You know what make me sad? The show seems to be developing Benny, giving him all the backstory, making the audience be sympathetic with him, but why are we still wondering what happened to Sam?
This interview would go over a lot better if it was followed by an interview with Lianne Babalan talking about depth of her relationship with Sam that the show is exploring, and how her character fits in with Sam/Dean brother dynamic.
I read the interview and it doesn't interest me in the least, because I couldn't care less about Benny. I'm not curious about him, about why he finished up in purgatory or what he is going to do now that he is out, or anything else about him.
Why are we getting all this character development for him while Sam is being throw to the dogs, literally!
Why has he been brought in to take Sam's place, because that's what it appears like.
What's with all the writers' love for this guy and why their obvious disinterest in Sam? I would just like to understand.
I want to see Sam and Dean, together.
I'm not in the least interested in Dean with Benny or Dean with Castiel or Dean with Kevin or Dean with Kevin's mom, only Dean with Sam and the Impala.
The writers can throw in as many guest stars as they like but only if the brothers walk together as an equal opportunities team.
You know, I would never have thought to say this because I love the brothers together and good with one another, but if the writers are going to humiliate Sam in this way, then I too would rather he walked away and left the guest and recurring characters to enjoy the limelight,.
Enough is enough.SPN is supposed to be the story of Sam and Dean Winchester, no one else.
I am completely baffled as to why the decision has been made to marginalize Sam. I watch the show for BOTH brothers and we are getting NOTHING on Sam. It frustrates me and it is making me less and less interested in Sam every week. Such a disappointment.
I'm not sure what to think. Dean is torn between his brother in arms and his actual brother. Okay, understandable, but necessity? Everything is just revolving around Dean. Dean, Castiel, and Benny; Dean, Benny, and Sam? That's not interesting. And neither is the fact that only two characters are being developed Dean and Benny.
It's not the appropriate place for anything about Sam. But I'm tired of waiting. Benny gets a sympathy sob story, Dean gets a torn between home and war story, Castiel gets a mysterious story with Purgatory, and Sam, he gets a bitchy vet (complete with two seconds of screen time in Soap Opera city story-telling), a dog, and his big brother debating on who he should pick a vampire, an angel, or his brother. Seriously, Sam gets thrown to the wolves his season and there isn't some ray of hope of him having some type of story or at least some point of view and sympathy. Amelia isn't important to Sam's story. If she was, then we would at least be getting some spoilers about her or an interview or a convention shut-out. The reality is we trade Sera Gamble in for a guy with his own favorites. And the brothers together and Sam isn't a part of that plan.
With each more episode and interview, I get more and more discourage with this season. I haven't even watched "Bitten." I want something more than Benny is going to be so good just wait and see how well Jensen and Ty Olsson act together. I don't think Benny is going to end up being evil or if he turns out to be it will be because of some really sad tragedy. Dean will be right in trusting Benny. Sam will be an idiot for not trusting Dean's judgment and a horrible brother and Dean should have picked Benny to prevent his tragic hero fall. I have a feeling that the argument of perception will be able as useful as 'nothing is what it seems' in season six. Sam's going to be the bad brother for worrying that his brother is trusting the wrong monster, because Dean finally trusting a monster is a good thing and Sam's going to betray Dean, because Dean is always right. Awesome. I'll really be surprise if the story doesn't play out that way.
If Benny turns out to be his own character, doesn't come between the brothers, doesn't make Sam look like an ass, maybe I'll like him. But right now, all I can feel is total resentment towards him, because he gets the sympathy story and everyone revolving around Dean, while the brothers are fighting and Sam gets three seconds of half-assed flashbacks and no promise or attempt at developing any of the characters Sam's in a relationship is in.
Ty: " I think he is being straight with him. The more interesting storyline, and the way the writers are going, is that Benny is dealing with his hunger and this conflict that he has about not being human but also not fitting into the vampire world. That really heavily shows that turmoil that Benny has. I think Benny’s still in Purgatory. He’s not in heaven; he’s not in hell; he’s lost. He’s still in battle, but he’s in battle with himself, and it’s the hardest one yet because he just doesn’t fit anywhere."
This sounds really interesting to me. I think Benny is a great addition to the show and I am looking forward to getting a little bit of background on him.
I kind of love that show seems to be exploring the "gray" realms of the monster/supernatural world this season. Because at this point, both Sam and Dean have also lived in that gray supernatural realm themselves. They are not like other hunters who have only been on one side of the fence. And that's what makes the current storyline very interesting to me.
Both brothers have died and gone to hell and been resurrected. Sam had his demon blood/powers addiction. Dean experienced being a vampire. They are both far removed from the guys they were in the first season and I think it's only natural (well, no pun intended) that as the brothers have dealt with their own inner "monster", that the show would bring more of those type of characters (i.e. Benny and also Kate) who also straddle that line. Who want to try to maintain their humanity, despite their "affliction."
So yeah, I am interested in Benny's struggle and how it will effect both Dean and Sam as individuals, brothers, and hunting partners.
I never went with the Amelia story line from the very first moment because it was clear that it was only a ruse to try and make out that Sam had something to do as well as Dean.
When I heard from Comic-Con way back, that Sam wasn't even going to try and look for his brother, that was when I knew that this season was off to a bad start.
They can give out all the excuses and explanations that they want but these two brothers have died for each other and seached for one another over and over, and now someone comes along, completely disregarding the seven seasons that have gone before, wanting us to accept a whole new set of rules and relationships whether we want them or not, all to the detriment of Sammy!
Really? Benny is a Dean character so I understand the interest and acceptance of him but he isnt really connected to Sam outside of Dean . I would rather they develop Amelia than how wrong Sam was over Benny .
