Universal Studios Hollywood is introducing an all new way to experience the frightful fun of “Halloween Horror Nights”; the R.I.P Tour.
Tours will be conducted in groups no larger than 12, and highlights will include:
Exclusive access to Stranger Things themed photo ops, props from the set and scare-actor make-up demonstrations.
Universal Express access to every maze, Terror Tram and featured rides
Exclusive VIP trolley transportation to backlot mazes and Terror Tram
Reserved VIP seating at the Jabbawockeez live show
Gourmet buffet dinner at the VIP Dining Room featuring Stranger Things themed foods
Access to the Stranger Things Lounge and the theme park’s Lower Lot Lounge
Two complimentary drinks
Commemorative R.I.P. Tour credentials
Complimentary valet parking
Themed mazes this season are based on old classics and new thrillers including Stranger Things, Poltergeist, The First Purge, Trick ‘r Treat, Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers, and The Walking Dead.
Old favorites “The Horrors of Blumhouse” and “Universal Monsters” are also returning the “Halloween Horrors Night”. Award-winning hip hop dance crew Jabbawockeez will also return with a new performance created especially for “Halloween Horrors Night.”
Hollywood Harry, Universal’s own serial killer clown, will take a stab at the Terror Tram as guests wonder through the famous backlot.
Guests can expect the fright of a lifetime! “Halloween Horror Nights” dates are: September 14-16, 20-22, 26-30, October 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 25-28, 31, and November 1-3. Tickets are available here.
By Season 10, Castiel has been a guardian, ally, antagonist, friend, and now, an extended member of the Winchester family. Over the past ten seasons, Castiel furthered the story arc of Supernatural in many significant ways. Castiel’s evolution in the role he plays with regard to Sam and Dean, however, also helped elaborate one of the series’ key themes – the concept of created kinship. Sometimes called fictive kinship in anthropology, created kinship refers to those very personal ties we make with people who are not biologically or legally related to us, but whom we none-the-less consider to be family. After all, as Bobby Singer so famously said (and we may feel as a part of a fandom community), “Family don’t end in Blood.” Castiel’s story of rebellion, temptation, failure, and finally redemption, mirrors the brothers’ own struggles to rail against both the monsters they fight and the fates that would control their destinies.
All this week, we are sharing some of Castiel’s biggest moments by season. This article features five key moments in Season 10. Biggest moments for other seasons can be found by clicking on the links here.
Photo credit: The CW
In Season 10, Castiel is firmly aligned with Sam in the fight to save Dean, despite dealing with the continuing deterioration of his grace and therefore his angel powers. Throughout the season, Castiel is balancing his lack of power with the leadership role being foisted on him by Hannah and the remaining angels in heaven, helping Sam find and then rehabilitate Dean, and trying to make amends for his sins against the Novak family by finding and building a relationship with Claire Novak.
Season 10, Episode 1 – “Black”
Castiel is struggling with his declining grace. Sam decides against sharing a lead on Dean’s whereabouts with him because of Castiel’s physical presentation of symptoms. Hannah asks Castiel for help in tracking down rogue angels Daniel and Adina who chose to stay on earth rather than return to Heaven. In one pivotal scene, the angels sit around a campfire and debate the virtues of free will and living on Earth. With one tilt of his head, Castiel indicates to Hannah that he understands why Daniel and Adina chose earth over heaven.
Castiel has come a long way from the obedient (if questioning) soldier of Heaven we saw in Season 4. He now fully appreciates humanity and believes, perhaps too strongly, in the angels’ ability to internalize human values of free will and norms of self-determination. In other words, he thinks the angels would be better off if they were more human, so to speak. But by this point, even in suggesting that direction for Heaven, Castiel knows he is stepping close to the very deterministic leadership he rebelled against. The discussion around the campfire in this scene escalates and leads to a fight wherein Castiel kills Daniel to save Hannah.
Season 10, Episode 3 – “Soul Survivor”
After a grace power-up via Crowley, Castiel returns to the bunker to help Sam with curing Dean’s demonism. Demon Dean escapes his restraints and pursues Sam throughout the bunker. Castiel, still grace super-charged, catches Dean and restrains him so that Sam can finish the curative process. At this point, Castiel is really the only one who can help Sam. Most of the brothers’ other allies are either dead or unavailable. Although reluctant to lose his buddy Demon Dean, Crowley ends up being part of Dean’s return to humanity as well. Perhaps Crowley knew all along that Castiel, with a top off of angel power, was the only being who could help Sam. In the show’s mythology, angels are strongest and built for fighting demons. Seems Crowley may have a soft spot for Moose after all.
