Let’s Discuss: How Gadreel and Betrayal Defined Supernatural’s Season 9
Rewatching the first half of Supernatural’s ninth season has thrown into sharp focus how much Sam and Dean changed over the course of this year. In early episodes, we heard Sam say he felt good, better than he had in years. As far as Sam knew, the brothers had cleared the air a bit, and he felt the security and relief of them acknowledging their place in each other’s lives. Similarly, Dean heard Sam say how much he loved his big brother. Dean was happy Sam was alive, and even though Dean was lying and worried about the future, he was still hopeful that his brother’s unproven, unknown “guardian angel” would keep his promise to heal Sam. The brothers worked together, joked and ate meals together. For a while at least, they supported each other.
Then I submit that three critical events dramatically changed the season. First, Kevin was killed. This threw Dean into despair. He felt immeasurable guilt over Kevin and feared for Sam, who was now being held hostage by an angel turned rogue. Second, Sam found out about the possession. He felt betrayed by Dean and riddled with his own guilt that the price of regaining his life was paid by Kevin. Third, in a brash move partially motivated by self-loathing and pain, Dean took on the Mark of Cain. From these moments on, Sam and Dean were bitter, isolated from each other and guilt-ridden.
One could argue, though, that Gadreel’s betrayal was the pivotal event that cascaded into all the resulting tragedies. Once he decided to join Metatron, Gadreel needed Sam’s body to gain access to the bunker, and ultimately, Kevin. So his decision to join Metatron meant that Gadreel didn’t voluntarily leave Sam as promised, which set up the fight for Sam’s identity, Kevin’s death, all the ensuing guilt by the brothers, and Dean’s desperate, guilt-ridden, brash move to take on the Mark. If Gadreel had honored his deal and left Sam when they were both satisfactorily healed, Sam would have been mad at Dean, but I suspect Sam would more easily have been able to justify Dean’s desperate move. After all, Gadreel’s presence had saved Castiel’s and Charlie’s lives. Sam would have been furious with Dean for the lies, but if everything had worked out for the better, Dean would have had a good counter-argument that the ends justified the means. Instead, Gadreel’s betrayal left Kevin dead and triggered guilt in both brothers that started the domino effect of Sam’s push-back on Dean, and Dean’s self-destructive path to killing Abaddon.
Was Gadreel’s defection the turning point in the season, then? If so, I could further argue that Gadreel was the most important character of season 9. As I just recounted, he single-handedly changed the course of Sam and Dean’s lives. Without his betrayal, they may have had their happy ending. Besides this, he was also responsible for the pivotal turn in the war for Heaven. Gadreel ended up betraying Metatron and siding with Castiel’s vision of the angels’ mission. Gadreel’s redemption and sacrifice convinced Hannah to free Castiel, who then was able to trap Metatron and win the “war”.
Of course, the root of all of the evil was Metatron. He betrayed Castiel, shut down Heaven and cast out the angels. He “ordered” Gadreel to kill Kevin. Yet, Metatron was the antagonist. He was consistently evil. Once his true intentions were revealed at the end of season 8, he was clearly and consistently the enemy. We knew it, and Sam, Dean and Castiel knew it. Metatron may have been writing the story, but he was not responsible for the plot twists.
Crowley and Abaddon were also known antagonists. They played their parts in the war for Hell and in Dean’s acceptance (and escalation) of the Mark of Cain. They seemed more to be riding the wave that was already in motion, though. Crowley took advantage of Dean’s blinded focus to kill Abaddon but did he really manipulate Dean into taking on the Mark? He created the opportunity certainly, but Dean’s judgment was already skewed by his guilt, and his fight with and separation from Sam, both of which were caused by Gadreel’s actions. So it seems that the critical turns in Sam’s, Dean’s, Heaven’s and Hell’s storylines can be traced back to Gadreel rather than any of the obvious “bad guys” (i.e. Metatron, Crowley or Abaddon).
I have also been thinking lately about the pivotal theme of season 9. We’ve talked a lot about addiction because it affected both Dean and Crowley. We talked about forgiveness and letting go of pain because it was woven through so many stories. What if the central theme of season 9 was betrayal, though?
Dean was betrayed by Gadreel…
Sam felt betrayed by Dean…
and Dean felt betrayed by Sam (his lack of gratitude and anger).
Cas was betrayed by Metatron,
the angel Hael,
the reaper who possessed April,
the suicidal angels who were brainwashed by Metatron (not their choice?),
and all of his followers, at least for a short while…
…and Hannah and the angels felt betrayed by Castiel when they momentarily believed in Metatron.
Malachi was betrayed by Theo.
Gadreel betrayed his best friend, Abner.
Garth, his wife (Bess) and father-in-law (Revered Jim) were betrayed by the stepmother (Joy), Russ and Joba.
Sam and Dean were both betrayed by the werewolf sheriff,
and Cuthbert Sinclair.
Harry felt betrayed by Ed (Ghostfacers).
Celia (the vampire mama) felt betrayed by AlexAnnie.
David was betrayed by his brother Sal (Bloodlines).
Metatron betrayed Josiah (the angel who got toasted by holy oil walking through Metatron’s promised door to Heaven),
and Gadreel (when he let him be captured by the Winchesters).
Then, finally, Gadreel betrayed Metatron.
I’m sure I’ve forgotten some as well! So out of all the themes we’ve discussed (“threads” if you read my series), is it possible that betrayal was the primary theme of season 9? If so, was it setting up the central theme of season 10 to possibly be redemption? What do you think of the interpretation that Gadreel was the pivotal character in the season? His actions could have steered events in an entirely different direction…or could they? Let’s Discuss!
- I’m the Co-Editor-in-Chief, Social Media Manager (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram), Live Tweet Moderator, reviewer and feature writer for The Winchester Family Business. Before joining the Supernatural Family, I worked for 22 years at a global consulting firm, but after years of long hours, high pressure and rigorous demands, I quit corporate life to raise my children. After my first Supernatural convention, I was driven to share my shock and awe in a two-part essay that The WFB was brave enough to post, and my second life calling, that of being a writer, began. My first published book, Fan Phenomena: The Twilight Saga was released in late 2016. Please share in my cross-fandom excitement by following its Facebook page @FanPhenomenaTwilight and my personal Twitter account @LSAngel2. You can read about this whole miraculous transition in my chapter in Family Don’t End With Blood, published in May 2017.
