A seven-week hiatus can be rather maddening. Given Supernatural’s explosive season four and the mind-boggling material that’s been presented for ten episodes, this long time to reflect has left me with more questions than answers. I’m sure I’m not alone.
Thankfully Sera Gamble, supervising producer and writer for Supernatural, an instrumental player in developing the show’s story lines, was generous enough to answer some questions about season four during the break as well as address a few of my other curiosities. She even opted to tackle a few fan questions I sent her way.
Below is part one of my two-part interview in which Sera gives her thoughts on the introduction of angels to the mythology, the introduction of Castiel, Dean’s faith issues, and Sam and Ruby's strange relationship. Heck, she even talks about the life-sized teddy bear.
This is where I must offer the standard spoiler warning, but I wouldn’t call them heavy spoilers, more like teasers. If you don’t even want hints though, stop right here.
First, congratulations on season four so far. It's been generating some big buzz and the increased ratings are proving that. How happy is everyone about that?
We're happy. Also surprised. Eric [Kripke] emailed us the day after the premiere and I marched into his office holding my bowl of Cheerios like, "You're lying. We did not pick up a million viewers." He just shrugged and said he was a shocked as I was.
You guys went there! Just when everyone had written off the idea of angels appearing, we get not only one but two badass angels in the most spectacular way. When it was pitched in the writers' room that angels would drive story line this season, was it obvious from the start that they would be wrathful, unfeeling, and flawed in their blind obedience, or did that evolve over several episodes?
Angels weren't pitched in the writers' room. Eric started talking to me about them just before hiatus. They'd sorta been in our hip pocket, but I don't think the show was ready for them before now. I've discovered, working on Supernatural, that a lot of good ideas don't work at all until the time is right. And then they just slot magically into place. This was like that.
Our notion of the angels has evolved a bit, yes. Less that they're different in their construction, more that we've become more thorough and creative in developing them as individuals and weaving them into the story. There's an episode coming up that opens in Castiel's point of view. That's a strong indication of how central the character has become this season. It was an organic evolution; we discovered that we were just unexpectedly inspired by these creatures. It was clear to us that when they were in the sandbox, cool stuff happened on the playground. And it's interesting to me, by the way, that you call the angels "unfeeling" and "wrathful," because I don't see them that way. Castiel wrestles hard with his obedience. Turns out it's really hard for angels to walk among humans and not get kinda... involved.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - elle2
Alice,
Fantastic interview. I love Sera Gamble and her interviews and this was no exception. I had been one who posted comments on a fansite that the whole Ruby/Sam scene was straight out of Monster's Ball in its setup and execution so it is satisfying to see that I 'channelled' Sera's thoughts as well.
As an aside, Monster's Ball is a compelling, complex, at times deeply disturbing and very raw film but fascinating.
I'm of the mind to see the Ruby character killed off this season because I find myself a bit tired of waiting for the 'other shoe to drop' what is her endgame? Sera's answer is satisfying in that it tempts me enough to know that there is more coming...yeah! They may not kill off the character but further reveals and development absolutely work for me, so I'm pretty confident I'll be very happy.
As for the other tidbits they've got coming our way, I continue to be completely stoked for the rest of the season. There seems to be so much talent and passion for what they're doing and I really appreciate their time and effort (as well as their willingness to put up with so much from the fans -- here I'm purely referencing the negative things from the fans 'cause it irks me to know end and has caused me to leave all fandoms for the show 'cause there is just so much anger, hate and nastiness.)
Alice, you're a class act and I just added your site to my favs list for SPN and am starting to explore. Whee.
Laurel
PS, I'm so glad Sera got it right too, pet peeve of mine but so many call it the book of Revelations when it is only Revelation no plural. Thank you Sera for getting it right.
2 - hermit
>>>>>>Needless to say, Jensen kills it. Very talented actor, that Jensen. You may have noticed.<<<<<<
Yes we have Sera, and I not only agree, but greatly enjoy watching such a talented actor bring so much to a show that I love very much. Thanks for the interveiw Alice and Sera.
3 - Em
Sera gave some wonderful answers. I agree with her about the angels, I don't know why you are so negative towards them, Alice. :) They aren't unfeeling and wrathful. Castiel has been a wonderful addition, I really want to see how his and Dean's "relationship" progresses. He'd show some real compassion for him in 4.07 I thought. I even enjoy Uriel, not because he's a nice guy, but because he is a bit of a dick, so I like how he and Dean insult each other but he almost seems to be gaining just a slight grudging respect for him - at least before they stole Anna's bottle of grace from him. Hopefully he'll get over it.
I'm very glad they've added the angels. It feels like they've been inspired by them just like she said. Except for Anna, who is a character I wish I had never had to lay eyes on. Boo hoo, no chocolate cake and God didn't call her often enough[eyerolls]. Might have been better if they hadn't written her like a whiny teenager. I believed she was ever Castiel and Uriel's superior about as much as I believe someone has a bridge in Brooklyn to sell me. LOL
"Needless to say, Jensen kills it. Very talented actor, that Jensen. You may have noticed."
