Supernatural - Bugs - it's not that bad!

[agt_spooky]

I've been watching SPN season 1 from the beginning, and last night's episode was Bugs.

You know, so many people list this as one of their least favorite episodes, and I think that it's because the first thing that comes to mind (because of the title) are the stupid plastic spiders and the CGI bees. And that's a shame, because there's some damn good stuff in that episode - funny stuff and serious stuff.

Like when Sam and Dean first arrive to look at the sinkhole and Dean's all like "If you're scared I'll go down there" and then the coin flip and Sam's annoyed expression as he grabs it out of the air and proceeds to tie the hose around his waist. And Dean's reply to Sam finding the beetles in a hole "That's shocking, Sam." Ha!

Of course the classic "we're being mistaken for a gay couple" never fails to make me laugh, thanks to the little butt slap Dean gives Sam. Hee!

And a little while later, Dean with his "Bow hunting's an important skill." Love it!

You've gotta love Dean opening up the garage to the house he wants to stay in for the night and when Sam drives the Impala in, he slaps Dean on the tummy. LOL! Do you guys think that was in the script or did Jared decide to do a little ad lib there? Jensen didn't seem like he was expecting it!

And who doesn't love Dean with the towel on his head? "This shower's great!" Love you, Dean!

There's the serious stuff, too, with all the talk about John. Sam was convinced that he was nothing but a disappointment to his father and that he was a freak for wanting to go to college. Then Dean telling him that John just wanted to make sure Sam was safe, and he couldn't do that if Sam wasn't with them. And Sam is shocked to find out that John swung by Stanford whenever he could, to see how Sam was. Dean reminded Sam that he could've picked up the phone, too, that it didn't have to be four years of silence between them. And then at the end, Sam saying he wanted to find John so he could apologize.

So yeah, lots of good stuff in this episode. We just won't mention the fastest sunrise in the history of the world. :-)

Comments

[shadow-of-doubt.livejournal.com]

You know, if you leave out the Insta-Dawn, its really a good episode. I love the Sam and Dean stuff in this one. Plus, it has Sam lounging on the Impala while Def Leppard plays in the background. What's not to like?

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

Oh my GOD - how could I forget Def Leppard at the beginning?? That was fabulous and I remember practically jumping off my couch when I heard the song playing. :-)

[el1ie.livejournal.com]

I have to agree and I always list this episode as having the most amazing redeeming qualities - the family and brotherly parts are wonderful and you learn so much about the boys here, you just have to ignore the Bugs part of the plot. *G*

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

and you learn so much about the boys here, you just have to ignore the Bugs part of the plot

And that's exactly what I keep reminding people! Ignore the "main" plot of the episode and concentrate on the family stuff and you'll suddenly realize that it doesn't suck as much as you remember the first time you watched it. :-)

[sen1995.livejournal.com]

You know, so many people list this as one of their least favorite episodes, and I think that it's because the first thing that comes to mind (because of the title) are the stupid plastic spiders and the CGI bees. And that's a shame, because there's some damn good stuff in that episode - funny stuff and serious stuff.

Barb, I love Bugs, too, mainly for all of the brother moments, and there are a lot of them in this ep (thanks, Kim Manners!). You mention most of them. I just want to mention another part that I love - the first scene with the boys. It's nighttime and we see the Impala parked outside a bar with the lights reflecting off it. Sam is sitting on the hood reading the paper and Dean comes out of the bar flashing his poker/pool winnings. Sam mentions that they could get real jobs once in awhile - Dean says that hunting is their real job and the pay sucks. We also learn that Dean watches Oprah. I love this scene - it shows us the differences between the boys, tells us something of their lives, and we see the brotherly teasing that is so indicative of their relationship. Just love it.

And I think the belly slap was a Jared improv - I hope so, anyway.

I haven't watched this ep in months - maybe tonight. I'm rewatching old eps, too, but not in any order. Last night was Something Wicked. Thanks for the reminder of some of my favorite Winchester brother scenes.

