UPDATE: CHECK OUT THE FOLLOW UP TO THIS STORY
I remember watching the first episode of Supernatural way back in 2005. As a big fan of the fantasy/sci-fi genre, the show was an immediate hit for me. Demons, witches, and good old fashioned normal people fighting the forces of evil, that’s a gold mine for me.
Even back then, when I was considerably less attentive to the aesthetics of a show, I thought Jensen Ackles wasn’t that good of an actor. This was back in the heyday of the WB, when they recycled young actors from show to show.
This was Ackles’s third show (that I know of) on the WB, after stints on “Dawson’s Creek” and “Smallville.” The WB loved doing this (Chad Michael Murray was on what seems to be a half-dozen show before finding “One Tree Hill”); even Ackles’s co-star Jared Padalecki, who I thought had better acting chops, had been a WB mainstay, as a “Gilmore Girls” cast member for five years. For better or worse, the WB just kept shoving no talent pretty boys down our throats—Jensen Ackles, case in point.
Well, fast forward five and half years later, and the tables have completely turned. Not only do I think Ackles has improved by leaps and bounds to completely inhabit the role of Dean Winchester, I find myself wondering on lazy days—was Jared Padalecki completely miscast in the role of Sam?
I’m the kind of guy who goes back and watches shows over and over. It’s perhaps a tad ridiculous, but it helped confirm something I’ve been suspecting four about the last three seasons—Padalecki is a terrible actor. Words can’t accurately describe how pitiful he is at pulling off a role that should carry considerably more gravitas.
Sam’s demon storyline has really shown Padalecki’s flaws. Surely you roll your eyes when he tries to pull off evil or tormented, with that awkward-looking crooked smile thing he does (too much) with the squinted eyes. You know the squinted eyes. He can’t pull of dialogue either. Much of the show is driven by the relationship with his brother Dean, and it’s increasingly obvious over the years that Padalecki can’t keep up with his co-star.
We now have to follow this ridiculous soullessness plot, which has only highlighted Padalecki’s flaws even further. If you watch the episode “Live Free or TwiHard,” you see Sam in the background cunningly allowing his brother to be turned into a vampire. This should be some diabolical and sinister look; instead it’s painful; Padelecki seems like he’s viewing some kind of fetishistic porn.
To summarize, on the whole, he’s just a terrible actor. He can’t work with his own face, his vocal inflections are poor, and he just generally ruins scenes he is present in.
Interestingly, you can trace the demise of Padalecki’s ability to act with his ridiculous growth in body mass throughout the series. If you watch the first season, he was a tall skinny guy. The biggest changes come between the second and third, and the third and fourth season, when he just swells. And whatever he was taking removed any lingering ability to portray SamWinchester.
The show is now moving into its twilight, and we start to make observations about the show’s legacy, I think the poor acting of Padalecki is going to be one of the big addendums to the show. The fourth and fifth season of the show really broke open the show and took things to another level, but Padalecki has always held the show back for me.
Compare all this to Ackles. He grew as an actor with this role. He pulls off all the darkness, insecurity and inner turmoil of Dean perfectly; combined with Jim Beaver and Misha Collins and tons of solid performances by guest stars over the years such as Kurt Fuller, Robert Wisdom, and Julie McNiven, the show on the whole has had some stellar acting for a fantasy show. If only the other star of the show could act.
About Jason Woods
PEOPLE CHILL THE HELL OUT SO WHAT IF HE THINKS SAM IS MISCAST DOESN’T MAKE HIM LESS OF A FAN OF THE SHOW!! PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT OPTIONS OF THE SHOW THEY SHOULD BE A LOUD TO VOICE THEM WITH OUT PEOPLE FLIPPING OUT ON THEM. STOP ACTING LIKE FAN GIRLS!
The blogger has a right to his own opinions. True. I’ve personally loved Jensen’s acting from the beginning, so I can’t agree there with the blogger. On his other article I had to possibly agree that Jared’s performance probably would have been much better if the CW had stuck to Kripke’s five year story plan and Kripke’s writing.
