Fellow Slytherclaw, reporting for duty.
Aug. 29th, 2010 07:48 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rogueslayer452Day 07 - Least favorite plot device employed by way too many books you actually enjoyed otherwise
I actually had to think about this for a while, because I haven't really encountered plot devices overused too much in the books I read, sans the books from the same author who uses similar devices in most of their works. The only thing that really comes to mind is contrived romances and unnecessary plot twists, especially if the reader can figure it out long before the supposed twist or red-herring is revealed. There's nothing that takes me out of a good story more than the former, because when you have naturally chemistry going between characters it shouldn't be forced in that "hey we like each other, let's get together/get married/have sex immediately!" Another thing with that is when two characters obviously have that perfect chemistry but nothing ever happens. It's like really, you have these characters click really well and then in the end nothing comes from it? What is up with that?
And obviously plot twists/red-herrings that can be seen from a mile away can get rather annoying, especially if it's meant as a deus ex machina device which, yeah, can definitely ruin a perfectly good story. I also think that wrapping up a story with a pretty little bow shouldn't always be the case, sometimes it's better to have that open ending, to leave a little cliffhanger that is just as satisfying as a conclusive ending.
There's a discussion going on right now over on![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
hp_commonroom regarding the Hogwarts Houses, and topic of discussion that I have always been intrigued by because I have very strong opinions on the matter. As much fun as it is deciphering which House you'd belong to, there's an inherit flaw in the entire Housing system as a whole. Many people at the post believe, and agree, that Slytherin House has been massively sidelined at being given any kind of redeeming qualities in the books despite the lessons about inter-House unity instead of the blatant House segregation. This is something I still have problems with how that message was contradicted and how JKR didn't show both sides of Slytherin, aside from humanizing and sympathizing with Malfoys in the last two books and especially with Snape in the last book. Of course, there's loads of issues with the Wizarding World in general which is half of the reason for such an overgeneralization, but the problem still remain nonetheless. There's very interesting opinions over there if you want to take a look. Of course, I'm being reminded why debating with HP fans is so much fun, especially when opinionated thoughts get in the way. /sarcasm noted
I still maintain the belief that had the books not allowed Harry to know of the representation of the Houses and had he been sorted into Slytherin and fought against the stereotypes gone with it, the results would have been far more interesting, don'tcha think? As much as I love the series, I think that would have been fascinating to see that struggle with needing to break that mold.
Someone met Sendhil Ramamurthy in person at the FanExpo 2010 recently, which aside from Misha Collins I would end up becoming a bumbling idiot around him because asdflaskflsfdk gorgeous man. Anyway, the writeup of this person's encounter is perhaps the best writeup I've seen, because it shows how adorable Sendhil is and his polite honesty regarding Heroes and what went wrong, which is something I had been curious about since I know many of the actors weren't happy with what was happening on the show. But it's nice to hear him say things in his own words. Oh, and he signed an autograph to the community. D'awww. ♥
Oh, and who wants to spend an evening with Tricia Helfer? *_________*
I actually had to think about this for a while, because I haven't really encountered plot devices overused too much in the books I read, sans the books from the same author who uses similar devices in most of their works. The only thing that really comes to mind is contrived romances and unnecessary plot twists, especially if the reader can figure it out long before the supposed twist or red-herring is revealed. There's nothing that takes me out of a good story more than the former, because when you have naturally chemistry going between characters it shouldn't be forced in that "hey we like each other, let's get together/get married/have sex immediately!" Another thing with that is when two characters obviously have that perfect chemistry but nothing ever happens. It's like really, you have these characters click really well and then in the end nothing comes from it? What is up with that?
And obviously plot twists/red-herrings that can be seen from a mile away can get rather annoying, especially if it's meant as a deus ex machina device which, yeah, can definitely ruin a perfectly good story. I also think that wrapping up a story with a pretty little bow shouldn't always be the case, sometimes it's better to have that open ending, to leave a little cliffhanger that is just as satisfying as a conclusive ending.
