I love Supernatural. I admit I have been very skeptical about this series. We all know John never knew Mary was a hunter. He also never knew his dad was one of the Men of Letters. Jensen said to trust him and the rest of the team though, and so I'm wondering if this is going to lead to a point where John somehow forgets the events of this series, and Mary decides not to remind him so that they can have a normal life. Maybe they both forget and have to meet again, ending with Mary not telling John about her life as a hunter because shw wants out and John didn't stumble on it like in this pilot. I'll be the new threat they're facing may actually be a God level threat capable of altering reality and ending the timeline of Supernatural as we know it, or something to that effect. This could explain the differences from established Supernatural history and why this series might end with John and possibly Mary forgetting most or all of what happened. I'm going to give the show a chance. This is a solid pilot. Would have rated an 8 out of 10 if it actually felt like it was set in 1972 rather than 2022. Everything about the way the characters spoke and acted was too modern. Not as big a deal for me as some people though. I can overlook it. We've seen what will hopefully be what at least an average episode looks like, with room to grow so that the intro isn't the peak of the show. I'm looking forward to what comes next.
23 Reviews
Solid beginnings, excited to see where it goes
curryrachele13 October 2022
The Winchesters pilot was a fast-paced hour of TV. Some of the plot points were covered quickly and lots of time was spent on dramatic monologues and conversations that kind of bogged down the pace - there was no room to breathe. That said it's clear the set up for the rest of the season is going to lead to an exciting story.
The amber tone of the show is stunning and the set designs are lovely. As expected Robbie Thompson has some every witty quips in the pilot and the chemistry of the core 4 (John, Mary, Latika, and Carlos) is fantastic. We absolutely need more Millie and Ada in the show.
One thing that hits me the most is how sad it is watching the show, showing John and Mary's fate. It feels like a Greek tragedy.
I'm hoping the show will have an opportunity to slow down and revel in the chemistry of its cast in the upcoming episodes. I'll absolutely be watching.
The amber tone of the show is stunning and the set designs are lovely. As expected Robbie Thompson has some every witty quips in the pilot and the chemistry of the core 4 (John, Mary, Latika, and Carlos) is fantastic. We absolutely need more Millie and Ada in the show.
One thing that hits me the most is how sad it is watching the show, showing John and Mary's fate. It feels like a Greek tragedy.
I'm hoping the show will have an opportunity to slow down and revel in the chemistry of its cast in the upcoming episodes. I'll absolutely be watching.
I'm sticking around for the ride.
monkin-8864313 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
For a pilot episode, it was pretty good. There were a few rough patches mainly some forced line delivery and inconsistent chemistry between the characters, though that can be ironed out with a little time. Hopefully, once the writers get a better understanding of the actors' strengths and the actors get a better feel for each other and their characters, scenes will have a better rhythm to them. I suspect some of the awkwardness was due to dreaded but necessary exposition.
I appreciated the Indiana Jones esq opening scene and the familiar premise of searching for their hunter fathers. I also liked the Scooby-Doo feel of the ensemble cast though I can't say I was instantly invested in any of the characters (except Carlos. Soon as he hit the screen I was here for it). That said, I look forward to getting to know all of the characters and seeing where the story goes.
I appreciated the Indiana Jones esq opening scene and the familiar premise of searching for their hunter fathers. I also liked the Scooby-Doo feel of the ensemble cast though I can't say I was instantly invested in any of the characters (except Carlos. Soon as he hit the screen I was here for it). That said, I look forward to getting to know all of the characters and seeing where the story goes.
A slice of home
tiffers-3953613 October 2022
I have to say as a diehard supernatural fan I was worried when I first heard about this spinoff. How can you tell a love story about two people who have been shown to canonically have to be shoved together by angels in order to have Sam and Dean. But Jensen asked us to trust him and so I gave it a chance...
I was not disappointed. Immediately things feel similar to spn. The title card, the font, the music. It felt like coming home, but even without the nostalgia, the cast and crew managed to capture the thing that kept me coming back for more in spn: that mystery and the need to know what is going to happen next to these compelling characters.
The cast is already more diverse than most shows and each character seems like they're going to be interesting to delve into.
Not to mention the mystery of when Dean is that is already driving everyone insane.
So I'm sticking with it and trusting the cast and crew to take us down this road, after all, deans still picking the music.
I was not disappointed. Immediately things feel similar to spn. The title card, the font, the music. It felt like coming home, but even without the nostalgia, the cast and crew managed to capture the thing that kept me coming back for more in spn: that mystery and the need to know what is going to happen next to these compelling characters.
The cast is already more diverse than most shows and each character seems like they're going to be interesting to delve into.
Not to mention the mystery of when Dean is that is already driving everyone insane.
So I'm sticking with it and trusting the cast and crew to take us down this road, after all, deans still picking the music.
So yellow .... Needs work
hayleyscomett81513 October 2022
A veteran Supernatural fan here and my honest review of the pilot episode. And while I didn't hate it, I feel the first episode was not as engaging as the pilot episode of SPN.
1st - why is the lighting so yellow-ish looking?
