Don’t You Cry No More”

The Supernatural Series Finale

Yes, I said in the last post that I’d be taking a break for the holidays (because life gets nuts), but did you really expect that I wouldn’t say something about the end a beloved show? The heart wrenching finale aired last night and I will mark spoilers. (And yes, I had to do that title)

I never expected to become a Supernatural fan, or part of the SPNFamily. I did not watch it when it premiered; I probably wasn’t even aware it existed at that point. I was still in high school; getting into Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, so definitely into the fantasy genre, but not horror. I don’t do horror movies. I remember seeing the DVD covers at my cousin’s and thinking, “I will never watch that.” (Pretty sure it was the cover with a giant snake on Sam’s arm and thinking, “that must be a bad guy”…oh how wrong was I). I think my friend in college mentioned it and I still resisted. At that point I watched NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Castle. Mainstream shows.

2015 rolls around; I’m working two part-time jobs, life is a bit nuts (when is it not, but there are phases), and my friend begins suggesting that I would like Supernatural. My cousin chimes in (I should thank her for letting me borrow the series on DVD). A guy friend offers that if I don’t like the show, I can come back and punch him. So I give it a whirl…and I still don’t like the horror bits. Then, I get hooked. It becomes, how many episodes can I watch before I go to work? Oh, let’s watch one in the evening. Which then becomes, how many can I watch before I fall asleep? The eleventh season was getting ready to air and I only had up through season nine on disc. So I bought season ten to watch on Amazon, because I had to find out what happened. (And this was just about the point that “binge” watching was becoming a thing). I know my friend got numerous texts from me as I watched, usually like “What!!” or “this just happened!” I mean, it did take a little suspense away from the early seasons because hey, I knew they survived till season nine or whatever.

I utterly fell in love with Sam and Dean Winchester. I fell in love with brothers who would do anything for each other. They were tough guys, but they showed vulnerability around each other. I wanted to wrap them up in hugs. I also probably yelled at them for being stupid idiots.

And of course, I dived into the fandom and found it thriving. And I discovered Jared’s “Always Keep Fighting” campaign. And that helped. Because life it hard sometimes. I could look at Sam and Dean, and I could look at Jared and Jensen, and see strength, and see the love they have for each other. Finding out that Jared and Jensen are like brothers in real life is heartwarming. And if the Winchesters can face down death and demons and monsters, I can face down the dark thoughts in my head.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end, as much as we wish this show could go on forever. And these wonderful men have their own families they want to be with. Even though I’ve never attended a convention, I’ve watched bits online and I think it is utterly wonderful that Jared and Jensen, and Misha, and all the rest have embraced the fandom so much. I’m grateful for what we’ve had from this show. And the fandom will never die. Heck, look at Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings, all still going strong. And I will certainly continue to re-watch and re-watch this show.

*SPOILER ALERT* It didn’t really hit me that the show was ending until Castiel’s goodbye. There have been sacrifices throughout the show; John for Dean, Dean for Sam, Sam for Dean. But this was a final sacrifice. We know there won’t be any coming back. And Cas’s voice changes a bit. It’s now Misha. And he’s saying everything we know and feel about Dean. And I have tears pouring down my face. (I’m re-watching it and I still cry). Cas says “I love you,” to Dean…which could run from and include friendship love to romantic love…and I’m okay with that. Then Dean crying at the end of the episode, my heart breaks. I had to sit for a minute and process everything once it ended.

The penultimate episode went differently than I expected. I figured there would be a huge, bloody showdown. There was, a little…then Chuck is de-powered and Jack is the new God. And leaves the boys. I cry a little, for the boys. I felt it was a satisfying conclusion for Jack; in all, I think the finale was well thought and planned out. I know there are shows that just suddenly end, or the writers quickly have to come up with a way to conclude everything and it’s rushed and it shows. The montage at the end had me in tears and it almost wrapped up the series there.

I reiterate SPOILER ALERT: Going into the final episode, I had hope that maybe it would end happy; the boys live and have families, or just carry on doing their job. Originally, I figured the show would end bloody. And it had to be both boys going, together. And I kind of wanted Jody and Donna and all the other alive characters to gather to say goodbye to the boys. And all the ones in heaven to be gathered there to greet them. Starting the interview portion with the musical episode rendition of Carry On Wayward Son had me in tears early. Then the episode didn’t start with the original version and I was a bit confused. I’m glad Dean has a dog (especially since both Jared and Jensen have dogs). Masked bad guys are creepy, but we’re getting to the hunt a bit early. I don’t really remember that girl from the earlier season. Then Dean’s pinned. And it’s only halfway through…and I’m sobbing into a pillow (I’m crying again).