There's a discussion going on right now over on
hp_commonroom regarding the Hogwarts Houses, and topic of discussion that I have always been intrigued by because I have very strong opinions on the matter. As much fun as it is deciphering which House you'd belong to, there's an inherit flaw in the entire Housing system as a whole. Many people at the post believe, and agree, that Slytherin House has been massively sidelined at being given any kind of redeeming qualities in the books despite the lessons about inter-House unity instead of the blatant House segregation. This is something I still have problems with how that message was contradicted and how JKR didn't show both sides of Slytherin, aside from humanizing and sympathizing with Malfoys in the last two books and especially with Snape in the last book. Of course, there's loads of issues with the Wizarding World in general which is half of the reason for such an overgeneralization, but the problem still remain nonetheless. There's very interesting opinions over there if you want to take a look. Of course, I'm being reminded why debating with HP fans is so much fun, especially when opinionated thoughts get in the way. /sarcasm notedI still maintain the belief that had the books not allowed Harry to know of the representation of the Houses and had he been sorted into Slytherin and fought against the stereotypes gone with it, the results would have been far more interesting, don'tcha think? As much as I love the series, I think that would have been fascinating to see that struggle with needing to break that mold.
Someone met Sendhil Ramamurthy in person at the FanExpo 2010 recently, which aside from Misha Collins I would end up becoming a bumbling idiot around him because asdflaskflsfdk gorgeous man. Anyway, the writeup of this person's encounter is perhaps the best writeup I've seen, because it shows how adorable Sendhil is and his polite honesty regarding Heroes and what went wrong, which is something I had been curious about since I know many of the actors weren't happy with what was happening on the show. But it's nice to hear him say things in his own words. Oh, and he signed an autograph to the community. D'awww. ♥
Oh, and who wants to spend an evening with Tricia Helfer? *_________*
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2010-08-30 03:23 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-08-30 06:42 am (UTC)I like thinking outside the box with these things.
no subject
Date: 2010-08-30 03:58 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-08-30 06:38 am (UTC)Nothing is black and white in that world, that's what the stereotypes create and that's the backlash of the Wizarding community as a whole, and for someone to not understand that and say "lol Slytherin is bad because that's how JKR wrote it" isn't a valid reason for there not to be good students in Slytherin, either. And there were, just morally challenged in a certain way, like Draco Malfoy who wasn't bad, just a bully who grew up in the end.
no subject
Date: 2010-08-30 04:31 am (UTC)i'm getting slaughtered because i said it was bigoted for the Gryffindors to think that ALL Slytherins are evil.
it somehow turned into how i was comparing racial oppression to house rivalry (WHAT?!) idk. wtf ever. *shrugs*
no subject
Date: 2010-08-30 06:31 am (UTC)It's kinda hard trying to debate with people who refuse to understand the point you're making, isn't it? Especially people who come off as condescending in suggesting that they know canon because they've read the books, therefore what I (and many others) say is meaningless. Like, what exactly does that have to do with anything? Just because JKR didn't represent something in the books doesn't mean it's not open for discussion. They refuse to see below the surface, and it's just sad. :(
I'm reminded about all the wanking back in the day because that. And really, I like discussion and I like debating, but having someone talking you down because of it is not how civil debates are formed at all.
no subject
Date: 2010-08-30 05:05 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-08-30 06:24 am (UTC)I honestly don't know. I wish it had been addressed and given a little something about how Slytherins aren't always bad, hence why I think that alternate direction of Harry being in Slytherin would have nice to explore that more thoroughly. Obviously there would have been changes to the plot, like you said, and the overall perception of Slytherin...but it would have made the message about inter-House unity much stronger if Harry would have still been friends with Ron and Hermione despite all of that, you know?
There's just plenty of things that could have shown, especially in the last book, the redemption of Slytherin House.
no subject
Date: 2010-08-30 02:08 pm (UTC)What a great article! I've never seen Heroes but I heard it turned into a really mess so was very interesting to see what one of the actors had to say about it. I love how he tried to go to bat for his character but it didn't work. A lot people seem to think that tv actors in particular have much more control over their characters than they actually do. As someone once said, 'actors are paid to say their lines, hit their marks and leave'.
no subject
Date: 2010-08-30 08:38 pm (UTC)So it's not uncommon, just very rare. But you'd think if the actors aren't pleased with what is happening to their characters that the writers/creator would take that into consideration instead of just brushing it off, you know? Hey, some actors may even understand their characters more than the writers do. It's a shame that they were all treated like that on Heroes. :(
But hey, if you do get a chance definitely watch the first season. That has been, and always will remain, the best season of Heroes without a doubt. :)
no subject
Date: 2010-08-30 08:52 pm (UTC)True, a good actor really has to understand what makes their character tick, after all.
