Unsung Heroes in the Supernatural TV Series

Feb 10
10:04

2009

Joe Owens

Joe Owens

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

There was a time when Heroes had such a phenomenon. Fans all around the world are all waiting for the conclusion of Supernatural TV series such as these seldom achieve such a cult following.

mediaimage
Fans all around the world are all waiting for the conclusion of Supernatural TV series such as these seldom achieve such a cult following. There was a time when Heroes had such a phenomenon. However,Unsung Heroes in the Supernatural TV Series Articles in recent seasons, Heroes has again and again, failed to deliver riveting and un-recycled material.

The show really pulls of the plot. It uses all the past elements such as past characters and situations and weaves them in the present story to create a much layered show that would satisfy any critical viewer. Another note worthy thing about the Supernatural TV series is its soundtrack. Alexandra Patsaves, the show’s incredible supervisor for music is the one who makes sure that the supernatural TV series sound remains a bad ass classic rock. Just look at the line up of bands and musicians used in the show. You’ve got the demonic sound of AC/DC, along with the rocking beats of Creedence Clearwater Revival, and the hardcore Bad Company and you’ll end up with a soundtrack from hell.

Let’s take a look at another aspect of this show that may not be awarded notice by most but definitely deserves some praise. I’m talking about the character of Bobby Singer played by Jim Beaver. He is Jim’s friend but has now come to play a more important part in the boys’ lives with the absence of their father. He is now the father figure for the boys which is funny because we all know the gruffness of the guy’s character. His acting is really stealing the show in some scenes. He’s really raised the bar of his performance in this last season. The lovably but flawed personality of his character is somewhat reminiscent of his small stint character in the HBO original’s Deadwood.

The story of Supernatural revolves around the lives of two Brothers played by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles. These are Sam and Dean Winchester. Their mother died and left a great many mysteries that they could not live with unless it was solved. Their father is also missing. It turns out that their father is a demon hunter. The two go on an American road trip to find the father who is also the key to all the mysteries.

The creators certainly know what they are doing. The plot line hooks audiences like onlookers to a roadside accident, or flies to a corpse. Dean saved Sam’s life by selling his soul to a powerful demon. In exchange for Sam’s life, Dean will go directly to hell after one year. The story of the third season is about the two tries to find a way to avert this disaster.

The majority of "Supernatural's" screen time is spent with Sam and Dean; thus, the show pretty much lives and dies with the chemistry between the show's leads. Thankfully, both Padalecki and Ackles mesh perfectly, and they manage to capture that unique bond between close brothers that rides the fence between love and animosity. Plus, they both have great comedic timing that really adds to the show's integrity. The humor is genuinely funny, with Ackles in particular swinging for the fences with his spot-on delivery. Based on his performance in "Supernatural," I'd probably go to see almost anything he appears in next; yes, even the 3-D remake of "My Bloody Valentine."

The unsung hero of "Supernatural" has to be Alexandra Patsavas, the Music Supervisor who oversees the show's kick-ass classic-rock soundtrack. While so many programs use and abuse well-known tunes until neither the song nor the band have a meaning left to them (Roger Daltrey, Pete Townsend, I'm looking at you), Patsavas' choices and placements punctuate the scene. The use of Kansas's "Carry on My Wayward Son" for the series recap before the season finale alone is proof of the genius on display here. Compound that with tracks from AC/DC, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Bad Company, and you've got yourself a soundtrack to take notice of. Hell, even Asia and Bon Jovi sound good filtered through the ears of "Supernatural."

Running a close second in the unsung hero category would have to be John's friend Bobby Singer (Jim Beaver), who in the absence of the elder Winchester really steps it up this season. Beaver's a great character actor who's been working steadily since the late 70's and a person I've been waiting to see more of since his thirty-five-episode stint as Whitney Ellsworth on "Deadwood" came to an end a few years ago. With Sam and Dean's father gone for good, Bobby fills in the best he can as a father figure for the boys and brings several touching moments to the third season, all thankfully delivered through his lovably gruff personality.