Robin’s Rambles – “Caged Heat”

 
Crowley, King of Hell, is dressed in a bloody white apron, interrogating a chained-up, bleeding shape-shifter who has taken on the persona of–Crowley, King of Hell! “Sorry, but your exceptional good looks aren’t going to buy you any mercy,” says Crowley, “I suggest you talk.” He wheels in more torture implements. “What shall we use next? Speculum? Or something more exotic?” “It’s Purgatory,” says the shape-shifter, “all I know is, I go there when I die–it’s not like I can draw you a map.” “I happen to know you can,” insists Crowley. “You’re wrong,” says the shifter. “My sources are unimpeachable; you’re the father of your entire species,” says the demon, “you’re really not pulling off this dumb blond act.” He picks up a knife. “I hope you appreciate just how much effort I’ve gone to to find something that can actually hurt you. My tinkering has cost several lesser shifters their lives. Iridium,” he says, holding up the knife, “rarer than hell–it would have been cheaper to drop a castle on you, but I think we all agree–worth it. So, you start talking or I start chopping off all the bits that stick out.” “You go ahead, mate,” invites the shifter, “see if it makes me–” Before he can finish, Crowley plunges the knife into him, making him cry out in pain. 
 
Then Crowley holds up a baby monitor, and we hear the sounds of babies crying. “This prison has a nursery,” snarls Crowley, “I know how much they mean to you; you spent months gathering them to your bosom. Not so cocky now, are we? Finding Purgatory’s important to me! You have five seconds to tell me where it is. After that, I’ll fillet them in front of you, and toss the spines in your lap. . .four, three, two. . .” “Kill ’em all,” says the shifter, “we’ll make more.” Furious, frustrated, Crowley slams the monitor down on the metal table, grabs up a sword, and beheads the shifter in one stroke. His own head on the floor, Crowley quips, “Guess I kinda lost my head.” 
 
Editor’s note: Lots of violence here, and OMG, threatening babies? Wow, that’s a new low. Crowley was going to kill them, and even the shifter didn’t seem to care about sacrificing them; “We’ll make more” seemed a cavalier attitude, even as a bluff.        
 
Sam and Dean deliver another Alpha to two demons at an agreed-upon location. “You’re late,” one complains. “Traffic was a bitch,” says Dean. “One rugaru,” says Sam. “Where’s Crowley?” asks Dean. “Bangin’ a hooker in a sweet spot called none of your business,” answers the demon. “Oh ho, listen, Sam, demon tryin’ to be funny,” says Dean. “Is that what just happened?” asks Sam, sans humor. “Night, girls,” says the demon. Dean wants to know if they’re ever going to see Crowley again, or is he going to keep sending his demon extras to pick up his laundry? I know you’re speaking, I see your lips moving, but I can’t understand what you’re saying, the demon replies, eyes going black, “I don’t speak little bitch!” He leaves them, gets into a dark vehicle (what else?) and drives away. “Remember when we used to gank demons?” says Dean, ticked off. 
 