Honestly I thought that Gadreel had the most complete season long arc of any of the characters. In the beginning I believe he really wanted to pledge his allegiance to Dean and Castiel. At that point I don’t know that he realized that the reason he was out of prison and on earth was because all of the angels had fallen. The moment he betrayed Dean was when Dean was conspiring with Kevin to cast Gadreel out of Sam. I think in Gadreel’s mind it was Dean who was betraying him. He had done everything that Dean asked him to do. He was healing Sam, he saved Cas and Charlie and saved Sam several times. So his betrayal of Dean was out of desperation and his sense of heroism however misguided. So was it really Gadreel or was it again Dean making a decision that ended Kevin’s life and set future events in motion? Gadreel was the character most in need of redemption. And he achieved it through his sacrifice. Maybe that is the theme for S10 redemption, but as always with a heavy price. Jared and Tahmoh did an outstanding job of portraying this very complex character.
Betrayal was definitely the theme of season 9. I also believe that Humanity, gaining or losing it was a main theme for the characters.
Human Kevin becomes Ghost Kevin.
Angel Cas becomes Human Cas.
Human Dean becomes Demon Dean.
On his way to become Spirit Sam (he was never conscious in S9 before Gadreel got inside him and all we saw of him before that was his Spirit getting ready to go into the light) becomes Angelified Sam then back to Human Sam.
I have no idea what the theme of season 10 will be. I can only hope it will be about turning Sam back into the character he was before season 8. I also hope it will be about Demon!Dean being a completely different character, one who doesn’t care or worry about others and never feels guilty, just to switch it up. It’d be nice to see Jensen play American Psycho lol, then after the mid season, Teddy bear Dean can come back in all his glory.
[quote] I also hope it will be about Demon!Dean being a completely different character, one who doesn’t care or worry about others and never feels guilty[/quote]
I’m pretty sure Demon!Dean will not worry about others or feel guilty about the type of things that demons do! I think [i]that[/i] will be the problem!
…and I love the term Teddy Bear!Dean! What a great way to think about his character!
Deep down he really is a Teddy bear. Garth was right 😀
Very interesting. I can actually think of a few other betrayals during the season (I wonder how many I can count from the prior seasons). And it seems Dean was responsible for so many of them. He refused to tell Kevin the truth and likely got him killed. He ejected Cas from the bunker to protect the initial betrayal. He sent Sam to the basement and in the end, after agreeing to work together, he knocked Sam out. The season began with the results of Metatron’s betrayal and Dean tricking Sam. Gadreel may have been the catalyst for all that followed but it is odd to me that it is so one sided. Did Cas betray Dean? Did Sam? Maybe Crowley? I would suggest not (but may be proven wrong) as a betrayal is an intentional deception (even when it was not originally planned). Sam was upfront with the issues but was always there to back Dean, he never intended deceit. And the addition of Cain as the grand betrayer of his own brother appears to be even more poetic than I initially realized. I am compelled to watch again to look for other examples this year.
Cain! Of course! That was our first hint at the betrayal theme! Thanks for pointing that out!
Ah but did Cain betray Abel or did he save his soul as he told Dean. Is that a betrayal or a sacrifice? Cain paid a heavy price.
Cain has no right to Sacrifice Abel.Cain may sacrifice himself.So yeah that was betrayal.
That was the same dilemma that Dean faced in a way. Abel was going to be corrupted by Lucifer into becoming his pet, his First Knight. In order to save Abel’s soul Cain agreed to take his place. The price that Cain had to pay was killing his brother and sending his soul to heaven. This brings me to something I was thinking about today. Both Cain and Dean were faced with a no win situation. Sam was going to die as was Abel. There was no way out. I don’t know about Abel’s particular situation but let’s assume that Cain had no time as well. Sam was not going to recover from his injuries, he was brain dead and since we can’t have Sam die (the show) Dean was faced with a decision he had to make in seconds. He knew how Sam felt, he knew that Sam would be beyond angry, but standing right in front of him was an angel that Castiel vouched for that could save Sam. And speaking of Cas he was human so no help there. Cain was faced with the same dilemma, his brother was going to die as we found out with Dean and Cain (yeah I get the weirdness of that) they had to die in order to become demons. His soul was going to be corrupted into a twisted demon that would reign terror on mankind. These were two brothers faced with an impossible situation. So my question is how should this story been told? What should have been done differently? And I mean how does Dean get Sam out of this? He had every intention of telling Sam as soon as he came to, but right from the start Gadreel was telling Dean that Sam would drop dead. Again we can’t have Sam die (nor can Dean and not SPN) so what should Dean have done? I for one was glad that they didn’t just brush off the fact that Sam was dying in the church. I am glad it was dealt with. So did Dean betray Sam or did he do what he had to? Which was also a theme this season. What came later is a different discussion. I am talking about this particular dilemma.
[quote] Abel was going to be corrupted by Lucifer into becoming his pet, his First Knight.[/quote]This is a speculation
[quote] I don’t know about Abel’s particular situation[/quote]I did not know what was Sam’s situation most of the second half of the season.[quote] we can’t have Sam die (the show)[/quote]This cannot be used as a reason for Dean unless Dean knows what we think.[quote]Dean was faced with a decision he had to make in seconds.[/quote]He had time and as I have said as with Abel ,Sam’s life is not something which Dean can play with.I would have been okay if story telling of Sam after the possession came to pass was halfway decent.[quote] And speaking of Cas he was human so no help there.[/quote]As far as I am concerned the less i talk about Cas, Garth or Charlie the better.[quote]into a twisted demon that would reign terror on mankind[/quote]Sam would go to heaven if death’s powers are to be believed at least Sam becoming a demon was not implied anywhere.[quote] So my question is how should this story been told? What should have been done differently? And I mean how does Dean get Sam out of this?[/quote]The simplest thing they could have done was have Dean apologize.The season after the possession was so devoid of Sam’s issues that as some have said it would have not mattered if Sam was actually dead.In season four five even in nine characters told us how wrong Sam was well how about do the same to dean.This season it was again Sam who had to get over it.While Sam was an abomination dean had too much heart ( I vomited in my mouth when I listened to this dialogue).Kevin saying it was not the problem but the writers refusal to show what was happening to Sam as the story was moving forward was the problem.
