Robin’s Rambles – “Like A Virgin”
Hotel – Like his father before him, Dean sticks info about their case on the wall in their room. “This can’t be possible,” grouses Sam, at the computer, “I Googled flying, claws, virgins and gold, and it all takes me to the same place–World of Warcraft fansites.” “I don’t know what that means,” says Dean. “Dragons, dude,” says Sam, “see, told you, not possible.” “Actually, might be,” says Dean. “How, in what reality?” demands Sam. “It’s been a strange year,” says Dean, “we should get a second opinion.” He calls Bobby, who is cooking some canned stew or other glop on his stove. “What do you know about dragons?” Dean asks. “What? Nothing,” says Bobby, stirring his stew. “Seriously,” says Dean. “They’re not like the Loch Ness Monster, dragons aren’t real,” says Bobby. “Could you make a few calls?” Dean asks. “To who? Hogwarts?” asks Bobby. “Humor me,” says Dean. “Fine!” says Bobby. “You’re a gentleman and a scholar,” praises Dean. “Yeah, yeah,” says Bobby, “hey, how’s Memento doin’ there? He caught you in any lies yet?” “Everything’s fine, Sam says hey,” sidetracks Dean, and hangs up. Bobby shakes his head. Sam stares at his brother. “You OK?” he asks–“Bobby say anything?” “Dean gives him a quick yup and nope to these questions and walks away. Later, Sam is going through every page of John’s Journal, searching for dragon lore, while Dean does research on the computer. “Dad never wrote anything about dragons, I promise,” says Dean, “I remember every never-ending story in there.” “Did we hunt a skin-walker lately?” asks Sam. “Doesn’t ring a bell, why?” lies Dean. “I dunno, just deja vu or somethin’,” says Sam. “Are you sure, I could’ve sworn,” begins Sam. Making the sign of crazy, twirling his forefinger around his ear, Dean says, “Your eggs are still a little scrambled, right, but yeah, I’m sure.” “All right, yeah, never mind,” says Sam. Bobby calls and advises Dean to see a Dr. Visyak, Medieval Studies, SFU. “I’m going to San Francisco, figure out how to kill these things,” says Dean, “you figure out where they are.” “Did Bobby say where they like to park?” asks Sam. “No,” says Dean. “Great,” says Sam, “thank the lore.” “That says what,” says Dean, “that they live in Middle Earth?” “No, caves,” replies Sam. “You’re such a nerd,” says Dean, and leaves.
Somewhere underground, a man drags a young girl to a cage where many other whimpering young women are being held prisoner. He breaks the girl’s arm and threatens to break the other one if she doesn’t shut up. He shoves her down into the cage with the others, who try to comfort her, drops down the cover of the cage and seals it with his bare hand, which apparently heats up to temperatures high enough to weld steel.
Editor’s comments: HOW did Dean know Melissa wasn’t a virgin? Does he have hymen-dar? Their exchange about P-Diddy, gold, virgins, etc. had me laughing. There was a lot of great humor in this ep, and I’ve been missing that. Was it me, or have the other eps just been way too serious? The brotherly banter was so much fun, and when Sam said he came back from the dead and Dean still wasn’t funny, I could NOT stop laughing!
I flashed back to the very first ep of this show when I saw Dean tacking things on the hotel wall. Just like Papa Winchester, sigh! But seriously, Dean doesn’t even know what World of Warcraft is? Did it strike anyone but me odd that he was so in the dark about that? Of course Sam the nerd knows, but Dean should have known by osmosis.
Bobby calling dragons not real reminded me of when Papa W told the brothers vampires used to be extinct, too. Good old Bobby still offers to call Hogwarts for Dean, which had me rolling. However, Bobby asking about “Memento” and Sam’s memory of a skin-walker were not at all funny, and I found myself thinking Dean was seriously in denial about Sam if he thought this was really going to work. When Dean announced he was leaving Sam on his own, I knew we were doomed. Don’t we KNOW from all these years that separating these two never works out well?
