Tag: Jensen Ackles

Tracker Kicks Off Season 3 With Jensen Ackles Returning as Russell!

Tracker Kicks Off Season 3 With Jensen Ackles Returning as Russell!

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I’ve been so looking forward to the return of Russell Shaw on Tracker. I watch the show regularly and love it, but the addition of Jensen Ackles as big brother Russ to Justin Hartley’s “little” brother Colter made this week’s season premiere feel like old fashioned appointment TV. I put “little brother” in quotes because Jensen Ackles seems to constantly be playing shorter big brother to an unusually tall little brother, first to Jared Padalecki’s Sam and now to Justin’s Colter. However, as always, Ackles holds his own – and then some!

My local station, CBS Philly, decided to torment me and the two friends who joined me for the series premiere by delaying the broadcast of Tracker – which meant we happily turned on the TV with great anticipation at 8 pm only to find…. 60 Minutes. We also had no idea if that meant Tracker would be on soon or would be pre-empted or what, and there was no information for an annoying 20 minutes. I may have tweeted the local CBS affiliate a time or two…

Anyway, they did finally broadcast the episode in its entirety, thankfully.

And it was absolutely worth the wait!

Russ gets a memorable return in the middle of a bar fight that a despondent Colter sorta kinda picked with a bunch of assholes harassing the waitress.  Russell gets a punch in the mouth for his trouble before Colter realizes who’s grabbing his shoulder from behind, which seems to delight Russell more than anything, and then the brothers are on the same side in the fight (and the remaining asshole wisely runs away).

Seems a worried Reenie sent his big bro after Colter when he disappeared after finding out there’s a lot more to his father’s death than his mother was letting on – and it wasn’t Russell’s fault after all. The discovery of Otto as the man who their mother sent to convince their dad to let her leave him (and who ended up instrumental in his falling to his death) has sent Colter spiraling, withdrawing from everyone in his trusty Airstream. Even Reenie!

We’re treated to a probably long overdue heart to heart talk between the brothers, with Colter especially letting his guard down and apologizing to Russell for blaming him for their father’s death. Russell wants Colter to follow his example and just repress all the bad childhood memories of how their father deteriorated and started to lose it, which are clearly very painful for both of them. Colter says he’s not built that way, and Russell grudgingly accepts that, a moment that I loved.

It’s clear Russell cares very much about Colter. He volunteers to stick around and keep him company – and help with the next case, which Russell is eager for them to take on. He’s a bit Dean Winchester coded in that, finding purpose and distraction in throwing himself into “the work”. He’s right, though – it seems to get Colter back on track and out of the withdrawal and isolation he’d sunk into.

(Sure, Russ is also offering to help because he just got fired from his job, but whatever).

Russ is a bit of a fuckup, but he’s a very endearing one. His heart seems to be in the right place just as much as Colter’s is, but his methods are even more unconventional. Both Shaw brothers were raised by a father who trained them to be survivors – perhaps even more than good old John Winchester – but Russell also learned to keep his feelings to himself more than Colter. He deflects, he makes jokes, he shrugs off anything that hurts – but you get the feeling that he also feels things more deeply than he lets on. His eyes are soft even when he’s insisting he just wants to get on with it, and his concern for Colter is very clear. Ackles, as always, is up to the challenge of showing us all those repressed emotions with just a facial expression or tone of voice. The real life long-term friendship between Hartley and Ackles make their emotional scenes together ring true, along with their acting talent.

Russell jokes about his interest in Reenie also, ribbing Colter for once “swerving” into her lane and having a short-lived thing, but he also seems genuinely disappointed that she’s got a lawyer boyfriend and that’s probably good for her.

(Though Reenie, are you sure, girl? I mean, look at him! All that long hair swept down over those soulful green eyes, I mean….)

Okay, anyway. Ackles is always attractive, but the long hair just works SO well.

We still don’t know very much about what their father was involved in or why it made him paranoid or made their mother want to leave him and take the kids – and I like that they’re leaving the mystery a mystery for now, spooling out information little by little. Russell admits that while he saw more than Colter did, and clearly tried to be the protector, he too was “just a kid” and not in control of what was happening. They were both victims, along with their sister Dory. We just don’t know yet exactly what happened, or how bad things got.

