Tonight was The Winchesters' episode that Jensen Ackles indicated would start laying the "cards on the table"
That if fans stuck around, we'd be able to understand the overarching concept of what this prequel is about and why his character alone suffices to narrate. (Maybe even where Dean is in his non-heaven outfit, without his characteristic vocal growl)
Ackles recently began actively seeking to boost interest in the teen drama, live tweeting in spite of his notorious aversion to social media.
Wearing Winchesters spinoff gear at SPN convention photo ops, even.
So that's why many of us are here catching up tonight, right?
After we got notifs that Ackles was on an IG live feed?
Hopeful once more that maybe the next few eps might contain og cast cameos?
Thank heavens that sort of distraction keeps us going, because the episode itself was like watching paint dry.
---
Right from the start, first annoyance, the van scenes are weirdly unbelievable, which surely this Hollywood staple should have been perfection.
They were claustrophobic and the audio track was definitely off.
The writing is a bit better than earlier eps, thankfully, but some scenes still have dialogue where characters could be interchangeable.
And the repeated "sampling" of the original series ("good morning, sunshine") still feels more derivative than a welcome callback.
Finally, that last huge narrative monologue by Lada. Surely someone could have edited it down without decreasing the emotional significance.
This is a veteran showrunner and writer after all, a fan favorite even, so I expect much better than that.
He needs to stop writing as though he still has Ackles and Padalecki to sell such over-soaked writerly moments, and rather write for the strengths of the cast he's got.
---
Further, the one character who is distinctive is the one who might be better served if written in a more nuanced and realistic vein.
Not sure if it's the writing or acting to blame for the over the top, kitsch quality of side kick Carlos (JoJo Fleites)
But more offensive to have bad rep than no rep sometimes, in my opinion. And I'd looked forward especially to this aspect of the prequel.
---
A few of the music cues were magic (the hunter's pyre), but others were laughable (the mid-point, ominous music break as we find out the cave in wasn't accidental had my family in stitches)
And this entire season has had undoubtedly expensive f/x much better left out.
---
And far, far the biggest criticism?
The horrendous performance one of the leads--Mary, played by the most experienced cast member of the troupe (Meg Donnelly)
She continues to put forward the stereotype grrrrl power moves, as though smirking and glowering are the only way women can act strong.
Her work in the ending fight scenes? Just plain silly in spite of what looks like a lot of effort all around.
(SPN s13 wire fight, we salute you)
Donnelly has no chemistry with anyone in any scene she's in this ep, which is unfortunately a downgrade from earlier episodes where she had potential to lead.
---
Best acting went to Drake Rodgers, as John Winchester.
The issue, of course, is that he seems framed as the typical teen idol when John Winchester in short order is set to be degraded into anything but a hero. We know how this story ends.
He even tries a sexy growl with Possessed! John, bless his heart.
Directors and lighting added to this set up, and I'm wondering when the posters roll out from the WB site.
---
The overall effect is not exactly unwatchable, but it's still such a downgrade from original Supernatural.
Such, such overwrought dramatic angst and nostril flaring alternating with bouts of absolute lack of affect at all.
I know fans of the original show all still show up, just as I do, because that's the fandom mantra.
But, honestly, I'm now on my third "show up" for Ackles (The Boys, Big Sky) and I'm finding this far tougher to swallow than the other two.
Still we go on, right "Soldier Boy"? (self promotion carefully added as all good product placements are)
At the end of the day, we show up in hopes that one day we'll have our actual show with our "lightening in a bottle" cast again.
14 out of 32 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