'But hey, if you do get a chance definitely watch the first season. That has been, and always will remain, the best season of Heroes without a doubt. :)'
I just might.
no subject
Date: 2010-08-30 10:00 pm (UTC)Exactly. There are some actors that really take their roles into heart, especially if they've been playing them for a few years they have a grasp about who these characters are. It really should be teamwork effort in deciding what a character should/shouldn't do especially when there's read-throughs of scripts, you know? It's sad when things go downhill and there are pressures in the business.
no subject
Date: 2010-08-30 10:17 pm (UTC)I've always thought that's why Jensen and Jared are so good at playing Dean and Sam. And Misha really seems to 'get' Cas.
'It really should be teamwork effort in deciding what a character should/shouldn't do especially when there's read-throughs of scripts, you know? It's sad when things go downhill and there are pressures in the business.'
It is. I remember reading an interview with a soap opera actor who had played the same character for thirty years and he said one time he made the writers change a scene because it just wasn't something his character would do.
no subject
Date: 2010-08-31 02:12 am (UTC)My thoughts exactly. Though I do wonder how much say they get when something is written for them in an episode. Since we don't think highly about the writing on the show anyway, I kinda wanna know how they think about the directions/how episodes are written and if they've ever intervened with what a writer/director wants to do.
It is. I remember reading an interview with a soap opera actor who had played the same character for thirty years and he said one time he made the writers change a scene because it just wasn't something his character would do.
That's interesting, and also kinda sad at the same time that in all those years only once did they take an actor's concerns into consideration.
no subject
Date: 2010-08-31 03:29 pm (UTC)I'd love to know that too. Before season five aired Jensen seemed very excited about Dean's bigger role (ie Dean being Micheal's vessel) and I have to wonder just how happy he was with how that turned out or in this case how it didn't turn out. I would love to know what he thinks about Sera (I heart Sam Winchester) Gamble becoming show runner. I really hope season six doesn't turn out like It's a Terrible Life (ie Dean's POV bookends that episode but all the meaty character development scenes were Sam's) in that Dean becomes a side character in Sam's story, but I get the feeling it will be.
'That's interesting, and also kinda sad at the same time that in all those years only once did they take an actor's concerns into consideration.'
From the article it seemed like it wasn't so much that the writers hadn't taken the actor's concerns into consideration before, but more like he just never said anything before. He has always seemed like one of those old school soap actors who just says his lines and leaves.
no subject
Date: 2010-08-31 07:35 pm (UTC)Me too, and it was because of Jensen's excitement for finally getting something going for Dean to personally be involved in the main plot that has me even more disappointed the show never did follow through with that. I mean, how bad can you feel once realizing that the show is going "oops, sorry, everything you're character has gone through has been a total red-herring"? I honestly really wish someone would ask him that, or that I could, just to get the truth out. But the guys seem more kindhearted that they would probably say they respect the decision, but still. It breaks my heart that Dean was, once again, sidelined from being part of something bigger that had a payoff in the end.
That's my fear as well, as you very well know.
From the article it seemed like it wasn't so much that the writers hadn't taken the actor's concerns into consideration before, but more like he just never said anything before. He has always seemed like one of those old school soap actors who just says his lines and leaves.
Ah, well that's a different story. And yeah, there are plenty of actors out there in the business that just don't care about the characters they are playing -- that just say their lines and leave and wait for their paycheck.
no subject
Date: 2010-08-31 08:10 pm (UTC)I doubt they would say anything bad, but like you said... still.
'I mean, how bad can you feel once realizing that the show is going "oops, sorry, everything you're character has gone through has been a total red-herring"?'
It probably hurt at least a little.
