Last Supernatural Con of 2023 – Nashville!

The last con of the year is always emotional. I am filled with gratitude that we still have these conventions to celebrate a show that’s been off the air for three years, but that I still love dearly. I used to think that for sure they’d be done by now, so every year that we still get to have these fandom reunions with fellow Supernatural fans and the cast feels like a gift. They’ve expanded now to include the actors’ other projects, but the core of the cons is still Supernatural, and I’m thankful.

My friend (and talented photographer) Kim Prior was supposed to come with me, but was sick unfortunately, so I staffed the vendor table mostly by myself – and thus missed a lot of panels that I would have loved to see. On the plus side, this was the first con with Supes Ain’t Always Heroes, our new book on The Boys, so that was exciting to share. And, as is usually the case, there were many friends to catch up with and toast the holiday season and the New Year.

I met up with my friend Sadie on Friday at an amazing little restaurant called Rosemary and The Queen. One of the best things about cons in Nashville is that the food and drink are AMAZING!

All the ambience (their playlist even included some classic Lou Reed!), great drinks and food, and an outdoor patio twinkling with multicolored lights. Some good conversation and what more could you ask? (Stay tuned for more on season 2 of Sadie’s ‘In Defense of Fandom’ podcast coming up)

On Saturday I finally caught a panel – Misha Collins, whose panels I never ever miss. Misha is following the post-SPN tradition of being long-haired and bearded and it’s working well on him just like it is for Jared and Jensen. (Though I’m probably in the minority of being ready for the beards to be gone. Luckily it is not at all up to me!)

Misha’s panel started late, but he promised to pack a lot into a slightly shorter panel – and he did!

He kicked it off with a hug for Rob. Awwww.

As for what’s keeping him busy right now, Misha let us know that he’s writing – something that might be a novel, in fact! (I like to think I kick started his return to writing when he wrote a chapter for ‘Fan Phenomena Supernatural’ almost a decade ago. He also has a heartfelt chapter on fandom in ‘Family Don’t End With Blood’ and of course his beautiful book of poetry and his cookbook.

It was nice to have the strike over and the actors able to talk about their work, past and present.

Misha: Now I can say SUPERNATURAL SUPERNATURAL SUPERNATURAL!

He was asked about other new projects.

Misha: My daughter is teaching me to crochet…

(But he did say later that he might be a character in Minecraft – I know some Minecraft fans who would be excited about that!)

What would he change about the show?

Misha: I would have liked more human Cas. And to pop in to the finale just for a second, like ‘hey bitches!’

He also reminisced about filming the episode Peace of Mind, and how it took hours for him and Jared to film a particular scene.

Misha: Most of it isn’t even on the gag reel partly because the camera operators were laughing so hard!

Who would he love to switch brains with (who was on the show)?

Misha: Felicia Day, because she’s so amazing and creative.

He talked a bit about the Mockumentary that he filmed on the Supernatural set, and how challenging it was to film it without any real budget to speak of. (And yet it turned out hilarious, so kudos Misha)

Misha also told an amusing story about being in the hotel gym working out and Jensen came in. Misha thought he was there to work out too.

Jensen: Nope, just grabbing a water, just had a facial…

Misha had some good advice that seems appropriate as we head into 2024.

Misha: Appreciate the present moment because you never know what will be the last time.

It made me think of Krista, who I thought would always be sitting in the seat in front of me at the conventions, filming it for everyone to enjoy. It’s still hard to believe she’s gone, but I’m forever grateful that I had that last con with her and was able to savor it and say goodbye. I’m trying to savor every moment of happiness that I get in the midst of a lot of challenges in the world right now.

Much to fandom’s delight, Misha got overheated at some point and took off his jacket. We don’t often get to see any of them in just a tee shirt, and Misha certainly has the arms for it!

A fan asked, if it was only Misha, Jared and Jensen left in the world and he had to choose one of them to live with, who would he choose?

Misha: Can I live alone??

For some reason that I can’t recall, when the band came onstage at the end of Misha’s panel, both Misha and Rob were determined to find out if Richard Speight had a tee shirt on.

Chaos ensued.

I also caught a little bit of The Winchesters panel with Drake Rodger, Meg Donnelly and JoJo Fleites. They are invariably delightful, and all seem to really enjoy each other’s company.

They even sang happy birthday to a fan who won a prize, along with Richard.

Drake is also following the post-show rule with long hair and some beard, which looks amazing on him.

Drake: Someone recently told me I look like Jesus…

JoJo brought their family to the con, and gave them a shout out from the stage.

I hope they know how much we love JoJo!

They were asked about favorite holiday gifts. Meg told a story about wanting a puppy for Christmas and thinking that she finally got one – only to find it was a robot!

