Let’s Speculate: Supernatural 10.17 “Inside Man”
Summary: This episode was written by Andrew Dabb and brings the myth back into focus on the show.
The cold open focuses on a séance that has Castiel and Sam contacting Bobby in heaven, while Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” plays in his study, which is an invocation of the season 6 episode, “Weekend at Bobby’s”.
The episode begins with Sam waking in the middle of the night to Dean’s screams of “Sam.” Sam finds his brother in a fitful sleep, having a nightmare. The next morning Sam contacts Castiel and tells Dean he’s going to Wichita to see a French film about a mime who is really a cockroach. Dean opts to stay home, of course.
Sam and Castiel meet up and go to the Heaven’s Gate playground (which is a whole meta waiting to happen) where they meet Hannah, who refuses them entrance to get to Metatron. Meanwhile Dean is at home on the phone with a hunter and is doing some pranky stuff to his brother’s room, including (ew) rubbing Sam’s toothbrush in his armpit.
Elsewhere, Rowena is trying to figure out a way to kill the Winchesters and scolds Crowley for their influence on him. She manipulates a hellion (haha) to give her information on the location of the bunker and goes after Dean, who has come to a bar to have dinner and drink and ends up in a pool game where he hustles a few college kids out of a couple hundred bucks. He goes into the bathroom and has a “black eye” demon moment and comes back out to find the college kids have gone crazy and then confronts a tatted up Rowena. The confrontation reveals her relationship to Crowley, which Dean had not known. She returns to Crowley, beaten up, and accuses Dean of the assault. Crowley basically doesn’t believe her and asks why she was going after Dean anyway.
After being refused by heaven, Sam and Castiel go to a psychic who had been trained by the Men of Letters. The man, who seems a bit touched shall we say, can read minds. He agrees to help and we return to the séance scene. Sam updates Bobby on what is happening to Dean and they ask for his help. Bobby escapes from his “heaven” and then enlists all the “Bobbys” to revolt. Afterward he opens heaven’s gate and Cas gets in. They break Metatron out of his prison cell and Cas and Metatron return to the playground.
Crowley goes to Dean in the bar and instead of a fight, they end up having a drink at the bar. They ponder their lives, including why Crowley is so stuck to having his relationship with Rowena. He claims it’s family but Dean, in a wonderful nod to Bobby, says a wise man once told him that “Family don’t end with blood.” The scene between the two is poignant as Dean tells Crowley he has grown soft and Crowley intimates that Rowena may be able to counter the Mark of Cain, since it’s a curse. Crowley returns to his throne room and confronts Rowena, throwing her out of his lair. The scene, another in a long line of emotionally rich scenes in this episode, was acted magnificently by Ruth Connell. She cries as Crowley turns his back and walks away.
Back at the playground, Sam and Cas try to get information about the Mark from Metatron, and then in the “why not use bungee cords” moment of the season, they steal Metatron’s grace as a bargaining chip. Seriously, y’all should’ve done that last season. Metatron’s mortality gets the truth out of him, which is that he’s a liar and has no idea about the Mark, that it’s a Lucifer level curse. He does, however, know about where Cas’s grace is or at least some of it.
The final sequence sees Dean back at the bunker drinking and eating. He asks Sam how the movie was. Sam lies and says it was a French film. Sam asks Dean about his night, and Dean lies and says it was boring. Sam goes to his room and in a flashback we see that Castiel has given Sam a letter from Bobby. The episode ends with a montage of all the different players (Dean, Metatron and Castiel, Crowley, Rowena) as Bobby’s voice reads the letter, asking Sam to talk to his brother and tell him what he’s up to, telling Sam he’s a good man, and saying how much he misses them. The final scene shows Bobby in his heaven as Hannah and other angels show up in Bobby’s heaven.
That was a fantastic episode in my opinion. Congratulations to Dabb on a great script and all the cast on marvelous performances. And can I say how much I miss Bobby Singer?
Questions to Ponder:
What do we think about Rowena’s assertion about the Mark of Cain being a curse?
Was Metatron’s Lucifer reference important or just a throwaway?
What other research will Sam find to save his brother?
Was the black eye moment a Rowena inducement or was it the demon shining through or just a hallucination?
What do you think Rowena will do now?
What is Crowley’s plan? Does he have one?
This episode offered a lot for us to ponder so leave your thoughts and questions below!
Love CROWLEY throwing SHADE on his Mum.
WHO THE FRAK IS RUDY….
Wish I loved it more.
