The Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) and her companions (Bradley Walsh, Mandip Gill, and Tosin Cole) in the official Series 11 poster for Doctor Who. Courtesy of BBC America.
“The Woman Who Fell to Earth” marked the premiere of Series 11 of Doctor Who as well as the premiere performance for Jodie Whittaker’s brilliant and groundbreaking portrayal of the decades old (almost) title character, The Doctor. Series 10 ended with The Doctor falling to Earth shortly after regenerating and the TARDIS dematerializing.
The episode opens with a nineteen-year-old Ryan Sinclair, one of three companions The Doctor will have on her journey this season. The scene is set up like a YouTube page with Ryan speaking of “the greatest woman I ever met. Smart. Funny. Caring. Special.” It leads to him talking about not being able to ride a bike, which is explained later in the episode that he has a coordination disorder called dyspraxia, and the scene changing to him to the day he tried to learn. That’s where we meet Ryan’s grandmother, Grace, and her husband and the second companion, Graham.
Unfortunately, Ryan falls off his bike halfway towards Graham. This leaves him frustrated and throwing his bike over the edge. Graham sends Ryan to get the bike because their train leaves in 20 minutes. While Graham and Grace wait on the train, Ryan goes off to find the bike. Just as he finds the bike stuck in a tree, a glowing diamond appears behind him. Smaller diamonds appear inside it as Ryan stares at it, and right in the very center a glowing button-like circle appears. Ryan of course, the curious human that he is, pushes the glowing button making the diamonds disappear and a blue teardrop shaped rock appear in its place. Ryan immediately places his hand on the rock, reminiscent of Mickey accidentally opening the Dalek’s void ship back in series two, and calls the police.
Enter Yasmin Khan, or Yaz as the Doctor calls her (because they are friends now!) She is a police officer working the traffic beat and is shown settling a parking dispute between two women. Afterwards, she calls the station asking for something more challenging. She believes she is capable of something more than just traffic disputes. She is told she needs to learn the basics, but she asks more and different. Which leads to her being tasked with Ryan’s call and the big alien space rock that is freezing to the touch. You cannot get more different than that.
As Ryan and Yaz investigate the rock, something crashes into Graham and Grace’s train. The doors lock Grace, Graham, and the other passenger, Karl, inside. Grace calls Ryan as things start to get weird, but the calls cuts out. What looks like a big, electrified, tangled ball of wires starts creeping its way to the stranded passengers, but not before The Doctor crashes through the roof and stops it. At least for a few seconds.
Ryan and Yasmin appear just in time for the electrified ball of wires to zap each and every one of them. Yasmin calls The Doctor madame, asking her to stay put because it might be a police matter. This is the first time The Doctor realizes she is a woman, asking, “Am I? Does it suit me?” Of course, regenerations always go a bit wibbly wobbly, and this time The Doctor cannot even remember her own name. She gathers everyone together, saying, “Right then, troops. No, not troops. Team. Gang. Fam?” The Doctor calling her companions “fam” was a humorous, light-hearted and modern touch to this episode. Grace points out she crashed through the ceiling, which remind The Doctor she lost her TARDIS, but she is going to focus on one thing at a time. She says she is going to focus on getting answers, but it is too much for Karl, who decides to leave to go back to work.
The Doctor, Grace, Yaz, Ryan and Graham (Whittaker, Sharon D. Clarke, Gill, Cole, and Walsh respectively) peer through a broken fence. Still courtesy of BBC America.
Ryan points out the other unusual event of the night and leads everyone to the giant alien rock that landed, but has been taken. Someone has taken to a warehouse-like facility with cameras set up to watch it as it cracks open, bringing another alien into the mix. The Doctor’s search for the alien rock is cut short as she passes out, another moment reminiscent of Tennant’s era, complete with Time Lord energy escaping her. However, the alien rock cracking open wakes her up early and it is discovered that when they were zapped earlier it left them all with DNA bombs, some weapon that could potentially kill them. The Doctor tracks down the alien by reprogramming a cell phone and zapping her DNA bomb in order to use it as a tracker. They find the body of the man who took the alien rock, but strangely with a tooth missing.
When the Doctor realizes she needs a sonic screwdriver, she decides to build her own. “I’m good at building things! Probably,” she states. As she builds it, she gives us an insight into what it really feels like for the Doctor to regenerate, both physically and through her thoughts. But she claims it’s alright because “when people need help, I never refuse.” And as a bit of a shout out to her predecessor, she uses teaspoons to make the sonic screwdriver! She also explain how multi-purpose the screwdriver is and all the things it can do. She explains it’s more like a Swiss-army knife than a screwdriver, minus the knife.
The Doctor (Whittaker) shows off her new sonic screwdriver. Still courtesy of BBC America.
When The Doctor and her companions finally run into the mysterious alien, Tim Shaw, she asks why the alien takes teeth from its victims. It is a trophy of sorts, he explains, as he unmasks himself and reveals himself to be maybe one of the most disturbing things in Doctor Who history. Tim Shaw’s face is covered with teeth he has taken from his conquests. He is on a hunt to become leader on his own planet and his next victim? Karl, the passenger on the train who left. So, the Doctor and her “fam” go to save him.
In the big showdown, Ryan and Yaz climb up a crane at a construction site and use the crane to try and steer The Doctor toward Karl. Of course, the crane stops working and they never quite line up. Karl makes a leap for it, but is stopped by Tim Shaw. But the Doctor is clever. She took the device from his teardrop-esque ship that he would need to return home. She threatens to destroy it if he does not let Karl go or if he detonates the DNA bombs. And during her speech, she finally remember who she is.
“Bit if adrenaline, dash of outrage, and a hint of panic knitted my brain back together. I know exactly who I am. I’m the Doctor. Sorting out fair play throughout the universe. Now, please get off this planet while you still have a choice.”
It is discovered that the Doctor transferred their DNA bombs to the flying tangle of wires called a gathering coil Tim Shaw was using, leaving him no longer able to use it to cheat his way to leadership. Karl kicks him over the edge of the crane, but Tim Shaw uses the device The Doctor had to go back home before he could ever fall to the ground. As this is going on, Graham and Grace work together to destroy the gathering coil. Grace climbs halfway up the crane to detonate it, but as it implodes, she falls. Her dying words to Graham are for him to promise her he will not be scared without her. The scene returns to Ryan’s video from the beginning and we finally found out he was talking about his nan, Grace.
After Grace’s service, The Doctor gathers with Graham, Ryan and Yaz. Graham explains that he had cancer and that Grace was his chemotherapy nurse. That is where they met and where they fell in love. Yaz asks The Doctor if she has any family and after she tells them no, Ryan asks her how she copes with that. She tells them she carries her family with her, what they would have thought, said and done. She makes them a part of her so that, “even though they’re gone from the world, they’re never gone from me.” And after Yaz points out that she needs some new clothes, (Tim Shaw sort of exploded on the ones she had been wearing) she goes shopping and comes up with her brand new, iconic look for the Doctor!
