Part two of my interview with Sera Gamble is quite different from the first. I get her response to Jared Padalecki cringing at her scripts, she lets us know just how dedicated Eric Kripke is to the show, and she answers a variety of fan questions about not only the show but her former writing partner, Raelle Tucker, Frenchies, and her latest projects. Just as in part one, she reveals some interesting information.
On a personal note, I was able to confirm from Jared Padalecki at the “Salute to Supernatural” convention in Chicago that he does indeed cringe when he sees your name on a script. In his words, he's either "naked, crying, or naked and crying." Do you take some twisted pride in that?
Jared is hilarious. The thing I actually do take pride in is writing to our actors' strengths. The reason I can write Jared and Jensen such emotionally demanding scenes is that I know they'll nail them. They're victims of their talent. And before people make the joke, I am so not talking about the naked thing. Come on. In all seriousness, our show isn't even in the running when it comes to the implied nudity competition on network television. We're positively restrained. All right, now that I've said that you're all free to go ahead and make the joke.
Is approval of what goes into the mythology happening by panel, or from Eric Kripke himself?
Mythology arcs are mostly hashed out in brainstorming sessions, headed up by Eric. As for approval — creatively, the buck stops with Eric. Thus has it ever been.
Eric Kripke. Madman or evil genius?
Both of these seem kind of negative to me. I wouldn't say he's entirely mad... or completely evil. He is, however, utterly dedicated to his work. Did you see Twilight? You know how Edward is with Bella? That's how Eric is with Supernatural.
Great comparison! I should explain that question. It came to me after watching Mr. Kripke with cheerful delight reminisce about creating “the most violent, brutal, anti-holiday holiday episode ever” in his closer look at “A Very Supernatural Christmas” on the season three DVD set. I do so love his mind (and that episode). As someone who has been there since the beginning, have you seen his enthusiasm increase throughout the seasons? Have there been times where he’s questioned why he does this to himself?
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Marthe
Hi, Alice. I enjoyed very much both parts of Sera's interview. It will be interesting to see character development for both boys as this season goes along. Here's hoping this particular comment section stays nice and war-free. ;-)
2 - Lana
Thanks for the interview Alice. I too want to see some more Sam development, but not only that for the entire rest of the season, since I am looking forward to many things this season. I really don't want to see Dean's mytharc stalled, since this is the very first time he had any part in the mytharc and since this show is ending soon, I'd expect it be hard for Dean's MA to catch up with Sam's who had three seasons to develop. It'd be nice to see some Sam development, and not have Dean's mytharc completely stalled or disappear. I'm sure the writers will figure out a way. Hopefully. :D
3 - morganslady
Alice,
Thank you for this interesting interview.
Sera,
Thank you for the insights into Supernatural.I can't wait to see how season 4 plays out.. And you like Eric's ending, I hope we do!!
On a personal note I have an 18 month old Shetland Sheepdog named My Supernatural Mojo.. He's my good Mojo.
4 - Alice Jester
Thanks Marthe, Lana, and morganslady for the positive feedback. I'm glad part two was satisfying. Thursday can't get here fast enough!
If anyone wants to contact me via personal message, I have a new "Contact Us" section up on my personal website. The link for the site is on my profile page or on the url next to my name on this comment.
5 - elle2
"If you were to write the very last episode of Supernatural, how would things end?
I'm so glad I don't have to figure this out. Also, I like Eric's ending."
That's terribly mean, Ms. Gamble!!! :-)
However, I applaud her willingness to take it on. :-)
Thanks for the second half of the interview...I've been jonesing for it since the first half posted.
I like the hints that there is more to come regarding Ruby, at least that's how I 'read' the part about Ruby's change in demeanor from Secretary girl -- an aside, so a much better actress, yeah, still not a GC fan -- and the current Ruby. To me that says Ruby still has a story to tell, like why she cares, and I'm hoping we learn it and then she dies -- finally.
Sounds like some more growth, self-actualization for both the boys. Despite the constant complaint that there is no Sam development, to which I heartily disagree, Sam's development has been constant, perhaps a bit low-key but it has been constant. He just doesn't come out and tell us everything, but that is truly Sam.
