Supernatural: An Unique Must-See Episode and an Exclusive Chat with Richard Speight, Jr.

Whether you’re a devoted fan, casual viewer, or jumping in for the first time, this week’s episode of SUPERNATURAL is NOT to be missed!  In perfect Supernatural style, it offers an extraordinary balance between the comedic and dramatic, the light and the dark, and confidently places its tongue firmly in cheek in an excellent parody of iconic TV shows of the past and present (such ‘Knight Rider’, ‘CSI’, and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, to name a few).  TV aficionados will immediately recognize all the references and have a terrific time laughing along as demon-hunting brothers, Sam and Dean Winchester, are dropped from one alternate reality into another.  And the supernatural entity to bring about all this pandemonium?  None other than that wise-cracking, candy-loving, demi-god, The Trickster.

But if you think this episode is setting up to be nothing more than a light and comedic romp through TV-land, then think again.  What sets out as a joyful diversion, complete with laugh track and a theme song highlighting the brotherly bond that is the heart of Supernatural, takes a dark and chilling turn.  When it appears this episode will nonchalantly bypass the issue of the impending Apocalypse, it brings it right back to the forefront when you least expect it, as Sam and Dean are once again forced to confront their respective destinies and the theme of family loyalty.  And in true Supernatural style there is yet another surprising reveal that was comfortably hiding up the writer’s sleeves, which ties all the current themes together and makes us go back and re-examine what we think we know from the past.  Sheer absolute genius!!

 

The Trickster, causing this mayhem, is easily one of the most fun and most favored guest characters on The CW’s Supernatural, now in its fifth season.  This character is best described as a cross between the mythological Norse god, Loki, and the Greek god, Pan, with an added demented twist that is the trademark of this excellent series.  The eighth episode of the season, airing Thursday November 5 and titled “Changing Channels,” features the return of the trouble-making Trickster, played to delicious perfection by Richard Speight, Jr.  Through Trickster’s magic powers, Supernatural will once again take a detour and offer us a wonderful parody, this time by spoofing classic and popular TV shows. 

The first time we met Trickster (in the season one episode “Tall Tales”) he was bringing to life those unlikely stories found in tabloids.  Stories such as alien abductions (complete with probing!) and alligators in the sewers.  The second encounter (in the season three episode “Mystery Spot”) resulted in the brothers being trapped in a time-loop reminiscent of Groundhog Day, where the same day simply kept repeating itself.  The day would reset when older brother Dean would meet an untimely death, often shocking, often amusing and unlikely, and always painful and grim for his younger brother Sam to witness.  You really have to hand it to Supernatural, though; there aren’t too many series that can find a way to kill one of their main lead characters, over and over, and actually get away with it. 

Each season an episode is dedicated to something totally unique and different.  Season three had “Ghostfacers” which offered a respectful wink at “Ghosthunters”, complete with the look and feel of shaky hand-held cameras.  Season four served up “Monster Movie” filmed entirely in black and white, as a perfect homage to the precursors of today’s horror/thriller genre, the classic monster movies of the ’30s and ’40s.  And now season five offers us “Changing Channels” where, among other situations, Sam and Dean give new meaning to ‘McDreamy’ and ‘McSteamy’ in a spoof of competitor “Grey’s Anatomy” (although we will leave it to each of you to argue about who is Dreamy and who is Steamy).  And as if the sappy music and misplaced make-out sessions aren’t enough, there is a simply scrumptious jab at the return of a particular ghost patient, who just happens to resemble a certain dad that the Winchesters hold dear.

The laughs continue when the brothers are thrown into the middle of a Japanese game show.  Just the name alone is good for a few laughs, as are the consequences to providing wrong answers.  And the two questions presented to the brothers?  The first is the pivotal reason that a rift was created between Sam and Dean going into season five, although the way they work together in this episode one would easily forget about this rift.  And the second offers a philosophical hypothetical that fans have been discussing since season one.

As the Winchesters jump realities some more, there are additional spoofs and tongue-in-cheek moments too numerous to mention, but absolutely fun nonetheless.  There is even an awkward parody of a commercial!  And the way that each element is woven together is simply flawless.  Once again, series stars Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki demonstrate how well they can balance comedic deliveries and timing, along with heart-breaking dramatic moments.