Entering their disgusting room, Dean complains, “I’m done! We’ve been going on these freakin’ Crowley runs, and it’s not gettin’ us anywhere. The only thing that’s really changed is now I need a daily rape shower.” Sam suggests they go with Plan B, then reminds Dean, “Oh, yeah, we don’t have one–and until we do, stock up on Soap on a Rope.” Dean chuckles humorlessly. “If you want to get my soul back, that’s what we have to do,” Sam reminds him. “Do you even want it back?” asks Dean. “I’m working for Crowley, aren’t I?” asks Sam. Dean nods and says, “Yeah, well, who says he’s going to hold up his end?” He pours  booze into a coffee cup. “It IS Crowley, ever think of that?” He turns; Sam is gone. “So I guess the moment’s over, is that what you’re sayin’? Sam?” Dean puts down his booze and withdraws his gun. Turning a corner, he finds Sam unconscious on the floor. There is darkness for a moment, followed by the realization that they are prisoners, tied to chairs. “What now?” asks Dean. “I think I know who you can ask,” replies Sam, who has just come to. “Evil bitch!” says Dean. “Keep sweet-talkin’ me and this can go in a whole new direction,” says a syrupy sweet voice over his shoulder. “MEG! I’ve been dyin’ to see you again,” says Dean gruffly. “Here I am, big boy,” she says, “what should we do now?” “How about I rip you to shreds?” suggests Dean, his face ugly. “Kinky, I like,” she says, “but a little Q and A first, if you don’t mind–now where’s your boss?” Sam huffs. “You think we work for somebody?” he says. “I happen to know for a fact you’ve been juggling Crowley’s orphans,” she says, “now where is he?” “Don’t know, don’t care,” says Sam. “You’ve been working his beat for months,” says Meg. “Doesn’t mean we get face time,” says Sam, who looks closely at a bald demon Meg has with her, guarding them. Meg sits on Dean’s lap, facing him. “Where do you take all those things you snatch up for him?” she asks, “I bet you an all-day sucker that’s where His Majesty’s holing up.” She holds a knife to Dean’s throat. “OK, officially over the foreplay–satisfy me or I please myself.” Sam bursts into derisive laughter. “Somethin’ funny, Sam?” demands Dean. “Meg,” says Sam. “Because from where I’m sitting–” begins Dean, upset. “She can’t do Jack Squat,” says Sam, “she’s totally screwed.” “Sam, not helping,” says Dean. “Look at her, Dean, she’s furious,” points out Sam, “if she could kill you, she’d have done it by now–she’s running.” Meg takes the knife away from Dean’s throat. “Am I?” Meg asks, looking at Sam. “Judging by the level of flop sweat on all of you, yeah,” says Sam, “which means you’re running from Crowley–which makes sense–Crowley would want to hunt down all the Lucifer loyalists now that he’s big man on campus. Meg lifts herself off Dean’s lap. “How would YOU know?” asks Meg. “It’s what I’d do,” says Sam, and assures Dean, “she can’t kill us; she needs us to get her to Crowley so she can stick that knife in his neck–it’s him or her.” “Well, I hope you both lose,” says Dean, “good luck.” “You know what you gotta do now, right?” asks Sam. “Let me guess, you’re gonna tell me,” says Meg. “Work with us,” says Sam. “Whoa, what?” asks Dean. Giving his brother a significant look, Sam says, “We’ll hand you Crowley with a bow, on one condition–we go with you, and you help us wring a little something out of him before you hack him to bits.” “What?” she asks. “Doesn’t matter,” says Sam, “the question is, can you get us what we need.” “I apprenticed under Alistair in hell, just like your brother,” Meg says, “so Dean, can I make Crowley do whatever I want?” “Yeah, she can,” answers Dean huskily, remembering. “It’s a deal then,” she says, “hugs and puppies all around.” “You gonna untie us?” asks Dean. “Please. Don’t pretend you don’t enjoy it,” she chortles. Sam exchanges a look with the bald demon that makes him frown. So does Dean, who asks him, “You gonna kiss me?” “Come on,” orders Meg, and they leave the Winchesters tied up. 
 
Later, freed, Dean asks Sam, “What are you doing?” “You wanted to mess with Crowley– Merry Christmas,” says Sam. “You want to work with a demon again?” demands Dean. “We’re working with demons NOW,” Sam reminds him, “I’m going this because I want to stop.” “She KILLED Ellen and Jo,” says Dean. “I know,” says Sam, “but you can’t look at this emotionally, Dean, we need her.” “The hell we do!” says Dean–“that little bitch is going to screw us over so fast–” “Of course, which is why we’ll screw her first,” says Sam, “Meg and her little posse are dead the second we’re done with them.” “If they don’t kill us,” points out Dean. Won’t happen, insists Sam, “Because we’re bringing insurance.” 
 
Outside, Sam takes a deep breath in the chilly air. “Castiel, we need you, it’s important,” he says. “Cas, we found something, it’s this gold box, apparently, Nazis were after it back in the day, someone tried to open it and their face melted off–ready for this? The Ark of the Convenant. Yeah, so–” “I’m here, Sam,” says Castiel, “where is the box?” “I can’t believe you fell for that,” says Sam, “that was the plot of Raiders, idiot.” “I’m mid battle, Sam,” says Cas. “I could give a rat’s ass about your little pissing match with Raphael,” says Sam. “You listen–” begins Cas. “No, YOU listen,” demands Sam, “I don’t care what you’re dealing with up in heaven, you OWE me!” “You may not care,” says Cas, “but believe me–” “I’m sorry, do you think we’re here to talk this out?” asks Sam. “Sam, I can’t just–” begins Cas. “If you don’t help us, I will hunt you down, and kill you!” threatens Sam. “Will you–boy?” asks Cas–“how?” “I don’t know yet,” says Sam, “but I will look until I find out, and I don’t sleep.” “You need help, Sam,” says Cas. “I need YOUR help,” says Sam. They look at each other solemnly.
 
