In Defense of Fandom

Season 2 Episode 2: Putting my theory to the test

I have a little theory about TV endings. Good endings are fondly remembered, bad endings kill fandoms, and divisive endings make them stick around forever (to argue!). So, am I actually right? Let’s find out… 
Spoiler Warnings! 
Want to avoid all spoilers? Use these timestamps to skip them completely:
Avatar the Last Airbender: 7:37-8:30
Dexter: 11:16-11:40
Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/in_defense_of_fandom
Have thoughts on TV endings? I want to hear them! 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuaL485NpQ3iqinVjq7GUAoId0gPqKU26LpQCntngiGhVHgQ/viewform
 
Thanks to the voices you heard in this episode (in order of appearance):
Casey Mendoza: @CaseyMdoza
Elizabeth Minkel: @elizabethminkel
Rebecca Williams: @augustaquarius
Jeff Hersh: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3354593/
Rob Benedict: @RobBenedict
Paul Booth: @pbooth81
Richard Speight Jr: @dicksp8jr
 
And thanks to Cassie, Erin, Taylor, Kelsey, Francisco, and Marissa for voicing some of the comments from my survey!
 
Editorial Support by Dr. Anna Funk: @DrAnnaFunk
Music written & performed by Chris Scott: @Chrispscott
Cover art by Liz Hand: @__ellie
Additional Links of Interest:
My FMA fanfic (I’m both embarrassed and proud of middle school me): https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3627739/1/Escape-from-Auschwitz
 
Statistics on GoT: https://www.statista.com/statistics/993970/united-states-engagement-game-of-thrones-by-generation/
 
Fansplaining podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fansplaining/id1024216991
 
As always, transcripts of the episodes are available at my personal website: https://www.sadiewit.com/in-defense-of-fandom

Season 2 Episode 1: What makes a TV ending?

New season, new topic!
This season, we’re talking about how television shows bring their stories to a close, and how that affects the fandom. We’ll talk about great endings and terrible endings. Shows that got to go out on their own terms and shows that were canceled, only to later be revived in a new format. 
And of course, there will be discussion about the ending of Supernatural. A LOT of discussion.
 
Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/in_defense_of_fandom
Have thoughts on TV endings? I want to hear them! 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuaL485NpQ3iqinVjq7GUAoId0gPqKU26LpQCntngiGhVHgQ/viewform
 
Thanks to the voices you heard in this episode (in order of appearance):
Lynn Zubernis: @FangasmSPN
Richard Speight Jr: @dicksp8jr
Paul Booth: @pbooth81
Elizabeth Minkel: @elizabethminkel
 Editorial Support by Dr. Anna Funk: @DrAnnaFunk
Music written & performed by Chris Scott: @Chrispscott
Cover art by Liz Hand: @__ellie
Sound Effect from Pixabay
 
Additional Links of Interest:
Lynn’s article about fans grieving: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-fandom/202105/how-fans-cope-when-their-fan-favorites-come-end 
 
Sarah Z’s video on the end of Supernatural: https://youtu.be/M0QhgQ-g4C0?si=NfLR5hrStlzuJ0e0 
 
Fansplaining podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fansplaining/id1024216991 

Bonus 5: Writing on The Winchesters

I was so excited to meet Gabe at San Diego Comic Con last summer! He graciously agreed to an interview for this little podcast, all about his experiences writing for The Winchesters.
 
Tell me your thoughts on shows ending: https://forms.gle/d2KGqChpietazZh29
 
Definitely stick around to the end where he answers some fan questions that I collected!
 
Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/in_defense_of_fandom
 
Thanks to Gabe Gonzalez for sharing his time and insights. You can find him at IMDB, as Gabriel Alejandro Garza: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4509179/?ref_=ttfc_fc_wr6
 
When I asked if Gabe wanted me to promote any projects, he just asked we support the Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/)
 
Editorial Support by Dr. Anna Funk: @DrAnnaFunk
Music written & performed by Chris Scott: @Chrispscott
Cover art by Liz Hand: @__ellie
 
Additional Links of Interest: 
The Flash CW series: https://www.cwtv.com/shows/the-flash/
Favorite examples of scary audio drama series: https://qcodemedia.com/theleftrightgame, https://qcodemedia.com/borrasca, https://www.grimandmild.com/bridgewater
Supernatural comics: https://www.dc.com/comics/supernatural-2007/supernatural-1
JD Garcia (body contortionist): https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13477952/
Julia Cooperman (writing partner): https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6269516/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Bonus 4: The Costumes of Gotham Knights

While I assumed costume designers would have a heyday with Halloween, it turns out costumers just want to dress others up - not themselves. At least, that’s according to costume designer Jennifer May Nickel. For this bonus episode, I’m bringing you a conversation with the costume designer from Gotham Knights!
 
