Sofia’s Review: Supernatural 9.08 “Rock and a Hard Place”
Man, virgins have it rough on this show. First we had Nancy, the secretary from “Jus in Bello” way back in season three, then there were all those girls in “Like a Virgin” and now we’ve got born-again virgins who have relapsed. It seems everyone wants to sacrifice them, collect them or eat them. Not a lot of great options.
I think it’s safe to say we all thought this episode was going to be about dragons, thanks to the promo that told us it was. So I went into the episode willing to give dragons another try. While I wasn’t crazy about them the first time around I really appreciated the twist the writers put on the lore. I don’t think I could have handled full-on dragons, but dragons in the form of humans I could do. It didn’t take long for me to realize that we weren’t dealing with dragons. By the end of the opening scene I knew; the dragons we met in season six did not glow blue. So either, they completely changed up the effects, or we were dealing with a whole other animal.
I’m usually not a big fan of episodes with random gods as the antagonist. They usually feel a bit too much like filler episodes and I rarely connect to the story. But if there’s one thing these episodes do well, it’s that they have a way of bringing things to light. Remember Veritas, the goddess of truth way back in season six? She’s the reason Dean was certain that something was off about Sam. Or in Season seven when the Egyptian god, Osirus brought Dean’s guilt out in the open. Well, this episode functioned the same way. Sam has been working up the conclusion that something is wrong with him, but he didn’t know what. Vesta gave him that final push to see that what he’s been feeling isn’t all in his head. There is something seriously wrong with him.
It’s really troubling to learn that Sam’s liver is completely useless. What has Zeke been doing in there, if not healing him? For weeks I’ve been waiting for Dean to ask Zeke for a timeline. And he finally did. But I’m not crazy about the answer because it wasn’t really an answer. “Not much longer.” Talk about vague. If we want to be optimists, it’s always possible that Ezekiel is still working on healing himself and once that is done, healing Sam will be quick. But let’s be realists, something is not right. We may not know what yet, but I could certainly take a guess. My biggest worry is that Zeke has used up any strength Sam had left and he has no intention of using his power to heal Sam. It looks like we’ll be getting some answers next week and I cannot wait.
The final scene between Sam and Dean just about killed me. Sam’s self-worth is plummeting and he’s blaming himself for things that he has no control over. Dean is clearly struggling with the part he has played, you could see it on his face. I’ve been hoping for weeks that Dean would just come out and tell Sam in a non-confrontational way. And just as my dream was about to come true, Zeke stepped in and ruined it!
While I understand Dean’s hesitation to come out and tell Sam, I find myself wondering if Sam would actually eject Ezekiel at this point. He’s not suicidal, I think he wants to live for himself and for Dean. I think if Dean had really explained it to Sam they could have found a way to come to an agreement. At this point, it may not have done much to change Ezekiel’s endgame since he seems hell-bent on using Sam in some way. But if Sam at least knew that Ezekiel was in there, he may stand a chance at ejecting him if he needs to. I really cannot wait for this mid-season finale. There are too many questions that need to be answered. And I am scared/excited to find out what the inevitable cliffhanger will be.
Ok, now can we talk about that chastity group meeting? I actually blushed just typing that sentence. Not only was the whole scene…intriguing, but it was actually pretty hilarious. Jensen pretty much knocked that monologue out of the park. And then there was the whole scene between him and Susie, star of Casa Erotica.
Dean: “Hey. Or should I say hola?”
Susie: “Why?”
I had to cover my eyes because I was so worried that Dean was about to make a fool out of himself. But thankfully for him, Susie was totally into it. And who could blame her? But is anyone super curious about what her scene with the taco is all about? Maybe I don’t want to know.
It was really fun to see Jody again and get confirmation that she wasn’t killed by Crowley. I really like the bond that she and Sam seem to have formed. Their scenes together feel so comfortable and natural. I was about to be really annoyed if she died. That stab wound looked kind of fatal to me, but I’m certainly glad it wasn’t!