Holy Crap, but this author is SO RIGHT! I’m a huge SPN fan. I even teach a class on media and pop culture where I feature a section on SPN, and I have to beat students, undergraduate and graduate alike, off with a stick. so I owe a real debt to the show. But Padalecki is just a dismal, horrible actor. Jensen Ackles, on the other hand, I think will move into film once the show ends, and he should. He’s talented. I could see him a Bond in a few years. But Padalecki . . . well I hope he had a good financial planner. The thing is, I’ve never thought Padaleck was any good. I always thought Ackles out-acted him from day one. All the fangirls out there–chill. No one is saying he’s not cute . . . well . . . I gues I am; Ackles is better looking by leaps and bounds. But I’m a 37 year old married straight guy so what do I know.
Dang! I have a Ph.D. in English and I couldn’t manage to put the “s” on the word “as.” That sentence should have read, “I could see him [Jensen Ackles] as James Bond in a few years.”
Just my opinion…
Theron, you seem like you know what you’re talking about, so I’m not sure why you’d use the words dismal and horrible when discussing Jared’s acting. I just think that’s extreme. I think everyone has room to grow in his craft. Jared isn’t horrible. He’s still learning.
Just my opinion, but I adore Jensen’s acting. I think he’s intuitive and smart. He makes interesting decisions and he’s able to convey several layers at one time. Jensen creates while he acts, maybe I’m not explaining that correctly, but I feel that Dean Winchester is a real person. I can see Dean thinking, not Jensen, but Dean. I love what Jensen is doing because he sees film as a craft. It isn’t just his own acting that Jensen is concerned with. Jensen realizes that other actors are in the scene with him and he works with them. That’s why Jensen seems to have chemistry with all the cast members. Jensen seems to know what camera shots are going to be used and he has an acute awareness of everyone else blocking. Jensen understands that his character looks a certain way, moves a certain way, and reacts to his environment a certain way. But that’s Jensen. And that’s what is different.
Jared is getting his acting skills together. He is still learning. But he’s getting there because he’s growing as an actor. It’s not bad acting. Maybe it’s not enough scene study skills. Jared doesn’t analyze in detail. Maybe…
Jensen is busy trying to tell that story that’s in the script. Jensen’s awareness not only covers his character, but everyone’s in order to tell that story.
I just thought those words were extreme, especially coming from a teacher.
Jensen Ackles is an overpraised mediocrity who is either lucky or unlucky enough to attract mentally unstable bitches who are so jealous of Jared Padalecki and Sam Winchester that their disgusting hatred bleeds through everything they say online. That this article reads like it was written by some older woman acting like a high school bee-yotch on Jensen’s behalf is what saddens me the most. Seriously, you may be a guy, but this article reads so much like the psychotic and hateful drivel written by the worst element in the Jensen/Dean fanbase that it is uncanny. I won’t call them Supernatural fans, because they aren’t, not really. Even the comment disparaging Jensen as a pretty boy at the beginning was an obvious set up to praise him later. Seriously. I hope you find your man pants some day and stop fearing Jared and his tallness and his muscles. By the way, Jared was only overly big in season 5, and yes, it did show, but he’s slimmer than ever now, or did you miss how thin and chiseled his cheekbones have been this season so far? Dean girls are notorious for putting down Jared’s body out of jealousy. He’s only had his shirt off twice this season, once more than Jensen, and people act like it’s happening in every episode. Or, maybe it is, in their heads.
The biggest clue I’ve gotten that Jensen isn’t all that comes from being forced to watch Dean, Dean, Dean, and more Dean to the point where it all bores me stiff. Really. That fake ass Batman voice? Lamest acting decision I’ve ever seen on a tv show, very nearly. And he’s still doing it! Lame! The pretty boy single tear of emo? Total cliche by now. He looks like he’s afraid he’ll look unattractive if he moves his face too much. And yeah, he did a great job playing two Deans in The End. But Jared shows up for five minutes, practically his only five minutes, and he steals the episode with his portrayal of Sammifer. That shows that what Jared needs is actual solid writing to do his best work. Jensen succeeds so well because Jared is being handicapped for him. And that is all it is. How do you fail in a part where you have most of the POV, the dialogue, the side characters, the guest characters, and special episodes designed for you? Yet, as soon as Jared/Sam gets a solid episode and solid writing, Jared wins out and comes out just as strongly, if not more so. Honestly, if Jared were being fully utilized, there is a good chance that Jensen would fade away, not from lack of talent so much as lack of a real, natural presence. To me, Jensen is simply not a natural presence. He is a very posed sort of actor, and if posing is what cues you into thinking that you’re seeing good acting, I’m happy for you. I prefer a different style and a different emotional quality.