Sam has moved from find dad and go back to school, to find dad and find Jessica's killer and get revenge, to figure out what's up with his 'visions', to deal with Dad's death [ yes, that was underplayed unfortunately and EK admits it ] to become more involved in hunting and focusing there, to confront his powers and say NO -- 'course that got him killed, to save Dean and that's it no matter what it takes, save Dean and then face that absolute 'failure' -- which was so not his fault BTW---, to reawakening his powers, turning his back once and for all on 'normal' (Wishful Thinking) yet still maintaining that innocence such as prayer and yes, having to face some negatives there, as well as having 'developed his powers' and started to go on w/o Dean, to having Dean back and rediscovering the brotherhood bond, to saying NO, my choice regarding these poweres only to discover that sometimes the choice isn't absolute, there may need to be times of revisiting that choice (Halloween episode) and then again in Eppie 9 where he agreed, with Dean's tacit approval at the church to use his powers to then denying their use again when Ruby goaded him in episode 10...
to me, Sam's doing just fine with his development, especially as we see Ruby isn't content to leave his powers alone, and sometimes circumstances conspire against him and now that it's an option...sometimes it seems right.
Long message but that's my POV on Sam's development over 3 1/2 seasons, and it's just off the cuff. Reluctant and obsessed while somewhat idealistic (Wendigo, Faith, Shadows), focused and obsessive yet still idealistic (Everyone Loves a Clown, Houses of the Holy), focused, obsessive and willing to do anything (Mystery Spot, Time is on My Side, No Rest For the Wicked), focused, independent, obsessive and yet, still idealistic (Lazarus Rising, Wishful Thinking, The Great Pumpkin...Sam, Metamorphosis)
Just the highlights there.
Only 52 hours until the next Supernatural...I'm very excited!
6 - Mel(LoveJeter)
Thanks for posting the second half of the interview Alice and thanks again to Sera for answering all these questions!!
7 - kim
Thanks for posting the second part of your interview with Sera. I enjoyed her responses to your questions.
I struggle with polls because I have a hard time limiting myself to just one choice. Based on what we have gotten so far this season I had to choose more character development for Sam, but I am definitely hoping the rest of the season also includes a lot more brotherly moments and some insight into what Dean's mission for the angels is really all about.
P.S. I hope we don't get any more storylines about falling angel grace or special oak trees. :)
8 - tina
Alice thank you for the second part.And Sera for doing it.
It has given hope that Sam will have focus I was very interested in question about Sam and John and the comparison.
I wish a great second half of theseason for both the boys and their journeys.
9 - Erika
Both Sam and Dean are like John, and both are like Mary. I wonder if Sam will find out what Mary did in ITB. And I do hope he gets some special focus in the second half of this season, as he dearly needs it.
Thanks for the interview to both Alice and Sera. I liked finding out that GC was directed to be different from KC, I suspected as much. I think the audience needed a bit more old Ruby in there on first look, though, as it was disconcerting to see her so soft and snarkless.
10 - LindsayW
Alice,
Thank you so very much for being such a fabulous writer! I'm sure it's because of your skill that Sera could not pass up the opportunity to be interviewed by you! I am looking forward to more goodies like this all year long!
11 - Rachelly
Thanks, Alice, for the second part of the interview! You do a great job asking the questions we SN fans want to hear about! I really like Sera as a writer and look forward to what she'll bring to the second half of the SN season!
Thanks also for the polling opportunity! It feels so nice to be able to vote for what we'd like to see. I have to admit picking one is nearly impossible though! I adore the brothers and brotherly moments and can never have enough of them so part of me wanted to vote for more in the brothers category and yet, I'd like to see more development of Sam's character as I am feeling a bit detached from his character this season. So those two would be my picks!
12 - Amanda (MysticKitty)
Thanks so much for part two of the Sera interview, Alice!
Haha, I love that you confronted her with Jared's hilarious comment...though she probably knew about it already, it was fun to see the sense of twisted amusement and glee that I was sure she must've gotten from it confirmed, hee! Don't worry though, Jared sweetie! It's quite understandable that you do cringe at seeing Sera's name on a script, but you do both of those things that she makes you do SO well, heehee. Whether seperately or together! ;-)
I also got a kick out of her comparing her dog to Uriel, LOLOL. Talk about 'beware of dog'!