Overall this was an enjoyable episode. Like similar episodes in the past, I had no real connection to the goddess and didn’t even completely understand her motivations, but she did help bring new information to light. And there was enough other good stuff going on that I didn’t even need to connect to Vesta. I am anxious to see how everything comes to a head in next week’s mid-season finale! What did you guys think of the episode? Were you bummed that it wasn’t actually about dragons? What did you think about Zeke stepping in and stopping Dean from telling Sam? What did you think of that chastity group meeting? Is it hot in here all of a sudden?
There were some great moments worth mentioning.
I have to know what’s up with Crowley! It sounds like he’s hooked on human blood and I want to know what effect it’s having on him.
Sam: “I feel like my battery can’t recharge.”
Dean’s face after signing the abstinence pledge is priceless.
“Sex is a racket and God’s ball is in your court.”
Sam: “Every woman I’ve ever had relations with, it hasn’t ended well.”
Dean: “He ain’t lying.”
Sam: “So, um..a wee bit of an overshare, Dean?”
Jody: “You know, for being born again today you sure look like crap.”
Sam: “So, did you…?”
Jody: “Oh Sam, I don’t make promises I can’t keep.”
Dean: “I’ve seen a lot of stuff. Stuff of nightmares, but you, you’re the good dreams.”
Dean: “Made me want to join a mariachi band just to be near you.”
Oh man, what a line!
Jody: “You sure Dean was here?”
Sam: “Oh yeah, and I think he crossed someone off his bucket list.”
“Dear boy, you’re all duck tape and safety pins inside. How are you alive?”
Jody: “Don’t get the door for me or anything.”
This made me laugh out loud. Seriously, neither of them even tried.
I apologize for the super long quote but I really liked this scene so much.
Sam: “What if there is something wrong with me. If there is something really wrong.”
Dean: “You’re just crapped out man, you need some rest.”
Sam: “No, it’s more than that. I mean Vesta said I was practically dead inside.”
Dean: “Oh, and she’s in the circle of trust now?”
Sam: “Why would she lie?”
Dean: “It’s probably the trials, ok, probably some sort of after effect. It’s not like you’re bouncing back from a flu here. I mean, you were glowing with freaking trial juice.”
Sam: “I don’t know.”
Dean: “Well, what else would it be?”
Sam: “Why does it have to be something else? It’s always something else. We’re always scraping to find some other explanation when maybe it’s just me.”
Sam: “Oh, come on Sam.”
Dean: “I’m a mess Dean. You know it. And sometimes I feel like maybe I’m never gonna actually be alright.”
Dean: “You will. Alright, because whatever it is, we’ll figure it out.”
Dean: “Or this is just the way I am.”
(Dean’s heart breaks)
Dean: “I can’t. I can’t let you put this on yourself. Listen to me, it’s not you, Sam.”
(Cue the awesome Sam to Zeke transformation)
Zeke: “I wouldn’t do that Dean.”
Dean: “He deserves to know.”
Zeke: “Your brother is not ready. If he ejects me he will not make it.”
Dean: “Well, damn it, Zeke. How much longer are we gonna keep playing this?
Zeke: “Not much longer, I promise you that.”
(And back again.)
Sam: “What?”
Dean: “What?”
Sam: ‘What’s not me?”
Dean: “Nothing, I just, I meant that if there’s something wrong, it’s not your fault. We’ll deal with it. You just gotta have a little faith Sammy.”
But Sam is losing faith which is soooo sad! 🙁
Frankly I think Zeke wanted to keep this all a secret from the start because if Zeke knew everything about Sam then Sam would know everything about Zeke and his motives. Easier to just erase memory, which can’t be good for Poor Sam!
What a great ep. Love Jody so much!
