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[liptonrm_backup]

I totally have productive things I should be doing. If my life has taught me nothing it is that procrastination is a fine art form. ;-)

First I have totally updated my Ginormous Page of Supernatural Recs. You'll find all sorts of goodies over there. And believe me, it truly is ginormous.

Since baylorsr just posted a handy dandy Guide to Winchester Whumpage I was reminded that I had something similar to share, myself. Back when I was trying to get my fangirls into my shiny new show I put together some crib notes to go along with each episode. That way it would be like we were all watching them together even though we weren't.

And now, to share with the group:


Supernatural Episode Notes (aka I’m Freaking Crazy and Want Everyone Else to be Crazy Too)

Disc One:
Episode 1.01 - ‘Pilot’
The pilot does everything that an effective pilot should do, it sets up the characters and plotlines that will keep the audience interested for the next season and change. It introduces us to Winchester History and avoids clunky exposition better then many later episodes (which isn’t to say that the exposition isn’t clunky, it’s just less clunky then the anvils of later episodes). My affection for the pilot grew exponentially after revisiting it upon viewing the entirety of the season. In retrospect it’s even better then I thought it was at first.
Important things of note:
• The first time we see Sam and Dean onscreen as adults they fight. Even the darkness of the scene cannot detract from such a thing of beauty.
• People in fandom will talk the incest till the cows come home but the thing that hooked me on first viewing was how brotherly the brothers actually are. There aren’t a lot of really great sibling relationships on TV but somehow, a faux-horror show on the now defunct WB network gets it completely right.
• Never wear a white nightgown, or pick up weird hitchhikers in the middle of the night.

1.02 - ‘Wendigo’
This episode sets up the Monster of the Week pattern that the show will rest on for most of the first half of the season, or so. There’s a beastie in the woods and Our Boys have to kill it. Mayhem ensues
Important things of note:
• They have a cylon as a guide through the woods. I love Vancouver.
• The older sister (Haley) who goes with them into the woods to find her younger brother totally should’ve had sex with Dean for purely Me Mary Sue reasons. I might have identified just a little. ;-)
• Apparently killing stuff helps guys feel better. Somehow I’m not surprised.
• Peanut M&Ms are so the best brand of M&M and no one will ever convince me otherwise.


1.03 - ‘Dead in the Water’
I adore the look of this episode. There’s something about the color saturation that kind of takes my breath away. No matter what anyone might say about other parts of the show the production values are very high.
Important things of note:
• Amy Acker (Fred from Angel) guest stars.
• Even after three episodes we begin to see that while scary is this show’s bread and butter it loves playing with fucked-up family dynamics. I’m not sure how intentional that is at this early stage in the show’s life but it bears noticing.
• Dean is surprisingly good with kids. I might’ve had, umm, a “moment” during the scenes between him and Lucas.
• I love, love, love how Our Boys start to see each other as adults and how perspectives have to shift accordingly.

1.04 - ‘Phantom Traveller’
Here we’re introduced to the way this show deals with demonic possession. Trust me, this will be vitally important later in the season.
Important things of note:
• The first scene in an airport bathroom always makes me scream,“It’s Krycek and the Black Oil!”
• Jerry is one of my favorite OC’s of the season.
• The second scene begins with a long, slow pan up Dean’s sleeping, boxer-brief clad ass.
• Sam reads Latin and Dean built the EMF meter, thus proving that they’re both really big dorks.
• ‘Scaling Fences in Suits’ is added to ‘Running with Guns’ in the ridiculously hot category.