'It breaks my heart that Dean was, once again, sidelined from being part of something bigger that had a payoff in the end.'
Me too. Don't get me wrong I like Sam, but one of the things I didn't like about the special children arch was that a lot of the time Dean seemed to be there just to react to what was happening to Sam. I guess I just want both Winchester boys (and Cas) to have big story arches.
no subject
Date: 2010-08-31 08:19 pm (UTC)Which is why I'm glad that some actors from their post-shows, like Sendhil for example, can discuss what they thought the show wasn't doing right with their characters and how they personally felt about the direction the show was generally taking. I hope that post-SPN they can also be honest about the directions SPN has taken for their characters/the writing/etc.
Me too. Don't get me wrong I like Sam, but one of the things I didn't like about the special children arch was that a lot of the time Dean seemed to be there just to react to what was happening to Sam. I guess I just want both Winchester boys (and Cas) to have big story arches.
Oh definitely, that's what I want -- and I think many fans want, as well. Every single character to get a storyline/plot to be well-constructed and have a payoff without it being sidelined, as SPN often does with their characters.
no subject
Date: 2010-09-01 03:23 pm (UTC)'Every single character to get a storyline/plot to be well-constructed and have a payoff without it being sidelined, as SPN often does with their characters.'
True. The one thing I'm looking forward to now that Sera is show runner is seeing if she'll expand the universe beyond Sam and Dean. I'm hoping against hope that the rumored time skip isn't just so Dean and Lisa can be in a relationship without them actually having to show how that developed. For as much as I like Kripke's writing, he never really seemed very good at that. I really hope Cas gets some kind of storyline (that doesn't happen off-screen) next season. As long as Cas going back to Heaven doesn't mean that he goes back to being a dick angel I'll be happy; there's a rumor going around that that might happen, but people said Cas went back to being a dick as soon as Song Swan song aired, after all.
no subject
Date: 2010-09-01 05:22 pm (UTC)With Sera Gamble, I highly doubt it since she's more with being Sam-obsessed and dismissing any other character, and giving stupid romances that make zero sense whatsoever, but we'll see. I haven't heard that rumor (since I stay out of the spoilers/rumors/gossip for the new season) and I seriously will hunt down and kill someone if that is true because that is just ridiculous. Then again, the entire Lisa thing is stupid and ridiculous to begin with.
I really hope Cas gets some kind of storyline (that doesn't happen off-screen) next season.
The only thing I've heard for sure is that he has a huge role to play in the sixth season. Whatever that role is I don't know, but I'm hoping it'll redeem the lack of storyline he had in the fifth season.
As long as Cas going back to Heaven doesn't mean that he goes back to being a dick angel I'll be happy; there's a rumor going around that that might happen, but people said Cas went back to being a dick as soon as Song Swan song aired, after all.
Well, "Swan Song" everyone was kind of OOC anyway, however I think Misha explained how that was because someone did ask him that at one of the earlier conventions this year post-finale. He said he didn't mean to look like Castiel had been like that and seemed rather apologetic that it came out that way, which I'm assuming was part of the horrible writing for that episode in general, but I digress. I don't really think Castiel will return to being like how the other angels are, because how would that make sense to his character development (that's assuming the show won't forget about characterization now that Gamble is in charge)? Even in the fourth season he had loads of compassion for humanity and for Dean and he was still a full-powered angel then as well, and with all his experiences and his time with humans it would be incredibly stupid for them to do that to him.
Then again, I don't hold any high hopes for the writing in general. But we'll see where this goes.
no subject
Date: 2010-09-01 07:31 pm (UTC)I only say rumored time skip because some people thought that was what Chuck's 'Dean didn't see Bobby again for a while' line meant. I'm hoping if the do have a time skip it will only be three months (like they did in season four) so when the show starts up again in September it will also be September in-show. If it's a year or something and Dean and Lisa are married and/or have a kid my desk will have a few new dents from where my head hits it repeatedly. Considering my desk is metal that would be quite the accomplishment.
'Then again, the entire Lisa thing is stupid and ridiculous to begin with.'
Yeah, the writer would have to do A LOT of work to make me believe that relationship now. The would certainly have to do more work than they did when they just brought Lisa back out of the blue.