It doesn't have to be a ruse. Sam has had a lot of really weird stuff happen to him, and I think watching him try to connect to a girlfriend would be a good way of helping him get some perspective on all of that so that he can regain his focus in life. It could be used as a great character exploration - just as Dean's relationship with Benny seems to be being used to explore Dean's feelings about hunting and monsters. But that's not going to happen if their purpose here is just to show that Sam wants "normal" and Sam's story is just shown in brief flashes.
Who cares about Benny? The writers and producers are always talking about how the brothers are the show but they don't seem the least bit interested in the brothers as far as story goes. Why are characters like Benny, Garth, etc. more important than Sam? They're giving out big arcs to guest stars. WTH?
We really didn't need Benny or (Kate ) to illustrate the grey area where monsters tread.
We had Lenore who gave us a perfect example of how a monster could say no to its nature.
Then we also had Madison who having understood the nature of what she had become preferred having Sam kill her than take the chance of killing anyone else.
Both these episodes were inspiring, moving and well done, so we could have been spared Benny and the three whiney teenagers.
It's be interesting where they take this. I'm more interested in Dean, Sam, and Castiel, but I don't mind having Benny around as he's an interesting character too and adds. Kevin's a decent character too since he's adapted to his new situation more.
I don't like the lack of Sam story and the brother's conflict (so tired of the fighting that was in ALL 4 episodes- even the one they were hardly in! WTH?) but still loving everything else myth-arc wise. Love Purgatory, love the tablet and shutting the gates of Hell idea, love how smart the brothers have had to be while hunting.
If it wasn't for Sam's lack of story, the constant argument over Sam wanting to be normal, and the weak stand-alone episodes, it would be awesome.
It's a shame Sam really hasn't had a good story since Kripke left. Apparently no one else knows what to do with him.
I get what you're saying, but Sam and Dean aren't normal, they can never be normal.
Who they are and what they have gone through, negates that.
Dean managed to have a year with Lisa but then the djinns started to stalk him and he himself began to understand that it was impossble to hunt and to have a family because the bad guys would eventually use them against you.
Robo-Sam himself told Dean that living with Lisa was dangerous for her and Ben, admitting that he had been mistaken when telling Dean to go live an apple-pie life.
The same thing would happen with Sam/Amelia.
Sooner or later some creature out for vengeance would turn up, and it would all be over.
It's just not possible for the Winchesters unless they undergo some kind radical change in their life-styles and drop right off the map.
SPOILER-Jared and Jensen mentioned at ChiCon that they would BOTH be filming in costumes (different) when they film the next episode (11) I think.
POTENTIAL SPOILER-Is there a shirtless Sam scene coming up? Jared tweeted a picture of himself and his son this past week and Jared just happened to be shirtless with a very familiar tattoo protection on his chest? The only reason I can think Jared would have the tattoo on is if we're going to be seeing Sam without a shirt on.
Believe me, I'm not a fan of trying-to-be-normal storylines. I think they wrapped up Sam's first "normal" storyline in about the appropriate amount of time - it was over by the end the of the Pilot.
But I don't think relationships have to equal "normal," non-hunting lives. Ellen had a marriage with a hunter. Dean could have had one with Jo if he was more interested. He probably could have had one with Bella if she wasn't killed off. Sam's relationship with Amelia could continue if he taught her their tricks in protecting themselves from demons and monsters.
I think relationships are a good way of bringing character development to a new level, but another plot line about one the Winchesters wanting to retire from hunting - again - is just boring. And it's too much of a rewrite of Sam's history.
I would wish more Sam, I was hoping for a lot more of flashback in episode 3 from Sam...I was disapointed ^^; At least I'm glad that Ty say that Benny's goal isn't to come between the brothers. If it's actually true, its a plus for him. Benny reminds me of Cass in Season 4 when we first met him and had no idea if we could trust him or not
I'm wondering what the actors meant when they said that Sam's decisions will get clearer later, if we're lucky it will start soon. I'm not giving up hope yet. I'm glad that Sam meet Benny tomorrow, first step in getting him really into the loop :)
Jared and Jensen confirmed Sam not looking for Dean is not brought up in terms of any kind of explanation in any of the episodes they have already filmed.
8.09-mid season finale will see Sam and Dean apart again with Dean off with Benny, Jared and Jensen confirmed the episode is Sam light. Ty confirmed he has no scenes with Jared in the episode.
I don't know in the Jello wrestling scenario does Sam get any actual lines? :)
I'm not one of those people who hate new additions to the cast. I like Cas. I <3 Bobby. I liked Jo and Chuck. I am currently indifferent to Benny. But I am perplexed by the idea that Sam would be cast with two guest stars as vying for second wheel status in Dean's orbit. Sorry I'm a younger sibling and I came from Gilmore Girls, so Sam was my audience entrance to the show and the one I identified with the most and I never suspected that that should be a problem for me as a fan. I like Dean, but I miss Sam and I'm really not sure how this is going to be working out this season.
I'm really just joking here, but I feel like you, isbloom, percy, kat, and have a guess that the mid-season cliffy (8.09) will end up being a three way jello wrestling match between Benny, Cas and Sam to win "Dean's Bestest Bro' trophy, lol but :(
I *personally* think that Benny is up to no good or at least has his own agenda that will end up being contrary to the Winchesters goals - long term, that is because we don't know how long Benny is going to be on the show and even Ruby 1 and 2 saved both boys in S3 & 4 (was nominally on the boys' side); but how can JC make Benny "bad" without fans screaming "Redundant storyline, btdt with Ruby!"?
