Open Supernatural Couch – “Like A Virgin”
Sorry, need a moment to pick up my head from the floor. It rolled off while I was laughing hysterically,
And doc is not happy about Dean’s plan of blowing up the stone. Not at all. Perhaps he should have used the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch? Somehow I don’t believe that telling her that he learned it all from Bobby was exactly reassuring to Ms Visyak. ‘Trust me.’ Yeah, right,. Too sure of yourself, Dean, sweetie, that cool smile won’t help you you did indeed break the sword, Now it is more shards of Narsil than a dragonslayer’s blade, Ahem, Poor lady, lost her most precious possession she had bad sex with an Eastern European ambassador for,
Behind the lady who dances and the man who madly drinks
Sam, unaware of Dean’s heroics, tries to put the pieces together and calls Bobby for help. Yes, they figure out that sewers might be the modern dragon’s lair, but Sam can’t leave it at that. He needs to try again to get an answer from Bobby there is something he should know. Bobby, come on, won’t you tell me?
‘Got nothing to do with you, Sam, how could it?’ Yes, the irony is dripping from Bobby’s mouth and sipping through my tv screen, pooling up on the floor. It’s not pretty. He’s giving Sam a variation of the silent treatment, accompanied by the occasional blow which Sam can’t understand. Yet. It only adds to his confusion. Well, since Dean is not drawing the curtains back for him and Bobby remains as distant as humanly possible, there is one more person he could ask. And Castiel answers Sam’s prayer right away.
Awwwh, Cas is so relieved to see Sam alive that he responds in a very human way, or,. what he has learned to be human he goes for a hug. No hug for the angel this time. Sniff. It would be awkward, yes, but I would have loved Castiel to get a hug, really, he’s my favourite angel , I stumble into a puppy angel moment here, and the puppy angel (forgive me, kind readers.. this scene is as cute as it is painful) falls for Sam’s con skills.
Sam finally gets the information he needed. And it hits home. Badly. Another tissue moment. You know those moments, don’t you, when you try to fight back tears that just want to come? Just as Sam does it here, Trying to keep a straight face since he is supposed to not be shocked at Castiel’s revelation but he is. To me watching this scene it feels as if lightning just raced through his body. He knows now that he has been walking around with no soul.
I think instantly he knows that those details he claims to be hazy about probably are ugly. There could be no other option, could there?
Under the look of fatigue, the attack of migraine and the sigh
Sam hides it well, as Dean returns with the kiddie sword. He wants to address the matter, of course, but it seems to me he can hardly breathe, and this is not the moment. Right now they have a dragon to kill. If possible. ‘And what are we supposed to do with this, Dean, give it a booster shot?’ Well, they don’t know, yet, that the dragon comes in a man’s shape.
And, yes, they live in sewers. The lore isn’t crap, as Dean wishes. There is some gold there. Don’t touch it, sweetie. Usually dragons’ gold holds a curse. Haven’t you read your mythology books as of late? And since Dean takes the treasure with him later, I tend to believe we might encounter the attached curse in a further episode, Why waste an opportunity like this, Supernatural’s writers?
There is a treasure and an eerie book, much like a journal, and that reminded me of a video we were once shown in history class, about hair-raising artifacts produced during the Third Reich involving Jewish skin. I shudder. And feel sick for a moment. Luckily there’s no time for me to dwell on this, as the hunters follow the calls of the imprisoned virgins. But later we will learn that this journal is actually made from skin and that its contents come as an instruction manual to something nasty, the opening of Purgatory. Oh, dear, Great expectations.
I need to focus for a moment on the fair knights in the sewers,
This is a situation I don’t really like, I have to admit. I don’t like scenes where I find women hoarded up in cages, being at the mercy of some creep. I don’t like moments like this in horror films and I don’t like them in fairy tales. This is the only scene in this else marvelous episode I truly didn’t like. It brings up too many real life stories I’ve heard in my line of work, and it’s a topic I have trouble to find entertaining.
There is always another story, there is more than meets the eye
Okay, back to the episode, Sam and Dean rush to their rescue, however, the dragon is just as fast. He probably had his eyes on them as soon as they entered the lair.
And while Sam fights dragon number one, Dean is attacked by dragon number two, reaching for the slayer’s blade that got whipped out of his hand by number one. According to mythology, dragons are solitary creatures. But not in this show.
It is a blessing here that Sam’s arms are a bit longer than Dean’s. He manages to grab the sword and slay number two while number one escapes. The guys free the girls and go home with the gold. Another day at the office?