LOVED SEEING BOBBY :D:D:D
Rudy is a fellow hunter who we never see. He is also Dean’s quoted character from the Hobbit franshise. “Rudy always gets a pass>”
TYSM Debbad :D:D
”KICK IT IN THE ASS,” was a KIM MANNERS saying CORRECT spnFamily…
”ASSTIEL”……priceless :D:D:D:D:D:D
“So, this is weird huh. Look, I just wanted to say Cas told me what you’re doing for Dean and I’m not asking you to stop, but maybe going behind his back is not the best idea. Your brother, he can be stubborn, but I think he’d understand. And I know it’s the life, doing a little bad so you can do a lot of good, but sometimes the bad’s real bad, and the good, it can come at one hell of a price.
I ain’t there on the ground and whatever you do, I know you’ll make the right choice. You’re a good man Sam Winchester, one of the best and I’m damned proud of you son. I was content up here, but getting a call from you, it’s the happiest I’ve been in forever, no matter what it costs. So stay safe, keep fighting and kick it in the ass.
Bobby”
One single man tear from Sam, one teary mess from me. Dammit show, you just keep pulling me in…
Of course it’s my biggest fear that the writers will take that sweet, sentimental, warm fuzzy ending and totally forget about it next week. Sam will be back to lying to Dean, doing whatever it costs, and we’ll wonder why Bobby’s words were ever said other than it was an awesome way to close out an episode.
DemonDean starting to take charge? I found it interesting how Dean ran the pool table, not only humiliating the guy and his friends by letting them know they were scammed but he also added insult to injury by taking his grandfathers watch! That’s gotta hurt!. Then he goes into the restroom knowing that he just left 3 angry guys out there ready to dish out some payback. That is the time DemonDean decides to announce his presence. Just seemed like Dean was itching to start something and maybe that is why, because he wasn’t in full control?
I was thinking too in the pool room scene where Dean is about to impale the kid with the broken cue stick he has flashbacks – Killing Lester, beating up Anne Maries abusive boyfriend, breaking Charlies arm (yay), and emptying his clip into the shifter – what I was wondering is were those little flashes when DemonDean was influencing him and Dean wasn’t the one really in control? I have thought all along that DemonDean never went away and that he was instead basically dormant because the cure wasn’t successful. We all thought it was the MOC that caused Dean to lose it on those occasions, what if it was DemonDean taking up more and more room in the drivers seat?
Aww don’t cheer broken bones for Charlie!! Some of us like her 😉
I love Charlie. She’s adorbs.
I so agree. Deanmon isn’t in deep cover anymore.
It doesn’t look like it will be very long before we really see Dean go off the rails. I would love to see him go completely dark this time. Show what having the Mark really means and what a devastating burden it is to the bearer. Can’t wait.
I read on another site thread where someone posited that Dean and DemonDean are “melding” into one. Thinking about the bar scene where Dean was waiting for Crowley to show – that entire conversation was neither 100% Dean nor DemonDean. The way Dean spoke, the words – ‘not really’ even the way he was drinking. Plus DemonDean red shirt, pushing a confrontation with the 3 bar guys. Dean was certainly giving himself some ‘me time’, wasn’t he? A melding of MOC, Dean and DemonDean would create a new Dean altogether and tie into Jensens teasers.
For me Dean and Demon Dean were never two separate entities in the first place so they don’t need to “meld into one” they are already one and have been one all along. Demon Dean is just Dean with his moral and inhibitions removed…. but still Dean.
Actually demonic Dean still had morals. He killed demons and Lester after he determined that he was douche which saved the innocent wife. As far as most humans… he would beat them up if they started a fight because of his jerk behavior. It was a more selfish Dean or rather a Dean that wasn’t selfless and wasn’t motivated by love.
“breaking Charlies arm (yay), ”
Why on earth would anyone be happy about Dean breaking Charlie’s arm? It has been explicitly show that Dean loves Charlie like a sister and he felt very bad that it happened.
Pssst! Don’t tell anyone but I’m kinda cheering for Charlie’s broken arm too.
You guys are just meanies!!:D
Hasn’t Dean already broken her arm? Bobby too. 🙁
Yeah, we’re cheering that he did it because we don’t like Charlie. As I read what I just wrote, I guess it is sort of twisted. But what do you mean about Bobby?
It was really ghost Bobby who broke Charlie’s arm the first time… although I think he was fighting with Dean at the time or he was fighting a leviathan and Dean stepped in to help? Then Charlie was thrown to the ground and broke her arm. So I guess it was more Bobby than Dean that first time.
Dean broke Charlie’s arm in the last episode too among other injuries.
