mooses-unicorn-in-the-tardis reblogged
mooses-unicorn-in-the-tardis reblogged
the elephant in the room: the lack of Sam in SPN publicity
[I don’t want to say this on reblog of the relevant spoiler articles or interviews, because serial squee-harsher is not a great fandom identity and I already did the rant thing once on the Scooby Doo Dabb and Singer thing a couple of weeks ago, but I do want to talk about it. There have been discussions of Sam’s diminished role in the show itself, though I feel like even those have faded as people have grown resigned or drifted away, but I haven’t seen much public talk about the way the show is hyped specifically.]
Oh, look, some more Dean/Jensen exclusive publicity for SPN.
This is Dabb era, and in Dabb era SPN publicity is the “looks at smudged name on hand” meme brought to life.
When was the last time you read anything from Dabb that focused on Sam’s reactions and Sam’s story? When was the last time the major spoiler hooks featured Sam? When was the last time an episode was publicized with Jared interviews? When was the last time an episode summary focused on the centrality of Sam’s story?
Sam fandom raises the issue of Sam’s place in the show from time to time. The friendlier segments of Dean fandom say “yeah, I really think next season is going to be more focused on Sam.” But here we are in yet another “next season,” and we’re starting to get the big late-season spoilers, as well as the small fun-episode spoilers, and … they’re not focused on Sam. Even when Sam does have the emotional core of an episode (which usually means 2 minutes of intensity in half a season of blurred reaction shots and blows to the head, but we are genuinely excited and grateful), they come as a surprise. A pleasant surprise, sure, but no one from the show has been hyping the episode as “and there are some really great Sam moments.”
There is virtually nothing in the way the show is presented by TPTB and marketed to make it seem like they want anyone watching for Sam. ~The brothers~, yes, but ~the brothers~ is no longer shorthand for two equally weighted and developed characters. And I genuinely don’t understand why. Sure, Dean fandom is bigger (though that was less the case when the distribution of material was more even), but even if x is bigger than y, x + y is bigger than x alone. So many of the people I know who were drawn in by Sam’s story and Jared’s performance have stopped watching, and so many of those who are still watching do so with grim assertions of “I’m in this to the end of the line” rather than with expressions of present enjoyment.
[I know there are legitimate issues with the writing of Dean as well, aspects of Dean’s story that are neglected, points where his character seems flanderized or cheapened. (I’d argue that the lack of Sam as a real and equal alternative focus has not helped the writing and characterization for Dean.) ]
Anyway, I guess I’m feeling like this has become an elephant in the room. And it’s something I chat about in three PM windows at once, but not something I see much actual posting about, let alone questions in interviews or at cons.
I’ve pretty much stopped watching. I’m still writing fic (the marginalization of Sam in canon has the silver lining that it’s a goldmine for fic characterization), and from time to time I’ll catch up. But I haven’t watched an episode the night it aired in a long, long time, and that’s largely because, while I do every blue moon or so get after-the-fact “this had great material for Sam” publicity from my dash, the pre-episode material never makes it sound like a must-watch, exciting episode for Sam fans.
And I really don’t get why. This is not the Highlander, where there can only be one. Even if Sam’s arc is secondary, if they developed it and talked about it, it would draw some viewers, and there’s no reason to think it would lose other viewers. And if they had to think about what they were doing with Sam enough to present their thoughts to the audience, it might alert them to some of the writing weaknesses and imbalances that are affecting Dean and the show, as well as Sam.
All of this.
Sam’s marginalization is breaking my heart. I want to keep watching until the end, and I keep hoping he’ll get more screen time, but I’m losing hope.
ALL OF THIS.
Also the fact that it’s doubly disappointing BECAUSE it’s Dabb. I remember when it was first announced he would be showrunner I was sooOOO EXCITED because I knew he had written most of my favorite episodes and had been on board since season 4 and it was going to be SO. GOOD. I even made a full list of all his episodes to date and got evEN MORE excited like jump up and down, flapping, squeeing excited, because 70% of his episodes up to season 10 were Sam-centric, the other 30% were evenly split. And I (misguidedly apparently) thought he was going to give Sam a turn after a couple of years of Dean being in the spotlight.
