SUPERNATURAL "tv series"
News Updates by Miles

The Road Ahead: Season Breakdown

The end is nigh. As we approach the final three episodes of the season I think its important to realize that even though Supernatural has been renewed for Season 6 the conclusion of the Apocalypse/Angels storyline with the coming Season Finale was originally intended by show creator Eric Kripke to be the Series Finale, at least in his original five-year vision of the series. And for all intents and purposes I think the episode will remain pretty close to his original vision.

Let me just say, I’m sure some sick, sad stuff is going to happen to both of the boys and possibly the Earth, Heaven, and all of creation, but I have faith (pun possibly intended) that all will work out in the end. And, I’m also pretty sure that the boys were always meant to drive off into the sunset, Steppenwolf’s “Slow Ride” blaring over the speakers of Dean’s impala. Hell, he may even let Sam drive, maybe. Although, if it’s Bobby, cured and behind the wheel with some Ray-Ban sunglasses, I wouldn’t not smile. Regardless, it should be quite a ride. Now, lets take a look at what these all-important last episodes have in store for us…

Thursday, April 29 Episode 5x20 — “The Devil You Know”
"The demon Crowley (Mark Sheppard) tells Sam and Dean he can help them find the remaining Horsemen rings so they can trap Lucifer.  The brothers are doubtful until Crowley leads them to Brady (Eric Johnson), the Handler for Pestilence (Matt Frewer) and Death.  However, Brady refuses to give up their locations and sets Pestilence after the Winchesters."

Promo 1

Promo 2

Thursday, May 6 Episode 5x21 — “Two Minutes to Midnight”

"Crowley tells Bobby he will give him the location of Death (Julian Richings), the fourth horseman, in exchange for his soul. Knowing Sam and Dean need that fourth ring to stop the Apocalypse, Bobby reluctantly agrees. Sam and Dean confront Pestilence, but he unleashes a deadly virus upon them, so Castiel must intervene on their behalf.  Dean has a meeting with Death to discuss Lucifer, and an unholy alliance is formed at a very high price for Dean."

A few inventive fans have put together some pretty decent slide-show “Promos” using official CW promotional pictures from the episode. And in lieu of an official trailer I though it’d be fun to include them below. Beware, there are potential Spoilers in the videos below.

Fan Promo 1

Fan Promo 2

SEASON FINALE
Thursday, May 13 Episode 5x22 — “Swan Song”

“The showdown between good and evil is at hand. With the Apocalypse looming, Sam and Dean realize they are out of options and make heart-breaking decisions that will change their lives forever. Meanwhile, someone faces death. And when all hope seems to be lost Azrael, the Angel of Death, appears.”

“O’Death”

Season Finale Tabloid Spoilers!

A pair of barely-there teases for the impending Season Finale “Swan Song” courtesy of Entertainment Weekly and E! Online respectively. What do the mainstream rags have to dish about? Read on, but beware -- possible spoilers below…

First off, EW’s Michael Ausiello fielded a write-in question from a desperate Supernatural fan in his column Ausiello Files…

Question:Do you know what is going on in the season finale of Supernatural? —Elena

Ausiello: “I don’t, but exec producer Sera Gamble does: ‘We’re leading up to the big Death Match between Lucifer and Michael, which would cause the destruction of half the planet,’ she previews. ‘Sam and Dean, of course, are trying to throw a wrench in the works — but these are the most powerful beings they’ve ever been up against, so their odds aren’t great. Sam comes up with an incredibly risky Hail Mary to defeat Lucifer, which involves spending some very creepy, violent one-on-one time with the guy. Terrible for Sam, but pretty damn fun to watch.’”

