A Tribute to Ben Edlund "“ Part 1
Though it is with truly heavy hearts that we bid adieu to Ben Edlund, one of the greatest additions, ever, to the Supernatural family, he has left an incredible trail of wit and laughter in his wake. Over the coming months as we head toward season nine- something made possible by Mr. Edlund's creative genius touch "“ let's look back at some of the brilliant episodes and clever one-liners that Mr. Edlund has bestowed on our fabulous show"¦.
Simon Says
Like so many of Edlund's episodes, Simon Says introduced us to a great character in Andy. A rare creature who, in anyone else's hands, may never have so convincingly have managed to get behind the wheel of the Impala and stay in our good graces having done it.
"He full-on Obi-Waned me! It's mind control, man!"
Nightshifter
Another classic Edlund episode with an ending that is still talked about in reverent whispers. Really, one of the greatest uses of music on television ever and the introduction of mandroids. Is there any doubt as to this man's genius?
"I knew it, as soon as you two left. You aren't FBI. Who are you? Who are you working for, huh? The Men in Black? You working for the Mandroid?"
Hollywood Babylon
Kicking ass and taking names.Ben Edlund is one hell of a writer, no question.
"Salt. Doesn't that sound silly? I mean why would a ghost be afraid of salt?"
Bad Day at Black Rock
The Batman-level awesomeness is fairly self-explanatory on this one. Plus, I'm laughing too hard to think of something clever!
"I lost my shoe."
Malleus Maleficarum
This episode was everything we would come to love from Mr. Edlund over the years: Dark, twisted, demonic and tortured. And oh so graphic and gross.
"And why does the rabbit always get screwed in the deal?! The poor little guy."
Ghostfacers
New levels of genius at every turn. This script was absolutely perfect, from the opening song to the mastermind ending; and every bit of dialogue in between.
"And here we were thinking that, you know, we were teaching you and all this time you were teaching us; about heart, about dedication, and about how gay love can pierce through the veil of death and save the day."
What are your favourite one-liners from the early days of Edlund?
Comments
My favorite line from Nightshifter was Dean, saying they needed to play a little game of find the freak. I also loved the reaction of the local cops when the FBI showed up. First, the cop said oh, crap. Then he told Lt. Robarts that the Feds were there, and Robarts repeated the phrase. Speaking of the FBI - Henderson was a bad guy to our heroes, but had great dialogue, telling Robarts he could go bang his wife, just as long as the SWAT team was locked and loaded, and describing Dean and Sam as, I think something like, Hannabal Lecter and his half wit little brother. How much fun was it to watch the brothers get away?
And, I loved the dialogue in Hollywood Babylon when Sam was talking to Dean about the case, and Dean kept talking into his headset. You just know somebody on set had done that to Edlund at some point. The whole episode was inside jokes for the fans and shots at his industry - references to the guys' former shows, saying the weather was practically Canadian, the killer truck poster on Marty's wall, etc. and, of course, Sam telling Dean he thought PAs were like slaves. Fun!
Hollywood Babylon is one of my longstanding go-to's when I need a laugh or a background show. It's so good! It was tricky to choose a line from all the gems. The ones I put in the list aren't necessarily favourites of mines (not to say they aren't either) I just tried to pick lesser-referenc ed, single person quotes. And, if that means rewatching the Edlund episodes in the process, well, that's a sacrifice I am just going to have to make....
As a fellow Canadian - that reference makes me laugh too. As does the Gilmore Girls thing. So many great references jam-packed. Plus, Dean the PA? Yes. Please!
Edlund will be missed!!
And the guys dressed as swat team .....
Simon Says is great too, Stonehenge, Spinal Tap? Really? Ok. (I wonder does Misha know?)