The episode ends The Doctor building a transport pod that should transport her back to the TARDIS with the help of Graham, Yaz and Ryan still on Earth. However, all four of them disappear from the room and are shown floating in space as the episode fades to black.
It was a remarkable first episode for series 11, Jodie Whittaker, and new showrunner, Chris Chibnall. It was entertaining, intriguing, and emotional. We got insights into The Doctor we hadn’t quite seen before. It was fresh take on Doctor Who, but with everything that makes the Doctor who they are still in place. I absolutely cannot wait to see where this season goes!
An extended version of this episode will premiere on BBC America at 8/7c on October 7.
On Supernatural, the character of Lucifer has been played by many different people since his debut in season 5. When you think about or hear the mention of him, you cannot help but picture Mark Pellegrino’s version of the fallen angel. Love him or hate him, he provides both comedic and problematic moments. You cannot deny that he has had some critical plot lines over the years.
Looking back over season 13, it began with Lucifer’s plan of changing and becoming someone that his son Jack would choose over Castiel and the Winchesters. To do that he decided he was going win Jack over by showing him he could be good by doing half-hearted acts of kindness, “helping” heaven and saying that they could be a family. Of course, in true Lucifer fashion, there was an ulterior motive. When Jack called him a monster (once he discovered Lucifer’s true intent for power, not a relationship) Lucifer stole Jacks ultra powerful nephilim grace and kidnapped both Sam and Jack. The season concluded as Dean, who allowed Michael to use him as a vessel, stabbed and killed Lucifer with the archangel blade.
But before all that, there were some redemption-like moments for the devil. Let’s take a look at Lucifer’s top five moments of season 13
Season 13, Episode 7 – “War of the Worlds”
Castiel (Misha Collins) and Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino) contemplate their next move. Credit: imdb.com
“Okay, I get it, I get it. Custody of my son is a non-starter. But if you can please just shelve the eternal enemies thing for a second, we have a situation. And by ‘we,’ I mean everything alive. We’re sorta… all gonna die.”
Weak from being tortured, drained of grace and escaping from the Apocalypse Universe version of Michael, he stumbles into the playground where Castiel is being attacked by angels. Lucifer threatens the angels, so they leave, not knowing that he couldn’t have done anything to them. Lucifer tells Castiel about AU Michaels plans to come to take over this world and that Jack, Castiel and him should team up to stop him and save the world.
When Lucifer is with Castiel at the coffee shop trying to convince him to team up, he asks what his son is like. When it involves Lucifer, you know he generally has ulterior motives, but at this moment he is generally curious about his son. Despite asking because he was wanting to know about his power and if Jack is anything like him, he seems to actually care as he asks if he is alright, since he can’t sense him.
“I always wanted to… fit in, please a father I couldn’t please. And now I’m gonna be a father. Probably screw it up like he did.”
After taking more of Sister Jo/Anael grace at the hotel, Lucifer opens up to her about what has been going through his mind. Lucifer is not at full power yet so until he has his full grace, his human-side emotions and concerns shine through.
It is a touching and vulnerable moment between the two especially when Lucifer reveals the fact that he has always wanted to fit in. It felt like we were seeing a glimpse of who he was before he was banished, and the bitterness took over. We got to see a genuine side to him worrying about being a father and if he will mess it up. That is an understandable concern for many who are parents or becoming parents.
Season 13, Episode 21 – “Beat the Devil”
Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino) receives an ultimatum. Credit: imdb.com
“You know what? All this time, there was one thing that mattered. I had a son. (getting weepy) You know, I used to be able to sense him. You know, feel him in the world. Ever since I’ve been down here I can’t– I can’t feel him. It’s like he dropped off the face of the Earth. Not that finding him would change anything… “
He confides to the bartender that he realized what matters, and that is his son. Lucifer is upset that he can’t sense Jack’s power anymore. (What Lucifer doesn’t know is that this is because he is in the apocalypse universe.) Somewhere deep down he is coming to realize that what he is missing is family. Jack is his chance to have a family again. What I also loved about this scene is “Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin is playing in the background.
Season 13, Episode 22 – “Exodus”
Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino) and Jack (Alexander Calvert) have a heart to heart. Credit: imdb.com
“Look, I know I know you feel like you’re doing the right thing, but sometimes the right thing can go wrong.”
Sam is trying to convince Jack to get on the bus, so they can leave. Jack doesn’t want to leave before killing Michael, so he is not really listening to Sam’s reasoning. Lucifer walks over to see what is going on and tells Jack that he agrees with Sam. After hearing Lucifer’s reasons, Jack agrees and goes to get on the bus.
This is a big moment for Lucifer in the father-son department. Jack has spent all of his time with Castiel and the Winchesters, especially Sam, who has always supported and been there for Jack. To have him listen to Lucifer right away and not Sam is surprising. Lucifer is obviously happy about it, thinking he is getting through to him, also giving him hope that Jack will choose to stay with him.
Season 13, Episode 22 – “Exodus”
A single man tear by Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino).
“I’ve changed.”
While staying back at base camp with Gabriel they talk about Jack. Gabriel tells him that he will ultimately see Lucifer for who he is – evil, not a victim. When Lucifer says that he has changed, the expression on his face is as if he really thinks or wants to believe that is true. He wants to believe that his son, his blood, his family will choose him. My favorite part about this scene is when Gabriel tells Lucifer that it is too late for him, and we see him shed a single tear.
Have we finally seen the last of Lucifer?
Will Jacks nephilim grace have an effect on Lucifer’s fate?
Leave your thoughts or a favorite moment in the comments!
Saturday proved to be the biggest day of New York Comic Con so far. Crowds packed the Jacob K. Javits Center to the point where just walking became a challenge, and pretty much every bathroom had a twenty minute or more wait. That being said, it was also the most exciting day so far! Bursting at the seams with enthusiasm, this crowd was ready to take in the sights of the convention, and boy, were there sights to be taken in.
Here are the Saturday highlights of New York Comic Con:
Marvel’s Daredevilpanel at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
(Left to Right) Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Wilson Bethel, Joanne Whalley, Jay Ali, and Erik Oleson at the “Marvel’s Daredevil” panel at New York Comic Con on Oct. 6, 2018. Photo Credit: Emily Cole
Moderated by Vice President of Marvel Television Jeph Loeb, the Marvel’s Daredevil panel featured the cast and showrunner and teased the upcoming third season, premiering October 19 only on Netflix. Panel attendees got to view several never-before-seen clips from season three, including emotional scenes between Matt and new character Sister Maggie as well as between Karen and Foggy, and several action sequences, including one with the new villain, Bullseye. The third season of Daredevil promises to bring an emotional vulnerability to the show while still delivering the kickass fight scenes fans of the show have come to love.