Now if we do not have to see what happened later on then what I wanted was for Dean to tell Sam the truth and let Sam decide.Dean does not have the right to have sam possessed without sam’s knowledge.
Cain told Dean in First Born that Abel was talking to Lucifer not God. That Lucifer was going to turn Abel into a demon. I don’t think I’m speculating but if someone wants to look up the scene I’d be glad to amend that. I can’t always access SuperWiki. I am sorry if I implied that Sam was going to become a demon. I agree the implication was that he was going to heaven. But my question was what could Dean have done differently given the parameters of the show? Sam can’t die so in order for the show to proceed with both brothers so how could it have been written differently. When all the buzzers and bells are going off on the monitors and no doctors are going to come you really do have only seconds (personal experience here). So there was no time. Again I am not talking about what came later that is a different discussion. I know that many have problems with Sam’s story or lack of, I was asking a question about this situation. What would have been a better or at least different way for Dean to save Sam’s life. Dean was on his way to make a deal with Crowley when Gadreel showed up. That would have been worse. Not trying to pick a fight here I am just curious what might have been a better solution than the one Dean came up with.
Cheryl42 – Dean was in an impossible situation and the writers set it up that way. I go back to why he did this in the first place. If Sam would not agree to possession, and would have rather died than be possessed (Dean even acknowledged this), and Dean went ahead and tricked Sam in to possession, then who was Dean doing this for? Sam said some harsh things to Dean but was right when he said Dean did this so he wouldn’t have to be alone.
The part that was really disturbing, at least to me, was at the end of The Purge, when Dean said it was the right thing to do and he’d do it again. Even after all of the collateral damage, to Kevin, to Sam, he’d do it again.
I think that Dean saved Sam because a) he didn’t want Sam to die (and Sam didn’t want to die either) and b) Dean doesn’t want to go on alone hence there ain’t no me if there ain’t no you. I know that Sam was tricked but he chose not to die in the church because Dean begged him not to. Sam said yes to Dean in the cabin, and Death told Sam it was his choice, because he didn’t want to die (and to save my carpal tunnel I will say yes Sam did not want to be saved if it meant someone would be hurt. At the time Dean didn’t know what was going to happen. But Dean’s ridiculous statement that Kevin’s life was worth the sacrifice aside I was talking about this situation strictly) I agree that Sam was tricked and he would have never agreed to the possession. My question is what should have happened? What should Dean have done given the fact that Sam cannot die. What came later is a different discussion. So did Dean betray Sam or did he do what he had to? Both are themes for the season.
taken within the narrow question you’ve asked, I’d have to say yes, Dean did betray Sam AND, from Dean’s POV, did what he had to do.
My question really was what could Dean have done differently.
OK – two scenarios – I realize these arguments are academic because the episode was written to make it an impossible choice for Dean but….
1) When Sam was getting ready to go with Death, and Gadreel popped in posing as Dean, all he had to say was I found a way to save you; you’ll need to be possessed by an angel until such time you’re well enough to survive on your own. Then, leave the decision to Sam, and honor that decision.
2) When the angels first popped in at the hospital, Dean was on his way to the Impala trunk to make a deal with Crowley to save Sam. Dean could have made a deal with Crowley.
[quote]What should Dean have done given the fact that Sam cannot die.[/quote]The fact is sam can and will die.
As I said within the parameters of a show about 2 brothers that is not going to end (hopefully ever) in the next at least 2 seasons. Sam cannot die and have the show continue. So given that scenario what could Dean have done differently.
Anyway I agree with Thisoldbag we have gotten way off topic. I was only suggesting a conversation within the context of this thread of how Dean could have saved Sam without betraying his trust. It isn’t going very well. So I’ll drop it.
within the show itself Dean has come back without Sam’s intervention once and once when Sam tried to get Dean back.So there are are ways.This is for the writers to decide.
but Dean’s decision has been told by njspnfan.
I think Dean saves Sam and saved him in this instance with deceit for many reasons. I agree Dean does not want to live without Sam. It is selfish in a way but more, as pointed out repeatedly in the series, emotionally and psychologically dependent or connected. This is a strong motivator because no one knows or understands Dean and their shared hunter’s life better than Sam. No one ever will. Dean does not want to be THAT alone in life. Dean already learned that his one shot at apple pie life- Lisa and Ben did not fill the hole left by Sam’s departure. Dean and Sam are soul mates (in a cosmic brotherly way) as alluded to in 5.16 Dark Side of the Moon. But we know Dean is not entirely selfish or dependent because he LOVES Sam. Dean let Sammy make is own choice and supported him 100% along with not allowing Sam to die (jump) alone in Swan Song. Dean cannot stop himself from saving Sam. Dean is hardwired to save Sam, it is his job. Dean has acted like Sam’s Dad and Fathers love and think they knows best- Dean did not believe Sam really wanted to die and with some time may just change his mind. Both brothers have been weary and discouraged in the past and carried on. I guess from my perspective, this is not a betrayal. Dean would have betrayed himself and felt he betrayed or let down Sam if he did not save him. Another motivation for Dean saving Sam at all costs is that they keep each other human. Dean loved his brother so much that at one time he risked his own need to have Sam with him; he risked Sam’s physical life to SAVE Sam by keeping him human, returning Sam’s soul. Dean also continues to save Sam because he, Dean desperately needs Sam to help him stay human. This is our transition to Demon Dean. Dean thought or felt he no longer had Sam he believed he lost Sam despite of or because he saved Sam’s life. This seriously challenges the way Dean lives his life…. saving people particularly SAM! Dean cannot wrap his mind around this. In addition, Sam states he would not do the same for Dean. Dean is not able to understand this either because he is Dean. Dean believes love means saving. (This is where Sam needed to leave the bunker for this to make more sense because Sam still loves and shows Dean by continuing to come to Dean’s aid I guess this where Dean’s self loathing obsession kicks in). So we have Dean without Sam who keeps him human; voila Demon Dean. This brings us to the evolving relationship of the brothers in season 10. I think Sam is capable of saving Dean. Love and Humanity will have to be used to triumph evil. Collette saved Cain- she had him throw away the blade and he stopped killing. Sam is the only one who can reach Dean in this way. If Sam does not reach Dean then he is doomed to be without Sam for all eternity because Dean is not possessed; Dean is immortal. Dean needs to be saved by Sam.
