Can I steal your topic for IO9? I was gonna go with something a little fandom skewed (vid), and I hadn't thought of anything more general access.

I think I'm going to go with my favourite scene being John and Dean in the hospital once John has decided on his sacrifice, and he's apologising to Dean and thanking him, just before he goes off to die without telling Sam anything (and yet I have a website for your ass, Winchester).

But the sincerity with which he at least balances the books with one of the two people that needs it, even if he's holding back on some key information, he gets Dean up to date as of...a couple days ago. And Jensen--the openness the amazed look, and the fear and sadness with which Jensen just looks at JDM, and the vulnerability in his voice as he reacts to being told he's strong--it's one of the most heartbreaking deliveries--like, outside of context and lines, and everything. If I didn't know English or these characters, this is a moment that would be a gutpunch nonetheless.

Jared is harder. He didn't show up as polished as Jensen, so he's spending some time feeling out the character (as Jensen is a bit) and just hitting his notes in general (which Jensen was already good at). So, for a while, his moments were buoyed by working off Jensen, or the fact that we were invested in what had gotten us so far--I think Heart is a good example of that--the situation was horrible, and Jensen was doing such a brilliant job, that Jared is lifted by them both, and tears my heart out. When did he start doing his own tragic heavy lifting? I'd say by season 3, with Sam processing the deal. The speech where he knows what Dean is hiding, and wants him to be open with it? I'd say Jared totally brought it there. He'd grown into the role and gotten a lot better at acting by that point, although we got to see him get much better even beyond that.

Getting to five will be harder. I'll need some more time not distracted by the day job.

Sure, you can use it.

I have to think on it myself, but Jared's performance in Fresh Blood ("I wish you would drop the act and just be my brother again 'cause ... just 'cause.") was what prompted the topic. He did so well there.

That's exactly the one I was referring to.

Oh, I know. I should have made that clear.

Off the top of my head, Jared playing Hell!Sam in that ep with the merging identities, and Dean's reaction to Lucifer taking Sam, with his hands on his head and tears in his eyes.

ION, I'm watching Women In Trouble, and Adrianne Palicki is freaking adorable.

I'm still shy season 1 feels. I apologise.

And I'm off on the countdown. Today is 39 days. Well, assuming the widget I just found is right. For some reason I refuse to do the maths. I found two conflicting widgets, but I'm going with the 39.

Today's IO9 topic is: expound upon a death. Any death, any reason.

I chose Pamela, and I talked about more stuff than her death. I'd never really put her all together in one place before, but I'm now choosing to think of her as a Sera avatar.

Hendrickson's death (and everyone at the police station, really) was gutting to me. One, because I thought the people the boys saved/engaged in saving themselves at the police station were actually safe... for the time being, and two, because he ranks at the top of my most beloved guest characters I'd have liked to see again list. Pretty sure he and Sheriff Mills tie for first on my list; or, no, I think she outranks him, but he's a super close second.

And I'm probably forgetting some guest characters I also loved, but I'm betting these two will hold fast to their spots.

I think that episodes ranks as a favorite, too, now that I think about it.

Jus in Belo is one of my favorite episodes, too. I love the BTS photo of Jensen carrying Jared's chains as they walk through the set. And the tattoo reveal, which was awesome, in the moment. And of course, Henriksen finally understanding, and coming to a moment of fellowship with Dean. He was a favorite recurring of mine, too, and for just a few moments I could contemplate what a great resource he could be for hunters. His unexpected death--amd Nancy's--hit hard.

It was Henrikson, wasn't it? I couldn't remember the spelling (and still don't), and the first couple of googles got me to Hendrickson. Now I have to go look more.

Yeah, Nancy's death (I couldn't remember her name) was also harsh. Show.

Jo and Ellen's deaths hit hard for me. Very hard. What made it hurt so much was seeing Ellen watch her only child dying a horrible death and the two of them managing to turn that into something that had meaning and purpose. Ellen's last moments had me both sobbing and cheering her on as she took out the hellhounds.