The Good Omens Purgatory Elevator
Featured outside the entrance to the “Good Omens” booth at New York Comic Con. Photo Credit: Emily Cole
Ever wonder where you will end up after your death? Wonder no more as Good Omens has the answer. Fans can enter an elevator at the A.Z. Fell and Co. bookstore where their fate is then determined and they end up in either heaven or hell. Surprisingly, I ended up in Heaven where I got to take photos inside what appeared to be an angel sigil as heavenly light shined down (through a green screen). Upon exiting, guests are given a notebook and pin exclusive to New York Comic Con. So, I guess Hell cannot be too bad if it includes free swag!
Shadowhunters star Kat McNamara meets fans at the E! People’s Choice Awards Food Truck
“Shadowhunters” star Kat Mcnamara greets a fan outside the E! People’s Choice Awards food truck. McNamara took pictures with guests and talked about the upcoming award show. Photo Credit: Emily Cole
A surprise guest showed up at the People’s Choice Awards food truck today outside the North Concourse: Kat McNamara! Despite the misty weather, McNamara greeted all of the fans waiting in line to meet her with the eagerness and a friendly spirit. Some fans were nearby passing out pins with the Shadowhunters logo and the phrase “Save It,” a reference to the show’s cancellation earlier this year. The food truck has been offering free themed donuts to anyone who votes for the People’s Choice Awards, airing November 11, and will continue to do so through tomorrow.
Travis McElroy and Friends at the Hammerstein Ballroom
Travis McElroy and Mythbusters’ Adam Savage talk theater and stage crew at Travis and Friends on Oct. 6, 2018 at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Photo Credit: Emily Cole
The evening concluded with a ticketed show at the Hammerstein Ballroom entitled “Travis and Friends,” starring Travis McElroy, and well, friends – over twenty in counting. Some sang, some gave comical PowerPoints, and some played games, such as “Guess the Movie Based on this Scathing Roger Ebert Review.” Overall, it was two-and-a-half hours of wholesome comedy, music, and entertainment, and an excellent way to spend, and end, the evening.
Tomorrow, New York Comic Con comes to a close – not with a whimper, but with a bang! Featuring the series eleven premiere of Doctor Who and a panel with star Jodie Whittaker, a panel for the tenth anniversary of Twilight, and Talks Machina with the cast of Critical Role. Follow @consandbeyondfor coverage throughout the day.
Misha Collins of ‘Supernatural’ shares a selfie on October 4, 2018 after voluntarily taking a pie to the face to raise money for ‘The Reel Thanksgiving Challenge.’
This is the sixth year the Vancouver Food Bank has run “The Reel Thanksgiving Challenge”. Initially started by the BC film industry, it’s a two-week long food and fund-raising event for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
According to The Georgia Straight, Supernatural raised the most money this year, beating last year’s winners from The Man in the High Castle.
This year, Supernatural, now shooting its 14th season, came out on top by raising a whopping $40,592. For raising $32,518.75 today (October 5), the team also won $1,000 contributions each from Martini Film Studios and Sunbelt Rentals, as well as a $5,000 contribution from IATSE for raising the most funds in one day over the course of the challenge.
The goal for this year’s “The Reel Thanksgiving Challenge” was $150,000, though The Georgia Straight reports the total amount raised was actually $195,717!
The cast and crew of Supernatural had a lot of fun while raising the money for the challenge, which they shared throughout the week with videos of cast and crew members being pied in the face.
Misha Collins, who plays Castiel on Supernatural, shared this video of him sacrificing himself to raise money on Twitter.
Jensen Ackles (Dean Winchester on Supernatural) also shared a video of a very Dean-like reaction he had when pie accidentally splattered on the beloved 1967 Chevrolet Impala his character drives on the show.
Obviously, the cast and crew have a great time on set even while raising funds for a good cause like the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Congratulations to everybody at Supernatural for being the 2018 winner of “The Reel Thanksgiving Challenge.”
Welcome to the sixth part in our Louden Swain series! If you missed them, you can read part 1, part 2,part 3, Part 4 and Part 5. We’ll be posting a series of articles celebrating the band leading up to the release of their new acoustic album, Splitting the Seams, which will release on October 26.
We asked for input from fans of the band, and had them answer questions. We had a huge turnout, with many fans wanting to share their favorites and their stories. For this installment, fans share their favorite moments from seeing the band in concert!
Shaena (@StartoftheAct): “My favorite moment from the concert would probably be watching them perform ‘Taxi Driver’. It is one of my favorites and I just really loved hearing it live.”
Natasha (@NatashaCole): “My most recent memorable highlight was being at the Tree People show this year and getting to hear acoustic versions of their songs along with their new song for the acoustic album. Also, it was the one show I was able to bring my son to. The guys were super nice and took pictures with us. Seeing my son so happy when he got to talk to Norton about his cats filled my heart with joy.”
Paige (@lightinmychest): “Anytime they play ‘Medicated’ and we break out the kazoos. I love how they are just flabbergasted by how many of us bring a kazoo. Yes, I keep one in my purse.”
Em (@invisible_heir): “In Atlanta, when Rob asked for Mike’s mic to be turned down and someone in the audience yelled ‘NO!’ and then the whole crowd started chanting ‘BORJA! BORJA!'”
Niki (@darlingniki): “My favorite moment was from their concert in Atlanta back in January. On the second night they played ‘Angela’, ‘She Waits’ and ‘Mammas Jam’ back to back and me and my newly made Swain friends were holding hands and crying because it was beautiful and the closeness between everyone in the room was undeniable.”
Dean (@ChucksVessel): “Kazoo solos will always be a favorite.”
April (@AprilVian): “The entire concert is awesome but my favorite moment is probably the crowd participation, all of it the lights, singing along or singing back, the energy is amazing.”
Veronica (@veronica_bum): “I enjoy seeing my friends reactions when they get to hear their favorite songs live and in person. A friend loves the song ‘Like The Heart Goes’ and they played it at the ‘No Time Like The Present’ release party and it made me so happy to look over and see her face light up when they started playing it. I also love being able to hear my favorite songs live as well. I close my eyes, sing along, and enjoy the moment!“
Jennifer (@macd1982): “It would probably be ‘Mamma’s Jam’. They play this as the closing song at SNS and it is always such a party (which is rather odd when you consider the serious subject matter of the song). I can’t help but dance and sing my heart out when they are playing it. Lately, the entire SPN cast in attendance has been joining in on the fun by running up and down the aisles, interacting with fans in the audience, and just generally dancing and having a great time. It’s so much fun.”
