Far Away Eyes’ Review, 7.22: “There Will Be Blood”
Along the way to the Alpha Vampire’s other hideout, however, the brothers notice the people they meet in gas stations, grocery stores, and on the street are acting much the same as those who ate the TDK Slammer. It would seem that they have managed to refine the recipe—as none of these people are violent or cannibalistic. One of them, so engrossed in his “SucroCorp” laced slushie, allows Sam and Dean to bleed him so they can have blood for their assault on the Alpha Vampire’s lair. His only outward expression of distress is a mild “Ow, that hurts.”
Sam realized, after seeing the people at the gas station and the vampires at the first hide out had died, that the additive the Leviathan have added is causing the vampires to die. It is a bit of leverage for the Winchesters to use in their pleas to get the Alpha’s blood—and the biggest double cross contained within the episode itself.
As soon as they arrive, the door is open and welcoming, an obvious trap—or evidence that perhaps the Leviathan had arrived first. Once inside, they are lead by vampires to the dining room of the Alpha Vampire—where Sam tells him they want to talk. As things become more and more decisive between them, Sam informs in a firm voice, “We know what the plague is.”
He goes on to say ask the Alpha Vampire if he knows what a “Leviathan is.”
The Alpha Vampire informs Sam and Dean that not only does he know a “bit,” but he is on “good terms with Dick Roman.” What he doesn’t realize is he’s being played—not until Sam tells him that Roman is poisoning the food source. This catches his attention, making him want the full story before he is willing to help the brothers. After all they had captured him and handed him off to Crowley to be tortured—and they had killed his mother, Eve.
The Alpha Vampire may hold Sam and Dean in contempt, and he may see humans as nothing more than a food source, but he also cares for his children. They are dying, are afraid, and look to him for guidance. He can do nothing for them until he knows the truth—and what path to take to rectify the situation.
Edgar arrives to “talk,” and once the Alpha asks the question about the kinks in the food additive, he dismisses him. The Alpha demands to know where his reward is, only to be told that it is to “lay down and die.” The Leviathan want all of the humans for themselves—all “7 billion of them.” All other monsters—those also created by Eve—are to wither and die on the vine from the poison they’ve injected into the human food supply.
Dick Roman double crossed the Alpha Vampire—all while making a sweet deal about “easy hunting” and shared resources. It should have tripped alarm bells. As they say, a “deal that sounds too good to be true probably is.” The Alpha Vampire allowed Roman to snow him, to set up a double cross easily, and it ended like so many deals: badly. Sam is incredulous when the Alpha says that Roman made a deal with him that they’d “live together” on the planet, feeding on the humans. He exclaims, “And you believed him?”
The Alpha Vampire did this, in part because he is from the Leviathan—or the same substance through Eve. He is a monster; Leviathans are monsters. It would make sense that he would side with those of his kind, rather than humanity which has been set against him and his children for centuries. Why, after what happened with the Crowley debacle, would he outright trust Sam and Dean’s assertion that he is being played? He has no reason to believe that their request for his blood is in his favor.
He asks them why they are concerned about the future of his species, and Dean states matter of fact, “Because it’s better than going down with you.”
If it hadn’t been for the Winchester’s warning, Edgar most likely would have gotten the upper hand over the Alpha, and probably would have killed him. As it is, it gives them the blood they need to prepare the weapon that is needed to kill Roman.
In many ways, this will help reset the Natural Order of things. Some humans are turned, they become vampires, they feed on other humans, hunters come and kill the vampires, and the cycle continues. The Leviathan, on the other hand, upset that balance. They threaten all other living beings—be they human or monster. To leave them unchecked is to give them the world on a silver platter—until they have used it up completely and leave nothing left.
So, it lies with Crowley, and unfortunately for them, Roman knows through a second translation prepared by Tran, that they need the King of Hell’s blood. He is summoned into Roman’s office, straight into a devil’s trap cast on the ceiling. It can only mean that Roman will attempt to set up yet another double cross—this time making Crowley participate in it.
Thanks for the great review. Rather than rehashing everything I’ve said on other posts, let me just post an observation, or at least what would have been nice to see, and this is just my opinion, not harping on the writers.
What if the boys had simply taken Bobby with them instead of leaving him behind? They knew Bobby would be majorly pissed, even alive he would get pissed at them if they tried to do that, as per the line: [i] Do I look like a ditchable prom date?[/i]Sam & Dean knew they weren’t going to confront Dick Roman that day, so there was no chance that Bobby would freak out. And I don’t think it’s a bad thing to have a ghost on your side when you’re fighting any monster.