Editorial Support by Dr. Anna Funk: @DrAnnaFunk
Music written & performed by Chris Scott: @Chrispscott
Cover art by Liz Hand: @__ellie
 
Additional Links of Interest: 
Jennifer May Nickel: @jennifermaydesigns, @JMNDesigns, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3415772/, 
Another interview with Jennifer: https://comicbook.com/dc/news/gotham-knights-costume-designer-jennifer-may-nickel-interview/
Misha talking about the Two-Face neckties: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed8IZyHFJ1k
Gotham Knights: https://www.cwtv.com/shows/gotham-knights/
And don’t forget to send your best, your weirdest, your most creative fanart to the Family Business Beer Company by December 15th!
 
Send your art to:
Gino Graul
19510 Hamilton Pool Rd
Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Bonus 3: Family Business Beer Company

What’s it like to be on the other side of fandom, when you’re not the famous one? And how does having a famous family member affect a non-fandom business? Family Business Beer Co CEO Gino has seen it all. It turns out when fandom and ‘normies’ mix, you get all sorts of stories.
 
Stay tuned for a unique contest at the end!
 
Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/in_defense_of_fandom
 
Competition Details:
Send your best, your weirdest, your most creative fanart to the brewery. Remember, to be considered, you MUST tie the piece back to Family Business Beer Company in some fashion. That can mean including their logo, slogan, elements of the brewery, or whatever else you can imagine into your art piece.
 
Gino & a panel of judges will determine the winner(s), who will have their art proudly displayed in the new bathroom art gallery. Plus, winners will also get a swag prize from the brewery!
 
Make sure to send your art by December 15th to be eligible to win!
Address:
Gino Graul
19510 Hamilton Pool Rd
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Thanks to the voices you heard in this episode (in order of appearance):
Douglas Witkowski (my lil bro!)
Gino Graul: @GinoGraul, @ginograul (insta)
Debbie Graul
 
Editorial Support by Dr. Anna Funk: @DrAnnaFunk
Music written & performed by Chris Scott: @Chrispscott
Some music also from: https://pixabay.com/users/kaazoom-448850/
Cover art by Liz Hand: @__ellie
Record Scratch from Pixabay
 
Additional Links of Interest: 
Family Business Beer Company: https://familybusinessbeerco.com/
Chicago Cane Cooperative: https://www.chicagocane.com/
San Jacinto Saloon: https://www.sanjacsaloon.com/
Get FBBC Beer Delivered to you (in the US): https://www.tavour.com/
FBBC Family Reunion Recap: https://www.thewinchesterfamilybusiness.com/22798-fun-times-at-family-business-beer-company-s-family-reunion/
 

Bonus 2: WGA/SAG Strike & Personal Update

SPN Family shows up to help picket for fair contracts for both the WGA (writers guild of america) and SAG (screen actors guild). Oh, and a small personal update.
 
Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/in_defense_of_fandom
 
Thanks to the voices you heard in this episode (in order of appearance):
Eric Kripke: @therealKripke
Kaelee
Rhiannon
Ben Edlund: @ben_edlund
Misha Collins: @mishacollins
Valeria
Dean
Shanda: @shandataber
 
Editorial Support by Dr. Anna Funk: @DrAnnaFunk
Music written & performed by Chris Scott: @Chrispscott
Some music also from: https://pixabay.com/users/kaazoom-448850/
Cover art by Liz Hand: @__ellie
 
Additional Links of Interest: 
Deadline article about residuals: https://deadline.com/2023/08/supernatural-eric-kripke-interview-picket-line-writers-strike-residuals-writers-room-1235533157/
Carry the Two podcast on WGA demands around AI: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/caitlin-parrish-and-allyson-ettinger-on-ai-the-wga-strike/id1629115184?i=1000626833863
Entertainment Community Fund: https://entertainmentcommunity.org/
My husband’s GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/eu4pt-support-chicago-cane-coops-recovery-transition or https://gofund.me/2ac6b6cc

Bonus 1: Fan Origin Stories

The first season may be over, but we aren’t done yet!
 
In this first bonus episode, hear some of the voices from across the season tell their stories of how they discovered Supernatural and what hooked them on the show, and the fandom.
 
Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/in_defense_of_fandom
 
Thanks to the voices you heard in this episode (in order of appearance):
Shontill: @abeautifulswan
Lynn Zubernis: @FangasmSPN
Liz Hand: @__ellie
Alana King: @_AlanaKing_
DitchLilyTiger: @DitchLilyTiger
Northern Sparrow: @NorthernSprw
Robin: @caslostwings
Lizlee: @lizleeships
Marie: @maryturner_
Jen (Wayward Photog): @WaywardCoug
Jen (Rupert Gayes): @rupertgayes
Jackie (Winchester Reload): @JackieDeeArt
Jules (SPN Wiki): @SuperWiki
Scout: @scoutstiel
Jeremy (MOTW): @MOTWcast
Nightsky: @Lsangel2
Editorial Support by Dr. Anna Funk: @DrAnnaFunk
Music written & performed by Chris Scott: @Chrispscott
Cover art by Liz Hand: @__ellie
 
Additional Links of Interest: 
Entertainment Community Fund: https://entertainmentcommunity.org/
 

Episode 8: Conventions (& Conclusions)

Somehow we’ve come to the end of this road trip, and we’re bringing things back to where it all started. In this final episode of season one, we reflect on the SPN family and how conventions play a major role as a “family reunion” for fans across the world.
 