This moment is significant because it was Sam and Castiel who brought Dean back to humanity together. Dean had always been the one to push Castiel toward humanity and it seems fitting that Castiel, as an honorary Winchester, would help return the favor. Castiel’s role in helping return Dean to humanity cements his membership as a Winchester. He has died and come back and he has done something that compromises his moral code to benefit a family member – ingested stolen angel grace. And really, there seems to be nothing more “Winchester” than putting the needs of your family so far above your own you’re willing to violate your ethics, which for Castiel, as an angel, are even stronger (presumably) than human ethics.
Season 10, Episode 9 – “The Things We Left Behind”
Castiel finds and visits Claire Novak, who is living in a juvenile detention center. Although Castiel’s attempt to convince the supervisor to release Claire is unsuccessful, it led to some of the funniest moments this season. This episode was really one of the best of Season 10 for many reasons.
Castiel explores the extremely human problem of trying to repair relationships broken through unintended consequences. There are some truly hilarious and tender moments in this episode between Castiel and Claire, where Castiel is trying to figure out how to be in Claire’s life, even if he cannot replace her father. Castiel later helps Claire escape, but Claire has not forgiven Castiel. In fact, she steals his wallet and takes off to rejoin her questionable friends. Said friends later goad her into attempting to rob a convenience store. Enter Dean influenced by the Mark of Cain, and things do not end well for Claire’s “friends.”
Like the previous episode discussed, Castiel’s interactions with Claire further humanize his character. In many ways, Castiel is learning the most human lesson of all here – having to reconcile who you are now with your past actions. Castiel recognizes that although he was following holy orders when he possessed Jimmy Novak, this action which ultimately helped the Winchesters save the world, led to collateral damage for Amelia and Claire. While one might be tempted to make an argument in favor of utilitarianism here, (most angels would probably agree that the needs of the many are worth the cost of some human lives) Castiel, in attempting to bond with Claire and help her shows how far he has turned from the angel mindset. Even when she betrays him, Castiel still seeks to help Claire, who in turn must deal with the unintended consequences of her actions when she inadvertently puts people in Dean’s path. Building a relationship with Claire also ties Castiel more firmly to Earth and humanity. He has made his choice; he would rather deal with the consequences of his actions and the imperfect family he’s building on Earth than run Heaven.
Season 10, Episode 20 – “Angel Heart”
Having been accepted into the Winchester’s created family, Castiel now tries to do the same for Claire Novak. Claire calls Castiel and Sam and Dean for help in finding her mom, Amelia. This episode was special in that it produced some of the most iconic lines in the entire series. A line of Claire’s at the end of the episode when the boys bring her to Jody Mills’s house, “So what? This is some sort of halfway house for wayward girls?” inspired the entire Wayward Daughters Movement.
But Castiel giving Claire a stuffed version of Grumpy Cat as a birthday gift was a stroke of marketing genius, leading to hilarious meta humor meets product placement. Hot Topic carries exclusive Supernatural merchandise, and people in the fandom have often compared Castiel’s trademark “expression of no expression” face and piercing blue eyes to celebrity feline Grumpy Cat. After Claire pulls the plush Grumpy Cat toy from the gift bag, Castiel states in his deadpan voice, “I got it at the Hot Topical.” Claire also bonds with Dean in this episode over the classic comedy film Caddyshack, which is possibly a reference to actress Kathryn Newton’s real-life golf skills.
There are so many important moments for Castiel in this episode. Maybe most importantly, it really shows how much he is trying to embrace a parenting role with Claire. Castiel has moved beyond simply trying to assimilate into human culture due to necessity and instead is attempting to choose how he wants to participate in it. In the same way that an adult may yearn for a child to love and teach and nurture, Castiel feels this longing for Claire while simultaneously feeling responsible for breaking apart her family of origin. Parents are expected to care for and protect their children. Castiel attempts to do this for Claire multiple times in this episode and throughout this season. Like many parents, perhaps Castiel feels the one real way to make a difference in the world and right past wrongs is to try to do better with the next generation. Western parenting norms also emphasize bolstering children’s self-esteem by making children feel unique and valued. One way we parents do that is through birthday celebrations. By giving a gift to Claire, Castiel is showing he has internalized what is expected of him in the parenting role on multiple levels – parents not only protect their children, they also value and validate their existence.
