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Tonight's Supernatural lampoons Grey's Anatomy
The CW's Supernatural is one of TV's guilty pleasures: On the surface, it deals with demon-hunter brothers Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) as they try to forestall Armageddon. But on the way, the show slyly sticks a fork in everything from pop culture (Paris Hilton recently appeared as herself in demon form) to rock music (the brothers regularly assume names based on famous rockers) to movies and TV itself. (Spoilers ahead!)
In tonight's episode, "Changing Channels," the show bites the hand that feeds it in a satire of TV shows. The Winchester boys investigate the murder of a guy whose head gets ripped off. It turns out to be the Incredible Hulk, and the guys quickly realize they've been sucked into an alternate universe where they are characters in different television series, a couple of which feel awfully familiar.
In particular, they find themselves dressed like doctors on an episode Dr. Sexy M.D.: think Grey's Anatomy, which airs opposite Supernatural and has been trouncing it in the ratings.
In short order, they jump channels to everything from a bad Japanese game show to a genital herpes commercial to a sitcom. When the fallen angel Castiel (Misha Collins) pops in and is quickly dispatched, Sam and Dean discover that their old nemesis, the Trickster (Richard Speight Jr.), might be the guy behind the channel-changing.
Among the treats to savor in this sendup of all things TV:
A faux product placement for Smeat.
A sitcom-like credit sequence.
Sam and Dean as McDreamy and McSteamy.
By jolinar at 9:22 AM ON 11/05/09
I hope they do a sendup of SGU (that show is aweful), or have them mess with Smallville where Jensen Ackles can beat up Superman this time (instead of him getting beat down). lol
By Iis4island at 9:27 AM ON 11/05/09
Every time they do one of these meta shows I think that for sure they've jumped the shark. Anyone remember the "Ghostfacers" episode? I thought no way was that going to work, but it turned out to be one of the best episodes of the season. I have now learned to trust in all things Supernatural.
By REDante at 9:28 AM ON 11/05/09
I was wondering when that character would return. It be nice to know where he stands with the whole apocalypse thing.
By a different tim at 10:03 AM ON 11/05/09
This show has the best dialogue ever. The way that they insult and pick on each other is truely brotherly!
By fancyfembot at 10:33 AM ON 11/05/09
I agree with @Iis4island these guys have proven that they can be funny. I'm sure this episode will kill. ...no pun.
By mac90000 at 1:16 PM ON 11/05/09
I think a sliders remake should be done
By Bruce at 4:38 PM ON 11/05/09
Since when is Supernatural a guilty pleasure?
It's just a good show. Bottom line. I don't know any fans of the show who are reluctant to admit they watch it or feel foolish for enjoying it. Save the "guilty pleasure" tag for crap reality shows and professional wrestling.
By Jenna at 5:10 PM ON 11/05/09
Bruce,
Here! Here! My thoughts exactly.
By biphindy at 7:55 PM ON 11/05/09
Sadly, I am one of the fans who thinks that Supernatural does not do comedy episodes well. When they are trying to be funny, they try to hard and it just falls flat, at least for me. The funniest episodes for me have been situational. Specifically, the episode in the first season when Sam and Dean were playing practical jokes back and forth or the episode in season 2 with the rabbit's foot.
Just my opinion. I'm not trying to be a hater.
By Manos at 7:48 AM ON 11/06/09
Biphindy, after last night, I would disagree. The herpes PSA alone was a laugh out loud moment.
By PALADINSUX at 8:32 AM ON 11/06/09
Great episode. The Dr.Sexy and crime scene spoofs show just how corny those programs are.
"Eat me, Twilight."
By greg at 8:42 AM ON 11/07/09
SPN is all about conformity, obedience, fear to what is unknown... yeah, the brothers are two cute men, but kripkes concepts of loyalty, righteousness and authority are creepy, if not retarded.
You can watch spn as long as you ignore the facist morality of the show. If you cant, the feeling of watching a show where "characters" are so egocentric, authoritarian and judgemental is disgusting.
By Leah at 9:21 AM ON 11/07/09
Greg, have you ever watched the show? With your eyes open, I mean?
By EricZ28 at 3:32 PM ON 11/09/09
greg sounds like a self loathing homosexual in the closet to me...............
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EricZ28:
greg sounds like a self loathing homosexual in the closet to me..................More »