What I've Learned From Supernatural

Written by Shae

So, I've decided that since Supernatural is such a huge part of my nerd life, that it was time I wrote a  "What I've Learned" blog about it. Mostly because, seriously, this show is fantastic. I've always had a love of all things supernatural period. I mean, what kid didn't love vampires growing up? No, seriously…I wanted to be a vampire so bad. When I found out Dracula wasn't real, I was utterly devastated. The brighter side is that vampires live on through the media. So do a lot of other fictional creatures and well, Supernatural happened. 

Before I even got into the show I had a lot of friends who were totally into it and here I was, refusing to even watch it, because so many people loved it. I know, I know, it's kind of wrong, but I was resisting. Then, Mattie watched it. The more she and a few of my friends talked about Sam and Dean, and even Castiel, I got interested in it. Especially when Castiel came on the show, because many a Tumblr post from friends was about him. Finally, I gave in and started watching the show with Mattie, around season 4. Now, I know. that's a huge no no. But, guys, listen. I couldn't help it. For whatever reason, I was attracted to watching Castiel and Dean's interactions. The more the two bickered and the more Sam was adorably Sam, the show caught my interest and it was all over. Before I knew it I was watching the show religiously. And then Gabriel came onto the show. Now, you all know my love for Gabriel. If you don't, let me tell you, it's a very intense love. I think that's just part of my Shae-charm though, I get obsessive about certain characters and that's just how it is.

Right, well, the show is more than just about pretty actors, it's actually got a lot of lore and what not in it. Which is part of what drew me to the show. I love lore, I love the theology and stories about Angels and all that encompasses. This show totally brought all that and more to the table. Take for example, ghosts. Supernatural taught me that if there is a ghost around, you need some rock salt and some iron. Apparently ghosts do not like rock salt, nor do they like iron. Why? How? I'm not going to pretend to understand the fictional science behind this. It might be actual science, (if you believe in ghosts), for all that I know, it's totally legit and I am not going to argue with facts. Especially when it comes to advice from Sam Winchester. If you're being attacked by a ghost, just hit them in the face with something iron, and then make a salt circle and hide in it. Because that's just smart. The only down side, is that ghosts, if they're powerful enough they can throw things, create wind, and disturb the salt circle. So really, the best way to deal with a ghost is to not deal with a ghost. But if there is a ghost, the only way to successfully get rid of them, for good, is to find the body, pour rock salt on it, then lighter fluid, and then burn it. Unless, of course, the ghost in question has attached itself to an intimate object of theirs. Lot of salt and burning. Oddly, I'm okay with this. And yes, I have literally slept with the salt on my bedside table after watching a scary ghost movie. Truth.

---

Next is that vampires are not as awesome as I thought. Supernatural vampires have all their teeth sharp. Like, sharks, but super strong people-sharks. Forget the wooden steaks, the only way to kill an actual vampire is to cut off their head. I'm sure lighting them on fire doesn't hurt, but seriously, they're freaky. On another note, their vampires do share a common lore. In order to be turned, you don't have to be bitten, per se, but you do have to drink the blood of a vampire. It's a common lore that I've always loved reading about. Which is probably why I'm not too big a fan of True Blood. Actually, in fairness, I've never seen that show. So I have no room to judge it at all. That being said, Supernatural vampires retain beyond human strength, and minor seduction skills. They also follow the 'Alpha' vampire ideal. Where the master vampire that was the first, has control over any and all existing vampires, regardless of if he turned them or not. Crazy, right? Completely. It's along the same lines of the original Dracula story line. And it's those myths I grew up with, so it's somewhat nostalgic. Also, their werewolves are pretty cool. 

Supernatural explores a lot of monster myths, many of which I didn't even know about. The most popular, however, is their angels and demons story arcs. I'm a huge fan of angel mythology, and that of demons. Back when I was in college, I took a Bible as Literature course just so I had an excuse to research angels. Though, I'm pretty sure I don't need an excuse for that. The angels in the show are not what the modern depiction of what an angel is. Angels are supposed to be kind, life saving, self sacrificing beings. Unless they're in Supernatural, then the angels are kind of manipulative, selfish, jerks. Which is pretty fantastic. There's almost a human element to them. Yet, they still retain their otherworldly appeal. Their angels do have wings, but they are shown in the form of shadows. Nothing like what they're depicted as in art. Which I find fascinating since there is so many interpretations of what angels actually look like. Supernatural taught me, though, not to trust the angels. Granted, you can't trust the demons either. Except Crowley. You can always trust that Crowley is in it for himself and will do whatever he can to get what he wants. The end. 

Above all, Supernatural, while just a TV show, taught me about family. Not all blood is family, and not all family is blood. It's a strange and amazing concept. There's nothing Sam and Dean won't do for each other and that's how I feel about my family. Family is what you make it to be, what you choose for it to mean. You can't always pick who you're related to, but you can pick who you consider to be your family. Like the family I have and the one I have also created. For a show on the CW network, it's got a lot of deep insight that has really hit home. I think that is why I torture myself through every painful season finale, and every wondrous moment. 

Also, seriously, rock salt is a must to now own.

---