Sofia’s Review: Supernatural 9.07 – “Bad Boys”
Talk about nostalgia! This episode screamed classic ‘Supernatural’. Even the “Then” sequence brought back great memories of seasons past. And it feels like forever since we had a good old fashioned ghost hunt. Not to mention all the warm and fuzzies.
I love flashback episodes. It’s so fun to get a peek at Sam and Dean’s childhood. We may know the basics, but we don’t know about all the little moments that really shaped them. It’s amazing to see how the choices they made as kids have had a profound impact on their adult life.
Early on in the series Dean was painted as an obedient soldier coming to the defense of John and the life he chose for his sons. Over the years, that image has changed since we’ve gotten to know Dean and he’s gotten to know himself as someone separate from his father. Dean has come to realize his father’s mistakes but has still remained fiercely loyal to him. Even in this episode as Sam questions Dean about John leaving him at Sonny’s Home For Boys, Dean comes straight to John’s defense insisting it’s not his fault. That loyalty is still there.
And how many times have we heard Dean talk about their responsibility to the job? “Saving people, hunting things. The family business.” Whenever Sam has tried to walk away and live a normal life, Dean reminded him of their obligation. So it surprised me that a 16-year-old Dean came so close to walking away himself. Not only did he not like hunting, but he had very different dreams for himself.
Robin: “What do you really want to do?”
Dean: “I wanna be a rockstar but I also really like cars.”
Robin: “Being a mechanic seems rough.”
Dean: “No, not at all. Cars are cool as hell. Fixing them is like a puzzle and best of all, when you’re done, they leave and you’re not responsible for them anymore.”
Those are the words of a kid who has been given way too much responsibility way too early. The fact that he craves a life where he’s not responsible for anything is really telling. Not only was he responsible for Sam’s safety and well-being, but we learned way back in season two that many times he has to be responsible for his father too.
John: “You know, when you were a kid, I’d come home from a hunt, and after what I’d seen, I’d be, I’d be wrecked. And you, you’d come up to me and you, you’d put your hand on my shoulder and you’d look me in the eye and you’d… you’d say, “It’s okay, Dad”. Dean, I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have had to say that to me, I should have been saying that to you. You know, I put, I put too much on your shoulders, I made you grow up too fast. You took care of Sammy, you took care of me. You did that, and you didn’t complain, not once. I just want you to know that I am so proud of you.”
That’s a lot for one person to handle. If it’s possible, I love Dean even more knowing how easy it would have been for him to walk away and knowing that he chose not to. Sonny was ready to stick his neck out for Dean. And let’s face it, it wouldn’t have been too hard to convince child services, or whoever, that Dean was better off at the boy’s home. He was flourishing; doing well in school, picking up new hobbies (Dean Winchester with a guitar? Yes please!), just generally adjusting to civilian life. But he couldn’t do it because he couldn’t leave Sam, the person he cares the most about in this world.
I don’t know about you, but that scene pretty much tore the heartstrings right out of my chest. It was a mixed bag of emotions. On the one hand I was so sad for Dean knowing all he would miss out on by making this choice. But on the other I felt so proud of him and so happy knowing what this decision would mean for him and Sam. Yes, there are terribly rough roads ahead for both of them, but I can’t help but think how differently things would have played out if they weren’t in each other’s lives.
Part of what made this episode so enjoyable for me was Dylan Everett who played young Dean. Over the years, the show has struggled to find actors that can mimic Jensen’s mannerisms. Colin Ford was the perfect young Sam right off the bat, but for whatever reason they never quite found the right young Dean. Personally, I think Dylan Everett hit the nail on the head in this episode. What did you guys think? Were you a fan of Dylan’s interpretation?
I also really enjoyed watching Sam learn things about Dean that he never knew. There was a definite mixture of interest and sadness in his discoveries. Sam saw those two months as the best part of Dean’s life. And it seems he felt personally responsible for taking that away from him. I was glad that Dean found his own way to let Sam know how he feels about their life together.
Sam: “Dean, thank you.
Dean: “For what?”
Sam: “For always being there. For having my back. Look, I know it hasn’t always been easy.
Dean: “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.”
Ok, so it’s not an outright “I love you”, but it might as well be.