Season 10, Episode 22 – “The Prisoner”
Once again proving that he is more than willing to bleed for the Winchesters, Castiel tries to stop Dean from running off to commit more extreme violence. Dean has just killed Cyrus Styne and most of the Styne family after they abducted him, but Castiel is nowhere close to ready to give up. In fact, he delivers a moving speech to his friend.
Maybe you could fight the Mark for years. Maybe centuries, like Cain did. But you cannot fight it forever. And when you finally turn, and you will turn… Sam, and everyone you know, everyone you love… they could be long dead. Everyone except me. I’m the one who will have to watch you murder the world. So if there’s even a small chance that we can save you, I won’t let you walk out of this room.
That declaration causes Castiel to nearly die at Dean’s hand by his own angel blade. Dean’s bloody beating of Castiel shows how badly the Mark of Cain has affected him. That he would kill a not entirely guilty youth and nearly his best friend illustrates that Dean is losing the battle against the Mark. Castiel demonstrates his commitment to saving humanity, and Dean’s soul, in his willingness to give everything. Castiel is fully human and fully Winchester in this moment, willing to die to save his friend from a fate worse than death.
Perhaps it’s because of their unique bond that Dean does not kill Castiel; after all, this being has saved him from Hell and saved his life on numerous other occasions. But maybe Dean not killing Castiel is his last cry for help. He is begging to be saved from this fate, for potentially a fate worse than death or hell; a fate where he becomes the thing he hates and fears most of all and fully embraces the darkness that has been inside of him all along. The last shred of control Dean has also likely recognizes that Sam may not be strong enough to prevent Dean from giving in to the Mark of Cain. And the thing Dean fears most of all, more than losing his brother, is being the one responsible for Sam’s death or being the one to kill Sam. So this last scene is Dean once again, asking Castiel to save him, and it was both incredibly hard to watch and momentous for both characters.
Season 10 was a big one for Castiel when it came to emotional growth. Check back tomorrow for the next part in our series celebrating our favorite angel Castiel with five of Season 11’s biggest Castiel moments.
Welcome to the third part in our Louden Swain series! If you missed them, you can read part 1 and part 2. We’ll be posting a series of articles celebrating the band and 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 music videos from the band, and why they love that video so much.
“Bandaged Hand”
Lindsey (@lindseyiam): “Honestly, I think [my favorite is] probably ‘Bandaged Hand’! Rich [Speight, Jr.] took a super simple setting (literally a giant empty room), basic equipment (an iPhone), and filmed something that’s super fun (in under 30 minutes!). It’s all about those angles! And you can just tell that they guys all had fun with it and were enjoying themselves.”
Sam (@honeybeemish): “I’m partial to ‘Bandaged Hand’, it’s such an upbeat song and I love the simplicity. To me the video shows their personalities and weirdness that we all love. It’s also super neat that Rich recorded it for them at a convention.”
Gisselle (@lopezado8696): “Without a doubt, the music video for ‘Bandaged Hand’. Not only was the video created in a half-hour on an iPhone, but it also featured the incredible directing talents of the lovely Richard Speight, Jr.! Even though this was a made as a professional music video for Louden Swain, you can see how much fun the band is having throughout the filming process. Plus, Stephen Norton playing the invisible drums kills me every time!”
Brittany (@tasteofmyhominy): “‘Bandaged Hand’! Firstly, I love the story behind how it was made: backstage at a convention, in something like under an hour, shot on an iPhone, directed by the one and only Richard Speight Jr. Secondly, I think the video easily captures each of the guy’s unique personalities and talents in a way that can only be done by a close friend of the band. It’s just so good.”
Kelli (@klairermusic1): “I like ‘Bandaged Hand’ because it looks like the guys are having so much fun doing the video.”
Sarah (@Wyldefandom): “My favourite music video is the one they did for ‘Bandaged Head’ that was directed by Richard Speight, Jr. The whole video was filmed using an iPhone 6, the angles it was shot and the editing you would think they had multiple cameras in use. I love when music videos are done with the concert vibe and not too distracting taking away from the band the story the song is telling. Also, the fact that it was all done backstage at a Supernatural convention in around 30 minutes is impressive, they were all there busy at the convention and still took the time out to film a music video. Let’s not forget we get some quality air drums from Stephen and Billy tried to use Borja as a chair.”