It seems Bobby wasn’t just referring to the Winchesters when he said that, family don’t end in blood. 
 
Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/in_defense_of_fandom
 
Thanks to the voices you heard in this episode (in order of appearance):
Stephanie Dizon: @CreationEnt
Lynn Zubernis: @FangasmSPN
Nightsky: @Lsangel2
Jules (SPN Wiki): @SuperWiki
Rachel Miner: @RachelMiner1
Chris Schmelke: @chrisschmelke
Steve Norton: @Innocuous_Flop, @LoudenSwain1
Billy Moran: @Billy_Moran, @LoudenSwain1Shontill: @abeautifulswan
Alana King: @_AlanaKing_
Northern Sparrow: @NorthernSprw
Valerie: @valderie
Jackie (Winchester Reload): @JackieDeeArt
Robin: @caslostwings
Scout: @scoutstiel
Anna Funk: @DrAnnaFunk
Editorial Support by Dr. Anna Funk: @DrAnnaFunk
Music written & performed by Chris Scott: @Chrispscott
Cover art by Liz Hand: @__ellie
 
Additional Links of Interest: 
Creation Entertainment Conventions: https://www.creationent.com/#
Fangasm con post about Misha’s fire accident: https://fangasmthebook.com/2016/11/25/supernatural-comes-to-the-east-coast-at-njcon-friday-and-saturday-2016/
Chris Schmelke’s instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschmelke/
Louden Swain’s newest album, Feelings & Such:
Featured song, Guilty One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FT6o-t5vv8
Hire Anna Funk for your own weird reporting projects!: https://www.itsdrfunk.com/

Episode 7: Charity

The SPN Family doesn’t just support each other. Fans and cast alike have started campaigns, founded nonprofits, and committed charitable acts to support both those in the community and the world beyond. In this episode, learn about the international impact of the Supernatural Fandom.
 
Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/in_defense_of_fandom
 
Oh! And don’t forget to perform an Act of Kindness with Random Acts: https://www.randomacts.org/acts/
Thanks to the voices you heard in this episode (in order of appearance):
SPN Script Hunt: @SPNScriptHunt
SPN Family Giving: @SPNFamilyGiving
TK Kitty: @TrendyKittyKat
Karla Truxall: @SPNSurvivors
Shontill: @abeautifulswan
Tricia: @LadyMalchav
Northern Sparrow: @NorthernSprw
Jennifer Willis Rivera: NA
Random Acts: @RandomActsOrg
Rea: @Rea79
Rachel Miner: @RachelMiner1
Editorial Support by Dr. Anna Funk: @DrAnnaFunk
Music written & performed by Chris Scott: @Chrispscott
Cover art by Liz: @__ellie
 
Links to full transcripts are available at www.sadiewit.com
 
Additional Links of Interest: 
Star Trek Foundation: https://trekfederation.com/
Lord of the Rings Charity Event: https://www.etonline.com/lord-of-the-rings-cast-reunites-and-raises-80k-for-charity-watch-the-zoom-union-147484
Always Keep Fighting campaign: http://www.supernaturalwiki.com/Always_Keep_Fighting
SPN Survivors: https://spnsurvivors.org/
Carry the Two episode on GISH: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kathryn-leonard-and-axel-carlier-on-crowdsourcing-for/id1629115184?i=1000610571885
GISH items list: https://gishwheshistorian.tumblr.com/itemlists
Legacy of War Foundation: https://www.legacyofwarfoundation.com/
Stands: https://shopstands.com/pages/about-us

Episode 6: Community

We’ve spent quite a bit of time on the creativity of the SPN Family, and now we’ve even talked about the darkside. But in this episode, let’s hear how fandom studies has grown as a field and how community aspects of fandom have come to the fore.
 
Support the show on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/in_defense_of_fandom
 
Thanks to the voices you heard in this episode (in order of appearance):
Lynn Zubernis: @FangasmSPN
Shawn Taylor: https://www.shawntaylor.net/bio
Jules (SPN Wiki): @SuperWiki
Shontill: @abeautifulswan
Robin: @caslostwings
Valerie: @valderie
Dani: @lotrspnfangirl 
Alana: @_AlanaKing_
Jackie: @JackieDeeArt
Jenjld: @jenjld71
Rachel Miner: @RachelMiner1
 
Editorial Support by Dr. Anna Funk: @DrAnnaFunk
Music written & performed by Chris Scott: @Chrispscott
Cover art by Liz: @__ellie
 
Links to full transcripts are available at www.sadiewit.com
 
Additional Links of Interest: 
Ackles on saving The Winchesters: https://tvline.com/2023/05/11/the-winchesters-season-2-cancellation-renewal-update-jensen-ackles/
Saving Walker Independence: https://tvline.com/2023/05/10/walker-independence-season-2-cancellation-renewal-update-jared-padalecki/
Watch Gotham Knights: https://www.cwtv.com/shows/gotham-knights/
Previous conventions: http://www.supernaturalwiki.com/Convention_Calendar
Examples of community events organized within fandom: https://twitter.com/SPN_Summergen, https://twitter.com/allspnships, https://twitter.com/spnspringfling