By Sandy Sheehan (Guest Post)
(Photos used with Permission and are copyright)
Creation Entertainment is best known for hosting and having exclusive guests from certain television shows, namely Xena, Warrior Princess and Star Trek. I have been to a handful of The Next Generation events back when they were young and they have come a long way from simply spotlighting one or two stars and showing a blooper reel. These days, they are focussing on Supernatural, Riverdale and Stranger (to name a few). This for-profit company differs from most other similar events and non-profit conventions such that it tours. Most casual fans are turned off by the high price of a pass, and it is tiered (the more you pay, the better access you get). Unlike non-profit conventions, the vendor area (at least at the Seattle conventions) are minuscule, except, for the huge tables full of photos to be signed and some fandom related items.
Since they currently have the monopoly on Sam and Dean Winchester from The CW’s Supernatural, I have been to the last two they had in Seattle, WA (technically it was Bellevue). Plenty of fans go this show multiple times, and the consensus is that Seattle was the best, mostly due to the smaller size.
The events typically start from Thursday (some add-ons, like a tour of the city with the convention hosts and a PJ Party, take place on these extra days) and last through Sunday. Panels start on Friday. This year, they did not get going until early afternoon. Rachel Miner (Meg 2) is a fan favorite and convention regular despite not being in the show recently. She was diagnosed with MS a few years ago, and it has impacted her ability to walk. That hasn’t dampened her spirit; she was especially ecstatic a ramp up to the stage was put on. She could ride her scooter right up to it rather than, like last year, be helped up the steps. Her enthusiasm was infectious and a great way to start. My row neighbor got up and mentioned that he worked for a place called “The Pizza Man.” Fan of the show will understand the salacious reference. Rachel said, “So that makes you the pizza man?” As quick as you like, he replied, “I could teach you a thing or two.” Everyone, including Rachel, roared with laughter.
She was followed by the British Men of Letters, Adam Fergus (Mick) and David Haydn-Jones (Ketch). They make a great duo, especially when Adam would eagerly ask the fan for a question and frequently for David, he would throw his hands up in an exaggerated way that was delightful. One asked if they could be anything in Supernatural, what would they be. David said he would like to be a “totally goth emo vampire,” since he was into New Wave when he was 13-15. He said his hair would be a crisscrossed in the back and a big wave of unmoving hair would cover one eye (a la Flock of Seagulls). He didn’t use words to describe it, but instead, put his hand over his face like it was his hair. He said he might have to post it. His Twitter feed does not yet show a young emo David. Adam said he would be Castiel but would like to play Lucifer since he has been garnering a mean streak since [his character’s] execution.
They were followed by Kim Rhodes (Sheriff Jody Mills) and Lisa Berry (Billie). It was Lisa’s convention debut as a stand-in for Briana Buckmaster had to cancel at the last moment. Kim brought on a plush powdered doughnut in place of Brianna, and Kim answered questions as the doughnut. One fan asked Lisa if now that Billie’s new character direction (avoiding spoilers here) would have her eating junk food like her predecessor. Kim picked up the doughnut and in a high-pitched attempt at ventriloquism said “No Doughnuts!”
Friday nights are “famous” because of the karaoke nights with the stars. Fans can sign up to sing on stage and the entire audience was thankful that I declined to even try to get chosen for a song. I might be a rock star at home, but nowhere else. Each year, there is a theme for the Karaoke night and this year was “Car Tunes.” Host Matt Cohen (Young John Winchester) was dressed as Speed Racer. Kim Rhodes was Kim Possible, complete with a little-naked mole rat in her pants pocket. I was enchanted. My row neighbor again brought down the house with his rendition of a Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance (if I recall correctly).
On Saturday, Mark Pellegrino started the party in good spirits, Unlike last year’s convention, he was not quite in his A-game. He is fond of philosophy, and responded to some questions from the fans with a deeper thought, even when the questions were light-hearted. While I enjoy this as a roundtable discussion, it wouldn’t be my first choice while I’m trying to vacation from real life. Thankfully, another individual asked about his dogs, and I was a bit disappointed he didn’t take that as his cue to bring them on stage. I am an avid dog lover and was missing my pet all weekend.
The following panel on the schedule had three of the women from Supernatural but instead brought out all five. Kim Rhodes, Lisa Berry, Ruth Connell (Rowena), Rachel Miner, and surprise guest Alaina Huffman (Abbadon) were all on stage reminiscing about the show. Lisa discussed her fangirl moments when first coming on the set to work; she’s been a fan for years. She let out a huge scream probably like most of the girls in the audience would do if they were in her place. From the audience, one individual asked them if they could play a demon who would they choose? Kim chimed in with “Besides Castiel?” Rachel gave her a knowing look at said, “She said ‘Demon or Angel.'” Ruth said she would be Lucifer, Alaina and Lisa said they would be Meg, Rachel said that Meg had the best one-liner (but did not give her favorites). Rachel said she would be Rowena.
I was disappointed that the panel time was not extended to accommodate the extra cast members. Only a few fans could ask questions. I hope in future conventions, they make it more than an hour for that many panelists. Ruth even teased that they were answering question number three while they were more than halfway through the panel time.