Next, E! Online’s Watch with Kristen was downright coy about the details, but she dropped some pretty menacing teases. In her micro-synopsis of what to expect in the finale Kristen seems to imply that things go all pear-shaped for everybody’s favorite Angel, Castiel saying…

“(SPOILER ALERT!)potentially terrible news: After another Archangel bites the dust, Castiel takes on Michael—and the battle ends badly for Cass.”
Another familiar site Spoiler.TV also has a more blunt take on what to expect with their own synopsis of the episode where they come out and declare that there will be a significant death, saying…

“THE APOCALYPSE – The entire season has been leading up to this showdown between good and evil. With the Apocalypse looming, Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) realize they are out of options and make heart-breaking decisions that will change their lives forever. A beloved character is killed. Steve Boyum directed the episode with teleplay by Eric Kripke and story by Eric Gewitz (#522).”

Glad to see Kripke’s name on the final script of the Season. This show started out as his baby, but like the best shows all those involved added something special and it became something bigger, a collaboration of truly talented actors, writers, producers, and on and on. Of people, like the late, great director Kim Manners and probably a slew of others I can’t imagine. Even though the show will continue for at least another season, I’m definitely going to feel like this is the end of the era. But still, things go on. Here’s to Season Six and beyond!

Season 5 DVD/Blu-Ray Region Clash

Unfortunately, the fifth season of Supernatural is not yet scheduled for a firm release here in the U.S., but Amazon is taking pre-orders for the very fair prices of $38.99 for DVD and $48.99 for Blu-Ray. So for now, the details are scarce on extras and any other goodies, but rejoice, word is it’ll be here in time for summer. However, firm release dates for Region 2 in the UK have been released. And, as is apparently normal, in the UK the Season will be broken up into two separate sets each with their own release dates, which would be April 26, 2010 for Part 1 and August 16, 2010 for Part 2.  Check out Amazon to preorder your Region 1 (USA) copy now!


Supernatural / Heart of the Dragon

Titan books is releasing a new adventure for Sam and Dean in glorious paperback. Written byKeith R. A. DeCandido, who is no stranger to the fanboy world, of which I think Supernatural unabashedly fits. DeCandido has done several tie-ins to other great TV shows like Buffy, Doctor Who, and Farscape. The story takes place in the fairly present time period, as everyone’s favorite Angel, Castiel, plays an important role in the storyline. As to specifics, the Titan release says…

“Twenty-seven years ago, Sam and Dean Winchester lost their mother to a mysterious and demonic supernatural force. In the years after, their father, John, taught them about the paranormal evil that lives in the dark corners and on the back roads of America... and he taught them how to kill it.

When renegade angel Castiel alerts Sam and Dean to a series of particularly brutal killings in San Francisco’s Chinatown, they realize the Heart of the Dragon is back. John Winchester faced the terrifying spirit 20 years ago, and the Campbell family fought it 40 years ago - can the boys succeed where their parents and grandparents failed?”
A brand-new Supernatural novel that reveals a previously unseen adventure for the Winchester brothers, from the hit CW series!

Season One Gets a Blu-ray Upgrade

For all you hi-def fanatics, you will finally be able to relive the first season of the Sam and Dean show, aka Supernatural, on June 15. From Warner Home Video, the two-disc set has all 22 first-season episodes, and a whole host of “new” special features, all for the price of $49.99.

Features include:

• New! The Devil’s Road Map: Interactive Map Guide to Season One’s Urban Legends and Unusual Facts
• New! Paley Festival Panel Discussion Featuring the Cast and Creators
• Unaired/Extended Scenes
• Commentary on the Pilot by Series Creator Eric Kripke, Director David Nutter and Producer Peter Johnson
• Commentary on Phantom Traveler by Co-Stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles
• Two additional featurettes: Day in the Life of Jared and Jensen and Supernatural: Tales from the Edge of Darkness
• Gag Reel

Not too bad for the price, and the pixels, won’t someone please remember the pixels? So far that’s season 1,3, and 4 on Blu-ray to fatten up your video collections, but here’s to holding out for season 2! Bring it on. See the dvdtimes’s story on the release Here.

The Road Ahead… (Cont’d)

In the last installment we talked about “the road ahead”, since this chapter in the Supernatural mythos of Angels and the Apocalypse is about to come to a close, I thought I’d bring back the title as we look a little further down the line towards the inevitable close of Supernatural’s milestone fifth season. It’s even more of a milestone considering show creator Eric Kripke’s long-running vision had only five seasons to begin with. For a while, it seemed the show’s storylines and indeed the show itself were all speeding towards an end.