Anyway, just my opinion. I’m afraid of where the writers will be going with Bobby because of all this. I mean now that he’s possessing a human that is. Has he crossed the line into vengeful once and for all? It would seem so. As Sam pointed out, the lore says that once you go vengeful, there is no coming back. It would be unbelievably sad if the Winchesters had to get rid of Bobby instead of helping him cross over gently.
Thanks for the comment.
You bring up some very interesting points. I can see both sides here for pros and cons for them keeping the flask with them. I agree with you whole heartedly that Bobby HATED being left behind alive, so as a spirit he’d be no different. I also think the boys KNOW this, and it would have perhaps kept them from fanning his temper the way they did by leaving him behind. So I absolutely see that point completely. It could be a mistake here on their part.
On the other hand, I think the boys were really shaken up by what Bobby did when he shoved Charlie aside and broke her arm. While he didn’t intend to hurt her, nor had he gone vengeful on her, I think it scared them that if he was in any contentious situation that he’d lose his cool—Dick Roman being there or not.
It almost feels, at least to me, that Sam and Dean are caught in a catch 22. They’re damned if they do, damned if they don’t, you know? I do hope that they can resolve Bobby’s story here in a way that honors all the characters involved.
Thanks again!
I know it’s a terrible thing to say but Sam and Dean really need to figure out what exactly they [i]want[/i] to happen with Bobby because they, literally, hold the key to his future in the palm of their hands. Do they want him back? Then look for ways of getting him back. It’s not as if he hasn’t been brought back from the dead before. Everyone has! Jeez, it’s like a hazing ritual on the show. You have access to angels and demons, one demon who will owe you big time if you off the Leviathans.
If they don’t want him back? Well, the flask is right there. Either way, they have to, for once, sit down and talk to Bobby. All the alienating him crap by leaving him in the car and locking him in the safe is damn unfair to the man who has risked his life, more than once, to help them. Jeez, have they learnt nothing from locking Sam in the panic room? What’s the first thing he did when he got out of there? Ran to Ruby, got pissed and almost ended the world. As I said a few weeks ago, if Bobby does go full on vengeful, Sam and Dean will need to think long and hard as to why, and ask themselves what role they played in that.
I know that the general air is that ‘He’s a ghost, he’s going to go vengeful’ and yes, he is a ghost, but he’s [i]also[/i] Bobby. They didn’t kill John when he was a demon because he was their father. They didn’t kill Sam when they knew he was one of the special children, or when he was exorcising demons with his mind or when it was revealed he was Lucifer’s vessel. Why not? Because he’s Sam. Hell, they didn’t kill Dean when he was a vampire. Why is Bobby, as a member of Team Free Will, and a declared member of the ‘family’ not being given the same consideration as the rest of the Winchesters? Was Dean just talking crap when he was giving that big spiel about family because so far Bobby isn’t being treated like a member of the family. He’s being treated like a leper, put in the naughty chair and talked about while his ‘family’ just wait for him to go rabid.
It’s interesting in this one that the Alpha Vamp, despite being an Alpha Vamp, actually has some bit of honour. He did seem surprised when Edgar reneged on his deal. I don’t think he’ll be much of a threat to Sam and Dean after this, unless of course, they come after him first.
I know it’s a terrible thing to say (but I am a terrible person!) but there’s something about Dick Roman (or the guy who plays him) that’s just wrong looking. It looks, in a way, as if his skin is too tight, not in a botox sort of a way, but more as if he doesn’t fit comfortably into his skin. Remember that scene in [i]Men in Black[/i] where the alien caught hold of the back of his head and pulled his skin to make it all tight? He reminds me of that.
Aaaargh, Crowley. Nuts. He’ll double cross the double crossers and then double cross them some more. I hope Meg ganks him. And ganks him well……
Thanks Far Away Eyes.
Thanks, Tim, for the great comment.
I think the situation surrounding Bobby has to be resolved, absolutely. I think you’re right, that in some ways they’re not dealing with this right. Like I said, it’s almost like a Catch 22 for them, but at the same time, I’d really like to see the boys sit down and just hash this out with Bobby. Don’t get angry, don’t accuse. Come to a decision on both sides.