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

I love Bugs, too, mainly for all of the brother moments, and there are a lot of them in this ep (thanks, Kim Manners!)

Kim Manners ROCKS! :-)

I just want to mention another part that I love - the first scene with the boys.

Man, I cannot believe I forgot to list that one! Especially since my favorite 80's band, Def Leppard, is playing during it. *g*

You really do see the differences there, even though it's not a serious moment - Sam would like to make an honest living once in a while and Dean is perfectly happy hustling people. Sam never really did fit in so good in the Winchester family, did he?

And Dean with Oprah - kills me! Love the tone of Sam's voice when he asks him. Ha!

And I think the belly slap was a Jared improv - I hope so, anyway

I'm totally going with a Jared improv on that, too. :-)

Last night was Something Wicked.

Ooh, another of my favorite eps! Good choice!

Thanks for the reminder of some of my favorite Winchester brother scenes.

My pleasure, Deborah!

[sen1995.livejournal.com]

You really do see the differences there, even though it's not a serious moment - Sam would like to make an honest living once in a while and Dean is perfectly happy hustling people. Sam never really did fit in so good in the Winchester family, did he?

No, he didn't. I haven't rewatched Bugs yet and it's been quite awhile since I last saw it, but isn't this the ep where Dean compares Sam to "the blonde chick from The Munsters"? I always thought that was such a great analogy!

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

I haven't rewatched Bugs yet and it's been quite awhile since I last saw it, but isn't this the ep where Dean compares Sam to "the blonde chick from The Munsters"?

Yep, that's the episode! Poor Sam. Like he said in the pilot, in this family being normal made him the freak. God, I love the Winchester family dynamic!

[andromakhe001.livejournal.com]

I think alot of people put Bugs on the "least favorites" just because of when it aired, at the time it aired, even with all the good stuff in it, which even then alot of people did acknowledge, it did have some silly stuff in it that put low down on the list. The series moves on but...people still remember their first impression.

I think when people go back and rewatch like you are it suddenly doesn't seem so bad anymore.

That's what I loved about Season 1, I think every single episode had something that made it worth watching. Sometimes the story or special effects might be weak but the characterization was always there. NOW, the characterization might go completely off the rails at the drop of a hat which IMO makes a bad episode in Season 3, well, really bad.

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

The series moves on but...people still remember their first impression.

I know, and I so wish that all of the great family stuff hadn't been in this episode, because it's important stuff. But it's swamped by plastic spiders and bad special effects, which, unfortunately is all what people seem to remember about this episode.

I think when people go back and rewatch like you are it suddenly doesn't seem so bad anymore

Exactly! There are hidden gems in there - under the spiders. *g*

That's what I loved about Season 1, I think every single episode had something that made it worth watching

That's very true. Even with Route 666, my least favorite of the season, still had great insights into Dean that make it worth rewatching for me.

NOW, the characterization might go completely off the rails at the drop of a hat which IMO makes a bad episode in Season 3, well, really bad

It's so sad how far this show has fallen in just three years, when the first two years were so strong. Eric has just completely lost his way and that saddens me so much. :-(

[jenni-fromtexas.livejournal.com]

Oh, I agree...despite the sucky effects (what the hell happened with this one episode with that?!) and the ending that didn't make much sense, it had all those great scenes. I especially loved that little whack Sam gave Dean in the driveway, LOL. That was classic!

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

despite the sucky effects (what the hell happened with this one episode with that?!)

I know! What were they thinking??

I especially loved that little whack Sam gave Dean in the driveway, LOL. That was classic!

I rewind that every single time I watch it! Ha!

