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SPN 3.13
It's not that it was a bad episode. It's actually a pretty good episode - for mid-season filler. But we're not mid-season. We've got four - count 'em - four episodes left to get to the end of what has been an intense year.
And one of those four has been squandered on self-congratulatory wank...and I do mean that in the British meaning of the word.
See, there was this major writers' strike. Though not everyone in fandom was gung-ho in support of the writers I don't know a single fan who didn't support their right to a fair deal, nor anyone who didn't recognise the studios were trying to shaft them. During the strike, the networks chose to replace scripted shows with reality TV. Thankfully I didn't have to be exposed to such crap, but I'm sure it was an eye-gouging experience for the poor Americans. I am convinced that watching reality TV actively lowers your IQ...which is probably what the networks wanted.
But that's by-the-by. Except it doesn't seem like a coincidence that the first new episode scripted following the writers' victory in that strike is one which is basically saying "Reality TV is crap - see here!" It's like a subtextual raspberry blown at the network...and that's a pretty damn childish gesture. It's also a gesture made at the expense of the fans who supported the writers, and that feels like a major kick in the teeth.
Yes, it's an interesting filmic style (though it's kinda old, guys, did you not see Blair Witch? How about Cloverfield?). The fake-documentary was actually pretty badly done, though: the camera is too often pointed straight at the area of interest. The scene with Sam tied up in the basement is a perfect example. It was just too well framed to be even remotely convincing as an amateur film. You need to do more than fuzzy up the picture. You need to direct it properly. Fail.
Yes, an outside POV episode is always good. But there are only FOUR episodes left, guys! How exactly did this one advance the main story arc? This close to season end, that's what you have to do. Gods, I'm not even a pro and I know that much about plot. Fail.
What's with the bleeped out swearing? If SPN weren't so idiotic about language on-air that would have been really effective, but since the boys never use onscreen any language stronger than "bitch", I'm left wondering what network is so ultra-sensitive that every random "crap" had to be bleeped out. That kind of joke only works if there's a consistent use of strong language so the viewer knows what's been bleeped out. Or if the actual word is signalled in some other way. Fail.
Buy a clue. The season so far has been intense...and all the better for it. Then, just as the series should be building up to a climax, we get 42 minutes focussed on characters the audience doesn't care a damn about, all so you can show off how clever you are. Newsflash: we already know. That's why we watch every week.
I can't believe the season plan didn't have a better script choice than this.
Having lowered my expectations for the finale almost to rock bottom...Kripke, you don't need to pull a hat out of the rabbit. At this point you need to pull out the crown jewels.
And one of those four has been squandered on self-congratulatory wank...and I do mean that in the British meaning of the word.
See, there was this major writers' strike. Though not everyone in fandom was gung-ho in support of the writers I don't know a single fan who didn't support their right to a fair deal, nor anyone who didn't recognise the studios were trying to shaft them. During the strike, the networks chose to replace scripted shows with reality TV. Thankfully I didn't have to be exposed to such crap, but I'm sure it was an eye-gouging experience for the poor Americans. I am convinced that watching reality TV actively lowers your IQ...which is probably what the networks wanted.
But that's by-the-by. Except it doesn't seem like a coincidence that the first new episode scripted following the writers' victory in that strike is one which is basically saying "Reality TV is crap - see here!" It's like a subtextual raspberry blown at the network...and that's a pretty damn childish gesture. It's also a gesture made at the expense of the fans who supported the writers, and that feels like a major kick in the teeth.
Yes, it's an interesting filmic style (though it's kinda old, guys, did you not see Blair Witch? How about Cloverfield?). The fake-documentary was actually pretty badly done, though: the camera is too often pointed straight at the area of interest. The scene with Sam tied up in the basement is a perfect example. It was just too well framed to be even remotely convincing as an amateur film. You need to do more than fuzzy up the picture. You need to direct it properly. Fail.
Yes, an outside POV episode is always good. But there are only FOUR episodes left, guys! How exactly did this one advance the main story arc? This close to season end, that's what you have to do. Gods, I'm not even a pro and I know that much about plot. Fail.
What's with the bleeped out swearing? If SPN weren't so idiotic about language on-air that would have been really effective, but since the boys never use onscreen any language stronger than "bitch", I'm left wondering what network is so ultra-sensitive that every random "crap" had to be bleeped out. That kind of joke only works if there's a consistent use of strong language so the viewer knows what's been bleeped out. Or if the actual word is signalled in some other way. Fail.
Buy a clue. The season so far has been intense...and all the better for it. Then, just as the series should be building up to a climax, we get 42 minutes focussed on characters the audience doesn't care a damn about, all so you can show off how clever you are. Newsflash: we already know. That's why we watch every week.
I can't believe the season plan didn't have a better script choice than this.
Having lowered my expectations for the finale almost to rock bottom...Kripke, you don't need to pull a hat out of the rabbit. At this point you need to pull out the crown jewels.
no subject
(Anonymous) 2008-04-25 03:19 pm (UTC)(link)no subject
You know what - it's the first time I've wished I read the spoilers. I might have known not to bother.
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I don't like the documentary style film stuff. It tends to make me dizzy and I think it's hard to watch.
no subject
True...but that was the case in Roadkill, too, and that was an amazing episode. This was just...well, I think "self-indulgent" sums it up.
The documentary film style can be hard to watch. But it doesn't have to be. When it's well done (have you seen Cloverfield?) after a while you don't notice the camera work because you're absorbed in what's happening. It enhances the experience. If you notice the style for more than five minutes, it means that the script and/or action is failing to hold your attention. That's what was wrong with this episode. They were so busy being clever they failed to notice that, really, it's not so clever.
no subject
no subject
You've got the same kind of camera-work, and it is irritating, but it's brilliantly directed. The camera catches enough of the action so you know what's going on, but it hardly ever points straight at what you're trying to see. So really believe the guy holding the camera is scared shitless. It makes you part of the action, instead of just a viewer.