I almost posted a critique of Jensen’s acting before, then deleted it. I decided to post this because I am so sick of this nonsense about his every little move being seen as Emmy material. It’s not. Maybe it isn’t bad. Maybe it’s pretty good. But he’s just a good actor doing a mostly good job on a decent little show with a psycho fan base. And to me, Jared is just as good if not better. Jensen has been overacting an overwritten part for awhile now. Jared is the one whose grown more subtle with time. He is way more subtle and way more natural than Jensen.
It’s also true that this show survives on the actor chemistry of BOTH Jared and Jensen. Misha is just an afterthought and his character barely works on the show whether you like Castiel or not. I love Sam and Dean and SamnDean. But I’m not blind nor am I stupid. Both actors are good and both have their issues.
Jared? Is that you?
Couldn’t agree more, excellent post. Overrated is key here. He’s solid, but not Johnny Depp.
I agree with you. Jensen’s overrated. He’s pretty good as an Dean winchester but sometimes I think he overacts makes dean look exccessively overemotional and he’s character is not much of a challenge and hasn’t evolved as sam. Jared has a tough time trying to portray sam and yes he could do it better, but so far his performance has been good enough to please me. The same as jensen but I don’t drool over the guy
You know your wrong…and your right at the same time. Jensen is a brilliant actor. He is definately a stand out and an extremely natural actor. The first time i saw him I thought something was up with him but then I figured out what it was…it was his co-stars, even seasons co-stars struggled to be as natural as he is and as in the moment. But that was all before Jared imo. Jared is a stunning actor and he also is a very natural actor. He has a different demeanor than Jensen and their characters are different so he had to probably play away from his cool persona and be the little brother.
They are both amazing together and definately bring out the best in each other. Each scene together is a stand out compared to scenes with even the best actors they’ve had on the show. Their great but Jensen and Jared together are so much better. They seem more invested and are willing to go there and make it not seem cheesy. Its like they made that pack that this is unrealistic and we have to make it heartfelt and as real as possible so lets do that together. And I don’t think anyone is as good as these two are even on other shows.
Jim is great and OMG JDM was amazing with them and Mark P and Mitch P and Kurt F and some great great actors have been on the show but still these two keep up. The one that doesn’t is Misha. Misha is a terrible actor, its not his thing imo. He’s there because they don’t know how to get rid of him but Jensen in particular and now Jared work overtime in scenes with him because he really is just that bad lol. But whatever.
Both boys are amazing, there is no failing by either of them. They sell it every single time. I don’t think I’ve seen two guys sell such unbelievable storylines and heartfelt moments like these two. Chemistry is a wonderful thing.
What the hell is your problem Blank?? No1; true Supernatural fans, Dean Girls included, would not say anything against Sam or Jared! No2; you are in a VERY small minority thinking that Jensen anything less than a fantastic actor who deserves a lot more recognition than he gets… it sounds to me like you’re a guy who is probably a little jealous of Jensen as he has it all; looks, talent, girls falling at his feet… and perhaps you’re built like Jared Padalecki (which there is nothing at all wrong with), and have some kind of problem with it! You’re definitely coming across as someone with issues and jealousy eating you up! I can’t even be bothered to comment on the rest of your ramblings… a few months have gone by, I hope you’ve got over this now!
It’s sad that Mr. Woods cannot see the brilliance of this show. Though Jensen is my favorite, I’ve been amazed by Jared’s acting talent. He is believable on so many levels that I never see him as Jared pretending to be Sam; or Sam pretending to be the Devil. His mental transformation every time he is dealt another life-changing event leaves me in awe.