Sam enters, followed by Castiel. “You actually showed,” says Dean, “Sam, I owe you a chicken dinner. What happened?” “No big!” says Sam, spreading apart his arms–“this is what friends do for each other.” The brothers and Cas perform a ritual to bring Crowley to them. “It’s not working,” says Cas, “Crowley is hidden from me.” “It looks like we’re going to have to try this the hard way,” says Dean. 
 
At the Campbell compound Cas searches maps while Sam and Dean search shelves for books with their flashlights. Samuel, gun in hand, enters. “Can I help you?” he asks. 
 
Editor’s note: What’s going on between Sam and Cas? The animosity was palpable. What does Cas owe Sam? Is it simply the jumping into the cage with Lucifer thing, or something we don’t yet know about? Sam threatened to kill Cas, and Cas called him BOY! What’s with that? It was funny that Sam used a Raider’s of the Lost Ark reference to fool Cas down to earth, but while Dean is genuinely concerned about Cas’ Heavenly problems, Sam couldn’t care less. Is it the soullessness or something more?
 
I have maintained for a while now that getting back his soul might be problematic for many reasons for Sam, and tonight’s episode highlighted several. Dean wants his old brother back so badly, he is willing to take a chance.
 
Hearing that they’re looking for Crowley, Samuel says, “If I even knew, why would I tell ya?” “‘Cause you’re our grandfather,” says Dean. “Samuel, I’m gonna get my soul back,” says Sam. “Who says you can get it back?” asks Grandpa. “Me,” says Sam. “I’d like to help,” says Samuel, “but–” “This is your grandson’s soul!” Dean reminds him. “I CAN’T!” insists Samuel. “What is wrong with you?” asks Dean–“do you wanna work for Crowley?” Dean asks Cas to leave them alone a minute. Cas disappears. “We’re your blood,” says Dean, “but if you don’t want to help us, I can’t make you–I just gotta know why–what is Crowley holding over you–you owe us that.” Samuel hands Dean a faded photograph of Mary. “Mom?” asks Dean. “He’s gonna get her back for me,” says Samuel almost shamefully. “Crowley’s gonna bring Mom back from the dead?” asks Dean. “You tell me you don’t want her back,” says Samuel, “you know the one difference between us?–you know how to live without her.” “Look, I know how you feel,” says Dean. “No you don’t,” says Samuel harshly, “she’s my daughter, and she’s dead, and I can do something about it.” “You really think Crowley’s gonna make good here?” asks Dean. “He brought Sam back! And me!” says Samuel. “Don’t go down that road,” says Dean. “What are you saying?” asks Samuel. “I’m saying stop trying,” advises Dean, “it’s gonna go nowhere good–Samuel, I know we’ve had our differences, but I’m your grandson, and I’m tellin’ you this is wrong for so many reasons.” “You’re a hypocrite,” accuses Samuel. “I’m askin’ you to learn from our mistakes!” cries Dean”–doing this–this is how the bad guy gets us every time–it’s our Achilles’ heel–apparently it runs in the family!” More calmly, he adds, “We will figure something else out, okay?” “I’m sorry, Dean,” says Samuel, “but–” “Fine,” says Dean, “fine, you bring her back, but what are you gonna tell her, huh? You gonna tell her you made a deal with a demon? That you wouldn’t help out her sons?” “That’s enough!” shouts Samuel at the hurt on Dean’s face–“just get out.” Dean leaves. Sam gives his grandfather a neutral look as he exits. 
 
While Sam and Dean pour over paperwork, Cas watches porn, observing, “It’s very complex. The pizza man clearly loves this babysitter. Why does he keep slapping her rear? Perhaps she’s done something wrong.” “You watching porn?” asks Dean–“why?” “It was there,” responds Cas. “You don’t watch porn in a room full of dudes,” says Dean, “and you don’t talk about it–just turn it off!” Cas glances down at his groin. “Now he’s got a boner,” says Dean. Someone knocks, Dean answers–it’s Samuel. “This is what you boys do, sit around watching porno with angels?” he asks. “I’m not supposed to talk about it,” says Cas. (LMAO!) Dean shuts it off. “Why are you here?” he asks his grandfather. “It’s what Mary would want,” he replies, “this is what I know–whatever we bagged is up there–that’s where he torches ’em, interrogates ’em, I don’t really know. I’ve been outside the place–BUT–it’s a death trap–nothing gets in that Crowley doesn’t want in, and nothing gets out, period.” Dean thanks him. “I wish you wouldn’t do this,” says Samuel, and starts to leave. “Come with us,” urges Sam, causing Dean to stare at him. “I may be soft, but I’m not suicidal,” says Samuel, and exits. 
 