2nd - If we're going for a 1972 feel/setting, than why oh why do Mary & John not look like they're in 1972? Mary's hair is straight flat ironed like mid to late 2010's fashion. Neither John or Mary are wearing 70's fashion clothes either. (Which they did in the SPN flashbacks that established canon) Also, why does John not have a military style haircut since he had just served??
3rd - It feels like the plot is moving through all the major plot beats without the emotional connective tissue that makes you invest in the characters.
4th - As nice as it was to hear certain references from SPN, John literally says "saving people, hunting things" after only just finding out about hunting at the beginning of the episode. He hasn't even really saved anyone yet, or really hunted.
The elephant in the room here is, how exactly is this show going to explain established canon that John didn't know about hunting or the supernatural until AFTER Mary's death on SPN?
Again, didn't hate it, the training wheels are still on. If it wants to improve the training wheels need to come off.
1st - why is the lighting so yellow-ish looking?
2nd - If we're going for a 1972 feel/setting, than why oh why do Mary & John not look like they're in 1972? Mary's hair is straight flat ironed like mid to late 2010's fashion. Neither John or Mary are wearing 70's fashion clothes either. (Which they did in the SPN flashbacks that established canon) Also, why does John not have a military style haircut since he had just served??
3rd - It feels like the plot is moving through all the major plot beats without the emotional connective tissue that makes you invest in the characters.
4th - As nice as it was to hear certain references from SPN, John literally says "saving people, hunting things" after only just finding out about hunting at the beginning of the episode. He hasn't even really saved anyone yet, or really hunted.
The elephant in the room here is, how exactly is this show going to explain established canon that John didn't know about hunting or the supernatural until AFTER Mary's death on SPN?
Again, didn't hate it, the training wheels are still on. If it wants to improve the training wheels need to come off.
Love it!!!
matindeprintemps13 October 2022
I really enjoyed the premiere.
Good humour. Love the different characters. Good rythme, betweet the action scenes and the more *deep* scene where we learn more into the background of the characters. Great diversity amoung the cast. I cannot wait for the next episode!!!
I think Jensen and Danneel did a Great Job producing/directing this episode!!!
And I am glad to see that most people enjoyed this episode too. I don't understand the negative reviews. But I hope this serie will be there for a Very Long time.
Thanks to everybody who worked in making this serie a reality!!! I feel that its going to be a Huge Success!!!
Good humour. Love the different characters. Good rythme, betweet the action scenes and the more *deep* scene where we learn more into the background of the characters. Great diversity amoung the cast. I cannot wait for the next episode!!!
I think Jensen and Danneel did a Great Job producing/directing this episode!!!
And I am glad to see that most people enjoyed this episode too. I don't understand the negative reviews. But I hope this serie will be there for a Very Long time.
Thanks to everybody who worked in making this serie a reality!!! I feel that its going to be a Huge Success!!!
A fun romp!
emergentartistsgroup13 October 2022
I had a lot of fun watching this first episode and I'm looking forward to seeing how the show continues to take shape as the characters and story lines grow throughout the first season! Curious to see how the writers will handle some of the "breaking of canon" but hey, this is the Supernatural world so anything can happen, right?
Hopefully the powers that be will allow this show to evolve, and the actors to grow into their characters in the same manner that Supernatural was able to do for such a long run. Also hoping to see lots of the "immortal" characters from the original show pop up in the Winchesters story line here and there. Seeing the likes of Crowley, Rowena, Gabriel/Loki, and even a time traveling Castiel in the 1970's would be so fun!
Sign me up for more!
Hopefully the powers that be will allow this show to evolve, and the actors to grow into their characters in the same manner that Supernatural was able to do for such a long run. Also hoping to see lots of the "immortal" characters from the original show pop up in the Winchesters story line here and there. Seeing the likes of Crowley, Rowena, Gabriel/Loki, and even a time traveling Castiel in the 1970's would be so fun!
Sign me up for more!
Trying to hard to be Supernatural
romakashyap-1237814 October 2022
If I am honest, only reason a Supernatural fan would watch is perhaps nostalgia for Dean & the world. Unfortunately, that's also its biggest drawback apart from the obvious lack of intelligent writing. The writing is implying that Sam and Dean were idiots as these guys know already what took them at least a couple of seasons to figure out. Even if I try and not draw those comparisons, these characters aren't fleshed well and are trying to mimic the chemistry of Sam & Dean but anything that they say just doesn't create the same emotion or magic. I liked Meg a bit better & she reminded me of Sam however, Drake just doesn't work for me. His emotions seem made up and they just translate to the viewer the way S1 Sam's innocence did (Since I guess that's what they were going for). The action whatever little of it seems very choreographed and convenient. At no point, do you feel a sense of dread that something might actually happen to them.
The Pilot feels more Scooby Doo than SPN and that can perhaps work for some people. So my recommendation - Decide for yourself.
The Pilot feels more Scooby Doo than SPN and that can perhaps work for some people. So my recommendation - Decide for yourself.
Feels like I never had to say goodbye
jaygeewriting13 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I had the privelge of seeing this episode at NYCC, two days before the air date.