Far from it. As Dean revels in the sudden wealth, Sam can’t ease his troubled mind much longer. He doesn’t remember what he did while his soul was gone, but he knows. More than he should, probably, and he tries to make amends, beginning with a most heartfelt apology. And Dean’s wall of avoidance crumbles. He can’t pretend anymore that everything is good. The truth is out. And the truth that still might come out could kill his brother. He’s desperate. He probably can’t protect him anymore, not in this department.
‘Dean, I am so, so sorry, I can’t even begin to say.’
‘For what?’
‘You know what’
‘Bobby?’
‘Cas’
‘You should have told me.’
‘You weren’t supposed to know.
”What I did. . .to Bobby, to you , of course I should know.’
‘Death didn’t just shove your soul back in, 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, and that’s not a joke!’
‘All right, but I have to set things right, what I can, anyway.”It wasn’t you!’
‘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 dry, 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.’
‘What would you do? Right, same thing.’
And Sam? He feels the need to make amends, he needs to set things right, because, of course, he feels guilty about what he did, even if it wasn’t ‘him’. I would feel the same in his place, I guess. If I lost my mind and committed terrible deeds while being somewhat ‘sick’ and came back to my healthy self, I would feel the weight on my conscience, too.
On the other hand, Dean offers him that an apology isn’t necessary. And it isn’t. Not from Sam. The guy who needed to apologize and fix things would have to be the soulless one. Dean realized that, and thus is able to welcome his brother back into his life and his heart. But Sam, being of the kind of character we love and respect, can’t leave it at that. I think he wouldn’t be able to go on with his life if he didn’t try to make some sorts of amends. I understand that very well.
I would feel the need to own it, I suppose. And Sam is ready to own those deeds, too. It’s just who he is. Sam does it with a brave face, but he doesn’t know, yet, how terrible it will be for him once he catches up to the whole truth and once the wall starts to disintegrate. I’m sure this will be a recurring theme from now on, a storyline of its own next to the other storylines unfolding here.
The mother of all has been brought up from Purgatory.
Apart from a slight disappointment on my side that they didn’t find a more charismatic actress to portray her, I wonder who she might be. I don’t want to start speculations, really, but three bad ass mythological mothers come to mind: the Greek Echidna, the Babylonian Tiamat and the Syrian Anat.
Anat was a goddess of war, the great mother who gave birth to the universe and the gods, remaining a virgin, as she was a goddess of love, too. As a goddess of life and death she wore the heads and hands of her slain enemies as jewelry.
Tiamat was the prehistoric goddess of the ocean, who existed before all creation and who gave birth to light by being divided into sky, earth, water and air in a battle with another god, Kingu. As Kingu was slain afterwards, his blood mixed with the clay of the earth which then became the body of humankind. Depending on interpretations, Tiamat could be a peaceful creator goddess or the monstrous embodiment of turmoil.
Echidna was half nymph, half snake, the mother of all monsters, the daughter of Tartarus (underworld deity) and Gaia (mother earth, a mother titan). The most famous monsters in Greek mythology were her offspring, for instance Cerberus, the Gorgon, the Chimera (a beast part lion and part goat that breathed fire), the dragon that guarded the Golden Fleece.
Since the Supernatural creators chose to use a European dragon in this story, I’d like to think that the mother of all is also born in European mythology. Why a European dragon? Well, these creatures here hold the characteristics of those bat like wings (we didn’t see them, but we heard of them in the description from Melissa), intelligent creatures capable of magic, able to speak, with a penchant for treasure, in control of fire.
The way they were shown held no real attraction for me, though. I understand it might have been too expensive in terms of special effects to create dragons (I assume), and thus they were again shown as paranormal creatures possessing human vessels, I’d say. I didn’t find them menacing or thrilling at all. I’m quite happy that this episode joked about the whole issue with the hysterical Comic Con remark or the twelve sided dice joke. To deal with this topic in a more serious way probably would have been too camp.
I don’t think this was the last we’ve heard of dragons. Or of Mommy Dearest. It looks like the show is closing in on the big bad of this season, now. Which also puts out a carpet for any connection to the war in heaven. With Mother out from Purgatory – how will Heaven react to it? Will we see another battle of global proportions? What role will the Winchesters play now? How long will Sam’s wall hold?
There is a strange, eerie sensation creeping up my spine. I love the return of our show. I am excited about its possibilities. And yet there is that silver lining on the horizon that keeps turning slowly into something bloody, it won’t be pretty. Well, it never is.
, There is always a wicked secret, a private reason for this, (from W. H.Auden)
Yay!
Been looking forward to this.
It really, REALLY, was wonderful to see Sam again. And I’m in agreement, hats off to Jared for doing such a wonderful job. I was very not fond of RoboSam, and the moment he walked in the room, he was identifiable as Sam. Our Sam. It’s amazing how he can cause me to like, fear, dislike and swoon over the characters he portrays. All in the same show, sometimes playing variations of the same character. Freaking awesome.