For now, the Shaw brothers take on a case that turns out to be way more dark and twisted than it seemed at first, which was intriguing.

The people murdering other people seem more terrified than murderous, asking if “you’re them” and desperate to follow “the process” and instructions before a loved one being held runs out of time. It’s confusing and disturbing and the sense of time running out was palpable. Twice the show threw a curveball that surprised me, which I always appreciate. (I did not see that car coming!)

The final scenes were especially disturbing, tragic and ultimately chilling, as “the process” becomes personal for Russell and Colter.

Luckily this is a two parter, because I can’t wait to watch next week and see what happens next!

Congrats on a stellar season premiere, Tracker – and kudos to Ackles, Hartley and Fiona Rene, and special shout out to Chris Lee, who joined the cast last year as Randy, Bobby’s tech genius cousin. Chris is a great guy in real life and brings humor and warmth to his role on the show. I miss Teddy and Velma and Bobby, but all were mentioned so maybe they’ll be reprising their roles at some point too.

Can’t wait for next week’s episode!

– Lynn

You can read Jensen Ackles’ thoughts on fandom,

Supernatural, and The Boys in his chapters in 

Family Don’t End With Blood, There’ll Be Peace

When You Are Done, and Supes Ain’t Always Heroes.

Links on Amazon, on the home page or info at:

 

Supernatural Con Returns to Austin, Texas – 2025!

Supernatural Con Returns to Austin, Texas – 2025!

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Last year’s Creation Supernatural con in Austin was very memorable – for a few reasons. One was the Radio Company concert at Sagebrush, and the other was the fact that everyone there almost melted thanks to it being the most absurd temperature I’ve ever experienced.

Of course, I returned to Austin for yet another Supernatural con in the same month. Luckily it wasn’t quite as absurdly hot – and not so luckily, there was no Radio Company concert.

There was, however, a mini Radio Company “show” when Jensen Ackles and Steve Carlson and the Scott sisters joined Louden Swain at the Saturday Night Special, and a Radio Company panel with Steve and Jensen, so at least we got our Radio Company fix – without melting!

The flight there was uneventful but an entire box of books hadn’t made it to the con unfortunately. That meant I sold out of books by Saturday – my apologies to anyone who came by to purchase a copy of Family Don’t End With Blood or There’ll Be Peace When You Are Done and I didn’t have any left. Thanks to everyone who did come by – it was lovely to meet everyone!

I did a few more panels than I usually get to do since I wasn’t needed in the vendor room the entire time, so that was the silver lining.  One of the best things about a con in Austin is that I love the city. My son used to live in Houston and we’d pop over to Austin for the day, and I fell in love with its weirdness – and its delicious food. Thursday I had tacos and queso with my friend Sadie, and some good conversation to go with it. Another night after dark when it cooled off, I joined a friend at the hotel’s rooftop pool (best part about the con hotel!) to lounge poolside and catch up (though the lounge chairs were out to get both of us by periodically collapsing…)

Friday I caught most of Chad Lindberg’s panel because I just love Chad. I’ve known him since way back in 2008, when he was starring in a film called “My Big Break”. He introduced me and Kathy (my Fangasm co-author) to the filmmakers, Tony and Elizabeth, and we became fast friends. When they took ‘My Big Break’ on the road, we came along for some of the screenings along with Chad – which is how we ended up on Bourbon Street in the middle of the night for Chad’s first trip to New Orleans, and several other memorable adventures.

I also adore his character of Ash on Supernatural. Chad wrote a chapter for There’ll Be Peace When You Are Done all about portraying Ash, with lots of priceless behind the scenes insights.

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Happy 20th Anniversary, Supernatural!!

Happy 20th Anniversary, Supernatural!!

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Every year I worry about the same thing – will this be the year that no one remembers it’s the anniversary of the premiere of my favorite TV show of all time? Will this be the year that I’m celebrating alone and missing it as much as ever, without the validation of my fellow fans?

Every year it turns out I didn’t have to worry – and this year it feels like I have more company than ever.

Happy 20th anniversary, Supernatural!!

Twenty years ago today, the pilot episode premiered on what was then The WB network.