Judy (@JayeEmm): “Always ‘Mamma’s Jam’ – it just feels like this celebration of the band and the music and the fans and the night itself – just pure joy.”
Muriel (@housecatsswain): “I only saw the whole band live two times at UKCon and Rockwood. The first thing to cross my mind was hearing them play ‘Mamma’s Jam’. This is such an energetic song and it makes me want to stand up and dance and I am really not a dancer.”
Chris (@Chris_afec): “The first time I saw them live was an SNS at VanCon. I remember thinking how the seated auditorium was kind of a weird set up for a rock concert, and being concerned that maybe that would take away from the show, that it seemed like the atmosphere was more sedate as a result. By halfway through the first song, that fear was well forgotten! It was clear very very quickly that all the hype for a Louden Swain live show was more than justified, it was incredible!”
Sam (@honeybeemish): “I’ve been lucky enough to go to six Saturday Night Specials. By far the moment that sticks out to me is at DCCon 2016 when they sang ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ and I was in Billy’s pit surrounded by internet friends I had gotten close to due to our love for Swain. We sang our hearts out, hugged, and swayed together. And Rob came over and gave hugs, which is always a highlight.”
Amanda (@AmandaC0124): I’ve been fortunate to see them perform live four times and besides all amazing candle lights for ‘She Waits’ and kazoo solos for ‘Medicated’, I’ll never forget the last song at my very first SNS. When everyone was on stage for the encore and singing ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ when Rob had the crowd sing for the final hurrah, I got chills from how emotional and how amazing it was and to this day continues to give me chills if I go back and rewatch it.”
Katie (@mattcohen4fake ): “My favorite moment from seeing Louden Swain live in concert has to be the ending of DCCon 2017’s finale song, ‘Medicated’, when Rob ran all the way to the back of the room to sing with us the last refrain. I just remember seeing this little dude speeding from the stage all the way to us and we just loudly and proudly sang to each other in one big group huddle. Seeing the bright beaming smiles upon good ol’ Rob and all my friends, some I’ve met before, others I haven’t until that very con, just warmed my heart and will forever be a memory that sticks with me.”
Trish (@SwainerGirl): “The pure joy on Rob’s face when the crowd nails the kazoo solo during ‘Medicated’ is my favorite.”
Helen (@mywaywardsonsuk): “I managed to see Swain live last year as part of the Rockwood Festival in Germany, which was such a fantastic event that I am genuinely heartbroken that I’m not there this year. I think my favourite part was finally being able to be in the kazoo chorus for ‘Medicated’, it was so good to be a part of that. Oh and a special mention to them and Gil McKinney making me cry when they sung ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ in the acoustic lounge and dedicating the song to Tim Omundson.”
Brittany (@tasteofmyhominy): “I saw them perform at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, GA at the beginning of the year. They played three shows in two days like the true rockstars they are and didn’t repeat a single song from their catalog. My favorite moment was during ‘Medicated’, without needing any prompting from the band, the audience came in at the appropriate time with the strongest, unified kazooing I have ever heard. The look of pure joy on the band’s faces in that moment was the most precious thing I’ve ever seen.”
Katie (@katmgc): “Probably SNS at DC’17. We were all up dancing in the last row of seats instead of in the pit because there just wasn’t room. It was just an amazing night to have so many of the people I care about, that I consider my siblings, all in one place to share that experience with. And Rob ran down to sing with us, which was awesome.”
Kim (@KimSaysSmile): “DC 2017 SNS will always be my favorite concert memory. I have met many friends because of Swain and there were so many of us at this particular con. Our group made our own dance area in the back of the room and it was magic. Just being there with friends that love the band as much as you…. Being there together to dance and sing and just live our lives. It was magic. And the Rob saw us and raced back to us at one point and we all stood in a circle and sang. It is something I will never forget.”
Stacy (@LoveandSwain): “This changes a lot, but right now the one that comes to mind is the ‘No Time Like the Present’ release party. Everything that night was just amazing (no pun intended). Getting to hear songs we’ve been waiting months for, with friends right beside me… that’s a moment I will never forget. There was so much love and happiness in that room.”
Elise (@broadwayswain): “At Phoenix SNS, sweaty Rob hugged me for the first time. Before that SNS, I told him in his autos that he’s always missed me by one person to receive a hug from him at the show. At Pascon SNS and Burcon SNS it happened, and I was kinda bummed. He said he’ll try tonight and even gave me a hug at autos just in case. Well, during ‘Medicated’, he fulfilled my wish of a sweaty hug from him and even kissed me on the cheek. He even said into the mic ‘I’m hugging you’ like he had to make it known to everyone in that room he was gonna do it. Rob messes with me a lot, but I love him for that.”
Amanda (@BandagedLetdown): “My favorite moment from seeing the guys are the times when one of them makes eye contact with a fan and seeing that fan absolutely light-up with happiness, or when Rob runs down the isles high-fiving everyone.”
Michelle (@lydrewsmom): “I’ve been to many, many concerts over the years but none have ever been quite like a Louden Swain concert. The energy in the room feels like a vibration running over a wire, it’s palpable. I’ve been to two SNS performances and my favorite moment for each show was the first strum of Rob’s guitar. It’s like he plucks at the entire room. It truly is magical.”
Sarah (@SharksandSwain): “It’s a tie between how excited Rob gets during the ‘yeah yeah how’ part of ‘This is How’ – he gets so into it and it’s incredibly endearing and impossible to not want to sing along with him…and the time they played ‘Here Come The Snakes’ in NYC. All of us in the crowd absolutely lost our minds and the energy and atmosphere of that performance is something I don’t think I’ll ever experience again. It was just effing phenomenal. I really can’t accurately put that moment into words.”
Holly (@AccioAwesome): “My friend Emily used to make silly merchandise featuring different members of the band. In 2014 she had made beanies with a variety of Rob Benedict aphorisms on them. Most of us in the front row of the audience were wearing them, but it took several songs for Rob to actually notice. When he did, he stopped in the middle of a song to have a giggle fit and read them all.”
Lori (@SPNZookeeper): “I have a few favourite moments from concerts. One of them being hearing my favourite song, ‘Help You’ live for the first time at my first US convention. Rob had told me the day earlier they were playing it for me and I couldn’t believe it, it was just… incredible. Apart from hearing my favourite song live, my other favourite moments are the moments when I am surrounded by friends, when we’re all singing and shouting or swaying and dancing; we’re all truly happy in those moments, and we get to share them together; All because of Louden Swain.”
Shannon (@reelnerdy): “When they performed at Eddie’s Attic in Jan 2018 they performed ‘Rock Song’ during the Tuesday night show. How often can you sing along with a band about partying on a Tuesday night while you are partying with them on a Tuesday night?”