And Kudos to Jensen as he wonderfully gave so much life to Dean’s reaction. I could almost hear his inner monologue. “Sam? Wait, is that really Sam? SAM?! It’s my brother!” 🙄
Rather fond of Doctor Visyak myself. Way to go Bobby! And you idjit Bobby! How’d you manage to alienate yourself from her? (And on a side note, I loved how Jim Beaver played Bobby’s phone call to Dean. I swear, he was almost tasting her name. Heh. SO want to hear that story!)
Loved Dean and the doctor interactions. Though I must say, Dean looked terribly out of place in her living room. I think that may be the first time we’ve seen Dean, in his own street clothes, relaxed, in an affluent house. And am I just going a bit too over analytical here? But I swear the writers were playing a joke.
Dean admits he prefers women with experience. Voila! He meets an attractive, older woman of experience. In drops a joke about a ‘blade’ (we know where your mind went Dean!) He then goes about trying to impress said attractive woman by pulling out a sword she is fond of. (Am I the only one seeing the subtext? Am I sick?! 😮 ) Impressing the woman doesn’t go quite as planned, so move on to plan B. Which ends with Dean coming up a bit, eh, short sworded, and the Doctor is VERY unimpressed.
Well, no matter if I’m reading too much into it, it was still a hilarious scene.
So glad the brothers are back together. I’m officially excited about the show again! Hurrah!
Loved the Open Couch, thanks for writing. So comfy here!
Hi, Yvonne, (oh, I like this reply-to-comment thing, Alice!), I’m happy that you feel so comfortable on my couch, and you are always welcome here!
I also felt that Dean seemed utterly out of place in her living room and in his conversation with her. I’d say, without being too analytical (ahem, and this coming from the resident therapist), perhaps he was intimidated by her which is often to be found when younger men and experienced women (whose IQ is also established) meet. She probably would have been more impressed if he had just been his loveable self instead of would-be-knight.
But we got a wonderful scene out of this! And – Dean did leave an impression. Not the one he might have intended, though, poor laddie…
I’m so sharing your excitement! Thank you so much for your comment, dear. Love, Jas
@Yvonne: Agree with you re Dean and Dr. Visyak
@Jasminka: I lOVE the HUG! (I punched the air with my fist when I saw that.)
–all our guys were superb as usual.
–I love that scene between Sam and Cas (esp. how Misha played it.)
— I wish SPN had chosen an older woman to play the Mother. The actress who played Dr. Visyak would have been great, I think.
— and if the SPN Universe was real, I’m really pissed off enough to want to give God a great SMACK! or several smacks on the fanny for the bad things which happened to the boys in S6 (except Dean’s hapy time with Lisa and Ben). I mean the boys averted the Apocalypse for crying out loud!
FMJemena hello and thanks for commenting! Perhaps we should all get in line for the infamous God-smack…? You’re so right, we got so many beautiful scenes. Perhaps I should try that punching the air thing, too. Haven’t done that in a long time! Cheers, Jas
Mother? Pah. More like Babysitter … She didn’t look nearly impressive enough to be the Big Bad. Liked Dr. V, although she must have a trust fund or seriously impressive powers of barter as that was a fantastically swanky crib for a history professor … Bobby is SO out of his league, he should stick to Next-Door Pie Lady! 😆
Hey, Suze, so right you are, gal! Babysitter, muah… I would really like to see a woman of charisma for once. Like Dr Visyak. She could have played the monster mommy much more convincingly… thank you, dear! 🙂 , Jas
I’ve read quite a few comments lately about how the actress chosen to play the Mother should be older. I’d like to share my view on the matter.
I can’t deny that they could have chosen a more charismatic actress, but really, it makes sense that she is young. If I understand correctly, Purgatory is the place monsters go when they die. Thus, it’s a place of spirits, like Heaven or Hell, and there are no bodies there that could be used as a vessel for Mother. The spell to bring her out of Purgatory required a virgin sacrifice, and generally, virgins are young girls. So I think – in addition to being symbolic – the virgin sacrifice was part of the spell for the very purpose of providing a vessel for the Mother to walk earth in.
So anyway, that’s my 2 cents. Sorry if it was super long and rambly. I’ve never posted before, but I love reading all of the articles and comments! Great site! 🙂
How could I have missed your comment earlier, Calcifera, forgive me! And welcome to the commenting experience!
And what a beautiful penname. I agree that virgins are (usually) young girls, and I’m giving that actress more than one chance to prove her skills, it’s just that I wish they had found one of more charisma. Just as with the actress who played Lilith… she didn’t carry any weight, either. It didn’t impress me, really, but I’m known to be very critical when it comes to acting which might just be a part of my own theatre days heritage…
Thank you, and thank you for acknowleding our site. I know I speak for all of us when I say, we’re happy and honoured to be able to give you a lot of fun with what we do here.