It’s obvious that Bobby chose to stay out of love. I hope that this element is what comes to the front again when they do sit down and deal with Bobby and what to do. I have no doubt that Sam and Dean are afraid and don’t want to push Bobby’s temper—hence the not talking directly to him at times, but they know how it feels when others do that to them. I also know that Bobby has a justified reason to be angry with Dick Roman, and that’s a problem for him to perhaps go vengeful, but I come back to love. Love is why he stayed, love is what will help him and the brothers make their final decision.
I have to wonder about Roman’s appearance how much of that is make up and the oily smile often plastered on his face, but I know kinda what you’re saying.
I don’t really know what will happen with Crowley. I think Crowley or Meg is a battle of evil and either way it won’t end well for the boys. If Meg should eliminate Crowley, I have no doubt she’ll turn on Sam and Dean and assert her power by going after them. She ascends the Throne of Hell and becomes Queen, why not meter out your revenge?
You’re welcome again, and I’m glad for the comment!
WOW, A LOT TO PONDER. I WILL REPEAT THIS…I HATE THAT JACKET DEAN IS WEARING. IT DOES NOT LOOK LIKE LEATHER IS LOOKS LIKE PLEATHER AS WE SAID AS KIDS.
GET A BLACK BETTER FITTING JACKET WITHOUT THOSE WUSSY CHEST POCKETS. NOW, NEXT.
THERE IS NO REASON BOBBY CANT BE A GOOD OR SERENE GHOST. I CAN THINK OF 2 NOW. THE FANCY LADY WHO SPOKE TO SAM & DEAN FOR LAURA. the woman all 3 men had sex with at different times.
THE FOX SISTER WHO WAS TRYING TO WARN PEOPLE ABOUT HER HATEFUL SISTER IN THE MENTALISTS.
IT WOULD BE A DISSERVICE TO BOBBYS GREAT SEND OFF FOR HIM TO GO BAD. THEY HAVE TO RESOLVE IT RESPECTFULLY.
THANKS, CANT WAIT FOR FRIDAY **_**
Thanks for the comment.
I guess we’ll have to disagree on the jacket, though. I kinda like it. Shame someone else stole the old one, but hey. It’s growing on me a bit.
I don’t really know how they intend to resolve Bobby. I almost suspect, judging as we’re down to one ep, that it might get pushed to the next season. I think they must resolve it respectfully.
Thanks for the comment!
just a thought-I read that Jensen and the crew/producers had actual input in the style, fabric and look of the Dean jacket. Jensen OK’d the color, material, style, so the jacket as is seems to be his choice.
JENSEN WAS A MODEL SO THAT IS VERY DISTURBING NEWS. IT DOES NOT FIT !!!!!!!!!
[quote]JENSEN WAS A MODEL SO THAT IS VERY DISTURBING NEWS. IT DOES NOT FIT !!!!!!!!![/quote]
I think NolaNola, I remember a couple of years ago Jensen wore tight black leather jacket at con. It’s a tight fitting black leather with white lining on the hem and neck. It’s even smaller than the red leather jacket of Dean. I swear because the hem of Jensen’s personal leather jacket is barely reach the hem of his jeans. I can show you the vid if you don’t believe me.
So, my conclusion is Jensen likes tight fitting clothes. As oppose to somewhat baggy loose on the leg jeans that Jared wear Jensen always wear tight fitting jeans.
It does not have to do with whether he is a model or not. I remember Jensen said that the crew handed him over many kinds of leather jacket and he wore each one of them. He chooses the one that comfortable FOR HIM as opposed to what other thinks.
So, even if you keep saying it does not fit, but Jensen is the one who wears it and he likes it. So, I think we don’t have any say in it. BUT yes I disagree with the color. He looks good in his own tight fitting press bodied black leather jacket why red now?
LOOK HERE KAJ, YOU MIND YOUR BUSINESS AND I WILL DO THE SAME. JENSEN CAN WALK AROUND IN A DRESS IF HE WANTS.
IF YOU CANT SAY ANYTHING NICE TO ME !!!!, DONT SAY ANYTHING AT ALL. HAPPY SPN FRIDAY.
I’m glad you brought out the fact that the actors are still delivering this season, despite the evident fact that the writing on the show has really been a disservice.
I would also add that, other than some obvious editing problems this season (and that has been brought up several times), the production staff continues to do excellent work. The sets and lighting have maintained real quality. Now if we could get more rock music back.
I would also like to comment on the excellent job Guy Bee did in this episode. He had some really beautiful shots in this episode.