OTOH, I want Sam's instinct about Benny not being entirely trustworthy to be correct BUT how the heck do you make Sam right without making Dean look as foolish as S4 Sam? Some brother conflict I don't mind (differences in how or even whether to pursue a case or even as life altering as whether to continue to hunt or retire) but it's getting really, really tiresome to replay whether to invite ANY superatural entity into the Winchester Family because historically Sam has been wrong in this. (Sam-Ruby=wrong; Dean-Cas = right, but with missteps that were forgiven;Dean-Benny = ?).
I really have my doubts about the Winchesters having any kind of relationship that isn't a short term one.
Even if they did find a female hunter or even an ordinary girl like Sarah who was courageous and intelligent, there is always going to be the undercurrent of danger.
Both Sam and Dean are experienced hunters and can defend themselves but how often have they been in extreme danger, just the same?
Interacting with someone else especially a woman, would certainly add another layer to Sam or Dean's character, but other than one night stands I can't see anything else for them.
I wish they had kept the road-house because there the boys could have explored relationships with many other hunters, male or female that passed through, without endangering anyone, but to think that someone like Amelia, if she is normal (and not a witch or a demon) could survive in Sam's world even if he tells her everything and instructs her about the supernatural just doesn't seem possible to me.
I don't have a problem with a relationship being short-term if for the brief time it lasts it is well-explored and leads to some quality emotional scenes with our Winchester boys.
You know... I've thought about this too and was ready to give up. Then I came to the conclusion that's exactly what TPTB want, ie: even brotherly love fans to give up and wish the boys apart because they can't take it anymore.
So, no... I might go down, but I'll go down fighting for the brothers unique relationship. ;)
This has me really concerned if it is true. Sam's story isn't brought up anytime this year. Which means it's going to 2013 before we get any answers for Sam or story for Sam. Too late in the season to get a good story. It hasn't worked in the past, I highly doubt it will work now. And another Sam light episode in a season already filled with Sam light episodes. We know that episodes 7 and 8 are Castiel heavy/special episodes and episode 6 is a Garth episode. So, now episode 9 is a heavy Benny episode. No wonder Jared is barely talking about this season. I'm really beginning to think that Carver has chosen his favorites. And it doesn't involve half the show which means the brothers aren't important as brothers anymore. This season so far is becoming more and more of a disappointment. I know it won't be the last season, but I think by the time they get through this season it won't make sense for Sam and Dean to stick together or for Sam to be in the show. He's barely in it now. :( I hope that I'm proven so wrong, but I don't think that's going to be the case. We finally get a Dean story at the expense of Sam and the brothers. Steep price.
I have no idea what Carver is doing. So far, I'm so unimpressed and bored with the season. They aren't showing enough of Dean's story to keep me interested and they are throwing Sam out of the window and under a bus. I wish there was ray of hope, but so far I'm not crazy about the idea of everyone running to get Dean's attention and approval. I don't like being forced into liking Dean because that's what everybody on the show wants. I wish they would do more with Sam and the brothers. But once again they shove forced drama and shelved Sam. And it looks like there isn't any hope for Sam before 2013.
I'm not addressing this to fans *here*, but *everywhere* to try and make the writer to see it: I wish especially (some) Sam fans would stop supporting his current "storyline" with Amelia and start pushing Sam to get back in the show as Dean's brother and partner. I get that they want to support the character they love, but if things continue like they're progressing, I can see the writers pushing Sam definitely out of the show and I hate it. Let's fight back, please... I want the brothers together. That's Supernatural.
It's only to create conflict. He'll go back to hunting. It's about the boys hunting. They ALWAYS go back to hunting. It's pretty much just do give Sam something to do this season which is really annoying.
If Sam is so unimportant, then, as much as I love him, they should write him out. I could then admit that Supernatural is no longer the show that I love and either decide to watch this new incarnation or quit. But dangling Sam in front of me like a carrot and then diminishing his character is ruining the show for me.
I'm sorry, but I'm just not interested in Benny, or his backstory At All.
This is a show about two-brothers, and I really want it to remain that way.
Both Benny [with Dean] and Amelia [with Sam] aren't [in my opinion] something the show truely needed.
The only way I'd 'like' Benny would be if he turned out to be evil, and Dean turned out to be wrong, and Dean and Sam patched things up and had a big brother moment before finishing off the season with a bang, working together.
And I just don't think Amelia was necessary... the boys never have relationships... and when they do they don't last. Yes, Dean lasted a year with Lisa... but that was all off screen. He was off on the road again in like two episodes.
They can't have normal lives, something will always come after them. I am nearly 100% sure Amelia won't be heard of again after his season. She was just created to give Sam something to do while the writers focused on new-comer Benny, as well as on Dean's story.
I really hope season eight picks up after the mid-season hiatus...
Didn't you hear, since Sam doesn't have anything else to do, they're just going to have Jared stand there with his shirt off while Dean, Benny and Castiel have adventures and complete for Dean's new brother position! It's a diversion, see Sam doesn't have a story, so the writers think if Sam has his shirt off it will make the Sam fans/brothers fans forget that they forgot to include Sam and the brothers together in the season. It's the new wallpapering technique for Sam. Shirtless, tattooed hunter mannequin Sam showing Benny the former brother that they are now trying to replace.
Personally, I would prefer Sam in the action, useful in the story, and interacting with other characters instead of watching two relationship involving Dean get developed to the max. But I guess the consolation prize will have to do, unless they edit out that scene too.
(This is a fake spoiler with loads of sarcasm that is not meant to offend or hurt anyone. I have no idea why Sam would be showing off his tattoo, but I guess we'll have to wait until 2013 to see.)
I don't think Benny should take the blame for the writers' decision to put Sam's POV in the backgound (again). It's not like Benny's stealing scenes from Sam, there are plenty of ways they could talk about him, but they just don't. Benny is an interesting character, played by a charismatic actor, and I'll enjoy his story while it lasts.