It is wonderful how well you empathetically understand Dean.[quote]So we have Dean without Sam who keeps him human; voila Demon Dean. [/quote] I had not thought about this connection in the story. As soon as Dean “lost” Sam, Dean became a demon. Perfect circle of arcs.
I think the perfect circle would be Sam saving Dean. It will be redeeming for the brothers individually and together. Dean will be human, Dean will see the love from Sam and finally feel worthy, Sam will be finally released and and in his mind cleansed of the demon blood dripped into his mouth as a chosen child (not his fault), Sam will be released from his guilt of disappointing Dean, the brothers will be released from the father- son relationship. They will then be free to be themselves and brothers. I prefer for them to get back to the real business of being hunters and use some of that knowledge they are living with in the bunker- the quintessential powerhouse of all knowledge to battle monsters. But my fear is that if all this does happen, I think season 10 will be the wrap up.
Thank you so much for this reply. I agree with you and nightsky as well, Dean can only be saved by Sam. When Sam said same circumstance he would not save Dean I thought that was a foreshadowing of what Sam may be faced with in the future. I think the reason that Sam stayed with Dean was to show that it was only Sam that could talk Dean down from the blade. I thought that Crowley was very interested in that as well.
[quote]Cain told Dean in First Born that Abel was talking to Lucifer not God. That Lucifer was going to turn Abel into a demon.[/quote]
I have two problems with this set up. 1). How do we know that Cain was even correct in his assumption that his brother was talking to Lucifer instead of God? This show has a great track record of not taking the obvious route. What if Cain was mistaken, killed his bother and doomed himself to the MoC through false pride (I am the only one who can save him!)? 2). If we take the situation at face value (and I think we are supposed to) it’s another case of TPTB rewriting biblical stories and legend to suit their needs. In general, I haven’t had a problem with this in the past; the rewriting of Vampire lore etc.. but this is ANOTHER case of the noble older brother selflessly sacrificing himself to a fate worse than a thousand deaths for the younger, foolish easily duped brother who’s about to royally screw himself again and needs older brother to fix it. I am so heartily sick of this trope. I want to find out in season 10 that Cain was totally and completely WRONG about his brother and that he killed him and condemned himself for nothing. I’m not holding my breath though.
And to answer your question about what Dean should have done. Gadreel/Dean had enough time to have a conversation with Sam while he was contemplating going with Death. If there was enough time for him to have that conversation then there was enough time for him to explain what was actually going on and implore Sam to let the angel in. He could have even have framed it in the “do it for me, Sammy” way that Sam can’t ever refuse. Then at least Sam would have made an informed decision. The rest of the crap that hit the fan could still have hit the fan, and the brothers could still have ended up somewhat at odds, but then at least Sam would have known what he was getting into and his anger at Dean could have taken a different less caustic and unsympathetically portrayed path. And as anonymous said, Dean could have apologized and acknowledged that his decisions regarding his brother were harmful, dictatorial and a terrible betrayal of Sam’s trust in him. This just all comes down to the way in which the writers decided to artificially maintain this conflict in a way that inorganic and completely destructive to Sam as a character.
But hasn’t that been the parallel with Sam and Dean since S4. They are the decendants of Cain and Abel. Their story has biblical implications. My premise is based on what Cain told Dean. Since we have no other source for information (and the bible hasn’t really mattered in this show) we have to go on the assumption that Cain was telling the truth. Cain is the older brother tasked with killing his brother to save him. Dean was given that same responsibility by John. Dean couldn’t save Sam either. I have been in the hospital when the monitors have started going off you have moments. In the moments that Dean had he could have told Sam the truth, after they left the hospital Dean could have told Sam the truth, Gadreel did tell Dean that Sam could eject him. At that point Sam could have decided his own fate. That was my question what could Dean have done that would have resulted in Sam not dying but also not betraying Sam’s trust. And we have discussed this elsewhere but I never found Sam unsympathetic so I would have to disagree with you there. But thank you for answering my question as njspnfan said it was just an academic question because the situation was really set up for Dean to make shocking choices. And as I said I find it interesting that Sam is the only character that did not betray anyone or do what he had to in order to get what he wanted. He really remained innocent throughout the whole season.
[quote]Cain is the older brother tasked with killing his brother to save him.[/quote]He does not have the right to kill.Who ever tasked him to he was punished and is getting punished for it but Abel is still dead.
I guess the upside for Abel is supposed to be he isn’t cursed with immortality and the burden of all the death and destruction that Cain carries. Again it is how you look at it. God hadn’t given Moses the ten commandments yet.
All we know is that Abel was talking to Lucifer. Cain didn’t give any hint as to what was being said. Cain obviously talked to Lucifer and said he’d become a demon to save Abel. He jumped to the conclusion that Abel was going to willingly become Lucifer’s “pet”. In season four Dean was ready to say yes to Michael because he was SURE Sam would say yes to Lucifer. At the time Sam was repeatedly saying NO to Lucifer and only changed it to yes when Dean, Cas, and Bobby agreed that Sam saying yes and trying to take over control of his own body was the ONLY way to stop the Apocalypse. So Dean’s idea that he had to sacrifice himself because Sam was too weak to stand up to Lucifer was flat out wrong. There is every chance that Abel was saying no to Lucifer, not listening to what Lucifer wanted him to do. You may say, then why was he talking to Lucifer, but we have seen that in order to not be found by an angel requires special sigils engraved on your bones, something only an angel can do and is NO indication that any angel was about to intervene. Lucifer hadn’t been caged yet. Talking to humans was fair game. So Abel could have told Lucifer to go away as much as he wanted. He couldn’t make Lucifer leave.
I see Cain as having no trust in Abel and jumping in to save him when he may well not have needed saving at all. And his way of saving him was to murder him to prevent him from making the wrong decision. That is pretty parallel to Dean not telling Sam about Gadreel so that Sam wouldn’t make the “wrong” decision.
