Blog Post

“What the Chuck, Chuck?” An analysis of Chuck/God by Kirby Rosser

  • By randomfandomlife
  • 28 Jun, 2017
This blog post is pulled from a Facebook post by Kirby Rosser, founder of the Facebook group WeAreSPNFamily. We found it to be a great analysis of the arc of the character Chuck/God and figured you would enjoy it as well. Thanks, Kirby, for letting us snag your genius!
 
So this post is my answer to a post made by another group member on the topic of Chuck and his actions in the first episode we see him in. I thought it would be kinder of me to not add this ridiculously long post to the comment section!
Here is what her post said, “So…in The Monster at the End of this Book Chuck doesn’t believe that Sam and Dean are Sam and Dean even though he’s been having visions of Sam and Dean for possibly about four years. He also wrote a good chunk of the episode before it happened. Even if he was God playing the role of Chuck at the time, how do you explain not recognizing the guys who’ve been living in your head long enough to write nearly four seasons worth of books? What the Chuck, Chuck?”
So the second I saw this post I knew I was gonna have to comment and I knew it was gonna be a long one; it’s worth it trust me. As someone who has been watching the show since day 1 and who was watching all the behind the scenes stuff that was posted online at the time, all the panels, reading all the magazines (yes they had magazines going from s3-s7), reading the companion books for each season, etc. I can answer this question was 100% confidence.
Let’s first deal with the first episode that Chuck appears in which is the episode being referred to here. Season 4 Episode 18 “Monster at the end of the book”. Thank the beloved Robbie Thompson for writing the much later episode in season 11 “Don’t Call Me Shurley” for our simple yet sometimes annoying answer. So right after Chuck reveals to Metatron that he is God this piece of dialogue happens:
METATRON: Why did you put on the Chuck suit in the first place? How did that make any sense to you?
CHUCK: I like front row seats. You know, I figured I’d hide out in plain sight. You know, plus, you know, acting is fun.
METATRON: Well… it’s an Oscar-worthy performance.
So this is the first comment by Metatron that really gives us an idea that Chuck aka God really liked hiding in plain sight and that because he was God he was really good at it. Later we get another comment from Metatron about the writing of Chuck’s new book and he says once again about him pretending to be the prophet Chuck;
METATRON: (Annoyed.) Oh. (Groans) You know what?! No. That is not G-O-D talking. That’s Chuck talking. And I get it – when you were on Earth, you had to go full method. Well, it’s time for you to get back into character.
This can answer the questions and points you are bringing to light. God was method acting, which means he was going to play the part of the prophet Chuck as if he was an actual prophet of the lord. What we as the viewer need to do with this information, and should always do when watching any program or film, is make sure we are watching it from the correct Point of View. The Point of view that we are viewing the season 4 episode from is from Sam and Deans point of view. They would not be inside Chuck’s head nor would they have previous knowledge that would allow them to suggest that Chuck himself was actually God. So we as the viewer have to make sure we are not viewing something from the wrong POV or we see errors that do not actually exist.
But let’s take a step back in history, 7 years back actually. Let’s go all the way back to the 2010 San Diego Comic Con Panel that had in attendance: Sera Gamble, Eric Kripke, Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Misha Collins, Jim Beaver, and Ben Edlund. This is by far my favorite panel for Supernatural, I highly recommend it because you get to see how amazing Kripke is.
Anyway the question was asked (I am typing this up from watching the video and crating my own transcription for y’all)
Moderator: “Let’s get metaphysical for a second. Was the prophet Chuck really God? Because if so that means God attended a Supernatural fan convention, which is pretty cool.”(laughter from entire panel)
Kripke: I’ll field that one. Uhm… were not gonna give an answer. It’s completely open to interpretation. We very very intentionally did not want a character to come out at the end and say, ‘ AND THAT’S BECAUSE IM GOD!’(Kripke does a melodramatic deep voice) (Panel cracks up and Jensen does a funny calm slamming fist down on table mouth ‘dang while smiling) Because we felt like, you just wanted it to be, that’s like douchy up play, that’s like M. night douchy of a love letter. (The crowd is cheering and Jared is laughing his ass off) But there are people sitting here going but if Chuck was God, and we are not saying whether he was or not, well that means that the writer was God and isn’t that the definition of M. Night douchy. (Jared really losing his shit) And my response is like ‘yeah but if he is God, this God is banging whores. (At this point both Jared and Jensen are just laughing and shaking their heads) So that kinda takes the curse out of it.”
