Dean doesn’t take this too well. “First you tell me you’ve got the shining, and you tell me I’ve got to go back home, especially when”¦when I swore to myself I’d never go back there?” Sam is sympathetic, but makes the solid point they need to check it out. Dean reluctantly agrees. I’m sure that’ll be a tense trip.
The Impala is seen on the road to Lawrence (judging by the fake road sign) and pulls up to their old house in a quiet suburban neighborhood. Dean looks at the house like he’s seeing a ghost, and Sam asks if he’s gonna be alright. “Let me get back to you on that.” Remember the days when these two would care about each other so much? I know, people change.
They ring the doorbell and the woman in Sam’s dream opens the door. Instantly his eyeballs pop out of his head. Dean goes for the standard fake cover but Sam interrupts with honesty. They used to live there and want to see the old place. He even gives their real names. She recognizes the name, pointing out she found some old photos. Now Dean is surprised.
They go inside and meet the fam. There’s a toddler in a pen named Ritchie, and of course the traumatized little girl who’s name is Sari. Mom tells of the problems with the house. Shorts in the wiring because the lights flicker, the sink’s backed up and there are rats. Dean asks if she’s actually seen the rats, or only heard scratching in the floor. Only the scratches. Dean does his best acting job by not freaking. Then Sari tells the story of burning ghost in her room. They all try to tell her there’s nothing in her closet, but Sam and Dean know there is so something in her closet.
Sam and Dean leave and now they can act freaked. Sam is freaked because everything she said is the classic sign of a malevolent spirit. Dean is freaked because Sam’s visions are coming true. That kind of makes “Metamorphosis” come full circle, doesn’t it? When he tells Sam, “If I didn’t know you, I would want to hunt you,” all that began in this episode. Fascinating, huh?
Okay, maybe not. Anyway, they fight about what’s happening. They need to get the family out of that house now. Dean of sound mind points out they don’t have a story that they’re going to believe. So Sam asks what are they supposed to do. Why regroup at a local gas station of course! They need to chill out, pretend like it’s just another job. This scene BTW ranks as one of the best Impala scenes ever.
They both lean against the back of the car and go through the history of the house. Sam asks what Dean remembers about the night of the fire. Not much. He remembers the fire, the heat, and that he carried Sam out the front door. Sam is shocked, for he didn’t know that. Dean is surprised. Why does this surprise you Dean? You know how much of a secretive bastard John is. Man, these Winchesters really need to learn about sharing things.
He recaps John’s story, that he found Mary on the ceiling, and whatever put her there was long gone. “And he never had a theory about what did it?” Sam asks. Of course he did, and we learn so in “In My Time Of Dying.” He’s just a bastard that didn’t want to tell you. Sam says they need to check around, see if it’s the same thing. Dean points out they need to talk to John’s friends, neighbors, etc. Sam asks if this feels like just another job.
Dean doesn’t respond since the answer is so freaking obvious, and instead excuses himself to go to the bathroom, but just outside of it, with the Impala in full backdrop, Dean pulls out his cell and calls his dad’s number. He chokes out the following words on the brink of tears, and for the first time we see a very vulnerable side of Dean. “Dad, I know I’ve left you messages before, I don’t even know if you get them.
But, I’m with Sam and we’re in Lawrence and there’s something in our old house. I don’t know if it’s the thing that killed mom or not, but, I don’t know what to do. So, whatever you’re doing, if you could get here, please. I need your help dad.”
No amount of recapping on my part could capture how raw the emotion is in this scene. I think this is the first episode that really nailed the setup for such heart tugging scenes to come. And the crying. Because come on, how often do you cry like that?
I’m not recapping the next scene. I’ve never been able to watch it with eyes open. Plumber, garbage disposal, hand, blood spurting, screaming. Nuff said.
They talk to John’s old business partner at a garage, but don’t tell him they’re his sons. Oh come on, he’d be so pleased to know that. He talks about how much John loved Mary, but got weird after the fire. John insisted something killed her, even though the official cause was bad wiring. John started talking with a psychic in town, but didn’t know which one.
Sam and Dean go through the yellow pages at a phone booth, and there’s something you don’t see anymore. Sam rattles off names of psychics, and the name Missouri Mosely catches Dean’s ear. He pulls out John’s journal and reads the passage “I went to Missouri for answers.” Dean assumed it was the state. That’s a fair assumption. Just wait until you see this Missouri.