Dean was in a bad position in 9.01 and I don’t blame him for the initial deception. But Dean made NO attempt to give Sam a choice in the matter. What Dean could have done was tell Sam that Gadreel had tricked Sam into allowing him to possess Sam, with Dean’s help. Dean could have told Sam that without Gadreel Sam would die. He then could have let Sam decide if Sam wanted his body used by another entity. He could have made Gadreel show Sam everything Gadreel did with Sam’s body and negotiated a settlement where if Gadreel did something Sam didn’t want, Sam would kick him out then, but otherwise, if all Gadreel did was be inside quietly healing Sam, the leave when Sam was healed then Sam would give it a chance. Sam not having any idea what was being done with his own body for months was the ultimate betrayal, even if letting Gadreel in was done in panic and with no other choice.
I read the transcript as well. I think for now all we can go by is what Cain told Dean. Abel was talking to Lucifer and that Lucifer was going to make Abel his pet and corrupt his soul. We don’t know if Cain found this out from Lucifer or Abel. So Cain offered his soul in hell for Abel’s in heaven. The catch being that he had to kill Abel himself to send his soul to heaven. Until more information is revealed I think this is what we have to work with.
As far as what Dean should have done after the possession I agree with you. Dean (who at the time was under the assumption that Ezekiel had possessed Sam who had been vouched for by Cas) should have told Sam what was going on. Sam may have decided to go along with the plan because he really didn’t want to die and it would have truly been shared housing. And then when they found out it wasn’t Ezekiel but Gadreel a different set up for the MOC could have happened where the guys were still on board with each other trying to figure out together how to get Dean out of the mess he was in. A missed opportunity or a necessary plot line, I guess we will see where this all ends up.
[quote] I think for now all we can go by is what Cain told Dean. Abel was talking to Lucifer and that Lucifer was going to make Abel his pet and corrupt his soul. We don’t know if Cain found this out from Lucifer or Abel. So Cain offered his soul in hell for Abel’s in heaven. The catch being that he had to kill Abel himself to send his soul to heaven.[/quote]Still nothing laudable or acceptable about what cain did
I guess it just depends on how you look at it. Dean was given that same responsibility with Sam. John wanted Dean to save Sam or kill him before he became a monster. Cain killed Abel but what did that accomplish? Terror still rained down on humanity. Whether it was Cain or Abel the result for mankind was the same. Dean wasn’t able to stop Sam and he couldn’t kill Sam so the apocalypse happened. In the end he couldn’t save Sam either. So it didn’t matter what Cain or Dean did events were going to play out one way or another. They each made the choices they did with the best on intentions and because it’s SPN it all went to hell for everyone.
Its not about what happened in the show, its about how the characters are drawn and shaped and viewed by the PTB and the fans. Dean has always been shown to be the heroic self sacrificing older brother cleaning up the messes of his careless, destructive foolish younger brother. And now the show has corrupted a well known bible story that did not have that same view originally just so it can conform to the shows biases. Why did they have to change it to make Abel look so stupid and bad? Because they always make Sam look stupid and bad. Because the show is making a clear connection between Dean and Cain they can’t have Cain being a jealous and insecure person who murdered his innocent brother because he felt “overlooked” by their father now can we? No! That’s not noble, even though that how the story actually goes. Can’t have Cain be the bad guy, so lets change the story completely. So, they vilify the younger brother, call into question his character and make him look bad so that the story conforms to the way Supernatural is always presented and save both Cain and Dean’s reputation, while sacrificing both Abel’s and Sam’s. And no one bothered to ask Abel if they way Cain understood things is even accurate, the same way that no one ever bothers to ask Sam.
And now we are back to the overused… older noble brother selflessly sacrificing for foolish younger brother who’s stupidly about to make a huge mistake needs his older and wiser brother to swoop in and save him. Abel got no consideration in this re-write and neither did Sam.
The thing that I HATE is that we are saying the murderer was right and a better person than his victim based SOLELY on his word. Abel’s POV is not represented and when I or others suggest that maybe Cain is either not being totally honest (demons lie and only tell the truth if it will hurt more than a lie WAS the first rule we learned about them) and we are accepting that Cain is being honest with himself. You hear that all the time when someone murders a person they supposedly love. I had to do it. They made me do it. Abel was the bad person, listening to Lucifer. I killed him for his own good! Would you really accept that at a murder trial? Or would we figure the murderer was just trying to excuse his actions. But because Cain is now tied to Dean OF COURSE he is being honest and true and dead Abel, well he DESERVED to die. That really bothers me, because this is the excuse used by domestic abusers all the time. And I’m disturbed that so many people seem to be willing to buy that Cain is the one who was really hurt here, not his victim.
Agreed! Additionally, we only have Cain’s word for what happened and why he killed his brother. How do we know he was telling the truth? We don’t.
Perhaps that is the way the writers wanted the viewers to see it, but that is not in line with what was actually shown (and admittedly, nothing was shown). They did show Cain in his fight with Abbaddon, so why not Abel? To respond, yes I think at this point that Cain betrayed Abel. Cain said that Lucifer told him he was talking to Abel, to make him his “pet”. If that is correct and Cain was given a choice and he had to make that choice within 30 seconds, then he chose to have faith in Lucifer and to have no faith in his own brother. If Cain had time to ask his brother if it were true, did Abel say “yes” or “no”? If “no” then Cain, again, chose to have faith in Lucifer. If “yes” then there may be an argument for Cain saving Abel by becoming an even bigger monster. I tend to think that Lucifer wanted Cain the whole time and tricked him as his faith was easier to sway. It would be inline with some of the biblical and pre-biblical mythology. If Abel was about to kill Cain, or others, then Cain certainly has some wiggle room here. Point is it all depends upon if you believe the story he told to Dean. In fact, are we supposed to believe it? Just because Dean did don’t make it true (as we’ve seen). In fact I find it interesting the number of times Dean was wrong about Sam this season. Sam would have killed Crowley (and seriously, they did run out of reasons to not kill him) but Dean assumed otherwise, “what would Sam Winchester do?” Dean betrayed Sam by tricking him into believing he had a plan. He piled lies on top of that, believing Zeke/Gad instead of Sam. While I read below someone ask what else could he have done (in show terms, so letting him just die was not a choice). What he could have done was tell the truth, beg Sam to accept the angel. But he was so afraid Sam would say ‘no’ that he put his faith in an angel. Did he really know Sam so well? I dunno but it is interesting to consider.
