Robin’s Rambles – “Like A Virgin”
Editor’s comments: We’ve seen Sam and Dean wend their way through sewers before, but Dean wishes their dragons preferred nice hotels instead. Loved that! What also made me LOL was the Comic Con reference; we’ve met Jensen and Jared at those crowded venues ourselves!
Wasn’t it good to see Sam save his brother? He immediately stabbed the sword into the dragon attacking Dean. That warmed my heart. Sammy is back! And Dean’s got him! Hurray!
Kudos on the dragon death, which was well done and deliciously gross.
Back at Bobby’s, Dean gleefully sifts through all the gold they found. “Sam, ask me what time it is,” he says, examining what is probably a Rolex. “Why don’t you cut to the chase and just roll in it,” suggests Sam. “I really have wealth,” chuckles Dean. Sam sits down. “Dean, I am so, so sorry,” he says, “I can’t even begin to say.” “For what?” asks Dean, guarded. “You know what,” says Sam, nodding. “Bobby?” asks Dean. “Cas,” supplies Sam. “Cas,” repeats Dean, “freakin’ child.” “You should have told me,” admonishes Sam. “You weren’t supposed to know,” says Dean. “What I did. . .to Bobby, to you,” says Sam, “of course I should know.” “Death didn’t just shove your soul back in,” explains Dean, “he put in the Great Wall of Sam between you and the things that you don’t remember–and trust me when I say that the things you don’t know could KILL you–that’s not a joke!” “All right,” says Sam, “but I have to set things right–what I can, anyway.” “It wasn’t YOU!” insists Dean. “You know, I kinda feel like I got slipped the worst mickey of all time and I woke up to find out that I had burnt the whole city down. And you can say it wasn’t me, but, I’m the one with the Zippo in my pocket, you know, so I’m not sure it’s that cut and dried, and look, I appreciate your tryin’ to protect me, I really do, but I gotta fix what I gotta fix–so I need to know what I did.” “But you don’t know how dangerous that could be,” protests Dean. “What would you do?” asks Sam, staring at his brother’s face–“right, same thing.” Dean is about to say more, but Bobby joins them and says there’s something they have to see.
The book they found, made of human skin, which grosses out the brothers, dates back to around the 14th century and is in, per Bobby, DaVinci Code, real obscure Latin, which would take Bobby his golden years to entirely translate. “It basically describes this place,” explains Bobby, “the backside of your worst nightmare, all blood and bone and darkness, filled with the blood and souls of all things hungry, sharp and nasty.” We see a van pull up. “Where are they?” demands a bald man. “I ran into trouble,” says Dragonman #1. “You’re damn lucky I got enough,” says the bald man, who pulls one of the girls, tied and gagged, wearing a white nightie, from the truck. “This is your lucky day, little girl,” says Dragonman, as the two drag her into what looks like a cave.
“Monsters,” says Sam. “It’s Monsterland,” says Bobby, “according to this, it goes by many names, most of which I can’t pronounce, but I’m thinkin’ you know Purgatory. “Purgatory? Awesome,” says Dean, pouring a drink, “well that is good to know. So you’re saying that these dragon freaks are squatting in the sewers and reading tone-poems about Purgatory?” “No,” says Bobby, “they’re reading an instruction manual.” WHAT??” asks Dean. “If you’re nuts enough to want access to a place that gnarly, this book will show you how to open a door,” explains Bobby.
The girl is dragged over to a precipice.
“A door to Purgatory,” says Dean, sipping his drink, “I know a demon who woulda loved to have known about that. So how do you open the door?” Ask Cloverfield, advises Bobby, flipping over the next page of the book, “I’m pretty sure he’s got that page.”
The terrified girl, flanked by the two men, stands, moans of fear bursting around the gag. Dragonman begins to read from a paper (or skin?) he unfolds. When he is done, fire explodes in the depths below them. The girl begins to struggle harder, knowing their intention, but Dragonman speaks more Latin as the other man forces her over the edge. She falls, screaming, into the fiery pit below. Dragonman, kneeling, smiles, pleased.
“It gets worse,” says Bobby, “this ain’t talkin’ about how to take a vacation over there, this is all about opening a door to let something in.” “Bring something HERE,” says Sam, “what?” “I’m workin’ on it,” replies Bobby. “Could you give us something?” asks Dean. “I got a name,” says Bobby, “Mother?” “Mother?” repeats Sam–“mother of what, mother of dragons?” “I wish,” says Bobby, “says it a few times here–mother of all.”
The virgin sacrificed, a different girl returns, flying up from the pit. Her eyes are red, like a demon’s, her make-up is gorgeous, and her hair blows attractively in the wind. “Welcome,” Dragonman bids her. “You kept me waiting,” she says, although her voice is neutral, and she doesn’t sound angry.
“What the hell does ‘Mother of All’ mean?” asks Dean. “I dunno,” says Bobby. The camera focuses on Dean’s puzzled face, then Sam’s.
“We have so much to do,” says the creature resurrected from Purgatory, smiling evilly, “let’s get started.”
Editor’s comments: So Dean plans to keep all that gold he filched from the dragons’ lair? I wonder if the remaining dragon will want to get that back? I would imagine so–and he will go after the Winchesters to retrieve it.
Like an alcoholic who has wronged his friends and family, Sam feels obligated to make amends, make things right. I have no idea how he’s planning to go about that, but, like Dean, I fear what might happen to that wall Death placed in his head, and if it’s going to commence some kind of scratching at the wall and cause Sam problems.
The writers skillfully interweave the sacrifice of the virgin girl being exchanged for the “Mother of All” with Bobby describing what he has read in the book written on human skin (eww, that icks me out every time I hear it). When that poor girl fell over the edge, I felt her terror, her uncertainty, and wished Sam and Dean could have saved her.
This ties together our plotlines about Crowley’s Purgatory, the Alphas, and the Alpha Vampire’s comment about a “mother of all” in an earlier episode. It’s coming together.
What all this means for Sam and Dean, I don’t know. But I’m very worried about Sam, and I suspect Dean is even more so.
This episode was stone-cold amazing. For the first time since this season started, I felt like I was back amongst familiar friends. The ep was funny, sad, upsetting, scary, silly, mysterious and introduced a new Big Bad. I loved every single second of it!
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?
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?
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?
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?
5. How did you feel about the Sam/Dean hug? What about the Sam/Castiel hug that didn’t happen?
6. How about the HUMOR in this ep? Too much, not enough, thank God for the writers’ golden pens, what?
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?
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!
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]