*For those that do not know who Kripke is referring to; allow me to explain. M. Night or better known as M. Night Shyamalan is a well-known film director, writer and producer who decided to find a way to stick himself into every film he did. You would never see his face, but he would play some small part. Now the director is not as good as he used to be, but a lot of people in the business looked at that as being pretentious and stupid. So that is why Kripke kept saying ‘M. Night douchy.
So back in 2010 even Kripke wouldn’t give a yes or no answer, although it was later stated by a writer I cannot recall and do not want to give out false information that when the episode Swan song was being written Kripke told them that they could do whatever they wanted with Chuck as long as he did not come out and say he was God. So there is the use of symbolism with the changing of his shirt to white, his narrative, and them him disappearing that gives the audience the impression that he was indeed God.
Link to video from comments taken above( start at 18:30 for just this segment; but I recomment the entire thing!_: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47LOFuk0c3c&t=1175s
But you are correct in one of your points that the concept of Chuck was not created to lead up to him being God; basically the same thing that happened with the Trickster/Gabriel. That was never the game plan. Sera Gamble pitched the idea of a prophet to the writers and they loved it, they liked going meta again and Chuck was born. I believe that while they were writing that episode they saw a future with Chuck and where that future could go which leads me to believe that by his second appearance, which was the season 4 finale the writers were already beginning to create the idea that he was God.
But we are still leaving out another key person’s point of view; Rob Benedict. For years after Swan Song aired he was asked at every convention ‘ was Chuck God?’ and while Richard would pump up the crowd with a yes, I rather enjoyed Rob’s answer. This answer was taken from a solo panel that Rob did back in 2010 so right after season 5.
Rob: “My personal take on it is that Chuck is Eric(Kripke). And Eric is God is God of Supernatural. And so, right, he created the show. In the show Chuck, Chuck is the creator of the show in that world. And Eric stepped down after last year, after last season so I think he sorta took himself out of it in the end. I think that was his Swan song. So he wrote those amazing words, I mean that voice over stuff in the last episode, and then poof he is gone. So that is my own interpretation of it. ( He goes off and talks about some more stuff, but comes back to the main point) And I do know also that I’m not back yet next season but I think that he’s just, he wants to wait for the right time. I think I will be back, it’s just a matter of once your God, you can’t really like you know, ‘ Hey what’s up guys! I’m just talking to some hookers on the phone. Oh I’m God!’. That would just make it really cheese wiz, so they just want to make it special.”
Link for quote taken above: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC2OQQeESeg
Later on in 2015 at JIBCON 6 during Rob’s panel with Jim Beaver he talks a little more about how he actually read the script “Swan Song” and how the crew clued him in. Someone asked him if he thought Chuck was God and he goes, “Yeah man!” and then goes to explain this story.
Rob: “My experience was when I read the last script at the end of season 5, I didn’t get it. And I was up there shooting the episode and one of the boom guys (the microphone guys) was like, ‘So your God, huh?’ And I was like, I’m God? I had to go back to the script (mimics the panic of him re reading the script) and then Eric Kripke called me and was like, ‘yeah how does it feel to be God?’ and I was like, so that’s what it is huh; I didn’t realize it at first. And then you know he basically explained to me that he was leaving the show and that I always was an interpretation of Kripke in the show. And if you think about it in terms of Eric Kripke being the omniscient creator of Supernatural and in that sense, that’s how Chuck is God. So when I came back in the 200th episode, I think it’s a little bit like Chuck’s (Kripke) watching. And it was a nod to the fans really you know to sorta say like you know not Rob Benedict but like that presence is still there. Like, yeah I’m checking it out, I know what’s up.”
Link for quote taken above: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQWU0vz9Yks
So like Kripke said we can interpret the actions of Chuck before he was “official” deemed God in season 11. Or you can look at it the way Rob did, what Kripke told him back in season 5, and that when it comes to Supernatural we truly do not give the writers enough credit. Because with this show there is the surface level story, but if you dig just a little you are watching a completely different show filmed with so many amazing secrets and “hints” that you just gotta go WOW!
By Kearson Winchester December 7, 2018

It's the 1 year anniversary of the incorporation of Random Fandom Life, Inc. I can’t believe it’s already been a year. As I look back on the journey, my heart is warmed by the persistence and love that has gone into breathing life into a small idea that began to take shape in the early months of 2017.