Outside, Sam, Dean and Cas, meet up with Meg and her three minions. “Remember me?” she teases Cas, “I remember you, Clarence.” “Why are we working with these. . .abominations?” asks Cas. “Keep talking dirty, makes my meatsuit all dewy,” says Meg. “All right, simmer down,” says Dean, “we know where Crowley is.” “Great, do tell,” says Meg. “Tell you so you can just leave us for dead,” says Sam. “You boys have serious abandonment issues, you know that?” says Meg. “We’ll show you,” says Sam, “but we’re all going together.” “I’m just supposed to trust you,” says Meg. “No, you’re not that stupid,” says Sam, “gimme the knife for a minute.” “No, I’m not that stupid,” insists Meg. “Do you want us to take you to Crowley or not?” asks Sam. She hands him the demon-killing knife, which he turns over in his hands a few moments, then plunges into the belly of the bald demon, who falls dead to the ground. “You saw,” says Sam, “he was more interested in killing us than getting the job done–I just did all of us a favor.” Sam walks off with the knife. “Hey, you just gonna keep that?” asks Meg. “You took this from us–I’m takin’ it back,” says Sam. “We’ll leave in one hour.” (This soulless Sam is SUCH a badass, I love him!) Meg, bested, smiles and rakes Cas’ body up and down with lust.
 
Sam takes his gun from the trunk of the Impala and gets it ready.
 
Packing up, Dean suggests, “Cas, you could help.” “I’m ambivalent about what we’re attempting,” the angel says. “Breaking into Monster Gitmo isn’t exactly two for one in the Champagne Room,” says Dean. “I’m not sure retrieving Sam’s soul is wise,” says Cas. “What?–why?” asks Dean. “I want him to survive,” says Cas, “Sam’s soul has been locked in the cage with Michael and Lucifer for more than a year, and they have nothing to do but take their frustrations out on him, understand? If we try to force that mutilated thing down Sam’s gullet, we have no idea what will happen, it could be catastrophic.” “You mean he dies,” says Dean. “I mean he doesn’t die–paralysis, insanity, a psychic pain so profound, he’s locked inside himself for the rest of his life.” “You don’t know anything for sure,” says Dean, “he could be fine.” “He could be, yes,” says Cas, “but I sincerely doubt it.” “Well if he’s not fine, then you fix him,” says Dean. “I wouldn’t know where to begin,” says Cas. “Then you figure it out, Cas, come on,” insists Dean, “the guy’s a freakin’ replicant–he needs his soul! Look, we get it back, and if there are COMPLICATIONS, we will figure out a way to deal with those, too.” “Of course,” says Cas. Dean walks away, satisfied, until Cas adds, “Or, we fail, and Sam suffers horrifically.” Dean leaves the room, not wanting to think about this.  Unknown to either Dean or Cas,  Sam has overheard all. 
 
Alpha Central Prison – Cas assures their group that although it seems quiet, it isn’t, and tells them to meet him at the side door. “This all a little too easy to you?” asks Dean. “Way too easy,” agrees Sam. They enter. One cage contains a dead Alpha; at the next, the adult changeling inside attacks them, but is stayed by the bars. They find the female Djinn captured earlier in the season, chained, obviously tortured, begging them to help her get out of here. Sam urges Dean past her. Cas senses something; Meg says, “Dammit, they’re bringing guards.” “Hell-hounds,” says Dean.
 
Editor’s notes: I figured Samuel wanted Deanna or Mary back, but it makes more sense that he wants his daughter back. He should listen to Dean, who knows the consequences of bringing someone you love back from the dead first-hand. I wonder if Samuel knows Dean sold his soul to bring Sam back? 
 
Notice how the whole “family is everything” motto is getting muddled this season. Just because Samuel is their family doesn’t mean he feels obligated to help them. In fact, he considers Dean a stranger and the soulless Sam scary and weird, not the stuff loving families are built on. That Samuel gives them the location of the prison isn’t out of familial love or “what Mary would want,” as is proven later; it’s a trap. Samuel has blinders on. He wants his daughter back, period. With Crowley gone, looks like he’s not going to get it. Sam is still Dean’s brother, soul or not. If Dean has to learn to live with Sam AS IS, can he? In other words, would Dean be able to learn to love this revenant version of his brother? 
 
