Episode 272

WARNING: THIS INTERVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR DEADWOOD (and almost for JUSTIFIED, but we caught ourselves!)

How do you know you've found your calling? For Jim Beaver, it happened the instant he stepped onto a stage, before even speaking his first line. 

Jim joins Weezy and Lisa to reflect on a career that's taken him from sitcoms to Supernatural to Shakespeare and Shakespearean Westerns to some of television's most beloved dramas with the most devoted fans.

Jim looks back on his early work, including the network sitcom Thunder Alley with Ed Asner, before discussing the role that became a career-defining institution: Whitney Ellsworth on Deadwood. 

Fans of the show won't be surprised to learn that the cast knew they were creating something extraordinary. Jim recalls the emotional experience of learning his character's fate and filming Ellsworth's heart wrenching exit, which quickly led to another collaboration with David Milch on John from Cincinnati.

The conversation turns to Supernatural, where Jim's portrayal of Bobby Singer became fertile fan favorite fodder. He explores how the show’s strongest moments had less to do with monster hunting and more to do with characters and relationships. Do you remember an episode called “Weekend at Bobby’s?” Jim shares the exhaustion of carrying the lead and the pride of starring in Jensen Ackles’ directorial debut!  

Why are two of Jim’s most beloved characters, on Supernatural and on The Boys, named some version of Robert Singer? It’s an inside joke by creator Eric Kripke, at the expense of his friend, Director Bob Singer.

Jim also shares memorable experiences working alongside Timothy Olyphant on Justified, Bryan Cranston on Breaking Bad, and Jonathan Banks on Better Call Saul, and we delve into The Boys’ metaphor which mirrors our current political landscape.

Plus, IMDb Roulette is full of gems, from singing nuns to Third Rock From the Sun!

Also, we are recommending The Prime series Sterling Point and our own Lisa Arch's appearance on the finale of Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness.