Supernatural’s Sera Gamble: Season 2

Season 2:

Bloodlust, Crossroad Blues, Houses of the Holy, and All Hell Breaks Loose Part I

Season two ties up a few loose ends, explains a few phenomenal aspects of supernatural life on earth, and asks more questions… big shocker, right? We begin with Bloodlust where we meet, for the first time, the (very-quickly-to-become) infamous Gordon Walker. Let’s start with the basics, though, shall we?

The arch for this episode is really ironic. A fellow hunter is the reason for Sam and Dean’s arrival into Red Lodge, Montana. They go to check out what would have decapitated an innocent victim; they find that the victim was, in fact, a vampire.

The authenticity of this arch, however, is the perspectives of why hunters do what they do. Gordon has his beliefs nailed, “You know why I love this life? It’s all black and white…find the bad thing- kill it…”

“No shades of gray.”

Dean is a little hesitant at this notion, but he’s having a difficult time facing a lot, having just lost John. He’s even trying to use work to numb the feelings of it, “…I’ve been itchin’ for a hunt.”

Killing makes Sammy a little more than uneasy in opposition to the others. He’s convinced that the job is hunting evil not simply anything that is supernatural. “Our job is hunting evil. If they’re not killing people, they’re not evil.

Thus, we get a closer look at what “the life” means to each hunter. OH! And this cannot be emphasized enough: the real importance of this episode is bringing back Dean’s Impala. We all know that the boys really aren’t the same without it; and we see the extant of the personality changes later on…

Listen to Her Purr

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KoWMZAQgfU&feature=related

Crossroad Blues is definitely a noteworthy episode by any standard. This is where we learn about making deals with the devil- well, with demons. The boys finally get the absolute answer as to whether or not John actually took this kind of deal, and we get the scoop on Robert Johnson, popular blues singer:

Robert Johnson

“…There’s occult references all over his lyrics: Crossroad Blues, Mean Devil Blues, Hellhound on My Trail…” –Dean

When the boys learn that the Crossroads Demon is hanging out in one joint making deals like a car salesman, another moral “gray area” starts to creep in. Sam is determined to get to the bottom of the deal and renegotiate with the demon; Dean is not convinced that they should.
Paraphrase: Do we save lives that were voluntarily sold? The compromised answer: Depends on what they’re sold for. 

Sam keeps dragging Dean to the other self-inflicted victims to see if there is anyone that can be saved who wants to be saved after speaking with the first of many deals, George. “Sometimes a person makes their bed and they just got to lie down in it.”

I was Desperate

The person they end up saving and coming to terms with the Crossroads Demon for is Evan. When Dean learns that he sold his soul to save his wife’s, he starts to change his tune… He still has a hard time with it, though; “I think you did this for yourself, so you wouldn’t have to live without her. Well, guess what? She’s gonna have to live without you now.” –Dean

This is where it all starts to blow up- in Sam’s face and in Dean’s. Dean plans to summon the demon in order to exercise it; but even when it shows up and he starts to try to save Evan, that little demon on his shoulder starts sweet-talkin’ him, and his own will power is questioned: “Forget Evan, think of your dad.”  

He still holds out, fighting every fiber of his being. Who wouldn’t be? What I do love about the writing in the last moments of this episode is Dean’s brush off of the question: “…you weren’t actually thinking of making that deal…” –Sam

From there, he just turns up the music and keeps driving. Granted, it’s the skills of Padalecki and Ackles that bring this to life, but Gamble truly captures the psychological banter going on in their minds; fighting self, sacrificing every temptation for the sake of others and still dealing with- or not dealing with- the heavy loss of their dad. This is how the show continues to build with every episode.

Houses of the Holy really deals with its own set of issues: questioning, again, the element of religion and how it fits into “the life.” When the boys investigate the homicidal act of a town hooker, they learn that her actions were instructed by an ‘Angel of the Lord.’ Dean, as always, plays our skeptic, while Sammy reaches out, desperately, for something bigger.

When the town drunk claims that he was also instructed by an angel to kill somebody, the boys go digging further into the victims “extracurricular” activities. In the process, they discover that both of the victims went to the same church. They dig a little deeper.