Thank you for your honest response.
This entire post is ridiculous? Why do you feel the need to post such a negative opinion about an actor when you know it will only enrage fans? Also, why should your opinion on action hold any credibility? Do you have some Golden Globes stashed away somewhere that we don’t know about? Not to mention your belief that all actors (or characters) should carry the same facial expressions and vocal inflections.
Both Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki are great actors. Evidence of this is that they’re still getting paid and they’re still being talked about.
So Mr Woods – feel free to eat it.
i meant acting, not action of course *sigh* i hate typos
well said gabby i totally agree
I think that the article is a bit unfair. Like most, I thought that Jared was absolutely awful in the first season, but has grown into a decent enough actor over the years. That’s not to say that I like alot of his acting choices because I don’t! In fact his performances often lack nuance and he doesn’t seem to be capable of rising above bad material, but instead embraces it or even drowns in it! But I still think that he was the right choice for Sam (which is the opposite of what I thought in the first season).
Jensen has been good since day one and is now way to great of an actor for this show or this network. He has the ability to rise above the bad writing and make Dean a rootable character despite TPTB undermining him every step of the way! He can say alot with just a few words or no words at all. It sickens me that such a talent is being wasted on a fourth rate show on a third rate network!
Oh Jason Jason Jason. Whenever one man writes off another as a “pretty boy”, I immediately disregard anything else he has to say about that man – because in using that phrase, you reveal your own insecurity about your own attractiveness and jealousy of other men.
Pathetic.
Funny because I think Jared’s mediocre. Jensen has heck of a lot more talent.
I have to agree, Jared Sam is sometimes pretty awful. It was never as obvious as when he played “Sammifer” in that future episode. I enjoy his performence when he does comedy, he can pull that really of. But dramatic and evil? Now way.
I second what you said, Jason! JP is rather mediocre and at times rather awful, He is the reason why I stopped watching!
He’s a great actor and if you stopped watching because you’re too braindead to see it, you’re an even bigger idiot than you look.
I am a very late bloomer when it comes to Supernatural, actually just started looking about 6 months ago by accident. Later I bought the series on DVD to get updated and going on se4 now.
This is not a show I would usual look after the first show I wanted more laughs. Now I mean in a positive way, these guys crack me up (is that the right expression? I’m not American) The timing Mr. Ackles has both in expression and his whole body language when portraying Dean, just gets me going; It’s a comedy and a good one for me:-)
I am not an actor or do I have any knowledge to what is considered good acting, I just go by the fact that either I like it or not. I will admit that the Dean character does it for me. I would like to see Mr Ackles in a comedy, be it a show or a movie but a friend of mine would like to see him in a love story; maybe both together;-)
So it is different to each viewer and the mane thing is enjoying what you look at, because if you don’t; just turn it of or watch something else!
To boys in Supernatural (Men) Thank you for a grate show, both of you
Take care now
Sorry about the typos above and that some words disappear. I am working with a test on a browser that is a beta version:-/
I’m sorry, oh wait I’m not…
This article is utter bull crap.
You obviously are not wise in the entertainment field and the ability to recognize an actor’s talent because you are truly dense. Jared Padalecki is a fantastic actor. He has pulled of geeky-teen, soulless, drinking-demon blood, heart wrenching sadness, and, hello, LUCIFER.
So excuse me while I disregard every false opinion you have here.
I find your article insulting and totally off-base.
Now, if you excuse me, I’m going to have a Jared Padalecki marathon. Goodnight.
This article is completely insane! Jared Padalecki is such an amazing actor. Yes you have the right to have your own opinions and I also have the right to mine. Jared is amazing for the role as `Sam’ If he wasn’t, he would have never got the part. Jensen Ackles is also an amazing actor and perfect for `Dean’ Are you seriously judging their acting skills on what shows they starred in in the past? Jensen and Jared have been doing an amazing job from the beginning. They are part of the reason why the show is at a 6th season. Fans watch the show for them. To see them. They are interested in it. When they laugh, we laugh. When they cry, we cry. And when they fight, we hurt. The Supernatural cast is brilliant. Jared, Jensen, Misha, and Jim are absolutely perfect for their roles and impressive actors. They always will be.