Poor Cas, watching porn and thinking sex equals love. Of course, I LMAO when he wondered why the pizza man was slapping her butt if he loved her and assumed she had done something bad. Dean should have explained. Cas has gotten all the wrong ideas now! He kissed MEG, for God’s sake! What’s up with her lust for him, anyway? She is such a bad-girl demon, she wants to corrupt a high-ranking angel from Heaven? I loved that she called him Clarence. 
 
Sam has turned into such a bad boy! Telling Meg the truth about what’s going on, taking back the DKK, ordering everyone around, killing the bald demon because he was sure he was out to kill the humans–Dean is right, Sam is a freakin’ MACHINE!
 
A sober discussion between Dean and Cas brought my greatest fears to the surface–Sam’s soul might be too tainted by now to be replaced in Sam’s body without causing him great harm. Of course, Dean is sure Castiel can wave his magic wand from Heaven and make Sam as good as new, but apparently, it’s not so easy to do this time. “Or we fail, and Sam suffers horrifically.” Cas’ final words on the subject cannot help but resonate for both Sam and Dean. And us.
 
Chased by the hounds, the group runs; they close doors and thrust a stake through the handles, leaving one of the demons behind to get torn up, the windows splashed with his blood. “I knew this was a trap,” accuses Dean. “What do you want, a cupcake?” offers Meg. Knowing the bar won’t hold the demons off for long, she assures them there are lots of hell hounds and she’ll be pulling for them–from Cleveland. She knew this was going to happen and will leave her meatsuit behind for the hounds to eat, buying them a few moments. When she opens her mouth to release her essence, nothing happens. “Thanks to Crowley, within these walls, you’re locked inside your body,” explains Cas. “Life is a bitch, bitch,” smirks Dean. Sam reaches into his pocket and brings out the demon-killing knife. Dean wonders if he’s going to just slash at air, hoping he hits something. “You can see them,” Sam tells Meg, “take this, hold ’em off, it’s our best shot.” Meg refuses. “Get Crowley,” she says, “take it and go. You kill the smarmy dick. I’ll hold off the dogs.” “How are you going to do that?” asks Dean. In answer, she kisses Cas, reaching into his coat to steal his angel-killing knife. He turns, pushes her against the wall, and returns the kiss, twining his hand in her hair, while Sam and Dean watch in amazement. “What was that?” Meg asks, impressed. Sam and Dean want to know, too. “I learned that from the pizza man,” Cas answers. “Well, A plus for you,” she says. She holds up the knife and says, “Gotta go.” “Is that gonna work on a hell-hound?” asks Dean. “We’re about to find out–run!” orders Meg. The stake gives way, the salt line blows off and Meg topples to the floor as the hell-hounds attack. She slashes away, blood drops cascading everywhere as she stabs her prey, blood covering her face. 
 
Sam, Dean, and Cas, barely able to see in the darkness, walk downstairs. Cas, sent away by Samuel using the old blood-symbol-on-the-door trick, disappears. Dean shines his flashlight on his grandfather. “You sold us out?” he accuses as they are grabbed by two demons. “Yes!” declares Crowley, walking from behind Samuel–“and I have to say, best purchase I’ve made since Dick Chaney.” “Hiya, Crowley,” greets Dean, “how’s tricks?” “Above your pay grade,” snarks Crowley, “been working. Big things. Alas, you’ll be too dead to participate.” “Really,” says Dean. “Shame I have to do away with both of you both,” says Crowley, “I rather enjoyed your indentured servitude.” 
 
Dean and Sam are tossed into adjoining cells with iron doors.   
 
Meg finishes killing the hell-hounds and tiredly steps over an invisible body. Someone knocks her to the ground. Dazed, she sits up and gazes into the black demon eyes of Christian Campbell.
 
“Sam?” calls Dean. “Yeah!” answers his brother from the cell next door. “I’m standing in pee!” complains Dean. “Consider yourself lucky,” advises Sam. “Yikes, that sucks,” says Dean. Samuel opens a little door into Dean’s cell. “You want forgiveness, find a priest,” suggests Dean. “I just want you to understand,” begins Samuel. “Oh, I understand,” says Dean, “that you’re a liar–you talk about puttin’ BLOOD first, because you sound just like my dad; the difference is, he actually DID!” “I AM putting blood first,” insists Samuel. “Oh, gimmee a break,” says Dean. “Mary’s my blood, my daughter!” shouts Samuel–“don’t come at me like I sold you out, Dean, you sold out your own mother–it was her or Sam, and you chose Sam, plain and simple.” “That is crap!” says Dean–“you want to know what really happened?–you chose a demon over your own grandsons!” “See it how you want,” says Samuel, “I don’t even know what Sam is–you want me to protect him? And you? You’re a stranger. No, really, tell me exactly what you’re supposed to be to me.” “I’ll tell you who I am,” vows Dean, “I’m the guy you never want to see again. And I’ll make it out of here, trust me. The next time you see me, I’ll be there to kill you.” “Don’t think there’s gonna be a next time,” says Samuel. “Whatever gets you through the night,” says Dean. Pondering that, Samuel closes the little door. Dean is looking around his cell when the two demons come and drag him out, Samuel watching. Overhearing, Sam is thinking quickly. 
 