Well, now that the show is officially returning for season 6, with long-time producer Sera Gamble taking over the duties of showrunner and with Kripke and producer Robert singer continuing to act as “hands-on executive producers” it seems that the show will be in good hands. But, I guess we’ll have to wait and see what they have in store for us. Until then let’s look ahead at some of what the rest of the Kripke-era will have for us. And since we’re talking about milestones here, I figure we’ll end today’s installment with the fast approaching, monster of a milestone, episode 100.  Read on, but beware… there be potential spoilers here!

(97) Episode 5.15 “Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid”

By now, most of us probably know the gist, but just in case…

"Sam and Dean investigate Bobby's home town where the dead are rising from the grave but instead of attacking humans, they are happily reuniting with their families. The brothers turn to Bobby for help but he tells them not to worry about it and to leave town. Suspicious, Dean investigates and comes face to face with Bobby's dead wife who has no memory of what happened to her. Once the zombies start turning evil, the boys tell Bobby he has to kill his wife but he refuses."  

Zombies? It’s never that easy. This is total magic, or some kind of cruel trick? Is it Angelic? Possible. We won’t have to wait long to find out, March 25 is almost upon us.

“Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid.”

(98) Episode 5.16 "Sam And Dean Are Killed And Go To Heaven”

Possible alternate title is “Dark side of the Moon”. Set to air April 1. The CW says…

“Ambushed by angry hunters, Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) are shot and killed and sent to Heaven.  Castiel (Misha Collins) warns Dean that Zachariah (guest star Kurt Fuller) is looking for them in Heaven so they need to lay low while searching for an angel named Joshua (guest star Roger Aaron Brown) who can help them since he talks directly to God.  While searching for Joshua, the brothers run into some old friends and family members.”

How will the boys get out of Heaven, will they even want to? What is Supernatural’s vision of Heaven for that matter? And who are the “old friends and family members” that they will they run into? Well, the rumor mill is turning and some casting bits, if true, seem to reveal some possible spoilers.

Again these are still rumor, but apparently the boys could run into their dearly departed Mom (presumably as an adult, played by Samantha Smith), the beautiful biker chick/psychic Pamela, and maybe even Dr. Badass himself, Ash. It sounds like the teary-eyed, farewell speech potential is high for this episode, especially if doe-eyed Dean and quivery-lip Sam have to say goodbye to mom, yeesh! But, if Ash is indeed back (oh, how I hope) then I know one thing… "business up front; party in the back!"

(99) Episode 5.17 “99 problems”

April 8 brings the 99th episode of Supernatural, which guest stars Michael Shanks (Stargate SG-1, Smallville) as a fellow hunter. According to CW…

“Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) are outnumbered by demons, but are saved at the last minute by Rob (guest star Michael Shanks) and his townspeople, who are aware of the Apocalypse, and have been training to fight and kill demons.  The small town is very religious and Sam and Dean meet Pastor Gideon (played byLarry Poindexter), who introduces them to his daughter Leah (guest star Kayla Mae Maloney), whom he claims is a prophet.  Leah tells the townspeople they must obey her orders if they want a spot in Heaven but when she starts turning the townspeople against each other in the name of the Lord, the brothers realize they must kill her. Charles Beeson directed the episode written by Julie Siege. ”

(100!) Episode 5.15 "Point of No Return"

We’ve been following this one close for along time, Kripke and Co. seemed to have had an eye out for making this a big episode for a long time in the past saying, “We’re aiming for it to be a big mythology episode…. The Archangel Michael plays a very large part as we explore his relationship with Dean.”

Lately, more details have been buzzing around as the date approaches closer and closer. EW's Ausiello Files have been leaking tips for a while including a possible death on the episode! Read on…
- No, Ruby won’t be in the 100th episode, but Zachariah (Kurt Fuller) will be.

