(warning: Spoilers for the episode and perhaps all of season 6. Due to time constraints my reviews will be shorter. Have fun and enjoy. "Frontierland" was intended to be entertaining, so my review revels in a small amount of snark as well.)
"Frontierland" ~Directed by : Guy Bee. Written by: Andrew Dabb, Daniel Loflin, and Jackson Stewart.
Starring: Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Jim Beaver, and Misha Collins.
Guest Starring: Sam Hennings, Matthew John Armstrong, Sonya Salomaa, and April Telek.
Summary: Team Free Will needs the ashes of a Phoenix to defeat Eve. In the belly of the Campbell compound is the Campbell library. The knowledge contained in the library is something I hope the show revisits.The team discovers the journal of Samuel Colt which mentions the death of a Phoenix. Of course the next logical thing to do is go back to past to retrieve the precious ashes to defeat the Mother of All.
But the team needs the help of an angel to get them there. Initially, Rachel (Sonya Salomaa) shows up and scolds the boys about their misuse of the Angel Castiel (Misha Collins), but never fear, Castiel shows up to transport the Brothers Winchester to 1861 to Sunrise Wyoming. Here the boys take in some scenery, a hanging. They have a drink at the local saloon. The Brothers Winchester get separated: Sam (Jared Padalecki) goes on horseback to find Samuel Colt, while Dean (Jensen Ackles) stays in town and faces the Phoenix. Samuel Colt is a worn down, demon killing. functional alcoholic. But Sam's honesty and hunter personality convinces Samuel Colt to hand over the mighty colt that can kill anything supernatural, well, almost anything. Sam gives Dean the colt in the middle of a cat and mouse chase and the game is on. Just before noon, Dean and Elias Finch/Phoenix (Matthew John Armstrong) prepare for a duel. Dean is victorious, and the Phoenix burns.
Meanwhile Castiel is having his own issues. Is it the war in heaven? Or is it something else? Can angels go insane or is that a look of remorse on Castiel's face?
Time is running out and Bobby (Jim Beaver) realizes that Sam and Dean need to be picked up from Frontierland! Because Bobby and Cass can't possibly leave Sam and Dean in Deadwood! Castiel powers up by using Bobby's soul, leaving Bobby heaving and exhausted. Castiel is able to return Sam and Dean, but before Dean is able to gather the ashes, the precious ashes needed to defeat Eve. Luckily Samuel Colt is a visionary and realizes that he could mail the Phoenix's ashes. Mission accomplished.
My thoughts: Director Guy Norman Bee delivers a breathtaking episode of dirt and dust, captivating camera angles, and expert storytelling. The Campbell library is like a graveyard of buried treasure. I'd love for the team to explore every book and picture in this underground treasure trove. The wild west is filthy, replete with an infected prostitute Darla, played by the very attractive April Telek. Guy Bee hits every mark in this episode from the action sequences to the humorous high points. The episode is gorgeous. Once the Winchesters land in Wyoming the lighting is soft with gentle touches of earth tones.
The episode is intended to be entertaining. I think Dabb and Loflin did a good job here. The episode is simply a lot of fun. Dean mentions Star Trek and Bobby answers by saying he only watches Deep Space Nine. I smirked when Dean couldn't dodge the prostitute and when Sammy truly enjoyed his sarsaparilla (For some reason I thought about The Young Riders, a TV show in the 80s about Pony Express Riders. I think they ordered a lot of sarsaparilla. I tip my hat to you if you know why I mentioned The Young Riders.) I laughed out loud when Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles barely got through the "posse conversation". I loved it when Sam met Samuel Colt, I even enjoyed the minor character in that scene, Sam's cell phone.
The guest list is fantastic. Scene stealing Sam Hemmings needs to return to Supernatural and reprise his role as Samuel Colt. The Phoenix is truly a sympathetic character. In retrospect I'm left to wonder who the bad guy is in "Frontierland." If a man hell bent on a mission of family vengeance is the bad guy, what does that say of the Family Winchester?
I had some issues with the episode, but season six has been experimental. This season has also been the season of choose the myth and change it, and or choose the historical character and alter it. It's been that kind of season. Wait no, I guess Supernatural has twisted mythology and historical figures in the past too. I think the fandom had a huge conversation about the use of Samuel Colt and when exactly the colt was forged and that was way back in season 1.
Jared Padalecki holds his own against Sam Hemmings. It's the kind of scene every actor wants on a TV show at some point. It's a well scripted scene and well crafted. The actors work so wonderfully together I could swear there was going to be more. Padalecki is solid in "Frontierland", with modest reactions, he makes Sam's emotions clear and grounded. It's as if the writers chose Sam to be the grounding force in the time travel. It's Sam's actions that remind Dean that the time travel isn't a game, it's not a dream come true, it's business. Jared Padaleki gives a very nuanced comedic performance in this episode. There are clear moments when he's only reacting to and answering Dean. Then there are more schooled facial expressions when he knows the townspeople are scrutinizing them. It's well done and highly effective, I love to watch him work.
