Something felt different about Supernatural at this year's Comic-Con. Yes, show leads Jensen Ackles (Dean Winchester) and Jared Padalecki (Sam Winchester) weren't there, with Misha Collins (Castiel) and Jim Beaver (Bobby Singer) in their place, but that wasn't it. Sure, creator Eric Kripke, and executive producers Sera Gamble and Ben Edlund were there for the third year in a row delivering enticing teasers for the new season, but that was nothing new either. Neither was the massive line of fans winding outside ready to pack the large 6BCF ballroom. If anything, Supernatural's popular presence at the con (along with Smallville) warranted a larger room.
No, this year Supernatural established that it's no longer the show that could. It's now the show that did. Welcome to the status of established veteran.
(A light spoiler ahead if you squint hard enough).
"We never dreamt it would go five years. At least I didn't," Eric Kripke said about his show in the press room before the panel. Dreamt or not, the attending writers and cast had plenty of excitement to share about the upcoming season five story lines. As usual though, they only gave enough to tease, stirring up restless fans in the process. Judging by their wicked delivery at both the press conference and panel, that's exactly the way they like it.
"We’re supposed to be coy I’m told," Ben Edlund told us a couple of times with a grin during his session. Jim Beaver was a bit more honest when asked specifics about his storyline. "I'd love to answer these, but I’d still love to do so and still have a job. Since I can’t, I won't."
Despite the season five buzz, the issue naturally came up about a possible season six, a controversy that's lingered ever since Kripke was quoted in a February Entertainment Weekly article to be against doing it (he's only contracted through season five). His mind seems to have changed since then (although there's reliable info that suggests that quotes from everyone in that article came after a really bad day on the set). "I’m going to cross that bridge when I get to it. I am breaking episode six of this season, my head is so far away from season six that I honestly have no idea... I’m very interested and anything can happen."
Article comments
1 - Mary (Bardicvoice)
Thanks, Alice! I'm looking forward to seeing everything you have to write!
I had to laugh at Kripke's admission that he never thought Supernatural would actually reach five seasons, and now that its ratings are getting stronger all the time and critics are actually beginning to notice it, it's no longer living on the potential cancellation bubble. I'm glad we'll get to see the full story Kripke had initially planned, and to not have it watered down and stretched out. If Kripke and company can come up with a strong new follow-up story (how do you top the apocalypse?), I'll be happy to watch that, too.
Funny how Dawn Ostroff's changed her tune ...
2 - Elle
Hi Alice!
I am looking forward to your Vampire Diaries coverage, because I'm very intrigued by this series!
3 - elenaM
Is Supernatural really off the bubble? I know Dawn finally said some positive things, but it sounded to me like she kept all the doors open, you know, "let's see what happens this season." So I'm worried now that Fringe will cut into Supernatural's audience. I'm really hoping the Vampire Diaries does well, mostly because it's now the lead-in to Supernatural, hoping it will introduce a new audience to an amazing show...Hmmm. Look at all this fangirl anxiety. I just really want a season 6 of Supernatural. I'd better go do something normal to ground myself. Thanks for the article, Alice!