-  With regard to the crazy rumors flying around about a "major death" such as either Castiel or Bobby: There’s a death, but I wouldn’t exactly call it major.

- And finally, prepare to see Castiel like you’ve never seen him before: royally pissed off.

No Ruby and a pissed off angel. That sounds like the perfect 100th episode to us!

'Supernatural' Q&A’s with Castiel and Newcomer Adam Croasdell

In an interview with SFX, Misha Collins aka “Castiel”, shares his thoughts about Supernatural in relation to other primetime dramas, especially police dramas. He says…

"A lot of procedural cop shows would be dull to be stuck on every week. Interviewing the perp in witness room number two over and over again," Adding, "On Supernatural there's always something going on. We get to play different characters or travel through time - there's always an adventure!"

It seems that the UK soap star Adam Croasdell (EastEnder’s) has landed a role in the CW’s Supernatural. Apparently, there might be some conflicting ideologies at work since it seems he playing a Norse God! No—not that one. The actor revealed that he is playing “Baldur, the Norse God of light”. Details are sketchy as to exactly how his role might play out, and as you might expect the British actor only teases a few details.

“ ’What can you tell us about your character?’
‘I play Baldur, the Norse God Of Light. I'm not sure how much I can tell you, but I will say that I had a lot of fun doing his scenes with Sam and Dean!’

‘Why does Baldur enter the Supernatural universe?’
"This is Supernatural, so of course there's a reason why he appears, but if I said any more it would blow his entire story! He's fairly important, but aren't all Gods important?! Is he important in the overall apocalypse storyline? Well, that remains to be seen! I have a little bit of a fight with one of the other actors, which I quite liked because it's a bit of a release from all the dialogue. In EastEnders, old Dr Al was such a nice guy, so it's nice to break from that in Supernatural. It felt good!’

‘So, is your Norse God not a nice guy then?!’
‘Well you know, all Gods have huge egos don't they?! He's got a bit of both going on. I'm sorry I can't say any more!’

‘Finally, is there any possibility of Baldur returning?’
‘There's always a chance! I think that's the thing about Supernatural - because it's about the 'supernatural', people keep coming back from the dead and terrible injuries, so you never know. I hope so because it's fun and it's a great show to be part of.’ ”

Read the entire article Here.

Beware the ides… A March Return

After this last (and longest!) of hiatuses are done we will once again see the Winchester’s return on March 25, which happens to fall on the anniversary of the joyous event that was my birth. A Supernatural premiere seems like a great present to me!

The boys and Bobby will be back with episode 5x15, titled “Dead men don’t wear plaid”, after which we should get seven more episodes with the finale scheduled for the end of May. In the meantime, check out the Bobby-centric promo for “Dead men…” below.

“Dead men don’t wear plaid” 5x15 Promo

CW Renewals…Did Supernatural make the cut?                  

In a word… yes! The CW has given early renewals to Supernatural as well as four of its other current series, including it’s top earner, “America’s Next Top Model”, and the blatant tween/twilight cash-in, “Vampire Diaries,” as well “Gossip Girl,” and “90210”.
Conspicuously missing are renewals for “Melrose Place,” “Life Unexpected”, “One Tree Hill.” and the only other show on the station I can stand to watch, the increasingly strong (and expensive) “Smallville.”

In a recent Press Release the CW praises it’s best show and particularly its lady fans saying…
“The network also renewed fan favorite SUPERNATURAL, which will enter its sixth season next year. SUPERNATURAL has one of the most loyal audiences of any show on television and does heroic work in a perennially tough time period. It has improved over last season among women and adults 18-34 (29% and 8%, respectively) this season, a remarkable accomplishment for a fifth-year show.
Way to watch, ladies. Keep it up.

There it is, season 6 is a go. Score: one, for the little guys! I remember seeing those first few episodes and thinking, Man, I hope this thing makes it. That was even before I learned about its pedigree of past X-files alum’s such as the likes of the late, great Kim Manners and many others who have all been instrumental in making Supernatural the awesome show that it is.
Read the CW’s full press release below.