Emily (@fiveafterseven): “DC SNS dance party. The whole crowd singing along to the rarely played songs at Eddie’s Attic this past January. The ‘This Is How’ dance. The reactions to the light up messages we’ve put together over the years. Watching friends experience their favourite songs live. The finale of the Toronto 2014 concert- I’ve never experienced something quite that raw and real before or since.”
Sam (@SwainerSam): “It was a small concert they did at The Study and they were singing ‘This Is How’, Rob likes to sing my favorite lyrics to me if he sees me in the crowd which is always amazing but this time he looked at me while singing ‘I find my voice and sing it from the rooftops’ as he handed me the pick he was using. I keep that pick around my neck as a reminder to myself from Rob to never stop singing from the rooftops.”
Jess (@JessHawden): “Favourite moment is the final song of the SNS at the Hawaii convention. There was just something so beautiful about the concert being out under the starlit sky with the sound of the ocean waves rippling in the background as everyone came together on stage to sing ‘Free Fallin’ together. Was the perfect end to a magical evening.”
Tiffany (@TiffanyShope1): “Like many, my first experience was seeing them play at a convention. When they played Wave at the Seattle SNS; I was done for and I knew that I HAD to see them again. The entire band just gets into the song and I feel lucky to be able to see it performed live.”
Tiffany (@TiffIsWayward): “The second year they were in Minneapolis for the convention, they played Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ as a tribute to the artist after he had died earlier that year. The song had become their closing number that year, but Rob said before they started to play that all those other performances had just been ‘practice’ because playing it in Prince’s hometown was the real thing. We all broke out our purple glow sticks (knowing they’d be playing the song) and the whole room was awash in a purple glow. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the looks on everyone’s faces from on stage.”
Kari (@kariface27): “My favorite video of them is when they sang ‘Purple Rain’ with the cast of SPN at a convention. The emotion in that room was palpable through the screen.”
Finn (@againsthewave_): “The Eddie’s Attic shows in January this year were incredible. No repeats over 3 shows! I heard so many of my favorites.”
Gisselle (@lopezado8696): “I have gone to three of Louden Swain’s Saturday Night Special performances during conventions, and I’ve had a blast at every single one. Personally, I love it when they’re playing their final song of the night, and the entire cast and ensemble of performers for the night all run out, dance, and engage with the audience. Not only do we see everyone come out, but we also get re-energized by Louden Swain’s performance, even though it’s practically the middle of the night after a long convention day; they do a fantastic job up keeping up the hype and giving us a great time, and you can see that they have so much fun!”
Karyl (@karylannegeary): “My favorite performance was in Chicago when they sang ‘Hallelujah’ with Jason Manns. There was a moment when they covered their mics and let the crowd sing the chorus. I don’t have the words to explain how magical that moment was, but I still have chills thinking about it. Right then, we were all a part of something. There wasn’t a line between band and audience–we were connected and we made something really special.”
Sara (@altsunthinkable): “My favourite moment was surprising the band with our lighted signs for Amazing at NJCon 2016.”
Jenna (@sushiswain): “At PittCon 2016, Rob was having a little technical difficulty with his mic. He couldn’t get it to work, so he requested that everyone be as quiet as possible. You could have heard a pin drop in that airplane hangar of a room as Rob proceeded to play ‘Fare Thee Well’ entirely off-mic. It was my first time hearing him perform it live and nothing has topped it since.”
Emma (@simplyreflected): “I’ve only seen Louden Swain during SNS at SPN Creation Con in Montreal, but my favourite moments were watching them play ‘The Big One’ as I absolutely love that song and watching the crowds reaction to ‘She Waits’ with the glow sticks as well as Rob’s reaction to the crowd. It was such a beautiful moment for such an emotional and fantastic song.”
Brandy (@horrorlovingirl): “I was lucky enough to be in Denver a couple of weeks ago. I have never seen an SNS (recorded or live) that felt like more of a journey than that night. The set list with older songs, the energy that radiated from the stage, the pure emotion that filled the room…I have never experienced anything like it. It’s indescribable. I think that the moment that really hit me was during ‘Amazing’ when Rob squatted down with his guitar across his legs and just looked out over the audience. He was eye level with all of the lights and the near disbelief on his face was incredible. It was beautiful.”
Angélique (@Angie_Voyage): “The moment between ‘She Waits’ and ‘Mamma’s Jam’ – the mood of the whole room switches from a bit-of-sad-and-lots-of-feels to hell-yeah-lets-have-some-fun. It’s amazing all the energy they give to us.”
Maranda (@maranda_martin): “I’ve seen them a few times live and each time is memorable for one thing or another. I always love how Billy reacts to us singing to him. Like he’s surprised we know the words to their songs. It’s adorable.”
MaryJane (@12TimeTraveler ): “I mean…’She Waits’ is always so incredibly powerful. But personally I love watching Billy. He’s just so into it 100% of the time. I always try to stand on his side of the stage at the cons. I love when he turns to us and gives us that rock-star look.”
Scout (@Scoutstiel): “A now-friend of mine was selling a seat next to her’s at a Jacksonville convention, and I bought it. I sat next to her during the SNS, and after ‘She Waits’ she turned to me, crying, and baffled she said, ‘Wow, that was really sad.’ She’d never seen them perform before. That’s always stuck with me. There’s also nothing about ‘Medicated’ live that I don’t love. Y’know, it’s just a big room full of happy bees, and I enjoy trying to justify the pre-kazooing to Rob Benedict while he tries to make it stop. Let them tune, dangit!”
Mary (@pare6386): “I would say being a part of the pink wave at Saturday Night Special during ‘She Waits’ because it is such a raw emotional song. The performance was incredible and I don’t think I will ever forget it.”
Lindsey (@lindseyiam): “I’ve only seen Louden Swain perform live twice so far. As I’m sure many others will agree, the audience raising their lights for ‘She Waits’ is always an absolutely incredible moment. The emotion in the room becomes palpable and it’s like everyone is in sync for those few minutes of time. Also, I LOVE watching how incredibly psyched and excited all four of the guys always seem during their shows. They’ve been doing this for SO many years and yet they still give it 110% every single time.”
Vera (@raths_kitten): “Much as I hate Rob getting sad, holding up the lights during ‘She Waits’ had felt the most special at Creation’s UK con, because the girl sitting next to me had given me a light and we bonded. I really love the crowd kazoo playing for ‘Medicated’ as well though. So, I guess the full crowd bonding experiences are what I love best.”
Kelli (@klairermusic1): “My favorite moment was during ‘She Waits.’ Most of the people sitting around me had not heard of Swain until they got to the concert so they didn’t understand why I was handing out lights to them. However, when ‘She Waits’ was played they followed along and put their lights up as well. The reflections of the lights around the room was beautiful. Rob’s emotion of the song mixed with the beauty around me had me in tears the entire time! Scout actually did a piece based off of that night’s performance of the song. I have it in multiple types of print because it is a great reminder of that night.”