I'm having difficulty assessing Jensen's acting here because Jensen Ackles was extremely verbal about his excitement for this episode; and mainly because Dean was having too much fun despite the seriousness of the situation. But having moments of sheer pleasure is part of Dean's character. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, he wrestles it down. Dean also laughs in the face of danger, for example, "Wendigo". He's also known to take drastic measures, no matter if it endangers himself, as when Dean knifed himself in "What Is And What Should Never Be". It's a very good thing that Jensen Ackles has a high level of kinesthetic awareness. He knows how to move for the camera and it's why the duel scene looks sexy, intense, and dramatic. The duel with Elias is a test for Dean Winchester. Dean has to make a decision that would give Team Free Will the leverage needed to defeat Eve, but at the cost of killing Elias. In the prison scene, Ackles' acting makes it painfully clear that he's doing what is necessary. That point comes across in the acting, not so much in the writing. Jensen Ackles shows that he understands Elias, Dean was once on a mission of family vengeance too. Ackles has been a key element in the development of Dean Winchester, especially in season six. Jensen Ackles successfully brings together all of Dean's elements, I love to watch him work.
Padalecki and Ackles are having way too much fun in "Frontierland". I think I heard an accent slip from both of them. I also thought I saw Jensen Ackles, the actor, calm down the horse, as Jared Padalecki was gearing up to ride. Then there is the now famous "posse" line. That didn't seem planned at all, both actors are barely keeping it together in the scene. But it's okay, because I was laughing with them.
Thanks for reading.
Louisa Hinmon
(Up Next: a review of "Weekend At Bobby's" and a Screencap/Review page for SoulLessSam. I also took about twenty extra screencaps of "Frontierland" which can be found here.)
Coming up soon: I'll be reviewing "PASSENGER" the series, created by Al Galvez. Here is a snippet of the show.
Recent Articles:
CW/Supernatural Screencap
Supernatural pays homage to Bonanza
"Frontierland" ~Directed by : Guy Bee. Written by: Andrew Dabb, Daniel Loflin, and Jackson Stewart.
Starring: Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Jim Beaver, and Misha Collins.
Guest Starring: Sam Hennings, Matthew John Armstrong, Sonya Salomaa, and April Telek.
CW/Supernatural Screencap
Summary: Team Free Will needs the ashes of a Phoenix to defeat Eve. In the belly of the Campbell compound is the Campbell library. The knowledge contained in the library is something I hope the show revisits.The team discovers the journal of Samuel Colt which mentions the death of a Phoenix. Of course the next logical thing to do is go back to past to retrieve the precious ashes to defeat the Mother of All.
But the team needs the help of an angel to get them there. Initially, Rachel (Sonya Salomaa) shows up and scolds the boys about their misuse of the Angel Castiel (Misha Collins), but never fear, Castiel shows up to transport the Brothers Winchester to 1861 to Sunrise Wyoming. Here the boys take in some scenery, a hanging. They have a drink at the local saloon. The Brothers Winchester get separated: Sam (Jared Padalecki) goes on horseback to find Samuel Colt, while Dean (Jensen Ackles) stays in town and faces the Phoenix. Samuel Colt is a worn down, demon killing. functional alcoholic. But Sam's honesty and hunter personality convinces Samuel Colt to hand over the mighty colt that can kill anything supernatural, well, almost anything. Sam gives Dean the colt in the middle of a cat and mouse chase and the game is on. Just before noon, Dean and Elias Finch/Phoenix (Matthew John Armstrong) prepare for a duel. Dean is victorious, and the Phoenix burns.
Meanwhile Castiel is having his own issues. Is it the war in heaven? Or is it something else? Can angels go insane or is that a look of remorse on Castiel's face?
Time is running out and Bobby (Jim Beaver) realizes that Sam and Dean need to be picked up from Frontierland! Because Bobby and Cass can't possibly leave Sam and Dean in Deadwood! Castiel powers up by using Bobby's soul, leaving Bobby heaving and exhausted. Castiel is able to return Sam and Dean, but before Dean is able to gather the ashes, the precious ashes needed to defeat Eve. Luckily Samuel Colt is a visionary and realizes that he could mail the Phoenix's ashes. Mission accomplished.
CW/Supernatural Screencap
Supernatural pays homage to Back To The Future III and perhaps The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
My thoughts: Director Guy Norman Bee delivers a breathtaking episode of dirt and dust, captivating camera angles, and expert storytelling. The Campbell library is like a graveyard of buried treasure. I'd love for the team to explore every book and picture in this underground treasure trove. The wild west is filthy, replete with an infected prostitute Darla, played by the very attractive April Telek. Guy Bee hits every mark in this episode from the action sequences to the humorous high points. The episode is gorgeous. Once the Winchesters land in Wyoming the lighting is soft with gentle touches of earth tones.
