Thursday, January 31, 2008

Naturally Super

Tonight (Thursday) I'm going to hunker down in front of the TV for some long-awaited viewing goodness. LOST is back and you know I need to know what's up with the survivors making it back to the real world. Heck, I just need a Sawyer fix.

But I'll have the VCR running because SUPERNATURAL also has a new episode. And I do love me some Winchester boyz. And since I feel it is my duty here in the convertible to ensure we have a beefcake post every now and then, let me tell you about my favorite TV obsession. Remember ladies, I write these posts for you. Woman cannot survive sitting before the keyboard all day or doing the 9-to-5 thing Monday through Friday. We need eye candy. Also, seeing as I'm the paranormal chick in the convertible, I like to spread that which is my twisty darkness about whenever I can. I give to you my best.

SUPERNATURAL is one of those cult-hit shows that probably doesn't have as big an audience as it should. It's about two brothers chasing monsters. Okay, two sexy brothers chasing monsters. Each week they battle another demon, poltergeist, vampire, swamp monster, urban legend or some other creepy crawlie. The show is not gratuitous with their two sexy stars. (I know. Damn!) They take their monster chasing very seriously. In season one alone I counted but one shot each of the brothers wearing just towels. I barely had enough time to count four- or six-pack! Sam's my favorite, the lanky, desperately cute, intellect of the duo who still feels like he was forced into hunting. Though, I wouldn't sneeze at Dean, the easy-going older brother who never met a one-night-stand he didn't like, and who can crack a joke while kicking demon butt. Heck, Winchester sandwich, anyone?

There are a few standards to each story: the '67 Impala that Dean drives and loves almost as much as his brother, the classic rock n' roll blaring in the background, the credit cards scams (it's how they survive, seeing as how demon hunting pays crap), and their quest for the big bads.

But that's not what the show is really about. If you take away all the monsters, you're left with the relationship between the two brothers. And that is what makes this one fine show. Kudos to the writers. You can only slay so many creatures in so many ways. But the ties that bind the brothers? Incredible.

It started when the younger, Sam was only six months. A demon killed their mother. Dean was forced to flee the house with his baby brother in his arms. And he's been protecting him ever since. They grew up, learning how to hunt from their father. Sam hated it; Dean took to it because he knew no one else would do it, and he respected his father and did what he was told. And now, as they journey across America, episode to episode, they struggle with the issues of having to always be there to protect one another. Or the aching pain that maybe Dad liked one better than the other? And why did Sam get to go to college and Dean had to stay back and hunt? They love each other so much, they'd give their life for one another (and have). And yet, the push and pull between them, the unresolved angers and misunderstandings left in the wake of their recently deceased father make for fascinating interactions. Dean is the responsible one who would much rather slack. Sam's morals make it difficult to resolve his increasing descent toward evil.

So this is my point, and surprisingly, I do have one beyond beefcake is good. We go back to stories and television shows and movies not because of the action, the adventure or the spectacular effects. What we as the audience want are those characters we can connect to, understand, relate to. And while we may not be able to relate to a twenty-something male demon hunter cruising chicks in his classic Impala, we can certainly understand the angst of having to always be there to protect a sibling, or the grief of losing a respected parent, or even the nagging that maybe this is all life will ever hand us, and what the hell are we supposed to do with it.

Who are your favorite characters, either in books or on television? Which characters plead for a re-read, or keep you tuning in week after week? What about the Winchester boys; you like?

Okay, I'll take that sandwich now.

23 comments:

Playground Monitor said...

I haven't watched Lost or Supernatural, but I do love me some Gil Grissom on CSI. And in a really quirky kind of way (which is totally appropriate cause he's a quirky kind of guy) I love Adrien Monk. You just want to hug him and tell him everything will be all right. Of course, other times you want to tell him to suck it up and stop washing his hands because his cuticles will crack and the skin will be like an alligator.

Marilyn

Bridget Locke said...

Oh this is just a mean question. My answer would take up a bazillion pages if I really answered it thorougly. :)

Right now my viewing pleasure is the delectable North & South (the BBC miniseries based on the book by Elizabeth Gaskell...not the one about the Civil War). It stars the amazingly yummy Richard Armitage as Mr. Thornton. *sigh*

I'm also a huge fan of Chuck and Torchwood. Both shows have such great humor. I get a giggle with every episode and the man candy ain't bad either. LOL!

