So for me, this is what happens when non-network channels get it right! Supernatural was created in the days when all your good shows were on the major networks, and cable channels had either crappy content or syndicated major network content. I remember Supernatural being one of the first really great, high quality, big-budget cable shows around. On the unheard-of WB then later the CW no less.
I've been hooked from the first episode. I've watched Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki) and brother Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) grow as both actors and characters. I've seen the show move from a loose "monster of the week" type show to the multiple episodes and season ark spanning powerhouse it is today. I have to admit it was maybe a bit cheesy in the early seasons as the writers, producers, and actors found their stride. But once they did the show really becomes something truly amazing.
We went from a new monster each week to monsters and demons. We watched the Winchester brothers battle the forces of hell. Then came angels, and we learned they aren't always all that much better than demons. Then came Lucifer. Oh boy, how that got interesting. We see Dean go to hell, and Sam gets caged with Lucifer and Michael. Two very angry arch-angels you don't want to get trapped in a box with. We even meet God's sister, The Darkness, and finally the God himself.
We see story Arcs about their mother, their father, their grandfather. We get stories about how a "Prophet" of God writes a book series about their lives called.... Supernatural. We see them get transported to OUR world, where they are actors in a TV show called Supernatural, and all the actors, producers, and creators play themselves. A mischievous entity (no spoilers) put them on a series of game shows. And we get to see what people without souls are like. They are good about mixing it up and throwing in fun episodes here and there.
But as good as Jared and Jensen are, it's the supporting cast that really makes this show something. We have the ever-popular Bobby (Jim Beaver) who is like a surrogate father, their angel buddy Castiel (Misha Collins ) who was just supposed to be a six-episode character in season 4 but whom the fans liked so well he's still a major character on the show to this day in season 13. Next up we have our favorite demon Crowley played by the amazing (Mark Sheppard), who becomes their best "Frenemy" and is active in the show from season 5 to today's season 13.
There is also a large cast of reoccurring characters who show up from season to season here and there. Sometimes getting their own mini-arc every few years or so. One of the unwritten rules seems to be that no one is really dead, and you never know when someone might show back up for an episode or two. It seems neither heaven nor hell can keep people from the Winchesters! One of the interesting aspects of the show this creates is how the world is constantly building and growing, but its internal history remains alive even 13 years later. It's a huge nod to the die-hard fans who have supported the show from its beginnings! There are almost constant throw-backs to earlier episodes and events, even from 5, 10, or 13 years prior! Nothing that would cause a new viewer to feel lost, but a neat aspect of the show for those who have seen it all!
The actors really get put through their paces in this show. They are often possessed by other beings and have to act like someone else. And they all can handle this demand on their talents extremely well. Personally, I think Misha really shines in this, I find him an amazing actor. In one of the recent arcs he's possessed by Lucifer, and he nails the facial expressions and mannerisms of the actor that most commonly plays Lucifer so well it's uncanny. And in the episode he plays himself, our worlds Misha, the difference between his normal character Castiel and him playing "himself" is just amazing. I have true respect for his talents.
But they all get chances to shine, and there are moments that really stand out. For me, one of the best moments in the show is when Dean becomes extremely scared of anything and everything. He becomes a totally different type of person. In one scene I'll never forget, he's surprised and he screams and reacts like a teen girl who just had the life scared out of her. You would swear he WAS a teenage girl there for a moment. I honestly had to stop the show and just laugh for like 5 solid minutes. To see badass Dean act like that, and so well, I just couldn't stop laughing. It was pure gold! In fact, I have to include it just for fun!
I could go on about each character, but I think this has gone on long enough. If you haven't seen it I suggest giving it a try. It's one of my favorite shows on TV!!
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