When the show was first leaked in June 2021, I've been on the edge of my seat to see how it turned out, if indeed it got to be a show at all given SPN's history with spin-off attempts.
The energy in the room at NYCC matched the same kind of energy I saw online Tuesday night, and with good reason.
I have to always put pilots in a separate category in my head as an episode since they're just the establishing proof of concept episodes.
Therefore, I have two requirements for a good pilot: 1) Does it have a world/characters that I would want to follow and 2) Does it make me ask enough questions that I want to tune in next week?
And in this case, this pilot succeeded on those requirements. I absolutely loved it!
Aside from some pacing issues at the start (which again, it's a pilot so I'm not really faulting it for that), the episode felt familiar. This show's pilot had to pull double duty compared to its predecessor, the SPN pilot. It had to draw both new and old fans in to watch it, and have them enjoy it.
I've been a fan of SPN for a decade now so I'm far from a new fan but, as a fan, this episode and indeed this serie's potential felt like the last two years since 15x20 Carry On of SPN didn't even happen.
There are new characters, Carlos and Latika along with Millie and Ada, and the younger forms of characters we already know which are John and Mary.
I enjoyed the premise, I enjoyed the feeling the episode gave me through aesthetics alone, I loved the humor and the setting up of the world.
One big note for me is just how cohesive the cast already felt on screen. The chemistry was already there, even if they had a couple lines of pilot-expected expository dialogue. It already felt like that #spnfamily atmosphere and that they just immediately have chemistry that doesn't have to be forced in through writing and direction.
I was hooked onto each character the minute they were introduced and am invested in how this story plays out, especially considering that we've already had some SPN canon contradictions. But, I don't fear about those, because the creators have addressed that yes, they know, and yes, it's part of the story. I can't wait to learn all of these twists and turns.
And, finally, I don't have the words to properly describe the feeling/sound in the NYCC screening hall and in my heart and soul when Dean was first heard in the beginning and then when we got to see him again in the end.
Some have already said this but, if I could go back in time, I would love to show this to myself the night of Nov. 19, 2020.
Suffice it to say, even though I know how John and Mary's stories end, I'm onboard for this mystery, this atmosphere, these characters, and what place this story has in the overall SPN Cinematic Universe TM.
Great job, and I look forward to more!
When the show was first leaked in June 2021, I've been on the edge of my seat to see how it turned out, if indeed it got to be a show at all given SPN's history with spin-off attempts.
The energy in the room at NYCC matched the same kind of energy I saw online Tuesday night, and with good reason.
I have to always put pilots in a separate category in my head as an episode since they're just the establishing proof of concept episodes.
Therefore, I have two requirements for a good pilot: 1) Does it have a world/characters that I would want to follow and 2) Does it make me ask enough questions that I want to tune in next week?
And in this case, this pilot succeeded on those requirements. I absolutely loved it!
Aside from some pacing issues at the start (which again, it's a pilot so I'm not really faulting it for that), the episode felt familiar. This show's pilot had to pull double duty compared to its predecessor, the SPN pilot. It had to draw both new and old fans in to watch it, and have them enjoy it.
I've been a fan of SPN for a decade now so I'm far from a new fan but, as a fan, this episode and indeed this serie's potential felt like the last two years since 15x20 Carry On of SPN didn't even happen.
There are new characters, Carlos and Latika along with Millie and Ada, and the younger forms of characters we already know which are John and Mary.
I enjoyed the premise, I enjoyed the feeling the episode gave me through aesthetics alone, I loved the humor and the setting up of the world.
One big note for me is just how cohesive the cast already felt on screen. The chemistry was already there, even if they had a couple lines of pilot-expected expository dialogue. It already felt like that #spnfamily atmosphere and that they just immediately have chemistry that doesn't have to be forced in through writing and direction.
I was hooked onto each character the minute they were introduced and am invested in how this story plays out, especially considering that we've already had some SPN canon contradictions. But, I don't fear about those, because the creators have addressed that yes, they know, and yes, it's part of the story. I can't wait to learn all of these twists and turns.
And, finally, I don't have the words to properly describe the feeling/sound in the NYCC screening hall and in my heart and soul when Dean was first heard in the beginning and then when we got to see him again in the end.
Some have already said this but, if I could go back in time, I would love to show this to myself the night of Nov. 19, 2020.
Suffice it to say, even though I know how John and Mary's stories end, I'm onboard for this mystery, this atmosphere, these characters, and what place this story has in the overall SPN Cinematic Universe TM.
Great job, and I look forward to more!
Dialogues are beyond bad
mr-altex29 October 2022
I kinda like the chemistry between John and Mary, but I honestly hate the Carlos character from the first scene where he appeared. This must be the most lazily created, most stereotypical character from this Buffy like team monster hunter sub genre and it's not even funny. The only thing more obvious would be if he got possessed and turn into a villain within the first two episodes. I get that he is supposed to be the comedic relief character in this series but oh god, so bad! SOOO BAAAD!
Latika as the Willow of the series showed some promise, but my optimism didn't last long.