As for rereading? Well I've been doing a ton of that lately in anticipation of books coming out. I'm a big fan of the reread. All of my keepers I've read at least three times apiece. :)

Debra Dixon said...

I've been saving the Winchester boys for DVD action. I love watching a series episodes one after the other. So, since you just reminded me, I toddled over and put Seasons 1 & 2 at the top of my NetFlix queue.

We always watch HOUSE and BONES around here. SEXY DIRTY MONEY. BOSTON LEGAL isn't as much of an always watch as it used to be. BATTLESTAR GALLACTICA.

Cynthia Cooke said...

Oh, Michele, what a great post! And awesome pictures, too!! Yes, I love my weekly dose of Winchester. "A Wichester sandwich" hehehehehehe -- I WISH!!!! The story arc last season was incredible with the best cliffhanger episode I think I've ever seen. The writing is top notch, and even some of the monsters are HOT! This season has been tough though. I guess because of the strike and all, but I also miss the big question -- Is Sam Evil?! Now the big question -- Is Sam going to die? -- isn't really working for me. But, like I said, the writer's are top notch, I'm sure they'll find a way to pull it out! And you can bet I'll be there watching how they do it!
Cynthia

Unknown said...

I think I only saw one episode of Supernatural-- and I liked it. Not sure why I haven't made it part of my "appointment TV" schedule. But Deb, that Netflix thing for a whole first season sounds really good. that way I could really get into it.

And Michele, we all owe your for the eye candy. Oooohhh and the image of a sandwich. . .

Helen Brenna said...

Michele, we can always count on you for some good beefcake! Mmm mmm mmm!

I'm joining the crew and putting this show on my netflix queue.

Cindy Gerard said...

Yay Michelle. Thanks for jump starting my day with the hunky boys. And you have me intrigued by this show. What network? What night? What time? I think I want to watch it.
Your take on the dynamics between the brothers is deadly right. the emotional tug and pull in any relationship is what compels viewers and readers to want more. Characterization, relationship are the heart of all fiction. Everything else is extemporaneous - albeit fun! Right now I get my hunk fix with Denozo on NCIS and the men of The UNIT. Gots to love those SF boys

Playground Monitor said...

It's not a sandwich, Betina. It's a sammich. Like a Hugh Jackman-Marilyn-Daniel Craig sammich. *g*

Michele Hauf said...

Marilyn, I adore Monk too! Just the way Tony Shaloub gives the character to us. It's awesome.

Bridget, I haven't seen Torchwood, but I'm dying to. I'm considering buying the first season DVD. I hear the main character is omnisexual, and they're introducing James Marsters (former Spike!) as his lover in season two. Num!

Deb, that's how I did Supernatural. I've missed shows over the past two years. So, I just finished a two-week watch of the first season. It's so much better watching the shows without commercials. And what a way to end season one! You'll be glad you have season two ready to go after you see that episode. And Dirty Sexy Money! Oh, man I wish the writers strike would end soon. Jeremy and Brian. love those two!

Hey, Cynthia, good to see you here! I just picked up the latest Supernatural magazine (yeah, I'm addicted) and they said Eric Kripke, the creator has decided he's like the show to end after five seasons. Waaa! But they like the idea of going out on top, and not stretching things out forever.

Marilyn, I was so going to use 'sammich' but then I wondered if everyone would get me. :-) Yeah, give me that sammich!

Oh! Okay, for those who don't know how to find this show, it's Thursday Nights on the CW network at 8 PM central time. New episode tonight!

Kathleen Eagle said...

I'm a big fan of HBO and got hooked into characters all the way through "Sopranos". "Rome" was the series that gave me characters AND beefcake. (Tony Soprano was a wonderful character, but beefcake he was not.) I was sorry to see Carnivale and John From Cincinnati cut short because I was intrigued by the stories. It took me a while with "Deadwood" because the characters were hard to care about at first. I pretty much skipped the first season. The dialogue was way too heavy with profanity. I gave it another try a season or two later and got into it.

I think I've mention that I lost interest in "Trading Spaces" when they got rid of Paige and started messing around with the format. They must have gotten the message. Paige is back! And they're playing up the relationships between the homeowners more. It's all about characters and relationships, even with reality shows.

Vivi Anna said...

