Is Supernatural as good as it sounds like it is? by chrisisall

Wow. These guy love it too....
http://www.ugo.com/channels/filmtv/features/supernaturalcolumn/dvdrevi
ew.asp

Better start watching...Chrisisall

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007 8:05 AM

Hey, Cisall, don't you already have enough shows on your "to do" list?! *cough Threshold*

Here's my take: It's never at the top of my list, but I tend to forget that it almost never disappoints either. The show is consistently well-written, well-acted, well-directed, and has decent production values. In a season and a half, I can only think of one episode I would describe as not good (the one with Linda Blair, curiously enough). The stories work well as stand alone, yet the story arc is quite compelling. In particular, last season's finale was one of the best "Oh sh**! No way!" finales I've ever seen. The style is more or less a poor man's Buffyverse.

I almost always say "Wow, that was really good" after an episode. But by the next week, my thoughts are already on Heroes, or Doctor Who, or BSG, or SG-1, or....

"I am your father, Luke. Give in to the Dark Side, you nob!" - Doug McKenzie

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007 8:26 AM

Didn't Threshold end on a cliffhanger?

So what's the better show? Stargate: Atlantis, Heroes or Supernatural? I guess I really mean, which is the most Joss-like....

I'm not including BSG in that question, 'cause I feel it goes without sayin' that it's light years ahead of anything else out there being made...

Endless questions Chrisisall

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007 8:37 AM

I thought Babylon 5 was on your list, too.....

It is a LOT like asking "What is the best fruit: apples, bananas, or pineapple?"

Overall, Heroes is best. By far.

Threshold had its weaknesses, but it does what no one else tried. Showing an alien attack on humanity with us winning each battle but losing the war. Plus it's only 14 episodes. (see also Firefly)

Supernatural is great, but ultimately true SF geeks don't always crave Buffy's vampire-hunting, do they? It's horror, not SF.

ETA: Atlantis is a true, mediocre SF show, IMHO. Mostly for people who are already full-time SG-1 fans.

ETAA: As I think about it, Supernatural will probably really work for you. It seems kind of tailor-made for you (the music, the banter)....

And Heroes is arguably as good as BSG!

"I am your father, Luke. Give in to the Dark Side, you nob!" - Doug McKenzie

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007 8:48 AM

Wow! That was a pretty complete nutshell you handed me...thanks.
I'm afraid B5 is near the bottom of my list to buy, but Netflix looks better all the time.
My wife is big on Heroes, but I haven't seen that many eps.
Supernatural is a good bet for me cause I grew up with stuff like Kolchak: the Night stalker in the 70's (I can't believe my parents let me watch it, but God bless 'em!), and liked it a lot.

Creepy fan Chrisisall

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007 8:50 AM

Well, there's more to horror than vampires.

There's weres, skinwalkers, wendigo (a.k.a. Reavers!), ghosts, spirits, demons, hags, reapers, hell hounds, curses, black magic, ectoplasm, and, of course, humans who're scarier than all of the rest. And they're not played for laughs like they were in the Buffyverse. These things will slaughter your children before coming for you to kill you slowly.

But there's also comedy, and wit, and angst, and emotional drama, and an ongoing plot that looks like it'll be shaping the whole future of the show.

In short, if you liked Buffy and Angel, you owe it to yourself to check out Supernatural. Couple of badasses wandering around the country killing Evil stuff. Spike would fit in great with these guys.

Plus, as we've been over before, it has "Alec" from Dark Angel. And classic rock. And a really cool car.

Oh, and if you like Creepy dark fantasy, you should be watching The Dresden Files, which just started (so you can get in on the ground floor).

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We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007 8:55 AM

With Supernatural, just jump in any time. They're brothers who hunt evil, that's all you need to know. If you like it, go back and rent season one.

For Heroes, the episodes are available for free download at NBC. Definitely need to see them in order!

"I am your father, Luke. Give in to the Dark Side, you nob!" - Doug McKenzie

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007 9:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cybersnark:

Plus, as we've been over before, it has "Alec" from Dark Angel.

Well, that's THE reason right there, eh?

Kidding...but it sounds damn cool. Yep, it's what I want for my birthday next month- thanks so much guys!!

Dresden files, huh...Chrisisall

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007 9:11 AM

PATSRULE

Hereos is my favorite show (new or otherwise) of the 2006-07 season, passing Lost, which has lost a little steam this season.

Supernatural, is a cool show. I can repeat the feelings of a few others already posted: You can jump in any time, most episodes are mostly stand-alone and won't leave you lost. Also, it is a show that almost never lets me down, but is not a show I am particularly anxious to see, so it usually stays on my tivo longer before I watch it than other programs, but I wind up liking it as much or more than several of the shows that I watch earlier. Although part of the problem is that my wife also likes to watch it, and gets mad if I watch it with out her, but she has others she wants to watch first as well...so it waits, and then we are happy after we watch it.

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by patsrule:
I can repeat the feelings of a few others already posted: You can jump in any time, most episodes are mostly stand-alone and won't leave you lost.