Christian has Meg strapped to a table, nearly naked except for breasts and nether region covered by leather. Crowley wants whatever he can learn carved out of her, he explains, rolling up his sleeves. “Whatever makes you feel like a man,” she says. “Ha. Ha.” he says, running the knife harmlessly over her flesh. “You talk a mean game, but you’re scared.” Her face, still covered in hell-hounds’ blood, shows she is.
 
Sam has been pondering what to do to save Dean. He crouches down, rolls up his sleeve and bites into his arm. (WTF???)
 
The demons push Dean into a room where a dead creature lies. Behind a bloody curtain lies another dead creature. His demon captors bring in two men who APPEAR human. “Enjoy” one says. “All right, all right, SHAWSHANK’s a great flick,” says Dean, “let’s skip the shower scene, huh?” “Look,” one says to the other, “breakfast.” Dean suddenly realizes he has bigger problems than rape.
 
 
Editor’s notes: Ah, Meg–she planned to just exit her meatsuit and leave the brothers and Cas behind–but found she couldn’t! So she kissed the angel, stole his knife, and fought off the hell-hounds all by herself. Much as I despise her for killing Ellen and Jo, you’ve got to give her credit for chutzpah.
 
Samuel does sell out his grandsons for what he wants most–getting back his daughter. Odd how Crowley only wanted the brothers to bring him Alphas knowing that he COULDN’T give Sam back his soul. He makes deals he has no intention of fulfilling, doesn’t he? I thought Crossroads Demons HAD to fulfill their contracts? Back to Samuel, Dean has vowed to find and kill him. We know what happened when he went after the YED. Samuel, I’d batten down the hatches if I were you! 
 
Where had demon Christian been hiding himself all this time? They always exploit the ladies on that slice and dice table, with the leather gag, boob and bikini coverings. It really didn’t look like he’d done much to her on the outside; wonder if he’d done a bit of INTERNAL work? It makes me sick, anyway, and I was actually glad to see Dean save Meg AND untie her. Weird how a demon actually helped them in this ep, much the way Ruby helped Sam before screwing him over.
 
What was with that weird scene when Sam bit into his own arm? I had a weird flashback to him sucking Ruby’s blood and wondered if he had turned demon somehow and was taking strength from his own blood. In any case, I was totally confused. 
 
The room where the demons brought Dean was very creepy, with the two already-dead creatures, obviously a room where creatures were brought to be killed. Dean was going to meet his fate at the hands of two ghouls, just like poor Adam had.
 
When his captors come for him, Sam is huddled against the far wall. “What did you do to my brother?” he asks. “You’ll find out–you’re about to join him,” promises a demon. They find themselves unable to step closer to Sam, however, and upon looking up, one gets a drop of blood on his forehead. Sam has drawn a devil’s trap on the ceiling–IN HIS OWN BLOOD! Sam grins, his teeth all bloody.
 
Dean is valiantly fighting off his two intended ghoul diners while Sam runs up the hall, calling to him. Arriving at the scene, Sam realizes the two ghouls are close to overpowering Dean; he snaps a metal pipe off the wall and goes after them, viciously decapitating one. 
 
Crying out in pain, Meg complains, “You’re sticking that thing in all the wrong places.” “Really? You sure were squealing,” notes Christian, holding up the bloody knife. “Knock yourself out,” she says, “it’s a host body, some girl from Sheboygan, moved to LA to be an actress–probably not even the worst thing that happened to her.” Christian chuckles and dips below the table. Meg begins to scream, then to laugh. Christian looks at her like she’s crazy. “What are you laughing at?” he asks. The demon-killing knife appears through his chest, destroying him. “Dean Winchester is behind you, meat sac,” exults Meg. Dean, his face contorted in fury, pulls out the knife and Christian falls to the floor. Sam runs in. “We should go,” he says. Before they do, Dean releases Meg.
 