I can’t believe I haven’t even mentioned the ghost hunt yet. I found the story pretty satisfying. Although, I knew there was something off about Timmy from the moment he came on the screen. I actually assumed he was a ghost and Dean was talking to him “Sixth Sense” style. I was really happy to be wrong because I hate guessing twist endings. Not that it happens often. Even though Timmy was technically the “bad guy” in this episode, I couldn’t fault the little guy for anything. He was just too pathetic and adorable. And really, you can’t blame him for being a scared little kid, crying for his mother. And when he needed to step up and take control of the situation he did.
I think it goes without saying that I enjoyed this episode. It was a nice break from the big story arcs of the season and had me reminiscing about the early seasons of this show. Sam and Dean sure have come a long way since then! What did you all think? Were you glad to have an old school hunt? Did you like the flashbacks as much as I did?
There are so many good quotes and moments worth mentioning in this episode.
Is Sam secretly reading ‘The Marvelous Land of Oz’?
Dean: “And everybody’s ok with heading out to the catskills?”
Sam: “I am everybody.”
Sonny: “You shouldn’t make him mad.”
Dean: “Why cause he’s a cop?”
Sonny: “No, cause when you make ‘em mad, they leave with the key.”
Dean teaching Timmy to shake hands properly was such a sweet moment.
Dean: “You shake like that, you’ll be alright.”
Dean: “Nobody bad-touched me, nobody burned me with their smokes or beat me with a metal hanger. I call that a win.”
The return of the samulet! Just seeing it makes me want to watch “A Very Supernatural Christmas”.
Sonny: “What are you, in the mob or something?”
Dean: “More like something.”
Sonny: “You get one shot at this game, Dean. And when you look in the mirror you want the guy looking back at you to be his own man.”
Dean and Robin’s first interaction in the diner made my skin crawl. So. Awkward.
I have always wondered who Dean’s first kiss was. Now we know.
Dean: “You have to trust me.”
Robin: “And why would I do that?”
Dean: “You do remember me!”
I actually laughed at this bit of dialogue. Only Dean would see a woman’s suspicion as a sign that she remembers him.
Dean: “Sometimes you gotta do what’s best for you, even if it’s gonna hurt the ones you love.”
Sam: “Here I was thinking this was the worst part of your life, turns out it was the best. Why’d you ever leave?”
Dean: “Never felt right.”
Sam: “Really?”
Dean: “It was two months, Sam. I couldn’t wait to get out of here. I don’t know what to tell you, it wasn’t me.”
Who is excited for Sam and Dean to sign their purity pledges next week? Looks like they may become dragon bait!
I flat out adored this episode. I was honestly sad when it ended! And yes, I thought Dylan was spot on! I’d love to see more from him as young Dean (not to mention I just love learning more about the boys’ history as well).
I flat out adored this episode. I was honestly sad when it ended! And yes, I thought Dylan was spot on! I’d love to see more from him as young Dean (not to mention I just love learning more about the boys’ history as well).
Dylan was perfect in the role and had a lot of the same mannerisms as Jensen uses. According to Adam Glass Dylan watched episodes of the show and studied Dean’s /Jensen’s mannerisms and the effort showed. I loved the episode and it reminded me what I love about this show. It was just plain entertaining. I don’t need shocking revelations every week to hold my attention, just a good story. Thanks for your review Sofia.
Dylan was perfect in the role and had a lot of the same mannerisms as Jensen uses. According to Adam Glass Dylan watched episodes of the show and studied Dean’s /Jensen’s mannerisms and the effort showed. I loved the episode and it reminded me what I love about this show. It was just plain entertaining. I don’t need shocking revelations every week to hold my attention, just a good story. Thanks for your review Sofia.
The Dean teaching Timmy to shake hands was one of my favorites. He’ll never shed that ‘protector’ side of him. It’s made him what he is.
Count me in as hoping we see Dylan as young Dean again. I was worried, but he was stellar!!! The kid’s got a bright future.
The Dean teaching Timmy to shake hands was one of my favorites. He’ll never shed that ‘protector’ side of him. It’s made him what he is.
Count me in as hoping we see Dylan as young Dean again. I was worried, but he was stellar!!! The kid’s got a bright future.