'The only thing I've heard for sure is that he has a huge role to play in the sixth season. Whatever that role is I don't know, but I'm hoping it'll redeem the lack of storyline he had in the fifth season.'
I hear you. I would love it if they brought Crowley back and somehow teamed him up with Cas. Crowley could be hunted by the other demons because he gave the Winchester's the Colt and Cas could be hunted by Raphael because Cas left him in the ring of holy fire (sheriff of Heaven or not I bet Raph is still pissed about that). I've always thought Cas would make a nice Aziraphale to Crowley's Crowley.
'Then again, I don't hold any high hopes for the writing in general. But we'll see where this goes.'
That we will.
no subject
Date: 2010-09-01 10:17 pm (UTC)If this happens I'm going to cease being interested in anything about the show, unless it's Castiel-related, until I am reassured that the writers know what they are doing and have a really good, non-contrived reason for that ever happening. Head-desking, flame-throwing and saying FUCK YOU SERA GAMBLE will be induced hundred times over, for sure. I mean, it was pretty pointless to even add that in (which was a decision I think made out of the blue because they were deciding on the spot that Dean was a red-herring for his own storyline, so they needed a backup which, fuck you show, fuck you).
I have strong opinions on this matter, can't you tell? Heh.
Yeah, the writer would have to do A LOT of work to make me believe that relationship now. The would certainly have to do more work than they did when they just brought Lisa back out of the blue.
Exactly, I completely agree.
I've always thought Cas would make a nice Aziraphale to Crowley's Crowley.
XD They would make the perfect odd couple in fighting crime, for sure. The hilarity that would ensue. And somehow I can imagine Gabriel popping in and getting along with Crowley just fine and dandy while they kind of make Castiel facepalm in the background. lol
no subject
Date: 2010-09-02 02:09 pm (UTC)I hadn't noticed :P I completely agree, especially only watching for the Cas related stuff if they mishandle Dean/Lisa as badly as I think they will. I'm not a big fan of romance to begin with (it's just not something I'm interested in all that much) and when I see the writers put a lead character is a contrived romance (example: the writers have to change one or both character personalities to make it work) I usually stop watching because that just tells me that they've run out of ideas.
'XD They would make the perfect odd couple in fighting crime, for sure. The hilarity that would ensue. And somehow I can imagine Gabriel popping in and getting along with Crowley just fine and dandy while they kind of make Castiel facepalm in the background. lol'
That would be great!
no subject
Date: 2010-09-02 07:08 pm (UTC)This, so much. There are certain areas the show does incredibly well, and other areas, like romance, that they just don't. With the exception of John/Mary and, to a lesser extent, Sam/Jessica, everything they do regarding romances are so forced it's almost painful to watch. Some material just doesn't need that stuff and Supernatural has proved time and time again that they cannot create a relationship that won't end badly. I get the notion they want to do with Dean, wanting him to "grow up", taking responsibility for himself, but I would have preferred him going off alone by himself instead of imposing all his problems into this contrived "relationship" that they so want us to believe. It's ridiculous, it's stupid, random and not needed at all.
And yeah, if this turns out to be the case I'm going to only be watching for Castiel and the subplot for whatever is happening with him this new season. Because like I said before, I'm kind of done with the Winchester story.
BRING ON THE ANGELS AND THE CASTIEL/CROWLEY SPINOFF PLZ! KTHX.
no subject
Date: 2010-09-02 08:33 pm (UTC)That's true. If Lisa and Ben are just there to give Dean yet another thing to angst about, I can't say I'll be surprised.
'I get the notion they want to do with Dean, wanting him to grow up , taking responsibility for himself, but I would have preferred him going off alone by himself instead of imposing all his problems into this contrived relationship that they so want us to believe. It's ridiculous, it's stupid, random and not needed at all.'
So very agreed. To stick contrived romantic love into a show (and to do it badly as that) that has always been about familial love just seems strange.
'Because like I said before, I'm kind of done with the Winchester story.'
Yeah me too.
'BRING ON THE ANGELS AND THE CASTIEL/CROWLEY SPINOFF PLZ KTHX.'