However, I do believe I’ve gone off topic a bit. I think perception and consequences are still a part of the story JC is telling (although it’s taking too long dude!!!). Betrayal appears to be a big part of that (as well as bad communication skills). Interestingly tho, the betrayals were part of “doing what I had to do” just as Cain thinks he did. Is he right? Does he even know for sure? I dunno. But as a theme, an Action-Reaction / Assumption-Consequence scenario(s) it is an interesting discussion point. Thanks Nightsky!
I am hoping for some interaction between Cain and Sam where this might be fleshed out more clearly. We can only go by the dialogue given to us and I agree it wasn’t quite enough. Interestingly Sam seems to be the only character this season who did not betray anyone or do what he had to in order to get what he wanted.
Great point about Sam. The next time Cain shows up, I’d like to see them find a logical way to involve Abel in the story, too. Talk about your awkward reunions.
[quote] But he was so afraid Sam would say ‘no’ that he put his faith in an angel. Did he really know Sam so well?[/quote]
This is a very good point TOB…. Given the events in Sacrifice when Dean implored Sam to stop the trials to save his life, being straight with him, telling him the truth, Sam did not hesitate for one second to do what Dean asked of him. So why, a mere day or two later when Dean was confronted again with asking Sam to follow his lead just like he had in the church during the trials would he resort to trickery? All he had to do was implore Sam the way he’d just done a few days earlier and Sam would have caved, Sam always caves when Dean implores him like that. I think you are right; Dean trusted in Gadreel before he trusted in Sam and it backfired on him spectacularly. Dean does not really know his brother very well, and doesn’t really trust him; if he did and had, he would have talked Sam into accepting Gadreel in to heal him. Sam would have done that for Dean, I am sure.
Dean does know his brother and he knows Sam would not accept the angel; that is made clear from Sam later. Dean was able to talk Sam into living in the church because he was asking his brother to believe in them… Dean and Sam as brothers. The brothers chose the relationship over closing the gates of hell. At death’s door, Dean wants Sam to live so he asks Sam to trust him again. It is not a matter of Dean trusting an angel over Sam. Dean just took his chances. Dean continues to save Sam no matter what for many reasons: No one knows or understands Dean and their shared hunter’s life better than Sam. So no, Dean does not want to live life that alone. Dean LOVES Sam. Dean let Sammy make is own choice and supported him 100% along with not allowing Sam to die (jump) alone in Swan Song. Dean is hardwired to save Sam, it is his job. Dean has acted like Sam’s Dad- big brother surrogate Dad all his life and as father’s do he loves Sam and thinks he knows best- Dean did not believe Sam really wanted to die and with some time may just change his mind. Both brothers have been weary and discouraged in the past and carried on. Dean would have betrayed himself and felt he betrayed or let down Sam if he did not save him. Another motivation for Dean saving Sam at all costs is that they keep each other human. Dean kept Sam human by risking Sam’s physical life to SAVE his humanity- replacing his soul. Dean needs Sam to keep him human. When Dean believed he lost Sam, Dean became a Demon.
Also, didn’t Dean in away petray Gadreel? As I see the gesture of that handshake. Gadreel was cautious but a handshake is sort of gentleman deal and Dean ended it on deception aka slicing the man he was showing to make truce with.
Just an extra idea. 🙂
– Lilah
I didn’t mean to pile on Dean because I think he was deceived by Gadreel right from the start. When Dean discovered he was lied to he had to evict the mysterious angel before he did god knows what to Sam. As always Dean’s first thought is to protect and save Sam. It tends to cloud his judgment and he makes decisions that tend to make the situation worse. But it did all start with Gadreel’s deception.
Dean knew what he was doing when he got Gadreel to possess Sam . We need to stop covering Dean in honey while his actions sting both angel and human were as bad as each other in their need for Sam and yet it seems Sam’s words were seen has a bigger betrayal than Dean’s actions.
You are right of course the words that Sam used to express his anger for what Dean had done are being seen as far more harsh than Dean’s act of having Sam possessed. I really don’t think the intent of the writers was to show Dean as trying to harm Sam. He was given a choice, he was desperate and he had seconds to make his decision. Right or wrong he did it to save Sam’s life. Castiel vouched for the angel Ezekiel and Dean took a desperate chance. It is unfortunate that so many in the fandom choose to see Sam as the villain. I don’t, but I wasn’t confused by Sam’s words and motivations. So many were. It’s too bad.
I am going to have to agree with Sharon here….It’s pretty telling that so many people consider Gadreel to be the major betrayer of this season, when in fact his was not the first nor most deliberate act. It was Dean’s betrayal of Sam that started this whole mess and he did it with the full understanding of what he was doing, hence his indecision and agony in “I Think I’m Going To Like It Here.” I really felt for Dean at that time, because he was forced into a difficult decision and he didn’t seem to take what he was about to do to Sam lightly. He understood that Sam would see it as a betrayal but felt trapped by circumstances and Sam’s failing health, so he took the only option he felt was left to him at that time. That’s fine, I get that and I am grateful too, as I’d rather have Sam alive than Sam dead. But the way in which Dean allowed that possession to take place was a shock to me. Did he use Gadreel to inform Sam of what was going on and beg him to allow Gadreel inside to heal him for a while? No, he let Gadreel use his face to illicit Sam’s trust and trick him into saying the word ‘yes,’ a ‘yes’ that was then confabulated to mean what Dean and Gadreel needed it to mean to allow Gadreel access to Sam as a vessel. It was very dubious consent at best as Sam’s ‘yes’ was in answer to the question “do you trust me?” not a ‘yes’ to “Will you allow this angel to possess you and make you better?”. Not to mention that it was also completely shady and manipulative as well for Dean to use Sam’s complete trust in him so badly. So, Dean knew it was wrong but I still would have bought into his rationale had he been up front with Sam afterwards, but he wasn’t then either. He never allowed Sam the opportunity to make an informed decision. Then later when Sam found out what had been done to him and it came time for him to actually take on the responsibility of what he’d done that Dean turned all “I did the right thing and you should be grateful” and “I’d do it again, and so would you,” crap and refused to apologize for hurting his brother and essentially saying that Kevin’s loss, the loss he was currently beating himself up for, was an acceptive price to pay. A true betrayal is a deliberate thing, and in that way what Dean did to Sam, knowing full well that he would NEVER have agreed had he been given a clear and informed choice and then afterwards negating the terrible consequences of what he’d done (Kevin’s death and all the other deaths suffered at Sam’s hands while possessed by Gadreel), Dean’s is the more crucial of all the betrayals of this season, because it came early on and because it was done by one major character to another major character. Dean’s betrayal carries more weight than a side character who didn’t even make it through the season.