Apparently Charlies kind of a light weight…that is when her dark half isn’t SINGLE HANDEDLY WINNING THE WAR OF OZ, that is. For the people who don’t understand why some of us are less than enthusiastic over her character, this is a prime example why. .. 😉
I do get it thank you for the comment. Supposedly Charlie spent many years in OZ as time passes differently. So we are to assume I suppose that as smart as she is she was able to defeat the-whatever the bad guys were in OZ-because of her brains and what she learned while there (she was a LARPer after all and strategist to boot). In any case some like her some don’t. As the J’s love her I don’t think her character is going to go anywhere. I guess wishing harm to someone who “practically sparkles” isn’t that much fun for me.
I was just teasing about the yay! People are sooooooo serious… As I stated before Charlies okay when shes written more subtle. Like the one where she was infected by the Djinn. She was still MarySueish but not obnoxiously so. When shes written in a more believeable way. When Thompson reigns himself in and writes her less OTT she can be a good character. I’ll be curious to see how she fits in a mytharc episode not written specifically for her.
Hi Alycat, speaking for myself I wasn’t giving you absolutely serious grief. I do understand the depth of the dislike for Charlie and WHY. I just adore the character. Plus I just saw Felicia at a con and thought she was delightful. She is so fragile looking I just cringe at the thought of Dean snapping her bones.
Awwwww thats sweet! I bet she is a teeny thing, but who isn’t up against Jared and Jensen!
😮 Blah, blah, blah, OZ, (ears covered) can’t stand that story line and wishing it was never even part of SPN! Love Charlie. Hate that SPN went there. OZ, I mean. Somehow, even though this show relies on the fans to believe the world it has built for us, OZ seems to stretch that way too far for me! I just choose not to accept it and I hope it goes away! LOL!
Agreed! Don’t really have a problem with Charlie per se (mary sueishness and “Smartest person in the room” notwithstanding), but hated the whole Supernatural goes to OZ thing. It’s like the show took a left turn into “WTF!?” I had that same feeling in MBFWB and now Paint it Black as the show took a left turn into “Bad Harlequin” territory. Supernatural is a horror show NOT a cheesy fantasy.
Ok….sorry it didn’t work for you.
😉
I liked it. I can say that first time ever all actors kicked it in the ass on this episode. Can’t wait to see where it is going and I don’t worry about the future that I hear will be something to wait for. Rowena is alive and that spells trouble in big T. It was good to see big B again and I hope he survives up there. I need to watch it again because I want to see every last detail of the episode and enjoy it again.
What do we think about Rowena’s assertion about the Mark of Cain being a curse? It might be one but I am not sure witches can remove it. So, death spell and somebody survived? Yeah, that creeps me out.
Was Metatron’s Lucifer reference important or just a throwaway? I actually gasped when he was mentioned but I am not totally sure that it has any relevance for the cure.
What other research will Sam find to save his brother? There is the Book of the Damned. Tablets and the source seem to be a dead end.
Was the black eye moment a Rowena inducement or was it the demon shining through or just a hallucination? It can be either way but it means nothing good.
What do you think Rowena will do now? Hell hath no fury as mother scorned.
What is Crowley’s plan? Does he have one? Your guess is as good as mine. Have no idea.
I truly LOVED this episode. Action, good performances and emotional hits to the gut. And huuuuge plus about Bobby.
– Lilah
What a solid episode – really enjoyed it. It was great to see Bobby again (even though the representation of heaven, especially its corridors, seemed to be a little too literal for my liking). Awesome pair-up of Cas and Sammy, and that single man tear!! 😉 I also liked how the writers acknowledged that Crowley had grown soft. Finally, I’ve never truly been put off by Rowena, but tonight I thought she was used well. A bitf off topic – to me it’s clear that Ruth Connell is actually a pretty strong actress – I like to believe she was directed to act cartoonish and OTT to hide how truly evil Rowena really is. I hope that fans welcome and love Ruth, the actress, even if they hate Rowena – I’ve seen some comments on how people think she’s a terrible actress and I think that’s unfair, IMHO.
Just wanted to add – I immediately loved the psychic character and hope he will return (and not die). Was it just me or did they reuse Dean’s “Sam!” cry at the start of the episode from the end of Season 3 when he was in hell? LOL!! This show. <3
Ah take a moment to remember Pamela. Okay, an atheistic psychic? Ans couldn’t we all read Sam’s mind in that scene. The “Sam” cry took me back to the season 3 scream. Dean is in hell of sorts now isn’t he? Loved the pranking in Sam’s room, the pool hustle, the holding back, the Crowley scene quoting Bobby,all of Bobby’s scenes, Cas taking Metatron’s grace- Yowzah! And that final scene in Sam’s room.
I loved this episode. Sorry Bobby these guys don’t know how to do anything without lying about it but I do agree Sam is a good man. Yay Crowley is back. Mark Shepard when given the opportunity can knock it out of the park and steal the show. Everyone was just about perfect. Did I say I loved this episode. A definite re watch or 2.