Um, just a datapoint; I think I heard somewhere that this week's episode (on Thursday) will involve Jo, so it'll likely have spoilers/backstory from previous S2 eps (Jo is a new recurring character introduced this season). Not much though, so just be advised of the presence of arc-traces.

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We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:20 AM

KANEMAN

Quote:
Originally posted by chrisisall:
Didn't Threshold end on a cliffhanger?

So what's the better show? Stargate: Atlantis, Heroes or Supernatural? I guess I really mean, which is the most Joss-like....

I'm not including BSG in that question, 'cause I feel it goes without sayin' that it's light years ahead of anything else out there being made...

Endless questions Chrisisall

Heroes has more Joss in it, but Supernatural is a very good show(I give it a slight edge over Heroes). It also has a lot of, umm...creepy dark goodness. It's no BSG by any stretch....still easily worth the rental fees.

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007 12:44 PM

DARKJESTER

Let's see, how to put this - Supernatural doesn't suck, but it's not what I'd call great. The acting is a bit wooden, the plotlines are familiar, and some of the conflict between the brothers feels like filler and isn't terribly believable. But the monsters are for the most part cool, with their own mythos (mythoses? mythii?), and how the brothers deal with them is entertaining. I don't lose sleep over missing an episode, but I watch when I can.

MAL "You only gotta scare him."
JAYNE "Pain is scary..."

http://www.fireflytalk.com - Big Damn Podcast

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007 4:44 PM

SINGATE

I'll put Supernatural right up there with Heroes as my two current favorites. I would really have a hard time choosing between them.

Don't jump in any time as others have suggested, you really need to see what transpires at the end of season one and the beginning of season 2.

It's amazing that show can be carried for the most part by only two characters, though they have had some great guest stars.

If I'm not mistaken Chris, you have posted a few times about how a show had you crying like a baby. While this one doesn't have the volume of some of your other favorites you better have the kleenex handy during a few episodes.

_________________________________________________

We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was not meant that we should voyage far.

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007 5:07 PM

TAMSIBLING

I'll weigh in on this ... I too really like Supernatural. To say love would probably be a tad strong, however, the two leads are hotties (let's be honest, it matters a little bit) and I can admire how true to the horror form they're being with each of their monsters having its own backstory. The fact that so many of the plots are based on urban legends is just cool in my opinion.

I agree with the others about not losing sleep over missing an ep, however, if the show were gone all together, I would miss it. I'm really intrigued by this season and where they're going to take the whole Sam storyline - evil vs. not evil.

I see a "brother must kill brother" finale set-up come May.

***
So ... explain to me your obsession with all things evil?

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Wednesday, January 24, 2007 11:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by TamSibling:
I'll weigh in on this ... I too really like Supernatural. To say love would probably be a tad strong, however, the two leads are hotties (let's be honest, it matters a little bit)

Hotties?
Uhh, I guess...no drool here, though

.

Tam, is there martial arts in it? If even one good kick is thrown in it.....

One track Chrisisall

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Wednesday, January 24, 2007 11:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by singate:

If I'm not mistaken Chris, you have posted a few times about how a show had you crying like a baby.

Mostly Dark Angel, but Buffy can get me goin' too.

Weepy Chrisisall

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Wednesday, January 24, 2007 11:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by chrisisall:
Tam, is there martial arts in it? If even one good kick is thrown in it.....

It's really more of a "shoot the demon" show than a "kick the demon" show...

Singate may well be right about not jumping in until you see season one. It would be better that way....

Doubling back on my reviews Sickdudisall

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Wednesday, January 24, 2007 12:11 PM

Actually, upon reflection, the only people I ever recall the brothers using martial arts on are, well, each other.

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We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

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Wednesday, January 24, 2007 12:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Sickdude:

It's really more of a "shoot the demon" show than a "kick the demon" show...

That's cool, Buffy satisfies my 'kick the demon' needs.

Flamethrower the demon Chrisisall

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Wednesday, January 24, 2007 1:01 PM

PURPLEBELLY

In my completely uninformed opinion (I'm the poor subject of a European crowned-head, and just haven't met any working-class US citizens): the aspect of this show that may appeal to Browncoats is its working-class feel. The guys have a higher mission, that's true, but they have to skuffle along to finance it and no elite organisation is doing them any favors.

It's good to see that Jensen Ackles can handle roles suited to his (slightly) increasing years.

Caveat: I've only managed to catch Season One.

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Wednesday, January 24, 2007 5:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by chrisisall:
Buffy satisfies my 'kick the demon' needs.

Flamethrower the demon Chrisisall

*dashes off to get the rocket launcher*

-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

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Wednesday, January 24, 2007 6:51 PM

RICKKER

I have really enjoyed Supernatural so far. Review summs it up good show, good cast, very good wrighting.

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Wednesday, January 24, 2007 10:29 PM

WANWEITRIP

I don't watch it regularly but it's fun and better than a lot of stuff *cough-Charmed-cough* that is around. It's a bit formulaic but it has a sense of humour so I can forgive that.

Most of my friends(females) watch it for the same reason that guys watch Dark Angel - eyecandy.

Jensen Ackles is mighty purdy.