But Sam is losing faith which is soooo sad! 🙁
Frankly I think Zeke wanted to keep this all a secret from the start because if Zeke knew everything about Sam then Sam would know everything about Zeke and his motives. Easier to just erase memory, which can’t be good for Poor Sam!
What a great ep. Love Jody so much!
Man, this Zeke thing is killing me. We just don’t know what to think of him and if he’s sucking all the life out of Sam, how the heck will Sam be okay when all is said and done? And Dean…his emotional stuff when it comes his little brother just kills me every time.
I want the mid-season cliffie, but i don’t at the same time. LOL.
Welcome back Jodi Mills! Love her in every single episode she’s in.
Man, this Zeke thing is killing me. We just don’t know what to think of him and if he’s sucking all the life out of Sam, how the heck will Sam be okay when all is said and done? And Dean…his emotional stuff when it comes his little brother just kills me every time.
I want the mid-season cliffie, but i don’t at the same time. LOL.
Welcome back Jodi Mills! Love her in every single episode she’s in.
I hadn’t thought of that but it makes sense. In Swan Song, Sam did have access to Lucy’s thoughts too. It should work the same in this case.
I still don’t think Zeke is a bad guy although I did catch myself shaking my fist and yelling at my TV when he showed up. I think he really is very weak but he is hiding out and has an agenda.
I hadn’t thought of that but it makes sense. In Swan Song, Sam did have access to Lucy’s thoughts too. It should work the same in this case.
I still don’t think Zeke is a bad guy although I did catch myself shaking my fist and yelling at my TV when he showed up. I think he really is very weak but he is hiding out and has an agenda.
this episode had me ping ponging all over the place. I laughed hysterically at Dean and his virginity. I laughed harder at his meeting with one of his porn icon. But with the laughs I had the fear.. because I am worried about my Sammy. He looked awful. Even Jodi mentioned how bad he looked. 🙁 The end killed me with the talk. I had hope at one point that Zeke was a good angel. Now, I am not so sure. Why is Sam still in such bad shape? I do remember Zeke telling Dean that every time he had to heal someone else it made his weaker and would take longer to heal Sam. He healed Cas, then Charlie, and Sam once or twice… is that why? Or is Zeke just using Sam? Dean wanted to tell Sam so badly, and darn it, I was ready for it too.Then Zeke jumps out. (btw- great job to Jared for the switcheroo there. That was awesome.) I don;t know you all I have a bad feeling about this. I am worried for my Sammy and worried about Dean if something happens to his brother. guess this episode did what it wanted too. Left us guessing and on the edge of our seats for the next episode.
this episode had me ping ponging all over the place. I laughed hysterically at Dean and his virginity. I laughed harder at his meeting with one of his porn icon. But with the laughs I had the fear.. because I am worried about my Sammy. He looked awful. Even Jodi mentioned how bad he looked. 🙁 The end killed me with the talk. I had hope at one point that Zeke was a good angel. Now, I am not so sure. Why is Sam still in such bad shape? I do remember Zeke telling Dean that every time he had to heal someone else it made his weaker and would take longer to heal Sam. He healed Cas, then Charlie, and Sam once or twice… is that why? Or is Zeke just using Sam? Dean wanted to tell Sam so badly, and darn it, I was ready for it too.Then Zeke jumps out. (btw- great job to Jared for the switcheroo there. That was awesome.) I don;t know you all I have a bad feeling about this. I am worried for my Sammy and worried about Dean if something happens to his brother. guess this episode did what it wanted too. Left us guessing and on the edge of our seats for the next episode.
I’m wondering if Zeke’s plan is to leach of Sam’s soul to heal himself while weakening Sam to the point where he cant eject Zeke at all even if he wanted to? What if Zeke wants to take over Sam’s body in order to carry out whatever he’s up to? Maybe there isnt much longer until Sam is so weak Zeke can take over completely, maybe that’s what he meant when Dean asked? I guess we’ll be finding out in the next couple of episodes.