[quote]One could argue, though, that Gadreel’s betrayal was the pivotal event that cascaded into all the resulting tragedies.[/quote]
I think that the pivotal event that cascaded all the resulting tragedies was Dean letting Gadreel into Sam in the first place as none of it could have happened if Gadreel wasn’t riding around shotgun inside Sam. So it comes back to Dean’s betrayal of Sam that was the pivotal event IMO.
Never thought how much betrayal countend on this season until it was pointed out in this article. And boy there was many. Like others have pointed out I think Gadreel was at the start trying to make amends and he had no ill intentions against either brother. And on the premiere all I could see is that Dean was really between a rock and the hard place. He has always wanted to protect Sam. It is his weakness and even though he tried to think things through and what Sam really wants he also had the final episode of last season where Sam chose to live and they stopped closing the gates of hell.
That would have also resulted that Sam dying would have meant they stopped it without reason because Sam would still die. So Dean was emotionally all over the place and then an angel comes and says he can help. Castiel who Dean values vouches that Ezekiel is a good angel and then he sees how close Sam really is dying. And Dean took a leap of faith and rest is history.
As we know now. Gadreel was afraid the other angels would find him so it made sense he would do anything to remain hidden and in Sam. Dean always had doubts and he hated lying and not telling it all to Sam. Always when he tried Gadreel was there threatening to leave so that Sam would still die. It was Gadreel’s self preservation at that point and then we got Metatron. As we have seen with Castiel angels make mistakes and Gadreel is no exception. I think he wanted to trust an angel that offered him redemption as it was an angel after all. But I think he made his mind about killing Kevin when he heard Dean’s plan to cast him out. He didn’t want kill Kevin. Not really because he said it was tough and the feeling he gave out.
But Gadreel also found out his mistake and tried to fix it. So he switched sides and worked with the good guys in the end. His whole travel from beginning to the end was a story about growth. So I think he was the pivotal character and very interesting one and deep. The discussions I have seen about him have all been interesting. Many people were surprised they were wanting him to stay alive and be apart of Supernatural even what he did. They feared the worst when he possessed Sam. They cursed his name when he killed Kevin. Cheered when he started to turn back to the good guys and grieved when he died in the end.
And I think it is because the both two actors that portrayed Zeke/Gadreel did such amazing job. Jared acting as Sam/Gadreel and Tahmoh playing Gadreel were bot such eye candy that I think we won’t see a while. They brought the character alive. And also I grieve that at least at the moment Gadreel is gone. Castiel and him would have made good partners. The other dark wearing black clothes and other wearing a trench coat. Their interaction was short but they had good chemistry. Too bad.
[quote] Jared and Tahmoh did an outstanding job of portraying this very complex character.[/quote]
I agree with Cheryl. 🙂
– Lilah
[quote]And also I grieve that at least at the moment Gadreel is gone. Castiel and him would have made good partners. The other dark wearing black clothes and other wearing a trench coat. Their interaction was short but they had good chemistry. Too bad.[/quote]
I totally agree. I really would have liked to have had the reformed Gadreel partner with Cas in rebuilding heaven.
Gadreel was at the center of things, and betrayal was certainly an underlying current that ran thru the season, but Dean’s decisions and actions drove the mytharc this season. As far as themes, I’m still going back and forth between the underlying theme being betrayal or humanity; Castiel’s time as human, Crowley being humanized by the almost cure and being hooked on human blood, and finally Dean losing his humanity. I would argue that the pivotal event was the decision Dean made in tricking Sam in to being possessed by an angel. Everything that happened from then on was triggered by this single decision by Dean.
* Kevin’s death
* Metatron’s rise to power – he would not have gotten to where he did without Gadreel’s assistance with killing Kevin, and getting his hands on the angel tablet so he could “power up”.
* Crowley reclaiming his leadership role as King of Hell. Crowley needed someone to take on the Mark of Cain to take out Abaddon, and manipulated Dean to that end. Crowley didn’t make Dean take on the Mark of Cain, but like Ruby with Sam in S4, Crowley took advantage of Dean’s emotional state and manipulated him and let Dean make the wrong choices. Just as Ruby did with Sam in Season 4.
And, for the record, I think Sam WAS betrayed by Dean. Yes, Dean saved Sam, but did so in a way that he knew Sam would have never agreed to. And I know this was played down by the writers due to Sam’s harsh words, but Dean basically doubled down when he said [i]”You know Sam, I saved your hide back there. I saved your hide at that church — in the hospital. I may not think things all the way through but when I do, it’s because it’s the right thing. I’d do it again.”[/i] Sam being saved directly lead to Kevin’s death so is Dean saying he would do this all over again, trade Kevin’s life for Sam’s? That really bothered me.
Heh! I said almost the exact same thing two minutes after you did! Couldn’t agree more. I also think it’s quite telling that a side character had a more complete and satisfying arc then either one of our leads. In order of completeness I’d rank the storytelling in the following way.
Best and most consistent story – Gadreel
Great and interesting story with lots of insight – Crowley
Decent storytelling, some holes and confusion – Castiel
Where are they going with this? Why is this so muddled and repetitive? – Dean
What story? – Sam
[quote]Sam felt betrayed by Dean[/quote]Sam was betrayed by Dean.