Disc Two:
1.05 - ‘Bloody Mary’
Sam has a Big Secret about Jess’s death that has a lot to do with everything else that has ever happened in his life, or so we’ll learn as the season progresses. This episode gives us a little hint to what it could all be.
Important things of note:
• One of the creepier episodes, at least to me, with the inclusion of a Creepy Dead Girl. I always have to cover my eyes during the final scene. It might just be that I’m a big wuss.
• I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed the Sam-Dean Good Cop/Bad Cop routine. Except it’s not exactly a routine b/c Dean really will punch you in the face.
• Sam’s awfully quick to pull that money out. I am suddenly curious about where, exactly, Sam picked up that little tactic.
• Look at the way Dean hugs Sam after breaking the mirror. He loves his baby brother so much!


1.06 - ‘Skin’ (1.06)
We get to spend some time with one of Sam’s Stanford friends and discover a little bit about just how good a liar Sam really is. And of course, we are left with the question of just how big a freakshow the Winchester family really is.
Important things of note:
• Besides from an unfortunate skin-shedding moment, which nearly overcomes the shirtlessness factor, Dean looks especially good, the highlight being the running around in the grey t-shirt. I love that grey t-shirt.
• You can’t fool Sam. He knows his big brother and you aren’t him, jackass.
• Lots of fandom types like to split the brothers up as ‘Thinker’ and ‘Fighter’ but that’s not really accurate, Sam loves a good rumble just as much as the next guy.
• Damn. Dean and Sam should fight each other in every episode. *fans self*
• If the Winchesters are freaks then I sure as hell hope I’m a freak too.

1.07 - ‘Hook Man’
It’s exactly what you think it is, except Pacey doesn’t get killed and Freddy Prinze, Jr. is nowhere in sight. There’s a hook man preying on the stupid frat-kids attending a college in Anywhere, USA and Our Boys have to stop him. (dun dun duuuuuuun)
Important things of note:
• I’m sure you will recognize the reverend/father as a certain Satan worshiping school teacher.
• Do you think it was Dean’s idea to put rock salt in the shotguns? I totally think it was Dean’s idea.
• “Welcome to higher education,” indeed. *snort*
• As an enlightened, empowered modern woman I should be offended by Dean’s horndog attributes. Instead I think it’s kind of adorable. I’m so letting the sisterhood down.
• mmmm, Sam has nice arms.

1.08 - ‘Bugs’
By unanimous decree fandom has declared this the worst episode of season one. There are some great brother moments but they’re interspersed in a plot that is so boring that the first time I tried to watch it (before the great burgeoning of my Winchester love) I shut it off half-way through. I would highly suggest doing a ‘good parts’ viewing of this particular ep.
Important things of note:
• The realtor/father is played by Andrew Airlie (Alice’s boyfriend in Saved).
• Sam reclining on the hood of the Impala.
• Dean coming out of the bar, grin on his face and cash in his hand.
• The Boys are mistaken for a gay couple not once, but twice. The second time Dean slaps Sam on the ass (I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried).
• If you couldn’t guess by now, the Winchesters have some Family Drama.

Disc Three:
1.09 - ‘Home’
The boys go back to Lawrence and we learn more about Sam’s Big Secret. The over-arcing plot starts to pick up and more Winchester History is revealed. I discover that more than anything I want to hug the Winchesters, a lot. If they didn’t want women to watch this show they wouldn’t work so hard to hit all of our nurturing buttons.
Important Things of Note:
• Introduction of Missouri Moseley.
• Dean’s message on his father’s cell phone.
• It sucks to be a plumber, like really, really sucks.
• Another hug! I love it when they hug. I especially love that physical affection is only allowed under extreme circumstances. Oh, Winchesters.
• John Winchester is kind of a son of a bitch.

1.10 - ‘Asylum’
For a haunted asylum it could be creepier but that doesn’t negate that this is the best MotW of the first season, skillfully mixing supernatural hijinks with brotherly drama.
Important Things of Note:
• Don’t be stupid and go into a haunted asylum for kicks. If the horror movies tell you it’s not a good idea then it probably isn’t. Unless the Winchesters come and rescue you.
• I would pay good money to be a set decorator on this show.
• Who’s the hotter psychic, Patricia Arquette, Jennifer Love-Hewitt, or Sam Winchester?
• Sam has Issues with the rest of his family.
• I really have to learn to fire a shotgun.