Hopefully she's got a lot of intriguing stuff in store for the boys for the rest of this season (and the next) and GAH!!! She knows - and likes - Kripke's ending!!! So um...with the history of her writing and what she puts the boys through and all...should we be relieved by that or worried?! LOL. I'm not sure which one! Here's sincerely hoping that she likes ultimate endings that don't involve that whole 'tragedy' concept, though!!!
And thanks for the poll at the end of your interview as well, though I too am torn between two choices! I voted for stronger Sam character development in the end, but sometime before the poll is closed I've just gotta make it to another computer and vote for more relevant brotherly moments as well...cuz for the record, I'd dearly love to see both!
Great job on both interviews, Alice, much appreciated! Take care until next time! :-)
13 - Jamie
Thanks Alice & Sera.....really cool of you to put this out there. :)
14 - Deanna
Thanks, Alice! Great to see the second half. Sera is always a trip, and I'm sure you two had a ball with the interview.
Very much looking forward to your next article! And thank you for the poll, although I, too, was torn between stronger Sam development and more brotherly moments. I voted for the former, hoping it helps bring on the latter!
15 - Karmyn
Thanks Alice and Sera for a fantastic interview! The information has me chomping at the bit! Thought I'd get in quick with my comments before the deluge!
Re: finale. Talk about a cliffhanger response to the final question! Trust in Kripke must be the mantra. As a sidenote - I've never been on the TWOP website, I don't know anything about what is discussed there. I often view Spn.tv as well as the LiveJournal's or Blogs of Spn reviewers that I like. I hope Spn staff realise (in the words of Castiel) that "there's a bigger picture" - there is much more to this fandom than meets the eye or is reported on certain websites.
I don't know much about Twilight and am actively resisting it (despite the gals at work gushing about it). Please can someone interpret Sera's comment for me (re Eric towards Spn as Edward is to Bella) in a Supernaturally friendly way - as I'd actually rather not watch Twilight for the answer. (sorry Twilight fans).
I resist being classified as a Sam or Dean fan. I love the show. I have watched the show from Day 0 and love both characters like children, as in you love each child completely but recognise their individual differences. And I have to say that this season - we need more Sam insight and character development.
I understand that there is a 'show and tell' element to fiction and most fans have noticed the 'show' element - that Sam is not all lollipops and candycanes. But there needs to be more 'tell' - more explicit insight into Sam's character changes and the motivations of characters associated with him - especially when said characters (ahem, Ruby) are working as plot devices for Sam's storyline and have obscure intentions. I'm not asking for this in relation to minutes of screentime - Sam is quite different from Dean and his emotional responses could be conveyed differently from Dean's responses but in a manner that is just as emotionally valid and that furthers Sam's storyline. See Mystery Spot and I know what you did last summer. Lets hope we are not limited to Sam's 'reveal' only once per season.
I love our boys equally (don't worry I know they are fictional characters!) - but hell, I'm worried about our Sammy! We started this journey together with the Winchester brothers. I bonded with Sam and Dean emotionally from the start - a great indication of character creation. I feel I know Dean Winchester very well because I've been fortunate enough to follow his journey since 2005. I haven't felt that with Sam - in fact I feel like I've had to fill in the gaps for Sam's actions in many episodes. Sometimes he behaves as I'd predicted (e.g., Hunted) but other times he is a complete mystery to me (e.g., most of Season 4). That may be OK for an ancillary character but for a lead? I suppose I'm not sure whether that is an element of his character or of the writing. I don't think it is an element of his acting because I think that Jared is doing a fantastic job wih Sam. I also believe that he and Jensen are among the best actors of the next generation. They will be the next Brad Pitt and Matt Damon (both of whom are commonly lauded for their looks but actually can act - and quite well!). We are fortunate to have them both on our awesome show.
This is such an amazing show and the brotherly relationship has touched me more than any other relationship I've seen on television. I started this journey in 2005 with the Winchester brothers - I don't want to lose either brother along the way.
16 - Kayleigh
Thanks so much for the interview Alice and Sera!
