Ok a bit delayed... but here goes:
Jensen: Woa... it was like a switch. One moment you were Dean and then you were Michael. True talent with a show of five thumbs up (if I had them... but at the moment, I still only have two...)
I enjoyed the episode. Overall, I am invested in watching how the show set up Sam struggling with his new leadership role (because I am most likely projecting personal experience with my new responsibilities); I appreciate how Dean would be struggling with humility and reconciling how he reacted to Sam and Castiel being possessed now that he has personally experienced angel possession (once again, projecting own self reflection in my critics of those who held my position before).
Also, I genuinely think all the actors are top notch. I wouldn't watch the show if I didn't. So my following comments are not for the cast. It is for the wizards behind the camera.
But (not so) quick disclaimer: I will never claim to know how difficult it is to write, edit, and put together episode after episode. I recognize that my opinion is biased and comes strictly from my own fan perspective when viewing the finished product. I fully own that it could change my opinions were I privy to the events happening at the time of filming/editing. But should one of the wizards from behind the curtain reads this, I would hope that they would put forth just as much consideration for the fact that they do know what is happening behind the scenes and try to set aside that knowledge and try relating with my reaction to their final product.
When watching the show, there are those moments where nothing is said and I get to appreciate the character nuances that the actors put effort into creating and performing. It is very much in line with the idea that, "being an actor is all about reacting." I personally see it as visual representation of the "show-don't tell" rule for writing novels. Examples from the previous season:
Dean gets back from being in alternate universe with Ketch; has a moment upon finding out that Gabriel's grace is gone. and Sam has that moment of reaction where the he flinches and turns his head, showing that he is still sensitive about disappointing his brother... again...
I also appreciated the same type of interaction in the episode with Rowena killing reapers. Sam, Dean and Cass are in the kitchen. Sam assures Dean that he will go after Rowena and Dean says you better. Sam has that silent moment where I interpreted his face to say, "Don't treat me like this." Dean has the expression where he registers how he is reverting back to previous behaviors, acknowledges briefly with eye contact and a slight change of expression, then adverts his eyes.
In this past episode (and season 14 in general), I felt a void where the opportunity for those story enhancements would have improved my buy in. Maybe it is due to camera direction? maybe the production? The script? I dunno... But...
The point where I missed one of those camera moments was when Dean was possessed by Michael. Cass says, "Dean?" like he can't see the true form of a fellow Angel. Wouldn't Cass have noticed the Angel making his move on Dean? My expectation, set up by character development, is that he would have react in some manner while watching Michael in his true form. Sam and Jack wouldn't have seen this happening, but they would have reacted to Castiel's actions.
This isn't a comment on Misha missing the opportunity. I think it is the dialogue and the directional choices made that I am sensing other dedicated viewers are also missing. I miss the character history dictating character interaction, and I am having a hard time reconciling the deviation. Where was Castiel's concern as he saw the angel go from one vessel to the body of his best friend? Where was his move to try and protect Dean from re-possession or at least to protect Sam and Jack?
It is a void of missed nuances that are enhance the dialogue and my investment into the characters. I am looking for it, like reading between the lines and finding their is no additional information useful for me to enhance my imagination.
The characters are not the same people they were, proof that the show runners know character development. It is the same in real life- people are not the same as they were 14 years ago either. But when we interact in real life, we get those nuances, and Supernatural has this amazing history of mirroring that true to life behavior. It was something I registered from the beginning and found it naturally incorporated into the show.
So, for the magicians behind the curtain: I am looking for those nuances that fuel character development. Your actors have them; give them the opportunity to show them again. I don't want them to be the same as they were, but I would like to see the characters true-to-life behavior and emotions that are consistent with their history. It is the history that I, as a dedicated fan, use to connect episodes as well as to the characters and drama beyond just the dialogue and plot.
Just as real life adults are always learning with unexpected challenges, so do the characters we write, including Sam and Dean. And I know it is still there, because the real actors haven't lost their talent.
I have said it before and say it again: I am not going anywhere. It is not just nostalgia that keeps me glued to this series. I truly appreciate the dedication and hard work that goes into creating this show. Thank you too all those who dedicate their time. To my fellow fans: Share your agreements/disagreements.. Let me know if you think I misinterpreted this episode, and offer me a new perspective. Happy watching y'all.
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