But I'm still hoping for a change in the way Sam is portrayed. I simply can't believe that the guy who wrote Mystery Spot will neglect Sam for the entire season.
"it's a shame Sam really hasn't had a good story since Kripke left."
Have to disagree, Sam's story has been going downhill since the end of season four. That's when the writers started to using him as a plot device and neglecting his POV.
The difference with season 8 is that even the plot device thing seems to be gone.
My little rant aside, I agree about the other stuff you said.
Now that you mention dangling the carrot, I've been noticing that the promos they put out always include Sam and Dean but when it comes to the episode itself, everything shifts and the rest of the episode is never as brother-ful as it's made out to be in the promo.
That struck me with the Sam/ Dean hug in the first episode promo.
A hug between the newly reunited brothers is always a powerful moment yet they squandered it in the promo.
That of course was to pull the viewer in and then hit them with the "Ooh, what a twist!" Benny/Dean hug! Muh.
I agree, it's the brothers' unique relationship that makes the show and we know its really special as even Lisa commented on how she wouldn't bring her sister back from the dead.
That's what I watch for; that's why the older episodes of SPN can be enjoyed over and over again and still be fresh, because they were filled with that sense of brotherhood that touched the hearts of all who watched.
That's what made Supernatural different and now they want to destroy it.
X
I remember reading in season six about how Jensen had phoned the show runners to ask when Sam would get his soul back because he didn't know how to relate to Robo-Sam.
I wonder what he thinks of the actual situation, but of course neither Jensen nor Jared can say what they really think because they are under contract and have to support the writing decisions. LIke you I will always fight for the brothers and their fraternal bond. :)
I just read it too and I don't even want comment on it, other that to repeat what you have already said. I'm even sadder and more downhearted than before. :(
Well, per JP's interview Liane was on set in 8.09 so I presume we'll have some Sam dialog in the episode, but my very limited understanding of jelly wrestling is that "lines" aren't required unless grunting and groaning count, lol.
Seriously, I've never felt so strongly as in this season that JP/Sam has been demoted to no better than recurring guest star status. As has been stated by others it's very difficult to get invested in Amelia when the cumulative Sam/Amelia flashbacks aren't more than 10 minutes (I didn't keep track- it may be closer to 5-8 minutes) through 8.05 compared to lots of the far flashier Purgatory flashbacks. IT IS like the writers and J C really don't care about Sam and Sam's sl. Of course to be fair I don't know how long "Amelia" will be around; if Liane is in the post S8.09 episodes we may get a reverse - less "Purgatory" and more Sam/Amelia. or even more ideally JC will have a planned twist in which Sam did hunt morev than we;ve been informed thus far (or JC will "adjust the "unfilmed episodes" to give Sam supporters what they really wanted along - POV without making Sam's "human" storyine akin to watching water boil.
I think JC'/RS's take is that they ARE giving Sam a separate storyline - Sam/Amelia/normal, jus they're giving Dean a separate storyline - Dean/Benny/Cas/Purgatory, but the two :separate" storylines are incredibly unbalanced - even the flashback time is heavily weighted to the Purgatory storyline. It boggles my mind that the showrunners could even consider Sam and Dean's separate storylines even remotely equitable and I'm even counting the fact that we;re seeing Benny in "real time" as well as in FBs. WTH is rght! :((
Lol. lol, lol ....cue the new SPN music to either "I'm too sexy ..." or "It's raining men" or any music from "Magic Mike" (which I intend to rent) (*G*)
And yet in JP's interviews, at least in the last one but I recall others where he has said similar things, he says the brothers are (still) the core of the show. Maybe he's trying to convince himself. I was really was put off when JC said before the season even began that "no one was a bigger fan of Dean and Castiel than he was"; to me was Strike One for JC and Sam's "OOC" and definitely tepid sl so far is Strike Two. That candefinitely all change after the winter break but as you say that rarely works.
NOTE: Name-calling, personal attacks, spamming, excessive self-promotion, condescending pomposity, general assiness, racism, sexism, any-other-ism, homophobia, acrophobia, and destructive (versus constructive) criticism will get you BANNED from the party.
So Benny is the good guy and Dean is right again.
ReplyDeleteWhere does this leave Sam?
You know what make me sad? The show seems to be developing Benny, giving him all the backstory, making the audience be sympathetic with him, but why are we still wondering what happened to Sam?
ReplyDeleteThis interview would go over a lot better if it was followed by an interview with Lianne Babalan talking about depth of her relationship with Sam that the show is exploring, and how her character fits in with Sam/Dean brother dynamic.
ReplyDeleteI read the interview and it doesn't interest me in the least, because I couldn't care less about Benny.
ReplyDeleteI'm not curious about him, about why he finished up in purgatory or what he is going to do now that he is out, or anything else about him.
Why are we getting all this character development for him while Sam is being throw to the dogs, literally!
Why has he been brought in to take Sam's place, because that's what it appears like.
What's with all the writers' love for this guy and why their obvious disinterest in Sam?
I would just like to understand.
I want to see Sam and Dean, together.
I'm not in the least interested in Dean with Benny or Dean with Castiel or Dean with Kevin or Dean with Kevin's mom, only Dean with Sam and the Impala.
The writers can throw in as many guest stars as they like but only if the brothers walk together as an equal opportunities team.
Exactly what I was thinking because isnt she supposed to be important to Sam's story?.