Come to find out, a priest at the Catholic Church had recently died. Both of their theories tie one to another: A) the vengeful spirit of Father Gregory (who knew things about the perishoners- victims- that no one else did) is driving people to murder B) Father Reynolds started praying for God’s help to protect the neighborhood from violence and bloodshed when Father Gregory was shot.

“Come on… from the get go, you’ve been willing to buy this whole angel thing. What’s next, you gonna start prayin’ every day?” –Dean
“I do pray every day.” –Sam
And even in this moment, Dean brushes off the intense emotion of the moment, and moves forward with the job.

When they find Father Gregory’s grave, the first thing that Dean shoots for is to perform a séance to summon his spirit to see if the presumed “Angel of the Lord” is actually him. Sam is hesitant, maybe because he wants and hopes it is something bigger that exists over them; but Dean is adamant: “It’s one of the perks of the job…we don’t have to operate on faith; we can know for sure… Don’t you wanna know for sure?” –Dean
Sam agrees.

Sam goes to perform the séance while Dean follows the man that Sam was instructed by the ‘angel’ to kill. When Dean comes back from his trip, he finds Sammy, discouraged that it was Father Gregory’s spirit offering ‘redemption’ for murdering the wicked. He tries to go back and encourage his little brother in his own way:

This cuts off sooner than I would prefer, but it was the only clip I found with this moment- 

Just to brush one particular moment in this episode, there is an incredible moment of foreshadowing that happens with Father Reynolds when the boys go chat with him about the deaths. Sam, in an underlying hope to convince Dean of the Warrior spirits of angelic creatures, points to a painting of the Arch Angel Michael.

Every time I come back to this episode, I get chills at how well the writing team put this together and how this moment traces itself directly in line with Dean’s destiny. When Sam points out the painting, Father Reynolds describes just who Michael is: “…With a flaming sword, fighter of demons, holy force against evil…” Oooh, so crazy.
We have already established in Bloodlust that Sam and Dean have agreed that their job is hunting evil; Dean fights demons, and sends them back to Hell every chance he can (okay, that’s the obvious one…); and, to emphasize, Holy means “Set apart”; Sam and Dean are told (later on) how important their lives are to the apocalypse, and other things. How amazing it is to look back at this and think how awesome this writing team did with this moment! But, more on all of that later.

Finally, we arrive at part one of the two-part season finale: All Hell Breaks Loose. And finally, we begin to get pieces of the first puzzle: why Azazol wanted to bleed in Sam’s (and other babies’) mouths and turn them into ‘psychic’ wonders; and Azazol himself finally dies- well, that’s part two… Sorry, getting ahead of myself. Let me go ahead and back up…

Sam meets up with a few of the other ‘psychics’ that he’s met over the last few months, and meets a couple more. Not that he called them up and tried to convince a few people that there was something insane going on; Azazol brought them there, to the “Miss America Pageant.”

One particular interesting element, besides driving a bunch of messed up, demon-stalked, twenty-somethings to a haunted “frontier land;” the demon following them around is something Sam refers to as an “A-cheery” or “demon that disguises itself as a little girl.” It might not be completely out there that this was, in fact, Lilith… Wait, just kidding, we were informed that opening the actual gate is what allowed her to crawl out of hell. I guess we can simply allow this to be another awesome moment of foreshadowing Lilith- that is still a heavy prophetic moment, considering what she will bring to the story arch later.

Another intense moment that we connect with is when Mary Winchester dies, and Yellow Eyes takes Sam to his high definition, instant replay:

MARY: It’s you…
            SAM: She knew you!!!!

Well, how about that!!!! One of those heavy duty, what-are-we-supposed-to-do-with-this-information moments… The revelation is not even shown for another season, if I remember correctly. Wait maybe 2? Yeah, it’s in season 4 or 5 somewhere because it’s when Castiel sends Dean back to “stop it.” Sorry, I’m getting ahead of myself again…

I will admit a moment of disappointment in this episode: Yellow Eyes tells Sam that there are other generations, “but let’s just worry about yours.” Unless I am out right forgetting something, this passing revelation has still not been answered, right? I guess we have at least one more year to find out.

