Four Torches (Out of Five)
Warning: This review contains spoilers for the “Changing Channels” episode of Supernatural.
I find it interesting that Supernatural is about as far from a comedy as you can get on television, and yet when they do a comedic episode, it’s funnier than anything else I watch on TV — even actual comedies.
That was doubly true in this week’s episode, where Sam and Dean are stuck in TV Land courtesy of the Trickster.
First: it was an objectively good idea to approach that powerful being to ask for help in the fight between heaven and hell (although when Xena had the same idea when she teamed up with Callisto, it worked out about as well!).
Of course, the episode’s set-up is just a gimmick to let the show parody various other TV shows: Grey’s Anatomy, sitcoms, even Japanese games shows. And they so didn’t disappoint. From the opening credits, I was laughing hysterically (more than I’ve ever laughed at an episode of 30 Rock, for what it’s worth).
The hilarious “theme song” alone was worth the price of admission!
It’s also nice to know that Kripke and company share my opinion of crime procedural shows — not to mention the Incredible Hulk movies.
And I really, really, really should have seen the Knightrider joke coming!
I’ve said before that I’m impressed by how well this show does “gimmick” episodes (and next week’s, set at a “Supernatural” convention, sounds just as gimmicky, and promising).
But they also managed to tie it into the ongoing storyline. Who knew the Trickster was the Angel Gabriel? Good twist that makes perfect sense.
My only quibble: one too many jokes about how they wish they really were on a TV show. We get it: it’s ironic.
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Again, an awesome show. And with the twist at the end where it tied into the current storyline, and why Sam and Dean were the chosen vessels, and why Gabriel was hiding as the Trickster - I get cranky these days if anyone in the house dares interrupt me during my Supernatural hour lol I got the feeling that Gabriel may be thinking over a few things there at the end - who wants to bet that he turns up later to help?
I know EXACTLY what you mean. Don’t bother me! Can’t you see what’s ON?!?!
Opening credits were HILARIOUS.
For me the beginning of this episode was a little weird. The stuff at the end with Gabriel was great though! And to we got to see Cas!!!! I know I don’t have anything down there but it hurt me as well to see poor Sammy get hit “Down There.”
Yes, that scene was painful just to WATCH! I hope Japanese television doesn’t actually DO that…
OH NO!!!
Jensen Ackles is engaged. And not to ME!
Congrats anyway Jensen.