@The guy/girl who wrote the article – what are you talking about? When an actor plays a character for so long its like he knows him inside out so when jared acts, he does in a way that Sam should appear. Its like telling a person “your not yourself today whats wrong?” There’s nothin wrong with me I’m just —-.
This article was in bad taste. The writer has no clue. In the 1st season Jared’s expressions were a bit constrained maybe but he’s evolved into a fantastic actor. he has the harder job of doing melodramatic stuff without going overboard which is really appreciable. Jensen and Jared both are really good actors, totally excellent in their respective roles. all proved by the show’s immense popularity. I just don’t understand all the hate…..if we’re fans of the show, we can’t go bitching about it all the time.
I had to come to this post all this time later to point out to the writer of this article that he has no clue on what he had posted a month ago even though he was entitled to his opinion. I hope he read all the reviews of the Supernatural episode “Like a Virgin” last week and noted the praises Jared was getting for that performance. So you Jason really need to re-evaluate your mind frame. Your were in some super small minority that did not think Jared was filling his potential along with all the other rude comments you made in the first article. Remember Jared is Sam and he made that character who he his with all his different portrayals. Pay closer attention next time to what you are watching.
Although an avid fan, I’m not one to partake in any response to things on the internet. However, this article; wow! Did you deliberately set out with the intent to write the nastiest, most insulting of ‘critics’? I am honestly astounded by it. It was just blatant bashing. Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I will gladly listen to others views if a well thought argument is presented. No where in this article did I find a shred of actual, consideration. The near mindless criticism was just ridiculous.
Both Jensen and Jared have done absolutely brilliantly with the growth of their characters. Devoted fans of either character have to admit that both boys have at one time or another not given a performance that was one hundred percent. So, critics on particular episodes, I can understand. However, for someone to disregard the entirety of Jared’s acting, to suggest his casting was a mistake is such a disrespectful thing to say. The chemistry that both actors have with each other and that is utilized in every episode is a fundamental element of the show. Without both actors, this show would not be what we know and love.
With your opinion of Padalecki’s acting given, mine is that I personally find Jared to be consistently awesome, particularly when one takes into consideration the immense changes his character has undergone. Just watch Jared’s facial expressions. They are pivotal in the depiction of his many roles in the show. There is a clear, admirably executed difference between season one Sam, soulless Sam, demon Sam etc.
I may have succumbed to what this fandom terms a ‘fangirl’ outlook, and I honestly don’t care. You have given your views, and now I have given mine; this was highly offensive not to mention insensitive to those who actually adore both Sam’s character and Jared’s (IMO) exceptional portrayal of Sam.
I think Jared has gotten better at acting on Supernatural, if you are finding it difficult to understand Sam, and judging Jared’s acting, then Jared’s ability to act is only as good as the script he is given. A lot of the time I feel that the writer’s cater towards a lot of the fans who are drawn to Dean (the extreme ones that don’t like Sam at all, which apparently you are). Maybe my point of view is coming from seeing Jared in several of his projects, including his first, before Supernatural was being filmed. To get a perspective on the ability of an actor, you cannot tunnel vision yourself into seeing him in one role, you must get a general idea of several of his jobs, then judge his acting ability.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, yes, Jared’s acting is still improving, I re-watch previous episodes, and he is so much more mature, even towards the end of the first season and the second season. Some of it could be a result of some poor writing, which I think as improved somewhat over the last few episodes, particularly since Sam has been re-souled. I am one of those Sam girls that won’t find a bad thing to say about Dean, because he’s as integral to the storyline as Sam is. I have to be honest, I don’t like Sam light episodes and I did not like when Dean beat Sam unconscious in ‘You Can’t Handle The Truth’, mainly because Dean was unhappy about Ben being endangered by him being turned into a vampire, well that was on Dean, as he knew that vampires had that blood lust and assumed he could control it since he didn’t feed off of Sam. To be honest, I don’t think Dean feels the same way about Lisa and Ben as he does about Sam and he just didn’t realize it at the time.