🙂 , Jas
Jas, you know I loved this open couch article just as I loved this episode.
Did I not always tell you, he would get him back?
I too thought Jared was wonderful here, as soon as Sam moved almost hesitently and child like into that room, you just knew that this WAS Sam and we got that hug that would have brought tears to a glass eye.
So what if the dragons were a little bit of a let down, I really did not care about the MOTW story or the mytharc or anything else here, I also did not want to spend any time worrying about what will happen when `The Great Wall Of Sam` begins to crumble (and of course we know it is going to)I wanted to join Dean in his ostrich impression, burying my head deep in the sand and ignoring everything else. Sam was there, complete with his soft, caring nature and the puppy eyes, and how I loved that smile that followed their deployment!!! The banter we have so missed, `I`ve been gone a year and you`re still not funny`. The way he tried in vain to lay on the guilt trip about stealing the girls diary and Deans` joy at him doing this, BTW, I also thought he delivered that line wonderfully!
Of course I also loved the sword in the stone saga, but it does amaze me yet again how much debate this generated in the wider fandom. Why could Dean not just remove the sword? Because it was so much funnier that he could not and had to improvise with a very `Dean` solution. And then of course people are actually also debating why Dean couldn`t reach the elusive `Sword down the grate` and Sam could, For Chucks` sake people could it be because HIS ARMS ARE LONGER? I do think that sometimes this fanbase can tend to over analyse slightly. 😉
So thanks again for this article, it`s so nice to snuggle down on the couch and feel good, even if just for a while as we all know what`s lurking, but let`s enjoy it while we can. The last time I felt this good after an episode was PONR, and I have missed this feeling, I could ramble on about it for hours, but I wont but I just have to say it
`It IS him` 🙂
Love Ju
Julie, dear friend, yes you were right – we did get him back, and thank you so much for always reminding me when my spirit faltered.
You are welcome to ramble on on my couch as much and often as you like. I’m happy to provide a place where you feel comfortable doing so. This episode was so full of moments that we love, the bantering, the puppy dog thing, the hugs, the tearing up, the believing in one another… sigh… Good times. Let’s enjoy them while we can!
Thank you so much, love! Hugs, Jas
PS.
Could someone please just hug our little angel too.
I am guessing we would have a few volunteers and I think I know who would be at the front of the queue, right Arde? 😉
Oh I so know what you mean Dany 🙂
Hi Jasminka
Awwww its so good to sit back on the couch. Eight weeks is just too long.
Seeing Sam laying on the cot like that reminded me of how he looked laying on the mattress in AHBL pt2. I was actually relieved to see the IV bottle.
I loved this episode.
I loved the HUG, the banter, the smiles, the brothers’ working together as a team.
I loved seeing Dean’s pure enjoyment each time Sam displayed any of his idiosyncrasies. Using the puppy dog eyes and sympathetic demeanour, being shocked that Dean stole the girls’ diary. Even his heart felt apology at the end. It was all proof that the real Sam was back.
I understand Bobby’s unease around Sam. You just don’t easily forget when someone you loved and treated like a son tried to kill you. Even if that person was not them self, it’s still hard to forgive and forget. I just hope it doesn’t last too long.
I believe Dean was able to forgive and forget so easily because he never really accepted RoboSam to be his brother. The true and real part of Sam was missing and that’s why he was willing to risk at all cost to having Sam’s soul re-entered. It reminded me of ‘When the Levee Breaks’ when he said that if Sam died at lease he would die human.
I loved the scene between Dean and the stone and bringing in the 21st century. If Dean just walked up and removed the sword I would have been disappointed. As much as I don’t doubt Dean’s bravery and is a modern day knight, I believe there has to be some kind of bloodline/lineage/spiritual connection to the sword.
As for the motw and the new mytharc with Mommy Dearest, it really wasn’t that important to me this episode…all I cared about was seeing the brothers back.
I did prefer the off screen take of the dragons more than seeing them in human form. And since they only gave us a quick introduction to Mommy Dearest. I’m willing to wait and see how it is played out in further episodes.
Karen, dear, feel free to snuggle in at any time here on my couch!
This episode held so many emotions, but mostly happy ones for me… And, yes, if Dean had removed the sword without much effort – who would have believed a camp move like that? If he had been Michael in season 5, perhaps he would have been able to do so, since Michael is the ultimate dragon slayer (as in: slaying the serpent who was the devil), but Dean is just a man, a brave one, a modern knight, but this slaying thing might just not be his primary business. Who know, perhaps we’ll see more of that in the future?
Love, Jas
QUESTION: Who brought Sam’s body topside w/o his soul? and WHY? Could it be Death? If so, WHY again?