I didn’t see it live, but I saw it soon after thanks to a good friend who had fallen in love with the new series after seeing it promoted at Comic Con that year. She recorded the episodes on VCR tapes and when we all got together, we’d watch them together, sometimes squeeing over “the boys” and their badass black Impala, sometimes covering our eyes and screaming when it was too scary. It wasn’t long before I fell down the rabbit hole of loving Sam and Dean and Supernatural, and I’ve never looked back.

It’s hard to believe that was two decades ago – the world has changed so much and so have I, but all those years somehow haven’t changed how I feel about the show. In fact, I think I’m more emotional than ever when I rewatch episodes that have become even more beloved for their familiarity, like a worn-soft comfy blanket that keeps me warm emotionally when the world is cold.

I am so grateful that Supernatural has continued to air for so long, from TNT marathons to Hulu to every other platform that has hosted it over the years. I am so grateful that the show’s cast has continued to attend fan conventions all over the world, many of them devoted to Supernatural. How many shows that premiered in 2005 can say that in 2025, twenty years later?? Every time I’m at a convention and Jared Padalecki asks, “who’s first time” and a third of the audience raises their hands, I’m in awe of the staying power of the Little Show That Could.

I remember when we didn’t dare count on even one more season, let alone fifteen. When we were a fandom that was tiny in size but disproportionately large (and loud) in our passion for our Show. I remember sending postcards to the studio, first The WB and then The CW, pleading for more. The first time I was invited to the set, the office was plastered with them, a constant reminder to the hardworking cast and crew of just how much fan support was out there.

That support is still there.

It was obvious when the show aired its finale episode five years ago, so many fans posting to show their gratitude and to share how special the journey has been for so many of us.

It’s obvious at every fan convention, in the cheers of the crowd and the eagerness to ask questions about the show even though it’s been over for five years now.

The fans have followed the talented Supernatural cast on to many other projects, supporting them in all sorts of roles and helping those projects succeed too. At the same time, for many of us, we haven’t moved “on” from the fictional characters who so inspired us. Sure, the relationships may be “parasocial”, but that doesn’t make them trivial – we find meaning and inspiration and a sense of belonging from the fictional worlds we love revisiting.

Supernatural may not be airing, but it is far from forgotten.

This year, that’s especially obvious. TV Insider camped out at a Supernatural convention for two days to see for themselves that the passion for the show is very much alive, publishing a 20th anniversary Supernatural special magazine and releasing priceless videos of Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles and Misha Collins reminiscing about the show they too continue to love.

Entertainment Weekly posted their video of Jared, Jensen and Misha today, buying some gorgeous boots in Austin and reminiscing about their time on Supernatural by answering 20 questions for the 20th anniversary (see full video at end)

Also, I mean, LOOK at them!

The “official” Supernatural Instagram and YouTube accounts were quiet for a while, but they’ve been active recently, posting content to help us all reminisce as we celebrate #SPN20. Richard Speight, Jr. and Rob Benedict host the SPNThenAndNow podcast that’s doing a complete rewatch of the show, and there are countless other podcasts and Youtube channels still conjecturing about everything and anything related to Supernatural.

I had a chance to chat with both Jared and Jensen about the 20th anniversary happening today just a week ago, and their mix of incredulity and fondness and gratitude felt similar to my own. It seems impossible that it’s been so long, but at the same time I am SO very grateful that I am in such good company in still loving it.

Supernatural changed my life. I met some of my best friends in this fandom. I’ve traveled places I never would have gone otherwise. I’ve laughed, cried, hugged and been hugged, and been understood in a way that’s rare to find in this world.  I’ve written six books on the show, two of them with the Supernatural actors, an experience I cherish.

I just signed a contract to write another, celebrating how much, after 20 years, the show matters.

Thank you, Eric Kripke, for creating such a special story. Thank you, Jared and Jensen and Misha and all the many talented actors, writers, directors and crew who brought that story to life so vividly. And thank you, SPNFamily, for every warm hug, shared adventure, impassioned debate about my favorite topic of conversation, and most of all for still being here celebrating with me, twenty years on.

Here’s to many more! (And perhaps, someday, to more Supernatural)

Happy 20th Anniversary, Supernatural.

With love.

Here’s the video from EW – it will make you laugh, maybe tear up a little, and most of all make you very grateful that they have so many fond memories of Supernatural.

Just like we all do.

-Lynn

You can read the books with chapters from the

Supernatural actors, info at the link below, or

find them at any bookstore or on Amazon to

celebrate 20 years of Supernatural!