Ava’s real self, as revealed in killing Andy, is a heartbreaking moment. “I just stopped fighting…who we are, Sam.

“It’s me or them… After a while it was even kinda fun.”(paraphrase). Her killing so many innocent people for something she would never fully understand or accept. The words coming out of her mouth in this dialogue with Sam seem ignorant of how Azazol, or any other demon, would actually operate. The truth is though, Sam’s mind will eventually use similar logic to control demons in exorcisms, and ‘dating’ Ruby. Oops! I just have a really bad habit 😉

And of course, no referral to Supernatural season 2 and her ending episodes would be complete without a reference to Sam’s first death, so here you go!

Sera Gamble’s contributions to this second season are irreplaceable!

She establishes a firm set of beliefs from Sam and Dean as to murder versus saving people. These beliefs are heavily presented and give us greater build in the story arches later on.

She introduces us to Gordon walker. Do I really have to explain this one?

She really rooted Dean’s “caregiver” instinct on a more intense, psychological level. This will give us, again, better build, and somewhere to take the character(s) over the next few years. Particularly when we hit the end of season five and Dean has to let Sam go make his own decision without being ‘okay’ with it.

Gamble gives us the Crossroads!!!!!!!! This will bring Sam back, drive Sammy to despair when Dean’s deal hits, AND bring us the King of the Crossroads. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, what would this show be right now without Crowley?

And finally, we get further controversy in faith, which will soon bring us the heavy influence of angels.

Now gear up, because soon I’ll be posting about season three! Here’s a little preview:

Dreaming of Stardom

“I’m not complaining.” -Ivy
“Just dreaming?” -Tom

“Well, sometimes dreams are hard.” -Karen

“There’s nothing safe about being a star.” -Derek

“You are not an understudy, you’re a star!” -Rebecca (to Karen)

“But your day will come because there’s no question…you’re a star.” -Lee Conroy (to Ivy)

“Something second-hand and broken
still can make a pretty sound
even if it doesn’t have a place to live.
The words are still unspoken
now that mama’s not around,
but that second-hand
white baby grand
still had something beautiful
to give.”

“Art is beautiful. It brings you joy to write a song. It brings us joy to sing it. It brings an audience joy to hear it.” -Sam

That is what comes of following crazy dreams.

A SMASHing Inspiration

There’s so much that can be said about the first season of this incredible new drama. This musical series has inspired me even more in my passion for theatre: the life of a struggling theatre artist; the moral lapses and questions every producer and actor has to face in and out of shows; the familial connection and community of a cast and crew that cannot be replaced… I could go on and on, but I won’t right now. I won’t bore you with my emotional sentiments over how the chemistry between these actors and creators gives this show overwhelming energy and life.

I will say, though, that instead of planning and probing every single episode for possible blog series topics, I’m going to simply review my notes and allow a creative process to flow through the material I’m enjoying so much!

This is not going to be a conventional series for me. Some posts will be written articles concerning a particular topic; others might be photo essays, or blog-style collages if you will, from the galleries I’ve found. Some of those might include mp3’s if I can figure out how to do that…lol I might even create a consistent vlog on my YouTube channel! Wouldn’t it be something to consistently use that for something 😉

If you have any suggestions or topics for discussions send me a message or comment on my FaceBook page. There’s a link to it in the column. Stay tuned for more posts on Smash!

Losing Bobby

“I felt like Dean took Bobby’s death harder than their dad’s.”

Someone mentioned this to me the other day and it got me thinking: he really did. Dean did take Bobby’s death harder than John’s. By the time that John passed away, Dean was on the verge of utter frustration and hurt from John’s overwhelming desire to simply kill the demon. This is the entire reason that the Winchester’s do what they do; and the thing that John and Sam are completely willing to lose their lives fighting.

Dean was so angry with both of them. He had realized how closely connected Sam and John were. I think that on some level, there was a feeling of jealousy. Dean spent his whole life trying to be his dad, and Sam spent his trying to run away from the life; without even trying, Sam was everything Dean was trying to be. When Dean lost John, he lost his identity.

Bobby was Dean’s anchor. After losing John, whenever the boys needed help on a case, when they were fighting, anything that they ever needed- Bobby was there. Always.

