Distributor: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc, Warner Home Video
Supernatural: Season 9 (DVD) – Series Review
The TV-show ‘Supernatural’ has been around for quite some time and it doesn’t look like it’s ending anytime soon. Season 9 reunites us with the Winchester brothers and they are as hilarious and badass as ever.
The previous season showed us how Sam Winchester endured ‘The Trials’. These trials were meant to seal up Hell and although the first two (killing a Hellhound and saving an innocent life) were not too much of a problem, it’s the last one (curing a demon) that really messed up Sam. He’s obviously not well but his big brother Dean isn’t about to let him die like this. Eventually, he finds a solution to save Sam while knowing perfectly well Sam might actually kill him for doing what he did if he’d find out. This situation causes a constant tension as Dean and you (the ones who are watching) know what’s up while Sam is left in de dark.
Meanwhile, Castiel has lost his grace (which was taken by Metatron in season 8) and finds himself on Earth without powers. From that moment on, Castiel needs to seriously adjust to human life. Things like hunger, thirst and the need to go to the bathroom once in a while are unknown sensations for the former angel.
Veteran viewers of Supernatural know well enough how the series is filled with humor and season 9 is no different on that part. Especially Dean succeeds greatly in creating the most hilarious moments and I found myself laughing out loud quite often at some of his witty remarks. Count hereby Castiel, an ex-angel who’s struggling with understanding mankind while trying to adjust to a life without powers and wings. Thanks to these silly situations, Supernatural succeeds perfectly in keeping the series light-hearted while still providing enough seriousness on key moments.
As per usual in Supernatural, the episodes are a mix of story progressing events and standalone monster chasings and killings. Season 9 alters between the two in a suitable fashion and keeps the story from getting ‘stuck’ in one way or the other. The only thing that prevents the story from a decent progression sometimes is the drama between the brothers after several events which happen quite early in the season. At first, it’s not really a big deal, but after a while it gives you a feeling like: come on guys, just get over it and move on please (even some characters from the show itself – Kevin –share my point of view).
The acting in season 9 is like it should be: outstanding. There’s not one character who neglects his or her acting performance. Once again, Jensen Ackles (Dean Winchester) and Jared Padalecki (Sam Winchester) prove to be a dynamic and entertaining duo. Especially Jared deserves a big thumbs-up for his acting (I can’t say why as this would greatly spoil the story, but trust me, you’ll know when you see it). Although Tahmoh Penikett (Gadreel) doesn’t have much screen time, he presents his character in a certain flair that gets to you the moment you meet him. Of course, all the regulars like Misha Collins (Castiel) and Mark Sheppard (Crowley) among others, do an awesome job as well.
You’ll find a load of extras on the discs of season 9. First, you’ll have the option to play commentaries on three separate episodes. It’s always interesting to listen to the what, why and how behind a particular scene so I can really recommend to try it out.
Secondly, you’ll have the option to see how a fan of the series is invited onto the set and gets a chance to meet all the actors/actresses and see how things work. It’s a very interesting mini documentary and definitely an extra worth watching and don’t worry if you think that it might get very technical and/or formal. The clips are easily on the same humorous level as the actual series.
Thirdly, the 2013 Comic-Con Panel is included as well. Here, the cast and producers take a look at what the viewers can expect in Season 9.
The last disc contains a virtual tour in the Crow’s Nest (the place where Sam and Dean are momentarily staying) and a lot of background information about The Men of Letters. For those of you who want to know absolutely everything the show has to offer, this is the place to go!
On the discs, you’ll also stumble upon unaired scenes which are always pleasant to watch as it might give you a bit more information concerning a scene or event.
Finally, if the humor in the show itself isn’t enough to let you laugh for minutes on an end, then the Gag Reel is the place to go. Here you’ll find the most hilarious bloopers and dancing scenes (like usual in Supernatural’s funny moments).
Conclusion
Supernatural delivers another great season packed with interesting cases and storylines. The only thing holding it back a bit is the dragging drama between Sam and Dean but fortunately, that doesn’t last for too long. The acting is top-notch and the crew behind the series still succeeds in inventing the most hilarious scenarios which really makes Supernatural stand out from other series in this genre.
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