Why yes Sera, I do believe I have. :D He's just a wonderful actor and no matter how annoyed the show gets me from time to I will forever be grateful to Kripke and the rest for introducing me to Jensen Ackles acting.
4 - alie
This was a great interview and I'm so excited for the show to come back!
I love Sera's answers about Sam, his powers, and why he's using them. I like that she put so much thought into Ruby and the host body. That episode made me interested in Ruby again for the first time all season, and I hope the character continues to have something to do. When she shows up for 1 minute to just Yoda at Sam I'm bored. If she's more integrated into the plot she could be a great character.
5 - Alex
Hello, Sera. Newsflash: Sam's story isn't writing itself. If that's the track you're taking, then no wonder he has practically no story at all. With the exception of a couple of scenes, we are past the halfway point this season with a mytharc full of nothing but Angels and Dean. Sam Winchester is a guest star. And please, dear God, don't bring that dumb Anna back (her body exploded, for the love of God). And no long lost third Winchester brother. If that's the best you guys can come up with, let this be the last season.
6 - Kady
Nice interview! I'm looking forward to part two. Any idea when that's coming?
7 - Alice Jester
Kady - Part two will be out on Sunday or Monday.
I must say, I'm tickled with the answers I got, especially about Sam and Ruby. Those two are so misunderstood, its great to get some clarification from the person that actually wrote their controversial sex scene.
As for the angels, Castiel is not unfeeling or wrathful, although he knows he has to be at times. Job requirement. We saw that in both "Are You There God..." and "Heaven and Hell." Uriel was the one I had in mind when I asked that, but the question didn't come out very clear. My bad. Sera's answer on that was great.
8 - El
Thanks Sera and Alice! Great interview - and really interesting info about the writer's POV re Ruby and Sam, Angels and God, Dean's new direction and Sam's too, with his powers. I really really like the direction the show's taking this season - so I'm concerned that the Powers That Be don't over-react to some fans' reaction to these. I don't want this to be a show where characters or ideas or plots get "voted out".
9 - Tammy
"If that's the best you guys can come up with, let this be the last season." If you feel that way, perhaps you should just stop watching. :D
10 - Rachel
Most of the questions are longer than the answers, why is that? I think it is something the interviewer must think about.
11 - kk
If calling it a love scene is so hilarious, why was Gen Cortese cast as a "love interest" instead of a demon? She even said it herself, that she thinks Ruby is in love with Sam.
I'm disappointed to hear that she'll be sticking around longer. She's the one thing that makes me change the channel.
12 - Kate
/Most of the questions are longer than the answers, why is that? I think it is something the interviewer must think about./ Yes, darn her for explaining herself, and Sera giving short answers. All the interviewers fault of course.
13 - Karen
I guess I'm not getting my Christmas wish about not having much Ruby in the second half of the season. I'm glad Sera's having fun writing for Ruby, it sure as hell isn't any fun watching her.
14 - amy
Thank you so much for this interview. It was a pleasure to read. Sara Gamble is my fav SPN writer, can't wait to read the second part.
15 - vichi
Hi Alice,
Good to have you back:). What a wonderful interview! Thank you so much and a Happy New Year!
As for Castiel: Yay! Glad to see him more in tha show..
Ruby - better not to talk about her!
Can't wait for 15 january:)
16 - tina
No wonder I have detatched from this show. Sera , Eric, writers are you there hello? there is someone on your show whats his name? now dont tell me , he used to have a mytharc , tall guy , very pretty played by a stunning actor , the one wwho isnt Dean thank god, or a secondary angel.Begins with a S, how about you get your act in order and focus on him, and I will not be treated like a fool , Dean ,s should have a role in the mytharc not become it, I will not pretend 3yrs never happened to suit you.
17 - Riverbella
Really enjoyed this interview. Sera is always fun. The woman has chutzpah. I am loving this season, for many of the reasons you mentioned. I think I get what Sera meant about things happening at the right time. The show has become darker and the mythology more sophisticated over time, and, to my mind, the continuity is amazing and the revelations (no pun intended) do not come before their time. The changes in the characters are not random or thrown in for effect, but formed from a natural progression of experiences, mostly awful ones. But I'm a big fan of angst, so that suits me just fine. I do wish some of the fans would take the long view and focus on the evolution of the boys' journey rather than jealously counting the screen time of x versus y. Both these actors are amazing and they both have had moments to shine, seperately and together. We are so lucky to have two such talented (and gorgeous) guys to watch, and two guys so hard-working and commited to their craft.
18 - Mary (Bardicvoice)
Thank you for the interview, Alice! I'm really looking forward to part two ... I always enjoy hearing from Sera.