Brandy (@horrorlovingirl): “‘Bandaged Hand’. Michael Borja sitting on a concrete floor with a Casio keyboard. That’s it. That’s all I need to say.”
“Amazing”
Amanda (@BandagedLetdown): “My favorite Louden Swain music video is ‘Amazing’ because it is full of fans and has a raw feeling to it. We, the fans, get a look behind the scenes of the guys traveling to a venue together, and it doesn’t hurt that Rob is rocking the red converse.”
Natasha (@NatashaCole): “My favorite video is the one for ‘Amazing’ because I feel like it was a love letter to their fans. We see them in their elements (SNS, cons, and other live shows) and get some great backstage footage.”
Jennifer (@macd1982): “I’m slightly biased on this one, but my favourite music video is ‘Amazing’. The majority of it features footage that was shot at Swain’s ‘No Time Like The Present’ album release party in LA, which I was lucky enough to attend. I’m actually featured front and center in the video at one point. It makes me so happy every single time I watch it because that night was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I made a point of thanking each of the guys in person for making that video because it just feels like a giant love letter to their fans.”
Elise (@broadwayswain): “Gonna have to tie it back to ‘Amazing’ for this question. Not only am I in it but several friends are. I love Swain’s dedication to their fans and this music video truly shows it. Never in my life have I seen a music group be this *Amazing* to fans to the point where they dedicate an entire music video to them. This music video has also helped me accomplish a bucket list goal of mine of being in a music video, so I gotta give props to that.”
Sam (@SwainerSam): “I would have to say ‘Amazing’ because I was there and I just felt all the energy of that crowd and the love they felt for us and I had so many great memories of that night, so it’s a nice reminder.”
Kari (@kariface27): “My favorite video is ‘Amazing’. I was there when they were filming and you can see my friends in the front. It’s just an all around wonderful video and it’s a great tribute to the fans.”
Lori (@SPNZookeeper): “I think my favourite music video is the video for ‘Amazing’. Not only because I love the song, but mostly because I love seeing so many familiar faces in the video. I absolutely love watching my friends sing their hearts out and seeing the genuine happiness pouring out of them in that moment is just incredible. It’s a music video that can always put a smile on my face!”
Jenna (@sushiswain): “I’ll always have a special place in my heart for the ‘Amazing’ music video that was compiled from SNS videos and the album release party. It makes me smile to look back on it and see so many friends (and me, for a split second!) having the time of their lives listening to the band we all love. The video was released in 2017 on the day I found out I was going to be unemployed for the second time in three months, and it made an awful day just a little brighter.”
Sara (@altsunthinkable): ‘Amazing’. It’s so much fun to watch it and be able to spot myself and so many of my friends in it from the footage of the release party.”
Katie (@katmgc): “I suppose I should say ‘Amazing’ considering I’m in it for a whole 2 seconds. No, really, that was an awesome gesture the band did, to give tribute to us fans like that, and I will forever be grateful for the honor of being apart of that.”
Trish (@SwainerGirl): “The video for ‘Amazing’. That was such an awesome experience to actually be there at that release party and then to actually be in a music video!”
Stacy (@LoveandSwain): “It’s definitely ‘Amazing’. I was so excited when I heard they were releasing a video for the song. That video blew any expectations I may have had completely out of the water. Seeing all my friends just so happy experiencing a thing that they love… nothing can possibly top that. Also, I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty awesome being able to say I was in a music video.”
Kim (@KimSaysSmile): “‘Amazing’ is my favorite music video. I couldn’t be at the show but the video makes me feel like I was there. And seeing so many friends in the video living their best lives makes my heart happy.”
Amanda (@AmandaC0124): “I love the music video to ‘Amazing’ when i watched it the first time, it brought back memories of how i feel at every SNS i’ve attended and the amount of love and support in that room, it’s truly powerful and addictive.”
Jess (@JessHawden): “My favourite music video is the one for ‘Amazing’. I love seeing so many familiar friendly faces throughout it and seeing how happy everyone is during the during concerts and signings. I also love the little glimpses of life on the road we get to see interspersed throughout. I love how much care and love has gone into the video which shows in the way its been edited together so beautifully.”