Some of Dabb’s Sam-centric highlights include: -4x13 “After School Special” -4x19 “Jump the Shark -5x11 “Sam, Interrupted” -6x13 “Unforgiven” -7x03 “The Girl Next Door” -7x08 “Season Seven: Time For a Wedding” -7x14 “Plucky Pennywhistle’s Magical Menagerie” -8x14 “Trial and Error” (Also best Sam-hair episode of all time but nvm) Seasons 9 & 10 were still a good even split between the brothers, but after that...?
So one question: WHAT DAFUQ HAPPENED???
SAM: Means… I had a plan. You know? Help Jack. Bring Mom back. (13x12)
So @idontneedasymbol wrote a fantastic review of this episode, in which she pointed out what’s so extra great about this moment in the kitchen at the end. Yes, Sam’s talking about his feelings, but also he’s still NOT talking about a large part of what’s on his mind. He’s being honest when he tells Dean that he’s worried about Mary, and about Jack, and about not having a plan; but ‘what Rowena is dealing with’ isn’t just a generic feeling of helplessness, right? It’s a very visceral fear of Lucifer, and more than that, a shameful sense of culpability in her own suffering at his hands. Thinking about Lucifer makes her feel sullied, and afraid, and weak. That’s what Sam understands. But you can see in the moment where Sam says ‘she’s not the only one who…’ that he’s sort of trying to think how he could say all that, or whether he could say it, and he just… slides off into the easier explanation.
And Dean, looking up at him almost dead-eyed, I think knows that there could be a different answer to that ‘What do you mean?’. Sam could say something else here, about Lucifer, and what he did to him, and how it still makes Sam feel; he could say it, and Dean would have to carry the weight of that knowledge in full. But Sam looks at his brother - and it’s a long moment - and finds that after so long keeping silent, he still can’t quite put together the words.
When Dean tells Sam they’ll deal with it together, Sam looks unconvinced. I love that reaction which feels so right for where Sam is right now. Dean means it. He wants Sam to know he’s there for him.
But when I’m depressed, people giving me inspiring talks fill me with irritation. I love that Sam doesn’t keep arguing but he doesn’t seem relieved.
mooses-unicorn-in-the-tardis reblogged
make me choose meme @taliawinters asked sam in suits or sam in plaid?
mooses-unicorn-in-the-tardis reblogged
Anonymous asked:
I’m curious what you mean by “Death’s fascination with Sam will always be my favorite”. Whatever his interest was in Sam, he still wanted him dead in ep 10.23.
I don’t really see how that changes anything, though? You’re absolutely right, of course, Anon, but—perhaps especially in the wacky universe that is SPN—respecting someone and needing them out of your way are not mutually exclusive. The opposite is often true, I imagine!
Death recognized that even if he did this crap on a cosmic scale, Sam Fucking Winchester was such a stubborn fool badass he’d find a way to undo it, so he recognized the necessity for Sam’s death.
In any case, Death is perfectly aware that Sam doesn’t fear dying. He was calmly negotiating the permanence of his passing with Death in season 9, with a peace and readiness that I can only imagine made Death respect Sam. (That’s my headcanon, at least! I even wrote a fic about it.)
And respect Sam he does.
Let’s be entirely real here. Death said, “I consider it to be quite the honor to be collecting the likes of Sam Winchester. I try so hard not to pass judgment at times like this – not my bag, you see, but you… Well played, my boy.”
And when you think about it, that’s freaking legendary? How many souls of kings or epic warriors has Death moved along to their final resting place?
- The ageless being who was fated to reap God himself canonically respects Sam Winchester and would find it an honor to reap him.
Said ageless being, however, also realizes that Sam is stubborn and needs to be removed from the playing field, because if he can turn a destiny nearly as old as the earth itself on its head and overcome Lucifer by sheer force of will, what the hell can’t that boy do?
mooses-unicorn-in-the-tardis reblogged
Closeup of Morningstar by me
Amazing
mooses-unicorn-in-the-tardis reblogged
Illustration for Russian Spn Reverse Bang-2017 fanfic story “Destiny of the dragon” #3
shirosbigmeat-deactivated201812
i 0% recognize jared padalecki as sam when he’s not playing sam and i 0% recognize him as Good Sam when he’s playing Soulless Sam and that is true acting talent my dudes
Sam allows himself few luxuries. Not just because he doesn’t have the money, but because he often doesn’t think he’s deserving of nice things. It’s Jess who convinces him, after a run in some very ill supporting gym shoes, that he deserves to protect his feet properly. So Sam pulls some of his cash together, heads to a store and buys new gym shoes. Nothing fancy, but they’ll get the job done more so than his old pair.