ReplyDeleteThird wheel? Sam, Cas and Benny just revolving around Dean waiting to get attention? Hmm. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteNo thank you I would rather Sam walked away no recriminations from either side and went and found something that makes him happy
ReplyDeleteShe's not important because for the writers it is obvious that Sam's story isn't important at all to them. :(
ReplyDeleteDean's the belle of the ball that everyone wants to dance with.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree. They set up Sam as being fairly OOC then refuse to explain or show why. What is going on here? I really don't like it.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I would never have thought to say this because I love the brothers together and good with one another, but if the writers are going to humiliate Sam in this way, then I too would rather he walked away and left the guest and recurring characters to enjoy the limelight,.
ReplyDeleteEnough is enough.SPN is supposed to be the story of Sam and Dean Winchester, no one else.
Sadly, this appears to be true.
ReplyDeleteI am completely baffled as to why the decision has been made to marginalize Sam. I watch the show for BOTH brothers and we are getting NOTHING on Sam. It frustrates me and it is making me less and less interested in Sam every week. Such a disappointment.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what to think. Dean is torn between his brother in arms and his actual brother. Okay, understandable, but necessity? Everything is just revolving around Dean. Dean, Castiel, and Benny; Dean, Benny, and Sam? That's not interesting. And neither is the fact that only two characters are being developed Dean and Benny.
ReplyDeleteIt's not the appropriate place for anything about Sam. But I'm tired of waiting. Benny gets a sympathy sob story, Dean gets a torn between home and war story, Castiel gets a mysterious story with Purgatory, and Sam, he gets a bitchy vet (complete with two seconds of screen time in Soap Opera city story-telling), a dog, and his big brother debating on who he should pick a vampire, an angel, or his brother. Seriously, Sam gets thrown to the wolves his season and there isn't some ray of hope of him having some type of story or at least some point of view and sympathy. Amelia isn't important to Sam's story. If she was, then we would at least be getting some spoilers about her or an interview or a convention shut-out. The reality is we trade Sera Gamble in for a guy with his own favorites. And the brothers together and Sam isn't a part of that plan.
With each more episode and interview, I get more and more discourage with this season. I haven't even watched "Bitten." I want something more than Benny is going to be so good just wait and see how well Jensen and Ty Olsson act together. I don't think Benny is going to end up being evil or if he turns out to be it will be because of some really sad tragedy. Dean will be right in trusting Benny. Sam will be an idiot for not trusting Dean's judgment and a horrible brother and Dean should have picked Benny to prevent his tragic hero fall. I have a feeling that the argument of perception will be able as useful as 'nothing is what it seems' in season six. Sam's going to be the bad brother for worrying that his brother is trusting the wrong monster, because Dean finally trusting a monster is a good thing and Sam's going to betray Dean, because Dean is always right. Awesome. I'll really be surprise if the story doesn't play out that way.
If Benny turns out to be his own character, doesn't come between the brothers, doesn't make Sam look like an ass, maybe I'll like him. But right now, all I can feel is total resentment towards him, because he gets the sympathy story and everyone revolving around Dean, while the brothers are fighting and Sam gets three seconds of half-assed flashbacks and no promise or attempt at developing any of the characters Sam's in a relationship is in.
Ty: " I think he is being straight with him. The more interesting storyline, and the way the writers are going, is that Benny is dealing with his hunger and this conflict that he has about not being human but also not fitting into the vampire world. That really heavily shows that turmoil that Benny has. I think Benny’s still in Purgatory. He’s not in heaven; he’s not in hell; he’s lost. He’s still in battle, but he’s in battle with himself, and it’s the hardest one yet because he just doesn’t fit anywhere."
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really interesting to me. I think Benny is a great addition to the show and I am looking forward to getting a little bit of background on him.
I kind of love that show seems to be exploring the "gray" realms of the monster/supernatural world this season. Because at this point, both Sam and Dean have also lived in that gray supernatural realm themselves. They are not like other hunters who have only been on one side of the fence. And that's what makes the current storyline very interesting to me.
Both brothers have died and gone to hell and been resurrected. Sam had his demon blood/powers addiction. Dean experienced being a vampire. They are both far removed from the guys they were in the first season and I think it's only natural (well, no pun intended) that as the brothers have dealt with their own inner "monster", that the show would bring more of those type of characters (i.e. Benny and also Kate) who also straddle that line. Who want to try to maintain their humanity, despite their "affliction."
So yeah, I am interested in Benny's struggle and how it will effect both Dean and Sam as individuals, brothers, and hunting partners.
I never went with the Amelia story line from the very first moment because it was clear that it was only a ruse to try and make out that Sam had something to do as well as Dean.
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard from Comic-Con way back, that Sam wasn't even going to try and look for his brother, that was when I knew that this season was off to a bad start.
They can give out all the excuses and explanations that they want but these two brothers have died for each other and seached for one another over and over, and now someone comes along, completely disregarding the seven seasons that have gone before, wanting us to accept a whole new set of rules and relationships whether we want them or not, all to the detriment of Sammy!
It is just so unfair.
Alone and unloved? No really, Sam seems to be an afterthought at this point and I'm not happy.
ReplyDeleteReally? Benny is a Dean character so I understand the interest and acceptance of him but he isnt really connected to Sam outside of Dean . I would rather they develop Amelia than how wrong Sam was over Benny .
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't have to be a ruse. Sam has had a lot of really weird stuff happen to him, and I think watching him try to connect to a girlfriend would be a good way of helping him get some perspective on all of that so that he can regain his focus in life. It could be used as a great character exploration - just as Dean's relationship with Benny seems to be being used to explore Dean's feelings about hunting and monsters. But that's not going to happen if their purpose here is just to show that Sam wants "normal" and Sam's story is just shown in brief flashes.