Of course Dean said he would do it again (save Sam) because Dean will always 99.9% of time save Sam. In Dean’s world it is the right thing to do. That does not mean that he traded Kevin for Sam; although a strong argument could be made that he would. Dean wanted to save Adam too but given the choice by Death of one or the other but not both, Dean did not hesitate and chose Sam. That is who Dean is. Yes he knew when he said he would do it again that Kevin was dead. But he may have meant that under the same circumstances and what he knew at the time he would take his chances with the angel. Dean is not responsible for Kevin’s death, look at the intervening causes. Look at all the choices. Who is responsible for Kevin’s death? Metatron chose Castiel for his plan because he knew he could manipulate him based on Castiel’s prior choices. Castiel chose to help Metatron who chose to steal his Grace and chose to shut down heaven which caused Gadreel to fall from heaven. Dean could not have asked for Gadreel’s help if Castiel and Metatron made different choices. Gadreel chose to lie to Dean about his identity which caused Cas to assure Dean Zeke was one of the good guys. Metatron chose Gadreel to do his work because he knew he could manipulate him because Gadreel needed to clear his name. Gadreel could not have been manipulated by Metatron if he did not choose his actions back in heaven and needed to clear his name. Gadreel then chose to follow Metatron, Metatron chose to use Gadreel to kill Kevin. Gadreel then chose to betray Dean. Gadreel chose to kill Kevin; Gadreel would have killed Kevin under any circumstances. Not to mention that technically no matter how Kevin died in the battle of good and evil Sam and Dean would still have blamed themselves.
spnlit – you do a good job of explaining Dean’s mindset but left out a couple of important facts in your spirited defense of Dean and his decisions.
1) Dean saved Sam by taking away his autonomy, his right to choose. He compounded this by lying about it over and over, then doubled down in The Purge, saying he’d do the same thing all over again. I know there is a huge schism between the fans on this – some think it was ok and Sam should just shut up and be thankful he’s alive. I’m in the other camp and think this was single most egregious thing Dean has done to Sam over the course of the entire series. Not saying I don’t understand why Dean did this, just that it was an awful thing to do.
2) In regards to Kevin, a lot of different scenarios could have played out, and Kevin may have ended up dead anyway. But, what isn’t in dispute it what happened just before Kevin was killed. After Dean speaks with Castiel and finds out that Ezekiel died in the fall, he knew another angel was possessing Sam. He went to Kevin for help in finding a spell/sigil to temporarily hobble the angel so he could speak with Sam. Kevin knew something was up but trusted Dean anyway. If Dean had been honest and upfront with Kevin, Kevin could have taken action to protect himself, lock himself in a room with “keep out” angel sigils, hide, leave the bunker, etc.
My thinking is that the sibling of betrayal is redemption. Gadreel’s motivation was redemption of his original error. Cas also wanted to redeem his reputation amongst his brethren. Garth was so ashamed to tell Dean his new status but eventually seeks Dean’s okay and feels redeemed in Dean’s eyes because he found family.Even Metatron wanted to be redeemed from his status of scribe to the all knowing. It all started in the finale to season 8 when Crowley was looking for a way to be redeemed from his status and yet has he betrayed Dean by not telling him everything? He never lied- it’s fundamental. Quirky redemption to save Dean from total death. And of course. Dean appears to seek redemption from Kevin’s demise, Sam’s suffering and the blade in a way betrays him but also redeems him. And Sammy. wanting to be redeemed from the guilt of having been the instrument of Kevin’s demise. Well, I guess there is enough guilt and betrayal to bring forth redemption. Two sided coin.
The other sign of the coin of betrayal is redemption. It is Gadreel’s main motivation at the beginning of the season. Crowley was looking for it at the end of season 8. Cas has always looked for a redemption to fix his status in Heaven. Even the blade betrays Dean but redeems him because it lets him live. Garth, too was ashamed of his betrayal of his hunter role when he got bitten and needed Dean’s okay with his new life. Now Dean acted alone because of Sam’s words which seemed to be betrayal of Dean’s basic relationship and he seeks redemption for not protecting Kevin- his other brother-. Sam seeks redemption, because he blames himself for killing Kevin. but we do not find that out until the finale. So betrayal/redemption. Maybe the writers who went of the rails with some of season 8 and some fans felt were betraying the Sam/Dean basics are also seeking redemption with the great episodes from season9(most not all).
I agree betrayal was a theme this season as well the characters going through major changes. a lot of characters said “they did what they had to do” I really don’t think Dean could have saved Sam any other way they would have be screwed over either way even if Dean did make a deal with Crowley he would of manipulated him into something which comes back to Dean getting the Mark along with Dean’s guilt and anger over his issues with Sam and Kevin’s death. True Lucifer told Cain he had to killed Able himself but Cain killed him in order to save him neither Dean or Cain had any other way out so they made that sacrifice Dean knew that Sam wouldn’t approve of the angel possession but he couldn’t and wouldn’t let Sam die its hotwired into Dean to protect and save Sammy even if it means willing to risk is own life. I just couldn’t stand how the writers wrote Sam after his possession although, I was very glad that Sam was able to say what he wanted to say toward Dean although, he had very little POV. Having Sam saying “no I wouldn’t do the same thing if they were reversed” yes Sam felt betrayed by Dean and Dean was willing to tell Sam the truth about Gadreel but, Gad told him if he did he would leave Sam and made Dean kick out Cas who then went to redeem himself to heaven and then Metatron came in and manipulated Gadreel (who killed Kevin) and Cas (using his grace to seal up heaven). Metatron, and Gadreel (in the end he was willing to help the Winchesters and Cas who made that sacrifice) they defiantly changed the Winchesters courses of there lives. *Crowley (who knew about Cain the mark and the blade) and Abbadon (Dean’s reason to get the mark and blade) had their hands in there too there was lot of betrayal and redemption for everyone. I also agree Dean becoming a demon with the fact he felt like he “lost’ Sam and with what the blade was doing to him and not willing to hurt Sam or anyone else. But I also felt that in Dean’s final moments in hearing Sam say he lied about not willing to save him (thanks to Jared for adding that line) he had some peace but he still “left” with some guilt. i.e. Demon! Dean.
I also think Sam would be feeling a lot of guilt about not closing the gates of hell; if he had, Dean would not be in this predicament now. Not saying Sam is responsible, just that he’s probably feeling a strong dose of that good ole Winchester guilt.
I think it is an amazing testament to the complexity of this show that we can debate for 3-4 days over who has more guilt, and which actions precipitated which consequences. It honestly feels like a darn Shakespearean tragedy! Well at least we are not all brain-numbingly bored with the formulas used for procedural cop dramas! Think deep thoughts always!