Supernatural: The Complete Series Writer: various Directors: various Creator: Erik Kripke Starring: Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins Copyright Date: 2021 for the complete set (2005-2021) ASIN: B08R69ZF63 Studio: Warner Bros. Languages: English Genre: Science Fiction Subgenre: Horror/Action Adventure MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Plot Summary Sam and Dean Winchester are Hunters, traveling the country to keep people safe from the supernatural forces of darkness. In Dean's trusty 1967 Chevy Impala, Baby, the brothers scan news sources looking for any indication that a crime was committed by something other than human. For 15 seasons, Sam and Dean—and after the beginning of season four—Castiel the angel battled the forces of darkness. Critical Evaluation The mythology of Supernatural is complex, with a backstory and way to vanquish each of the creatures the brothers face. As the seasons continued, more empathy was injected into the stories of these cryptids, injected more gray into what had originally been a black and white story of good vs. evil. Angels are not necessarily good. They are self-serving and see themselves above humans. Demons are also self-serving, but their senses of humor counterbalance that. Heaven is pleasant, but no one sees anyone else, and while Hell isn't really a place anyone wants to be, Sam and Dean keep finding themselves there. Much of the music in the series is classic rock and fits the tone of the various episodes well. Kansas' Carry On Wayward Son is the unofficial theme song of the show, and fans immediately think of Supernatural when they hear it. While the first seasons mainly focused on Christian mythology and creatures like ghosts, vampires, and witches, later seasons began to include aspects and gods from other cultures, creating a global connectivity to the creature features of the week. While this is a science fiction and horror genre TV show, it is also a dark fantasy and action adventure. Many episodes are also straight up comedy. There is even a story in which Sam and Dean become animated and join Scooby-Doo and the gang. The series is long and seasons could be meandering, but the huge breadth of storytelling and genre bending allow for aspects of the show that can be appealing to viewers of all tastes. Viewer's Annotation Two brothers travel the United States in a Chevy Impala battling the forces of evil, annoying angels, cryptids, and sinister demons. About Erik Kripke Eric Kripke (born April 24, 1974) is an American television writer, director, and producer. He is the creator of the Supernatural series. Eric Kripke is Series Creator and Executive Consultant. He was the showrunner for seasons 1-5. He stayed in a writer/executive producer role for season six and has been executive consultant since season seven. Kripke originally pitched the show as "Star Wars in truck stop America" (Source). Kripke on the genesis of the series from 2008: Kripke: At one point I wanted to do an anthology show. Another time, I wanted to do a series about a reporter who works for a tabloid magazine, pretty much a rip-off of the original Kolchak: The Night Stalker. And then, finally, just through development with the studio, settled on this idea of telling these stories in the format of this Route 66: Great American Road Trip with these two brothers. TV.com: Well, it worked well. Kripke: It's sort of funny how it all worked out. I literally had scribbled [the idea] in a notebook the day before my meeting with the studio, and then I came into the studio and had pitched them my reporter idea. And they didn't like it. They said, "What else do you got?" I didn't have anything. So, I tap danced and said, "Well, I got this great idea about two brothers on a road trip." They loved it, and it ended up being the show. So, it's funny how that works out. (About from here.) Showtalking Ideas Talk about your theories behind why this TV show was successful for 15 seasons. Challenge issues: violence and murder, religion Challenge Issue Resources: Nevada County Library Selection Policy Selection of materials is based upon a number of criteria that include:
The Library selects materials in accordance with the guidelines stated by the American Library Association in its Library Bill of Rights, and Freedom to Read Statement and Freedom to View Statements. The Library supports diversity of expression and views in its collection in an attempt to provide patrons with a foundation for making informed decisions and formulating personal opinions. The Library does not exclude items because of the race, nationality, social, political, or religious views of the authors. The presence of controversial materials in the collection does not represent the Library’s endorsement of the opinions expressed therein. Although some materials selected may contain language and/or illustrations that may be offensive to some patrons, the Library cannot undertake the task of pleasing all individuals by censoring such items. Active Listening Skills Staff should listen calmly to the patron’s concerns without judgement or commentary. They should acknowledge the public’s right to challenge materials and help the patron find an alternative item that will fit their needs. Nevada County Library Reconsideration form Any citizen may challenge materials. If the citizen chooses to submit a written Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials, Library staff will collect reviews and accumulate data on how the material conforms to the selection policy. An ad hoc review committee consisting of the Library Director, Branch Manager, one other librarian, and a citizen appointed at the discretion of the Library Director will review the material, judge whether it conforms to the Selection Policy and submit its report in writing to the Nevada County Board of Supervisors. Concerned parties will be notified of the final decision in writing. ALA Strategies and Tips for Dealing with Challenges to Library Materials ALA Bill of Rights on Intellectual Freedom The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services. Why Included With 15 seasons of Supernatural, there are plenty of episodes to choose from. Many are the conversations teens have had at the library about their favorites of the show, from actors to storylines, silly plot holes, and weekly creature features. It is horror with a sense of humor, something teens really respond to. |