ReplyDeleteWho cares about Benny? The writers and producers are always talking about how the brothers are the show but they don't seem the least bit interested in the brothers as far as story goes. Why are characters like Benny, Garth, etc. more important than Sam? They're giving out big arcs to guest stars. WTH?
ReplyDeleteWe really didn't need Benny or (Kate ) to illustrate the grey area where monsters tread.
ReplyDeleteWe had Lenore who gave us a perfect example of how a monster could say no to its nature.
Then we also had Madison who having understood the nature of what she had become preferred having Sam kill her than take the chance of killing anyone else.
Both these episodes were inspiring, moving and well done, so we could have been spared Benny and the three whiney teenagers.
It's be interesting where they take this. I'm more interested in Dean, Sam, and Castiel, but I don't mind having Benny around as he's an interesting character too and adds. Kevin's a decent character too since he's adapted to his new situation more.
ReplyDeleteI don't like the lack of Sam story and the brother's conflict (so tired of the fighting that was in ALL 4 episodes- even the one they were hardly in! WTH?) but still loving everything else myth-arc wise. Love Purgatory, love the tablet and shutting the gates of Hell idea, love how smart the brothers have had to be while hunting.
If it wasn't for Sam's lack of story, the constant argument over Sam wanting to be normal, and the weak stand-alone episodes, it would be awesome.
It's a shame Sam really hasn't had a good story since Kripke left. Apparently no one else knows what to do with him.
I get what you're saying, but Sam and Dean aren't normal, they can never be normal.
ReplyDeleteWho they are and what they have gone through, negates that.
Dean managed to have a year with Lisa but then the djinns started to stalk him and he himself began to understand that it was impossble to hunt and to have a family because the bad guys would eventually use them against you.
Robo-Sam himself told Dean that living with Lisa was dangerous for her and Ben, admitting that he had been mistaken when telling Dean to go live an apple-pie life.
The same thing would happen with Sam/Amelia.
Sooner or later some creature out for vengeance would turn up, and it would all be over.
It's just not possible for the Winchesters unless they undergo some kind radical change in their life-styles and drop right off the map.
SPOILER-Jared and Jensen mentioned at ChiCon that they would BOTH be filming in costumes (different) when they film the next episode (11) I think.
ReplyDeletePOTENTIAL SPOILER-Is there a shirtless Sam scene coming up? Jared tweeted a picture of himself and his son this past week and Jared just happened to be shirtless with a very familiar tattoo protection on his chest? The only reason I can think Jared would have the tattoo on is if we're going to be seeing Sam without a shirt on.
its making less and less interested in the show
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, I'm not a fan of trying-to-be-normal storylines. I think they wrapped up Sam's first "normal" storyline in about the appropriate amount of time - it was over by the end the of the Pilot.
ReplyDeleteBut I don't think relationships have to equal "normal," non-hunting lives. Ellen had a marriage with a hunter. Dean could have had one with Jo if he was more interested. He probably could have had one with Bella if she wasn't killed off. Sam's relationship with Amelia could continue if he taught her their tricks in protecting themselves from demons and monsters.
I think relationships are a good way of bringing character development to a new level, but another plot line about one the Winchesters wanting to retire from hunting - again - is just boring. And it's too much of a rewrite of Sam's history.
I would wish more Sam, I was hoping for a lot more of flashback in episode 3 from Sam...I was disapointed ^^; At least I'm glad that Ty say that Benny's goal isn't to come between the brothers. If it's actually true, its a plus for him. Benny reminds me of Cass in Season 4 when we first met him and had no idea if we could trust him or not
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering what the actors meant when they said that Sam's decisions will get clearer later, if we're lucky it will start soon. I'm not giving up hope yet. I'm glad that Sam meet Benny tomorrow, first step in getting him really into the loop :)
Yeah I meant show, I'm going back to edit.
ReplyDeletePossibly, but he pulled his shirt down to show Mrs. Tran the tattoo so the tattoo could just be part of the story.
ReplyDeleteMORE SPOILERS
ReplyDeleteJared and Jensen confirmed Sam not looking for Dean is not brought up in terms of any kind of explanation in any of the episodes they have already filmed.
8.09-mid season finale will see Sam and Dean apart again with Dean off with Benny, Jared and Jensen confirmed the episode is Sam light. Ty confirmed he has no scenes with Jared in the episode.
I don't know in the Jello wrestling scenario does Sam get any actual lines? :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not one of those people who hate new additions to the cast. I like Cas. I <3 Bobby. I liked Jo and Chuck. I am currently indifferent to Benny. But I am perplexed by the idea that Sam would be cast with two guest stars as vying for second wheel status in Dean's orbit. Sorry I'm a younger sibling and I came from Gilmore Girls, so Sam was my audience entrance to the show and the one I identified with the most and I never suspected that that should be a problem for me as a fan. I like Dean, but I miss Sam and I'm really not sure how this is going to be working out this season.
From bad to worse. :(
ReplyDeleteWe'll soon be at the spoilers for episode 23 and they will still come up as Sam-lite and Sam having no scenes with this, that or the next person!
is it likely he would be pulling his shirt down to show someone the tattoo again around episode 10?
ReplyDeleteI'm really just joking here, but I feel like you, isbloom, percy, kat, and have a guess that the mid-season cliffy (8.09) will end up being a three way jello wrestling match between Benny, Cas and Sam to win "Dean's Bestest Bro' trophy, lol but :(
ReplyDeleteI *personally* think that Benny is up to no good or at least has his own agenda that
will end up being contrary to the Winchesters goals - long term, that is because we don't know how long Benny is going to be on the show and even Ruby 1 and 2 saved both boys in S3 & 4 (was nominally on the boys' side); but how can JC make Benny "bad" without fans screaming "Redundant storyline, btdt with Ruby!"?