The Supernatural fandom has led me to meet some really incredible people. Three of those people became my fellow founding members of Random Fandom Life: Brandy Melin, Jenny Hendrix, and Jaime Fitzpatrick. Coming from varied backgrounds and experiences, we all bring our own talents and perspectives to the mix. None of us had ever started anything like this before, but despite that, we dug in and pushed hard to make it happen.

Countless hours of online conversation led to the drafting of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. We’ve been talking to each other every day for close to a year and a half at this point. Every day is something new.

By Kearson Winchester June 30, 2018
RFL is giving away 10 items from the David Haydn-Jones <3=LOVE Campaign
By Kearson Winchester May 21, 2018
RFL is giving away 38 copies of Family Don't End With Blood
By Kearson Winchester March 8, 2018
Random Fandom Life has officially launched its first campaign: This I Can Do.

What's it all about?
RFL's first campaign is about something very fundamental: inclusion and encouragement.

We want everyone to know that no matter your fandom affiliation, or any other defining categorizations, if you want to do better, be better, and help make the world better, we have just one thing to say to you:

Welcome home.

Your actions, big or small, are all important in the tapestry of existence, and we want to celebrate them with you.

The world can be a discouraging place, and sometimes it's hard to find reasons to 'fight the good fight'. 

Don't let the world or even your own doubts tell you that you can't do something.

Find one thing, no matter how small, and start there. Tell yourself "This I Can Do" and know that it is enough,  you are enough, and hang on to that thing until you can move on to the next thing, and the next.

Be fearless. Be the change. One more step.

We want this message to spread far and wide, and in the process, we are going to raise money to help a great organization do monumental things.

Where's all the money going?
100% of the net proceeds from this campaign will go to Random Acts  to help support the events, projects, and programs they organize to get others involved in making the world a better place.  Random Fandom Life will charge no administrative fee for this campaign. (Check out our Transparency Policy for details.)

Where do I get go to get mine?
Visit the "This I Can Do" campaign on Represent CLICK HERE

Please note that the storefront only shows T's and hoodies in black and white, but if you click the T-shirt, then you can select other items from the drop down like different shirt cuts and tank tops. Sizes vary from XS-5XL depending on the item. We clicked all the buttons so you would have the most choices for item type.

How do I donate an item to someone in need?
Send USD through PayPal to ThisICanDoItemDonation@RandomFandomLife.org
$25.00 USD (for a domestically shipped donated item)
$35.00 USD (for an internationally shipped donated item)
Any amount donated through PayPal to this address will be applied toward a donated item,
so if you do not have the entire amount listed above, but still want to help, you can do so in any amount.
 
I don't have the money for an item right now! What do I do?
Enter your information on the "This I Can Do" event page HERE
If funds are available from donors, then an item will be shipped to you. Random Fandom Life will never share your contact info with anyone but the distributor of the merchandise for the campaign (and only to place the order for your item.)
Please enter your information only once. Multiple submissions from the same requester will be deleted and will not increase your chances of obtaining an item.

How can I be more involved in this campaign?
So glad you asked! Spread the word on social media so that we can reach as many people as possible (see below).

Still not enough?

Well, we would also love to hear your stories. Tell us about the things you can do.

Tell us about a time you saw something that moved you to action to fix the situation.

Tell us about a time you helped someone, even if it was yourself.

Tell us about something you wish you could do or plan to do, and then tell us the first small step you can take to make it happen.

Tweet us with #ThisICanDoStoryTime, post a message on our Facebook Page , send us something on Instagram  with #ThisICanDoStoryTime or send us an email at ThisICanDoStoryTime@RandomFandomLife.org with the subject line "This I Can Do Story Time". And if your story is fandom related, add #RFLBecause so that we can see how fandom has helped you in your life.

Three submissions will be chosen at random to receive a free item from the campaign. 

I want to enter for a chance to get a free campaign item, but I don't want my business posted on social media.
We totally understand! If you do not want the contents of your entry to be shared publicly, please send it to the email above and specify that you wish to submit a private entry.