I am loving season four! Even this show's occasional "Uh, say WHAT?!" moments are better than most of what else is on television.
19 - Lauren
Tina - you have to be kidding me! It seems to me that this interview is completely biased toward Sam and Jared, c'mon. Alice GUSHES over Jared's performance in 4.9 - and it's pretty obvious she was looking to excuse Sam's hookup with Ruby. Thank goodness Sera brings up Jensen's performance in one of her answers or I doubt that he would even be discussed here. And I'm sure part 2 will be all about Jared/Sam and the sex scenes. Whatever. I wonder if any of the "fan" questions will be about Jensen/Dean at all.
20 - ButterflyGal
Great interview, Alice! This has to be one of the most informative interviews with an SPN writer I've ever read. I loved reading Sera's take on the Sam/Ruby sex issue, and her perspective on Castiel and his feelings toward Dean. Also great fun to hear about them building the teddy bear! Can't wait to read the rest of the interview!
21 - crystalrach
Great interview!
With regard to the 66 seals etc, I too researched for my website, yes they do twist things a LOT. My findings are here.
22 - *bright73
Thanks for the interview! Glad to hear there's a Sam coming this season! I am a bit nervous about the 'Sam's storyline writes itself'. I hope that doesn't mean there will be only guessing between the lines?
I'd be so happy to see just how fucked up those lemons are!
Thank you!
23 - Shelby02
Thanks for the interview, but oh how I wish you could ask some follow-up questions! I found Sera's take on Sam/Ruby very interesting. I agreed with her that Sam sleeping with Ruby was Sam at his lowest point. If that was the message the writers were trying to send, than why did they play the scene were Dean reacts to what Sam shared for laughs? It totally lessened the impact of trying to paint Sam as desperate and his relationship with Ruby as self-destructive. I would love to know Sera's thoughts on this!
24 - Jenny
Good God, I hope Sera Gamble doesn't take the interviewer's preference for that atrocity known as 4.09 and think that all fans loved the episode. Because most of us hated 4.09!
Please NEVER write episodes like 4.09 and 4.10 again or I will have to bail on my favorite show!
25 - Amanda (MysticKitty)
Thanks for the interview, Alice!
And a further thank you for your commendation of Jared's amazing work on this show, as well. It disheartens me how often I'll read material - articles, comments, etc. - in which Jensen is praised to the skies, but Jared, who is equally talented and wonderful, isn't even mentioned. I honestly don't understand it and wonder if these people are watching the same show that I am, the show with TWO incredible lead actors. Does Jensen deserve the praise? Of course he does. But Jared does too, and all-too often doesn't get it. So, thank you again.
I agree that this season is definitely explosive, and the new storylines are certainly interesting, yet at the same time, I've found myself disenchanted with it to a substantial degree. Dean's being pulled out of hell and the angels and the whole Apocalypse mytharc are no doubt dynamic plotpoints, and they do intrigue me, BUT...I miss Sam, and I miss the brother-bond. I've noticed that several Sam fans, bi-bro fans, and even quite a few Dean fans feel this way as well, and contrary to popular catch-all belief, it doesn't have a thing to with the "In the Beginning" episode (i.e. screentime), but everything to do with the fact that the only real storyline that Sam has this sesaon is Ruby/his demonic ties. Sam-storylines that had the potential for reaching more than one episode - for ex. the "Mystery Spot" aftermath, Steve Wandell aftermath, etc. - have been all but forgotten, his 'months while Dean was hell flashback' was confined to just half of an episode, having had to share space with the intro of inane Anna-Sue...heck, even John's death was given more mention than Sam's! What gives?
There's nothing wrong with Dean having been given a compelling post-hell mytharc and post-hell angst - how could either of those things not conceivably happen? - or with adding angels to the mix - we've seen Hell's side, it only makes sense that we'd eventually get to see Heaven's. But all this epicness and grandeur has all but sucked the brother-bond right out of the show and has been relegating Sam to the sidelines way too often, and there IS something wrong with that. I hope to goodness that Ruby doesn't get killed off anytime soon, cuz jeez, without her, being that the brother-bond is largely on the rocks, Sam would be left with mere scraps! Bottom line, being that it's all the way into S4, with only one more season (if that) left, I'd think both of the boys would have tons of storylines and involvement right now, not just one boy.
Don't really know what to make of Sera's answers, the line about Sam's story writing itself does worry me a bit, but I like that she mentioned the heroic quality of Sam using his powers for good...making lemonade out of some really messed up lemons, hee. I'm extremely nervous, but of course interested, to see where the rest of this season and this show goes next, and hopefully Sera and the other writers have a lot of great material in store for both of our boys. I've seen quite a few spoilers that worry me (and not in the good way) but I'll keep that hope nonetheless. Looking forward to part two of the interview, and thanks again for this one! :-)