Countdown Wraps Season One with Multiple Cliffhangers

Countdown Wraps Season One with Multiple Cliffhangers

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WARNING: SPOILERS FOR THE COUNTDOWN SEASON FINALE!

You never know what to hope for with a season finale when you don’t know if you’ll get another season. Do you want the threads left dangling so there could be a possibility of more, or would you rather they get mostly tied up neatly just in case?

There are up sides to either, but there’s a lot I’ll be left wondering about if there’s no season 2. So I guess we cross our fingers?

Will They or Won’t They?

Many fans got invested in Mark Meachum and Amber Oliveras’ relationship, which has been a tease throughout the series. I would be fine with them being partners and friends and demonstrating real care for each other, and that might make the most sense if they’re going to keep being on the same task force together. On the other hand, there are undoubtedly some romantic feelings there between the characters, so I could see it going that way too.

The two do a lot more dancing around each other in this episode, with everyone watching seeing clearly that they both care about each other and are into each other, and possibly yelling at their screens when they are both with someone else. For Oliveras that’s Julio, who seems like a really great guy – but she just doesn’t seem that into him. For Meachum, there’s a new person, a fellow officer he reconnects with.

She was surprised he called; he was surprised she answered. They clearly have some history, but she says she was “between things” and her mom didn’t like the last guy, so why not?

Mark: What does she think about me?

Hannah: She can’t stand you.

He doesn’t seem either surprised or too bothered by this and neither does she, judging by their immediate makeout session in the doorway.

Oliveras texts him to hit her up about the case, but the (understandably) eager woman reminds Meachum “clock’s ticking”.

What an appropriate thing to say for a show called ‘Countdown’! Also, who can blame her?

Oliveras doesn’t look very happy about it the next morning when she sees that Meachum didn’t respond to her at all. She confronts him about it over coffee at HQ and Meachum is studiously casual.

Oliveras: Hey, you didn’t text be back.

Meachum: Oh, I didn’t…what did you want?

He claims he didn’t want to interrupt her and the doc’s romantic dinner by “inserting himself”. When she retorts that she was the one who texted him, he defensively says that maybe HE was having a romantic dinner.

Oliveras: Oh, where’d you take her, Pink’s Hotdogs?

Meachum: Don’t ever denigrate Pink’s.

I mean, he’s right. That was one of the first places we went on our first trip to LA. And they were good!

Oliveras and Meachum continue to snark at each other as they go after Todd. She says Julio is reliable and stable. Mark snarks that’s what every girl wants. (Gotta say, since we’re in a fictional media world, Mark is 100% right. The girl never stays with Mr. Reliable and Stable. Of course, she doesn’t know she’s in a TV show…)

Oliveras: Julio is not boring.

Meachum: Nah, he’s… steady… stable…

Oliveras: You’re exhausting.

Meachum isn’t giving up easily though. He reminds her that opposites don’t really attract, so when they try to be with someone from the ‘normal world’ it’s a disaster because they don’t get it and they never will.

Mark: So we push it down and we fake that we’re normal.

Oliveras: So, what? Break up with Julio and be with you? Because you’ve just been waiting for me, pining, all by your lonesome…

He says maybe he has.

She says he’s full of shit.

Meachum: You helped me through a tough time, okay? That means something to me. Whatever this is, it doesn’t require extra work. This is magic you can’t fake, and you know it. And I know it.

They get soooooooooo close and then…

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‘Countdown’ Season Finale is Next Week – Here’s What We Know About Mark Meachum

‘Countdown’ Season Finale is Next Week – Here’s What We Know About Mark Meachum

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As we head into the season finale of Countdown, I wanted to look back over the evolution of one of the show’s main characters, Mark Meachum (Jensen Ackles). We’ve gotten to know Mark better than any of the other task force members, and to be honest, it’s the fact that Jensen Ackles stars that got me watching in the first place. Like the others he’s brought to life so vividly, Ackles’ acting talent made Meachum an interesting character.

Let’s look back at what we know about Mark and what’s kept him feeling real and human, instead of an unrealistic bigger-than-life superhero. I value that about all the characters Ackles plays, even when he’s literally playing a “supe” (as in Solder Boy). We still see their humanity, and often their vulnerability too.

