Two weeks ago The CW's Thursday night horror show presented an episode titled Hollywood that many fans feel may have been its best episode ever. This week's chiller, titled What Is and What Should Never Be, is another winner, and it features what may be the best performance ever by series lead Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester, one of the two demon-hunting brothers around whom the show revolves.
Filled with inside jokes and internal industry references, Hollywood followed Dean and his brother Sam (Jared Padalecki) during a vacation in Los Angeles, where they improbably became production assistants on a horror movie titled Hell Hazers II: The Reckoning that appeared cursed with a haunted set. It was revealed that the on-set scares plaguing the production were part of a marketing stunt designed to generate all-important Internet buzz. ("I'm the new Lonely Girl," one of the actors involved in the dupe quipped.) But the boys eventually discovered that "real" spirits were up to no good. "Maybe the spirits are trying to shut down the movie because they think it sucks," Sam suggested, commenting, one might conclude, on the state of most contemporary horror films, which don't offer half the scares or character development of the average Supernatural episode.
What If takes our heroes out of their "reality" (if the world they inhabit in this series can be referred to as "real") and way into the mind of Dean, where he experiences a largely idyllic existence for himself and Sam that he can only wish for amid the horrors of their everyday ordeals. It's the work of a djinn, or genie, that takes people captive and creates a dream world in which their fantasies come true -- until the djinn kills them. In Dean's world, his mother and Sam's girlfriend Jessica -- both killed by a demon, as seen way back in the Supernatural pilot -- are alive and well, and Dean has a hot girlfriend. (You'll have to tune in to learn the dream world fate of the boys' late father, John, played by fan favorite Jeffrey Dean Morgan.)
Like Hollywood, not to mention many of the best episodes of the classic supernatural thriller The X-Files, there is much humor in What If. In a running gag, everyone the happily disoriented Dean meets in his "dream" -- including Sam, his late mother Mary and a helpful professor -- all conclude that he has been drinking. Dean also takes extreme delight in eating, a disarming trait of his throughout the series, but never more so than at his mother's house in this episode and at the crafts services tables in Hollywood.
It's touching to watch as Dean realizes that, in this reality, his beloved mother is still alive. (He can't stop hugging her.) And it's interesting to see him united with dream world Sam, who lives far away in California with Jessica (played once again by Friday Night Lights sensation Adrianne Palicki). As was true in the Supernatural pilot before the boys were plunged into a life of drifting and demon hunting, Sam and Dean aren't close.
"What's with the warm and fuzzy stuff?" Sam asks Dean. "We only talk on holidays!" It seems Sam is still pissed at Dean for sleeping with Sam's prom date on prom night.
"What If" takes an abrupt turn into powerful emotional "reality" once Dean figures out what's going on and his newfound happiness is shattered by the grim realization that the many losses his family has suffered in the "real" world are important and necessary. "Why do we have to sacrifice everything?" Dean sobs at the grave of a loved one. He's crying for his family's sacrifices, for lost happiness and because for the first time he truly understands the overall importance of what the Winchester men do. (The emotions Dean is feeling in this scene surface once again at the end of the episode.)
Who knew Ackles was such a strong actor? Perhaps he's never had the kind of material he's been getting lately, as Supernatural builds momentum toward its big second-season finale. I assume The CW will bring this show back next year and keep it paired with Smallville. These two shows together make a fine alternative to the formidable fare on CBS, NBC and especially ABC on Thursday night. Supernatural takes a beating opposite CBS' CSI and ABC's Grey's Anatomy, but its fans find it anyway, and it is surely a DVR and DVD favorite. It is also fine escapist viewing during the hot summer months for those who have been distracted by other Thursday night fare during the season.
For a great Supernatural fansite, check out Supernatural TV.
Oh man, get out the tissue box. Jensen has been quoted as saying how really tough this episode was on him and it sounds like his acting chops will really be tested here and in the finale. Can't wait and yet I can -- cause then it'll be all over except the crying!
"Who knew Ackles was such a strong actor? Perhaps he's never had the kind of material he's been getting lately." I kind of figured it out during Season 1. :D That was my first look at his acting -- having lived under a rock and never hearing of either him or co-lead Jared Padalecki before that -- and Ackles started impressing me from the start. But I knew there was definitely something special there by the first shapeshifter episode. When they reached the final run of episodes of Season 1, every single week I'd think "I don't know how he can top that" and then he'd do it the next week. I particularly remember the two final episodes where he was so devastatingly restrained as he revealed to Sam a glimpse of the toll that 20 years of being the "glue" of his family had been taking on him and then the next week it turned into desperate determination to try and save their father. Ackles has got some genuine potential to be a real acting powerhouse if he's able to get challenging material.
Posted by: Emily at May 2, 2007 02:17 PM
Dude!!!!!! So can not wait for tommorrow! I have been anticipating this episode for a month now. And of course Ackles is a strong actor that is what all us fans have been trying to tell the world of Hollywood! That boy is amazing! I can't wait for the season finale either! This is going to be an exciting heart pounding three weeks!
