on Sam and Dean as well as their father, John. According to Johnston, we will see Dean’s first hunt, as well as his training. John will also start treating his sons differently, which will affect Sam and his views on both of them.

Unfortunately, due to the WGA strike, Eric Kripke opted out of working on the comic. In spite of that, Johnston promises “freakier monsters,” including one that “may have something to do with the TV show.”

After looking at the advance images for each, I have to agree that Rising Son #1 is going to be much better than Origins.

Both Origins (Director’s Cut) and Rising Son #1 will be on sale April 23rd, 2008. As for the magazine, the second issue is now on sale.

In case you’re wondering, I need some time to recover from last night’s episode. My review will be coming on Sunday.

TAGS: supernatural, supernatural comics, supernatural origins, supernatural rising son

While I’m sure the WGA strike is taking its toll on the CW, I applaud the author for also pointing out that the CW mismanaged their advertising.

“”Their shows are very good,” said Shari Anne Brill, programming director for ad-buying firm Carat. “It almost seems like people don’t know that they are there.” Source

Yes, they are very good. Gossip Girl is looking to become the next O.C. Aliens in America is a quirky and fun portrayal of life in suburban America. Smallville is a proven fan-favorite. America’s Next Top Model is certainly holding strong as the number one rated show on the CW.

But where the hell is Supernatural in that list?

In the words of Paul McGwire, The CW’s network communications executive:

“The CW is very supportive of Supernatural and continues to be. The show continues to deliver strong episodes viewers like yourself have embraced.”Source

If that’s so, why hasn’t there been more promotion of Supernatural? I distinctly remember seeing large posters for Reaper and Gossip Girl on train platforms, but I’ve yet to see one for Supernatural.

For a show that consistently yields ratings of about 3 million viewers, and even picked up some excellent ratings this week with “Malleus Maleficarum,” the treatment the show has been getting from the advertising department has been absolutely deplorable.

Yes, Supernatural is a genre show that isn’t aimed at simpering fun like Gossip Girl, quirky comedy like Aliens in America, or even tomfoolery like Reaper. It’s serious, it’s dark, and it’s frighteningly real.

I suggest you advertising folks pay attention to the possible runaway hit you have in your hands. If you don’t, you’ll get rid of it, and then you’ll kick yourself very hard for losing the only show that actually had a hope of standing up against Grey’s and Lost.

Even if you aren’t a part of a Nielsen family, and even if you are a fan of Lost, PLEASE consider watching Supernatural as it airs tonight instead of Lost. Lost will always be a ratings master, but this is one of few chances we have left to show our support for Supernatural.

Supernatural airs tonight on the CW at 9 ET/8 CT.

TAGS: supernatural, the cw

Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) race to Bobby’s (guest star Jim Beaver) side after he lapses into a coma and can’t be awakened. While unconscious, Bobby battles his personal demons and the reason he became a hunter is revealed.

Sam and Dean discover someone poisoned Bobby with a potion that will kill him if he doesn’t wake soon. When the brothers decide to take the potion themselves to enter Bobby’s dream in order to save him, they come face to face with their own personal nightmares.

According to a recent interview with Eric Kripke, “Dream a Little Dream” will be the major turning point for Dean in his opinion of dying and leaving Sam to fight his battle alone. As we’ve seen all along, from season two’s “Bloodlust” and the selflessness (and, inherent selfishness) in the deal made with the Crossroad’s demon in “All Hell Breaks Loose,” Dean has never really valued his life as his own. It’s always been just another commodity of his to give to his brother and his father, simply because he loved them. I’ll be on tenterhooks waiting to see just what is strong enough to change his mind!

Here is the trailer, as well as a clip from the episode:

Don’t forget: “Dream A Little Dream” is airing tomorrow night at 9 ET/8 CT on the CW! Please help boost ratings so we can show the CW just how much we love Supernatural!

TAGS: supernatural, episode 3×10, dream a little dream

Apparently, for the third time in the past three years, Supernatural is being nominated for Best Sound Editing: Sound Effects and Foley for Short Form Television by the Motion Picture Sound Editors, or MPSE. The episode in consideration is 2×22 “All Hell Breaks Loose, Part 2.”

Considering all the hard work that the crew puts into our show (just look at what the visual FX crew does for each episode), it must be heartening for them to know that their work is still very much appreciated.

The nominees for this year’s award are:

Supervising Sound Editor: Michael E. Lawshé
Co-Supervising Sound Editor: Norval “Charlie” Crutcher III
Sound Designer: Marc Meyer
Sound Editors: Stu Calderon, Timothy A. Cleveland, David Lynch, Paul Diller
Foley Artists: Casey Crabtree, Michael Crabtree

Congratulations to them! This year’s award ceremony will be held at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Wouldn’t it be nice if we finally won?

TAGS: supernatural, mpse golden reel awards, sound editing