One of the reasons I hope there’s a Season 2 is that we don’t know very much about Mark Meachum’s past yet. Or even his personal life in the current one. We do get a few glimpses of domestic Mark, in his comfy little house or having a beer on his comfy little front porch.

We also get hints of a difficult and troubled childhood and adolescence, but I’d really like to know more. How have those experiences shaped who he is today?

And who IS he today?

Well, first off…

He’s a Charmer

Mark can come off like a jerk sometimes, and in fact he can sometimes BE a jerk. Especially when he feels rejected, so he needs to let that person know he does NOT care (because of course he does).

But he can also be both charming and adorable.

He turns that charm on Oliveras right from the start, though most of the time she’s not buying it.

As the internet would say, he’s pookie.

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One More Episode to Go for Season One of Countdown!

One More Episode to Go for Season One of Countdown!

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WARNING: SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 12!

Will Meachum Be Climbing the Ladder?

In the penultimate episode of Season 1, Todd gets scarier – and his threats get more personal – and Meachum contemplates his future, now that he has one.

Blythe asks him if he’s thought about moving up the ladder to Lieutenant or Captain, and when Meachum makes a joke of it, calls him on it.

Blythe: Your main problem is you sell yourself short. You make jokes because you’re insecure. You’re a natural leader, don’t have disdain for ambition.

Meachum: I didn’t know we were doing an FBI psych profile…

(Thereby proving Blythe’s point)

It seems like something that Meachum hasn’t really let himself consider, but he does often take the lead and the team follows him almost instinctively, so I think Blythe is onto something. Meachum has a lot of baggage though, and his defense mechanism of knocking himself down before someone else can do it keeps getting in his way.

He admits that to Blythe later that day.

Meachum: I was thinking about what you said this morning… I appreciate it. Sometimes I have a tendency to get in my own way with things, I don’t know why.

Blythe offers to put in a word for him with the LAPD higher ups.

He does start taking charge more, calling more of the shots when the team is out in the field and generally starting to seem like a leader.

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Countdown Episode 11 Gets Disturbing with ‘Run’

Countdown Episode 11 Gets Disturbing with ‘Run’

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Season One, Part 2

The task force’s new mission is, in some ways, more disturbing to me than its first. There’s something less horrifying about the stereotypical ‘bad guy’ plot to blow up a city or take over the weather or something on a grand scale – maybe because that’s what we’re used to from the Marvel type villain. Or maybe because it’s less personal, so somehow less impactful. Volchek was one of those ‘bad guys’ – though I was also fascinated by Volchek as a villain. We saw enough of his backstory to understand some of how he became so bent on revenge, and he was smart and devious and the actor had lots of charisma in spite of the character he was playing. Is it wrong that I kinda miss him?

The villain of this mission is, frankly, just horrifying – in a turn my stomach kind of way. I don’t mind my media dark, so I’m intrigued. What are we going to find out about this guy??

This is the first full episode in what feels like Part 2 of the first season of the show. It’s disconcerting that it’s so different, but I admit it also ups the fascination factor. Even the pace of this episode is much slower, especially in the beginning. We follow the new bad guy in acute detail as he listens to radio propaganda, puts on camo gear, loads his rifle and goes hunting.  The music is even slow, and while I was fairly sure this was going to be a bad guy, it was almost deceptively peaceful. Until the gut punch at the end of his hunt.

We see that a few years earlier, the guy is out of work, presumably for PTSD reasons, and reacts badly when a friend/colleague suggests that he should get back to work or he’ll be called a malingerer. His girlfriend is also pushing that, and you can see the pressure building up – he’s like a powder keg, waiting for a match. I find this guy scarier than Volchek because it’s “everyday” rage and violence, and we’re all surrounded by people like that in real life. As soon as we meet his girlfriend and her adorable beloved little beagle, my stomach was queasy. When she betrays him and he takes the dog with him when he leaves, I was full on nauseous.

The task force needs a name for their killer; Meachum suggests Todd. I’m not sure why that’s funny, but I laughed and so did the rest of the team. Nevertheless, Todd it is.

I don’t like Todd.

Guess Who’s Back?

They know that the Governor of California and the POTUS are the targets, thus the need for the task force – which Oliveras returns to join also.