Next thing they’re in a waiting area in a house, and a black woman escorts a man out telling him his wife loves him. After he’s gone, she tells Sam and Dean his wife is “cold banging the gardener.” Sam asks why she didn’t tell him the truth, and she admits people don’t come there for the truth. Kind of defeats the purpose of seeing a psychic, huh? “Well come on in Sam and Dean. I don’t have all day.” They’re floored she knows who they are. I would have called them Fred and Ethel just for grins.
It’s funny the things one appreciates in an episode of fictional television.
The whole scene with the garbage disposal. I have one in my house. Had one for years. My dad is a general contractor and has installed stuff like this for years. I know how they work, having seen them in pieces.
So usually when we see a garbage disposal scene, folks are getting sucked into it like the action of the unit itself is pulling them in. BUT, they don’t actually work that way. The stuff inside is blunt, not sharp and essentially bludgeons your veggie clippings and left over chicken bones into stuff small enough to wash down the drain.
So why do I bring this up. Well, this is the first time I have ever seen this scene done is a way that I would consider…..realistic, for lack of a better word.
The poor plumber looked like he was being held by a person who was forcing his arm down the disposal. Not like the disposal was sucking him in.
Yea, yea, I know. It makes no nevermind to you all. It was just a scary scene but to me it was the very first time it didn’t look cheesy. And if you think I pay that close attention to stuff like this….you don’t want to see me review something where horses are involved!
Oh Alice, a phone book in a phone booth – in this day and age you’re lucky to find a phone booth period. 😆 Kind of strange actually.
Now, I’m not a “Sam” girl or a “Dean” girl. Heck if I HAD to label myself then I’d say I’m a Winchester/Supernatural!Girl – however, it has always bugged me why Missouri seemed to be giving Dean the gears. Although we know from “Everybody Loves a Clown” that Dean doesn’t take sympathy from strangers, so what you said about why Missouri was doing what she was doing makes a lot of sense. She is a psychic after all.
I love re-watching season one in particular because it just amazes me how they evolved this show so beautifully.
Great recap Alice.
I loved this episode and wa always sad that they never could bring Missouri back, hopefully they will at some point.
This episode was the start of the upward trend for SPN thing just clicked and you get all the things that would make SPN o great in one episode. The angst, the horror, the family drama, the humour, daddy issues, sibling conflict, the wider series arc – it all comes together to make and awesome episode and the coming together, I believe, of kripke’s vision of the show.
Also it’s the start of Kripke and Co’s ongoing mission to make me think twice before using anything in my kitchen, garbage disposal, fridge, knife draw – keep watching the episodes and you see what I mean. Honourable mentions go to the mircowave, blender, oven in MM (not officially scary but gross enough to qualify) and melonballer which i’ve never been able to pick up again (ditto butter curl maker by association). The trend had started in DITW (the sink) but I hadn’t picked up on it yet until this episode. If they decide to go for the kettle/coffee maker i’m screwed!
This is the up-side of not having any hightech domestic wossnames … The nearest I get to a garbage disposal is a combination of an elderly labrador and the compost heap, and though the former might steal your cake if you weren’t looking and the latter smells a bit questionable when it’s hot neither is particularly perilous when you get right down to it.
The fridge is too tichy and too full of past-it veggies to get get anything bigger than a very small thing shut inside and all my knives are totally blunt due to small boys pinching them to chuck at bits of wood outside ( Ninja training, apparantly, blame Naruto … ) If I had a melon baller I would be too scared to use it though, so you do have a point! ( Unlike my blooming kitchin knives … mutter, mutter … )
I can’t imagine Dean being particularly receptive to comfort from motherly strangers … He has enough problems accepting it from his thin-on-the-ground nearest and dearest, so Missouri struck the right note for me.
Good recap, I can’t wait for my discs to arrive so I can get stuck in … It’s been so looong!
Awesome, Alice, Just awesome.
I’m glad you agree with my assessment (in tone and flavor) of how/why Missouri dealt with Dean, and you added to it as well, fab.
This was a powerful episode and Kripke himself states that this is where they really got their footing going, sure there were fumbles after that but overall this ones marks the turn…it’s awesome DAMN YOU, KRIPKE (in the best possible sense.)