You’re gonna play catch like a regular snot-nosed little kid!

If you remember, we get a glimpse in Death’s Door of how far back Bobby’s relationship goes with the boys. Bobby says it himself, “…I adopted two boys and they turned out to be… heros.”
“They’re MY BOYS!”

It’s been difficult for Dean these past few episodes. The plats have been focused a lot on Dean and his perspective. I think this is why the editors didn’t show us Bobby’s ghost burning up when they threw the flask into the fire. As hard as everything has been for Dean- watching Bobby die, slowly watching him turn into a vengeful spirit; losing Bobby for good… Dean doesn’t want to see that. He can’t handle any more loss, he refuses to accept it, “…We’ve been through enough.”

Gamble Season 1

Season 1:

Dead in the Water, Faith, Nightmare, and Salvation

Gamble truly helped establish the roots of Sam and Dean’s relationship; particularly in conjunction with their father, John Winchester. Dean’s personality is clearly depicted as the one who has to hold it all together. Dean goes after cases from his unseen dad because it’s the only connection he has with him. He tries to be John because that’s all he knows- take care of Sam and get the job done. That’s it.

Sam is the youngest. He needs to be free. He wants to make his own decisions and mistakes, but he needs to know that his dad’s okay, “People don’t just disappear, Dean. Other people just stop looking for them.” –Sam, Dead in the Water

Which leads me to my next point, Gamble is amazing at really foreshadowing and connecting the episode with the arch. Dead in the Water could be brushed off as an out-there case that just distracts viewers from the big picture, but the search for people disappearing in the lake quickly gets the brothers on the same page when Sam links them with their own dad’s disappearance.

As far as foreshadowing goes, this episode really reaches Dean’s “dad” mode. He connects so easily with Lucas when no one else can, and he dives without hesitation into the lake to save him. It gave me chills when Dean said: “I just don’t wanna leave this town until I know that kid’s alright.” And he would do anything for him to talk; partially because they needed Lucas’ testimony to get any further on the case; but also, Dean knew that this kid could only move on if he was able to let out the horror.

I don’t think I need to detail the foreshadowing happening with Dean and Lucas if you know this show even just a little.

Faith is one of my favorite episodes. Maybe it’s because I’m a Christian and was excited to see the religious element brought in; especially since the show’s arching focus is about demons (and later, angels).

At the end of season 1, I watched an interview with Sera Gamble and Kim Manners about Faith, and found out how nervous they were to show it to the producers- because of its controversial nature. The response to that made me that much more excited about the show and the direction it was heading: they all loved bringing in this controversial element. Creator, Eric Kripke even said that he was really excited about the story when he first read the episode.

There is a lack of fear in this show to go too far. It’s not even about taking it too far just because they can, but to explore other questions and create from those questions.

This show addresses the questions that were being brought up by viewers and other crewmembers and then puts a twist one might not expect to see. The writers truly understand what it is to create new life and put it on the screen.

Gamble and Manners mention that they spent hours a day on Google looking for lures and stories. However, they never go along with the tradition of them, they put their own twist on everything: vampires, werewolves, demons, angels, wendigos, shape-shifters, and any other supernatural being displayed in this show.

Faith really heavily foreshadows Dean and Sam’s connection with heaven. When Dean goes back to see the Reverend Roy after he is healed, he asked why he was chosen.

R.R: I didn’t choose you Dean, the Lord did. (This is said when they are in the tent, just before Dean is healed).
I just looked into your heart.
Dean: What did you see…?
R.R: A young man with an important purpose.

Gives me chills just writing it. The first thing that comes to mind is the Archangel Michael in John’s body talking to Dean…

Sam’s ironic connection to angels and demons is also established here. Like I said before, he’s the younger, and he does see things in a different light. Dean will mention when they meet Gordon that their job is to kill anything Supernatural and Sam will argue that it’s killing evil- which doesn’t necessarily describe everything that is Supernatural. Sam is desperate to believe that this is another side to evil.

When he takes Dean to the faith healer, Dean is obviously angered and doesn’t want to go in. Sam can’t understand it, “But if you know there’s evil out there, how can you not believe there’s good out there, too?”-Sam. Dean has the same response most people do, “Because I’ve seen what evil does to good people.”