That’s not a big surprise, though we couldn’t be absolutely certain they’d bring her back. Considering that the sparks between her and Meachum are definitely part of the show’s appeal, though, it would have been an odd decision not to have Jessica Camacho return.

Things are strained between Meachum and her after their almost-hook-up ten months before, especially because Oliveras has been dating the doctor who cured Meachum, Julio. Meachum is clearly threatened by that, posturing by insinuating he’s been doing a lot of sleeping around himself, “doing all the living I can with whoever, more than one whoevers…”

Oliveras: Gross.

Meachum: it’s not gross, it’s human nature.

(Sam and Dean Winchester may have had this same conversation after Dean’s tryst with twins, just saying…)

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Episode 10 of Countdown Sets the Stage for a Season 2!

Episode 10 of Countdown Sets the Stage for a Season 2!

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WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 10 OF COUNTDOWN!

This episode, the tenth in Countdown’s first season, is unusual in that it wraps up a major story line, with three episodes to go in the season. The big confrontation with Volchek that has been the goal of the first ten episodes doesn’t disappoint in terms of suspense, as we pick up right where we left off, Meachum and Volchek staring each other down as panicked people flee the square.

We start with a bang – or actually a not-bang. Volchek hits the detonate button, but Evan can see it on the tablet and yells to Bell to “rip it out”. They both rip out the tablets and it stops the detonation just in time. Volchek realizes and takes off, civilians still running all over too. In the chaos, Finau shoots Andrej before he can shoot his family.

Meachum and Oliveras chase Volchek to the roof. The take down is complicated by Meachum’s brain tumor making him dizzy and in pain at the most inopportune of times. He stumbles, pleading “not now not now” as Oliveras gets knocked down by Volchek as he runs. Mark is barely able to see straight but he stops to help her, with a reassuring “hey hey” that’s familiar to any Supernatural fan from decades of Sam and Dean being in similar life and death situations.

Oliveras: Get Volchek!

Meachum gets to the roof in spite of being in pain and dizzy, banging his head against a wall in desperation to try to focus well enough to aim a shot. Volchek is still trying to carry out his mass murder, shooting at the fuel tanks of the trucks.  Oliveras makes it to the roof and locks eyes with Meachum.

Oliveras: Do it.

It honestly seemed like a better idea to me for her to do it considering Meachum’s impairment, but he takes the shot and Volchek falls to the ground. The two stand over his body as Meachum calls in the report. And, just like that, the tragic story of Volchek is over.

I felt a little sad, oddly. He was a great villain – smart, ruthless, with a backstory that made you cringe for him sometimes. I like my villains (and my heroes, for that matter) complicated!

The Aftermath

Blythe gives one of his motivating speeches about how proud he is of the “badass individuals” on the team. He says it was an honor to have led them, and that the hard part now is to go their separate ways.

Blythe: But if we’re called upon to serve again, we’re going to be better partners and investigators because of the people in this room.

He takes Drew’s plaque down from the wall, bringing it with him.

Meachum speaks for the team.

Meachum: Even when we were cursing your name… mostly me… I think I speak for all of us when I say you are the best damn leader any of us has ever had, ever. We’d follow you anywhere.

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Supernatural Con Comes to Novi, Michigan!

Supernatural Con Comes to Novi, Michigan!

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The Supernatural con in Novi (just outside Detroit) was another first time visiting those cities for me, and also a chance to hang out with two good friends from the SPNFamily, so that made it special. In between panels, I had lovely lunches and dinners with Laurena and Karla and even got to see some of the area (and the SPNSurvivors HQ, one of the charities that our books support). I write a lot about how beneficial fandom can be, and the friendships I’ve made are a personal reminder of just how true that is. Being able to help the important work of non-profits like SPNSurvivors through the books I’ve published is another. When I say fandom can be life changing, I mean for ME too!

I caught some of Matt Cohen and Gil McKinney’s panel since I had help at the vendor table from Laurena and her intrepid partner.

Matt every time there’s a question he doesn’t know the answer to:  I know Gil wants to answer this…

Gil to Matt when HE doesn’t know the answer:  Matt, please elaborate…

They have developed a great rapport for their joint panels, which I’m thoroughly enjoying. Both Matt and Gil wrote very personal chapters in Family Don’t End With Blood, about their experience as actors and how the SPNFamily changed them.