Do we take Crowley’s “I’ve been to hell” as confirmation that their dark and gloomy location isn’t hell itself but a topside lair of some sort? 😀
I forget the name of the episode but it’s when Crowley has his first audience with Rowena. If you look out the windows you can see trees. And Rowena’s cell mate indicated that they were topside. Which is why she was in chains. She wasn’t supposed to be there.
Ah, I don’t recall that bit. But, given that there has always been sunlight coming in the windows and I think there were trees this week too, being topside was always my assumption. 🙂
It’s Hell adjacent. Yeah, it’s topside. I’m thinking it’s Crowleys way of dealing. Kinda like not fully commiting to your crappy job.
I really liked it! There were a lot of players but it worked! I’m always a fan of Bobby returning in whatever capacity although I do wonder what the angels will do to him for aiding and abetting Cas spring Metatron from jail. I’m sure they’re pretty torqued with Cas as well … wonder if they’ll go after him at some point. Even though I do agree with Bobby that Sam needs to tell Dean what he and Cas are doing I can also understand being afraid of if Dean will try and stop them and it’s not like Sam was drinking demon blood. He’s trying to help Dean, but I’m sure the longer he doesn’t tell Dean and it goes on the more angry Dean will be about it and that’s scary. Sidetone … there is currently a Verizon commercial with Kim Rhoads on my TV! Yay!
Loved Metatron getting his grace ripped out by Cas and then Cas and Sam turning all Metatron’s snark and bravado back on him. That was glorious! Sam and Cas make a really good team (better when Dean’s a part of it too, of course) but it’s nice to see their friendship bloom! Dean’s always (mostly except the end of S6) had Cas as a friend and confidant outside of Sam so it’s nice to see that finally really extend to Sam as well. Neither Sam or Dean’s friendship with Cas is as strong as it is with each other but who in real life ever only has a sibling or spouse they can count on. There’s always others in your life.
Ah, Rowena and Crowley … getting really interested in where it’s going. Was a little annoyed at first but getting drawn into their story as well, but I do like Crowley, although don’t really trust him!
I had some technical difficulties in viewing this episode. I had a black screen for about a third of the episode. I very much enjoyed what I was able to see and hear. I had heard so much beforehand about this episode being Sam lite so I was very pleasantly surprised to find him right in the thick of things. I loved Sam in this episode! I love him teaming up with Cas, they make a pretty damn good team. Crowley kicked that icky Rowena to the curb! That felt good. It also felt good to see Metatron get some of what he deserves. I really regret not being able to see Sam as he read the letter from Bobby. I have a feeling I missed a great scene from Jared. Very very nice episode. Samtastic.
It may have been light on actual Sam screen time, but it was heavy with Sam character development and showing Sam’s POV, which is all I’ve ever wanted.
It didn’t seem that that light to me. I had thought all we were going to see was the séance scene. Anyway it was all good to me.
This was a very interesting episode. Dean rubbing Sam’s toothbrush under his armpit really made me laugh. And I loved the scene between Sam, Metatron and Cas and how Crowley is finally growing a backbone.
So much “yes”, surrounded by so much “what the shit?!?!”.
A semi-decent script hindered by a mediocre director.
I didn’t particularly notice the directing was bad? What was it you didn’t like?
Speaking of directing did we all notice the PRODUCT PLACEMENT? :p (I wonder does it actually work for sales?) Not really the directors fault that though if they have been made do it I suppose it can’t be subtle.
It wasn’t as bad as the car placements they used do in Warehouse 13 / Fringe but still…
Hi Russ, I was a little curious myself as to what was wanting in the directing dept. Can you elaborate?
Eilf- It was pretty blatant. All that was missing was a neon sign and an arrow.
Oops the reply was meant for Russ!
I didn’t see anything wrong with the directing. I do know that this was actually the director’s first time directing like his tweets said.
He made few amazing shots.
– Lilah
More than anything, it’s just me nitpicking. I’m so uninspired by this show nowadays, I just sit and wait for it to end.
I suppose I shouldn’t blame the director. He/she is only working within the constraints of the show’s set pieces and story (same can be said for the Director of Photography). I can only imagine what it’s like trying to direct by committee, which is one of the problems with such a consortium of players throughout a season (multiple directors, writers, company men, studio note passers, Producers, EP’s and the list goes on). The montage at the end, the decision to edit with blends instead of hard cuts for transitions, was the only thing I enjoyed. After those few seconds, I actually nodded my head, and said “nice”.
Visually, this show’s be running on auto-pilot for some time. Whilst the show has had a tendency to feel like a soap opera of late (Rowena’s scenes come to mind), worst of all, at most times, it actually looks like a soap opera. Switch off the audio, and remove the special effects and violence, and you’d easily skip it whilst channel surfing thinking it’s a midday soap. Mostly in part to the shot composition. Also, something I’ve mentioned a few times over the past few years – I’m noticing the make-up on Jensen’s face way too much.