This episode is chalk-full of profound quotes and moments. I’m not going to get into crazy theological debates on this particular entry. Mostly because I have found that if you just want to argue, neither of us wins and no one listens to the other side. I’m just going to state that I understand why so many people sneer at the word Christian: “God, save us from half the people who think they’re doing God’s work.” –Dean

I’m still going to throw this clip in, because I think it plants a deep seed in Dean’s brain so much he admits to have trouble understanding: http://youtu.be/iru4YSay1To

Next up is Nightmare, which does a lot for Sam’s development. His prophetic dreams become more vivid and, almost, real. The pain is becoming excruciating, and I think that there would have been no other more appropriate title for this episode. It may be obvious, but it doesn’t make it any less true to the story.

The intensity of Sam’s psychic abilities connect him more and more to a Supernatural level, and deepen his need to prove that just because something has the ability to do evil does not mean it will- or he will, “We’re not gonna kill Max…he’s a human.” –Sam

This is where Sam starts making the connection as to why he and Max have special abilities. Azazol. As soon as Sam realizes this connection, he goes overboard on the details with Max. “You and I were chosen,” –Sam; this means that there are other people like them too? This is the beginning of how the boys begin trying to solve the mystery puzzle that leads us to All Hell Breaks Loose Parts I and II.

Salvation is incredible because it’s one of the first episodes where we see John (Jeffery Dean Morgan), Dean and Sam all together. The reality of what they’re all hunting for becomes clear. Dean is after his family and John and Sam are out to avenge Jess (Adrianne Palicki) and Mary (Samantha Smith).

Dean’s frustration with both of them becomes evident, and he begins to realize just how alike they really are; which is later why he realizes the reason John and Sam couldn’t get along. Family quickly surfaces itself as a thematic tool in the show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JcNWow8RxI

So, Gamble’s contributions to season one are necessary and begin an incredible journey for the growing television series. The episodes she wrote influence and intensify the root of vengeance and family; but they do so in a way that places an incredible grey area of right and wrong. The psychological roots of the boys and their upbringing will help develop not only their own characters, but the influences in their lives that they don’t even realize as of yet.

Executive Producer: Sera Gamble

Supernatural’s Sera Gamble has decided to leave the show now that this seventh season has ended. She has been with the television series since its first season in 2005. Maybe I’m a biased aspiring female Producer/Director, but she has been my favorite on the production team.

She has just been such an inspiration to me. So, you can imagine that I got pretty heated after reading THIS ARTICLE. And perhaps I did overreact. I am not saying that his points are completely invalid, but I am simply going to take the time to counter the argument that she has done little to nothing the last few seasons. I do agree that it has been slow going; however, I also believe, strongly, that her influence and written episodes have been fundamental parts to Dean (Jenson Ackles) and Sam’s (Jarod Padalecki) character development.

I will preface my opinions and comments with the fact that I have spent the last 2 months watching all of the episodes Sera Gamble has written from Season 1-7 and am completely caught up on the show as a viewer, analyst and aspiring Production member in film/television and theatre.

This project will be broken up by season so as not to write somewhat of a novel in one post. But be ready.

Supernatural- All Caught Up!

I am so happy to be all caught up- finally- with Supernatural. I am still thoroughly enjoying this television show. And, in all honesty, I’m not 100% sure how much more they can do with it; but I will enjoy as long as they can make it last.

Emotionally, the brothers (Sam and Dean) have gone through everything they possibly could. However, outside of the guys, there is a lot more to deal with physically. They have leviathan to deal with now.

These monsters are the trickiest SOB’s they’ve ever had to deal with. Like demons, they seem to have several levels of “management,” and the higher they are, the more difficult (impossible) they are to kill. We know that they will eventually find a way to kill them all because “If it bleeds, you can kill it,” -Dean

I wasn’t sure, coming out of season 5, stopping the apocalypse, how they were going to pull of so much more material; but the truth is, I can see them adding more and more elemental surprises for a while. It’s going to be amazing!