OTOH, I want Sam's instinct about Benny not being entirely trustworthy to be correct BUT how the heck do you make Sam right without making Dean look as foolish as S4 Sam? Some brother conflict I don't mind (differences in how or even whether to pursue a case or even as life altering as whether to continue to hunt or retire) but it's getting really, really tiresome to replay whether to invite ANY superatural entity into the Winchester Family because historically Sam has been wrong in this. (Sam-Ruby=wrong; Dean-Cas = right, but with missteps that were forgiven;Dean-Benny = ?).
I really have my doubts about the Winchesters having any kind of relationship that isn't a short term one.
ReplyDeleteEven if they did find a female hunter or even an ordinary girl like Sarah who was courageous and intelligent, there is always going to be the undercurrent of danger.
Both Sam and Dean are experienced hunters and can defend themselves but how often have they been in extreme danger, just the same?
Interacting with someone else especially a woman, would certainly add another layer to Sam or Dean's character, but other than one night stands I can't see anything else for them.
I wish they had kept the road-house because there the boys could have explored relationships with many other hunters, male or female that passed through, without endangering anyone, but to think that someone like Amelia, if she is normal (and not a witch or a demon) could survive in Sam's world even if he tells her everything and instructs her about the supernatural just doesn't seem possible to me.
I don't have a problem with a relationship being short-term if for the brief time it lasts it is well-explored and leads to some quality emotional scenes with our Winchester boys.
ReplyDeleteMind if i ask where are you getting these spoilers? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Dean fan and I'm with you because I'm into the show for the brothers and their relationship. I don't like the "brothers" comparison either. :\
ReplyDeleteYou know... I've thought about this too and was ready to give up. Then I came to the conclusion that's exactly what TPTB want, ie: even brotherly love fans to give up and wish the boys apart because they can't take it anymore.
ReplyDeleteSo, no... I might go down, but I'll go down fighting for the brothers unique relationship. ;)
This has me really concerned if it is true. Sam's story isn't brought up anytime this year. Which means it's going to 2013 before we get any answers for Sam or story for Sam. Too late in the season to get a good story. It hasn't worked in the past, I highly doubt it will work now. And another Sam light episode in a season already filled with Sam light episodes. We know that episodes 7 and 8 are Castiel heavy/special episodes and episode 6 is a Garth episode. So, now episode 9 is a heavy Benny episode. No wonder Jared is barely talking about this season. I'm really beginning to think that Carver has chosen his favorites. And it doesn't involve half the show which means the brothers aren't important as brothers anymore. This season so far is becoming more and more of a disappointment. I know it won't be the last season, but I think by the time they get through this season it won't make sense for Sam and Dean to stick together or for Sam to be in the show. He's barely in it now. :( I hope that I'm proven so wrong, but I don't think that's going to be the case. We finally get a Dean story at the expense of Sam and the brothers. Steep price.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the info.
ReplyDeleteI'm crushed. :(
Well, at last they'll be together again in the episode 11 for sure. *Sigh*
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what Carver is doing. So far, I'm so unimpressed and bored with the season. They aren't showing enough of Dean's story to keep me interested and they are throwing Sam out of the window and under a bus. I wish there was ray of hope, but so far I'm not crazy about the idea of everyone running to get Dean's attention and approval. I don't like being forced into liking Dean because that's what everybody on the show wants. I wish they would do more with Sam and the brothers. But once again they shove forced drama and shelved Sam. And it looks like there isn't any hope for Sam before 2013.
ReplyDeleteI'm not addressing this to fans *here*, but *everywhere* to try and make the writer to see it: I wish especially (some) Sam fans would stop supporting his current "storyline" with Amelia and start pushing Sam to get back in the show as Dean's brother and partner. I get that they want to support the character they love, but if things continue like they're progressing, I can see the writers pushing Sam definitely out of the show and I hate it. Let's fight back, please... I want the brothers together. That's Supernatural.
ReplyDelete:( aaww make me sad
ReplyDeleteIt's only to create conflict. He'll go back to hunting. It's about the boys hunting. They ALWAYS go back to hunting. It's pretty much just do give Sam something to do this season which is really annoying.
ReplyDeleteThis is making me feel ill. I just don't understand the reason they want to ignore Sam. I have never felt so discouraged about this show.
ReplyDeleteIf Sam is so unimportant, then, as much as I love him, they should write him out. I could then admit that Supernatural is no longer the show that I love and either decide to watch this new incarnation or quit. But dangling Sam in front of me like a carrot and then diminishing his character is ruining the show for me.
ReplyDelete:) Everything you said! Sometime I feel you're reading my mind.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, but I'm just not interested in Benny, or his backstory At All.
ReplyDeleteThis is a show about two-brothers, and I really want it to remain that way.
Both Benny [with Dean] and Amelia [with Sam] aren't [in my opinion] something the show truely needed.
The only way I'd 'like' Benny would be if he turned out to be evil, and Dean turned out to be wrong, and Dean and Sam patched things up and had a big brother moment before finishing off the season with a bang, working together.
And I just don't think Amelia was necessary... the boys never have relationships... and when they do they don't last. Yes, Dean lasted a year with Lisa... but that was all off screen. He was off on the road again in like two episodes.
They can't have normal lives, something will always come after them. I am nearly 100% sure Amelia won't be heard of again after his season. She was just created to give Sam something to do while the writers focused on new-comer Benny, as well as on Dean's story.
I really hope season eight picks up after the mid-season hiatus...