Alongside the hackneyed framing and composition, there’s the unnatural colour palette. Way too many forced/introduced background colours and lighting. That playground scene at night (the door to heaven) – the play equipment, and more so the overbearing colours, suffocate any attempt at storytelling. Hard to focus on actors when you have this calamity of shapes and colours punching you in the senses, for no other reason than [i]”ooh, pretty colours. Production value!”[/i]. It’s worsened when you try to frame a shot through said set pieces (as they did when the busted out Metatron). Terrible.
The other problem I’m having is the need to truncate so much into one episode. With all the useless filler episodes they give us, most notably the previous episode, what is wrong with ditching one of them, and fleshing out this particular episode’s story over 2 consecutive episodes? We can’t get a little more substantive of an intro for Oliver Price other than 20 seconds of conversation whilst walking to his house? Bobby’s navigates Heaven’s hall’s in a few seconds (reminiscent of Taxi Driver when Sam navigates Purgatory & Hell in the time it takes to eat a Mars bar – another episode more than needing of two episodes to have worked).
I’ve been begging for an episode that didn’t revolve around a “case”, and when I finally get one, they still fuck it up.
Have to admit, Metatron is working for me. I despised the character in season 9 – still do – but the gaolbird Metatron? It’s working. Funny and fearful. Just a wimp getting by, by all means necessary.
Your perspective about the visuals is very interesting. I’m always impressed when the reviewers talk about the technical issues of the episodes, because I almost never notice that aspect of the episodes. I don’t have a creative bone in my body, so unless it’s something glaringly obvious I don’t notice the visuals all that much. But I agree 100% about cramming so much action and plot movement into one episode after a long string of dull, wheel-spinning episodes. I would love to see more of Oliver Price.
Thank you Russ, that was very interesting. You have a much more technical knowledge of these things than I do. I appreciate your perspective. And agree with you on some aspects of the show. I have to say I really miss the washed out colors of the first seasons it just seem to work so well with the atmosphere of he show back then. Now the show isn’t really sure what it is sometimes. So much does seem rushed. I really did enjoy this episode though. It had a lot of things going for it that have been missing from a lot of episodes. Metatron and Rowena are just grating to me more times than not. I like my villains more subtle and menacing.
A very good episode which needs a close rewatch tonight. Tightly written, much happening on all fronts, all of the lead characters were great, many of them having to face some hard truths. Bobby was brought back in a believable way which worked very well. Rowena was even passable this week so I’m wondering if it’s been a problem with the way she’d been previously written. We haven’t seen the last of her.
As far as Dean / Demon Dean goes, I’m not sure if that was Dean seeing things, was it something Rowena did, or whether the demon in Dean has been lying dormant all along, as some on these discussion boards have been saying all along. I flashed back to Season 4 (Sam and Samhain) with Rowena trying to put the whammy on Dean; was waiting for Dean to tell her that the demon ray gun crap doesn’t work on him 🙂
Many unexpected developments. So Lucifer will somehow play in to finding out about/removing the MoC. I never thought they’d go back to Lucifer as part of the story. Always thought that was Kripke’s story to tell; curious how this plays out.
I laughed out loud when Castiel removed Metatron’s grace and Sam shot him in the leg; why didn’t they do that sooner? Metatron is going to escape and wreak havoc at some point. Thankfully this gives Castiel something to do; look for his remaining grace, which is probably how Claire ties back in to the story.
The scene in the bar with Crowley and Dean was well played; it could have gone wrong in so many ways but worked very well; a tribute to the writing and the actors.
Sam was active in this episode, and remained conscious throughout. They really need to work on getting him a car; I liked the ’72 Dodge Dart from last season’s Sharp Teeth. The scene with Sam reading the letter from Bobby was nicely done; I hope Sam takes Bobby’s advice to heart and is up front with Dean next week. Though, for the sake of contrivance by the writers, I’m not holding my breath. And, conversely, would be nice if Dean did the same with Sam; he hasn’t exactly been up front either, and is putting Sam at risk by not telling him what Cain told him.
When I saw Sam pull up in the white truck, I too thought Sam needed a better set of wheels but it would take away from the Impala. At least the truck working ….:) and white…. hero on the white horse, the white knight. I too would like Sam and Dean to have an honest exchange about what they both have been up to since the Cain encounter.