Aileen (@fandomfreak221b): “‘She Waits’ from this year’s Vegas convention. I was going through some personal stuff with my dad being away from home for long periods of time due to work. I hadn’t seen him in a long while by the time the convention came around and the song just hit me really hard. Hearing it live was surprisingly really comforting and brought me to tears. It really meant a lot.”
Erika (@soliloquywriter): “Probably when Rob sang to me at The Study in Hollywood. It was my first time truly being front row, there was a show at The Study previously, but Stephen wasn’t there, and a row of people with VIP had filed into the front row, so this show I was right there with no one between me and the band, and that alone felt pretty amazing. I took photos during most of the show, but during ‘She Waits’ I always put my camera down, and I of course sing along because I can identify with the song on a personal level. My son’s dad walked out on us too, and never once looked back, still to this day. So when Rob sang part of the song to me, and at my heart hands, made heart hands back to me, it was a special moment that I will cherish always. I found the moment in someone’s video that they posted of the show, and was able to print out a screen shot of Rob giving me heart hands to keep in my scrapbook, so big thanks to the anonymous person out there that caught the moment on video!”
Emma (@EmmaV421): “The first time I ever saw Rob perform ‘She Waits’ live. It was at my first Supernatural convention and it blew me away how emotional he got and how comfortable he was to do it. That was when I truly understood why they called this the SPN Family.”
Lynette (@LynetteParki): “I’m sure this is a fairly common answer as it is such a magical moment at almost every SNS but I loved ‘She Waits’. I saw Swain live for the first time at Birmingham for SPNUK. When they started playing one amazing fan had arranged for everyone to have finger lights and the whole room lit up. There was a glass wall down one side of the convention room and Rob commented that it looked like the lights went on forever. I think what made it so special was that they know that the fans in the US and Canada understand the significance and sentiment behind the song because they perform so much over there. From what Rob said after the song, I think it truly surprised him that he has that same love and support worldwide.”
Mary Winchester (Samantha Smith) after decking the devil, Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino)
Supernatural returns for it’s 14th season on October 11. I think we’re all wondering what’s next for the Winchesters as many questions remain unanswered. What does Michael have in store for this world? How are Team Free Will 2.0 going to defeat him and get his brother back? What does being completely human mean for Jack? Is it possible that he still has some nephilim powers left? How will his relationship with Castiel develop? What is happening with the survivors from the AU? When will we see Charlie, Rowena and Ketch again? What is next for Mary?
Speaking of Mary, since she returned at the beginning of season 12, her character has been the a source of conflict. I’ve been sad for her and angry at her. (Don’t get me started on The Foundry, the third episode of season 12, when she leaves the boys – watching Dean back away from her when she reaches out to him still shatters my heart.) Mostly, I’m curious about where she fits in the boys’ lives.
Whether you love her or hate her, it looks like Mary Winchester is here to stay. Let’s take a look back at her biggest moments from season 13 to help us get through these last days of hellatus and maybe speculate a little on what is to come.
Since Mary is trapped in Apocalypse World, we only get to see her periodically throughout this season but when we do, it’s memorable.
Season 13, Episode 1 – “Lost and Found”
This episode starts on a low note. Cas and Crowley are dead. Mary and Lucifer are stuck in the alternate universe. There are so many rapid changes to the brother’s world, and poor Sam and Dean don’t get even a minute to feel their losses. They are immediately thrown into the hunt for Jack when he flees the scene after attacking the boys and leaving them unconscious on the floor. They need to find him quickly because they aren’t the only ones on Jack’s trail – the angels are hunting him as well. This lost and found, seek and find scenario is a major theme for the entire season.
Mary (Samantha Smith) is trapped in the Apocalypse World with Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino).
I picked this episode as a highlight for Mary (even though we only see her for a few minutes at the end) because she is actually at her lowest point here. She’s in an unfamiliar land, cut off from family and friends. Despite that, her determination to survive is obvious. Even after Lucifer catches her and takes her prisoner, she doesn’t back down, not even from him as she growls, “So what now? You kill me?” She might be temporarily defeated, but don’t ever underestimate a Winchester – even one that started out as a Campbell.
Season 13, Episode 2 – “The Rising Son”
This episode introduces us to two new bad ass characters – and I don’t mean that as a compliment. With the death of Crowley, Hell has been without leadership. Enter Asmodeus, the fourth prince of hell. He quickly begins to put what he considers “his house” in order and there is literal hell to pay for anyone that gets in his way. We also meet the Apocalypse World’s Michael, and discover that this version is a bigger jerk than he ever was in the Winchester universe.
Michael can’t believe his eyes when he finds Lucifer alive and well after killing the alternate universe version of Lucifer in a previous fight. Michael learns that this Lucifer is from the other universe and the wheels start turning. He realizes he can use Lucifer and exploit his powers to open the portal to the other universe.
Mary Winchester (Samantha Smith) in the Apocalypse World. Credit: imdb.com
Mary is caught in the crossfire as Michael takes her prisoner as well. Again, we are seeing her adrift in circumstances that she can’t control but she manages to keep it together. That Winchester tenacity holds her in good stead. Since returning to Earth, she has dealt with the knowledge that her husband is dead, her boys grew into men without her, the entire world has gone on without her. In her mind, what can another cocky archangel possibly do to her?
In these early episodes, it may seem like Mary is being blown around like a leaf on the winds of change but she’s more like a cat stalking its prey, just biding her time and waiting for the perfect time to pounce.
Season 13, Episode 14 – “Good Intentions”
This is also an episode that builds from a low point. As it starts, we see Jack has been captured by Michael. He has Zachariah manipulating Jack’s mind into opening the portal to the other universe. Time and time again, Zachariah creates illusions in Jack’s head that make him believe that the only way to fix things is by opening the portal. Jack however, is much stronger than they know, and he detects their ruse. When he refuses to cooperate, Michael, in his anger, throws him into a prison cell that is also occupied by Mary. Michael assures Jack that he will open the portal or they will use Mary to force him to open it.
Mary and Jack realize that the warding that is being used on their cell is weak in a certain spot and they manage to escape. Shortly after their escape, they run into Bobby who, once he decides they actually are human, takes them to a resistance camp for sanctuary while they try to figure out their next move.
Jack’s unorthodox shadow puppet show draws the attention of Bobby who has been connecting with Mary. He tells her stories of the Mary he knew, the one that didn’t take the deal offered by Yellow Eyes (Azazel) which subsequently led to this world’s apocalypse. Mary trusts Bobby enough to divulge Jack’s secret – but when he learns the truth about Jack’s half angel heritage, he demands that Jack leave the camp.