Good that Demetria McKinney as Ada works well. Together with Bianca Kajlich, they are stars for the episode when it comes to acting. Too bad a lot of scenes are them talking to a an empty room. Seriously, the amount of cuts in just simple conversations are a bad sign even for a pilot.
Latika as the Willow of the series showed some promise, but my optimism didn't last long.
Good that Demetria McKinney as Ada works well. Together with Bianca Kajlich, they are stars for the episode when it comes to acting. Too bad a lot of scenes are them talking to a an empty room. Seriously, the amount of cuts in just simple conversations are a bad sign even for a pilot.
Felt like coming home
evilredhead-1226612 October 2022
The pilot for The Winchesters is very reminiscent of the early seasons of Supernatural. The lighting, costumes everything was familiar and new at the same time. I have the utmost trust in The Ackles as well as Robbie Thompson, Meg Donnely, and Drake Rodgers. There are those that will say the prequel is ruining the SPN 'verse. That couldn't be further from the truth. Everything will be explained in due time. Trust the process. Don't listen to the reviews that are spewing hate as these people haven't even watched the pilot and never intended to. Jensen Ackles loves Supernatural. He's not going to do anything to ruin the show he worked on for 15 yrs.
What a great start!
katrinaurban12 October 2022
Loved every minute! This is a fantastic start to the new Supernatural story and I am so excited to see where this story is taking us. The young cast already have such great chemistry and I can see so much of Sam in young John and Dean in young Mary. Latika and Carlos are also excellent!! Love them both already. And I am so happy to see Dean Winchester once again on my screen. The overall arch so far is intriguing, the characters are well defined and I'm enjoying intrigued by all the possibilities. Jensen, Robbie, Danneel and team have done an amazing job. I Can't wait until ep. 2! It's going to be a wild ride :)
I was scared and genuinely concerned but now I crave more content
bellap196913 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I won't make this a long one but I actually am in love with this show. I hate mary and john, but it is so interesting to watch them as they are young and see how they became what they became.
Supernatural carried me through the pandemic, and I am so grateful that Jensen and Danneel are carrying on its legacy.
I am not going to assume that I will love the show as it goes on, but as of right now, I am pleasantly surprised! The cgi wasn't terrible as most CW shows is, and the monsters actually looked like monsters!! The demon smoke has a much better animation too.
Very excited for the new episode.
Hopefully the show continues on with such pizzazz.
Supernatural carried me through the pandemic, and I am so grateful that Jensen and Danneel are carrying on its legacy.
I am not going to assume that I will love the show as it goes on, but as of right now, I am pleasantly surprised! The cgi wasn't terrible as most CW shows is, and the monsters actually looked like monsters!! The demon smoke has a much better animation too.
Very excited for the new episode.
Hopefully the show continues on with such pizzazz.
What did I just watch?
mqfppimw12 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
No,no, and no. Where to begin? I gave it two stars because the main actors were okay, but that's where the positivity ends. The lighting felt weird and off. The special effects were abysmal and what was up with the monster there? That was terrible. Let's not even go there with ripping up canon and throwing it in the trash. "We'll get there" How, a Angel mind erase? If you liked it, great, but not me. If this was advertised as a new original program not touted as a prequel to the OG show, I can maybe get the appeal, but being the "epic love story of John and Mary", nope. Plus using the "Brothers" theme hurts.
Nice to revisit the world of SPN
bohowitch12 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
As a long time fan of Supernatural, I was both skeptical and intrigued by the premise of the prequel. There's already established lore concerning John and Mary Winchester, so how could this show which seemed bound to deviate from that even work?
Well, the original series itself played fast and loose with it's own lore, changing things to fit the ongoing narrative, even using divine intervention to explain some discrepancies. I get the feeling that's what we have here as well.
A mysterious stranger delivers a letter to John from his father Henry before vanishing. That tells us right from the start, something's different here. In the original lore, John and his mother Millie thought Henry abandoned them years ago, when in fact he followed a demon into the future and died fighting alongside his grandsons. Is this letter from that future time? Who or what delivered it? That remains to be seen.
The concerns with canon aside, this episode starts out right away with a focus on family, both blood and found family, yet another earmark of the original series. We meet John, Mary, and Millie, but it's not long before we are introduced to new folks Latika and Carlos.
Latika seems to specialize in puzzles and research, but is still a bit green in the field. Carlos on the other hand is a smooth and irreverent Hunter that takes care of business.
All together, Mary, John, Latika, & Carlos give off very Scooby Gang vibes (yes, Carlos even has a van). There's banter and badassery, action and emotion.
The team is trying to find Samuel Campbell and more information about Henry Winchesters secret life. They follow the clues, dispatch the bad guys, save an ally and learn of a dire threat to mankind, all in line with the old school formula.
This isn't Supernatural, but it shares it's essence and it's shaping up to be an interesting and exciting addition to the universe.
I'm intrigued and looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season holds.
Well, the original series itself played fast and loose with it's own lore, changing things to fit the ongoing narrative, even using divine intervention to explain some discrepancies. I get the feeling that's what we have here as well.