Is Crowley really out of the story or did he plan his death so that he could get to Purgatory?
I have nothing against the actress chosen to play Mommy Dearest–she has to be really good as there is a lot riding on her–it’s just that you need someone ageless to portray that kind of ancient, powerful Mama.
On Dr. Visyak? Wathc that exchange again in the living room. She checked Dean out below the belt and Dean reacted. She checked out his ass too when he tried for the sword. Ooooh, I love that lady!
I forgot to thank you, Ms. Jas.
And Cas? I’d hug you if you were real and in the market for human hugs. Lots of hugs. I’d even offer my help re your War in Heaven, even if it’s just with research and prayers.
You’re quite welcome! Should we start a ‘Let’s hug Cas’ campaign? 😆 He’d like that, eh?
Ok, this is my first time on the couch. Should I sit or lay?
Thank you Jasminka for your artikel. I enjoyed reading it.
I would love to find out about Bobby and Dr.V. I doubted that Bobby and her are not in the same leage maybe she likes a handyman and she wasn´t scared off after she learned what Bobby doe (like the neighbor lady).
Question to the resident therapist: If Sam memories come back bit by bit could he learn to live with them? Because that is what I hope for.
It gave me shivers when I think my body was walking around with no soul (me). So what did my body? Of course I would feel responisble.
Whatever you like, Junkerin, it’s always up to the ‘patient’, dear. Thank you for your kind words, I’m glad you liked your first session on my couch.
You know, if those memories came back, he could learn to live with them. Many people are capable of that. In my line of work I’ve witnessed countless proofs of courage as traumatized people began to own their scars and take back control over their lives. It is possible. But one needs help. It doesn’t have to be a professional one, not always. But it’s easier with a neutral person who has the qualifications to walk you through the whole ordeal.
I live in hope. Sam will suffer horribly, I’m certain, but he will survive and live with those memories, just as Dean does. They are strong guys, thank God.
Viele liebe Grüße, Jas
Sweet Dany, I’m so happy that you enjoyed it and decided to say so, I know you don’t like to comment so very often, and I’m grateful that you did. And yes, thanks for reminding me, I will gibve the actress another chance! 😉
Love, Jas
Hi Yume, thank you for commenting in this elaborate manner!
I am with your praise for the actors’ talents. I have always admired when actors are able to convey emotions with tiny, reduced gestures, it’s so much more impressive than grandezza!
Believe me I am with you, again, in thinking that Soulless Sam wasn’t all bad. I actually advocated that in another article, and people just kept misunderstanding me. Well, I always believe there is more than meets the eye, even in a person whose soul is missing. I guess it’s a definition of soul …
Sam really has nothing to atone for, true,but I think he will still try to do it. That’s just who he is, and I wish I could lift that weight from his shoulders. I’m quite curious how the writers will show this development.
Enjoy the happy feelings, Yume, as long as they last. The upcoming episode is going to be tougher, I reckon.
Best always, Jas
Hi, dmakdavis, Long Live King Dean?! Hell, yeah. What a handsome king he would make…
You know, I think this episode [i]was [/i] about the reunion of Sam and Dean, which might be a reason why the Monster of the Week story was such a weak one. And if this mother really will be the big bad – well, that remains to be proven. So, let’s go on enjoying this ‘[i]They’re back’ [/i] moments!
Thank you for commenting, Jas
Love your couch, Jasminka! Another great article I enjoyed immensely.
LOVED the hug! Oh my! I could tell right away at Sam’s “Dean” that Sammy was back, and the tears started to come. God, I’ve missed this Sammy so much in the 2 years previous. Awesome acting, Jared! Now I will be able to watch the first half knowing Sam will be back, and so enjoy the episodes much more.
Dean was able to be the realDean again after all this time, bless him. Such a relief for him, especially after all the doom and gloom advice from Cas. He had no other choice than to get the soul back or he would have had to kill his brother’s body to keep it from doing awful things to innocent people. Loved Dean in this episode, the relief, the happiness to have his Sammy back, the fight with the stone.L0L.
I wasn’t concerned about the MOTW at all this episode. Mytharc Shmytharc! Who cares? The boys are back together and for a while things are all right in this universe and I hope they stay that way for quite a few episodes.
Instead of ending with a gut wrenching pain it was a delightful happy uplifting
joy. Happy dance! Our boys are back!
Hello Bevie, I’m joining you in the happy dance! Perhaps next time the CW should bring some Kleenex with it, eh? Let’s enjoy the happy moments as long as we get them. I assume the next episode will be of a different kind. Cheers! Jas
The couch, the couch. Oh how I miseed thee.
Everybody scoot together a little bit so I can snuggle in between you guys.