“All I Need”
Charlotte (@Charlot74714899): “I love the ‘All I Need’ video because it’s just hilarious, my favourite moment is when the guy lines up coke on the cymbal!”
Judith (@LAgirlHD): “‘All I Need‘ because Rob just looked so adorable in it! And the song is super catchy.”
Paige (@lightinmychest): “‘All I Need’. It’s a great song, and some parts of it make me laugh.”
Niki (@darlingniki): “‘All I Need’ for sure…. but that’s probably because it was the first one I ever watched.”
Holly (@AccioAwesome): “‘All I Need’. I love the song already and it lends itself to a narrative music video, unlike some others. Plus it’s great to see a long-haired Norton getting dragged out of a bar.”
Finn (@againsthewave_): “‘All I Need’. Stephen’s hair. That’s the whole answer.”
Helen (@mywaywardsonsuk): “‘All I Need’ is my favourite as it makes me laugh so much, especially Stephen losing it at the guy who does a line off of one of his cymbals. Him being dragged out at the end by bouncers cracks me up. Also I love how young the guys look, Stephen with long hair and Billy with his awesome afro!”
Mary (@pare6386): “Hands down, my favorite music video is ‘All I Need’. It is a great music video for a fun song that truly conveys the typical party or bar experience when you’re younger (drunk people falling on you, trying to get you to drink, awkward small talk with people you don’t know, being the parent friend making sure your friends don’t get into trouble) and as an introvert, I’m dreaming/wanting to be somewhere or with someone or something else.”
Maranda (@maranda_martin): “I love them all for different reasons, but the one with the most reasons is probably the ‘All I Need’ video just because it’s basically their first music video ever, and the hair. It’s all about that hair stage for Norton and Billy.”
Emma (@EmmaV421): “‘All I Need’, because to me it perfectly conveys what are the best things about Louden Swain. It is cute and beautiful, yet has it’s funny moments. That is one of the reasons why Louden Swain is amazing, they are rock stars that haven’t lost sight of being who they are.”
Muriel (@housecatsswain): “‘All I Need’. I love the setting and them playing in the bar and all the these people trying to entice them with alcohol, etc.”
Scout (@scoutstiel): “‘All I Need’. I mean, it’s got everything you need, it’s right there in the title. Sombreros? Stephen Norton getting kicked out of a bar? Literal guitar-licks? Stumbling drunks, and a light reminder that smoking is bad? Check, check, check, etc.”
Sarah (@SharksandSwain): “‘All I Need’. It’s so cute and funny and lighthearted. I had the biggest smile on my face (while lovingly shaking my head) the first time I watched it.”
Chris (@Chris_afec): “‘All I Need’. For the lolz ;)”
Judy (@JayeEmm): “‘All I Need’ – Such a great concept. It’s sweet and hilarious every time. Kicky Norton feet at the end for the win!”
Laurie (@LauriePriemen): “‘All I Need’. It’s hilarious, adorable, amazingly put together and also one of my favorite songs.”
“Something to Say”
Sandra (@poptartswain): “I wanna say all of them but probably the video for ‘Something to Say’. The stop-motion thing is super fun!”
Aileen (@fandomfreak221b): “I absolutely adore the animation in ‘Something to Say’ and it’s honestly so cute!”
Emily (@fiveafterseven): ‘Something to Say’ is a really cute concept, clearly took a lot of time to put together, and stars Julie McNiven so truly it’s the obvious choice.”
Kelli (@klairermusic1): “I like ‘Something to Say’ because it is so different with the stop motion photographs.”
MaryJane (@12TimeTraveler): “‘Something to Say’ is my favorite video. It’s so…artsy and awesome. I’m a film major so I’m always excited by creative videos and the stop-motion of the photographs just makes me so incredibly happy.”
Karyl (@karylannegeary): “My favorite video is ‘Something to Say’, hands down. Partially because it’s my second favorite song, but also because it’s just so cool! I love the effect of Rob looking like a paper doll on the shelf and how it underscores to the song’s meaning of things making us feel small but how we still have a voice and something worth saying.”
Veronica (@veronica_bum) “‘Something to Say’. I like the song itself as well. I consider myself very shy and the song lyrics remind me that I need to speak up if I have something to say, like the “tiny” Rob in the video wants to do.”
