sweetondean's Light on Spoilers, Heavy on Squee Preview of Supernatural 13x04 The Big Empty

I wasn't going to write this preview - I'm beyond disappointed in what has happened over this week and the thought of having to generate or manufacture some squee seemed impossible - spoiler alert, it still is. I ache in my bones from the carelessness of dialogue that has been communicated in such a way that good men's reputations are now being sullied in the media. There is a lack of responsibility being taken for words being cast into the twitterverse, even with the knowledge of audience and fandom reaction style, that is grossly disappointing. Being disappointed in one of your favourites, wanting to make them aware that something they said is simply not acceptable is one thing, causing unwarranted damage to their reputation, especially when you are aware of who they really are, is thoughtless, and unendingly cruel. I'm frankly more disgusted than I have ever been by anything that has occurred in this fandom in the seven years I've been associated with it. Our words have power too, and once in the Universe, they can not be taken back, and if you don't choose them wisely, they can careen out of control, and careen they have. People need to consider the power of their words before they toss them around with no consciousness of, or perceived responsibility for the shit-storm that may follow and unwarranted ongoing damage they may cause. In this case, the punishment is so fucking out of whack with the crime, it's outrageous and completely heartbreaking. If I were Jensen and Jared, I would never trust us again.

I've pulled away from fandom before, out of self protection, that's protection of what I love, who I love and how I feel about it all. It's very difficult not to be affected by the amount of crap we have to wade through. I have made many friends in this community who no longer go on Twitter because they can't bear the toxicity of the dialogue there, whether about the show and those who create it, or the actors themselves. I miss them. I miss our fun, happy interactions around the thing we love. But I understand how they feel. Fandom likes to say their fave has become "problematic", for me it's fandom that's become problematic, and the lack of self-awareness and continued double standard is mind-boggling.

So how do I move forward? Where do I go from here? How do I forgive what I feel is unforgivable? How do I overcome these feelings of intense shame and embarrassment because others' behaviours have caused pain where it really didn't belong, and I feel tarred with the brush that caused it. How do I find that joy again in something that gave me so much, brought me so much friendship, helped me feel embraced and accepted in a way I never have before. I'm not sure if I can, because this disgrace feels too great. I'm mortified.

In two weeks time I get to see Jensen and Jared in Hawaii - and I'm hoping I can look them in the eyes. I'm hoping that they understand that the bulk of us love them, and understand that sometimes they make mistakes. That the bulk of us will continue to respect them because we have seen over and over again, that they deserve it. I hope I don't look in their eyes and see a change, a curtain drawn, because we misused our unique access and pushed them into a corner one too many times. I hope I don't see a wariness in how they approach us, and what they share with us because they now fear putting a foot wrong and the retribution that may follow. I hope that the trust built up over so many years is not broken beyond repair. But mostly I hope they forgive us... that they forgive us for publicly shaming them instead of treating them like the friends they continually tell us we are, and communicating our concerns directly with them, or the people who represent them. 

We have unknown before power to reach millions of voices, it's time as a fandom that we stood up, and lived up to the expectations we place on others.

I love Supernatural, this show is special. It's lightning in a bottle that I feel blessed to still be able to enjoy. I will continue to love Supernatural because it deserves it, I will continue to support and respect Jensen and Jared, because they've earned it. Fandom? The jury is still out on that one. But I know so many are thoughtful, considerate, understanding, tolerant, reasonable humans, so maybe, just maybe there is still some hope...

Today is the saddest I've ever been on Supernatural day - but my show, and the people who create it for us, still deserve to be celebrated.

#IStandWithJ2

Welcome to the preview for episode 4

THEN
Sam tried to work with Jack to help him control his powers
Dean when on a hunt with Jody to help Missouri Mosely - who died....but died well
Patience got the talk from Jody and is heading in a Wayward direction
Sam and Dean really had it out and said some stuff - this is actually a good thing
Cas woke up in a very minimalist space! Lucky he doesn't dress in all black!


NOW
More Sam and Dean and Jack on the road on a case - awkward family road trip anyone?!
And though he's not mentioned in the synopsis - Cas in The Empty

Couples therapy

Let's look at that synopsis


“The Big Empty” 

THE LONG WAY HOME – When multiple patients of grief counsellor Mia Vallens (guest star Rukiya Bernard) turn up dead, Sam (Jared Padalecki), Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Jack (Alexander Calvert) investigate the mystery surrounding the murders and, each inadvertently, are forced to deal with unresolved grief of their own. John Badham directed the episode written by Meredith Glynn (#1304). 

Sounds like grief is going to be discussed and acknowledge, and hopefully addressed for all concerned. Please, lets get into the grief stuff. For all of us. Pleasssssse!

Director John Badham is awesome, we're so luck to have him - he last directed We Happy Few. Meredith Glynn came on board in season 12 and last wrote Ladies Drink Free!


Okay, here's the promo

Oh hey there's Cas....and apparently something or someone coming out of the blackness in The Empty! I'm looking forward to seeing what's happening there, what that space is like and all of the stuff. It's exciting that we have a new plain to discover! And who's in there with him - Misha talked about a very powerful being being in there with Cas, but who!?

As for Sam, Dean and Jack... well, I'm sure I'll enjoy all the story and all the interactions as usual. I hope their combined and individual grief is addressed (and allowed). I'm sure there will be tense, angsty moments, and I'm sure some awkward ones too!

Okay, here's the sneak peek....


OH WAIT...THERE ISN'T ONE! (YET!)


There is this though - some fan video of a scene being shot...which is fun!

Here's what the show's fearless leader has to say about the episode...

It's out tears, right?

Okay... okay, it's glass half empty/full...OF OUR TEARS!

Enjoy the episode. Sending you all lots of love.

-sweetondean