Great review. I loved EVERY second of this ep. I hear many are mad about John’s demonization, but I totally see him doing this. He had tough standards for Dean. Take care of Sammy, don’t draw attention to yourself. Dean broke both those rules. And by this time John’s tough marine attitudes were in full force. He was focused on one thing. I know guys like that. They run the house like a marine camp. And it’s not like he was reading how to parent books. HA!
Of course he redeemed himself by saving Dean. How many families have similar stories. Dysfunctional, but redemption in the end. It didn’t make me dislike John. I accept it was in his character.
Loved young Dean. Only thing I missed were the freckles!
Another break from Zeke was fine with me. I watch this show for myth and entertainment so I appreciate all kinds of eps.
One thing. The minute I saw the devil’s trap carved in the bed post I thought, hmm, didn’t the guys learn about that for the first time when Bobby showed it to them while trapping Meg?
And Dean has said many times in earlier seasons he was fed up with hunting. So I don’t see a 16 yr old Dean not wanting to do what his dad does. Don’t a LOT of 16yr olds feel that way? Doesn’t mean they don’t mature and end up doing the same thing. Didn’t see that as out of character either. He now has more wisdom and life experiences to realize that his young dreams were just that, dreams. Life led him on a different path, He accepts it and isn’t bitter, nor mad at his dad. He has perspective.
Loved the ep. Thanks again.
Great review. I loved EVERY second of this ep. I hear many are mad about John’s demonization, but I totally see him doing this. He had tough standards for Dean. Take care of Sammy, don’t draw attention to yourself. Dean broke both those rules. And by this time John’s tough marine attitudes were in full force. He was focused on one thing. I know guys like that. They run the house like a marine camp. And it’s not like he was reading how to parent books. HA!
Of course he redeemed himself by saving Dean. How many families have similar stories. Dysfunctional, but redemption in the end. It didn’t make me dislike John. I accept it was in his character.
Loved young Dean. Only thing I missed were the freckles!
Another break from Zeke was fine with me. I watch this show for myth and entertainment so I appreciate all kinds of eps.
One thing. The minute I saw the devil’s trap carved in the bed post I thought, hmm, didn’t the guys learn about that for the first time when Bobby showed it to them while trapping Meg?
And Dean has said many times in earlier seasons he was fed up with hunting. So I don’t see a 16 yr old Dean not wanting to do what his dad does. Don’t a LOT of 16yr olds feel that way? Doesn’t mean they don’t mature and end up doing the same thing. Didn’t see that as out of character either. He now has more wisdom and life experiences to realize that his young dreams were just that, dreams. Life led him on a different path, He accepts it and isn’t bitter, nor mad at his dad. He has perspective.
Loved the ep. Thanks again.
This review and the comments on this site are why I hang out here. I didn’t like this episode, but the reviews and comments are making me rethink my initial reaction. I need to rewatch and put aside the things I didn’t like so I can embrace the overall vibe. Thanks for the different perspective!
This review and the comments on this site are why I hang out here. I didn’t like this episode, but the reviews and comments are making me rethink my initial reaction. I need to rewatch and put aside the things I didn’t like so I can embrace the overall vibe. Thanks for the different perspective!
Don’t know if you all saw a movie called MAMA but this is a copy of that. THE KING SLAYER from Game of Thrones is the lead in the movie. A mother figure protects 2 sisters. A dead mother.
Loved the amulet being back, so hopefully it will return before the series ends.
ONE THING IS FOR SURE DEAN LOVVVVVVES HIS BROTHER. I cry when I see it time and again. I had forgotten that little speech by JOHN, thanks SOFIA for reminding me or letting me Read it. Powerful.
Don’t know if you all saw a movie called MAMA but this is a copy of that. THE KING SLAYER from Game of Thrones is the lead in the movie. A mother figure protects 2 sisters. A dead mother.
Loved the amulet being back, so hopefully it will return before the series ends.
ONE THING IS FOR SURE DEAN LOVVVVVVES HIS BROTHER. I cry when I see it time and again. I had forgotten that little speech by JOHN, thanks SOFIA for reminding me or letting me Read it. Powerful.