Shannon (@reelnerdy): “‘Something to Say’, I think because there’s something hypnotic about watching Photo Rob climb up the bookshelf.”
“Cast Off”
Dean (@ChucksVessel): “My favorite video would have to be ‘Cast Off’. They all look so cute and soft in it.”
“Eskimo”
Shaena (@StartoftheAct): “My favorite music video will always probably be ‘Eskimo’. No matter how much I watch it, it will always be funny.”
Emma (@simplyreflected): “‘Eskimo’ is my favourite music video because I like to believe it’s about trying to make the best of whatever situation is headed your way while trying to find where you belong in the world.”
Rachael (@NessaNight): “‘Eskimo’ is my favorite video because it’s light and silly. And Rob looks good in a parka.”
Julieta (@poptartheartt): “‘Eskimo’, because the boys are totally adorable plus i love the song!”
“Help You”
Tiffany (@Tiffany Shope1): “I love the one they recorded for ‘Help You’. Rob’s voice just comes across so well and I love the fact that they showed that quote, ‘if you’re an actor you have no business making an album, no matter how good you sound in the shower’. It’s a subtle little f** you.”
Michelle (@lydrewsmom): “Every video is a gift far as I’m concerned but my favorite is ‘Help You’. Getting a small peek behind the curtain on the friends while they’re in their element is great. I love the relaxed feeling of the entire video. Four people doing what they love.”
“Gamma Ray”
Tiffany (@TiffIsWayward): “‘Gamma Ray’, because it’s just so well produced and I love the song.”
Vera (@raths_kitten): “This is hard to choose, but I think ‘Gamma Ray’ is my favorite, because it’s really funny and kinda weird and it fits with the spirit of the song, and the band as a whole.”
“Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You”
Erika (@soliloquywriter): “My favorite Louden Swain video is their cover of Billy Squier’s cover of ‘Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You’. I was invited to recreate this video with some very close friends, and we had a blast, so it will always remind me of that day, how badly I sang, because I had never heard the song previously, and just how Swain brought me so many amazing new friendships through their music.”
Aileen (@fandomfreak221b): “I know that ‘Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You’ isn’t an official music video, but I can’t help but love how dorky the four of them are in the video! I screamed when they sang it during one of their Stageit shows.”
Katie (@mattcohen4fake): “My favorite music video Louden Swain has ever done and will ever do is for their cover of Billy Squier’s ‘Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You’. I remember watching this video for the first time upon discovering this band… and it was just the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. It changed my life. The bad lip synching, the maybe-drunk-but-definitely-jolly dancing, Mike’s hair…. I dunno, man. It’s just perfect.”
“Past Perfect”
Lynette (@LynetteParki): “My favorite music video is ‘Past Perfect’. I love seeing the clips of them behind the scenes on their 2011 European Tour. I love seeing the personality and heart of the band through the clips, even if they look like they are lost in the Europe 70% of the video. I also laugh very loudly at Rob looking happy and oblivious while he is in the way of angry commuters on the underground. If you’re not walking up the escalator then you need to keep right in Europe, Rob!”
“Be Me”
April (@Aprilvian): “‘Be Me’, it suits the song so well and seems so candid.”
We have been posting an article a day in honor of the ten-year anniversary of Castiel’s first appearance on Supernatural. Because we know links can easily get lost in the fray, we thought we’d make life a little bit easier by compiling all of the daily posts in one place for you.
Hopefully you enjoyed reading through these as much as we enjoyed reliving Castiel’s biggest moments throughout each season. We have one final post coming tomorrow to mark the actual ten-year anniversary of Castiel, so make sure to check back so you don’t miss it!
They say that time flies when you are having fun and that is definitely true when it comes to Supernatural. It does not seem possible that it has been ten years since the most beloved angel on television made his debut, but it has in fact been a decade on September 18, 2018. To commemorate this momentous occasion, a few of the writers for Nerds and Beyond challenged themselves to choose the biggest Castiel moments from each season. You can see them all so far here.
It feels like it was just yesterday that Castiel appeared on the scene in what is undoubtedly the most unforgettable entrance on television. Since that time, we have watched him evolve from the angel warrior of Season 4 to a member of the Winchesters’ extended family.