The episode is intended to be entertaining. I think Dabb and Loflin did a good job here. The episode is simply a lot of fun. Dean mentions Star Trek and Bobby answers by saying he only watches Deep Space Nine. I smirked when Dean couldn't dodge the prostitute and when Sammy truly enjoyed his sarsaparilla (For some reason I thought about The Young Riders, a TV show in the 80s about Pony Express Riders. I think they ordered a lot of sarsaparilla. I tip my hat to you if you know why I mentioned The Young Riders.) I laughed out loud when Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles barely got through the "posse conversation". I loved it when Sam met Samuel Colt, I even enjoyed the minor character in that scene, Sam's cell phone.
The guest list is fantastic. Scene stealing Sam Hemmings needs to return to Supernatural and reprise his role as Samuel Colt. The Phoenix is truly a sympathetic character. In retrospect I'm left to wonder who the bad guy is in "Frontierland." If a man hell bent on a mission of family vengeance is the bad guy, what does that say of the Family Winchester?
I had some issues with the episode, but season six has been experimental. This season has also been the season of choose the myth and change it, and or choose the historical character and alter it. It's been that kind of season. Wait no, I guess Supernatural has twisted mythology and historical figures in the past too. I think the fandom had a huge conversation about the use of Samuel Colt and when exactly the colt was forged and that was way back in season 1.
CW/Supernatural Screencap
Jared Padalecki holds his own against Sam Hemmings. It's the kind of scene every actor wants on a TV show at some point. It's a well scripted scene and well crafted. The actors work so wonderfully together I could swear there was going to be more. Padalecki is solid in "Frontierland", with modest reactions, he makes Sam's emotions clear and grounded. It's as if the writers chose Sam to be the grounding force in the time travel. It's Sam's actions that remind Dean that the time travel isn't a game, it's not a dream come true, it's business. Jared Padaleki gives a very nuanced comedic performance in this episode. There are clear moments when he's only reacting to and answering Dean. Then there are more schooled facial expressions when he knows the townspeople are scrutinizing them. It's well done and highly effective, I love to watch him work.
CW/Supernatural Screencap
I'm having difficulty assessing Jensen's acting here because Jensen Ackles was extremely verbal about his excitement for this episode; and mainly because Dean was having too much fun despite the seriousness of the situation. But having moments of sheer pleasure is part of Dean's character. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, he wrestles it down. Dean also laughs in the face of danger, for example, "Wendigo". He's also known to take drastic measures, no matter if it endangers himself, as when Dean knifed himself in "What Is And What Should Never Be". It's a very good thing that Jensen Ackles has a high level of kinesthetic awareness. He knows how to move for the camera and it's why the duel scene looks sexy, intense, and dramatic. The duel with Elias is a test for Dean Winchester. Dean has to make a decision that would give Team Free Will the leverage needed to defeat Eve, but at the cost of killing Elias. In the prison scene, Ackles' acting makes it painfully clear that he's doing what is necessary. That point comes across in the acting, not so much in the writing. Jensen Ackles shows that he understands Elias, Dean was once on a mission of family vengeance too. Ackles has been a key element in the development of Dean Winchester, especially in season six. Jensen Ackles successfully brings together all of Dean's elements, I love to watch him work.
CW/Supernatural Screencap
Padalecki and Ackles are having way too much fun in "Frontierland". I think I heard an accent slip from both of them. I also thought I saw Jensen Ackles, the actor, calm down the horse, as Jared Padalecki was gearing up to ride. Then there is the now famous "posse" line. That didn't seem planned at all, both actors are barely keeping it together in the scene. But it's okay, because I was laughing with them.
Thanks for reading.
Louisa Hinmon
(Up Next: a review of "Weekend At Bobby's" and a Screencap/Review page for SoulLessSam. I also took about twenty extra screencaps of "Frontierland" which can be found here.)
 |
| PASSENGER Screencap: Titlecard |
Recent Articles:
- Frontierland: A Closer Look (extra thoughts and screencaps)
- SoulLessSam: A Transition and A Diversion
- Castiel Wins TV Guide Poll
- Jensen Ackles Wins E!Online Alpha Male Pole
- Is Jensen Ackles Underappreciated in Season Six of Supernatural?
- Supernatural Renewed for Season 7
- Supernatural Pixs (random ScreenCaps)
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Contact: celebrityhollywoodconnection@gmail.com
This article is a reflection of the opinions of the author. The author and Hollywood Celebrity Connection are in no way affiliated with the CW, Supernatural, or it's creator Eric Kripke. Supernatural is the property of the CW. All photos are property of the CW network.This is a fan blog.
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