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Cowboys, Angels, and Demons: American Exceptionalism and the Frontier Myth in the CW's Supernatural

2014; Routledge; Volume: 62; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/01463373.2014.949388

1746-4102

Joseph M. Valenzano, Erika Engström,

Literature, Film, and Journalism Analysis

Abstract The CW network series Supernatural (2005–) draws its text from the horror and fantasy genres as well as religious mythology. Concurrently, it transmits a core "American" mythos. As its protagonists keep watch along a supernatural frontier and eradicate threats to the American way of life, this program both reinforces and alters aspects of the frontier myth and the myth of American exceptionalism by depicting its main characters as representations of America writ large whose mission has grown from an appointment by God to being equals to God. In this manner, Supernatural forwards a new American exceptionalism through the notion that America is exceptional because it is not just divinely appointed by God, but is divine itself. Keywords: American ExceptionalismFrontier MythReligious CommunicationSupernatural Notes Episode titles and original airdates included in our sample, in order of discussion: "It's a Terrible Life," March 26, 2009; "Swan Song," May 13, 2010; Faith," January 17, 2006; "Houses of the Holy," February 1, 2007; "Wendigo," September 20, 2005; "Scarecrow," January 10, 2006; "A Very Supernatural Christmas," December 13, 2007; "Fallen Idols," October 8, 2009; "On the Head of a Pin," March 19, 2009; "The Song Remains the Same," February 4, 2010; "Dark Side of the Moon," April 1, 2010; "Sympathy for the Devil," September 10, 2009; "Sam, Interrupted," January 21, 2010. All available on DVD. Republican pundits, such as former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former governor of Alaska and vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin (Page, Citation2010) and syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer (Citation2009), criticized President Obama for diminishing the idea of America's special place in the world. Kripke also identified Lawrence, Kansas, specifically, as the Winchesters' hometown because of its location near Stull Cemetery, which he cited as one of the "Gates of Hell" ("Ask Eric," Citation2009, p. 95). Further, Kansas is the name of the classic rock group whose "Carry on Wayward Son" (on the 1976 album Leftoverture) serves as a recurring opening theme song for the series. The Winchesters' avocation as "hunters" also invites interpretation of their characters as being similar to the frontiersmen of early American literature, such as James Fenimore Cooper's heroic Natty Bumppo/Hawkeye from The Leatherstocking Tales. Similarly, the legends surrounding real-life American heroes, such as Daniel Boone and tales of his slaying of a bear and life in the wilds of Kentucky, could be folded into a broader persona that forwards a good-doing, altruistic hunter/protector. Additional informationNotes on contributorsJoseph M. Valenzano Joseph M. Valenzano III (Ph.D., Georgia State University, 2006) is an Assistant Professor/Basic Course Director in the Department of Communication at the University of Dayton. Erika Engstrom Erika Engstrom (Ph.D., University of Florida, 1991) is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.