SECONDED
no subject
Date: 2010-09-04 06:34 pm (UTC)Same. I'll be pissed off and angry, but definitely not surprised because it's a terrible cliche in this show.
So very agreed. To stick contrived romantic love into a show (and to do it badly as that) that has always been about familial love just seems strange.
They really should cease romances entirely and stick with the familial love, because those "romances" hardly should even count because they don't last longer than an episode. I think they think we want it for the fanservice, but...no. Just no. Sorry SPN folks, this is where you fail so horribly and just need to STOP.
I'm actually thinking that if S6 turns out to be a flop, I'm going to really start a petition for a Castiel/angel spin-off. Everyone except Sera Gamble will be invited.
no subject
Date: 2010-09-05 02:20 pm (UTC)Oh yes, they're just not good at it. SPN as always reminded me of Stargate: Atlantis in that respect. I liked Jennifer Keller (even if I thought they only put her in the show because of Jewel Staite's name recognition) just not with Rodney Mckay; I always thought her and Ronon had much more chemistry and she didn't try to change Ronon, but TPTB thought otherwise.
'I'm actually thinking that if S6 turns out to be a flop, I'm going to really start a petition for a Castiel/angel spin-off. Everyone except Sera Gamble will be invited.'
I'll sign! Sera's invite getting 'lost' wouldn't upset me all that much. I still haven't forgiven Sera for the way she plopped Cas into Song Remains the Same; I can understand why they kept him out of the middle but I don't have to like it even if Misha acted his heart out in his ten minutes of screen time. Going by the episodes she wrote in seasons four and five where Cas was either barely in them or not in them at all, I'm worried she won't know what to do with him in season six and ruin his character because of it. I've always liked how Jeremy Carver wrote Cas in general and hated how Dabb & Loflin wrote him as comic relief in Children Are Our Future, so the fact that Carver isn't writing for the show anymore and as far as I know Dabb & Loflin are (I don't know who will be writing for season six, just assuming they'll be back) doesn't fill me with a whole lot of confidence when it comes to Cas.
no subject
Date: 2010-09-05 06:15 pm (UTC)I didn't watch much of SG:Atlantis however I know what you're referring to. I do agree, mostly because I think Ronon/Keller would have been amazing (because come on, have you seen Ronon? Hot damn, break me off a piece of that...) although I've heard Jewel Staite say that she thought Keller was right for Rodney because they were both intellectual people and she would choose someone who she would get along with in the long run of things. Not sure if that was something she believed in or because of TPTB's decision of heading in that direction, but I can understand that explanation somewhat.
But eh, sometimes romances and relationships shouldn't be needed if it's gonna be all forced and random like that, you know?
I've always liked how Jeremy Carver wrote Cas in general and hated how Dabb & Loflin wrote him as comic relief in Children Are Our Future, so the fact that Carver isn't writing for the show anymore and as far as I know Dabb & Loflin are (I don't know who will be writing for season six, just assuming they'll be back) doesn't fill me with a whole lot of confidence when it comes to Cas.
Total agreement with you, bb. I was heartbroken that Jeremy Carver left because he was one of the few writers on the show I actually trust. I really don't like or trust Sera Gamble for anything dealing with the mythology of the angels or Castiel, since we know she hates the angel stuff and I get the impression she doesn't like Castiel all that much and I hate that she's been placed in charge because I know she'll be fucking up everything with his characterization and involvement with the boys. I just wish she would go away and Carver to have been in control. But heh, that's just my biased opinion. There's little confidence I have for the writing of this show that it's just sad. :(
However, for my spin off I would have Jeremy Carver and Ben Edlund being the primary writers for. Because I love them and their work on the show, among other things.
no subject
Date: 2010-09-05 06:52 pm (UTC)I know. That's one of the reasons I'm looking forward to the Conan remake (Jason's going to be Conan). And here I was bummed that Jared hadn't gotten the role.
'Total agreement with you, bb. I was heartbroken that Jeremy Carver left because he was one of the few writers on the show I actually trust.'
I wish him the best with Being Human, but tell me about it. I certainly don't trust Dabb & Loflin; when you're writing about real Gods you might want to research, guys. Not the mention the first time they wrote Cas they turned him into comic relief.