Supernatural: Almost Caught Up

Season 7, Episode 14- Plucky Pennywhistle’s Magical Menagerie

I haven’t written one in a while and I know it’s going to be an even longer while before I can even write out a blog series for Supernatural like I hope to. Anyway, I just thought that I would share a fun moment I had when I was watching to catch up.

In the very last scene of this episode, “Sam” comes to tell “Dean” about his fight with the crazy clowns. “Sam” is covered with colorful glitter…long story, but it was pretty funny.

Sam gets out of his car and walks toward Dean waving his hands in the air, he announces
S: Go ahead, say it.
D: Laughs, uncontrollably.
I’m sorry, I just… You….
S: What?
D: You look like you just got attacked by a PCP Stripper… Trails off chuckling.
They both begin to laugh again.

Now, for the most part, this is obviously paraphrased and missing a couple of words or lines. However, I very mich enjoyed the fact that I was able to catch 3 points in the last 2 minutes where Jenson Ackles broke character because he was laughing so hard. I simply wonder how long it took them to shoot those last couple of minutes because Jenson was so amused. I mean, they still had to release footage where he still broke character. It was so fantastic!

http://www.cwtv.com/shows/supernatural/episodes/714

The Big Bang Theory

So many people I’ve spoken with have been somewhat surprised as to why they can follow this show so well even without the ability to understand the science that drives the dialogue. I, too, find it surprising that I can so easily follow the scientific references! So, being the analytical, actor study, writer/director type of person that I am, I considered why this show is so awesome!

Sheldon Cooper

Jim Parsons/Sheldon: Complexity. Sheldon has compulsive tendencies and very intricate needs as an overly compulsive person. Parsons makes the best choices and has an incredibile ability to build each moment with his perfected comedic timing.

Johnny Galecki/Leonard: Normalcy. Okay, so Leonard isn’t exactly “normal,” but he is the most socially adjusted nerd on the show. Galecki was known for his role as “David” on Roseanne in the late 80’s through early 90’s. He has come a long way since becoming Darlene’s anxious husband.

Leonard Hofstadter

Now, he still has the pushover-with-women character; but in The Big Bang Theory, he’s the attractive glue that holds the band of nerds together. In addition, his chemistry with Parsons leads to the helpful aid to understanding their dialogue and laughing over and over again as they butt-heads through Sheldon’s child-like tendencies.

*Knock, Knock, Knock* Penny

Kaley Cuoco/Penny: Sarcasm. Penny introduces Sheldon to sarcasm and many other “social conventions” which he was determined never to address. She is the true “social glue that holds” the band together. Her witty comments and well adjusted come backs allow for simple relief on the scientific front. “That’s it, that’s all I know… OH WAIT! Fig Newtons were named after a town in Massachusetts, NOT the scientist!” (The Gorilla Experiment). Even her ability to “knuckle under” (The Panty Piñata Polarization) Sheldon’s high demands for “Soft Kitty” keep us pressing the record button on our DVRs.
It’s also worth noting that we have yet to learn her last name; while everyone else on the show is referred to almost constantly by their last names: Leonard Hofstadter, Dr. Cooper, Wolowizard (*whispered in hushed tones*)(The Hot Troll Deviation), Koothrappali… That’s just simple entertainment mystery.

Simon Helberg/Howard: Overcompensating. Howard is the sleazy, overly flirtatious, man-whore-wannabe that every girl, well, can’t stand. Penny addresses this in The Killer Robot Instability when the gang struggles through a robot “street fight” because if his absence as he wallows in his “pathetic little life.”

Howard Wolowitz

His desperate attempts toward the opposite sex are part of his charm, though; and his eventual engagement to Bernadette is not only shocking, but cute at the same time.

Rajesh Koothrappoli

Kunal Nayyar/Raj: Selective Mutism. Raj is the cute, sweet, good listening man that all the girls can take their heart breaking troubles to; until he gets a few sips of a grasshopper, when he transforms into the over-masculine pain in the…well, you know what.

Really, though, Nayyar’s choices for his character’s selective mutism are brilliant! The high squeaks whenever he’s mid-sentence and caught off guard with a woman in the room (The Maternal Capacitance); and casual nods as he strolls toward the Chary in the room when a woman he was not expecting enters as he is being interviewed (The Pirate Solution).