Dean rings the bell at Dr. Visyak’s castle -like home. His mention of Bobby Singer produces an interesting result: She tells him to tell Bobby to go to hell. No, better yet, kick him in the jewels–more poetic. “No love lost between you two,” notes Dean. “Just the opposite,” she says, drink in hand. “Oh?” says Dean. “That’s his story to tell, he’s the idiot,” she says, “so what’s this about.” “Dragons,” he says–“what, no 12-sided dice joke?” “We can joke about them because they’ve disappeared,” she says, “but they aren’t funny–at all.” “One just flew in stateside,” he tells her. “Are you sure?” she asks. “Fits the lore to a t,” he says. “But how, why, it’s been 700 years?” she asks. “It’s been a banner crop of crazy all around these days, Doc,” he says. “So, you wanna know how to kill it,” she says, “well, you need a blade–one forged with dragon’s blood.” (Is it me, or does Dean look down between his legs with a self-satisfied smirk?) “So you need one to kill one but you gotta kill one to make one–how does that work out?” asks Dean. “There aren’t many dragon swords around anymore, five or six tops, worldwide, the Sword of St. George, Excalibur–” “You know a lot about this stuff, doncha?” asks Dean. “Well I sure as hell better, I have one in the basement,” she reveals. “You have one,” says Dean in disbelief. “Finding it took two decades,” she says, leading him downstairs, “countless hours and some really bad sex with an Eastern European Ambassador, but, yeah.” She opens double doors and shows him a sword, buried in stone. “That is not real,” scoffs Dean, “is that real? Is it Excalibur?” “No!” she says–“this is the sword of Grunsvick, love of my life.” “So what’s with the cement shoe?” asks Dean. “You know,” she says, “binding sword to stone, used to be all the rage–to protect them.” “How do we get this puppy out?” asks Dean. “You know this one,” she chuckles, “we need a brave knight who’s willing to step up and kill the beast.” “Riiiight,” says Dean, “I’ll give it a whirl–do you mind?” She points to the sword, inviting him to try away. The most hilarious music, a combo of heroic and religious, plays as Dean gets up there and tries to pull out the sword, first one handed, then two handed. The music and Dean both fall to a crashing end as he fails to remove it. “You OK?” asks the Doc as Dean scrambles to his feet, none-too-gracefully. “Never better,” he vows, wiping his mouth, determined to try again. Using his feet for leverage against the rock, Dean pulls with all his might, face turning bright red, Dr. V smiling derisively. “Oh, SOB, that’s really in there!” cries Dean, falling backward, the sword vibrating deep in the stone. “Afraid so,” she says. “I have another idea,” says Dean, “you’re not gonna like it.”
As I said in response to Elle2’s article, this was a solid episode, but it didn’t send me back to my obsession days with SPN. The rock music and a blues song; loved that, but the montage scenes just reminded me of how disappointed I am with the direction this show has gone. Like a Virgin showed me many reminders about what I used to love about this show…but something is still ‘off’ and I think it is the intimacy that was formed between the brothers and the viewers that is lacking (and we haven’t had that in what? three years or four years now). So, no, I don’t feel back home, but there were enough reminders that I hope I can get there from here.
There again, the hug didn’t move me, because I don’t believe in the brothers’ bond right now. It’s been one-sided for four years now. Perhaps it will hold from this starting point, but from what I’ve read about future episodes, I am not counting on it. Let’s just say that Bobby and I are feeling about the same right now.
Besides the witty one-liners, the music (which I think added to the vintage feel of the episode) and reminders of the two characters I used to obsess over, I found some other funny things in this episode.
I’m still laughing at Gossip Girl Mother. Perhaps I’m supposed to be filled with apprehension for the brothers, but her acting was so bad, I laughed out loud.
As soon as I see my priest again, I’m going to let him know that you can drive to Purgatory. I think he’ll like knowing that, and may even find it useful.
Of course, I’m being flippant and these two things are not criticisms of the episode. It’s just that I think perhaps they didn’t have the budget to get into this type of metaphysical stuff, besides the fact that attempting to elevate the show to this level of fantasy appears to me to be the reason that there is a lack of intimacy in relationships now.
All that said, I am looking forward with reservation and a little trepidation to what the rest of the season holds for us.
Don’t take this to be all critical and without appreciation for Like a Virgin. There was so much to like in it. The three Js were awesome…and I thought particularly Jim Beaver this time around…perhaps because he mirrored my feelings right up to the end. He did seem very relaxed in his role this episode, didn’t he?
It’s all on Sera now. I wished I had more confidence in her, but my disappointment in S6 trumps confidence and hope in spite of this well-done episode.
I’m hoping I don’t offend anyone with my opinion, because it is only just how I am feeling about the show this season.
[quote]1. Did this episode please you as much as it did me? Or am I crazy? Do you feel like you’re back home again?
[/quote] Yes! we are back and Hallelujah I adored this episode.
[quote]2. Do you agree with Dean or Bobby? Should Sam be kept completely in the dark and be allowed to believe he was in hell for more than a year?[/quote] Mixed feelings here. Dean was right in principle, maintaining the wall is crucial and giving Sam any information that will make him want to scratch at the wall is dangerous. The fact is the year he spent soulless is behind that wall and if that part falls the rest may weaken. Bobby was right practically. Sam is smart, inquisitive and doesn’t give up. Giving him the information about the past year will keep him from scratching at the niggling thoughts that something has happened that he cant remember and may actually have Sam scratching at the wall because he doesn’t remember things. I think the point goes to Bobby, because Sam found out anyway.