The white horse analogy is nice. Still though with all those beautiful cars in the MoL garage I have no idea why Sam would be driving that old clunker of a truck around. I see that Cas still has his pimp mobile though. 😉
E, I did think of all those nice cars in the MOL garage and certainly think Sam deserves one; but when I thought of him in one of those cars, I just saw him wearing a scarf and his hair blowing in the wind…. and leaving town for a different story. The whole vibe was off. So in my mind, poor suffering, I need to save my brother, Sam gets the white truck!
I’m shocked but I absolutely loved this episode. I thought it was better than Executioner’s Song because it just had an embarrassment of riches. First, it was the most ENTERTAINING episode in many months. I was smiling and exclaiming during it, I couldn’t wait for commercials to be over, and I was surprised by so much of it. I’m pretty damn excited for the next few episodes because they actually moved the MOC arc forward- a lot. In comparison, ES now seems a bit ponderous and slow. The different story lines were juggled perfectly, we saw a good chunk of all 4 series regulars, and except for her first scene with Crowley I almost enjoyed Rowena. She wasn’t over the top in a cringe-worthy way. And it was great the way they worked Bobby into the script and I loved every minute of him. I cracked up at “the Bobbys are surly.”
I have always liked Metatron, and I really enjoyed him here. He is hilarious. Although I loved when Sam shot him in the leg. Bad ass Sam is back!
The best part for me, however, is that Sam is back. We got Sam POV and a good look at smart, creative, determined, forceful Sam, in stark contrast to the passive Sam we’ve seen almost all year. Sorry, Cas, but I’m giving Sam all of the credit for that brilliant move with Bobby and Metatron, and the taking of Metatron’s grace, because Sam said it was his plan B. Every note they hit with Sam was perfect, but the icing on the cake, which made me teary, was the letter from Bobby. For the first time since Death in Ep 9×1, we heard someone acknowledging Sam’s worth, and what a good man he is. I was almost as emotional as Sam.
We also got a look at old Dean. He was funny, and lighthearted, and I loved the pool hustling. Although I suspect some of this is Demon Dean rearing his head, because while the pool hustling isn’t so bad, I was sure he’d give the watch back. That seemed pretty cold. I also liked that we finally got a look at how tortured he is by what Cain said. His crying out for Sam during his nightmare was the first time in a year and a half that he showed so much feeling for Sam and I was so glad to see it.
I did have a few tiny issues. When Sam tackled the angel guarding the door so Cas could get into heaven, did that angel just give up and go away leaving Sam there?
Also, how did Rowena empty out that whole bar in the minute that Dean was in the bathroom? And why wouldn’t her curse work on Dean? Metatron was able to kill him, at least temporarily. It reminded me of when Lilith couldn’t kill Sam with the white light.
Finally, what’s going on between Dean and Crowley? Carver said their relationship was going to change and I assumed Crowley would go dark. But something else must have happened between them or else Dean wouldn’t have a reason to keep the whole thing a secret from Sam.
But overall I thought this was a great episode.
This episode was Samtastic.;) What a great word. Anyway, I’m so happy to be able to say that I absolutely loved an episode again. I loved Sam and Castiel together, I loved Sam being badass and taking names, I loved Action Castiel jumping into the heaven’s gate. I even liked Crowley and Rowena and Dean scared me which I don’t like, but seemed to fit where they were going. He was so cold about the pool playing and seemed to be anticipating a fight, which wasn’t good, but I much preferred how it went down.
Questions:
1. I think Rowena was telling the truth because she thought at that moment that she could use the knowledge to make Dean killable again.
2. Oh Gosh, I’m so scared about the Lucifer reference. The minute he said it, I got the jitters. Then when Sam stepped into his room, all I could think was “here comes the Demon Blood.” Yikes, I really hope not.
3.I think Sam is out of options but Charlie’s getting ready to show up so…..
4.I wondered about the black eyes too, but it’s hard to tell because they didn’t make a point of showing Rowena doing anything.
5. I have no idea what Rowena has planned but I’m betting it’s going to blindside them at the worst possible moment.
6. I’m wondering if Crowley and Dean made a deal of some sort. Not a crossroads Deal, but an understanding maybe.
All in all, my favorite episode of the season. I wasn’t sure there was going to be one, but so far, this was it. Oh, and I applauded and shouted when they took Metatron’s grace and Sam shot him. What an awesome moment and I’m so glad it was Sam and Castiel that got to do it. They both deserved that moment.
One more note, did anyone else laugh at the blatant product placement of that Surface tablet? Subtle,:D.
Edited to add: Bonus Sam running down the hallway brandishing a gun in sleepwear and bare feet. One of the most awesome images of the entire series. Seriously,yummmmm……
Edited again to add: Yay, we got to see Sam’s room! What’s with the old phone and the hand cranked pencil sharpener? Obviously in between trying to find a way to get rid of the Mark, someone’s been pillaging old MOL crap, instead of buying an electronic pencil sharpener or mechanical pencils. Also, poor Sam’s foot hanging off the end of the bed. Dude, steal an extra long mattress from somewhere. You deserve it after going to hell, okay?
