Hollywood Babylon

The vein of meta episodes that satirize the horror genre and/or entertainment folks is probably my favorite set of episodes. There really isn't a bad one in the bunch. This is one is a weaker ones however. The injoke and satire do not really congeal into a theme or point; there is a slapdash quality to the humor that while funny isn't as pointed as it could have been. So sure it is hysterical to hear Kripke's b-movies get referenced but the allusions are shallow.

Dean as a PA is easily the best part of the episode as that is some of the funniest Jensen material in the show. I am also rather fond of episode's focus on z-grade horror as that fits the camp vibe better. It is funny but the show was able to be much more on this front.

Dean and Sam go to Hollywood to investigate a haunted studio where the lead actress Tara Benchley of a horror movie saw a member of the crew dead and a ghost. Sam researches and finds that four people have died along the last eighty years and the ghost could be any of them. The Winchester brothers are mistaken as PAs and discover that the event was actually a marketing strategy to promote the film. But when the producer Brad Redding first and another executive later die in the set, they discover that a revengeful screenwriter is really summoning fiends in the shooting.

"Hollywood Babylon" is a funny episode, a joke and tribute to Hollywood people. Dean is hilarious, fascinated with the life and the lead actress of the movie. There are also many references to horror movies in this enjoyable episode. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Assombração em Hollywood" (Ghost in Hollywood")

"Hollywood Babylon," the eighteenth episode of Supernatural's second season, created by Erik Kripke and directed by Philip Sgriccia, is a captivating installment that delves into themes of identity, reality, and the supernatural. This episode stands out for its unique premise involving ghosts on a horror film set, where the lines between reality and fiction are blurred.

The narrative begins with a haunting scene where Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) arrive in Hollywood to investigate the death of an actor on the set of Hell Hazers 2: The Reckoning. As they delve deeper, they discover that the ghostly apparitions are linked to a former film crew member, Walter Dixon, who has been using a talisman to summon spirits. The ghosts, feeling mocked by the film's portrayal of them, begin to exact revenge on the cast and crew.

Philip Sgriccia's direction skillfully captures both the comedic elements of the brothers' interactions with the film industry and the suspenseful elements of the ghostly attacks. The cinematography enhances the tension, particularly during scenes where the brothers navigate the dark and eerie film sets, creating an atmosphere of unease and confusion. Notable is the use of lighting to highlight the supernatural threats, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the ghosts. However, some critics argue that the pacing could be improved, particularly in scenes where the narrative jumps between different plot points.

Jensen Ackles delivers a compelling performance as Dean, showcasing his wit and sarcasm while also revealing his emotional depth as he grapples with the idea of ghosts being manipulated for revenge. Jared Padalecki effectively portrays Sam's determination to uncover the truth behind the hauntings and his concern for Dean's well-being. The chemistry between the brothers remains a highlight, adding emotional depth to their interactions as they navigate the complexities of their family legacy and the supernatural threats they face. The guest cast, particularly Walter Dixon, adds complexity to the narrative by presenting a character driven by a twisted sense of justice.

Thematically, "Hollywood Babylon" explores issues of identity and reality, raising questions about how individuals perceive truth and how easily it can be manipulated. The episode highlights the tension between the brothers' world of supernatural reality and the fictional world of Hollywood, mirroring broader cultural debates about the nature of reality. The ghosts serve as a metaphor for the power of storytelling and deception, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding. The narrative also touches on themes of control and power, as Walter's actions illustrate the dangers of playing with forces beyond human control.

"Hollywood Babylon" stands out as a memorable episode of Supernatural, effectively combining elements of suspense with meaningful character development and thematic depth. Its exploration of identity and reality makes it a compelling watch, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences with perception and deception. By intertwining these elements with suspenseful storytelling, "Hollywood Babylon" enriches the series' ongoing narrative, setting the stage for future conflicts and character growth. The episode's nuanced portrayal of the blurred lines between reality and fiction challenges viewers to question their assumptions about truth and storytelling, making it a thought-provoking addition to the series.

Dean and Sam go to a haunted set. We see Dean enjoy eating things and geekimg out. This is more of the meta eps, i feel it wasn't that great as spn can be.

Amazing episode, both funny, and self-reflective, and an opportunity to poke fun of the executive producer, McG. I love the references, and little jabs to pick up about the horror genre, and film in general, including the walk off into the sunset at the end. Also, the reference to Gilmore Girls was funny.