Because yes, Dean was always going to go out fighting. Saying he’s proud of Sam, oh, there’s a stab in my heart. Beautiful acting on Jensen’s part, the hitches in his breath. And they echo from the pilot “I can’t do this alone. … I don’t want to.” And Dean will always be with us, and he urges all of us to keep fighting. I’m just begging, “not without Sam.” Like I mentioned, I figured they both had to go at the same time. Dean just can’t leave Sam alone. There was the single man tear…and sobbing alongside Sam.

Heaven was beautiful (I think the crew took the opportunity to showcase Canadian scenery) and yes, it was nice to see Bobby again. And the car. Carry On Wayward Son finally plays and Dean’s smiling and driving. I’m still crying. Sam gets a life, like Dean always wanted for him (I kind of wonder who he married). Sam was weird looking as an old guy, and honestly, I expected him to pass in the car, though it was touching that his son told him it was okay. And of course I’m happy Sam is back with Dean, where he belongs. A final hug for us. I can see how there may be a short run sequel or movie or something…Dean and Sam’s Adventures in Heaven or something. So yes, satisfying. And so heart wrenching.

Let’s all take a breath… (Spoilers are finished)

I know both guys have projects coming up soon; they’ve already started teasers for Walker, and I’ll record it and watch it. Not sure I’ll try to get into The Boys, but I might find scenes with Jensen to watch. Not sure I’m ready to see these boys in something other than Supernatural, as characters other than Sam and Dean. I keep reminding myself of the Dr. Seuss quote that is very applicable now: Don’t cry because it’s over, Smile because it happened. I will be forever grateful to this wonderful show (and to my friend for introducing me). The fandom and the SPNFamily will live and carry on. I’m sure there will be dissenting views on the ending, but hey, that’s what fanfiction is for. A huge thank you to Jared and Jensen for these wonderful characters and all the cast and crew and writers for a show about love and family, even through dark times.

(Because we could all use some hugs right now)

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You…Maybe

A Random Fandom Update!

Since this topic of conversation came up, thought I might go over my musings on some upcoming films.

Enola Holmes: Saw the ad for this, coming to Netflix September 23rd. It looks exciting! The premise is Enola is the younger sister to the famous Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes. Her mother (not sure if it’s their mother as well) has gone missing and she’s called them in for help. Sherlock, played by Henry Cavill, seems nice. Mycroft looks like a prick who wants to turn their younger sister into a “proper young lady.” And I love that Enola is decidedly not. Looking forward to this!

Black Widow: I will admit, I was excited when this was first announced. Black Widow totally deserves her own film and Marvel did great with Captain Marvel. Then the trailer released and I finally read that it takes place between Civil War and Infinity War, which helps make sense. Yes, I totally want to see Black Widow’s origins and her kicking butt, however, the armor looks out of place. Black Widow wears sleek suits so she can slide between her opponents and she’s trained to avoid hits. And the “family” aspect…seems a bit out of place. Honestly, we want the movie that is Hawkeye and Black Widow in Budapest, teased in Avengers. Will I see it? Of course.

Mulan: I am not going to pay the higher premium to watch in on Disney+, I’ll wait till it’s properly released and you can rent it like normal. I get that Disney is taking the story back to its more original roots, but I feel like it’s going to lose that Disney touch. It’s not a musical, though they seem to be using the Reflections theme. And with the more serious tone, they’ve probably lost Mushu and he was half the fun! At some point I’ll watch it.

Wonder Woman 1984: Still excited about this one because I love the first one. Steve Trevor is back and I’d love to know how. The most recent trailer shows Diana’s adversary who transforms into a cat somehow? I will admit, I am not up on Wonder Woman lore, but it just makes me cock my head and go “huh.” The gold suit looks ridiculous, especially after how awesome they made her armor in the first film. Will still see, possibly in theatres.