A mysterious stranger delivers a letter to John from his father Henry before vanishing. That tells us right from the start, something's different here. In the original lore, John and his mother Millie thought Henry abandoned them years ago, when in fact he followed a demon into the future and died fighting alongside his grandsons. Is this letter from that future time? Who or what delivered it? That remains to be seen.
The concerns with canon aside, this episode starts out right away with a focus on family, both blood and found family, yet another earmark of the original series. We meet John, Mary, and Millie, but it's not long before we are introduced to new folks Latika and Carlos.
Latika seems to specialize in puzzles and research, but is still a bit green in the field. Carlos on the other hand is a smooth and irreverent Hunter that takes care of business.
All together, Mary, John, Latika, & Carlos give off very Scooby Gang vibes (yes, Carlos even has a van). There's banter and badassery, action and emotion.
The team is trying to find Samuel Campbell and more information about Henry Winchesters secret life. They follow the clues, dispatch the bad guys, save an ally and learn of a dire threat to mankind, all in line with the old school formula.
This isn't Supernatural, but it shares it's essence and it's shaping up to be an interesting and exciting addition to the universe.
I'm intrigued and looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season holds.
John/Mary Stans get A Series (Who'd Have Guessed)
Sarah42312 October 2022
After seeing "The Winchesters" advertised, I immediately thought "Sam and Dean." Actually "SalmonDean" to be precise, having watched all 327 episodes of SPN, even when my Tumblr/junior high phase was past.
Then I saw a very young John and Mary and stepped back a bit. (Non-darkside SPN viewers might understand my John/Mary baggage and abuse triggers. My anger at a show in any way romanticizing the origin story and giving John the excuse of "not. My. Fault.")
---
Circling back on point, why was Jensen Ackles such a focus of the PR I half-watched floating by? The Winchesters, apparently, is using Dean as the broadcast version of click bait.
Dean on the screen without Sam or Cas. A lonely Dean. Too briefly there and sadly gone.
And yet that partial fragmented crumb from the og was the best part of a very flat hour.
---
Honestly, I'm still not sure if his appearance was just a book end, even after watching.
Will he step back to let the new spin off cast shine alone? Was this a boost and a hand off? (Ackles is apparently producing the show, so he doesn't need to appear on screen to get a paycheck-unless he wants two, I suppose.)
And if he steps back to let the younger cast shine, can they?
---
My gut feel and a quick scan of imdb says no.
They lack the experience to carry the complexity and nuance required for these characters and their ending. Burdened with the love story of two questionable parents, one especially drunk and abusive. The scars they left on their two sons, Sam and Dean both-that was a strong thread in the og canon.
True, I'll need to watch a few more episodes to give the series a fair shot, because my initial shock gave way to such visceral distaste.
---
I can, however, say objectively that the original SPN pilot grabbed you by the throat with mission and chemistry, whereas this one does not. It's soulless--and not in a good way, if you know you know.
(Side note: stop for a moment and miss Sam again. And look for the Angel while I'm at it.)
---
Worse than any critique of the cast-whom I wish well for as beginners and acknowledge might grow with experience-- there's the low quality of script provided by already seasoned writers.
For that, I have anger.
Characters and dialogue feel one dimensional. The concept bland and execution derivative.
Supernatural had a lot of flaws, but it was always original and edgy. (Sometimes even over the edge Edgy.) Remember when Supernatural's very first ET interview widely advertised as being absolutely different from contenders like "Buffy"? I do.
Yet this Buffy/Scooby wannabe mash up with pretentions of every popular show distilled in a stew-has no sense of "nerd cool" at all-and sorry writers, that's mainly on you. (Well, and the wardrobe department who seem to have no clue at all.)
---
Key on my list of disappointments I'll list showrunner Robbie Thompson, who used to be part of those og cool kids and produced my favorite episodes of SPN. (When it was og and, you know, actually ORIGINAL.)
The only positive compliments I have right now are to the musical score and the filming. Both had a texture reminiscent to me of my beloved old show.
The music was by turns fun and intense-giving some seasoning to the characters.
Editing worked. Camera guys did their best. (Lens geeks, they got you.) Some of those shots were immaculate.
Kudos to Director Glen Winter for polishing up everything he could.
And some time slid by being sad over the image of our Dean, unkempt and lonely. (Although, even in Ackles' acting, I have details to double check from the mother ship; details that look out of sync with what's engrained in my brain from before.)
---
So can I watch it? More or less. Mainly to see Jensen, hoping to see Jared, too.
Maybe let the CW pretty slide by as I have dinner.
But. But. Again.
In the end it just fell flat and lifeless. One of very few bits of SPN-related video I actually have no wish to re-watch in a fandom I've practically memorized.
Out of pure, stubborn fan loyalty, I'll hang on for a couple more weeks and hope it was just a pilot misfire. If the scripts and acting try to level up to match the packaging by the crew, this spinoff could still salvage things.
That hope and some residual trust in our idol Ackles, some hope to see Padalecki cameo, gets them above a one star for now.
But it will be a long, hard climb.