Photo credit: The CW
We have seen him in a myriad of situations through the years, but in Season 9we get to see him at his most vulnerable. The season starts right after the angels have fallen from Heaven, and Metatron has stolen Castiel’s grace and sent him back to experience Earth as a human.
Season 9, Episode 1 – “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here”
This episodebegins as Castiel is almost hit by a truck while wandering the roads near Longmont, Colorado. Injured and bleeding, he stares at the blood on his hand in stunned disbelief. Now that he’s human, he can be injured by something as trivial as falling on the pavement like the rest of us. The driver of the truck offers to give him a ride and, bitterly, Castiel seems to realize that he actually does need help with this.
This is typical Cas, answering in a very stoic, Spock-like manner that is both heartbreaking and funny at the same time. That pause and the “not anymore” at the end of the sentence is agonizing to hear. It’s not entirely clear yet if Castiel fully realizes that he is completely human, but this is the first time we see him having to deal with one human limitation: transportation. Unfortunately, having limited transportation is only the first hurdle Castiel will have to deal with this season.
Season 9, Episode 1 – “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here”
The second significant moment is also from this episode. It is a discussion that Cas has with Hael, another fallen angel. She is looking for guidance, and after she reveals she created the Grand Canyon, Castiel suggests that she visit it. Castiel notices that Hael doesn’t want to see the beauty in the world around her or the many opportunities that await her, and he tries to make her see that she has the power to reinvent herself.
This little speech is significant because free will is something that Castiel knows angels struggle with. He struggled with it himself when he first went against his orders, after all. In this scene, he’s basically telling her to decide for herself, think for herself, and not to let anyone else decide what is right for her. With a few pointed words, Cas describes Team Free Will and everything the he and the Winchesters stand for. Perhaps this is a pep talk similar to one Castiel used on himself that lead him exactly where he is in this moment.
Season 9, Episode 6 – “Heaven Can Wait”
In the middle of dealing with a confused rogue angel called a Rit Zein, that is mistakenly killing humans because he can feel their pain and wants to end their suffering, Dean preps Castiel for a rite of passage that almost all humans go through: the first date. The exchange between the older Winchester and the angel is absolutely precious. The serious expression on Castiel’s face as Dean imparts some of his Winchester wisdom about women and dating is absolutely priceless. Dean finishes his speech with the words, “Go get ’em, tiger,” and sends Cas in to meet his date.
This is a lighthearted moment, but a big one all the same. It’s another example of something simple that most humans will go through several times in their lives, that Castiel, angel of the Lord, hasn’t yet experienced. He’s completely clueless (which is proven when it’s revealed this isn’t a date at all, but instead, a babysitting gig) about not only dating, but innumerable parts about being human. We get a better glimpse at this later on in the episode when Castiel talks to himself while caring for Nora’s infant.
Nobody told you. Nobody explained. You’re just… shoved out kicking and screaming into this human life, without any idea why any of it feels the way it feels, or why this confusion, which feels like it’s… a hair’s breadth from terror or pain. You know, just when you think you do understand, it’ll turn out you’re wrong. You didn’t understand anything at all.”
Season 9, Episode 18 – “Meta Fiction”
This episode begins with Metatron narrating the events as if he is telling the story. Of course, since this is his story, he is setting himself up as the hero and Castiel as the villain. The one decent thing that Metatron does in this episode (and it’s only to make things easier for himself) is to give Cas the knowledge of all the books, movies, and TV shows that Metatron has experienced during his time on Earth.
Castiel’s grasp on this knowledge becomes apparent when he correctly interprets and responds to Sam’s reference to the Death Star from Star Wars. The Winchesters exchange surprised glances and it seems that Castiel is just as surprised as the Winchesters, considering his response. This is significant because part of Castiel’s humor and charm in the last five seasons has been that he just does not understand a lot of the jokes the Winchesters make, and gets even fewer references made to pop culture. Now that he’s been given so much knowledge, it makes us wonder how that’s going to impact the way he interacts with Sam and Dean in the future.
Season 9, Episode 22-“Stairway to Heaven”
Metatron has been using angel suicide bombers to murder other angels in Castiel’s name in the hope that his new followers will turn against him. Cas calls the Winchesters to help him get to the bottom of the situation. While Dean is interrogating Tessa after finding out that she is part of the suicide bomb plot, things get way out of hand. It escalates until Tessa impales herself on the First Blade, which Dean has brought with him, unbeknownst to Sam.