Saturday was an eventful day, because in the middle of the con there was suddenly a tornado warning. Most of us were following its progress on our phones, but when the hotel set off the alarm, we all had to evacuate. That was not at all fun, especially for someone who has a dislocated knee (ie, me) but shout out to Creation’s Liz and Kristen, who ensured that everyone who had a health or ability challenge was taken care of. We all ended up in the parking garage, where Misha continued his meet and greet and Jared entertained the fans to keep everyone from being too anxious. Not my favorite part of the con, but we all eventually got back inside and I hobbled as quickly as possible to the meet and greet that was postponed. Phew!

(Oddly enough, a few years ago at this same convention, when it was still at the wonderful Gaylord Opryland Resort, there was a tornado warning in the middle of the night too. I’m grateful that we were spared each time, and everyone’s thoughts went out to the Nashville residents who were not so fortunate).

Saturday was also the “Coolpala” reception since Nashcon was the long anticipated wedding of the Green Cooler and the Impala.

We celebrated with cupcakes (decorated with the legos and army men that the brothers left in Baby from all those years ago of course) and bubbly and then some dinner in the hotel lobby before the concert. Perfect way to spend an evening!

And then it was Saturday Night Special time…

Nashville usually means some special guests – which meant we got to hear the talented Emma Fitzpatrick sing ‘Cool If I Come Over’ with Rob and Louden Swain.

Kim Rhodes was both fierce and adorable as always.

Meg Donnelly joined the fun with ‘Livin In The Real World’ with everyone singing along for the chorus.

(Fun fact – when I got to my seat for the SNS someone had left their bag on it, so I kept it under my chair hoping someone would realize and come back for it. I didn’t expect it would be Meg, who’d left it there during sound check).

Briana Buckmaster and Gil McKinney teamed up for “Nothin’s Gonna Stop Us Now” duet which they acted out like a mini musical. They’re both so talented – it was adorable!

https://x.com/FangasmSPN/status/1733701346983907432?s=20

Jason Manns and Rob and Billy created some beautiful harmonies with Hallelujah and the audience did a great job singing along.

Swain did some old favorites, including the Prom song which I love and haven’t heard in far too long – it was perfect because Nashcon is traditionally also “gown con”, with some fans wearing their evening gown/finest, however that’s interpreted.

https://x.com/FangasmSPN/status/1733704445588832354?s=20

Rob introduced ‘This Is How’ – Everyone should have the right to be whoever the fuck they are. And this is how.

Damn right.

Michael Rosenbaum came onstage to lead the call for an encore – I missed getting a picture of this but he also joined in on the Swain vendor jam earlier in the day, rapping along with them!

Rob dedicated ‘Amazing’ to Krista, which made an always emotional song extra meaningful.

The fandom responded with lights waving high, as always.

The last song brought everyone on stage for a high energy version of Mama’s Jam with JoJo, Drake and Meg, Briana, Gil, Jason, Jake Abel, Emma Fitzpatrick and Michael Rosenbaum joining in.

The best kind of chaos!

https://x.com/FangasmSPN/status/1733711474042810611?s=20

What a great night and a wonderful memorable SNS to close out 2023!

Sunday was J2 day – something I won’t be able to say nearly as often in 2024, and I’m already feeling sad about that. But I was grateful for this one!

Jared had a festive ‘Shitter’s Full’ sweater on, which apparently he saw when they were out at a restaurant and convinced the person to trade it for whatever he was wearing lol.

Jensen showed his appreciation while Jared showed it off.

Someone asked Jensen about working with Reba on Big Sky, and he told a sweet story about loving a song she was singing and then she just turned to him and said here, you sing the harmony, and they sang it together.

Jensen: I was so nervous I don’t think I hit a single note right!

He had high praise for Reba, saying she’s as charming and as lovely as you would hope her to be.

Awwww.

https://x.com/FangasmSPN/status/1733897940027015508?s=20

There was a lot of laughter, as there always is when these two share a stage. It always puts a smile on my face too just to watch them having fun and enjoying each other’s antics and stories.

There was a lot of talk about a reboot/Season 16 of Supernatural, which made me all kinds of happy.

Both Jared and Jensen said (perhaps surprisingly) they were actually okay with the show having been on network TV where there were standards and practices.

Jared: I kinda really enjoy that there are guidelines. If you can just do anything…

Jensen: Then you get ‘The Boys’!

Jared: Which is great!

https://x.com/FangasmSPN/status/1733899077186720230?s=20

What would be different if the reboot was on a different platform then?

Jensen: Maybe more scare and more gore.

Me: Back to its horror show roots then? I’m in.

They talked a little about how S&P was sometimes kind of ridiculous though.