Touching on one of your points; when Sam walked into his room I thought “Is that a spell to converse with Lucifer?” I would of squealed with delight if it was so!
My take on the old phone and pencil sharpener is that Sam still does not see the bunker as his home, no matter what he implied before. I think he’s just taking the room as it was left by the last occupant.
I don’t see any updates in Deans room either (besides the “memory foam”). It doesn’t seem to be all that important to them? I found myself thinking – ‘why would Sam use that old phone anyway?’ The toothbrush on the other hand… Then I found myself thinking – ‘surely Dean can get more creative than that! C’mon Grasshopper!’
Yeah, because what fun is a prank if the person doesn’t know you pranked him? Unless they’re going to have a scene next week in which Dean says, “Dude, I rubbed my butt on your pillow and scrubbed my armpit with your toothbrush,” and then the boys have a good, old-fashioned pillow fight. I could get on board with that!
What would be fun would be if next episode there’s Sam pulling out the toothbrush he ACTUALLY uses that he has hidden somewhere cause nair-in-your-shampoo-guy has been his brother for 30 years now :p.
There’s Sam getting ready in the morning, not even thinking about it, just pulling out a toothbrush from somewhere and brushing his teeth. The toothbrush on the sink is a prop.
I would love that so much – in fact since I know they will never mention this again, I am going with that…
Okay, your scenario would be great, because Sam is after all pretty smart, and he warned Dean not to enter his room. But maybe they could tack the pillow fight on after that.
I think you may have an ulterior motive here….I am just vaguely suspicious that you do ….
If you’re referring to what I THINK you are, then no. That ain’t my thang. A brothers’ pillow fight just strikes me as funny. But if you’re NOT referring to that, then I’m totally clueless. Please clarify. BTW, I re-watched the episode tonight with my daughter because she missed most of it last night (and I was dying to watch it again), and when we got to the door 42 part I started grandly explaining the reference to her and she gave me that stereotypical teenager’s look of disdain and said, “mom, everybody knows that.”
Heh now I want to know where you went in that tangent. 😉 No nothing complicated, I was just referring to 2 mentions of pillow fights …. I am kinda guessing you would like to see that then 😀 [img]http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt144/SupNatFans/Dean%20S2/Capture-218.jpg[/img]
There you go, best I can do 😀 Horsing around isn’t exactly a pillow fight but it is close…
I did find that scene hilarious, so sure, horseplay would be acceptable. Although I guess the “boys” are getting too old for such nonsense. sigh. But I thought you were referring to the ship that must not be named, and I am not a passenger on that ship, or indeed any ship.
Nah shipping is not my thing. To me it is totally missing the point in the case of Sam and Dean’s relationship. And in the case of Dean and Cas I don’t even see much chemistry really, never mind unrequited (or requited) anything. It is all deforming the storytelling though so that puts me off it even further. All of this is, of course, IMO.
I agree about the brothers’ relationship. I often puzzle over why I get such emotional satisfaction out of that relationship–is it because there’s nothing else like it on TV? or because the context of the relationship is the crazy, dangerous, tragic life they lead? As funny as the show often is, I actually think that it is the saddest show I’ve ever watched because of all the loss Sam and Dean have suffered. I guess I just find that strangely compelling.
Right there with you, this show can make your heart hurt, race and everything inbetween like no other. Of course there are episodes this season where having a defibrilator close at hand would be advisable but fortunately those have been few and far inbetween… It doesn’t hurt that the two leads just happen to be gorgeous and the rest of the cast disgustingly attractive either! But it’s not only that – there are plenty of great shows with handsome actors – I think it’s knowing that Jared and Jensen and Misha… are humble, kind, thoughtful, altruistic guys that appreciate their fans and who look outside of themselves for the good that they can do which makes it just that much better. Not to overlook the rest of the cast, past and present as well as some of the crew. There is so much that makes Supernatural unique that makes me glad to be a small part of it.
I do think it’s really unfortunate that the shipping has caused the writers to remove Cas and Dean from each other’s orbit. I understand that what the writers saw as nodding to fandom by giving nudges toward the perceived relationship was seen by some very fervent shippers as “queer baiting”. I do think that they needed to establish a relationship between Sam and Cas and pairing them is the one good part of pulling Cas from Dean. The relentless shipping that will not stop now has the show deforming itself, as you noted, to avoid riling up people on either side of the debate. I wish that all shipping would stay in fandom. Write fics, make art, videos and manipulations. This is one of the few shows that doesn’t have romance of any sort, and I like it that way.