Great recap! This episode is one of my favourite’s as well. The fact that the “I’m sorry.” hung in the air for three seasons before we got the ultimate pay-off is why this series is so incredible. The other scene I love is Dean leaving the voicemail for John. I always think that what Dean needs is a good, long hug (I volunteer!).
I cannot, nor have I ever been able to, watch the garbage disposal scene. I don’t even close my eyes, I simply fast forward. That scene is too authentic and in the realm of possible kitchen accidents for me to stomach. Werewolves, wendigos and ghouls? Bring ’em on. But not the appliances – I just can’t handle it.
Okay, back to real life and work now *sigh*.
This is pretty much the episode I consider a first for so much that is/was to come in future seasons.
I want answers as to why Missouri felt power in Sam.
Heck! I want Missouri to return, I really enjoyed her in this.
Thank you! I thought I was the only one getting a headache thinking about bow they seem to get internet access ANYWHERE and EVERYWHERE! It’s mind boggling…
And yeah, Missouri definitely needs to come back!
Well, could it be that with their credit card scams and all that they opted for satellite hook up for their internet? That would work in a lot more places…..
Yes, yes, I can rationalize anything. I’m such a killjoy, I know.
Hi. First time commenting, a loooong time follower 😀
I found your blogcritics stuff last summer and tracked them back to your own site. Since then I have been totally sucked in by your great and snarky (plus funny as hell, excuse the pun lol) commentaries as well as your insightfull and emotional analyses of the boys.
I esp. love all your top 10’s (mooooore please!!!) and the “deeper look at season 3 Sam” and “…Dean” -bits. And anything about the music of this show is love 🙂
About this review, I *love* Home, it’s my fave s1 ep, hands down. So your rev was great and soooo funny 🙂
I just decided to voice my opinion(s) after being silent for a year ’cause it’s starting to take a toll on me… especially since I can’t really talk and squee about this AWESOME show with anyone ’cause none of my friends or family are hooked like I am 🙂 And boy, can I talk about this show 😀 SPN is THE show for me, and this comes from someone who watches tv and movies ALOT… like truckloads or something…
SO, a long story short, thank you for all these writings (and yes, i’ve read everything I’ve found off yours, and they kick *ss 🙂 ) and hope you keep it up and thanks to Elle2 ( I loved the s1 music bits) too who also writes very well 🙂
I’m swearing off spoilers this season so this hellatus is going to be a tough one, but thank god for my DVD’s and your articles :DD
Oh crap, I didn’t realize I had overusage of the smileys *sorry* 🙂 Damn, it’s a decease or something, need medication… 🙂
OK, I’ll stop now… 😀
dammit *grin*
Hey Supernarttu..I totally know how you feel! (ok I know this is a bit off topic here, sorry) Anyway, I’m in the same position as you Supernarttu…the online fandom is the only place for me to squee. I used to frequent this one forum a lot, and it was like my online home or something. But that forum has been cooling off a lot lately, much to my dismay. Fortunately, around the same time I found this wonderful site.. 😀 I might not survive Hellatus if I didn’t find this place.
Hi, Supernarttu and Narcissus.
I join in on the “this is the only place and you are the only people I can talk to about this fabulous show.”
I’m so blessed that Alice lets me write stuff here and that you all comment on it, it keeps me going and energized to find more things to go on about.
Sometimes I just need to ‘talk’ or emote or whatever about the show and this is the spot I come to. I visit some other places and occasionally (and now very occasionally) tag a comment or something, sometimes I vote on some polls but this is the place for lotsa comments. I’m so glad for everyone who comes here and shares.
Supernarttu, there will be a music review for each season to go with The Road So Far Series and Alice has an open invitation to add to any of those articles so the next one is coming your way in about a week to a week and a half. I’m planning on two posts of some length each week until the new season starts. If you have any suggestions (Alice is working on the best of the baddies and we’re collaborating on Supernaturalisms (or saying of the Winchesters plus some select others) that will head out later this month, likely, but if you have some suggestions…throw them out there. Together we’ll make it through and have a lot of fun along the way.