So much to say about this episode. So little words to describe it all.
First of all Jensen and Jared. I so do agree with you on the part that we were able to watch them grow into their acting abilities. Like you said Jensen was always good but I still think that today he is even better. And Jared, well as much as I love my supernatural. When I watch an ep of season 1 I sometimes catch my self thinking “Come on Jared you can do that better more convincing. I know you can cause I saw you do it” Oh well but then again like you said he grew with the show and I enjoyed being able to watch that a whole lot.
I so understand Dean’s refusal to tell Sam what happend during the last one and a half years. For one it would be scratching the Sam wall (and we all know you shouldn’t do that) and secondly Dean just dwells (like I am) in the happy feeling that everything is perfect now again. Sam is back to his own self and Dean is so glad about that it shows in everything. Everytime he looks at Sammy you can see it. In his refusal to give in to Bobby to tell Sam about the past. Dean deep down knows that Sam will find out and that it would be best if he would hear it from Dean but dang that would destroy his happy feeling about the momentary situation. After all they have been through who can blame him that he wants to dwell in it for just a little bit longer. And then the scene where Bobby and Dean are about to take off on a hunt and Bobby asks what about Sam and Dean replies that he wants to let him sleep. He is reacting like a worried mother of her child that had been terrible sick and is just now on the way of recovery and it needs a lot of sleep to do so.
Besides the brotherly love – one of my favourite scenes of course is the recovering of the sword. And that even with classical tunes from Jethro Tull. It was so hilarious and I had to rewind it a few times. By the way did anyone besides me wonder what kind of treasures the impala holds that we haven’t heard off. First the sniper riffle and now explosives.
About the mother of all and the woman portraying her. I agree that we shouldn’t make any judgment just yet. We haven’t seen enough of her yet. To think that a young woman couldn’t be a big baddy – Hello where have you guys been in the past. More then once baddies where little kids and Lilith was a scary little girl – don’t you guys think so?
Jas I love how you brought up some history on the mother of all. The goddess that came to my mind is a little older and mostly fictional though. It is the mother of all from the Ayla books. Unfortunatly I can’t remember her name.
Thanks again for bringing back the couch hun. Love you for doing that.
Oops guys we need to scoot together somemore. There are more people who want to sit on our couch.
Yirabah, hi! Don’t worry, there’s plenty of room. The magic couch of Jas… expands as needed. And it will be coming back, of course!
You are so right, both actors have grown. Immensely. I truly wish their skills would be recognized on a larger scale… well, we live in hope.
Unfortunately I haven’t read the Ayla novels, so I can’t help you with the name of that goddess there. But whoever she is, she might be bad ass… Getting curious, really.
🙂 , Jas
Hi Jasminka,
Thanks for the extended office hours! I loved the episode for all the reasons everyone has already listed, but mainly for the essential Samness and Deanness (not to be confused with Lochness!) of it all. Sam was his old compassionate, observant, user-of-puppy-dog-eyes self. And Dean was positively vibrating with excitement and giddy with joy about having his brother back AND being able to be himself. He was like an a lady in the Victorian era — now that the corset of Sam’s soullessness was removed, he could let it all hang out, and just breathe. (Can’t quite believe I made that comparison, but it works!). And I’m sure Dean knew it was a bad idea to withhold the truth, but I think he really did just want to live in that bubble of happiness a while longer. It’s like that lull in your life when you know something really bad is coming — a serious operation, the return of a dread disease, the break-up of a relationship, the end of a job – but in this moment, things are really, really good and that’s what you want to hang on to.
But, like I said in my comments after Alice’s Review (sorry to repeat.. my brain is fired and the windchill is brutal and sucking every original thought from my mind) … My only quibble is Sam’s guilt over what he did as Robo-Sam. Paraphrasing: “I feel like someone slipped me the worst Mickey of all time, and I woke up to find the city on fire, and the Zippo in my pocket.. So, yeah, it’s kind of my fault, but I’ll fix it” Isn’t that pretty much what happened with Ruby, the demon blood and releasing Lucifer? He got conned and manipulated and used. It’s true that RoboSam wasn’t Sam, so Sam didn’t actually do any of those things. Although I would argue RoboSam was being used by somebody or something. But still, Sam (because he’s Sam) has decided to own the mistakes and make amends. To me it seems like the same storyline with different words. But we have 10 episodes left (and hopefully more.. fingers crossed for season 7) to see if it goes down a different path. I hope so, otherwise it might be just a tad repetitive. Although if they decided to repeat some shirtless scenes (and maybe add a few new Dean shirtless scenes, even short-sleeved Dean scenes!) I’d probably be okay with it!
And why is Cas so mad at Dean, who also had his soul sliced up on more than one ocassion? Methinks the blue-eyed angel knows something and might be feeling a tad torn or guilt-ridden himself!