OMG! I've been waiting for this episode for months. This whole season I have held myself back from spoilers but this was the one episode I've been following up on. I absolutely cannot wait for this episode. Supernatural is the best series on television.
Posted by: Ashley at May 2, 2007 03:10 PM
Ohhhh. I hate it when Jensen cries because then I cry. But this episode sounds like it's going to be a really good one. I can't wait. One more day!
Posted by: Ashley at May 2, 2007 03:44 PM
Supernatural is an intelligent show -- the scripts, the art and everything is precise.
Posted by: Veronica at May 2, 2007 03:49 PM
"Who knew Ackles was such a strong actor?" I've known since Dark Angel that Jensen Ackles is a strong actor and he has repeatedly demonstrated that througout Supernatural.
Posted by: Isobel Swan at May 2, 2007 04:09 PM
Oh man! I so can't wait for this episode! :D
- JESSICA!!!
- MOM WINCHESTER!
- ANGST!
- Dean slept with Sam's prom date! I'd be pissed if this was on their "real world", but in an AU it's funny! Man, that's got to hurt! LOL! Poor Sammy! Dean, you sly dog!
Posted by: Mia at May 2, 2007 04:37 PM
If Supernatural doesn't come back for a third season, I'm going to be SO sad. Take Smallville away, that show's no good anymore, but please don't take the Winchesters away!! I think both boys have great potential in acting and this show is working up to it. I can't wait for this episode and to see how Ackles does.
Posted by: Cora at May 2, 2007 04:41 PM
OMG! Wow! Sounds like another show stopping episode. I cant wait!
Posted by: marie at May 2, 2007 04:48 PM
I have to say I'm looking forward to Episode 20 more than any other episode I spoiled myself on this season -- including the finale. Jensen really is a tremendous actor and he is going to knock this out of the park. Thanks for the nod to the STV site and for posting this!
Tracer
Posted by: tracer at May 2, 2007 05:15 PM
"Who knew Ackles was such a strong actor?" At last, people are opening their eyes to this very talented guy. He is truly the foundation of the Supernatural series. I think, just as Gillian was the weak link and David the star of The X-files in the beginning of that show, Jared is the weak link on Supernatural. However, put the two guys together, again like The X-files, and you have an undeniable chemistry that blossoms on the screen and is the true reason why people all over the globe tune in each week. I can only hope that Supernatural will have a long and happy life on The CW and who knows, a few years down the road, perhaps we will see the Winchester boys on the big screen -- just like The X-files.
Posted by: Sandra at May 2, 2007 05:21 PM
Thank you for one of the best reviews I've read yet for such a deserving show. This show is just amazing as is the talent of the writers, actors and crew. This episode sounds like its going to be the jewel of the season and I can't wait -- though the end is far too near.
I want the season to end, but then again I don't. It'll be a tear buster for sure -- and I'm not to sure if my eyes can take that much. I mean the last season finale I cried sooooo much and this season is sooo intense. I'm just not going to survive -- and definitely with Mary and Jess coming back it's just not right for the poor boy. I've been hearing that Daddy Winchester is still dead in that episode, and that there's a possibility that Sam might be "dead" in the finale.
Posted by: Kyrie at May 2, 2007 06:42 PM
:)
Posted by: Danielle at May 2, 2007 06:47 PM
Jensen is a superb actor; I've known that all along and I'm glad Supernatural is finally giving him an episode to show his true potential. This episode looks like the emo episode of the show, perfect! Must remember to buy an extra box of tissues before the episode airs tomorrow!
Posted by: Shannon at May 2, 2007 07:21 PM
I think most fans of Supernatural have known how great an actor Jensen Ackles is. Ever since last year's season finale when he pulled out the big guns in the last episode this has been well known. Not only that, Jared is superb as well. They both can act their asses off and I'm so happy that people -- other than their fans -- are starting to notice. Jensen and Jared have done a great job in a lot of the other episodes this season as well, not only this one. I can't wait for this episode!
Posted by: Amanda at May 2, 2007 08:14 PM
(The emotions Dean is feeling in this scene surface once again at the end of the episode.) I sure hope this means they come to the surface when he is rescued by "Real Sam." Thank you for this review! Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki are truly amazing actors and Jensen is going to nail this like he always does!!! Their talent and their magic together is what keeps me glued to this show week after week and I sincerely hope Supernatural lasts for many, many seasons! It is my favorite show and frankly the only show I have been interested in in a very long time. Supernatural is truly a one of a kind gem. I can hardly wait for tomorrow! Go Jensen! :) :)
Posted by: JoAnne at May 2, 2007 08:52 PM
Jensen is such a great actor. I can't wait to see him falling apart. I just saw one spoiler picture of the last episode, and Jensen's face just break anyone's heart. Now I just wish him the best. And I can't wait for him to become a huge star.