[quote name=”kristin”]This review and the comments on this site are why I hang out here. I didn’t like this episode, but the reviews and comments are making me rethink my initial reaction. I need to rewatch and put aside the things I didn’t like so I can embrace the overall vibe. Thanks for the different perspective![/quote]
Kristin,
I feel the same way. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read an article or comment on this site that completely changed the way I thought about a scene or an entire episode. I love the great discussions that go on here!
[quote]This review and the comments on this site are why I hang out here. I didn’t like this episode, but the reviews and comments are making me rethink my initial reaction. I need to rewatch and put aside the things I didn’t like so I can embrace the overall vibe. Thanks for the different perspective![/quote]
Kristin,
I feel the same way. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read an article or comment on this site that completely changed the way I thought about a scene or an entire episode. I love the great discussions that go on here!
[quote name=”winmomwannabe”]Great review. I loved EVERY second of this ep. I hear many are mad about John’s demonization, but I totally see him doing this. He had tough standards for Dean. Take care of Sammy, don’t draw attention to yourself. Dean broke both those rules. And by this time John’s tough marine attitudes were in full force. He was focused on one thing. I know guys like that. They run the house like a marine camp. And it’s not like he was reading how to parent books. HA!
Of course he redeemed himself by saving Dean. How many families have similar stories. Dysfunctional, but redemption in the end. It didn’t make me dislike John. I accept it was in his character.
Loved young Dean. Only thing I missed were the freckles!
Another break from Zeke was fine with me. I watch this show for myth and entertainment so I appreciate all kinds of eps.
One thing. The minute I saw the devil’s trap carved in the bed post I thought, hmm, didn’t the guys learn about that for the first time when Bobby showed it to them while trapping Meg?
And Dean has said many times in earlier seasons he was fed up with hunting. So I don’t see a 16 yr old Dean not wanting to do what his dad does. Don’t a LOT of 16yr olds feel that way? Doesn’t mean they don’t mature and end up doing the same thing. Didn’t see that as out of character either. He now has more wisdom and life experiences to realize that his young dreams were just that, dreams. Life led him on a different path, He accepts it and isn’t bitter, nor mad at his dad. He has perspective.
Loved the ep. Thanks again.[/quote]
You are totally right about the devil’s trap. Good catch, I hadn’t thought of that.
As for the demonization of John, I really didn’t see it that way either. To me it was no more harsh than anything else John has done in the past. And part of me wonders if maybe John hoped Dean’s time in the boy’s home would be good for him. And he would have been right.
[quote]Great review. I loved EVERY second of this ep. I hear many are mad about John’s demonization, but I totally see him doing this. He had tough standards for Dean. Take care of Sammy, don’t draw attention to yourself. Dean broke both those rules. And by this time John’s tough marine attitudes were in full force. He was focused on one thing. I know guys like that. They run the house like a marine camp. And it’s not like he was reading how to parent books. HA!
Of course he redeemed himself by saving Dean. How many families have similar stories. Dysfunctional, but redemption in the end. It didn’t make me dislike John. I accept it was in his character.
Loved young Dean. Only thing I missed were the freckles!
Another break from Zeke was fine with me. I watch this show for myth and entertainment so I appreciate all kinds of eps.
One thing. The minute I saw the devil’s trap carved in the bed post I thought, hmm, didn’t the guys learn about that for the first time when Bobby showed it to them while trapping Meg?
And Dean has said many times in earlier seasons he was fed up with hunting. So I don’t see a 16 yr old Dean not wanting to do what his dad does. Don’t a LOT of 16yr olds feel that way? Doesn’t mean they don’t mature and end up doing the same thing. Didn’t see that as out of character either. He now has more wisdom and life experiences to realize that his young dreams were just that, dreams. Life led him on a different path, He accepts it and isn’t bitter, nor mad at his dad. He has perspective.
Loved the ep. Thanks again.[/quote]
You are totally right about the devil’s trap. Good catch, I hadn’t thought of that.
As for the demonization of John, I really didn’t see it that way either. To me it was no more harsh than anything else John has done in the past. And part of me wonders if maybe John hoped Dean’s time in the boy’s home would be good for him. And he would have been right.