Much left to uncover, but much to enjoy with the return of The (true and souled) Brothers Winchester!
Thanks!
Hi Pragmatic Dreamer, my pleasure and thank you for commenting!
You describe that ‘lull’ beautifully, and I think both brothers need it at the moment. They know something is coming, and their fear is palpable, too, but this need to be put away, just for a minute…
I do hope, as you do, that they won’t repeat the same storyline. If Sam was able to shed this guilt which is not his sooner, that’d be a clear sign of his growth. Because he has grown, as has Dean, but the still need to own that, too. I’d recommend a few sessions on my couch, but, alas, I’m here and they’re there…
I trust that the writers will bring us something new. As you say, still 10 episodes to go.
Cheers, Jas
Back on the couch again 🙂
Sam is back and so is Dean. I am so, so glad. But of course, this being Supernatural, something is rotten in the state of Denmark. There is the fallout of the year-plus of ‘missing’ time to deal with. It looks like case-wise that fallout begins to reveal itself in the next episode, but the emotional fallout we have caught a glimpse of already…
Your comments about Sam (“knows now that he has been walking around with no soul”) and Dean (“barely reveals anything about his life without his brother, and when he should say some more, he turns the radio up”) made me think of this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r7xhlfqpN0 that to me captures the true otherness of soulless Sam. And, by the same token, the differences in Dean in his extremes as father and ‘killer’, rather than as the ‘real’ Dean that we saw this episode: stubborn, wisecracking and, as always, protective of his brother.
I do love that both Sam and Dean are still the same people we fell in love with, but somewhat older and wiser versions. Not perfect of course, definitely flawed. But they have fought so hard to get where they are. I do hope their relationship heals somewhat over the rest of the season, as they continue to fight the things that go bump in the night.
Magichappening, hello and thank you!
Welcome back to a couch session…Thank you for the link to the youtube video, I didn’t know that. What an interesting version, indeed!
I think we’ll always have the essence of the guys, and they keep growing. And, after all, aren’t the flaws in a person the traits we love about them? As Peter Ustinov once said ‘We respect people for their achievements, but we love them because of their flaws.’ How true, don’t you think?
Because those make us unique. Anyone can achieve great things, but the flaws, the tiny and the bigger ones, are a huge part of who we are. And – if we look closely , most flaws are not unforgiveable, are they?
Best always, Jas
I do like this reply function too 🙂 Thanks for your response. Yes, looking at that video again having seen Sam this last week and all the warmth and honesty and caring and empathy he has again, threw the early Season 6 Sam into sharp relief. We did not know he didn’t have a soul, but there was definitely something other about him. Am glad Sammy is back 🙂
hugging Sammy big time now… ((((Sammy)))! SIgh.. I just love my boy…
sweetly sighing, Jas 😆
Ah, the couch, thank you, Jas.
I loved all the ‘Sam’ moments here, from his dazed appearance and then desperate hug, to puppy dog eyes to horror as Cas’ words started to take meaning, his attempt at an apology as the boys gathered their half sword and gear to slay the dragon to his out and out apology at the end…so much goodness, and not to forget his gentle prodding at Dean regarding Lisa.
This episode explains so much of the OOC moments of the earlier season…Dean without Sam isn’t Dean. So glad they’re back in the saddle again.
As for the non-charasmatic actress…well, like you and others, I’ll give her the benefit of another showing because she really didn’t have much to do here; however, I do have to question the show’s ability to cast actresses in these nasty roles. To my recollection (and speaking only about these ‘nasties’ that recur) Meg of Season 1 is the only one they’ve ever done justice to and Ruby of S3 was fairly nasty, all the others have lacked the ‘chops’ to pull of the gig…I wonder why when they do such a great job casting so many others, including Ellen, Mary (both Mary’s) the doctor here, the neighbor in Weekend at Bobby’s…somebody should check out who is casting these actresses and why there is a consistent lack of depth, ability and gravitas in these roles.
Ah well, I’ll admit, I much prefer my fangirl hat and as long as the boys are brothers, I can yawn my way through the meh parts.
As for all the lies that were revealed here, so glad that at least in this episode they were quickly brought to light and dispensed with, of course there will be fallout ahead but at least the lies are out…right, all of them?
Thanks for the couch time, Jas.
Elle2, hi dear! Thank you for raising your voice! It was a very promising episode and I can’t wait for the next one (for you today, for me tomorrow)…
You know, as for the low-key-actresses… perhaps they can’t afford actresses of more gravitas, perhaps they don’t have time for a long casting process, perhaps the CW gives them conditions, who knows. Let’s see what this new one will bring. I tend to be very skeptical, as whenever I watch someone act, I always see the technique, too, which is a part of my own training I’d like to shed, because then I could watch it without any cave moments… Ah, I still hope this one will pull a good one off…
Love, Jas
I was thinking about Sams Soul.