No Time To Die: The twenty-fifth James Bond film and appears to pick up after Spectre. Bond has retired with Madeleine Swann, though they don’t appear to still be a couple in the trailer. Bond is called back to action. I mean, now that I’m caught up on the new Bond films, I definitely want to see this and see how things play out. I am currently enjoying a slew of James Bond/Sherlock crossover stories; some of the dialogue is absolutely hilarious.

Of course there is also the final seven episodes of Supernatural due out in October and November. I guarantee I will cry. I go back and forth on how I think they will end it. I believe Jensen Ackles has stated he would be willing to come back and do a movie; so they can’t fully kill the boys off, but then how else are you going to end the show? In case there isn’t a film? Pretty sure their destiny is to die, saving the world (as long as you make sure idiot Chuck goes first)

We shall eagerly wait and see how all these stories play out.

Bond film blogs will continue.

A Random Fandom Update

Thought I’d take a step away from my musical blogs (don’t worry, already got the next one planned) and mention the elephant in the room: staying at home because of coronavirus. I work retail, so I have not been to work in several weeks. For the most part, I’m handling it fine; I’ve managed to work on other writing projects, I’ve crocheted several afghans, I’ve gotten back to my books (huzzah!), and I’ve caught up on some movies and shows.

So let me go ahead and state: SPOILERS ALERT!

Finally watched Frozen II; I liked the story. I don’t think the music was quite as memorable as the first and I still can’t stand Olaf, but the sisterly bond was great and very interesting to delve into their family history. (Puts to rest the fan connection between Frozen and several other Disney movies, including Tangled).

Also finally watched Crimes of Grindlewald. Excellent. Though while watching, I had to remind myself that Leta Lestrange was not a direct relation of Bellatrix (same family, but distant cousins). And the Dumbledore angle was better than I feared it to be; I thought they would focus entirely on Dumbledore’s infatuation with Grindlewald, but SPOILER a blood pact is a more solid excuse. And I totally do not believe Grindlewald about Creedence’s real name; the only plausible way he is a Dumbledore is as a cousin.

Supernatural has put filming their final season on hold, but it’s ramping up to be a doozy. News was just released that the final seven episodes will air in the fall. Jack is back, yay I guess. I have loved seeing some old favorites again; Benny was seen briefly. Loved that Eileen was back (then dead, then back!) and I really wish that she could get together permanently with Sam. (Then we find Dean someone, unless they make Destiel canon, which would be cool). And it was hilarious to have both Daneel Ackles and Genevive Padalecki back and in the same episode! The alternative universe Sam and Dean were hilarious as well (though can’t beat their father coming back; love that episode and cried along [unless you watch the blooper where Jared hits Jeffrey somewhere with the pearl; everyone is on the floor in laughter]). I really want to punch Chuck in the face and I hope Amara may come back to help. The boys are shaping up to fight God; I believe they will win and save the world because that is what they and the show are all about; but it’ll cost them. I still figure there is a decent chance the show will end with both boys dead; unless they are serious about producing a film later. If not, the only way for the fans to accept that it is over, is for our beloved boys to die. Even then, we’ll still write fanfiction.

Speaking of fanfiction; I was reading something on Facebook the other night about how fanfiction started. I mean, I had an idea, but it was interesting and a little unnerving. I realized why disclaimers are always posted at the top because you don’t want some bigwig suing you, but to find out that fan writers were punished… Some of the more recent successes give me hope; but I still am not likely to post what I have written. I share with a few friends, but I use it for my own practice. And some of this may end up as an essay or article. In case you’re interested, Supernatural accepts its fan writers and the fandom that has sprung up around it, which makes me love the fandom and the stars even more.

MacGyver just finished its fourth season, which went in a different direction than I originally imagined, and has been renewed for a fifth season. Yay! Their season got cut short due to the virus, but they must have filmed enough ahead to finish things up. I personally miss Jack and wish they would at least mention him in the story. Mac’s spiraling a bit and the fans know that Jack would help him. Still not a hundred percent sure of Russ’s motivations, but he at least tries to keep Mac alive; and Matty is still there, yay! I adored the episode with the plane and Mac in Tesla’s house; the writing has been excellent this season. Personally, I have never been fond of pairing Mac with a woman because I feel it detracts from the story and female characters should exist in shows outside their connection to a man. I’ve warmed up to Desi, but still not wholly sure. I like Riley, and I’m liking the Riley – Mac dynamic, but this triangle is only going to end badly. I shed tears when SPOILER James died. And I’m even sad that Auntie Gwen died; because she had just decided to protect Mac and it would have been great for Mac to have a familial connection, particularly to his mother. Though, baby Angus MacGyver is the cutest baby in the world! (And I refuse to believe that he’s named Angus because of a sign for beef; that’s demeaning to the character). Fanfiction should keep me occupied until it’s back.