Jack (Alexander Calvert) and Mary (Samantha Smith) search for a way out. Credit: imdb.com
Mary tells Bobby that, “If he goes, I go with him.” This describes perfectly the unofficial Winchester motto of, no man left behind. It may take them a while to trust you, but once you are “in”, then you are considered family – family is not left behind, ever. Because Jack is connected to her boys then he is connected to Mary as far as she is concerned.
In this episode, Mary the hunter-protector is emerging again. She is not the victim anymore. And we get to see a little of Mary getting to be the mother she never had the chance to be to Sam and Dean. Jack needs some guidance, and Mary is there to provide it.
Season 13, Episode 21 – “Beat the Devil”
This episode is actually begins in a much better place. Sam, Dean, Cas, and Gabriel make it to the AU with the help of Rowena’s spell which is keeping Lucifer held captive and using a continuous stream of his grace to keep the portal open.
The thing I notice about this episode is how much it represents hope to me. Sam is happy to finally be proactive in the hunt to find his mother. Dean is thankful to see his brother finally in a good place. Cas can see the future of Heaven in the face of Gabriel and everything seems to be coming together. But this is Supernatural, and we know that other shoe is always waiting to drop.
The optimism is short lived, when the group saves a couple, Maggie and Floyd, against a ravenously hungry vampire. This confrontation ultimately leads the group to the decision that the only way to get Jack and Mary is through a tunnel that is populated with more hungry vampires.
In the bunker, Lucifer, senses his bonds weakening, begins goading Rowena into losing her concentration and thus losing her hold on him. When he succeeds, he is able to escape and jump through the rift into the apocalypse world.
Back in the tunnel, things go south in a hurry when the group is attacked by vampires and Sam sacrifices himself so the others can make it out. Dean witnesses Sam’s attack and ultimate abduction by the vampires. Cas runs after Sam but is unable to rescue him. Dean wants to rush headlong into the breach to rescue his brother but Cas stops him and Dean has to, very reluctantly, leave Sam in the tunnel.
The Dean that comes out of that tunnel is not anything like the Dean that went in. All of his optimism is gone. He has had the life sucked right out of him. The somber and devastated group finally makes it to their destination (the resistance camp where Mary and Jack are) but instead of a celebration, Dean has to tell Mary about the death of Sam.
A charged moment between Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Mary (Samantha Smith).
Mary’s big moment in this episode happens right here. Mary asks,”Dean…where’s Sam?” Dean is fighting with all he has but the tears escape and the silent message is transferred between mother and son. Sam is gone and the knowledge of it is written all over Dean’s face and reflected in Mary’s. Samantha Smith does such an amazing job of portraying Mary and that is epitomized in this scene in the handling of her grief. Mary has to absorb the blow that her son is gone and keep on going because people depend on her. She doesn’t have time to fall apart.
Season 13, Episode 22-“Exodus”
The title of this episode says it all. Sam is back in the land of the living thanks to Lucifer’s intervention. Sam and Dean are reunited with Mary and Jack and they want nothing more than to get back to the portal and out of the alternate universe with their family.
However, Mary is a woman who knows her own mind. She has found a place for herself with the resistance fighters in the alternative universe. I think this is something that she has longed for and missed since she came back into the boy’s lives. They are grown men now and while she loves them, she is willing to sacrifice living with them to be able to help this universe.
She tells the boys, “I fought beside these people. I respect them. I respect their cause. You can’t expect me to abandon them.” This is a defining moment for Mary. She is a reflection of her boys – she is both Sam’s voice of reason and Dean’s stubborn refusal to give up.
Dean looks to Sam to help him convince Mary to come back with them but surprisingly, Sam takes Mary’s side. He gets it. It’s the same decision he made in the tunnel in the previous episode, sacrificing himself for the greater good. He knows she doesn’t make the decision lightly and he can read the determination in her face. This is a battle that he and Dean will lose.
Mary (Samantha Smith) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) face off. Credit: imdb.com
Ultimately the decision is taken out of her hands when the boys decide to bring the whole group back to their universe. The war is far from over but at this juncture, retreat is definitely the better part of valor. But it remains a critical moment of Mary’s character – she’s a helper. Just like her boys.
Well there it is, for good or bad, these are the Mary moments that stood out for me. They also got me speculating about what lies ahead for her. What will her role be in the coming season? How will she handle the Michael!Dean situation? Will she try to mother Sam or be more a friend? Will she run across Ketch again and what exactly does Bobby mean to her?
All we can do now is wait to see how season 14 plays out! What are your favorite Mary moments? Let us know in the comments below!
The cast of the STARZ show, Outlander, participated in a panel at PaleyFest while in town for New York Comic Con. The panel was live-streamed on the official Outlander facebook page for the fans that were unable to attend. Outlander‘s stars Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe, along with Sophie Skelton and Richard Rankin started the panel by playing a drinking game with some whiskey provided by the Paley Center to determine ‘cast superlatives’. To summarize the game, Richard both lost and won.
The cast was also joined by executive producer Maril Davis and showrunner Ronald D. Moore. They offered insights on the difficulties in production with the story moving to America while shooting remained in Scotland. Everyone on stage teased the amazing season to come and endeavored to keep the panel spoiler free for those watching that have not read the books.
Fans in the audience were treated to two clips from the new season. The first clip is from the season premiere episode and featured both Claire and Jamie. Readers of the books will recognize the second clip as the scene from Drums of Autumn where Brianna and Roger play a road trip game.
The final question of the panel was one that everyone has been wanting to know: “Tell us about working with Rollo?” Those on stage happily shared stories of Duey the dog to the joy of everyone watching.
We are so excited for the season 4 premiere of Outlander which airs less than a month from now on November 4.
Attendees descend on the show floor at New York Comic Con on Oct. 5, 2018. They will have a chance to meet celebrities, purchase merchandise, and meet fellow fans.
Day two of New York Comic Con continued the fan frenzy. Featuring panels with The Magicians and Mortal Engines, a Dungeons and Dragons master class with Travis McElroy, the ever teeming show floor and Artist Alley, and oh, you know, over 50,000 attendees.
Here are the highlights of Friday at the largest convention on the east coast:
Sera Gamble and John McNamara Reveal Season Four Premiere Date of The Magicians
Sera Gamble and John McNamara, showrunners for “The Magicians,” tease season four of “The Magicians” on the SYFY Wire Live Stage on Oct. 5, 2018.
The morning started off magically with a panel featuring Magicians show-runners Sera Gamble and John McNamara, moderated by Magicians author Lev Grossman. Many secrets of the upcoming season four were revealed – such as a possible musical episode and a scene with two Pennys – as well as the premiere date: January 23! Fans in the audience dressed not only as Magicians characters, but as the writers themselves, wearing the actual unicorn hoodies the writers can be seen wearing in the writers’ room. Stay tuned to hear more Magicians secrets when part three of our Sera Gamble interview goes up later this fall. (Make sure to check out parts one and two!)