[janinelearner.livejournal.com]

I think I've only seen this episode the once, you've made me want to watch it again though

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

Excellent! I hope you did and that you've got a different view of it now. :-)

[aerynsun21.livejournal.com]

I feel exactly the same way! There are just a couple of episodes I would list as my least favorite, but even in those there are awesome Jensen and Jared moments. Oh and fastest sunrise in the history of the world. *lamo* My friend and I like to call that going from midnight to noon. :)

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

There are just a couple of episodes I would list as my least favorite, but even in those there are awesome Jensen and Jared moments.

I totally agree. Even Route 666, which I watched last night, as stupid as the killer truck plot was, the brother moments were great. We got a glimpse into Dean's heart, behind that armor he hides behind, and that was what made that episode rewatchable for me.

Oh and fastest sunrise in the history of the world. *lamo* My friend and I like to call that going from midnight to noon

That was it exactly! LOL!!

[blackbirdj2.livejournal.com]

I agree with everything you said! A lot of great stuff in that episode, but also a lot of things that look fake and haha, that sunrise! ;)
I'm also re-watching all the s1 episodes at the moment, tonight will be Provenance. ;)

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

I'm also re-watching all the s1 episodes at the moment, tonight will be Provenance

Oh, I love that episode! I love Dean stuffing his face and acting all snooty to Sarah's father at the beginning. Ha! I thought Sarah was a really good character, too. And that little girl from the painting really creeped me out!

Wanted to be sure you saw this

[sen1995.livejournal.com]

Barb, the Supernatural Fans Online site posted scans from apparently a local paper somewhere (its Wheels Section) that carried a story/Kripke interview about the Impala. Go here: http://usercash.com/go/1/37273/http://www.devotedfansnetwork.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=3245

Re: Wanted to be sure you saw this

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

Ooh, Deborah, I hadn't seen this! I liked how Eric compared Sam and Dean and the Impala to cowboys and their horse. :-) And wow, he wants a die cast version of it and WB isn't interested?? Are they insane?? Do they not realize what a cash cow that would be for them?? I'm thinking I need to write them like Eric suggested. :-)

Thanks for the link!!

[darkscarab.livejournal.com]

I LOVE this episode and I couldn't tell you why if I had to. But then again I'd be hard presses to pick my least favorite.

LMAO about the sunrise...I just went back and watched it LOL...*snickers*

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

I LOVE this episode and I couldn't tell you why if I had t

That's Ok, as long as you like it! 'Cause so many people don't, and that's just sad that they let the 'bugs' aspect of it overshadow the great family moments in it.

LMAO about the sunrise...I just went back and watched it LOL...*snickers

Is that not the funniest damn thing?? LOL!

[dairwendan.livejournal.com]

I've always loved Bugs, except for the the beetles and the spiders, ick! I've always wondered if maybe in an earlier version of the script they were only waiting out an eclipse, and when it got changed to waiting out an entire night, the scene wasn't re-evaluated for time. Just a theory.

But the backstory info about Sam and John (and Dean and John "Not to you, you were perfect!") was excellent and well worth the beetles and spiders! Not to menation all of the other brother moments you pointed out!

I think the belly slap was an improv, it seems more Jared than Sam, though I wouldn't put it past Sam.

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

I've always wondered if maybe in an earlier version of the script they were only waiting out an eclipse

Now see, that would make much more sense!

But the backstory info about Sam and John (and Dean and John "Not to you, you were perfect!") was excellent and well worth the beetles and spiders!

And that's what so many people forget when Bugs comes to mind, unfortunately. :-(

I think the belly slap was an improv, it seems more Jared than Sam, though I wouldn't put it past Sam

I'm totally thinking it was Jared all the way! :-)

[khek.livejournal.com]

This is what I LOVED about season one...even when the special effects were ridiculous (those spiders!) and the plot had plot holes big enough drive a dozen Impalas through (not only the fifteen minute night, but the lack of any kind of resolution other than 'leave and no one will ever build here again. HAH!') ...even then, the brotherly moments and bits of info about their background and feelings made it watchable and re-watchable. Even the worst episode had redeeming qualities.

Unlike, say...No Exit. Which had nothing at all to recommend it.