Leonard and Leslie "seriously" dating in The Codpiece Topology

In addition, the appearance of Sara Gilbert as “Leslie Winkle,” Sheldon’s archenemy, gives us that miniature Roseanne reunion that you all know you enjoy; especially when Shelly’s mother, “Mrs. Cooper,” is played by none other than Laurie Metcalf. Gilbert as the promiscuous, “overrated physicist,” (The Codpiece Topology) whom Sheldon loathes, Leonard enjoys, and Howard “satisfies” (The Cushion Saturation), gives the group an extra element to work with. They have a great overall chemistry with one another, but it’s fun to watch them work out new tactics and choices with different mixtures of people.

There are too many names to include in the star casts’ chemistry-driven choices; and every addition and appearance has given an awesome mixture of choices. Two more that are definitely worth naming are Mayim Bialik, “Amy Farrah Fowler and Melissa Rauch, “Bernadette Rostenkowski.”

The Bride and her Besties

Bernadette became a permanent cast member when she began dating Howard. Her clever parallel with Howard’s mother, “the current Mrs. Wolowitz” (The Panty Piñata Polarization), and her consistently nagging hollar (The Engagement Reaction).

Amy Farah Fowler snuck into the picture when Howard and Raj experimented with Sheldon’s information on a dating website. Her appearance does not end upon Sheldon’s meeting her because, let’s face it, she is a female Sheldon (in the beginning). As time passes by, she realizes that she quite enjoys the thought of not only human companionship and the social life her schoolmates never allowed her, but male companionship as she grows closer to Sheldon.

Stuart tries to court Amy in The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition

Spoiler alert if you are not caught up on the current season Finally, when Sheldon still refuses to call her his girlfriend, even after a night of cuddling on her couch in an emotional state (The Isolation Permutation), Amy makes him jealous as she goes on a date with Stuart (Kevin Sussman), another great addition when the band goes out for New Comic Book night. Amy Farrah Fowler for the win! Sheldon does not admit his jealousy, but she does drive him to the breaking point, “Will you be my girlfriend?” (The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition), YES!

The new permanent characters and the overall comedic chemistry between all of the actors makes for an amazing show and I hope the episodes continue to stream.

Supernatural

So, I have been talking about this for weeks now, but I thought I would share it on a public profile other than Facebook.

I enjoy watching Supernatural more than I have ever enjoyed any other television show. I am still working on catching up, but I am in a couple of places at once and I really like where the story is and where it is headed.

After finishing the first season I watched the special features on the final disk. I have concluded that my passion for this series is due to a number of things. Though it started out as a bonding element between my stepdad and I, it has become so much more.

1. The chemistry between Jenson Ackles and Jared Padalecki is so overwhelming. When I watch the show, I know that they had an awesome time filming it. I strongly believe that the more someone is enjoying what they’re doing, the more the audience has the ability to take the journey with you and become engrossed with the story.

2. The passion of the production team is quite evident, especially as the seasons progress. Obviously a Pilot is a Pilot is a Pilot: special effects are rough around the edges in the first season due to budgeting and all that jazz. However, the CGI required for the story they’re telling is still very well done for being an experimental season. As the story and seasons progress, though, the effects become more and more intricate and inviting.

3. The wit in the script flows so naturally. I don’t think that the humor is forced at all. The writers do very well to adapting the situation and finding the need for the humor in the right moments. This also comes with the comedic timing of the actors; which, again, is an advantage to the chemistry.

4. The music… Oh, the music. I found a great quote on some merchandise at Cafe Press: “Supernatural: Bringing back classic rock, one episode at a time.” Granted, this is somewhat paraphrased, however, it is just so true. One of my personal drives for film or television is influenced by the music: original score, soundtrack, composition, etc. No, I don’t know that many composers, but I know enough having been a music student. I usually make up my mind to see a film after watching a preview and hearing the music. This show has awesome scored and an amazing choice of music. Even in the Pilot, they list the soundtrack for the series: classic rock. I just can’t get over it!

5. I don’t think that there are words. I am still a woman and I reserve the right to appreciate the beauty:

The time has changed to Fridays at 9:00.