3. Do you agree that a girl of 22 should have given it up already? How do you feel about this whole purity thing? Apparently, the girl the dragons needed had to be virginal. Why do you think that is so?
[quote]4. How did what happened to that girl who was exchanged with the “Mother of All†make you feel? Did you feel her terror as she fell? What do you think happened to her down in Purgatory, if, indeed, that’s where she went? Do you get the impression that she’s going to be our next Big Bad? Did she give you a trickle of fear, or are you already missing Crowley?[/quote]
I will always miss Crowley. Give me snarky and witty and I’m happy. I felt the girl’s terror, but I don’t know how I feel about Mother as an adversary. I would love a kick a** female adversary, but Supernatural has let me down on this time and time again, so I’m going to have to wait and see.
[quote]5. How did you feel about the Sam/Dean hug? What about the Sam/Castiel hug that didn’t happen?[/quote]
I loved the Sam Dean hug. I find the fact that Sam stopped the Castiel hug interesting. I’d like to know why he did stop it exactly.
[quote]6. How about the HUMOR in this ep? Too much, not enough, thank God for the writers’ golden pens, what?[/quote]
Perfect balance of humor.
[quote]7. ROCK MUSIC! And Jethro Tull, my favorite band of all time!!!! Plus “Back in the Saddle Again,†a song I just love! How did you feel about the music?
[/quote]
I love the return of classic rock. Not knowing a lot of classic rock, the actual songs didn’t do much for me. I wish they had only played one and kept the music budget so we could have more classic songs in later episodes.
[quote]8. How did you feel about “Like a Virgin� I felt like a virgin, truly kissed by season six for the very first time. Sigh![/quote]
Loved the episode. All in all one of my favorites.
[quote]1. Did this episode please you as much as it did me? Or am I crazy? Do you feel like you’re back home again?[/quote]Oh yes, I am very delighted about the return of Sam and to see their interaction again. With the brothers I am “home” And I saw the lie of Dean as a try to protect Sam. But there was one scne I wished Dean would have told Sam. The moment where Sam gallops through John journal and says something about the skin walker. There was a momentand it felt like the right moment for me. I wish Dean would have told him.
[quote]2. Do you agree with Dean or Bobby? Should Sam be kept completely in the dark and be allowed to believe he was in hell for more than a year?[/quote]
I understand that Dean tried to protect Sam in not telling Sam. But I wish he would have told him later about his soulless time on earth. Sam found it out by his own and Bobbys behavior gave him the clue. That is not surprising when I think of Sam!
[quote]5. How did you feel about the Sam/Dean hug? What about the Sam/Castiel hug that didn’t happen?[/quote]
I loved this hug between the brothers.
And I loved the reaction of Sam when Castiel tried to hug him. Back then in “Swan Song” he didn`t even want to say some nice words to Sam. Awkward!
[quote]6. How about the HUMOR in this ep? Too much, not enough, thank God for the writers’ golden pens, what?[/quote]
well I loved the light hearted brotherly banter in this episode. I wished I would have seen more Sam waking up and struggling a bit. He is like a tumbler, and everybody is used to it. I would have liked to see him coming upstairs, not seeing Dean/Bobby. But maybe it was shown to bring out the difference between Bobbys reaction and Deans! The brotherly banter was the tip of the ice cake for me, loved it. And loved Sam asking Dean about the year..after. Consistent Sam`s character.
[quote] 7. ROCK MUSIC! And Jethro Tull, my favorite band of all time!!!! Plus “Back in the Saddle Again,†a song I just love! How did you feel about the music?
[/quote]
Loved the music of course, finally and so much Sam in the intro, loved this too!
I felt very bad for this girl before they threw her into the hole. But later when she came back I was a bit disappointed. This should be the new big bad? I don`t know about this. I liked the snarky demons, the torturing demons (Crowley and Alistair and of course YED and Lucifer)
About the virgins I don`t know but maybe they are more worthy for sacrifices, their souls are more pure (okay we know this is not so in real life, one has nothing to do with the other).
maybe with the purity the purgatory gets some fueling fire, I don`t know where the series is going with this.
Sam was a lot like a cleansed pure being. He was so light hearted and even wanted to eat, I was surprised about this. I don`t know if this could have a deper meaning because over the whole 5 1/2 years Sam wasn`t a joyful eater more the contrary. Its like a burden is heaved away, but …yes there is a but,..his soulless time will hit him utterly I am afraid!