1.11 - ‘Scarecrow’
There is all sorts of good brotherly drama in this episode. Good times. Also a character is introduced who will feature majorly in the rest of the Big Season Drama.
Important Things of Note:
• William B. Davis guest stars.
• There are a few directorial shout-outs to ‘Die Hand, Die Verlezt’ which isn’t surprising when one realizes that they share a director.
• Don’t pick up hitchhikers, ever. I know I said it before but it bears repeating.
• Suddenly I am curious, what if their apple pie was really worth it? What am I saying, no apple pie in the world is worth the sacrifice of one Dean Winchester. Dangit, now I want apple pie, w/ a dollop of Dean on the side.

1.12 - ‘Faith’
I saw a fan essay arguing that the beginning of the season is told from Sam’s P.O.V. and that it shifts to Dean’s by the end. I would argue that if such a shift is real then the first Dean P.O.V. episode would be this one. There is a lot of really good stuff in this episode and it does a good job (for Supernatural) of exploring the themes that are raised.
Important Things of Note:
• Julie Benz (Darla from Angel) guest stars.
• Sammy is a great little brother. He is adorable and implacable and would move heaven and earth for his big brother.
• Nothing in life is free.
• I have a ridiculous love for angst and this episode delivers like woah.
• I am conflicted over my need to nurture Dean and my need to have sex with him. Thankfully, I’m sure it is possible to do both.

Disc Four:
1.13 - ‘Route 666'
There’s an evil, racist monster truck going around killing people. Yes, you read that right.
Important things of note:
• Megalyn Echinouwke (of 4400 fame) gust stars as the girl who broke Dean’s heart. And yet, she wouldn’t bug me at all if Megalyn were only a better actress. As a character Cassie’s kinda cool.
• Somehow, we’re supposed to buy that it’s snowing and grey in St. Louis. Oh Vancouver, I still love you best.
• Dean trusts Sam so much that he’s willing to put the Impala in danger on Sam’s word alone. <3s

1.15 - ‘The Benders’
Once again, humans are voted “Best Prey” by the psychos of the world. Except the psychos are too stupid to realize that the Winchesters are the ‘Best Prey that will Fuck You Up’. Somehow I can’t feel too bad for the psychos in this situation.
Important Things of Note:
• Sam is kinda really hot in this ep. First he’s in a cage and then he’s all stealthy and violent. There’s nothing bad about any of that.
• Officer Kathleen is the coolest. I want to see her again really badly.
• I might be discovering a previously unrealized bondage kink because Dean hand-cuffed to the squad car is also really nice.
• Don’t fuck with Winchesters, ever.
• Also, Dean agrees with me, little girls are creepy.

1.14 - ‘Nightmare’
Sam has a nightmare (hence the title;-) that brings the Brothers Winchester to Michigan. It’s funny how much Saginaw looks like Vancouver. This episode is the lynchpin of the whole ‘Sam is a psychic’ storyline and some intriguing hints are dropped about the Demon that killed Mary Winchester.
Important Things of Note:
• Sam and Dean dress up as priests. If I were Catholic I’m sure I would find that even dirtier then it patently is.
• MI State Police cars look nothing like the cars on the screen but they did get the license plates right.
• If we hadn’t guessed it already it is only reconfirmed that everything really is All About Sam and somehow I have no problem with that.
• The actor who played Max guest-starred on an episode of Saved as one of the brothers who hijack Wyatt & Sack’s ambulance. He needs to stop getting shot.

1.16 - ‘Shadows’
Another plot heavy episode, this one set in Chicago. It starts off as a normal MotW but veers left when Meg shows up again. More hints are dropped and the boys get really beat up.
Important Things of Note:
• The Brothers Winchester get tied up. There’s never anything bad about that.
• Dean’s confessional scene in the motel room is still being debated in fandom.
• However, fandom generally concludes that a later Reunion more then makes up for any OOC’ness that might have preceded it.
• This show brings the fucked-up family dynamic like no other and I love, love, love it.