It's so hard to think about the show ending. Atleast a Season 5 looks very likely so Eric will have the opportunity to end the show his way.
Bonus points to her for referencing Twilight!!
17 - tash
Thank you alice, fantastic article, it was wonderful to learn more about Sera as she is one of my favorite writers.
Karmyn that was a fantastic post, I agree entirely.
18 - Suze
Great interview ... Cheers.
She likes the ending ... AAARGH! That's Sam f*cked then! :)
19 - Luisa
Thank God, i love your poll Alice, Sam has been ignored for almost two seasons now. I desperately want more Sam development and of course brotherly moments but I'd forsake practically all other choices for some kind of idea what's going on inside this supposedly joint lead character's head right now.
I love Sam. But I barely know him lately because of all the constant making him background scenery.
20 - Edith
Wonderful second part of the interview Alice. Thank you so much. Also thank to Sera for her time and graciousness in answering the questions.
As far as the brothers go, I'm sure we'll continue to great stuff for BOTH of them. I do have to echo the request for a bit more explanation about what's happening in Sam's head. Not that we haven't gotten some great stuff for Sam already, but I have a much harder time getting a handle on him and his motivation and I think it's because he tends to internalize so much. I'd love to see his headspace really explored.
Here's just one example. I'm really wondering what Sam thinks or feels about his mother and father. We've gotten little, if anything, over the past two-three years on Sam's relationship (or non-relationship) with his parents and I would venture to guess his feelings have changed since the first season. I'm not even sure if Sam knows what Mary did. I'm very, VERY curious as to what his feelings are toward them. I think if you'd ask me and the next fan how he feels toward his parents you'd get two entirely different answers based on our different interpretations of the character because we haven't gotten much from the show. Maybe that's what the writers want, but I'd prefer to know the writers' opinion about this (and other things) because that's what counts.
It seems that one of Sam's character traits is to be extremely guarded about what's going on in his head. If that is the case, my hope is that the writers might consider giving the viewers more chances to get inside there. I don't think he's going to let us know the way Dean does because the boys are so different, but are there ways for us to see inside that fit more with his character?
As far as Dean, I really, truly hope that he is able to get past his crushingly low self-esteem, and it sounds like he will to some extent. To keep him there just feels wrong. At some point I think he has to at least start to move on from that. I feel there's so much more to him and I'm JUST as curious to find out why the angels wanted him and what exactly they want him to do.
As always thanks to all the writers for their hard work and for putting up with us fans.
21 - Kaye (samjacklover)
Wonderful interview Alice. I love hearing about Sera. All the questions were great.
22 - Mary (Bardicvoice)
Great job with the interview, Alice, and many thanks to Sera for participating!
I'm with others who find it hard to pick one answer in a poll. But as long as the show keeps giving us the Winchester brothers, I'm happy!
Hmm - Sera likes Eric's ending, huh? Guess that leaves us with angst and sex ... *grin*
23 - Margaret
Hi,
Wonderful interview, than you for sharing!
As for the poll, I would give anything, just anything to have more Sam character development!It has been the biggest let down for me this season, and would make everything just about awesome if they showed us a bit more Sam.
24 - Sherry
I don't mind some Sam character development but it shouldn't come at Dean's expense. We haven't even gotten any insight to Dean's PTSD or what the angels/God want with Dean and there thinking about stalling his mytharc. Why for there shiny new demon, Ruby the wonder b**** and his daddy issues, you know the one he was disrespectful and selfish with and the one Sam is turning into. And I really don't want Sam taking Dean for granted because Sam has been Dean's support for so long, I would hate for that to change.
Alice, it seem that you and Sera are Sam biased and don't like Dean as a character? Sera always writes Sam's sex scenes and guy writes Dean's. Why don't you try writing sex scenes for Dean, Sera?
25 - tina
Sherry I respect ypur opinion but really coming at Deans expense? If anything it,s been the other way round .
Sam has to have development it isnt Deans exclusive right , no it shouldnt affect Dean but neither should Deans affect Sams .
Both of these wonderful characters deserve focus and attention and Sam as been neglected for to long and needs to be addressed thats all .