I just loved this episode & this review. It felt like the old days as it left me happy but weepy at the end. Smiled so much when young Dean looked out the window at Sammy & you knew then he was leaving. Also I’ve been having problems with Dean of late, him letting Zeke in & last series with the whole purgatory been pure. Its almost felt like Dean’s whole character got reset in purgatory & he’d lost all the self-awareness he gained. I’m hoping this is the start of things getting back on track, for both Sam & Dean as individuals, but especially their relationship. I really hope the samulet will be seen on present Dean soon.
I just loved this episode & this review. It felt like the old days as it left me happy but weepy at the end. Smiled so much when young Dean looked out the window at Sammy & you knew then he was leaving. Also I’ve been having problems with Dean of late, him letting Zeke in & last series with the whole purgatory been pure. Its almost felt like Dean’s whole character got reset in purgatory & he’d lost all the self-awareness he gained. I’m hoping this is the start of things getting back on track, for both Sam & Dean as individuals, but especially their relationship. I really hope the samulet will be seen on present Dean soon.
[quote name=”sofia”][quote name=”winmomwannabe”]Great review. I loved EVERY second of this ep. I hear many are mad about John’s demonization, but I totally see him doing this. He had tough standards for Dean. Take care of Sammy, don’t draw attention to yourself. Dean broke both those rules. And by this time John’s tough marine attitudes were in full force. He was focused on one thing. I know guys like that. They run the house like a marine camp. And it’s not like he was reading how to parent books. HA!
Of course he redeemed himself by saving Dean. How many families have similar stories. Dysfunctional, but redemption in the end. It didn’t make me dislike John. I accept it was in his character.
Loved young Dean. Only thing I missed were the freckles!
Another break from Zeke was fine with me. I watch this show for myth and entertainment so I appreciate all kinds of eps.
One thing. The minute I saw the devil’s trap carved in the bed post I thought, hmm, didn’t the guys learn about that for the first time when Bobby showed it to them while trapping Meg?
And Dean has said many times in earlier seasons he was fed up with hunting. So I don’t see a 16 yr old Dean not wanting to do what his dad does. Don’t a LOT of 16yr olds feel that way? Doesn’t mean they don’t mature and end up doing the same thing. Didn’t see that as out of character either. He now has more wisdom and life experiences to realize that his young dreams were just that, dreams. Life led him on a different path, He accepts it and isn’t bitter, nor mad at his dad. He has perspective.
Loved the ep. Thanks again.[/quote]
You are totally right about the devil’s trap. Good catch, I hadn’t thought of that.
As for the demonization of John, I really didn’t see it that way either. To me it was no more harsh than anything else John has done in the past. And part of me wonders if maybe John hoped Dean’s time in the boy’s home would be good for him. And he would have been right.[/quote]
Was it a proper devils trap or a pentagram? In the pilot episode Sam comments on the girlfriend of the missing guys necklace, which is a pentagram, saying it wards against evil. If its not a detailed devils trap they can get away with.
[quote][quote]Great review. I loved EVERY second of this ep. I hear many are mad about John’s demonization, but I totally see him doing this. He had tough standards for Dean. Take care of Sammy, don’t draw attention to yourself. Dean broke both those rules. And by this time John’s tough marine attitudes were in full force. He was focused on one thing. I know guys like that. They run the house like a marine camp. And it’s not like he was reading how to parent books. HA!
Of course he redeemed himself by saving Dean. How many families have similar stories. Dysfunctional, but redemption in the end. It didn’t make me dislike John. I accept it was in his character.
Loved young Dean. Only thing I missed were the freckles!
Another break from Zeke was fine with me. I watch this show for myth and entertainment so I appreciate all kinds of eps.
One thing. The minute I saw the devil’s trap carved in the bed post I thought, hmm, didn’t the guys learn about that for the first time when Bobby showed it to them while trapping Meg?
And Dean has said many times in earlier seasons he was fed up with hunting. So I don’t see a 16 yr old Dean not wanting to do what his dad does. Don’t a LOT of 16yr olds feel that way? Doesn’t mean they don’t mature and end up doing the same thing. Didn’t see that as out of character either. He now has more wisdom and life experiences to realize that his young dreams were just that, dreams. Life led him on a different path, He accepts it and isn’t bitter, nor mad at his dad. He has perspective.
