Channel Surfing 3-12-10

    Sometimes you can dig a show but not dig the fandom that goes along with it.
    More often than not it seems that the greatest shows attract the craziest fan base.
    Fan fiction – that is, fictional stories written by fans, often similar to episodes or alternative looks at previous adventures – is what brings out the true wackjobs.         There are some talented and creative people out there, sometimes writing storylines and epic adventures better than what’s seen on television.
    But a lot of it is just smut.
    In fact, some of the worst comes when written by “Supernatural” fans.
    “Supernatural” stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles as Sam and Dean Winchester, demon-fighting brothers who happen to send spirits to hell while looking delicious and making snarky remarks. Padalecki and Ackles have amazing chemistry, but some people read too much into that.
    In fact, “Wincest” is such a popular concept that typing it into Google retrieves more than 75,000 results. I don’t recommend looking into it, so just take my word for it. Wincest, if it’s not entirely obvious, pairs Sam and Dean together. Romantically.
    In the fourth season episode “The Monster at the End of the Book,” the Winchester brothers discover a comic book series which documents their lives.
    While surfing the Internet for information, the boys discover the slash fanbase.
    “They do know we are brothers, right?” Dean asks Sam.
    It doesn’t seem to matter, Sam replies. Dean sums it up best: “That’s just sick.”
    After this episode, the fourth wall is officially broken. Things get crazier when, in season five, a fan character is introduced who runs a Wincest Web site.
    The show acknowledges the insanity of its most obsessive and vocal fanbase. The show’s writing staff knows what fans talk about, what they want and they deliver it. Sort of.
    I mean, there are questionably long glances between the characters, or hugs that go on for just a bit too long. At least, that is how those fans see it.
    I realize, of course, not every fan goes down that route. There are the normal fans who appreciate the exciting stories, humorous banter and spooky lore.
    And those fans who get off to the Wincest? If that’s what they’re into, I can’t stop them. I just won’t join them anytime soon.
    Check It Out Online: Just google “The Ballad of Jensen and Jared.” It’s hilarious and perfectly sums up the fandom in a 2-minute song.
    Set Your DVR: “Supernatural” airs Thursday nights on The CW, but thanks to syndication, you can enjoy the Winchesters Monday through Friday on TNT.
    Contact Kyle at charlotte.kyle@murraystate.edu.