If it wasn't funny and quite creepy and occasionally clever it wouldn't matter how pretty he was, I couldn't watch it. It does have the occasional plot-hole you could drive a truck through - but lots of shows do.

Ah, the pitter patter of tiny feet in huge combat boots... SHUT UP!!!

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Thursday, January 25, 2007 4:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by WanWeiTrip:

Most of my friends(females) watch it for the same reason that guys watch Dark Angel - eyecandy.

If I wanted eyecandy, I'd have a DVD collection of Baywatch and Silk Stockings

.
Dark Angel was good because of the writers- some of which worked on Firefly, in case ya didn't know.

Plus, the director of DA's pilot directed Supernatural's pilot, which I take as a good omen..I'm probably gonna groove to it.

Not that I'm opposed to a little eyecandy from time to time Chrisisall

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Thursday, January 25, 2007 5:18 AM

Supernatural also has Ben Edlund on staff, who worked on. . . some other show, with cowboys and spaceships, or something silly like that.

Oh, for a really cool Supernatural fanvid, go here: http://www.alter-idem.com/index.php?now=2&id=64&view=What%20They%20Sai
d (Linkin Park's "Faint," showcasing some of the fight scenes and the brotherly angst).

I am,
Watching you,
Turn your back like you always do.
Face away, pretend that I'm not,
But I'll be here 'cause you're all that I got.

-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

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Thursday, January 25, 2007 9:08 AM

SINGATE

Quote:
Originally posted by Cybersnark:
(Linkin Park's "Faint," showcasing some of the fight scenes and the brotherly angst).

I still like the montage in the opening theme near the end of season 1 set to the Kansas tune "Carry on Wayward Son". So appropriate.

_________________________________________________

We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was not meant that we should voyage far.

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Thursday, January 25, 2007 3:35 PM

Carry on my wayward son.
There'll be peace when you are done.
Lay your weary head to rest.
Don't you cry no more.

-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

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Friday, January 26, 2007 8:35 AM

SILMARWEN

Quote:
Originally posted by chrisisall:
Didn't Threshold end on a cliffhanger?

So what's the better show? Stargate: Atlantis, Heroes or Supernatural? I guess I really mean, which is the most Joss-like....

I'm not including BSG in that question, 'cause I feel it goes without sayin' that it's light years ahead of anything else out there being made...

Endless questions Chrisisall

Hmmmmmm, most Joss-like. I'd say Heroes is most Joss-like in structure and character development. Supernatural is most Joss-like in character pattern, interaction, and humor. Stargate Atlantis I don't find that Joss-like, but it still is gorram shiny!

Stay clam Mr. Giles. We have to slay calm.

Thank God you're here. I was planning to panic.

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Monday, January 29, 2007 8:21 AM

PATSRULE

I don't think it goes without saying that BSG is better than anything else out there. I think Heroes and Supernatural are both better than BSG, especially the first half of this new season.

I think Supernatural is closer to the Joss Whedon shows, but Heroes is the better show.

Heroes is just ridiculously good...gaining ground on Firefly, Lost season 1 and 2, and my personal holy grail of television seasons, Murder One season 1 for best all-time tv show season. It probably has already passed 24 season 1, Married with Children season 1, and Dexter season 1.

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Monday, January 29, 2007 8:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by patsrule:

Heroes is just ridiculously good...

So when is it coming out on DVD???

Cant watch commercials Chrisisall

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Monday, January 29, 2007 8:36 AM

Most likely August or September. Heroes is still mid-way through season one. You can download some of them off of NBC.com, but I recently heard that they took down episodes 1-7.

"I am your father, Luke. Give in to the Dark Side, you nob!" - Doug McKenzie

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Monday, January 29, 2007 9:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Sickdude:
Most likely August or September. Heroes is still mid-way through season one.

I'm there.
Thanks.

Hiro Chrisisall

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Tuesday, February 6, 2007 10:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by patsrule:

I think Supernatural is closer to the Joss Whedon shows, but Heroes is the better show.

How do you rate them next to Babylon 5?

HA! Chrisisall

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Friday, February 9, 2007 4:23 AM

PATSRULE

I've never seen an episode of Babylon 5, so I can't make a fair comparison.

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Friday, February 9, 2007 2:01 PM

Patsrule, I'm amazed that you and I agree almost 100% this year, especially after last year's "Threshold/Surface" disagreement. I find myself saying "yeah, exactly" after all your posts recently.

Cisall, truthfully I would put Heroes and Supernatural above Bab5. But it depends on what you like. Bab5 lacked the polish of a well-produced show, but it had a big vision and it was a true Scifi space opera (something still quite rare). Bab5 is great if you're looking for fleets blowing up other fleets. But Supernatural is some good storytelling, and Heroes is a just plain good superhero story so far, better than even Lost so far. Lost, Heroes, and Supernatural are all better produced, acted, and have better dialog than Bab5.

Opinions? You want opinions? I got opinions!....

"I am your father, Luke. Give in to the Dark Side, you nob!" - Doug McKenzie

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Friday, February 9, 2007 5:52 PM