MMMM, I love me some Winchester boyz! Dean is it for me. LOVE HIM. He's so damn cocky and sexy. And his voice is to die for.

I'm also a huge BSG fan. I love love love me some Jamie Bamber and Tahmoh Penikett (Apollo and Helo). But what I love most about BSG is the writing and the acting. My favorite characters on the show are the women characters. Starbuck, played by the dynamic Katee Sackhoff, is one of the best female characters ever written for TV in my opinion. She's tough, brass, flippant, smart, cunning, sexy, and flawed, big time flawed.

Kathleen Eagle said...

Who knew a '67 Impala would become a classic? And driven by a hunky young ghostbust in the 21st century. Amazing! Think about it: Would a hunky young 1967 hero have driven a 1927 roadster? We keep hearing that the world has changed more in the last 40 years than the previous--what? 500? And I'm sure there's plenty of truth to that. But how much have people changed? Styles in clothing, hair, music, transportation, homes--think of 1907 to 1957. Now look at 1957 to 2007.

Just thinking about my blog for tomorrow, and that '67 Impala fits right in. What's going to be classic in 2047 (besides a 100 year old me)? I've never seen "Supernatural," but I'm going to check it out.

Michele Hauf said...

Kathy, I hear you on the reality shows amping up the character relationships. It works so much better with Paige back! And man, I do love that Impala. I think my dad had one of those. Hmm...

Vivi! Okay, you can have Dean. We can trade off when we get tired of 'em. :-) I've never watched BSG, but have heard so much good stuff about it. I think it's the space stuff. Freaks me out. Can't get into it. But if the characters as are fab as I've heard, then I should at least give it a try. It's like SUpernatural; take away the monsters the show would still rock. So maybe I can squint when the starship (or whatever you call it) comes on during BSG?

Michele Hauf said...

Oh, and Kathy, I am still determined to rent ROME. AGain, the time period doesn't appeal, but if those characters do, then I'm in. And beefcake? I'm there.

Debra Dixon said...

Kathleen-- I loved Rome. Loved it.

Why or why can't we have the further adventures of
Pullo??

Christie Ridgway said...

Okay, I'm going to have to tune into Supernatural...first, though, going to get the entire first season. With my new treadmill moving near to a TV, I can watch and feel virtuous at the same time.

I love Bones! I have watched it sporadically, but a couple of nights ago caught the very first one on...TNT? And now I know I'm going to have to watch them all. The Kathy Reich books are good, but I like the TV show better, for some reason.

Kathleen Eagle said...

Deb, yes, further adventures of Pullo!!! Talk about your wounded warrior...

Michele, you will love our Roman soldiers. I think I'll rent it, too.

Michele Hauf said...

Bones, now that's one I'm intrigued to try but because of David Boreanaz. I usually don't like crime procedural stuff.

I'm just thinking a person could practically learn to like any series if they have the leisure to watch it on DVD. No commercials, watch as many episodes at a time as you like.

I did that with Six Feet Under last year. Watched the whole thing over a few months. Now that was an excellent series.

Oh, and I have The Tudors! Nummy Johnathon Rhys Meyers, and yeah, the story is good too. :-)

Jane said...

Mulder and Scully are two of my favorite characters. They're polar opposites but they complement each other. Hopefully the new X-Files movie will be out this year.

Unknown said...

I'm with you guys on Rome! I went out and bought the 1st season. . . and I ended up giving it to my son, who is a major film and fiction guy. I want it BACK! And so far I haven't sprung for season two, but I'm reeallly tempted.

Pullo rules. Now why was he the one we all fell for? Because he was the Roman bad boy? Because he was stronger in some ways than the more "principled" officer? See, I can't even remember the officer's name!!!

MJFredrick said...

I LOVE the Winchesters! I have a shirt that says "My Winchester Boys can kick your demon's ass." I think this season has been very strong, with maybe an exception last night. Maybe I was just looking forward to it too much...must watch again!

Michele Hauf said...

maryf, I thought last night's ep was great. Dean finally got a look at what he's walking into when he goes to hell, and it ain't gonna be pretty. I hope they rescue him before that happens, but then, a few days in hell for him could prove interesting. Hmm...

Megan Hart said...

OH, those Winchesters! I love 'em so much it's like fiyuh!

Love 'em so much I had to buy an Impala. She's a '68, not a '67, but she sounds reallll purty. ;)