I gotta say, when I hear about reactions like that, even though I didn't much like Bela when she was introduced, it makes me want to write a story in which she is totally awesome and entirely sympathetic.

Because I'm just that cross-grained with this fandom.

Based mainly on TWOP and people that I know - most people hate Bela and not in a "love to hate her" way. They don't want to hear suggestions as to what might be driving her - they just want her gone. And these same people tolerate Katie Cassidy because they really like the idea of Ruby.

Suela - I think that portrayed differently, Bela could have been a really interesting character. (Ruby too.)

Like I said, I wasn't sold on her when she was introduced, and I don't think they've done a fabulous job with her since. I'm just cranky with fandom, and with TPTB for going all least-common-denominatory with their storytelling.

I miss Ellen, damnit.

I am definitely in the not-liking Bela camp. I've seen the character way too many times (and Gwen for one was a lot more interesting), plus I don't like how she's being used as part of the whole "Dean is Dumb" undertone that's been there this season.

I think that after Bad Day at Black Rock they should not have had Bela again until Dream a Little Dream. . . if then.

I like Bela! Because she's pretty and has an accent.

Also, she's deviously fun.

plus I don't like how she's being used as part of the whole "Dean is Dumb" undertone that's been there this season.

That's one of issues raised by several of the commenters after that interview -- that every time she appears, the IQ level of the Winchesters drops. Not just in an "oh look, a pretty woman" kind of way, but because she's stolen items from them, what, four times now?

Personally, I don't buy her repeatedly getting the drop on them. Frankly, they were raised to be con men, to whatever degree. They're pros too, at their own level. Especially after the rabbit's foot incident, they'd be on guard around her. It wouldn't happen a second time. Much less a third.

I like Bela! Because she's pretty and has an accent.

Okay, but does she have to walk and talk? Can we just have a little picture of her up in the corner of the screen?

...okay, totally ripped off Poundstone about Darryl Hannah, but it does apply in this case.

I've pinned down what bugs me about Cassidy--it's her body language. She moves like she's wearing one of those old fashioned back supporters, or a truss. Or very extremely high heels she's afraid she's going to fall off of. It has nothing to do with her acting skills, or how attractive a person she may be. It's taken me a while to pin down what put me off about her, and that's it.

As for the character, Ruby has always fallen in the "hate to hate" category. She's sparked a tiny flicker of empathy once or twice, but I've never believed she was on the side of humanity in this fight, and I don't think her advice is good for Sam to follow. Of course that just makes it delightfully tangled.

I miss Ellen, too. Hell, I miss Jo. And Hailey, and Officer Kathleen.

Personally, I don't buy her repeatedly getting the drop on them. Frankly, they were raised to be con men, to whatever degree. They're pros too, at their own level. Especially after the rabbit's foot incident, they'd be on guard around her. It wouldn't happen a second time. Much less a third.

At the level of storytelling I agree with you. But the nitpicker in me can't help mentioning that nobody is easier to con than a con-man.