Season-wise, I don’t know what’s going on with the writing staff on this show (well, I think I do, but I’m not going into speculation here), but the actors and the production staff are still giving us quality work.
Thanks for the comment.
I’m no actor myself, but I notice their art and how it tells the story. It’s something I’ve enjoyed doing throughout the season on each review, finding what it is about their skill that tells me the story more or less.
I was thrilled with Guy’s direction. I think he got a lot of great moments put on screen that might not mean as much until we see the finale—and others that were so great right when they happened.
Thanks again.
I have another thought about Bobby situation. Bobby is easy to anger these days. I mean Dean is his favourite right? But he also the one that annoy the hell out of Bobby sometimes with smart aleck and smarmy mouth. Usually when he was alive Bobby can just hit his head or screamed at him and called him idjit of the highest order. (like when he was dressing them down in Weekend at Bobby’s). But now every time Bobby gets upset, a mirror brakes. Every time Bobby sees Dick the room shakes, even if Sam and Dean DO try to talk with him things will escalate because Bobby cannot see reason now. He is polluted by anger and WHEN he is angry things will break. (Kinda like the Hulk, I think) It’s like talking to a fire breathing dragon, you have to have a shield nearby because if he gets upset you get burned, he scoffs you get burned, he spits you get burned. See what I mean? Even if you come with a shield he will get offended and you still get burned.
Sam and Dean are wary of Bobby. The scene in the bathroom is shown that they are just talking, right? Dean is being his usual self snarky and smarmy. If Bobby’s alive he would only scream at him and called him idjit but now,… he breaks the mirror. If he gets angrier he could hurt Dean. The mirrors could break down and the piece could hit Dean. Sam is right, Bobby could burn down the store with the power of his anger.
Throughout the seasons I’ve seen Bobby been annoyed, irritated, mad at Sam and Dean but because he was human he can control it and he definitely cannot burn a fireplace up by sneezing at it but now he can. I don’t think talking to him will end well to.
I can imagine it will go like this :
Sam/Dean: Look Bobby, we can talk about this. You have to control yourself and etc.. etc… (along that line)
Bobby: What are you idjits talking about I’m FINE! I can get at Dick. I will kill him and get my revenge! Don’t tell me to stay down and talk me out of this fight!
Then the cabin is shaking up and burning and Sam and Dean get trapped under its rubble. The End.
I think the indication that Bobby was losing it wasn’t because the brothers didn’t want him in on the fight. Rather, I think what was shown was the he was slipping down the slope when his anger got the best of him and he broke the mirror in the bathroom while talking to Dean. Dean’s reflection was in that mirror, and Dean was only showing concern for him.
That was a beautifully shot scene, and those scenes don’t get put in there happenstance.
[quote]I think the indication that Bobby was losing it wasn’t because the brothers didn’t want him in on the fight. Rather, I think what was shown was the he was slipping down the slope when his anger got the best of him and he broke the mirror in the bathroom while talking to Dean. Dean’s reflection was in that mirror, and Dean was only showing concern for him.[/quote]
That’s what I’m saying, Ginger.
I think talking with Bobby will not bring any benefit at all. Bobby is ALWAYS angry whenever he saw Dick. He saw Dick in that motel before he possessed the maid.
You dn’t mess with angry ghost. When human!Bobby angry he barks and snaps when Ghost!Bobby angry he could burn down the building. I’d get away from him rather than talk to him. Sam and Dean is so brave by keeping the flask around.
Thanks for the comment!
I think it’s an interesting take there. Bobby is easy to rile up and takes much longer to cool down now. It’s interesting that the way he’d bark at one of the boys while alive has a much greater impact now. He can influence the world around him because of that anger.
I’ll be curious to see how that conversation goes down between the brothers and Bobby. I think they need to have it, and it needs to be handled carefully.
Thanks again!
Far Awys Eyes, since I don’t know how else to get in contact with you, I thought I put it down on here.
I was at the Con in Germany last weekend and I was able to hand Jim Michaels the Crew book we made here at the WFB. After the panel a few people came up to me and told me that they read the articles here and like them. A few of them said that they especially like your reviews but never comment.
Just thought I let you know that you have more admirer than you actually get to read on here.
Thank you! I’m so glad you got to hand them the Crew book and had such a great time.
I’m glad that my reviews are faring well. It means a lot to me to hear that my thoughts mean something.
So thanks again!