How to be Super Good at D&D with Travis McElroy
Travis McElroy gives insights on Dungeons and Dragons at his panel at The Studio @ NYCC on Oct. 5, 2018.
Travis McElroy, co-host and middlest brother of hit podcasts My Brother, My Brother, and Me and The Adventure Zone taught a master class on Dungeons and Dragons at The Studio @ NYCC. After an introduction, he answered questions from the audience and gave advice on character creation, world-building, and both playing and running games. His main point – do not try to “win” the game, just focus on character relationships. Attendees also received a free signed poster. – Jupiter Boggan, NYCC Contributor
Audible’s ‘Harry Potter Pensieve Experience’
A bottle of Hermione’s memories activate Harry Potter audiobook clips inside the booth at New York Comic Con
Its been twenty years since The Boy Who Lived appeared on bookshelves, and Audible is celebrating with a unique fan experience. Audible, “the world’s largest seller and producer of downloadable audiobooks and other spoken-word entertainment,” created a Pensieve booth on the north concourse where fans can choose a character’s “memories” and listen to clips from the audio book series. The memory bottles seemed to use magic to connect to the audio areas and provide fans with visuals with specific corresponding scenes to listen to. The booth was decked out with fabric-made memory wisps and fans received a code for free audio book while exiting – and they can keep the memory bottle! I chose to listen to Hermione’s memories and got to here the climax of Prizoner of Azkaban while watching imagery of the Forbidden Forest. After exiting the Pensieve, guests could take a video of themselves casting a spell with the wand of their choosing. This booth is a must see for any Potterhead at the convention.
Cosplay of the Day: DC Femme Fatales.
Fans cosplaying as Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn at New York Comic Con on Oct. 5, 2018
Cosplay was abound today – people of all ages, all sizes, and all fandoms finally getting to show off the costumes they have worked to hard to create. At the end of the weekend we will be showing off our favorite cosplays of the convention – but this badass trio takes the cake for day two.
Tomorrow looks to be the busiest day yet – panels for Starz’s hit series Outlander and Marvel’s Daredevil as well as a special guest at the E! People’s Choice Awards food truck! Follow @consandbeyond for updates throughout the day.
(Left to Right) Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, Christian Rivers, Hera Hilmar, Rob Sheehan, Leila George, Jihae, and Stephen Lang tease the upcoming dystopian adventure movie “Mortal Engines” at New York Comic Con on Oct. 5, 2018.
In a “post post-apocalyptic world,” as writer and producer Peter Jackson described it, countries are no more and mobile city-states known as “Traction Cities” traverse what is left of Europe, Northern Africa, the Arctic and Antarctica, and some parts of Asia. They function under “Municipal Darwinism,” a system in which larger Traction Cities consume smaller ones with jaw-like mechanics and take them apart for fuel and parts.
When the powerhouse Traction City of London catches the small mining city of Salthook, they knowingly take aboard Hester Shaw, an rogue orphan driven by vengeance. She comes across Thaddeus Valentine, Head Historian of London and murderer of her mother, and she attempts to assassinate him, setting the plot into action.
The Mortal Engines panel at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden began with an introduction by actor, director, and moderator Andy Serkis, followed by a 25-minute preview of the highly anticipated film. From this small introduction, this film looks to be incredible. An action-packed story with gorgeous cinematography and compelling characters, this is not your dime-a-dozen dystopian fiction. The clip ended on a cliffhanger that had the audience ready to hear from the cast and creators as well as see the movie when it comes out this winter.
Actress Hera Hilmar at the “Mortal Engines” panel at New York Comic Con. Hilmar answered questions about her character, protagonist Hester Shaw.
The guests then came on stage and each talked about their aspect of the movie, whether that be their character or role in the creative process. Hera Hilmar, who plays title character Hester Shaw, talked about how she discovered the role and what drew her to it. “They asked me, ‘Are you interested in portraying her?’ and I said, ‘Hell, yeah!'” said Hilmar. “Being allowed to be a female heroine that can be on that scale was the dream for me.”
Hester’s counterpart in the story is Tom Natsworthy, an apprentice historian played by Robert Sheehan. He has had a sheltered upbringing – or as sheltered of an upbringing as one could have on a moving steampunk city. Though his parents have passed before the start of the film, Sheehan noted, “They gave him an unquenchable cheerfulness in this very dark world; he has a very strong spirit.” How Tom fits into Hester’s revenge plans remain to be seen.
The panelists could not reveal much, given that the film is not out yet, but they did debut a brand new trailer. Afterwards, Hugo Weaving, who plays the film’s antagonist Thaddeus Valentine, appeared remotely onscreen from Australia with a special message for fans – they can enter for a chance to win two tickets to the Los Angeles premiere by tweeting #MortalEnginesNYCC. As the panel concluded, the actors and creators were met with a rousing applause from the audience – book fans and excited movie fans alike.
Mortal Engines is out in theaters on December 14, 2018. Check out the brand new trailer now!
In a completely unprecedented move, GISH has opened registration really early for the first time ever! The week-long Hunt, which usually takes place in August, announced early registration was open on October 1, 2018.
Aside from when registration was open for 72 hours back in August, being able to register this early and begin building your teams this far in advance is absolutely unheard of.
Joining the 2019 GISH Hunt early may cause bouts of euphoria, weirdness, and the intense desire to curse Misha Collins’ name. Registered Gishers may also experience one or more of the following:
Eligibility for cool prizes & experiences
Bragging rights that you’re registered before your friends
Additional time to brainwash (strikethrough) coerce (strikethrough) convince friends and family to join
More time to upgrade to even cooler registration packages
Persistent dreams of wearing various foods & fluids
The opportunity to build and bond with team mates & develop a foolproof strategy to conquer the world (and win GISH)
In some cases, bouts of excessive excogigation may occur. If you experience this, please consult a doctor or a patent attorney immediately.
On the Facebook group, “The Gish Bunker”, the VP of GISH (Charlie Capen) has hinted that it is important to get your teams together early, though he teased that Misha Collins (founder of GISH and star of Supernatural) hasn’t allowed him to say anything more.
If you’re looking to sign up for the first time, there are several tiers of registration, varying from The Basic GISH Package which is just over twenty dollars, all the way up to The Most Premiumerest Package. That package will run you almost $250, but comes with a vast array of yet-to-be-announced swag and collectors items.
Don’t forget to download the GISH App if you haven’t already. Though it isn’t necessary to participate in GISH, it does enhance the experience. GISH hasn’t said how long the early registration will be open, so make sure to join the hunt now if you can.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