Jensen: For some reason, we couldn’t say ‘prick’ but we could say ‘dick’.

Which explains the whole Dick Roman season of dick jokes… take that S&P!

One of my favorite parts of the panel was when the boys got serious for a minute and Jared talked about the value of therapy, and how he has gone to therapy regularly himself for years.

It takes courage to share your own journey, but it also inspires other people – Jared did that in the chapter he wrote in ‘Family Don’t End With Blood’ too, and I’ve heard from so many people who have read his words and been inspired to get help themselves or to keep going.

Jensen shared that one of the things he does that’s therapeutic is to get up before sunrise to walk the dog and quiet his mind before he starts the day.

They both love reminiscing about their time on the Supernatural set (to my great joy) – Jensen joked about how DP Serge Ladouceur used Jared as a light meter since he was so tall, bouncing the light off him for Jensen lol.

Jared: They’ll shoot light at something and bounce it onto the subject.

Jensen: For 15 years, I never needed bounces because I just worked opposite him!

Jared: (demonstrating) I’d just be angling my head… Lookin’ good, dude.

https://x.com/FangasmSPN/status/1733904010396975462?s=20

They also told the hilarious story of when Kim Manners pranked them by sending them down a (fake) manhole and then tossing buckets of water on them.

They absolutely beam when telling it, so fond about the show and Kim, from whom they learned so much.

Jared still had his cast on when they did that, both of them trying to make sure it didn’t get ruined. Jensen gave Jared a reassuring pat on the shoulder as they recalled it. Always having each other’s backs, on the show and in real life.

What would they like to be remembered for?

Jensen: I’d like to be remembered for being a light in the world.

Jared: And he is.

Me: awwwwww

Jensen told an adorable story about him fanboying over Cary Elwes of The Princess Bride, which Jared enjoyed as much as we all did.

And both Jared and Jensen talked about how much they loved doing Supernatural and why.

They never forget how special it was, and I think both of them are the biggest cheerleaders for a reboot – with me close behind.

Jared and Jensen took the time to thank the fans for being with them on this (long) Supernatural journey.

All too soon, the gold panel ended, Jensen giving Jared a job-well-done shoulder squeeze on their way out.

I caught some of the Walker panel that afternoon – Keegan Allen, Jake Abel and Mitch Pileggi all lamenting at one point about the fanfic they’ve seen…

Jake’s face though…

Jake and Keegan thoroughly amuse each other and I am here for it.

Without context…

Keegan: Your book title would be “I’m Jake…And I’m Able”… Nipples like diamonds cutting through your shirt…

What do they have on their bucket lists?

Jake insists that Keegan’s isn’t legal.

Mitch teases Jake about being Pony Boy.

Then Keegan gets serious.

Keegan: This, here, this is my bucket list.

Awwww

We also got treated to Keegan’s theme song, which is clearly going to be a big hit…

https://x.com/FangasmSPN/status/1733969834734399975?s=20

What would they like to see happen on Walker in the new season?

Mitch: I’d like to ride more horses.

Jake: I’d like to come back to life!

Keegan and Jake paused to take a selfie with the fans in the background before the end of their panel – they seem to enjoy doing them as much as we enjoy watching them.

And then it was the J2 main panel – Jared, Jensen and Rob did their traditional warm up and jump onstage.

https://x.com/FangasmSPN/status/1733974690291396883?s=20

Jensen is such a director, checking to be sure that both Jared and Rob are ready, both of them waiting for his go signal.

They always give each other props when they come onstage – I love all their little traditions that are now traditions for all of us watching too, both there and on video.

Let me be shallow for a moment and just say that the other thing I savored about this con was knowing that Jared, at least, was about to cut that long glorious hair to return to filming Walker. I have thoroughly loved this long haired boys era – look at both of them! Wow. Seriously.

Someone asked about their acting process.

Jensen: He and I are similar, we know we gotta get here, but for the in between, the great thing about working with Jared is we’re both available for happy accidents.

There were, of course, less serious moments. Lots of them.

Jared: replies to a question with an accent.

Jensen: —

Now that we can ask show questions again, there were a lot of them – my favorite kind of question. Sam and Dean’s biggest regrets?

Jared: Amelia.

Jensen: Not being able to save Cas.

At one point a fan got up to ask a question and lamented that she’d missed her photo op with Jensen – and also asked a great question that highly amused both of them – so he jumped off the stage to pose for a photo, taken by none other than Jared!

What a special moment to make up for that miss.

What show would they love to do more of?

Jensen: I’d love to do more Alec (Dark Angel). Devour I could do without.

Jared: I’d love more Gilmore Girls.

A fan asked a question that clearly mystified both of them.

Jared: Jensen wants to answer!