Then I saw a very young John and Mary and stepped back a bit. (Non-darkside SPN viewers might understand my John/Mary baggage and abuse triggers. My anger at a show in any way romanticizing the origin story and giving John the excuse of "not. My. Fault.")
---
Circling back on point, why was Jensen Ackles such a focus of the PR I half-watched floating by? The Winchesters, apparently, is using Dean as the broadcast version of click bait.
Dean on the screen without Sam or Cas. A lonely Dean. Too briefly there and sadly gone.
And yet that partial fragmented crumb from the og was the best part of a very flat hour.
---
Honestly, I'm still not sure if his appearance was just a book end, even after watching.
Will he step back to let the new spin off cast shine alone? Was this a boost and a hand off? (Ackles is apparently producing the show, so he doesn't need to appear on screen to get a paycheck-unless he wants two, I suppose.)
And if he steps back to let the younger cast shine, can they?
---
My gut feel and a quick scan of imdb says no.
They lack the experience to carry the complexity and nuance required for these characters and their ending. Burdened with the love story of two questionable parents, one especially drunk and abusive. The scars they left on their two sons, Sam and Dean both-that was a strong thread in the og canon.
True, I'll need to watch a few more episodes to give the series a fair shot, because my initial shock gave way to such visceral distaste.
---
I can, however, say objectively that the original SPN pilot grabbed you by the throat with mission and chemistry, whereas this one does not. It's soulless--and not in a good way, if you know you know.
(Side note: stop for a moment and miss Sam again. And look for the Angel while I'm at it.)
---
Worse than any critique of the cast-whom I wish well for as beginners and acknowledge might grow with experience-- there's the low quality of script provided by already seasoned writers.
For that, I have anger.
Characters and dialogue feel one dimensional. The concept bland and execution derivative.
Supernatural had a lot of flaws, but it was always original and edgy. (Sometimes even over the edge Edgy.) Remember when Supernatural's very first ET interview widely advertised as being absolutely different from contenders like "Buffy"? I do.
Yet this Buffy/Scooby wannabe mash up with pretentions of every popular show distilled in a stew-has no sense of "nerd cool" at all-and sorry writers, that's mainly on you. (Well, and the wardrobe department who seem to have no clue at all.)
---
Key on my list of disappointments I'll list showrunner Robbie Thompson, who used to be part of those og cool kids and produced my favorite episodes of SPN. (When it was og and, you know, actually ORIGINAL.)
The only positive compliments I have right now are to the musical score and the filming. Both had a texture reminiscent to me of my beloved old show.
The music was by turns fun and intense-giving some seasoning to the characters.
Editing worked. Camera guys did their best. (Lens geeks, they got you.) Some of those shots were immaculate.
Kudos to Director Glen Winter for polishing up everything he could.
And some time slid by being sad over the image of our Dean, unkempt and lonely. (Although, even in Ackles' acting, I have details to double check from the mother ship; details that look out of sync with what's engrained in my brain from before.)
---
So can I watch it? More or less. Mainly to see Jensen, hoping to see Jared, too.
Maybe let the CW pretty slide by as I have dinner.
But. But. Again.
In the end it just fell flat and lifeless. One of very few bits of SPN-related video I actually have no wish to re-watch in a fandom I've practically memorized.
Out of pure, stubborn fan loyalty, I'll hang on for a couple more weeks and hope it was just a pilot misfire. If the scripts and acting try to level up to match the packaging by the crew, this spinoff could still salvage things.
That hope and some residual trust in our idol Ackles, some hope to see Padalecki cameo, gets them above a one star for now.
But it will be a long, hard climb.
I wasn't sure at first, but now I want more
Flickstick13 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
When this was announced, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I'm not the biggest John fan. Watched the pilot nnd now I'm hooked. The pilot didn't have a dull moment and left me wanting more.
The pilot took us straight into the action, while introducing characters at key moments. The pilot also appears to be respecting the main Supernatural storyline (I.e. How John and Mary met) while also fleshing out the story to include new details. The pilot didn't stomp all over the established story, instead added details to it (such as the key and the bunker) while sticking with tradition Supernatural ideas (missing dads).
Honestly, if you liked Supernatural, give it a shot.
The pilot took us straight into the action, while introducing characters at key moments. The pilot also appears to be respecting the main Supernatural storyline (I.e. How John and Mary met) while also fleshing out the story to include new details. The pilot didn't stomp all over the established story, instead added details to it (such as the key and the bunker) while sticking with tradition Supernatural ideas (missing dads).
Honestly, if you liked Supernatural, give it a shot.
such a good addition
phlintscones12 October 2022
The pilot is everything I wanted and more! Jojo as Carlos is by far my favorite, iconic entrance so excited to see Latinx rep in the supernatural universe. I was a bit apprehensive about John, but Drake kills it and his mannerisms are reminiscent to JDM but also the boys.. it's been one ep and I'm excited to see more from him and what he brings! Meg is all around amazing, Sam Smith left some big shoes and she filled them wonderfully. Nida is delightful as Latika, just absolutely delightful.
Seeing Dean again was an emotional rollercoaster...
We get Dean back along with an insanely talented set of young actors.
