Steven Helmer Publications

Prequels are an effective way to continue a popular television series because it doesn't have the constraints of keeping one or more cast members from the original, allowing for fresh (and cheaper) faces while also giving a bit more insight into how certain characters became who they are.  They are, like most spin-offs, hit-or-miss as far as fans go. Some, like The Big Bang Theory prequel, Young Sheldon, were popular enough to last several seasons and inspire their own spinoff series. Others, like the Supernatural prequel, The Winchesters , were cancelled after just one season. Meanwhile, there are some series that might have done surprisingly well with a prequel based on one or more of their characters but were never given the opportunity. Here are five characters I think would have been perfect for that. Phoebe Buffay ( Friends ) -  Of the six friends on Friends , Phoebe ( Lisa Kudrow ) has the most interesting past. Her mother, who wasn't her real mother, committed suicid...

Synopsis : After going on an extended assignment following his wife's murder, Texas Ranger Cordell Walker ( Jared Padalecki ) returns to Austin and attempts to reconnect with his children while working with a new partner. However, suspicions about his wife's death still haunt him and his return proves to be more difficult than he expected. You can read my review here:  Review of Walker Pilot Episode (wizzley.com)

Jared Padalecki is the most Canadian-sounding Texan I've heard but I'm not hating the show yet. I just think the CW could have capitalized on Supernatural  by focusing on Mary Winchester's early years. A mom who changes diapers by day and secretly hunts monsters at night would have been unique and interesting. This, no matter how hard it tries, won't be anything other than a reboot living in the shadow of the original.

I gave myself a little bit of time to reflect on it. After all, any finale of a favorite series is going to bring mixed emotions. Now that I've done that, my opinion is still the same, the finale was a big let down. I'm not saying there weren't likable moments. Dean ( Jensen Ackles ) discovering that pie festival, for example, was pretty funny. And, I'm willing to admit, Dean's surprise goodbye did have a bit of an ironic/artistic quality to it. The problem is, I just feel like this episode wasn't needed. Last week's penultimate ended as perfectly as you could end a series, Sam and Dean saved the world and rode off into the sunset in full control of their destiny. Why ruin that by showing us their destiny? I would have much rather have had the series leave that up in the air so we could go on debating what happened to them and maybe, some day, see a made-for-TV reunion movie that answered some of the unanswered questions. My other big issue with this episode...

Synopsis: With Dean ( Jensen Ackles ) still in a funk, Sam ( Jared Padalecki ) encourages his brother to investigate a case with him on Halloween involving possessed toys. Dean agrees and the brothers soon find themselves facing a comic book store owner's ghost that puts the two of them in a real-life horror movie situation. You can read my review here:  https://wizzley.com/supernatural-episode-review-mint-condition/