Crowley, drinking a glass of booze, stops in front of the Djinn’s cell. “Hello, sweetheart. Feeling chatty this morning, are we?” He enters her cell. She backs away from him on her bed, afraid. “I do hope so. Wouldn’t want to harm a hair on that pretty little head. So. You ready to tell me all about your daddy?”  An alarm goes off. Annoyed, he gazes upward. “Hold that thought,” he says, and leaves, locking the door behind him. She is relieved.
 
Finding Christian dead and Meg gone, Crowley shuts down the alarm. Turning, he spots Dean and says, “You should be ( ) by now.” Sam appears and punches Crowley, hard. “Was that really necessary?” asks Crowley, rising–“I just had this dry-cleaned!” Looking up, the demon sees a devil’s trap and asks, “So, to what do I owe the reach-around?” Meg enters. “Crowley!” she smiles. “Whore,” he greets her. “OK,” she says, and makes a gesture with her hand that starts Crowley vomiting and ensures she won’t have to get her hands dirty. “Sam wants a word with you,” she says. Vomiting some more, Crowley says, “What can I do for you, Sam?” “You know damn well,” says Sam, “I want my soul back.” “And here I just thought you grew some balls, Sam,” she says. “Well?” says Sam. “No,” says Crowley. “Meg,” says Dean. She squeezes her fist and the demon is on his knees, hacking up more blood. “I can’t,” insists Crowley. “Can’t or won’t?” asks Sam. “I meant can’t, you pop-headed lumberjack,” says Crowley, “I was lucky to get this much of you out–going back in there for the sloppy bits, no way–I’m good, but those two in there, forget it.” “How do I know you’re not lying?” asks Sam. “You don’t,” says Crowley, “but it doesn’t change anything–I’m telling ya–Sam, why do you want the thing back? Satan’s got one juicy source of entertainment in there–I’d swallow a rag of a bathhouse floor before I took that soul–unless you want to be a drooling mess.” “Sam,” says Meg, “I hate to say it, but he’s right.” “Yeah, right, get it, thanks,” says Sam, stunned. Dean starts to interject, but Sam says, “You heard him, he’s useless.” Dean hands the DKK over to Meg, who advances on Crowley. “You’ll let me back out, right?” she asks. “This is for Lucifer, you pompous–” begins Meg, but Crowley trips her and, in a second, relieves her of the DKK and holds it up in triumph, then tosses it up at the Devil’s Trap on the ceiling, effectively breaking it, freeing him. “That’s better,” he says, snapping his fingers, sending Sam and Dean plastered against opposite walls. Retrieving the knife from the ceiling, he points it at Meg and says, “You don’t know torture, you little insect.” Cas appears. “Leave them alone,” he orders. “Castiel, haven’t seen you all season,” says Crowley, “you the Cavalry now?” “Put the knife down,” commands Cas. “You that bossy in Heaven?” asks Crowley, “hear you’re losing out to Raphael; the whole affair makes Vietnam look like a roller derby.” Noting Cas has a sack with him, he asks, “Hey, what’s in the gift bag?” Holding up a skull, Cas replies, “YOU are.” Sam and Dean, still stuck to the wall, raise eyebrows. “Not possible,” says Crowley. “You didn’t hide your bones as well as you should have,” says Cas. Meg grins. Crowley tucks the knife under his armpit and starts to applaud. “Cookie for you,” he says. Cas replaces the skull in the bag and drops it on the floor. “Can you restore Sam’s soul or not?” demands Cas. Releasing the brothers, Crowley asks, “If I can help out in any other–” says Crowley. “ANSWER HIM!” says Dean. “I can’t,” admits Crowley. Without another word, Cas sets the sack of bones on fire. Screaming in pain, the man who sold his soul for three extra inches of peen explodes into a fiery mass, too. Dean and Sam shield their eyes against the brightness. The King of Hell is dead.
 
Sam reaches down into the remnants of what had been Crowley and takes back the knife. Meg has disappeared. “She’s smart, I’ll give her that,” says Dean, “I was gonna kill her, too.” He turns to Cas. “Of course, I’d have given you a round with her first.” “Why would I want that?” asks Cas. Dean turns to respond, but we don’t hear it.
 