Every year Sam gets a new pair, though he doesn’t when he’s soulless, because he prefers lunges, pulls and squats. Again there’s no new pairs when he starts the trials, because he’s too lethargic to lift his head, let alone run. And Sam doesn’t run when Dean’s having nightmares every night as the Mark of Cain eats at him.
New gym shoes are one of Sam’s only luxuries. Nothing too fancy. Nothing too bright. Nothing that could have paid for a motel room for a couple of nights.
Anonymous asked:
Do you have any headcanons on Sam and his clothes? [Disclaimer: My ramblings mostly stem from the idea “Sam owns some hideous shirts” which is more or less subjective.] I was watching some mid-season 5 episodes and basically every shirt Sam wore was pretty horrible, which I don’t simply chalk up to some sort of faulty fashion sense. I can’t imagine that young Sam had much say in what he wore. And I wonder if Sam sometimes associates actually liking his wardrobe with guilt or shame. (1/5)
I know that Sam eventually accepts the pool-hustling and the credit card scams, but I don’t think he’s ever exactly comfortable with the deceptive means by which he and Dean acquire money. Combining this with his low self-concept, I think, could easily result in an unease or even disgust with buying any clothing (or anything at all, for that matter) that might make him feel happy and good about himself. So in general I think he’s attempted to view his own clothing as strictly utilitarian. (2/5)
I have a sort of headcanon in which Sam “splurges,” buys a few shirts that he really likes. He wears one during a rare day off. Dean teases him – the fit and style aren’t quite what Sam usually wears – but secretly he thinks his little brother looks damn good and notes the extra attention Sam is getting from strangers. But Sam feels self-conscious, guilt-heavy, dirty, sick. He goes back to the motel early, alone, changes into a worn tee, stuffs the new shirt into the bottom of his bag. (3/5)
After their next laundromat visit, Sam sneaks off while Dean is napping at the motel and gives his new shirts to a homeless man on the street. He swears to himself that he’ll never be so stupid and selfish again. The next time they need to buy clothes and make a stop (at Goodwill or wherever), Sam grabs the cheapest (often ugliest) functional few shirts he can find in his generic size and stands waiting near the cash register for Dean to get out of the dressing rooms. (4/5)
[But let me say that, in my opinion, Sam’s wardrobe has been improving enormously. I loved most of the boys’ season 11 wardrobe (I’m still geeked over Sam’s blue-tone stripey plaid in “Safe House”) and Sam looked remarkably good in most of his. I think better-suited clothing must correlate (at least somewhat) with improved confidence and a healthier sense of self-worth, which I definitely wish for Sam.] So. Okay. Those are a few of my ramblings. But I’m always curious about your ideas. :) (5/5)
You’re amazing, Anon. ♥ Thanks for these wonderful messages; I really love your thoughts and headcanons even though they punch me in the feels.
It makes a lot of sense, and it makes season one all the more meaningful. At Stanford, Sam wore a lot of t-shirts and just… had a lot of things that were more personalized. He had his purple dog shirt and some hoodies and a big sticker on the back of his laptop. He owned things, and he claimed them.
I’ve always felt like Sam, while he is, of course, an excellent hunter, is at odds with hunting because he has always felt more like a thing that should be hunted than a man who should be hunting things. Hunting is a means to an end, a way to stay with Dean. It’s the family business, but it’s not something by which Sam defines himself and never has been. Dean takes pleasure in hunting and seems energized by the thrill of the chase.
The longer Sam has been a hunter, though, the more generic a lot of his choices have become. His clothing (as you pointed out!) is utilitarian rather than personal. His laptop is no longer adorned with silly stickers. His modest attempts to personalize the Impala in Dean’s absence have been mocked. His belongings are not his–not like Dean’s are. Sam loses himself in hunting, and not in a good way. He’s so alarmingly willing to throw his life at any good cause that I’m surprised he’s still alive.