THE CW ANNOUNCES EARLY PICKUPS FOR FIVE SERIES

Freshman Hit “The Vampire Diaries,” “Gossip Girl,” “90210,” “Supernatural” and “ America ’s Next Top Model” To Return Next Season
February 16, 2010 (Burbank, California) ─ The CW Network has given early pickups to five series for next season, including four signature dramas and the reality hit AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL. All five shows will return in Fall 2010.

The series receiving early renewals include this season’s breakout hit THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, The CW’s most-watched show (4.6 million viewers) and the network’s number one show among adults 18-34 (2.5/8). THE VAMPIRE DIARIES premiere generated the largest audience in network history for a series debut (5.7 million total viewers). THE VAMPIRE DIARIES has improved The CW’s performance Thursday at 8:00 p.m. by 114% among women 18-34 this season. The network also renewed fan favorite SUPERNATURAL, which will enter its sixth season next year. SUPERNATURAL has one of the most loyal audiences of any show on television and does heroic work in a perennially tough time period. It has improved over last season among women and adults 18-34 (29% and 8%, respectively) this season, a remarkable accomplishment for a fifth-year show.

Also given early pickups for next season are The CW’s Monday night sensation GOSSIP GIRL, which is The CW’s number one show among its target demographic of women 18-34, and Tuesday’s trend-setting drama, 90210, which sees some of TV’s largest percent increases from DVR playback, nearly doubling its women 18-34 live-only ratings once live+7 data is included. Wednesday anchor AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL will also be back for cycles 15 and 16 with superstar Tyra Banks and new groups of aspiring models. TOP MODEL continues to rank second in the competitive Wednesday 8:00 p.m. hour among young women 18-34 (3.4/10).

The Road Ahead…Plans for Season 6

 Now that Season 6 is official (I never had any doubt btw) that means we’re likely nearing the end of Sam and Dean’s dealings with Heaven/Hell. Begging the question, what’s next?

It’s now a well-known fact that show creator Eric Kripke has always planned on a five-year run. Five years is, after all, a fairly average run of a successful series, as far as primetime dramas are concerned. Five years is downright respectable even. Well, time has a way of catching up to you and here we are nearing year six and what do you know? We want more!

So, what’s next? How can they get bigger than Armageddon, Heaven and the search for God him self? Well, several of the shows heavy hitters have been wondering that too.

Producer and Director Robert Singer summed it up in an interview with buddytv, saying, "Year six won't have the scope that this season has had. It's tough to top the Apocalypse."

Writer Sera Gamble echoed his sentiments, saying, "Why would you ever try to go bigger than Lucifer?"  She did hint at their thinking for the future, suggesting that they "…just turn left and go a whole other direction.” Adding…

“The show has never really been about God and the angels and demons, it's a show about Sam and Dean…. There has always been a deep well to jump into in the boys' relationship...We have the opportunity to go back from the epic to a more intimate story."

Fellow Supernatural scribe, Ben Edlund, agrees, saying "We can reset in a lot of ways and go back to stand-alones." 

That’s all well and good, but now that a season 6 is a certainty there are some details that will unfortunately have to be considered. Namely, what about Cas? Misha Collins, the actor who plays the fan-favorite Angel, Castiel, has a contract through the end of season five, meaning his future in season six is in doubt. Say it aint so. I’m on the fence with the subject. On one hand I ‘m eager to get back to the Monster-of-the-week simplicity of the old days, but on the other I don’t really want to see Cas or his awesome, brown trench coat go.

Is it possible Cas could stick around as Sam and Dean's guardian angel (wink) -- stopping by whenever they need him? That doesn’t sound like something Kripke would do, it’s too easy, but on the other hand Kripke might not be pulling the strings as tightly as he has in the past.

Assuming Cas survives the apocalypse will his vessel, “Jimmy Novak” be set free? Could an angel free Jimmy become another regular? Again, not likely.