An intermission took place so those gold and silver pass holders can get autographs. Once that was over, it was time for weekend hosts, Rob Benedict (Chuck), Richard Speight, Jr. (Gabriel) and Matt Cohen to cheer the crowd with their stories. Rob often mentions that their time on stage is not scripted. Richard went on to prove that by going on a tangent about crack that I think no one knows how it got there, and why it went to his character (spoilers avoided) having a crack in his butt. Very juvenile and very hilarious, but I will confess not as funny as last year’s Dick Chat. What started off as a random remark on Friday as Richard taking over Creation’s social media turned in to “Dick Chat” instead of Snap Chat. It was a running gag all weekend (and is available on YouTube still). They’re always a hoot when they are all together.
They were a good warm-up for Misha Collins (Castiel). This year, his old college roommate was in attendance. It was great hearing stories from them. They recalled the time when Misha had some yams that were getting old and needed to be eaten. He bet his roommates that he could not eat all 10 of them in 10 minutes. $50.00 was eventually wagered. Sadly, it was obvious he would not finish them. At the end of the time, he bet double or nothing that he could drink the bottle of apple cider vinegar. He thought it was a sure bet. But, in combination with a stomach full of yams, only led to a quick vomit on the kitchen floor. This brought a mixed reaction from the audience. Most near me went “ew,” but I was in the laughing contingent.
They also mentioned Misha’s courtship with his wife. He recalled the time when his wife told her parents she was spending the night with her new friend Misha, neglecting to mention he was a he. Since his name does imply a feminine name, they gave permission. Of course, they were unhappy once they met him. Misha is as funny as all his videos posted on social media.
Later that night was a concert, “Saturday Night Special” with the house band, Louden Swain, and their frontman Rob Benedict. Guests from Friday and Saturday also came out to sing. Lisa Berry was in the crowd. Billie was introduced to the show with her singing voice. Her performance was very much anticipated and sang “Proud Mary” that would make anyone proud. While nervous at first, she was brilliant. Alaina sang “You’re so Vain” very well and Matt Cohen hopped on stage for, “Joker and the Thief.” He has such a nice singing voice and I am sure it did the song justice. These were all interspersed with Swain, all sung by Rob. Towards the end, the guest stars ran into the audience around the rows. I got to high-five Alaina and Lisa.
Sunday had the fewest panels. The morning had a Gold ticket holder only panel with Jared and Jensen. Since I am on a budget that does not include a $1000.00 USD golden pass, I had the morning off to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and lounging in the lobby time, watching people go by.
Mark Pelligrino (Lucifer) returned for his second panel. His tone was the same as Saturday. One question asked if he ever read the script with his evil deeds outlined and thought, “Damn Luci, that’s cold.” Mark quickly replied with “Mmmmm, No.” He did go on to say that he tries to envision his character as being right for the right reasons. He has definitely changed the meaning of “I Love Luci” for Supernatural fans.
Ruth Connell spoke briefly about the charity she supports—My Hope Chest—and had a bag full of hotel toiletries from the hotel to give to the fans asking questions. I have never seen rewards given for questions, and it was oddly funny. Ruth is Scottish, as is my family. The Scots are known to be thrifty. She said she took them from her room and did not think she could get them on the plane. I like to think that is the Scottish in her coming through. She also had butterfly wings to promote their cause. She would do her silly walk to make them flap. She would engage a fan by asking “What’s your name, where are you from, and what do you want?” in a fairly ominous tone. Prank are apparently common on the set, and she told the story of how she had gotten 2000 leftover Misha Collins calendars from Creation, and (with Alaina helping) put them all over Mark Sheppard‘s (Crowley) trailer. They were in the toilet, shower, and all over walls. Ruth said that every molecule of the trailer had been covered.
She was the main reason I went to his year’s convention. She was also able to give some insight on the secrets behind a few of the show’s props. She said, “They use lube for holy water.” It brings the splashing on to cast members in a whole new light.
I did not see Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, the headliners, until later that Sunday. Their banter was as you would expect from two people who’ve been working closely together for over a decade. It is the reason the show is going into season 14. Avoided at this show was Scoobynatural which was to air on TV days after. My favorite questions asked was “If your wives were here, what bad habits would you say you have?” Jensen immediately pops up with “None” while Jared said, “How much time you got? We’re going to be here all day.”
Jensen says it would be the way he gets ready for bed. He says he does things “mechanically and loudly, like working in a bar” a la Tom Cruise in Cocktail. I’m sure it is not the picture the Dean Girls would think of. Jared said he has two. At home, he leaves the doors open when he goes outside to take out the trash, etc. A valid complaint, especially in Texas where snakes can come in. He says when they’re traveling, he will not pay $30.00 to wash a pair of shorts after he goes to the gym. He showers with them on to wash them and hang them up all over the bathroom. If his wife packs, she will pack them with actual clean clothes, which in turn annoys Jared. Jensen adds a Jared pet peeve of his own. When Jared goes into Jensen’s trailer, he’ll remove his gum and leave his it on the countertop near the door until he leaves. Then he takes it and continues chewing it. When asked why he does that, Jared says it is because he isn’t done with it. Definitely, an “EW” moment Jared claims gum is better when exposed to oxygen. I’ll have to take your word for that Jared. These are two definitely relatable people instead of two heart-throb to swoon over on TV.
As an uber fan of Supernatural, I had a great time even on a budget. Sure, I didn’t splurge on the photo ops, or the meet and greets. I enjoyed the panels and mingling with people. Word on the street suggests this event is the last for this township. I’d happily go to another one, if only it wasn’t so far from home.