WinchesterBros was delighted to be able to watch this week’s Supernatural episode (6.15), “The French Mistake,” in advance. First, a few general comments—we’ve been looking forward to this meta episode for a while, and early hints, casting news and the CW description just did more to whet the appetite. Though, with that kind of anticipation, particularly for this type of tricky story, there’s always the risk of being disappointed with the reality. No chance of that, “The French Mistake” can comfortably share space with “Hollywood Babylon,” “The Monster at the End of This Book” and “Changing Channels” as a mix of inside jokes, humor, satire, brotherly moments, a little bit of movement for the latter part of the season’s overall arc, a couple unexpected twists and even a few touches of sadness and sentiment.
Ben Edlund wrote the episode, and he left no Hollywood stereotype, fannish focus or crew quirk untouched; no one was safe from some kind of jab, including himself. There are parts that are hysterically, laugh out loud is anyone looking funny, so many ‘family jokes’ to enjoy if you are a fan of the show and its cast and crew, and probably plenty more that if you are actually in the cast or crew, you’d know instantly. A good piece of advice for “The French Mistake” is to watch it more than once, and watch everything in a scene, especially the props, the signs, the shelves and video playing in the background. Here’s where we’ll get a little spoilery—no chance of us spoiling anything big, even if we hadn’t been asked not to, we wouldn’t because, trust us, it’s more fun just have it sprung on you as it goes! But, we’ll talk about a few things here in just a little more in detail, but not too much. So, if you don’t want to know, now’s the time to see what’s up on your Facebook page or check out one of Misha’s tweets.
One of the favorite things about this episode is that it isn’t just meta for meta’s sake: there’s actually a pretty good, serious reason for this very bizarre universe to which Dean and Sam are transported. A reason that actually is sad and upsets Dean, as it kinda hits close to home. Sam is still the welcome, fervently missed, souled Sammy and he even gets to have some fun with “Jared’s” lifestyle, even while being quietly supportive of Dean. Speaking of Dean, he can’t help but ask if Sam would want to remain where they are—there are some very good reasons to stay and you wouldn’t blame the brothers, after all they’ve been through, if they decided to not try too hard to get back home—but also you believe Sam when he answers soberly that there are 2 very important reasons to return. And while the first part of the season lacked angels, this makes up for it, and enough said. Balthazar is his usual snarky, shady self. He and Cas have a nice moment, though as close as it shows them, it takes Cas from Dean and Sam.
Jensen and Jared playing Dean and Sam playing “Jensen” and “Jared” are amazing! They cheerfully poke fun at themselves (and one of Jensen’s former acting jobs), and when they go to “Jared’s” home (a shock to everyone, as apparently “Jensen” and “Jared” don’t even speak), check out the décor. Holy. Cow. They managed to keep all the different versions of themselves straight, and you haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen Dean and Sam trying to act, and we use the term loosely. Very loosely. So funny to watch these tough, competent demon hunters, veterans of the Apocalypse and so much more, absolutely terrified in front of the cameras. Again, watch the little things. Misha as Cas and “Misha” was terrific; you know how different Misha is from Cas, but it’s something else to see both on the screen and kind of disconcerting (Sweater alert!). Genevieve Padalecki obviously had great fun playing a bizarro version of herself; Sam and Dean are understandably freaked out to see “Ruby” as “Jared’s” wife (look for a real wedding picture). Plenty of other familiar names (none played by themselves, except the voice of Sera Gamble is really Sera, and she does a good job!), like Bob Singer (who apparently is not that thrilled about 6 seasons, hee) and Eric Kripke (who spends most of his time writing in a cabin) and even Jared’s and Jensen’s bodyguard, Clif. There’s also a lovely tribute to the late, much loved and sorely missed, Kim Manners.
We enjoyed “The French Mistake” very much—trust us, this review only scratched the surface of the crazy fun in the episode! Hope you all enjoy, too.
WinchesterBros Staff
Promotional photos for The French Mistake
“SUPERNATURAL” — (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
“The French Mistake” (TV-14, LV sptv050769) (HDTV)
SAM AND DEAN ARE TRANSPORTED TO AN ALTERNATE REALITY — Raphael (guest star Lanette Ware) launches an attack on Castiel (Misha Collins) and his allies, sending a particularly frightening angelic hitman (guest star Carlos Sanz) after Balthazar (guest star Sebastian Roche), Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles)… In an effort to protect the brothers, Balthazar sends them to an alternate universe where they are the stars of a TV show called “Supernatural” and they are actors named “Jensen Ackles” and “Jared Padalecki.” The brothers are confused when Castiel appears to be a tweet-happy actor named Misha Collins and Sam is married to Ruby (Genevieve Cortese). Charles Beeson directed the episode written by Ben Edlund (##615).