Something Wicked

[lonelybrit]

I've seen various posts about this ep, and knew it was supposed to be a good one. I also know that the past weekend has left me rather tired, drained, and frankly feeling generally snappish and cynical. So bear that in mind.

Okay, in terms of acting, I have to admit I wasn't particularly impressed with anyone during that hour. I know I'm in a bitchy mood tonight so I'll just leave it at that. However, whilst it feels like these lads are only capable of about three/four different expressions, the vulnerable woobie look of an elder brother is a good one and not gettting old just yet. But they are beginning to push it with these oh so emotional scenes and dramatic music. *gags*

I did like Michael though, and I liked his early snarking with Dean. The other kid actors were okay, they didn't annoy me too much, which was a relief.

As usual the writing and script and acting were often painfully cheesy and OTT, but in terms of giving us background information on the characters and what makes them tick, it was good. I did enjoy having the supposedly obvious 'witch' turn out to be just a snappy old lady. I did giggle when the cross was put the right way up.

Ez mentioned that John is rather like Holtz: he loves his kids, but at the end of the day revenge is more important to him. I agree with that. I don't know whether or not he really did look at Dean differently afterwards, but Dean obviously saw it like that, and a keyed in parent should have picked up on that something was wrong with his eldest boy and tried to do something about it. Also, Dean yet again has apologised to Sam that Sam cannot be innocent of all this and just have an ordinary life. I don't remember John ever doing so to either of his boys.

So, the Dad angst has yet to really grab me. Whatever. The brother angst? Oh god yes. I love Dean not being able to resist giving Sam the last of the Cheerio's when Sam gives him the puppy eyes; I adore the fact that Sam then offers him the free pressie inside. Dean's whole world revolves around his younger brother, he basically played the parent while John was off on his hunting trips.

Oh. And Sam was watching Thundercats. Good taste, son, good taste :)

Comments

[esmerelda-t.livejournal.com]

The plot didn't come accross as well as I thought it would given the US reaction, where the main complaint was the little boys acting, although I can't quite figure out why, it's definately not one of the strongest eps, although interesting for the confirmation of the dearly held fanon belief that Dean did most of the parenting to Sam.

I disagree about the acting though, the more I see Ackles act, the more fantastic I think he is. Especially the scene when he's in the hosipital confronting the doctor, I thought for sure he was going to kick off, cause the rage was just coming off in waves. Padelacki (or is it Padalecki? I never remember) is solid I think, for a young guy on a wb show, he's one of the better ones, but he's not Laurence Olivier, but he doesn't really have to be, he's not playing Hamlet, and while I don't think his acting is spectacular, I think it's competant.

Agree about the Dad angst though, I think it's cause I think he's an abusive ass, and would be glad to see the boys tell him to get lost, and the therapy bill will be in the mail.

[lonelybrit]

Yeah, I couldn't quite see what was wrong with the kids, they weren't amazing, but they weren't so terribly bad either. What this ep did give was a gorgeous amount of background information and angst about Dean and Sam and how they grew up. Basically Dean didn't have a parent, but he made sure that Sam did. *squishes him*

I think the thing with the acting is I'm used to quite repressed characters who aren't supposed to show much emotion, so they have to convey everything though a slight quirk of mouth or flicker of the eyes. Whereas Dean and Sam aren't like that, if they're upset or angry they make no bones about it. Oh well, we'll just have to wait and see. As of yet I haven't been blown away by either of them, but they've got the rest of the series to change that.

I do feel bad for Dean. At the moment my impression is that if he ever stands up to his Dad it'll be on Sam's behalf, it'll never be for Dean.

[serineannan.livejournal.com]

congratualtions on finishing sweet pea

[lonelybrit]

*hugs you* Thank you, sweetie! =) Hope things are going well in your neck of the woods.

[bouncymonkey.livejournal.com]

I rewatched this last night, and what I said in my original post about it still rings true - I think the Ackles is an amazing actor, but there were far too many lingering close-ups bashing us about the head before the flashbacks. I think it was an important ep in terms of background, but - like Route 666 - they need to realise that the audience isn't STUPID.

But then again, maybe I'm wanting too much from a WB/CW show :)

I also hated the fact that John had sent Dean back there - this happened what 17 years ago? It's a long time to hold a grudge against your own child.

[lonelybrit]

I think it was an important ep in terms of background, but - like Route 666 - they need to realise that the audience isn't STUPID.

Definitely. The writers need to learn the beauty of the 'Show don't tell' approach, it often makes thing all the more powerful. For example Wesley and his father, we never got that much info on it, but boy was everyone aware of Wyndam-Pryce senior. I did enjoy the background angst though, with wee Sammy giving his brother the free gift. Awwwww.

I do wonder why John sent Dean back there. I don't know if it would be because of a grudge, or merely that this was a demon that needed killing. But I did feel for Dean thinking that was why he was being sent there - even if John had been innocent, he should have realised the memories this would bring back and make some kind of effort to support his son. And if he did send him back because of a grudge, er, yes, asshat.