Also it was so obvious the MOTW would not be dragons and Sam and Dean were just throwing out theories based on what they knew. It was a deliberate mislead.
Overall I thought the episode was pretty meh, I like Jody and Sam working together but I wanted them to body a little more and I felt so sad for Sam at the end of the episode. His life has just been one big pile of crap it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s feeling suicidal once he learns the truth. Who would want to live his life? He deserves some peace but it doesn’t look like he’ll ever get it.
I’m wondering if Zeke’s plan is to leach of Sam’s soul to heal himself while weakening Sam to the point where he cant eject Zeke at all even if he wanted to? What if Zeke wants to take over Sam’s body in order to carry out whatever he’s up to? Maybe there isnt much longer until Sam is so weak Zeke can take over completely, maybe that’s what he meant when Dean asked? I guess we’ll be finding out in the next couple of episodes.
Also it was so obvious the MOTW would not be dragons and Sam and Dean were just throwing out theories based on what they knew. It was a deliberate mislead.
Overall I thought the episode was pretty meh, I like Jody and Sam working together but I wanted them to body a little more and I felt so sad for Sam at the end of the episode. His life has just been one big pile of crap it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s feeling suicidal once he learns the truth. Who would want to live his life? He deserves some peace but it doesn’t look like he’ll ever get it.
….because of that HIPPY from Bethlehem…
I missed that line 😆 . CUTE
I am a half creole black woman who went to college in NEW MEXICO. For the life of me, I do NOT see any racism against ANYONE. So sad it’s come to this.
HAPPY TURKEY DAY SPNFamily
….because of that HIPPY from Bethlehem…
I missed that line 😆 . CUTE
I am a half creole black woman who went to college in NEW MEXICO. For the life of me, I do NOT see any racism against ANYONE. So sad it’s come to this.
HAPPY TURKEY DAY SPNFamily
That was for the LET’S SPECULATE article by BOOKDAL. thx
That was for the LET’S SPECULATE article by BOOKDAL. thx
NOLANOLA, I see plenty of angel racism in the show 🙂
Seriously, haven’t we had enough bad angels? I refuse to believe that Cas & Samandriel were the only good ones. I think we found out that Sam is in bad shape to justify Zeke still being around. Maybe Sam’s condition ebbs & flows. Zeke heals Sam some & Sam feels better. Then Zeke works on himself & Sam insides appear to be in shambles
Zeke is great, Zeke is good. Let us thank him for our Sam. Amen
NOLANOLA, I see plenty of angel racism in the show 🙂
Seriously, haven’t we had enough bad angels? I refuse to believe that Cas & Samandriel were the only good ones. I think we found out that Sam is in bad shape to justify Zeke still being around. Maybe Sam’s condition ebbs & flows. Zeke heals Sam some & Sam feels better. Then Zeke works on himself & Sam insides appear to be in shambles
Zeke is great, Zeke is good. Let us thank him for our Sam. Amen
Yes, It was nice to see Jodi Mills and Sam working together again to save Dean as they did in the Chronos episode. Jodi makes one great female hunter. As for Zeke, we know angels have their own agenda and usually use a Winchester to achieve it, I think Ezekiel’s name origin means god will strengthen him if that gives anyone a positive spin.Ezekiel was also a prophet during an exile in Babylonian times so aren’t the angels in exile? Does he have to go after Kevin next? Just grasping at ideas here. Dean promised an unconditional promise if Sam would be helped. Sounds dark.
Yes, It was nice to see Jodi Mills and Sam working together again to save Dean as they did in the Chronos episode. Jodi makes one great female hunter. As for Zeke, we know angels have their own agenda and usually use a Winchester to achieve it, I think Ezekiel’s name origin means god will strengthen him if that gives anyone a positive spin.Ezekiel was also a prophet during an exile in Babylonian times so aren’t the angels in exile? Does he have to go after Kevin next? Just grasping at ideas here. Dean promised an unconditional promise if Sam would be helped. Sounds dark.