I loved season one. I ff through a lot of Bugs, but I do rewatch it occasionally.

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

...even then, the brotherly moments and bits of info about their background and feelings made it watchable and re-watchable. Even the worst episode had redeeming qualities.

That's it exactly. Even Route 666, which I watched last night, as stupid as the killer truck plot was, the brother moments were great. We got a glimpse into Dean's heart, behind that armor he hides behind, and that was what made that episode rewatchable for me.

But No Exit? Yeah, there was no redeeming quality whatsoever in that one!

Season 1 really hit it's stride for me directly after Bugs, with Home, and it just continued to improve from there.

[agt-league.livejournal.com]

I can't understand why everyone hates that episode so much. The buttslap floors me EVERY. TIME. :p

The tummyslap was totally ad lib. Jared just couldn't wait 'til they stopped filming to touch Jensen.

...

And there goes my slashy mind again, LOL.

ROFL @ the sunrise and rubber spiders. Yes, let's never mention them.

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

The buttslap floors me EVERY. TIME. :p

I must admit I actually rewind that scene to watch it twice every single time! LOL!

Jared just couldn't wait 'til they stopped filming to touch Jensen.

Bwhahaha! Love it!!

And there goes my slashy mind again, LOL.

Hey, keep on goin' there, I don't mind!

ROFL @ the sunrise and rubber spiders. Yes, let's never mention them

Geez, what WERE they thinking?? Ha!

[huntress69.livejournal.com]

I just finished capping 3/4 of it and I got a few of Sam smiling and I was happy as a lark, cause even by then, he smiled so rarely. The ep was good, and yeah, when Dean tells him about John swinging by Stanford, I so enjoyed it, cause he wasn't telling Sam in an I told ya so tone...then there is the opening scene alone worth it, Sam lounging on the Impala's hood reading the newspaper, all relaxed...as far as the sun, it was the equinox. On a day which has an equinox, the center of the Sun will spend a nearly equal amount of time above and below the horizon at every location on Earth and night and day will be of nearly the same length. That's why the night seemed so short....

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

The ep was good, and yeah, when Dean tells him about John swinging by Stanford, I so enjoyed it, cause he wasn't telling Sam in an I told ya so tone...

Right, exactly. It was more of a "look at all the time we've all lost because the two of you are so damn stubborn".

Then there is the opening scene alone worth it, Sam lounging on the Impala's hood reading the newspaper, all relaxed

I can't believe I didn't mention that myself! Loved that scene!

That's why the night seemed so short....

Equinox or not, I still have to laugh at how fast it went from midnight to like, 6am in the blink of an eye! LOL!

[tecetyeintyale.livejournal.com]

I agree; I think bugs is definitely underrated. Okay, so the bugs weren't all that great, and it was the fastest sunrise in the history of the world, but it does have some great stuff in it! It's really the episode that gives you a better sense of Sam's view of his relationship with John, and then Dean's view is important because he shows Sam that he wasn't just a disappointment and that John really does care about him, even if it didn't seem that way.

Also, Bugs will always be sort of special for me, because it's the first episode of Supernatural I ever saw! It didn't quite hook me, but it intrigued me enough to watch more episodes, and that's what's important!

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

It's really the episode that gives you a better sense of Sam's view of his relationship with John, and then Dean's view is important because he shows Sam that he wasn't just a disappointment and that John really does care about him, even if it didn't seem that way.

And that, to me, was the real heart of the episode. Forget the stupid bugs. This one was about family.

Also, Bugs will always be sort of special for me, because it's the first episode of Supernatural I ever saw!

Wow, that's really interesting! Good for you for sticking around, despite the plastic spiders and fastest sunrise in the history of the world. ;-)

Me too post

[samazon13.livejournal.com]

I have always loved the way they used the 16 year old in this episode to bring out the way Sam felt when he left for Stanford, and him finally hearing the other side of the story from Dean. Growing up with a father that disapproved of all my choices, this one really hit home for me, and has a special place in my heart.
-Samazon

Re: Me too post

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

I have always loved the way they used the 16 year old in this episode to bring out the way Sam felt when he left for Stanford

Yes, I thought that was brilliant, a great way to bring up feelings that Sam had locked inside for years.