Posted by: Rcot at May 2, 2007 09:22 PM
Anyone who didn't know Jensen Ackles was that talented has not been paying attention, but maybe they were distracted by the undeniable cute of Jared Padalecki. I actually tuned in for the pilot just to see Jensen and have grown quite fond of the duo acting on the show. I'm just ecstatic that Jensen is getting some praise. He doesn't get nearly enough. He's kept me coming back to the show time and again. Can't wait for this epi.
Posted by: trufaith at May 2, 2007 10:36 PM
OMG! Only by reading this review I began to shed tears! Aww -- Jensen is such an incredible actor!
Love Supernatural. Never missed an episode. Can't wait til Thursday.
Posted by: Natasha at May 3, 2007 01:46 AM
"Who knew Ackles was such a strong actor?" Seriously, who didn't know? I want to marry that man and have his babies. He is so incredibly talented (and gorgeous, and charming, and funny -- shall I go on?). I can't wait for this episode. I don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight!!!
Posted by: Justine at May 3, 2007 01:53 AM
Can't wait for this episode, and I have a longer wait as I live in England!! Ackles' acting has been evident throughout the show and in his acting career - specifically in the awards he won during his time on Days of Our lives. He switches easily between humor and angst and this show's intelligent script writers give him that opportunity more frequently. I genuinely hope that The CW know what potential this show has and that it just keeps getting bigger on this side of the pond.
Posted by: CdeWinter at May 3, 2007 03:23 AM
So glad to see that at long last, Supernatural is starting to get noticed. Jensen Ackles is a very talented young man and getting better all the time. While still in his teens, he had two nominations for his acting while in the soap, "Days of our Lives". If he has been overlooked, in favor of other less talented folks, then lets concentrate now on paying closer attention to his work.
The two stars, Jensen and Jared, work very well together and challenge each other to bring their best work to each and every episode. Kudos to all involved in bringing us this delightful show.
Posted by: Chris at May 3, 2007 05:01 AM
Dark Angel's second season episode "The Berrisford Agenda" showcases Jensen Ackles' talents the best. This episode shows why Jensen is such an awesome Dean.
Posted by: MK at May 3, 2007 01:24 PM
Dean did what? With who? WHEN? WHAT!!!! AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Posted by: Maria at May 3, 2007 03:00 PM
Well, the ep has aired and it was all that it promised to be. I didn't know who Jensen and Jared were before this show, but now -- how could I not know? Those two guys are great. They can say so much with their facial expressions. I was in tears for that episode. Dean was incredible. A powerful performance throughout. Yeah, sure, we got the laughs (have you been drinking?) and the grins (this is the best sandwich ever!) but the tears were the best, and the brotherly scene at the end. To die for! Supernatural is the best!
Posted by: Nilah at May 4, 2007 08:05 AM
"Who knew Ackles was such a strong actor?" Ha ha ha, I gotta add into the chorus of "We did!" That boy's knocked it out of the ballpark since years back. He's pulled brilliant moments out of everything he's been cast in. The fight with his father in Devour is authentic and riviting, and come on...it's Devour. We're not talking quality cinema. Ackles has blockbuster range and the capacity to fully invest himself in the reality of the persona he takes on. Padalecki had a little trouble with that in season 1, but in season 2 of SPN, Ackles seems to have rubbed off on him, and he's delivered some excellent performances himself.
Posted by: Meredith M. at May 4, 2007 10:54 AM
Jensen Ackles has always been a strong actor, but even a great actor needs good writing to reach the stratosphere. Supernatural gives him the amazing material he needs to hit it out of the ballpark. He always puts subtle insight into his characters and Dean Winchester is no exception. The beauty of this show is the writers realized what they had and actually wrote the complex, emotional scenes to let him shine. Few actors could portray all the diverse, conflicting facets of Dean. Ackles brings this fascinating, complex, intense man to life every Thursday night. If you are not watching Supernatural you are missing out on the very best TV has to offer. The chemistry and tremendous acting bring these Winchesters to life. The family dynamic coupled with the epic battle of good vs. evil makes this show must see TV.
Posted by: bjxmas at May 4, 2007 12:05 PM
Absolutely my favorite episode so far. Jensen and Jared are truly amazing. It seems like a whole lot of us knew that Jensen "was such a strong actor". The story was extremely well crafted -- what television should be but never is. Can't wait to buy season 2 on dvd. Supernatural is the only show that matters!
Posted by: loretta at May 4, 2007 07:03 PM
Supernatural is a great show. Both Jensen and Jared are good actors. They compliment each other's personality. I hope they don't kill Sam off because I don't think they will make it to a fourth season without him. My opinion is they need each other to make it work. This is an excellent show! The CW has a hit! Just hope they know it!
Posted by: Julie at May 14, 2007 09:43 PM
I love Jensen Ackles. I think he is a really cool. I can see him in a lot of roles (as in movie and TV roles) like Leo in The Departed, the young Jack Bauer in 24 and in chick flicks like Sweet Home Alabama. He can fit into roles played by Keanu Reeves (Speed, Marix and Constantine).