[quote]8. How did you feel about “Like a Virgin� I felt like a virgin, truly kissed by season six for the very first time. Sigh!
[/quote]
I loved it very much and I already watched it a few times. And after re-watching I truly started to enjoy it way more then the first time, because I read so much about the episode, I knew to much, and with the delay so much excitement was dragged away. Today I was really utterly touched by the brother scenes and especially Sam with his quest for the things he didn`t know. *gulp* and *sigh* I am very afraid and worried.
Thank you for writing this again. I waited for your rambles!!!
@ Junkerin
zippo = Feuerzeug
Thank you Robin for your detailed review. Because you even rewrite there dialog for me as a ESL it is sometimes hard to catch the hole meaning or fun in the show.
#1 I loved this epi. I rewatched it right a way (something I have never done before)
#2 Well I thought Dean was about to tell Sam in the motel room but could not make up his mind. Yes Sam must know (better to know than to remember)
#3 I go with the purity of the heard thing
#4 I fellt so for the girl. As for the mother, I don´t know. She didn´t have much time to angst me.
#5 I loved the hug between Sam and Dean. It felt sooooo goooood. As for Sam and Cas. I´m lost. Why didn´t Sam hug Cas? He should have! Cas is not the touchy guy and he wanted to give Sam a hug. I just don´t get it.
#6 OMG Dean was so good. I have to lought just remember the szene.
#7 Finaly the music is back I loved the On the road so far
To Pandora: thank you
Hi Robin
Thanks again for such a detailed recap.
1. Did this episode please you as much as it did me? Or am I crazy? Do you feel like you’re back home again?
This episode worked for me and I definately felt like I was home again. I really enjoyed having the brothers back.
2. Do you agree with Dean or Bobby? Should Sam be kept completely in the dark and be allowed to believe he was in hell for more than a year?
I would say Bobby is right but I feel baby steps are needed here. To tell Sam everything at once would be too much to absorbe and far too devasting. If he hears things in bits and pieces it will give him a chance to deal and work things through with each issue. This wall was only given 75% chance of holding. I think it’s better for Sam to be somewhat prepared instead of being hit with it all at once.
3. Do you agree that a girl of 22 should have given it up already? How do you feel about this whole purity thing? Apparently, the girl the dragons needed had to be virginal. Why do you think that is so?
I don’t see why there should be a age stamped on when one should give up their virginity. It should depend on who they are willing to give it up for. Sacrificing a virgin goes back centuries. I guess back then it ment purity. However in todays world just because someone is a virgin doesn’t make them automatically a pure person.
4. How did what happened to that girl who was exchanged with the “Mother of All†make you feel? Did you feel her terror as she fell? What do you think happened to her down in Purgatory, if, indeed, that’s where she went? Do you get the impression that she’s going to be our next Big Bad? Did she give you a trickle of fear, or are you already missing Crowley?
I believe this Mother of All is our next big bad. Not sure how I feel about her yet. Need to see a few more episodes to get a better impression.
5. How did you feel about the Sam/Dean hug? What about the Sam/Castiel hug that didn’t happen?
I loved the hug between Sam and Dean. It reminded me too of Mystery Spot with Sam going to Dean and enclosing him in a huge bear hug. As for Sam and Castiels hug I would have to agree with Yume theory.
6. How about the HUMOR in this ep? Too much, not enough, thank God for the writers’ golden pens, what?
I loved the humour. Dean and the Stone had me laughing.
7. ROCK MUSIC! And Jethro Tull, my favorite band of all time!!!! Plus “Back in the Saddle Again,†a song I just love! How did you feel about the music?
The music was good. After having the classic rock being so scarce these past few years, it’s always appreciated to have it when we can.
I don’t know what World of Warcraft is 😕 Should I? 😳 Should Dean?
BUT I loved this episode!
Thanks Robin for your review. And the transcript, as junkerin said, it helps a lot us ESL speakers.
All best!
Oh, thank you, Yume. Now I know why I don’t know anything about it 😛
i love sam and dean love each other no need other brother
who can help me see season 6 in indonesia i cannot see them. i do like sam and dean i like mistery spot also all ofthem
[b]I just want to watch sam and dean hug to show they care to each other, they are brothers. I hope supernatural writer’s don’t go to far from the bible, it’s not good especially the episode Heaven and Hell, I hope no romantic scenes like that again. This ìs Supernatural, for God sake, not teenage or romance movie, I give my oppinion, cause I really love sam and dean or jared and jensen[/b]