'I really don't like or trust Sera Gamble for anything dealing with the mythology of the angels or Castiel, since we know she hates the angel stuff and I get the impression she doesn't like Castiel all that much and I hate that she's been placed in charge because I know she'll be fucking up everything with his characterization and involvement with the boys.'
I'm afraid of that too. If she does screw up Cas I don't think I'll have anymore reason to watch.
'However, for my spin off I would have Jeremy Carver and Ben Edlund being the primary writers for. Because I love them and their work on the show, among other things.'
Please let this happen. Please! Do you think you could steal Raelle Tucker away from True Blood for a couple of episodes? What Is and What Should Never Be is still one of my all time favorite Supernatural episodes. When Monster At The End Of This Book first aired I thought it was pretty funny that even though Chuck's not a very good writer (although I have read real paper books written in his adverb abuse style) he was named after two of the better writers on the show.
no subject
Date: 2010-09-05 11:19 pm (UTC)I certainly don't trust Dabb & Loflin; when you're writing about real Gods you might want to research, guys. Not the mention the first time they wrote Cas they turned him into comic relief.
Yeah, I really disliked how they handled that. I get it was supposed to have been a homage to American Gods but seriously, make sure it works in the universe that you're already in, ffs. And while I love Cas, he deserves better than being just simply comic relief. They should have focused on his actual character journey instead of that, you know? Ugh, this show sometimes I swear.
I honestly think the first few episodes will determine whether or not I'm going to be watching the rest. It's how it was with me and Heroes S3, I knew immediately things were different from the premiere and if this is going to be exactly the same as that then I don't want to continue cringing as the show gets pulled into the ground.
Which is sad to say, but true for someone who wanted the show to end on that high note.
Please let this happen. Please! Do you think you could steal Raelle Tucker away from True Blood for a couple of episodes?
Will do. :) I'm just gonna pull all the good writers and have them actually do the mythology/angels/supporting characters justice. Winchesters who? ;p
no subject
Date: 2010-09-06 02:06 pm (UTC)Me too. I'm hoping to see it in theaters. My dad is a big Conan fan (he has hundreds of Conan book, some of them are older than me) so maybe I'll take him to see it.
'Yeah, I really disliked how they handled that. I get it was supposed to have been a homage to American Gods but seriously, make sure it works in the universe that you're already in, ffs.'
Tell me about it.
'And while I love Cas, he deserves better than being just simply comic relief. They should have focused on his actual character journey instead of that, you know? Ugh, this show sometimes I swear.'
Agreed.
'I honestly think the first few episodes will determine whether or not I'm going to be watching the rest.'
Same here. When I fell out of love with Torchwood after series 2 I kept watching CoE hoping that it would bring back my interest, but if anything it killed what little interest I had left. I'd rather pretend parts of SPN season five and season six+ don't exist and still like the show in fanfic, than to keep watching the show hoping it will get better and end up hating it.
no subject
Date: 2010-09-01 09:54 am (UTC)I agree completely about Slytherin House. I really wish we'd been able to see more about them, more of what made them tick. There were parts of her dealings with Slytherin that intensely disappointed me, no matter how much I love those books.
Ugh, I am so with you on those overused plot devices. The deus ex machina kills me, especially. Aaaaand contrived romances are super annoying.
no subject
Date: 2010-09-01 05:12 pm (UTC)Yeah, and one of the arguments someone tried with me was that that's how JKR wrote the Slytherins, and if she wanted a "good Slytherin" she would have wrote one in, but since she didn't they are all bad no matter what. Which is absolutely ridiculous assumption and it's oversimplifying an incredibly complicated world JKR created. There are so many layers with characters and groups in individuals that we didn't further explore that I wished she had, whether or not it was important to the plot of the story. That's the amazing thing about the Harry Potter books is how rich the world is, but the downside is not exploring all of those aspects of that world and the characters in it, like the Slytherin House. They aren't all bad, they aren't all Death Eaters, and the disappointing thing is that I wished there could have been some examination to that side, especially in the later/the last book. I loved that she humanized the Malfoys, but there should have been more than just that, imo.