In preparation for Thursday’s epic caper, I had the opportunity to talk with Richard Speight, Jr. and try to get a little insight into what might be in store for the handsome demon-chasing Winchester brothers, who seem to be a favorite target of the mischievous demi-god.  I tried very hard to get Richard to spill some info about his upcoming appearance.  I wanted to hear directly from him what brings about this visit of Trickster, whether he is working alone, and what lessons he is ultimately trying to impart on the Winchesters this time around.  But apparently the fear of the Wrath of (Executive Producer Eric) Kripke was greater than any bribery I could impart and Richard adroitly avoided those questions.  Despite that, we still had an interesting chat.

ECLIPSE MAGAZINE:  Ok, let’s veer off into a different direction away from the details of the episode since we don’t want to get anyone into trouble.  The Supernatural set has a wonderful reputation of being a fun and pleasant place to work.  Can you please share any strange or funny stories from your recent time on set?

Richard Speight, Jr:  They really are a great group.  Everyone I’ve met there, from the folks in the office to the folks on set, from the lowest paid P.A. to the top dog producers, are as nice as can be.  I will say that I got carried away during my most recent costume fitting and allowed the ladies in the wardrobe department take some fairly risque photos of me posing in a skin-tight rubber suit.  If they ever post those pictures on the web, my dreams of a career in politics are shot.

EM:  I know you’ve had this question before, but if you had Trickster’s powers for one day, what would be your ultimate prank? 

RS:  I’ve suggested this at a few conventions and think it would make for some cheeky fun – I’d love for the Trickster to slip former President George W. Bush into full battle fatigues and drop him into the middle of a battle in Iraq.  I’d also like to go back in time and morph into Brian Jones, founding member of the Rolling Stones, and play a couple of concerts with the greatest rock band of all time.  That’s not really messing with anybody.  It’s just the Trickster having some fun.

EM:  If my math is correct, your episode is right around the 90th of the series and thus coming up on that magical milestone of episode #100.  Has there been any talk or ideas about doing something special to celebrate that when the time comes?

RS:  I think they are planning a big shindig in honor of #100.  I should hope so.  That’s a heck of an accomplishment.  I hear there is a band made up of crewmembers that are planning to play the party.  Word is, several other folks are going to sit in, including Jensen and executive producer Robert Singer (apparently he blows a mean harmonica).  Should be a fun night.  I’ll be watching the mailbox for my invitation.

EM:  Hey, if you get invited to that party, just don’t forget to take this friend along!  Now, you’ve been in some amazing series such as HBO’s Band of Brothers, and CBS’s Jericho.  But it seems like your brief appearances as Trickster have really made a fan impact and you’ve become a favorite guest at Conventions.  How do you explain the fascination, and what has the response been like?

RS:  The fascination, I can’t explain.  But I sure love it!  I suppose the Trickster is different enough from your average, everyday Supernatural demon that he comes off as a refreshing change of pace.  And he loves messing with the boys in clever ways, which is fun to watch.  All I know is that playing the Trickster has been one of the high points of my career.  To have the character so well received is icing on the cake. 

As far as conventions go, they’re a blast – and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.  Because of “Band of Brothers,” I have had the privilege of visiting soldiers at numerous military bases in Europe and the Middle East.  But that’s different – these soldiers are stuck somewhere far away from home, so we go to them.  These conventions, on the other hand, are these enormous ‘happenings’ that attract people from all over the globe.  It is amazing to see the community that has built up around this show and how much effort people put in to being a part of it.  They travel great distances, share hotel rooms with other people they’ve only met online…  It is incredible.  In your question, you refer to me as ‘a favorite guest at conventions.’  I don’t know how accurate that is, but I am certainly welcomed warmly every time I attend one.  And I love going.  I really enjoy the interaction I get with to have with the fans there.  Two years ago, it never occurred to me that I’d ever be involved in a convention for anything.  Now, when I find out that a Supernatural Convention is in the works and that I’m not on the guest list, I feel left out – which is ridiculous, of course, because there are countless guest stars that the fans want to meet.  But that’s how much I’ve come to enjoy them.  As long as I keep getting invited, I’ll keep going. 

EM:  You’ve played quite a range of characters over the years.  Do you prefer playing the comedic or the dramatic?

RS:  I lean towards comedy, but I really enjoy both.  They both bring their own challenges.  But it’s not always an either/or situation.  Sometimes I have the freedom to combine both – like I’m able to do with The Trickster.  That’s really the best of both worlds. 

EM:  Is it ever strange watching yourself in the different roles?

RS:   No, not really.  Although in “Open Water 2” I show my bare butt.  That was weird to see at the premiere on the big screen in a theater full of people.