When Castiel’s followers find out what Dean has done and that he broke the no violence rule, they demand that Castiel show his loyalty to the angles by punishing Dean for what he did to Tessa. Hannah offers the ultimatum with this, “You gave us order, Castiel, and we gave you our trust. Don’t lose it over one man.” She hands him an angel blade to use to punish Dean, and he declines.
When Castiel’s back is against the wall, he makes the decision that Castiel will always make: he decides to choose family. In that moment, he looses everything he had been working towards for the majority of the season. He went from leading an army of angels to having absolutely nothing but Sam and Dean. To put a twist on a Star Trek reference, the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many. The angels turn against him and the episode ends with Sam, Dean and Cas returning to the Bunker.
These are just a few of the wonderful Castiel moments in Season 9, but they are some of the most defining. They show Castiel trying to navigate the highs and lows of humanity as an actual participant and not an angelic observer. He faced some of the toughest choices that anyone has to face and did so admirably.
Make sure to check in tomorrow to see how Castiel’s decisions in this season affect the ones he is closest to as he helps the Winchesters with their fight against the Darkness.
All proceeds for this event will be supporting the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. You can donate directly to the cause here or you can bid on the jersey Calvert is wearing during the game here. The bidding starts at only $100 and closes on Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at noon.
There are plenty of other stars participating in the event, including Adam Tsekhman from Legends of Tomorow, Charles Melton from Riverdale, Colin O’Donoghue from Once Upon a Time and many more!
The return date of Grey’s Anatomy is approaching ever closer, and fans of the series have finally gotten their first official look at what’s to come after ABC released a short teaser trailer for Grey’s fifteenth season on Sept. 10.
While the trailer is only 30 seconds in length, there is a lot for Grey’s fans to unpack here.
First, it will be a two-hour long premiere; the first two episodes of the season, “With a Wonder and a Wild Desire” and “Broken Together,” will be playing back-to-back when the show returns.
We have two new doctors joining the roster, played by Chris Carmack and Alex Landi; one of them is a self-proclaimed “ortho god,” while the other will be Grey’s first ever gay male surgeon to appear on the show!
Teddy Altman (Kim Ravers) is back for the show’s fifteenth season, and she discloses her pregnancy news to her fellow doctors. How they will respond – and more importantly, how Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) will respond – is still left in the open.
However, that’s not all. The trailer announces “one huge jaw-dropping twist,” and that is the introduction of Meredith Grey’s new love interest for this upcoming season: Andrew DeLuca.
The trailer flashes a brief and steamy scene between Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and DeLuca (Giacomo Gianniotti), perhaps a continuation of the scene in Grey’s fourteenth season finale in which DeLuca admits his feelings for Grey and drunkenly tries to kiss her.
Grey has tried – and failed, mostly – to find love following the death of her husband, Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), who was tragically killed in the show’s eleventh season. Will Grey succeed in finding love Andrew DeLuca, or will this ship crash and burn?
We’ll just have to tune in and find out!
ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy Season 15 will air its two-hour premiere on September 27 at 8 p.m. In the meantime, check out the teaser trailer below:
Louden Swain has added a second show to their December 10th appearance at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, GA and this show will feature none other than Briana Buckmaster.
Buckmaster, known to Supernatural fans as Donna Hanscum, recently released her first album titled Begin.
Tickets for both shows can be purchased at www.ticketfly.com. Jason Manns will be opening for Louden Swain at 7:00 p.m. while Buckmaster will be opening for their 9:30 p.m. show.
The YouTube channel “RE: Anime” released its fan made live-action version of Naruto: Kakashi vs Obito battle yesterday. The over five-minute short features Osric Chau as Obito and Chris Pang as Kakashi. Additionally on the channel are behind-the-scene videos of Chau and Pang, including one of them practicing their fight choreography with the anime scene in the corner as a reference.
HBO has announced that its riveting, wildly popular limited series, Sharp Objects, is available immediately for digital download. The series stars Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson, and Chris Messina in the eight-episode drama that is based on Gillian Flynn’s bestselling novel of the same name.
HBO has also announced that the series will be available to purchase on Blu-ray™ and DVD on November 27th. The Digital Download includes bonus material detailing the making of the ‘Calhoun Day’ scene from the fifth episode, and all three formats will include a showcase featuring the creation of the fictional town of Wind Gap, Missouri.
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