Another look at the Supernatural Bloodlines spinoff backdoor pilot
Earlier this week, I posted my review of the 20th episode of Supernatural entitled "Bloodlines," which happens to be the name of the CW's spinoff for the series that has starred Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki for nine seasons. The reaction to the episode was mixed, but it seemingly skewed toward negative both for fans and critics.
Here's what a few fans commented on my review of the episode:
"Bad writing. Bad acting. It's too bad I had high hopes!"
"Unbelievably bad. It was just awful. The entire episode was like someone tried to badly copy an episode of The Originals. Also the monsters behavior was totally opposite anything we've seen in the Supernatural series before. There's such a wealth of interesting side characters that could support a spin-off, but they chose to go with this?"
"It was awful. I love Supernatural but the characters/story of Bloodlines was terrible. I hope it dies a quick death."
But we got some positive feedback, as well:
"I'll be definitely tuning in if it gets picked up the storyline seems interesting."
"I am a die-hard Supernatural fan from the beginning, and will be until the end, but I really loved this story line and will definitely be watching it when it comes out. Let's give it a chance before we give it bad reviews. I was hooked from the minute I met Ennis and David."
As I said in the review, the episode was by no means stellar. It was decent. But upon second examination, I think I've identified some of the reasons people absolutely despise this spinoff before it ever even makes it to air as its own series.
Firstly, the backdoor pilot meant that this was supposed to be an episode of Supernatural, but what we got was Bloodlines instead. Even knowing that, fans were still upset with the lack of Sam and Dean throughout the hour. It's especially poor timing because there are only three episodes left in the season, and the show, in some fans' eyes, wasted time with what was essentially an extended trailer for another series.
Secondly, it's a spinoff in name only at this point. The plot and characters of Bloodlines seemingly have no connection to the Supernatural world, at least for now. Sure, there are monsters and all, but there's no indication yet that anything that happens on Bloodlines will relate to Sam and Dean's world. The spinoff doesn't even focus on a supporting character from the original series. It literally takes brand new people, loosely ties them to the Winchesters and calls it a spinoff. Of course, this could all change if the show gets picked up, so we'll have to wait and see.
It's too early to tell exactly what Bloodlines will be, but vocal fans do not seem pleased based on these early indications. It could turn into a series that simply runs parallel to Supernatural but doesn't actually intersect with it. Or, it could be a place where supporting characters from the main series can spend some time before they pop back into the Impala or the Men of Letters bunker. Either way, we'll learn more if the CW orders the show to series.
What do you think, Supernatural fans? Were you as bothered by Bloodlines as some of your peers, or are you willing to give it a chance? If you hated it, can the show do anything to change your mind, or have you written it off for good? What other spinoff ideas would you had rather seen? Let us know your thoughts, ideas and opinions in the comments below.