EM:  Oh my!  A 20-foot bare Richard butt!  Not sure the world is ready for that one!  Speaking of movies, are you able to sit back and enjoy a movie or show, despite knowing so much of the technical aspects involved in creating it?

RS:   Absolutely.  That’s the amazing part of the business.  So much goes into making a show or movie work, but when it’s done right, it looks effortless. 

EM:  In reviewing your acting resume, it appears that you have been working very regularly since 1984 (when you were 14!).  How did you get started?

RS:  Well, both my older sisters started taking dance when I was a little kid.  And since I’d have to go with my mom to every class, I decided to join in rather than just watch.  So I started taking tap dancing when I was five.  The teachers of those early classes were involved in local theater and got me involved in that.  My sisters and I all studied acting and did a lot of performing in high school and local theaters.  I just happen to be the one to pursue it as a career.

EM:  Ok, let me take a moment to make a note to myself to ask you to tapdance at the next Convention.  Now, can you tell us a bit about your family?   Do you have siblings or relatives in the same business and if not, what do they think of their Hollywood connection and have they ever taken advantage of it?

RS:   I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee.  My Dad was an attorney for most of my life and is a published author – two courtroom dramas (‘Desperate Justice’, ‘Triple Jeopardy’) and three books of religiously themed inspirational short stories (‘The Pancake Man and Friends’, ‘Second Helpings: More Stories From The Pancake Man’ and ‘Fried Egg Sandwiches and Other Comforts of Home.’).  My mother runs a high-end antique furniture consignment store called The Clearinghouse.  Everyone, including my two sisters and their families, still lives in Nashville.  I’d say we’re a close family.  I don’t get back there as much as I’d like, but we all talk all the time.  As far as my showbiz career goes, it’s a good thing they havent tried to take advantage of their ‘Hollywood connection.’  They would’ve been pretty disappointed with the results.  I have to pay to get into Universal Studios and wait in line at Disneyland just like everyone else.  Although my sister did get to meet Taylor Swift at a movie premiere I took her to, so now she owes me. 

EM:  Supernatural is well-known for its excellent inclusion of classic rock.  What is your music of choice?

RS:  I’m a huge fan of both classic rock and indie rock.  I’m also a big fan of bluegrass.  Odd mix, I know.  What can I say?  I have eclectic taste. 

EM:  For quite a while now you have been promising fans that you will catch up and watch all the episodes of the series.  Your neighbor, who is a fan of Supernatural, even went out on a limb and loaned you the DVDs.  How are you coming along on that promise?

RS:  Um… not great.  I’ve seen all of season one (thanks to that neighbor you mentioned), then I’ve seen several episodes from last season and this season.  I’ll say this – the show is really good (I’m betting you and your readers already know that).  I record it every week now – and not just to see myself. 

EM:  I feel the need to quiz you!  Here’s an easy one: what was the secret that papa John whispered to Dean concerning younger brother Sam? 

RS:   He told him that Sam had pec implants.  Am I right?

EM:  Absolutely!  And that’s why you now get the extra cookie!  Are there any other projects you are involved with currently, for which we can offer a gentle plug?

RS:  I have completed work as a recurring character on a series for Showtime called “Look.”  It will air in early 2010.  And I am about to go to Detroit to work on a film called “Crave.”  Look for that at film festivals in 2010 as well. 

EM:  And for the last question we go deep and philosophical with one of my favorite questions.  How would you define success, and do you feel you are successful?

RS:  To me, success is achieving a balance between professional accomplishments and personal happiness.  I make a living in an industry I dreamed about being a part of as a young boy.  Plus, I’ve got a super cool wife and two outstanding sons.  If all that doesn’t equal success, then I don’t know what does.

EM:  Richard, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share with our readers.  We wish you the best of luck in all your projects and we are anxiously looking forward to your appearance in episode 8 this Thursday.

Official Description for “Changing Channels”: When Sam and Dean find themselves living their lives on what appear to be TV shows, it makes for a whole new style of reality television and they wonder if the Trickster (guest star Richard Speight, Jr.) is to blame.  From a sitcom to a soapy hospital drama to a Japanese game show to a crime procedural, each new experience they encounter is more bizarre than the next and they want out. But is the Trickster really the mastermind behind the madness? Also starring Misha Collins as “Castiel”.  Written by Jeremy Carver and directed by Charles Beeson.

Supernatural can be seen on The CW, Thursdays at 9:00 pm.  To catch up on past episodes or get more information on the series and its stars, visit The CW at: 

http://www.cwtv.com/shows/supernatural