This ep really had some great qualities to it, and I'm glad you liked it, too. :-)

[feldspar2.livejournal.com]

Oh, definitely. One of the most fantastic things to me is how even in the eps that I'm not too crazy about, they're not complete bombs, and that's because of our dear Js. In SPN mag #2 Kripke tells which eps he doesn't like, and I'll tell what's in them I DO like--

Hookman--the dead guy's nails scratching on the hood of the car(brr), "Aren't you glad you didn't turn on the lights," and Sam (sigh)still mourning for Jess...

Bugs--all that you said!

No Exit--when Jo was trapped and talking to the other girl. While I wasn't crazy about Jo then, I did think that a lot of her potential was missed because TPTB wanted her to be Dean's squeeze with no identity of her own.

Red Sky at Morning--which I will always call "The Tux Episode(hee)." Yeah, I know I begged for the guys to be in black tie just once, and I'd forgive whatever else went on in the ep. My bad. But I just helplessly adore this ep. The shots of the ghost ship are just beautiful, and I thought Ellen Geer was fantastic. I know it squicked some fans out to see an older woman hitting on Sam, but I loved it. Sam looked adorable in a tux, and Dean thinking he looked ridiculous(oh, noo, Dean, you looked Delicious. Devastating. All the "d" words)just sold it for me.

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

One of the most fantastic things to me is how even in the eps that I'm not too crazy about, they're not complete bombs, and that's because of our dear Js.

Yes, exactly! I mean, I watched Route 666 last night, my least favorite of Season 1, but there were still redeemable qualities to it, thanks to the J's pulling off some great brother moments.

You're about the first person I know that actually liked Red Sky at Morning. Then again, with the boys in tuxes, I can see why. :-)

[sen1995.livejournal.com]

Yes, exactly! I mean, I watched Route 666 last night, my least favorite of Season 1, but there were still redeemable qualities to it, thanks to the J's pulling off some great brother moments.

Oh, again, Barb, you've brought up another ep that contains some of my favorite brother scenes. And some of my favorite quotes:

Sam: "It's just an interesting observation in a, you know, observationally interesting way."

***********************

Sam: "Ahh, my life was so simple - just school, exams, papers on polycentric cultural norms."

Dean: "So I guess I saved you from a boring existence."

Sam: "Yeah, occasionally I miss boring."

Dean: "So, this killer truck . . ."

Sam: "I miss conversations that didn't start with 'this killer truck'."

And the scene in the car where Sam figures out that Dean gave away the 'family secret' while he spent 18 months lying to Jessica, and, especially, the scene by the car when Sam figures out that Dean loved Cassie and "she dumped you." I love the way J&J played that scene.

And the last shot - Dean, cocky smile, sunglasses, "Wake me when it's my turn to drive."

Again, not one of the best episodes (and probably the most wooden acting by a guest actress in the history of SPN), but still wonderful brother banter. I love those boys.

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

Sam: "It's just an interesting observation in a, you know, observationally interesting way."

LOL! That's my favorite line from the ep! You can so easily tell that Sam thinks his brother's a pod person in this entire episode, never having seen him act like this around a girl.

the scene by the car when Sam figures out that Dean loved Cassie and "she dumped you." I love the way J&J played that scene

Yeah, the looks on both their faces were excellent. Sam was just so shocked that one, Dean had actually loved someone and two, that HE hadn't been the one doing the dumping. Again, some really good insights into Dean in an otherwise terrible episode.

(and probably the most wooden acting by a guest actress in the history of SPN)

She was SO bad!! And then she ended up on The 4400 and tortured me for an entire year! Ack!

I love those boys.

Amen. :-)