It’s so much worse than Sam simply not knowing “home” like Dean does. It seems like he’s actively resisting becoming comfortable enough with anything or any place that may be taken away from him.
That, and plaid almost seems like the standard hunter’s uniform. Most of the hunters we’ve met have the same basic wardrobe: a few pairs of jeans and a plethora of plaid. It seems like he’s playing the part. He doesn’t expect to ever get away from hunting. He does what he has to, what he’s been taught to do, and he does it even when he’s soulless. He’s brought back even when he dies. His few attempts to escape for his own sanity have been the subject of mockery and anger from Dean and others (s8, anyone?). So he gets back in line, because his attempts to assert himself never end well. His clothes, the same old wardrobe with little variation for seasons, seemed to reflect that.
Aside from my more angsty headcanons, though, he just doesn’t seem to be as present in his body as Dean is. Physical pleasure and indulgent meals don’t appeal to him. He doesn’t really throw his weight around. More often than not, he seems to be trying to make himself smaller. I can see why buying flattering clothing just… might never occur to him at all.
I am absolutely with you about s11, though.
He started the season by asserting himself, demanding treatment as an equal and emphasizing saving people rather than only hunting things. And everything changed right along with him.
His clothes in s11 just make him seem more substantial. They fit his body like they’re meant to be there–like he got something in his size, for his body type. His clothing, while still the typical plaid, just feels more like it’s his. He tries to pursue a relationship with Piper. He has his TV in his room. He has no shame about indulging his hobby of learning about serial killers.
He just seems more real, more willing to step outside of his head and actually inhabit himself, and it’s amazing. I hope things continue to look up in s12.
Supernatural Hiatus Creations | Week Four Prompt: Sam Winchester
There are so many reasons why I love him so much, but here are just the top ones ♥
mooses-unicorn-in-the-tardis reblogged
Sam’s face in this scene kills me, then fills me with life. He’s been wanting this hug for 34 years! Just to be loved and appreciated by his mom and his brother. Both are so proud of him right now and thankful that he’s safe. Dean needs this too, as well as Mom, but Im so glad the writers gave this moment to Sam. For a moment, he lets all the pain and sadness wash away and be replaced with love and comfort. All he’s wanted his whole life. Ive watched this episode 7 times now and this scene still brings me to tears. What Jared does for Sam with just facial expressions is amazing.. Normally when Sam hugs someone,, because hes so tall, he leans down to accomodate the other. Not this time though, hes standing straight and tall,” let mom bury her face in my chest, let Dean rest his head on my shoulder, Im not a baby, Im not a little kid, Im a big strong man, and I did it all for you” And all these thoughts, feelings, and forgiveness come out in just body language and facial expressions! Jared hit this out of the park! In the scene just before this, Mom states that shes scared, what if Sam can’t forgive her? But Sam says “Mom, you dont have to be scared of me” and with just the tone of his voice, and the words Jared chooses to accent, is heart breaking and you know he’s already forgiven her and he isnt going to hold the past against her. Sam is a beautiful human being and we might not get to see that so clearly if Jared didn’t put so much life into this character. As bad as this show can be, this is the very reason Im hooked on it, and will support it till the end and beyond. It can confuse me, hurt me, piss me off but then give me episodes like this and all is forgiven. I feel kind of the way Sam feels right now.
mooses-unicorn-in-the-tardis reblogged
“So we go by our gut, right? We play by our own rules and that scares them.”
Ends justifying the means? Hunting isn’t about killing? Roy and Walt literally cannot meet Sam’s eyes in that first gif as he starts talking. That says a lot more than words ever could. Yes, feel bad, you assholes. Feel bad for executing Sam for something that wasn’t his fault while his arms were raised in surrender. This is the man you killed, this endless fount of hope and forgiveness.
mooses-unicorn-in-the-tardis reblogged
Happy birthday to the brave boy who saved the world! #AKF
mooses-unicorn-in-the-tardis reblogged
It can never be taken back.
Sammy TheVampireSlayer.