#1: What happend to Sams Soul during his time in hell?
#2.: What will happen when Sam starts to remeber?
To 1: We were told: “Filled to the raw nerv” “Hate banging as we speak” or “Skinned alive”. So all together realy bad experienses. The only person who we can compare is Dean. But to him the worst of all bad in hell was not beeing tortured, it was becoming a torturer himself. For me this it quite diffrent. For me Sam was in his time in hell beeing a victim to Luzi and Michael.
That leads to question No 2: And agin Dean is our only source to compare. But it works even less in this case. Will Sam suffer from his torture? Yes. Can he live with the knowledge beeing a victim? I don´t know what that does to a person like him.
So I leav that to Jas!
Rest assured, Junkerin, that I will address these questions in further articles. How could the resident therapist resist a chance to get the guys on her couch?
People can learn to live with the worst of torture experience. I’ve witnessed that in my line of work often enough to be sure. It depends on many factors, though. First of all the ability to seek help, and the Winchesters haven’t really been big in that department so far. But – we know how strong people they are. They are resilient beyond expectation.
If you like, check out this article of mine (Sam and Dean and The Winchester Formula), it might answer some of your questions.
https://www.thewinchesterfamilybusiness.com/articles/59-the-family/10772-sam-and-dean-and-the-winchester-formula-survival-posttraumatic-growth-and-heroism-under-supernatural-circumstances.html
Take care, Jas
Hi Jas!
Call me when Sam is on your couch or Dean as a mather of fact. 😆
I think I read all of you artikel during hellout and enjoyed them very much. I like you look into the deep on the charater (even it´s a fictional on)
Yay! Our boys are back & Jas’ couch is back!!
Jared just amazed me with his switch from RoboSam to Sam. The moment Sam uttered his brother’s name, I knew our Sammy was truly back. The hug had me in tears. It was incredibly wonderful to have caring, earnest, ever-questing, take-responsibility Sam back. It was crushing to see his face as he began to realize what had happened to him & what he had done, but he’s got Dean to help him through it. Although he’s willing to take responsibility for the actions of RoboSam, I think he will come to understand the difference between his real self & that soulless body that had been walking around doing horrible things. He’s a smart guy.
Getting the real Sam back meant we got the real Dean too. That little smile when Sam used his puppydog eyes on the sister & chided him for taking the diary…oh, it was so wonderful to see that. Cocky, smartass, big-brother Dean! Sure, he knows that Sam will discover the truth, but he’ll get a little while to just enjoy having his brother back. In a way, I wish Dean had been able to pull the sword smoothly from the stone, for we all know he’s certainly a worthy “knight”, but when have things ever been easy for our guys? This way we got a priceless example of Jensen’s comedic skills & another demonstration of Winchester ingenuity! Plus the sword still worked, even if it was more of a dagger by that point! (I wonder if the shards of Narsil would have still been as effective in Aragorn’s hand; probably!)
I figure the show did what they could budget-wise to portray the dragons (although I can’t wait to see how awesome Smaug is gonna be in The Hobbit!) It did make sense in the mythology of the show with all monsters we’ve seen so far being some sort of mutation of human, that these dragons had a human form.
I too will reserve judgment on the new Big Bad until we see more of her!
Thanks Jas!
Hi Dawn, this was indeed a huge love fest, wasn’t it? Can’t wait either to see Smaug in the Hobbit. A dear friend of mine is travelling to New Zealand in April, She already got the task to bring me Richard Armitage. So curious…
Thank you so much, love,Jas
[quote]I wish Dean had been able to pull the sword smoothly from the stone, for we all know he’s certainly a worthy “knight”,[/quote]
Surely “worthy”, but “flawless”… hmmm.. I highly doubt it. But this doesn’t prove nothing, even Lancelot counldn’t touch the Holy Grail because he sinned with Guinevere, still he was the most worthy knight of the Round Table. 😉
[quote](I wonder if the shards of Narsil would have still been as effective in Aragorn’s hand; probably!)[/quote]
Well, he was roaming the Wilderness for years having just the shards of Narsil in his sheath, so I suppose he could do pretty well with just a half-sword 😀
I wonder if the shards of the Brunswick sword will go into the arsenal in the trunk of the Impala, or if Dean had the guts to give them back to their legitimate owner… 😆
Oh, good point! The shards could come in handy, for we know there are more dragons yet to be vanquished.
Also, regarding New Zealand, that country is stunning & the people are wonderful. I highly recommend visiting it! I went 2 years ago on a Lord of the Rings location tour.