Disc Four:
1.17 - ‘Hell House’
I love this episode. It’s pure fun. There is pranking and laughter and more pranking. The brothers are such boys in this one and it fills me with glee.
Important Things of Note:
• WWBD (What Would Buffy Do)
• Sam emerges from the bathroom in only a towel.
• I love boys, I really, really do.

1.18 - ‘Something Wicked’
I recently saw this episode on TV and by the end all I could do was hug my pillow and whimper, “Oh, Winchesters.” This is Emo with a capital-E. We learn exactly why Dean follows his father’s orders, no questions asked and it is, of course, completely wrapped up in being a big brother. Oh Winchesters. Oh, Dean.
Important Things of Note:
• The kid who plays young!Dean also played young!Joaquin in Walk the Line.
• It’s no wonder Supernatural brings all the fangirls to the yard when it angsts like this.
• That last scene with Dean and Sam talking over the roof of the Impala and oh! I want to wrap them both up and never let them go. *flails*

1.19 - ‘Provenance’
A killer painting gives us an excuse to enjoy amusing brotherly antics mixed in with a little romance and a serving of creepy on the side. Enjoy the fun while you’ve got it, just trust me on that, there’s a reason I think back to this and the preceding few episodes as the halcyon days of yore.
Important Things of Note:
• Sam goes on a date and is awkward and adorable.
• Dean really is an awesome big brother.
• Why is it always the Creepy Little Girls? Gorramit. *covers eyes*
• I kind of love that Dean talks to himself. You’re holding a gun, dumbass. *snicker*
• Best.Motel Room.Evar.

1.20 - ‘Dead Man’s Blood’
These are the worst vampires ever featured on TV. If it weren’t for the great Winchester Family Dynamics and the introduction of an important plot device I would write this off completely. Once again, the Winchesters’ fucked-up dynamic saves the day.
Important Things of Note:
• I love detective!Dean.
• Sam has rage issues.
• For some reason I find the brothers saying “Yes sir” in tandem at the end of the episode to be one of the hottest things ever. Man oh man.
• The vampire issue did not inspire nearly enough vampire!Winchester fics. This should be rectified.

1.21 - ‘Salvation’
1.22 - ‘Devil’s Trap’
I won’t say too much about these episodes because I don’t want to give anything away. I will say that ‘Devil’s Trap’ raises the emotional intensity of the show to the nth degree. It’s impressive and I never, ever get tired of watching it. It’s the episode that turned me into a Supernatural obsessive. If you react at all to this episode you must call me immediately upon finishing it because I am still flailing about it and I saw it 5 months ago.

If anyone would have told me a year ago that my favorite new show of the 2005 season would be the WB show about ghostbusting brothers I probably would have laughed in his/her face. I’m still amazed at the depth of my fannish devotion because, honestly, the overall product is kind of silly but I just don’t care. Sometimes we just need some silly, pretty, angsty fun in our lives.

Please feel no pressure if this isn’t your cup of tea. Don’t worry, I’ll still regale you with all sorts of stories. =D

Some of my opinions have changed over time but the love still burns as strong as it did all those many months ago. *happy sigh*

Ha! That reminds me. Got to the end of X-Files season 3 last night and in the extras everyone kept on telling this story about 'War of the Coprophages' and how Kim Manners directs bugs just like he directs actors and I couldn't stop laughing over how it was totally the X-Files version of the Bee Story. All I can say is that the boys totally should've done their homework beforehand. It's not like Manners' penchant for directing episodes featuring cockroaches, maggots, cats, crickets, et al. is anything like a secret. *cackles*

I am totally lame. That's still funny even though I'm a hundred percent not high tonight. *giggles like a lunatic*

Okay, off to be productive. bleh.