What do you think? Should Cas, Jimmy Novak or both stay or go? Tough call… wait, no it’s not. Cas rocks! I say let there be Angels, damn it! Stay tuned…

Kripke Stepping down?

Since Supernatural will officially be back for a sixth season, despite creator Eric Kripke's original five-year plan for the series, the question is, will Kripke himself return to the show that he created or would he pass the reins on to someone else?  Well, it seems we have our answer. In short, Erick Kripke will be back -- however -- several sources including, The Chicago Tribune and EW's Michael Ausiello, are reporting that Kripke will no longer be the showrunner.  Instead, long-time writer and exec producer Sera Gamble will take over showrunner duties.
But, according to EW, Kripke “will remain actively involved in the show — and not just in name only”.The article also mentions that Kripke and his current co-showrunner, Robert Singer, “will continue to function as hands-on executive producers” Stressing that, “Eric and Bob will be working very closely with Sera…They are not abandoning the show.” The new boss herself, tried to reassure the press telling EW that…

“We’ve been working on the Season 6 storyline for quite some time, and we’re very excited about it. We have lots of ideas, and are grateful for the chance to keep the show going…Please tell the fans that the writers say thank you!  We so appreciate the support.”
Kripke had prepared for this eventuality somewhat. He has in the past said that he would make sure the show had plenty of storylines to keep going, likely for as long as the ratings, and the CW’s production budget hold up.

Read the EW report Here.

TVGuide/New Horseman Casting Call

TVGuide reported that a casting call went out for the fourth and final Horseman, Pestilence, for a future episode of Supernatural. According to TVGuide, the show is “…searching for a 40-50 year old man to play.” They described this future Horseman as “quirky, unassuming and highly intelligent.” And in the typical Supernatural sense of fun he's also a bit neurotic and has—of course—a cold. Classic.

The guide goes on to say that a character named Tyson, apparently known to Sam from his time spent at Stanford, is working for a pharmaceutical company and has plans to capitalize on a sudden viral outbreak (Pestilence, anyone) by providing a vaccine. Which will likely get him killed in the process. We’ll see. 

Also, in an unrelated cast listing, word went out for a female character to “Guest Star” in a separate episode sometime in the future. The description of the character, possibly named Kali, reads…

“[KALI] (20-30’s).. A beautiful Indian woman, wearing stilettos, pencil skirt and a low cut top, she looks like the hottest lawyer you've ever seen. Intimidating, calm, powerful, always in control, sensual with a sensitive side, but can be deadly when she wants something. She is a leader with plans and the determination to put them in place…”

Since we technically didn’t see the horseman, Death, at least in any human form in the episode "Abandon All Hope", I suppose it’s possible Kali could be the horseman’s human incarnation. It seems like a possible, albeit unlikely, description for a contender for the role of God, but that’s kind of -- meh. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Leave it to Beaver…CW Behind The Scenes

Jim Beaver aka “Bobby” takes us on a guided tour of the behind-the-scenes action. Just as you might expect, it looks like they have a helluva lot of fun on set. There’s a lot of funny stuff from the always entertaining Jensen Ackles aka “Dean Winchester” and some cool shots of some pretty gruesome fx too. Check it out below.

UK Humour Video Promo…I think?

Check out this interesting Promo vid, apparently for the Season Five UK premiere of Supernatural (which occurred on Feb 10) on Virgin Media’s Livingtv.

100th Episode/Mythology Revealed? 

Not, yet. But there was a party! The Supernatural cast and crew, which included, among others, Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Jim Beaver, Misha Collins, writer Robert Singer, producer Sera Gamble, Ben Edlund and even CW president Dawn Ostroff, gathered on location in Vancouver to celebrate its upcoming milestone 100th episode. So far, only bits and pieces have come out, giving us only a rough idea of what to expect of the episode. A while back Kripke let out that it’s a Dean-centric episode, saying…

“We’re aiming for it to be a big mythology episode…. The Archangel Michael plays a very large part as we explore his relationship with Dean.” Recently Fancast.com got wind of the alleged title of the episode, calling it “Point of no return.” The 100th episode is set to air April 15.