SHENANIGANS!
Random Fandom Life attends many fandom events around the world. If you are wearing a campaign shirt out in the wild at an event we are attending, come find us! We like selfies. And we may even be doing special fan events for folks wearing RFL merch, so stay tuned.

Be fearless. Be the change. One more step.

This I Can Do.

And never forget, welcome home.



The design for "This I Can Do" is by Light & Grace Media 's talented Taylor Hardman.
By Kearson Winchester February 16, 2018
I'm going to start by saying I wish I had taken notes. I'm still new at this blogging thing, so keeping track of everything that happens, and taking pictures too, is foreign to me. If anyone wants to follow me around taking notes and pictures of my adventures, please contact me. The pay sucks, and I'm kind of mean, but I'll drag you to cool places and make you laugh.

Moving on...

Valentine's Day. There are so many things, good or bad,that can be said about this holiday, but this post isn't about any of that.

This post is about a room full of random people in an old brick building reading words that caused a stir.

"Give A Little Love a night of poetry with Rachel Miner" was an event at Rapp's Saloon on Second Street in Santa Monica, CA, benefiting Random Acts and hosted by the folks at The Greater LA GISHWHES group.

I brought my son Isaac along (he'll be 9 in March) because he likes Rachel and because I thought it would be a good experience for him to spend time with cool people and hear some poetry. He didn't want to go, but in fairness, he never wants to go anywhere. Tough noodles, kid, you're getting some culture for Valentine's Day.

We stopped at Target to get a few gift cards to donate at the event. I learned my lesson at the last event about donating large quantities of items and then trying to lug them to the event site after barely finding parking. No weightlifting for me this time, thanks.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this 'open mic' event, but I should have known that it would be casual, because Rachel is just awesome like that. It was very laid back and informal. A few chairs, a few cushions on the floor, a snack table, and a valentine creation station. The idea was to make a valentine and then everyone would get to take one home at the end of the evening.

Well, my son wasn't having any of that. He took one look at all the heart shapes, stamps, stickers, and glittery letters, and it was on. He made one valentine for Rachel, made a second one, and then made a third one before he finally wandered back to sit with me for the readings.
By Kearson Winchester January 27, 2018
Welcome to the Random Fandom Life website!!!

We've taken off the training wheels, so forgive us for a few bumps and bruises here and there. Feel free to poke around and check things out. If you find anything out of sorts, feel free to drop us a line, because if you had something in your teeth, we would tell you. We wouldn't let you hang out on the internet, flashing it to the world. Help us help you help us...or something like that.

Here in the blog section we have a few throwbacks to blogs from the old wordpress site before we went fancy-pantsy and made our own. We aim to fill this section with blogtastic wonder. Stay tuned.

Make sure to check out the bottom of the home page where we have our roster of fandom families. Don't see yours? Let us know! We want to include everyone, so if you contact us, we'll add you. It's an on-going task.

The About RFL section tells you almost everything you need to know about us: where we came from, what we are about, how we work, who we help, and the faces behind the screen bringing amazing things to so many fandoms.

Events & Campaigns is where we list the fun stuff and believe us, we've got some great things ahead, so stay tuned. And, in the near future, you will be able to purchase your very own piece of Random Fandom Life through our Shop section! Patience is a virtue. We don't possess it, but we hear it's nice.

Interested in being a part of the fun? Contact us and let us know! We are always looking for people to help with the vision of making the world a better place through fandom unity.

~ Random Fandom Life
By randomfandomlife September 1, 2017

Random Fandom Life is headed to Texas!

By randomfandomlife June 28, 2017
This blog post is pulled from a Facebook post by Kirby Rosser, founder of the Facebook group WeAreSPNFamily. We found it to be a great analysis of the arc of the character Chuck/God and figured you would enjoy it as well. Thanks, Kirby, for letting us snag your genius!
By randomfandomlife June 24, 2017
I am so bad at keeping up with blogs. My apologies. On the plus side, I make up for my complete lack of communication by sharing the love and giving away cool stuff.
By randomfandomlife May 13, 2017
A few days ago I went to the book release party in Los Angeles for Lynn S. Zubernis’s new book Family Don’t End With Blood. It is a collection of essays from cast and fans on how the television show Supernatural has changed lives.
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