Comments

[oselle.livejournal.com]

I haven't finished watching all of Season One yet but so far, "Faith" is my favorite episode. I think the writers are real Deanaholics. Not only do they know how to dish out the hurt on him, but they tend to write episodes that showcase the Softer Side of Dean. They wrote "Dead in the Water" and that was Dean bonding with a traumatized kid, and "Faith" lets him get all angsty with a dying blonde and clench his jaw in that sexy, emotional way that he has. OMG, I'm just in such a state of SPN overload right now. I've been here before -- it's the road to fangirl perdition.

[oselle.livejournal.com]

I just watched "Devil's Trap" for like the third time and you said if we had any reaction to this episode so...

This is Dean Winchester's finest hour. I mean, I've watched this guy take a lot of abuse over the past couple of days but that scene at the end? Lord...he sells it. My God. And that "Daddy, please?" I practically swallow my tongue every time. Good God...

wanders off

[liptonrm.livejournal.com]

Well, I did say that ... ;-)

Holy fucking shit. Yes. Exactly. I can't even, there are no words for how powerfully this episode still affects me. Dean in that cabin being torn to bits by The Demon wearing his father's face. kl;jasdgjkln

Jensen Ackles might be ridiculously attractive but, hot damn, is that man more than just another pretty face.

*is incoherent*

[oselle.livejournal.com]

I've always felt that scifi, horror or fantasy material must be really hard for an actor, because it's not like you can really use something in your own life for inspiration. Jensen Ackles really, really works it. And is gorgeous, but that's a given already.

Dean's attachment to his father in this scene is even freakier than usual. He's frigging bleeding to death and he wants Sam to check on John first. WTF??

[liptonrm.livejournal.com]

mmmm Maybe it's because I've spent so much of my life reading fantasy/scifi/etc that I'm not sure that I agree that such material is inherently more difficult for an actor. There are unique difficulties and, you know what? I'm not even going to let myself go off on this tangent. ;-) I do agree that believably conveying that your insides are becoming your outsides when they're really not is extremely difficult and Jensen is pretty damn unbelievably remarkable in that scene.

Man, analyzing the Winchester Family Dynamic requires a post all of its own. But, in the end, that's just who Dean is. He really does think that everyone else in his family takes priority over his own wellbeing. It's why Dean'll never stop breaking my heart.

[oselle.livejournal.com]

But, in the end, that's just who Dean is. He really does think that everyone else in his family takes priority over his own wellbeing.

Sure, but the way he feels about his father seems exceptionally dysfunctional or at the least, sort of blind. Was there ever a situation in which Dean had to put Sam's safety over his father's? Because that seems like it would have been quite the dilemma.

[liptonrm.livejournal.com]

Sera Gamble and Raelle Tucker are two of my personal fangirl tv writing heroes. They bring the emo angst like nobody else and I adore them for it. Just you wait till some of their sucker punches to the gut in season 2. It's awesome.

Come! Join us in Fangirl Supernatural Hell! It's great cause we're all here together and there's cookies and punch over by the lake of fire and the tv screens are always on.

This is definitely the good shit, right here.

[oselle.livejournal.com]

I thought one of them was leaving the show to do something with HBO? I hope not because they really seem to know their shit.

Join us in Fangirl Supernatural Hell!

NOO! NEVAH!!

[liptonrm.livejournal.com]

Yeah, Raelle Tucker has signed on to work on Alan Ball's new HBO show about a psychic detective and vampires or some such. It's very sad for us, though a good career move for her. She'll definitely be mixed.

And *cackles* You're already here with us in Hell, whether you know it or not. ;-)

[oselle.livejournal.com]

Gee, I guess the chance to work for the network responsible for The Sopranos and Sex in the City would be a good move but wow, I can't imagine any situation that would be more appealing than writing about Sam and Dean Winchester.