Surrounding the Impala outside, Dean thanks Castiel: “If it hadn’t have been for you–” “Crowley was right,” admits the angel, “it’s not going well for me. . .upstairs.” “If there’s anything we can do,” says Dean. “There isn’t,” says Cas, “I wish circumstances were different–much of the time, I’d rather be here.” “Cas, we know you got a steamin’ pile on your plate,” says Dean, “no need for apologies, we’re your friends.” “Listen, Sam,” says Cas, “we’ll find another way.” “You wanna help,” says Sam, “prison fulla monsters, can’t just leave ’em, can’t let ’em go.” “I understand,” says Cas, and flies away. “He’s right, you know,” says Dean, “about your soul, we’ll figure something else out.” “No, we won’t,” says Sam, “you heard what Crowley said, and I heard what Cas said, putting this thing back in would smash me to bits.” “We don’t know that for sure,” insists Dean. “You know what?” says Sam, “when angels and demons agree on something, call me nuts, I pay attention.” “You say this NOW,” says Dean, “after we practically died trying–” “Exactly,” says Sam, “we almost got ourselves killed! I mean, how many times do we risk our asses for this? Enough’s enough–I don’t think I want it back.” “You don’t even know what you’re saying,” says Dean. “No–I’m saying something you don’t like,” corrects Sam, “you obviously care, a lot, but I think maybe I’m better off without it.” “You’re wrong,” insists Dean, “you don’t know how wrong you are.” “I’m not sure about that,” says Sam, walking away. “Sam, don’t walk away,” pleads Dean. Sam doesn’t listen. “SAM!” calls Dean, but his little brother is resolute. “SAM!!”
 
Editor’s note:  Sam draws a Devil’s Trap on the ceiling of his cell in his own blood and saves his brother from two ghouls. Would a “souled” Sam have been able to do the same? I don’t know, but I doubt it. Like Meg quipped, “And here I thought you grew some balls, Sam.” Amazing!
 
Dean saves Meg from Christian, and another character bites the dust. I love the way she told Christian that Dean was behind him. I loved everything about her in this episode, she was such fun in every single scene she was in. I know she’s a very bad girl, but she lit up this ep for me. 
 
Once Cas hears that Crowley can’t get back Sam’s soul, he fires him–literally. I didn’t think it would be that easy to off the King of Hell, but simply setting Crowley’s bones on fire reduced the demon to ash, too. So with Crowley dead, does that negate Samuel’s deal to bring back Mary? What about Sam and Samuel, what happens to them now? 
 
Sam gets back his DKK, Meg escapes before Dean can kill her, and Cas has no idea what Dean means when he said he was going to “give you a round with her first.” I bet Meg would have been thrilled to take Cas’ virginity, but I doubt Heaven would have approved of a high-level angel consorting with a demon in that manner. Dean commiserates with Cas’ losing battle in Heaven; Raphael is wiping the floor with him, apparently. Dean offers his help (a far cry from Sam telling Cas he doesn’t give a crap about what’s happening to him in Heaven).  I also felt so badly for Cas, who seems battle-weary and depressed. I sensed he’d much rather be fighting alongside his human pals again, instead of fighting this difficult, draining battle in Heaven that isn’t going at all well for him.
 
Finally, we have the scene that broke my heart. Sam tells Dean that, given the circumstances, he’s better off without his soul. Between the threat to their lives and the possibility that he might be smashed to bits once his soul is restored, they should just forget it. Dean won’t hear of it; they will find another way! Sam walks away, refusing to hear anymore, and it breaks my heart that the brothers are so far apart on this issue. Because, if Dean knew for SURE that getting back his soul would KILL Sam, would he–could he–accept his brother as is? I wonder. 
 
QUIZ:  
 
1.  Did you feel hopeless about getting Sam’s soul back intact? Doesn’t it sound nearly impossible to retrieve it in one healthy piece and put it back into Sam?
 
2.  Are you going to miss Crowley as much as I am?  He was a great villain, always so much fun, snarky, and evil.  He loved playing with Sam and Dean in all the worst ways. 
 
3.  How do you feel about Meg after this episode?  She was all for herself, of course, but once she found she couldn’t escape, she really did help the Winchesters.  Plus she’s snark personified, loves being tied up, and enjoyed Cas’ kisses!  
 
4.  Cas and porn: do you see trouble down the line?  Shouldn’t Dean set him straight?
 
5.  Samuel vs. Dean: can this relationship be saved?
 
6.  Do you think Dean could accept Sam without his soul, if he had to? 
This episode deserves an A plus, as Meg would say.  It had everything that makes an episode great, and a sad ending that makes me think, wonder and hope.  SUPERNATURAL doesn’t get better than that! 
 
  
 
 
 

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