Didn't you hear, since Sam doesn't have anything else to do, they're just going to have Jared stand there with his shirt off while Dean, Benny and Castiel have adventures and complete for Dean's new brother position! It's a diversion, see Sam doesn't have a story, so the writers think if Sam has his shirt off it will make the Sam fans/brothers fans forget that they forgot to include Sam and the brothers together in the season. It's the new wallpapering technique for Sam. Shirtless, tattooed hunter mannequin Sam showing Benny the former brother that they are now trying to replace.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I would prefer Sam in the action, useful in the story, and interacting with other characters instead of watching two relationship involving Dean get developed to the max. But I guess the consolation prize will have to do, unless they edit out that scene too.
(This is a fake spoiler with loads of sarcasm that is not meant to offend or hurt anyone. I have no idea why Sam would be showing off his tattoo, but I guess we'll have to wait until 2013 to see.)
After I read the last Jensen's interview to zap2it, I'm more sad. So now Dean's loyalty is with Benny. Why Dean wants Sam hunting with him?
ReplyDeleteI don't think Benny should take the blame for the writers' decision to put Sam's POV in the backgound (again).
ReplyDeleteIt's not like Benny's stealing scenes from Sam, there are plenty of ways they could talk about him, but they just don't.
Benny is an interesting character, played by a charismatic actor, and I'll enjoy his story while it lasts.
But I'm still hoping for a change in the way Sam is portrayed. I simply can't believe that the guy who wrote Mystery Spot will neglect Sam for the entire season.
"it's a shame Sam really hasn't had a good story since Kripke left."
ReplyDeleteHave to disagree, Sam's story has been going downhill since the end of season four. That's when the writers started to using him as a plot device and neglecting his POV.
The difference with season 8 is that even the plot device thing seems to be gone.
My little rant aside, I agree about the other stuff you said.
Now that you mention dangling the carrot, I've been noticing that the promos they put out always include Sam and Dean but when it comes to the episode itself, everything shifts and the rest of the episode is never as brother-ful as it's made out to be in the promo.
ReplyDeleteThat struck me with the Sam/ Dean hug in the first episode promo.
A hug between the newly reunited brothers is always a powerful moment yet they squandered it in the promo.
That of course was to pull the viewer in and then hit them with the "Ooh, what a twist!" Benny/Dean hug! Muh.
I agree, it's the brothers' unique relationship that makes the show and we know its really special as even Lisa commented on how she wouldn't bring her sister back from the dead.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I watch for; that's why the older episodes of SPN can be enjoyed over and over again and still be fresh, because they were filled with that sense of brotherhood that touched the hearts of all who watched.
That's what made Supernatural different and now they want to destroy it.
X
I remember reading in season six about how Jensen had phoned the show runners to ask when Sam would get his soul back because he didn't know how to relate to Robo-Sam.
I wonder what he thinks of the actual situation, but of course neither Jensen nor Jared can say what they really think because they are under contract and have to support the writing decisions.
LIke you I will always fight for the brothers and their fraternal bond. :)
I just read it too and I don't even want comment on it, other that to repeat what you have already said.
ReplyDeleteI'm even sadder and more downhearted than before. :(
So true...
ReplyDeleteCan emotional pain cause physical hurt? Because with these latest news and interviews I'm literally hurting right now.
It can cause heartache, and these two interviews definitely have hurt me. :(
ReplyDeleteI loved this interview. I like that as far as Ty Olsson knows, he will not be Ruby 3.0 and that thrills me since I hated it the first two go arounds.
ReplyDeleteWell, per JP's interview Liane was on set in 8.09 so I presume we'll have some Sam dialog in the episode, but my very limited understanding of jelly wrestling is that "lines" aren't required unless grunting and groaning count, lol.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I've never felt so strongly as in this season that JP/Sam has been demoted to no better than recurring guest star status. As has been stated by others it's very difficult to get invested in Amelia when the cumulative Sam/Amelia flashbacks aren't more than 10 minutes (I didn't keep track- it may be closer to 5-8 minutes) through 8.05 compared to lots of the far flashier Purgatory flashbacks. IT IS like the writers and J C really don't care about Sam and Sam's sl.
Of course to be fair I don't know how long "Amelia" will be around; if Liane is in the post S8.09 episodes we may get a reverse - less "Purgatory" and more Sam/Amelia. or even more ideally JC will have a planned twist in which Sam did hunt morev than we;ve been informed thus far (or JC will "adjust the "unfilmed episodes" to give Sam supporters what they really wanted along - POV without making Sam's "human" storyine akin to watching water boil.
I think JC'/RS's take is that they ARE giving Sam a separate storyline - Sam/Amelia/normal, jus they're giving Dean a separate storyline - Dean/Benny/Cas/Purgatory, but the two :separate" storylines are incredibly unbalanced - even the flashback time is heavily weighted to the Purgatory storyline.
ReplyDeleteIt boggles my mind that the showrunners could even consider Sam and Dean's separate storylines even remotely equitable and I'm even counting the fact that we;re seeing Benny in "real time" as well as in FBs. WTH is rght! :((
Lol. lol, lol ....cue the new SPN music to either "I'm too sexy ..." or "It's raining men" or any music from "Magic Mike" (which I intend to rent) (*G*)
ReplyDeleteSigh.Then 8.09 will be third "lighter" Sam mid season cliffy in a row. The news is just getting worse and worse. I DO appreciate the spoilers though.
ReplyDeleteAnd yet in JP's interviews, at least in the last one but I recall others where he has said similar things, he says the brothers are (still) the core of the show. Maybe he's trying to convince himself. I was really was put off when JC said before the season even began that "no one was a bigger fan of Dean and Castiel than he was"; to me was Strike One for JC and Sam's "OOC" and definitely tepid sl so far is Strike Two. That candefinitely all change after the winter break but as you say that rarely works.
ReplyDelete