Seeing Dean again was an emotional rollercoaster...
We get Dean back along with an insanely talented set of young actors.
Found Family from the beginning
alyssahorstead13 October 2022
If you loved the family that Sam & Dean created in Supernatural, you will love the core four of John, Mary, Carlos & Latika.
John & Mary being the stars of a spinoff may seem strange, but anything to learn more about the Campbell hunting lineage & I love me some Men of Letters lore!
And then there's Millie Winchester! A bad ass mom who owns & runs her own mechanics shop.
It's a little Scooby Doo, sans the dog, but there's really potential here.
And the acting is all magnificent!
If you can walk away without falling in love with Carlos, Latika or Millie than you're a stronger person than me, because those characters ARE the show!
Give it a watch!
Judge for yourself.
John & Mary being the stars of a spinoff may seem strange, but anything to learn more about the Campbell hunting lineage & I love me some Men of Letters lore!
And then there's Millie Winchester! A bad ass mom who owns & runs her own mechanics shop.
It's a little Scooby Doo, sans the dog, but there's really potential here.
And the acting is all magnificent!
If you can walk away without falling in love with Carlos, Latika or Millie than you're a stronger person than me, because those characters ARE the show!
Give it a watch!
Judge for yourself.
Who let Becky use Metatron's Typewriter?
andrewphilipsur27 January 2023
Hearing this series's initial ideas, I knew I wouldn't be into watching the pilot so much the entire season. However, upon much coercion from my mom, who watched all 15 seasons of Supernatural with me, I decided to watch it, and what a surprise. My gut was right.
This feels like a fanfic written by someone who tried to write a story where all - and I mean all - of Supernatural's mythos were interconnected. Thus, ending up with a poorly-woven web of elements and characters that don't make much sense to new audiences and long-time fans.
This series' writers should take a page from Superman and Lois' book. That show's pilot somehow made better sense in introducing their key characters and plot with the same run time as this one.
I understand the need for exposition, but what felt like the entire episode were scenes of pure exposition about hunting, demons, and the Men of Letters. Plus, add in the introduction of these four characters we're supposed to care about, and you have one heck of a mashed-up mess of a pilot.
I'd have to watch the rest now, thanks to my mom. I have nothing against her 'coz we love the original series. I'm just hoping to see better things moving forward.
This feels like a fanfic written by someone who tried to write a story where all - and I mean all - of Supernatural's mythos were interconnected. Thus, ending up with a poorly-woven web of elements and characters that don't make much sense to new audiences and long-time fans.
This series' writers should take a page from Superman and Lois' book. That show's pilot somehow made better sense in introducing their key characters and plot with the same run time as this one.
I understand the need for exposition, but what felt like the entire episode were scenes of pure exposition about hunting, demons, and the Men of Letters. Plus, add in the introduction of these four characters we're supposed to care about, and you have one heck of a mashed-up mess of a pilot.
I'd have to watch the rest now, thanks to my mom. I have nothing against her 'coz we love the original series. I'm just hoping to see better things moving forward.
SPN Universe is BACK with fresh (vintage) look
gkrkusserow14 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Awesome start to a hopefully LONG ride in an awesome vintage van with rockin' 70's tunes!!
Loved the amber, mossy, rusty hues of this new look at the Supernatural world. From the Indiana Jones-esque beginning sequence through gorgeous New Orleans cemetery to the blood-freezing terror of John's Vietnam War footage to funny meet cues of all major characters to emotional family moments (including appearance of the Americana music theme) to RICH and DETAILED set design the pilot of The Winchesters evoked all of what SPN was always BEST at - VARIETY and relatable characters on a great journey. Bravo!
Loved the amber, mossy, rusty hues of this new look at the Supernatural world. From the Indiana Jones-esque beginning sequence through gorgeous New Orleans cemetery to the blood-freezing terror of John's Vietnam War footage to funny meet cues of all major characters to emotional family moments (including appearance of the Americana music theme) to RICH and DETAILED set design the pilot of The Winchesters evoked all of what SPN was always BEST at - VARIETY and relatable characters on a great journey. Bravo!
Delightful cast
ailiswindemere20 October 2022
It's a pleasure to have such a wonderful cast that just seemed to mesh right from the get-go. That isn't always the way with teams, but I absolutely believed Carlos and Lata and Mary all knew each other, and John and Ava are great new additions to sorting this mystery out. I was engaged and interested for the whole episode, which is a great sign in a pilot! Really looking forward to how this story develops.
I'm definitely gravitating to Latika as my favourite, just as she's so like me with her book knowledge and research skills. I hope we get to see a lot more of that and her coming in with her smarts to save the day! Also adored Mary's kick-ass nature, and Millie is just so sad with all she's lost. And I'm looking forward to learning more about Ava.