Matt recently shaved his beard, confiding that his wife didn’t kiss him for the two months he had it.

Gil: I liked the beard!

A fan asked who they wish they could talk to.

Gil: My dad. And also it would be pretty cool to talk to Elvis!

Matt: I’d like to have a conversation with River Phoenix and Heath Ledger.

The two have developed a closer friendship thanks to the cons.

Gil: You’re gonna train me to be a better man?

Matt: No, you’re gonna do that for me!

Matt’s face when he finds out that Gil once sang the national anthem at a Lakers and a Dodgers game:

Who would they save on Supernatural?

Both: Ourselves! And we’d bring back Drake Rodger as our love child.

Valid.

Matt on Countdown and Jensen: Can he get any hotter? God, he’s so beautiful. Shout out to the Ackles and the Padalecki, we love ‘em.

Us too, boys.

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Adventures in Oklahoma City – SPNOKC 2025!

Adventures in Oklahoma City – SPNOKC 2025!

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In June of this year, we had the first Supernatural con at OKC – and yes, it was quite an adventure (for me, anyway!)

Getting to Oklahoma City from Philly (and back) was quite an adventure in itself – a little too much adventure in fact. After multiple delays in Charlotte (which were made more bearable with some good company from Creation’s Jen and Jenn, who I ran into in the airport), I finally arrived with barely enough time to get the vendor table set up – and just as an impressive thunderstorm hit. Our Lyft driver on the way to the convention center kept the three of us entertained on the drive there, though part of that was his repeated implication that a tornado was imminent.

No tornado, but he also couldn’t figure out how to drop me off AT the convention center instead of the hotel, so I ended up trudging up the street in a rainstorm getting wetter by the second and having no idea where I was going. To make things more challenging, the street was blocked off by an impressive number of law enforcement vehicles, which totally confused me because I’m not very good at following basketball so I had no idea there were big time basketball things going on. Finally in sight of the convention center, my way was blocked by a news reporter doing a live report about the big time basketball things. I was by this time in no mood to stand in the rain a second longer, so I cut through the shot apologizing but determined. I must have looked like a woman who should not be trifled with, because they didn’t.

I quickly got set up (trying not to drip all over everything) – at least it was a nicer convention center than NJ, though I will never be happy to be in a convention center. At least the books were dry, thanks to my friend Betty delivering them safe and sound!

I was happy to be there in time to catch some of Chad Lindberg’s panel. I’ve known Chad since way way back in 2008, and I’m thrilled to have him back at some cons this year.  He wrote a fascinating chapter for There’ll Be Peace When You Are Done  with all kinds of behind the scenes information about filming with Jared and Jensen and creating the character of Ash. And his mullet.

A fan asked what role he’d love to play.

Chad: I’d like to play an alien, ala Starman – like an alien love story.

Chad is known for being a ghosthunter in real life, as well as for playing Ash on Supernatural.

Chad: People ask, did Supernatural get you into ghosts? No, we lived in a haunted house when I was growing up.

How to de-stress from a ghost hunt?

Chad: connect with those you love. And a little weed. Okay, maybe a lot…

He said that filming October Sky was a very emotional experience – they got to know the real life rocket boys.

What monster would Ash love to be?

Chad: He’d love to be a werewolf. He’s already got the hair for it!

Seriously, nobody tells a ghost story like Chad. He put out a bell that senses spirits, and every time he mentioned the haunted Stanley Hotel, it went off!

Clearly he needs to go visit.

Two of my other favorite Supernatural actors were also onstage – Gil McKinney and Matt Cohen, who both wrote very personal chapters in Family Don’t End With Blood about their experience as actors and on Supernatural.

Matt Cohen talked about his new movie, Exes, also starring Briana Buckmaster, Mark Shepherd, Felicia Day and Ricky Whittle. He said his favorite scene to direct with Briana was a terrible tough limo scene of them getting beaten up and then it being finally over!

Mark plays an American, which should be interesting – I’m so used to his Crowley accent (or his actual real life one)

Gil portrays the Mad Hatter on Matt Cohen’s other exciting new project, the animated series Public Domain – along with lots of other SPNFamily.

Gil to a clowning around Matt: You are so weird!

(They are actually entirely amusing together onstage)

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