December 2011

Has Supernatural Jumped The Shark?

There is a famous saying in the movie industry called “jumping the shark.” It means a show has lived past its prime and it's grasping at straws to keep people tuned in. It gets its name from the “Happy Days” episode where Fonzi literally jumped over a shark on water skis.

The creators of Supernatural only intended for the show to go for five seasons and culminated in the battle with Lucifer. I think we can all agree that the fifth season was the best and the final battle was memorable as we saw Chuck blink out.

Networks thrive on ratings and ad revenue, so when you have a show as good as Supernatural, you just can't let it go. Instead of ending it after literally beating the most devastating evidoer of all time, they continued on trying to piece their lives together after the near Apocalypse. I will admit that I thought season six was good, but it lacked the passion of the other seasons. It was off the plan, so everything seemed disjointed and hurried.

Death in Supernatural

There has been a lot of talk about the death of Jim Beaver's character Bobby Singer in Supernatural. It's a huge impact on the characters, but I can't help but think the show has devalued death in the last few seasons.

I know the creators want to get away from the whole Angel thing, but the truth is that they were bringing people back from the dead all the time. Someone gets shot or beat up and Castiel just healed them. Castiel died at least twice and Sam and Dean have been to heaven and back again.

Supernatural Convention: Photos Ops and Jensen Love

For the last few years, my wife has been giving me not so subtle hints that she wants to go to a Salute to Supernatural Convention. I'd like to believe that it's her love of the show, its lore and story lines that fuels her cravings to attend, but I know better. You see, ladies and gents, my wife is in love with Jensen Ackles. Yes, it's true, and she's never been afraid to say it either.

So, every year, when the Salute to Supernatural Convention dates are announced, she starts dropping hints that she'd like to be one of the many fans in attendance at the Chicago convention. “Oh, look, babe, the Supernatural convention is in October this year.” Then as more and more of the cast members are announced, she just happens to mention it again. “Wow, they got Jensen and Jared again this year.”

Bobby Singer's Guide To Hunting

"I don't want to give too much away, but the gist of the book is that Singer is losing his memory and has 24 hours to pen instructions"

While the truth of Bobby Singer's fate is still slightly questionable, there are many Supernatural fans already mourning his loss. His backwoods, gritty facade and heart of gold are definitely as trademark of Supernatural as the Winchester boys themselves.

I was thinking about what the show would be like without his quips and advice, and then I remembered a book I'd seen back on Amazon.com a while ago—Bobby Singer's Guide to Hunting by David Reed. Curiosity got the best of me and I checked it out.

The book is written from Bobby's perspective, and in his unmistakable voice. I could totally hear him speaking the words as I read. His typical redneck tone alone makes it a fun read.

I don't want to give too much away, but the gist of the book is that Singer is losing his memory and has 24 hours to pen instructions to pass along to Dean and Sam. Among the contents of the book are chapters not only about the monsters, demons and other eerie creatures that hunters can expect to encounter, but also more in-depth looks at important people in Bobby's life as well as the man himself.

Is Bobby Singer Dead?

Whether he is or not, perhaps he should be...

If you tuned into Supernatural over the past couple of weeks, you already know that Bobby Singer has had a very close brush with death—he may, in fact, be dead; due to Friday’s cliffhanger, we won’t be sure until the show resumes on January 6. And while all week I fumed that if Bobby—my favorite character on the show—were to die this weekend, I would be one ranting and raving, angry fan. (Spoilers ahead.)