I'm definitely gravitating to Latika as my favourite, just as she's so like me with her book knowledge and research skills. I hope we get to see a lot more of that and her coming in with her smarts to save the day! Also adored Mary's kick-ass nature, and Millie is just so sad with all she's lost. And I'm looking forward to learning more about Ava.
it felt like coming home.
roomcap20 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I've been a deeply devoted fan of SPN since 2008. I was let down like most others after the series finale aired, so I came into this prequel optimistic but cautious. To say the least, the pilot exceeded my expectations. The plot is intriguing and a direct callback to the mothership's initial storyline, the characters are deliciously fleshed out (I cannot get enough of Carlos and Latika!), and the 70s aesthetic is SO fun. It's like having a live-action Scooby Doo with characters from another 'verse who are familiar to me, and with whom I identify. My heart also grew three sizes seeing Dean Winchester again. I didn't realize how healing it would be to have Jensen Ackles put on his Dean boots and sit in Baby and get us settled in for a brand new adventure. And the parallels and easter eggs! There were so many to choose from, which was a treat, but I also admired Robbie Thompson not saturating the entire episode in nostalgia bait (well, not the cheap kind). I think there was a beautiful balance of throwing us into an old world with a fresh, new perspective.
Drake Rodger and Meg Donnelly carry their responsibility with respect, you can tell. I easily viewed them as John and Mary from their initial introductions. Meg especially blew me away. She knew how to harness Sam Smith Mary's drive and Amy Gumenick Mary's vulnerability while adding her own Young Hunter Mary spin to it (and having a resemblance to the previous actresses -- it's uncanny). I can't wait to learn more about her burdens and how Dean-like she appears. Same goes for Drake, who somehow plays a remarkable blend of Jensen and Jared/Dean and Sam as he navigates the world of hunting. But I also see the Matt Cohen John charm and the JDM John darkness just below the surface. It's not blatant, but the seeds are being planted from the jump and that relieves me re: the direction John's character arc will go. And, of course, Carlos and Lata, who are so endearing and vibrant, and they feel like necessary assets to the group, which is very important! I commend the showrunner and producers for baking inclusivity into their series as well, which brings me to Ada and Millie. One of the mothership's shortcomings was its lack of not only characters of color but women in prominent roles that lasted for a substantial amount of time and weren't just side roles to support the leading white men. To have Ada be included as a kind of Rowena/Bobby (the highest of compliments) and Millie included as another pillar that represents the complicated Parent-Child dynamics on the show is very exciting to me! I already adored Demetria and Bianca's portrayals of these characters. I hope we get an enjoyable arc out of them both.
I will say that the pacing and dialogue got a bit clunky at times, but that's to be expected from a pilot. Despite this, the group's dynamics were very well established and the characters felt defined. We knew exactly what part every person played and the conflicts/developments that are on the horizon. I also didn't personally find the monster very exciting, mainly due to the appearance and execution of the monster itself. However, in hindsight, I think it was very 70s of the monster's aesthetic and thematically it was interesting. Other thriller/horror elements of the episode made up for it anyway. But all of that aside... I think the above is where my list of issues pretty much stops. The pilot was actually incredibly strong for a pilot! I just hope the rest of the series follows suit, but I know I'll be tagging along regardless. I missed this world. Huge thanks to Robbie, Danneel, and Jensen for bringing it back to me.
Drake Rodger and Meg Donnelly carry their responsibility with respect, you can tell. I easily viewed them as John and Mary from their initial introductions. Meg especially blew me away. She knew how to harness Sam Smith Mary's drive and Amy Gumenick Mary's vulnerability while adding her own Young Hunter Mary spin to it (and having a resemblance to the previous actresses -- it's uncanny). I can't wait to learn more about her burdens and how Dean-like she appears. Same goes for Drake, who somehow plays a remarkable blend of Jensen and Jared/Dean and Sam as he navigates the world of hunting. But I also see the Matt Cohen John charm and the JDM John darkness just below the surface. It's not blatant, but the seeds are being planted from the jump and that relieves me re: the direction John's character arc will go. And, of course, Carlos and Lata, who are so endearing and vibrant, and they feel like necessary assets to the group, which is very important! I commend the showrunner and producers for baking inclusivity into their series as well, which brings me to Ada and Millie. One of the mothership's shortcomings was its lack of not only characters of color but women in prominent roles that lasted for a substantial amount of time and weren't just side roles to support the leading white men. To have Ada be included as a kind of Rowena/Bobby (the highest of compliments) and Millie included as another pillar that represents the complicated Parent-Child dynamics on the show is very exciting to me! I already adored Demetria and Bianca's portrayals of these characters. I hope we get an enjoyable arc out of them both.
I will say that the pacing and dialogue got a bit clunky at times, but that's to be expected from a pilot. Despite this, the group's dynamics were very well established and the characters felt defined. We knew exactly what part every person played and the conflicts/developments that are on the horizon. I also didn't personally find the monster very exciting, mainly due to the appearance and execution of the monster itself. However, in hindsight, I think it was very 70s of the monster's aesthetic and thematically it was interesting. Other thriller/horror elements of the episode made up for it anyway. But all of that aside... I think the above is where my list of issues pretty much stops. The pilot was actually incredibly strong for a pilot! I just hope the rest of the series follows suit, but I know I'll be tagging along regardless. I missed this world. Huge thanks to Robbie, Danneel, and Jensen for bringing it back to me.
See also
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