Lol

Someone asked something we’ve all been wondering – did Jared finally get his knee surgery?

He said no, but he did do some PT, and feels ready to film – starting that Thursday! (They’ve been back for two weeks now)

I so love some of the answers we got about Supernatural and Sam and Dean and what made their story special – that the actors so get it isn’t always the case.

Jared: You can be yourself with somebody who knows you, and understand like oh they’re having a tough time, or they’re angry, I’m gonna let them simmer down and then we’ll address this later. So I think the fact that Sam and Dean ultimately could bounce anything off of each other is what really helped their relationship.

Jensen: I think he’s right. I think it’s the fact that they are brothers, and it’s not the generation thing or not the time, because I kinda feel like you could take those two brothers and put them in any generation or any time and there would be a similar story. It might look a little different but it would still be very very similar, and I think that’s one of the things that we all like about the show, that it is kinda timeless. That story of two brothers, not just who they’re fighting but they’re fighting for each other is a beautiful story.

https://x.com/FangasmSPN/status/1733981755223458033?s=20

Another favorite moment was when Jared and Jensen brought up us seeing Sam and Dean again – there was a loud and enthusiastic reaction that went on and on, to Jared and Jensen’s clear enjoyment.

Jensen: That’s not promising…

Jensen also said it would be nice to do something like “The Nice Guys”

Jensen: Doing something like that I think would be…

Jared: Or like “Stepbrothers”!

(Enacting it immediately ensues lol)

Jensen: But, the dynamic that he and I got to establish over those 15 years, I think you could put that in a lot of different scenarios. As long as we have that, we can do whatever.

Me: Yes please, do whatever!

https://x.com/FangasmSPN/status/1733982415301841147?s=20

Jensen also confirmed that we will get another live Radio Company show at some point. The first one, after the Nashville con last year, was amazing!

They also reminisced about filming the episode ‘Baby’ and how much they enjoyed it.

In an interesting little tidbit, we found out that both Jared and Jensen have the “Richesters” jackets from the episode with AU Sam and Dean. A reboot appearance perhaps?

Jensen said again that he loved the Supernatural series finale – especially the “bridge scene”.  They were asked about episodes and moments they loved. Jensen said the finale, and that he’d taken time during filming to really appreciate it.

Jensen: And appreciate the magnitude of the moment that was happening in front of us. When I got into that car and drove it, when Dean was driving [in Heaven], I knew that was going to be the final drive for this run of the show. I think I have video of it, I set my phone on the seat and recorded that final drive. And then he and I, on the bridge, there were moments that he and I took, multiple moments that he and I took for ourselves without the cameras rolling.

He turned and looked at Jared, the two of them remembering.

Jensen: And so, I think that was precious for me.

Jared: Yeah

Jensen: It meant so much because of the journey we had gone on and where we’d ended up together.

(I think that’s why I find it so meaningful too, that last day of filming was both about Sam and Dean finding their peace when they were done but also about Jared and Jensen celebrating this unlikely thing they pulled off so beautifully in fifteen seasons of a show that nobody thought would make it past its first season. I do think the barn scene was hard for them and for us, but it was meant to be, and they acted their hearts out so I think they’re proud of it as the art that it is – even if it’s hard to watch!)

https://x.com/FangasmSPN/status/1733985150029943022?s=20

What would they have liked more of on the show?

Jared: More Michael Dean and more Eileen.

Jensen: More Benny.

(Shout out to Shoshanna Stern and Ty Olssen, both of whom are awesome)

They also reminisced about all the fun and shenanigans and laughter they shared on the show. Jared remembered a time he made Jensen crack, ie laugh.

Jensen: It was mostly impromptu messing with each other.

Having witnessed that a few times on the set, I can vouch for that – and it was also hilarious.

Jensen and Rob sang the Last Question song as the panel neared an end.

https://x.com/FangasmSPN/status/1733988234311397685?s=20

And then the boys thanked the fans and signed off for the last con of 2023, arms around each other and hands over their hearts to show their appreciation.

Jensen looks so happy here, with Jared giving him props.

It will be May before we’ll see Jared and Jensen on a Creation con panel together again, which is the longest time in well over a decade. That is way longer than I want to wait, but I’m grateful we had this wonderful one. Smiles and fistbumps, and that was it, the last con of 2023. And the last J2 panel for a long long time!

Wishing everyone lots of love and good health in 2024 – Happy New Year everyone!

Lynn

If you’re looking for some good reading for 2024,

check out the books with chapters by the Supernatural

actors and fans, Family Don’t End With Blood and

There’ll Be Peace When You Are Done (and if you

love The Boys, Supes Ain’t Always Heroes!). Links

on the sidebar and on the home page banner.