I like the casting of Supernatural, I think the relationship between Jensen and Jared shows through. You’re entitled to your opinion, but I think you’re way off base here. I see improvements in both actors. Yes, they are gorgeous men, BOTH OF THEM!!!!!!! Anyone who thinks differently of Jared’s looks, that’s just your opinion. I am not trying to change opinions, just trying to opens people’s minds that there are people who appreciate the work that Jensen and Jared put into the show. They can only work with the scripts they are given, even though sometimes they get way too Dean heavy at times and give him all the workload, even though they should split it, it would allow both to grow as actors, and IMHO I don’t like Johnny Depp
.
Jared Padalecki isn’t a “terrible actor” by any means. He’s shown throughout the show that he’s capable enough of taking on a variety of different personas. (He’s pulled off sensitive, angsty Sam from season one and quiet, powerful Lucifer more than adequately enough.), but perhaps not necessarily the evil, diabolical one that the writers are fond of Sam becoming.
Yes, he has a tendency to make awkward, out-of-place expressions, but Jensen Ackles has a tendency to overact his lines as well. They both have their flaws, but they make Supernatural likable and believable enough for it garner attention and fan.
This article pisses me off. Good job on writing such a provocative attack on Jared Padalecki’s acting.
ok Jared is not the best actor of the show, but i think he grew as mutch as Jensen. and i really love the new Sam. But i really don`t care if u like him or not… it`s your opinion.
Mr. Woods, you are clearly watching a different show than I am. Jared is an excellent actor, You are a horrible journalist. I happen to think both Jensen and Jared make SUPERNATURAL the excellent show it is. I sure do hope no one paid you for this article, because, if so, it’s money wasted. JMHO, of course.
Supernatural cast is brilliant cast. The actors of both brothers are perfectly for their role and I wouldn`t have been so drawn in if one of them wouldn`t give me this special feeling…simply to feel for them. Since you mentioned Jared Padalecki here (as a target) I like to say that I appreciate his acting very much and I am deeply involved in Sam`s journey because of the acting of Jared Padalecki.
How much money did you get to write this? That was my first thought reading this article *shakes head and goes away*
Is supernatural miscasted?
No, “Supernatural” is not miscasted.
I DISAGREE ………whole heartely!!
im totaly with you on that one ,jared done an amazing job at the end of season 5 and start of season 6 if fact he has been amazing all though the series
Pete, I’m not one of the crazy Dean fans and I’m certainly not trying to convince you into worshipping Ackles, far from it, but I think you might find it interesting that one of my acting professors ( and believe me, the guy is really respected and has been acting and teaching acting for more than 30 years) showed us a few of Ackles scenes, e.g. in ‘The End’ with the following commentary : ‘this is the best one-on-one acting I have ever seen’. So I do think Ackles is more than just decent/good.
That is really awesome. Jensen Ackles has done some amazing acting on this show and I do believe he is respected by other actors. I’m not saying he’s the best ever or that he doesn’t have room to improve but I think he’s already doing a fantastic job on a very consistent basis and has been for years now. I mean hell even one of Supernatural’s writers said there were times when she knew a line was mediocre but figured “Ackles’ll make it work somehow”. Which sucks for him, being given subpar and/or lazy writing sometimes but it says a lot for his ability to take something and improve upon it. Making a movie or tv show is collaborative process and it is actually an actor’s job to bring something MORE to what is on the written page, to turn the character into a living thing and I think he has shown he can do a great job of it.
As for The End, that was about as seamless as it comes, which yes is thanks for the work of EVERYONE, as Ackles himself said, he talked about how the lighting and costume and make up all contributed to making it look real, but he still had to play it and I really can thing of very few other performances of an actor playing against himself that have been as good.
What a nice post “Max”. Jensen is an impressive actor.
“Impressive” is stretching it. Jensen has good facial expressions, but he has a tendency to overact at times or swing his body awkwardly. The camera close-ups do a good job of hiding his weird quirks.