Loved the ep. Thanks again.[/quote]
You are totally right about the devil’s trap. Good catch, I hadn’t thought of that.
As for the demonization of John, I really didn’t see it that way either. To me it was no more harsh than anything else John has done in the past. And part of me wonders if maybe John hoped Dean’s time in the boy’s home would be good for him. And he would have been right.[/quote]
Was it a proper devils trap or a pentagram? In the pilot episode Sam comments on the girlfriend of the missing guys necklace, which is a pentagram, saying it wards against evil. If its not a detailed devils trap they can get away with.
#10. Good point. Maybe it was a pentagram. Not sure now. Either way it wasn’t a deal breaker for me. Too much to enjoy.
#10. Good point. Maybe it was a pentagram. Not sure now. Either way it wasn’t a deal breaker for me. Too much to enjoy.
[quote name=”NOLANOLA”]Don’t know if you all saw a movie called MAMA but this is a copy of that. THE KING SLAYER from Game of Thrones is the lead in the movie. A mother figure protects 2 sisters. A dead mother.
Loved the amulet being back, so hopefully it will return before the series ends.
ONE THING IS FOR SURE DEAN LOVVVVVVES HIS BROTHER. I cry when I see it time and again. I had forgotten that little speech by JOHN, thanks SOFIA for reminding me or letting me Read it. Powerful.[/quote]
I saw MAMA it’s a chilling movie.
[quote]Don’t know if you all saw a movie called MAMA but this is a copy of that. THE KING SLAYER from Game of Thrones is the lead in the movie. A mother figure protects 2 sisters. A dead mother.
Loved the amulet being back, so hopefully it will return before the series ends.
ONE THING IS FOR SURE DEAN LOVVVVVVES HIS BROTHER. I cry when I see it time and again. I had forgotten that little speech by JOHN, thanks SOFIA for reminding me or letting me Read it. Powerful.[/quote]
I saw MAMA it’s a chilling movie.
[quote name=”winmomwannabe”]#10. Good point. Maybe it was a pentagram. Not sure now. Either way it wasn’t a deal breaker for me. Too much to enjoy.[/quote]
Technically a pentagram is just a five sided star, no circle around it necessary.
[quote]#10. Good point. Maybe it was a pentagram. Not sure now. Either way it wasn’t a deal breaker for me. Too much to enjoy.[/quote]
Technically a pentagram is just a five sided star, no circle around it necessary.
😕 KAJ, I am a grown old woman who lives in NEW ORLEANS, and am to scared to view MAMA again, that’s how CHILLING it is. 😛
HAPPY HOLIDAYS SPN FAMILY 😆
😕 KAJ, I am a grown old woman who lives in NEW ORLEANS, and am to scared to view MAMA again, that’s how CHILLING it is. 😛
HAPPY HOLIDAYS SPN FAMILY 😆
😮 KAJ, I have some DUTCH courage and am watching MAMA now on HBO. HA
😮 KAJ, I have some DUTCH courage and am watching MAMA now on HBO. HA
Great review Sofia, I too really liked the episode. And I just found out a fun fact about Dylan Everett. His birthday is on January 24! Is that kismet or what? He was born to play Dean Winchester without even knowing it. 😆 I agree with you that he had the mannerisms down pat. Here’s hoping we’ll get to see him again, although now that Colin Ford is older, we wouldn’t be able to have both Weechesters together. 🙁
Great review Sofia, I too really liked the episode. And I just found out a fun fact about Dylan Everett. His birthday is on January 24! Is that kismet or what? He was born to play Dean Winchester without even knowing it. 😆 I agree with you that he had the mannerisms down pat. Here’s hoping we’ll get to see him again, although now that Colin Ford is older, we wouldn’t be able to have both Weechesters together. 🙁
[youtube]I loved the episode too! I liked Ridge C. as young Dean, but he aged out of the role. This actor was great, and like Colin F., he may have found the role at an age that he can reprise it.[/youtube]
[youtube]I loved the episode too! I liked Ridge C. as young Dean, but he aged out of the role. This actor was great, and like Colin F., he may have found the role at an age that he can reprise it.[/youtube]