I know how you feel, i’m a big movie/tv buff (i can make a small fort out of my dvd’s – what i was bored)bu SPN is something special. Only one of my friends watches the show and she’s not the “lets talk about it” kind of person even though she does love it, so the only place i get to gush is online and here is one of the few places where you can talk about it without things getting well…….. lets just go with crazy. I like talking about the show here as people look at things differently and see things in a way that i hadn’t seen before and it brings new elements to my viewing.
plus it’s always fun to chat to other SPN fans and the general awesomeness of the show!
Frankly me dears, if any of us unleashed our inner fangurls out in the real world we’d be in danger of being carted off … or at least chucked out of the PTA for aggravated oddness … But if we keep it virtual no one need ever know and we can obsess to our heart’s content!
So bring it on, it’s going to be a very long summer otherwise …
just been looking at the screen shots – how young does sammy look, all together now – awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
This is my first time here and after browsing around a bit I happened upon this and decided to comment 🙂 Home is the first ep of SPN that I ever watched and I was hooked right away. I don’t really know if I love the ep because of the guys or Missouri or because John appeared or what but It’s among one of my favorite episodes from Seasons 1 to 4. I wish they’d bring Missouri back. Thanks for re-capping it 😀 BTW I totally agree with whoever said that Jared/Sam looks really young in this episode!
Thank you for welcoming me, it was very sweet of you guys 🙂 And I promise I wont rant obsessively – alot anyway *grin
But, since this (Home) is my fave episode of S1, I have to add a little squeee 😎
I don’t remember the exact time I saw this the first time… My SPN hook-up happened rather late (like spring 08) even though I had been familiar with it for 2 years.. It started running here 2006 and I used to flip it on and off occasionally but I wasn’t hooked so to speak… It was only after S2 All Hell Breaks Loose I (the ending) that got me mental 😀 I was shaking the whole week waiting for the last ep ( OMG THEY KILLED SAMMY screaming in my head 24/7) I just didn’t see that they would *shame on me* And after the finale I just jumped onto my computer and checked if the network had rights to S3, witch they didn’t… And I was… very cranky 🙂 Oh, I’m getting sidetracked here, sorry…
LOng story short, I watched S3 online (like I watched s4 and propably s5 too) ’cause they only started showin it here this april. And after that I just ordered all the season dvd’s… I’m gonna order the season companions too some day, for I hear they are filled with great stuff and I love all the behind the scene -commotion and stories.
BUT, this was (supposed to be anyway ) about Home… So I love this ep, this is the most emotional ep of s1 for me… It has the boys, mom, dad and missouri all in this one wonderfull teary angsty shell, oh *love*
I agree, the teaser was kinda boring in the sense that it wasn’t that scary… or interesting… but if they had included the sammy dearming bit part of it, it would have been SO much better.
But I loved everything else, it is epic for me 🙂
On a side note, the garbage disposal thing wasn’t that creepy for me (still thank god, we don’t have those things here *g*) but the cymbalmonkey toy freaked me out!! I would run out of the house screaming if that kinda creepyass monkey started to do the rumba all on its own *shudders*
Both boys were just love in this and I just felt for both of them… I just wanted to hug them and stroke their hair and say it’s gonna be okay *sigh*
And mom, oh, she was so heartbreaking with the whole loving glances and the “I’m sorry” (which bugged me -alot – way up until s4 and then it was just more heartbreak) and John in the end just killed me. He can be a bastard but I just love him too
part 2:
Oh, I ran out of space, what a surprise 😀
But ranting on…
I can never pick a favorite ep, ’cause I.just.can’t. but a season favorite seems a little more possible… Even though as I speak, I feel like I’m cheating other awesome S1 eps *grin* ’cause it still was very hard to choose.
There are no eps that I hate or dislike ’cause they all tell the story of Sam and Dean 🙂
Sh*t, I can’t keep on the topic 😛 Ok, Home is awesome on top of awesome (like many, many others) and I’ll shut up now until I have something sane to say 🙂
P.s. You should do the award thingy on S1 and 2 too 😀
Pp.s. Elle2: I can’t wait for the music articles and your road so far -bits are great too 🙂
You could have a point there, Alice … Several of the trophy wives who occasionally wander into the PTA meetings to slow down proceedings and flash their add-ons at the chairman bear a strong resembelance to that crew out of Malleus Maleficarum …