Also been re-watching Hallmark’s Good Witch, going through the most recent episodes and the movies and now starting at the beginning of the show. Some days I can handle Hallmark and some days I just get annoyed; real life does not give us the right guy and the right job to keep us happy. But I love the magical elements of Cassie and the story. She and Sam are adorable. I’d love to live in Middleton. And when things get rough, there is a comfort in knowing that things will turn out alright; it’s Hallmark.

My mother and I have also managed to catch up on Outlander; we got behind. I miss them in Scotland; that was a reason I loved the show. Not fond of the time they were in the Caribbean, but now that they’ve settled in the colonies, my interest is peaking again. I’m glad Brianna has joined her mother and is bonding with her father. And proud that Roger has followed (though at times he was a bit of an idiot). I’m glad Stephen Bonnet finally was stopped; though I wished it had happened sooner. Whenever I would see Billy Boyd, I kept commenting “bad Pippin!” though I had to explain to my mother what I meant. I like the family that is growing at Fraser’s Ridge, and Ian has returned. Brianna, Roger, and Jemmy have also ended up staying, yay. The final episode; they actually found Claire sooner in the episode I thought they might, but we did get to see Claire’s struggles with the aftermath. I’m sure the time-traveling Native American will return; we’ll have to see what sort of time jump there may be before the next season.

Also enjoying watching the original MacGyver series with my parents and catching episodes of Race to the Edge (still love the show!). We’ve put on a few other movies, like some older James Bond (which was a bit weird), and re-watching the Librarian films (I’ll be covering all of those and the show upcoming. And it also gave me a writing idea). We are also going back and re-watching the newest Star Wars movies in preparation for finally getting to Rise of Skywalker (never fear, they are on the list to cover…down the road; MCU stands between us and them).

As for books; since I am first and foremost a reader; I have made a tiny dent in my “to-read” pile (and bought a few to add). Finally finished Raging Heat, a Richard Castle book (based on the show Castle that I don’t think I’m going to be covering, due to length) and Ireland’s Pirate Queen about Grace O’Malley, which have been on the back burner for a while. Enjoyed Castle and Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. Read Jeffersonian Key by Steve Berry. Few other books in there that weren’t great, but a relatively quick read; got around to Sense and Sensibility and that was a bit boring; the movie helped make sense. Just finished a Philippa Gregory book, The Lady of the Rivers which is a prequel in a way to White Queen (my mother and I have watched the first episode of the series). Parts are interesting and it is relatively well-written, but parts are now appearing a bit implausible (which happens with her books). Now I can move on to other books on my list. My Richard Castle, Nikki Heat series is up to date, but I want to get to some others first. I’ve got half a shelf of romances that I need to catch up on, so I can go looking for those newest books. Picked up another Librarians novel (based on the show) and some Peter Jackson/ Lord of the Rings books (like I need more of those). Some history series and the first book to a couple fantasy series I’d like to try. Some fun books I am holding off on as a reward, like behind the scenes of MacGyver, the last How to Train Your Dragon art book (I am that much of a nerd).

What are you guys doing to keep your minds occupied? Any good movies or books? Creative projects?

One Hundred Strong

One hundred posts…wow. I had no idea when I started this exercise that I would carry it on this long (seriously; I originally figured less than a year, then I finally laid things out and understood what all was invovled). I am blown away by the reading response I have built up and the fact that I have over fifty followers – thank you all.

Yes, my posting schedule has lessened a bit, but I am also trying to work on some other writing projects. I’d love to write some short stories to enter in contests to get published. And I have a massive fantasy series that needs laid out…when my brain cooperates. Right now it likes to play around with fanfiction and in turn focus on like the fourth and fifth generation of characters rather than background and world building. And my books also beg my attention; they cry to be read.

With the…current situation, I do have some more free time, so we’ll see how everything best fits in. I do apologize for the breaks that have occurred and I cannot promise that they won’t happen again. When not watching movies for this blog, I’m keeping up with the current MacGyver series (some of the episodes this season have been excellent), the final season of Supernatural (which will end in tears, when it finally does end…my guess is that both boys will die) and also working my way through the original MacGyver series (there are times it is hilarious; though personally I prefer Lucas Till to Richard Dean Anderson, that may be based on my age). Also catching up on Outlander (I finally read the first book; along with the first book of Game of Thrones; both are good, but I kind of prefer the show so I can see the full scope. I prefer the earlier seasons of Outlander, when it is more based in eighteenth century Scotland [a time period I like to study].)

But, I still have a huge collection of movies (one of these days, in a few years hopefully, I will have a place of my own and space to display and organize all of them) and I am looking forward to the upcoming genres. Next are musicals, which I love. Then action/adventure films (another genre I am more fond of) which will phase into the superhero genre (yep, I will attempt to tackle a good portion of the MCU…that’s going to be practically a year on its own). And I will finally get to some of my favorite series, like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and nearest to my heart, Lord of the Rings and Hobbit, and How to Train Your Dragon. And once we get into some newer and more popular films, I can add in the various fanfiction stories that I have read (and keep re-reading…which is how I distract myself from reading proper books).

Let me know what you think and here’s to another hundred!

The Life of a Fangirl

This is the start of a new…series, I guess you could say; I’m calling them ‘Random Fandom Thoughts.’ These I’ll post when something comes up.

I am a proud, self-professed fangirl. As you can tell, I like watching movies and TV shows. I love the stories, the development. As many fans end up doing, I fall in love with the characters and grow to admire many of the actors and actresses. I read fanfiction on almost a daily basis. And my brain will have several fandoms swirling around at the same time. For instance, I am currently watching BBC’s The Musketeers, mainly for the next part in my review series, but I also adore the show. Thus, I am going back to some of my favorite fanfictions. And I’m watching Supernatural again from the beginning. I just finished reading some awesome fanfictions for it. And I’ve just seen How to Train Your Dragon 3: The Hidden World, so I’ve gone back to some fictions there and at this moment listening to the soundtrack (and the other two while I drive). Makes for some interesting thoughts at times!

But this is what makes me happy. It’s how I unwind and relax. (Seriously, if I could get paid for watching shows and exploring the fanworld, I’d be happy).

Onto the news of the hour (aka, why I decided I needed to share)

The beloved trio behind Supernatural announced yesterday that next season, number 15, will be the last.

A stab of sorrow that first moment I heard. I have come to love this show. The fandom. The family. I came to the show late; between seasons ten and eleven. (I managed to finish the first nine seasons in a little over a month, once I got hooked by the end of season one). Then I found out about Jared’s Always Keep Fighting campaign. That won my loyalty and devotion. And finding out how supportive the fandom is, of the stars, and of each other. I love all the brotherly moments. How Sam and Dean will (and have) died for each other. They rib each other, but will hug…when the world is ending. I have grown to yell at the TV or computer screen when the boys do something stupid (they’ll fix it, eventually). I have sobbed as they and other major characters have died (I have not forgiven them for killing Charlie).

But I have not shed tears yet over the announcement. Honestly, I was a bit shocked that a fifteenth season was announced. The actors have families; they have children. And they’ve commented about having to spend time away from them. And we, as loving and caring fans, feel bad. We love Jared and Jensen, and Misha, and all the rest. But we wouldn’t love them if they weren’t such nice family men. Yes, if there was one show I wish could go on forever, it’s Supernatural. But I know it can’t.

So, I wish the boys luck in their futures, but I also eagerly await the twists, turns, and surprises of another season. And I am sure that I will at least take an interest in future projects of theirs. And really, the fandom will never die. We’ll re-watch the show over and over (example, me). We’ll re-read and create new fanfictions. (I mean, Harry Potter fans wrote new stories before Cursed Child or Fantastic Beasts came out. Star Wars was going strong on fanfiction with new stories daily before the newest trilogy was in the works). “Family don’t end in blood,” and I’m sure the fans…the family will still connect with each other.

Though, I willingly admit, I guarantee I will be a sobbing mess come season fifteen. I will have pillow and tissues at the ready.

Feel free to comments your thoughts. Who is your favorite? Sam? Dean? Cas? Luci? Favorite season? Favorite case?