Amen Padales- I mean, percysowner!!!
I agree with the benefit of pairing Sam and Cas. I actually prefer the Sam/Cas relationship because it’s a looser, funnier dynamic: they seem more like friends, and seem to enjoy each others’ company more than Dean and Cas. Even my daughter, who is a hardcore Dean fan, said after this episode that she prefers the Sam and Cas friendship because it irritates her that Dean bosses Cas around like some lackey and Cas lets him do it. It’s one thing to boss your kid brother around, but for an angel to let himself be dictated to by a mere human does seem a bit ridiculous.
Mere human……let writers tell it, we are the best thing EVAH.
Angels are choice-less automatons. HUMANS have emotions
and FAITH, and touches of the DIVINE……..
Bah Humbug, mind you I love Humanity,
CANT STAND HUMANS.:D:o:p;)
That is an interesting, yet confusing string of emoticons you got there!
😉
Not a bad episode at all. After hearing how much Sam was going to be sidelined I was very pleasantly surprised to see so much of him. My expectations were beyond low, so once I realized that he was involved beyond the seance it was all bonus points. For once the jumping back and forth between all the story parts (Sam/Cas, Bobby in heaven, Crowena, Dean) worked really well and felt seamless. So often with the lesser writers *coughglasscough* *coughross-leming/bruknercough* this is clunky at best and downright confusing at worst. Here is played out well.
It was nice to see Dean FINALLY show that he’s experiencing something negative connected with the mark. Geez, he could have been having nightmares before now couldn’t he? Could have thought he was seeing black eyes way back in say episode 8 or 10 or something, just to give the developments we are seeing now some continuity? Yes, he could have, but that would have required the show runner to make sure it happened and the other writers to be keeping track of season long developments and other than Berens and Dabb no one else seems to care. So, the MoC side effects were a bit out of the blue for me, but I was glad to see them nonetheless. And Dean appears to be having nightmares about maybe harming Sam? Hmm, well it’s good to know the Dean is worried about that at least on some level. That development from Executioners Song has seemed to mean absolutely nothing to Dean until now. So again, nice to see that possibly killing Sam might be bothersome to Dean.
And finally an episode where I could actually tolerate Rowena and didn’t’ want to gouge my eyes out while she was on my screen. I was even interested in what she was doing for a change. I also loved that she ended up out of her depth entirely. She was so sure she’d be able to get Dean with her spells. I was also vastly releaved to see that she was not going to be able to affect any change, or control Dean. I don’t care how powerful a witch she is, she’s not on Lucifer’s level so it made sense to me that she was out of her depth and powerless. It was fun watching her get her comeuppance, not once but TWICE. 😀 Yeyas! Crowley is back. Cold calling and nobody’s fool. Goodbye Rowena, don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way out! Sadly, I think she will return but watching her get slapped down was a real treat. I’m not sure what Dean and Crowley are up to and why Crowley is still so attached to Dean; that still makes no sense to me and clearly Crowley choose Dean over mum, so I am doubly confused as to why Crowley now apparently considers Dean more family than Mummy, but hopefully that will be spelled out soon.
Now, about this next part, don’t get me wrong… I loved the Sam/Bobby letter scene and Jared was truly brilliant there (showing once again how much better this show would be if only they would give the man something to do, something to play) BUT…. why is Bobby giving Sam advice to be up front with his brother from beyond the grave? What exactly has Sam done? He’s not done anything even remotely shady at all, and yet by the way the other characters are going on you’d think Sam was drinking demon blood again. So Sam has what? Gone to a medium to have a seance? Well, TFW did that in season 5, so what’s the biggie? Broke Metatron out of Jail, well… that’s what they did earlier this season so again, nothing that hasn’t happened before and been deemed necessary. Did it all behind Dean’s back? Is THAT the big sin here? Well guess what Dean has a few secrets of his own and they are way worse that what Sam is currently doing… like not telling your brother that he’s in imminent danger of being killed by you to fill the destiny of the mark. I find it strange, but basically typical of this show that they are already criticizing Sam for something that Dean is also doing. But does anyone admonish Dean about his hiding things, his going behind his brother’s back, his lies? Nope, of course not, Dean is the teflon hero; his shit doesn’t stink or stick. Meanwhile Sam is already being lambasted when he hasn’t even done anything shady. This show makes me crazy sometimes.
Hi E, I didn’t take Bobby’s note as a lambasting at all. I think he would have given the same advice to Dean. They are famous for keeping things from each other and it rarely ends well. Bobby came across very loving and proud of Sam, I loved it. He has always been paternal and I think he was here too.
I agree with you that the note was based on love and fatherly advice. I think Sam needed to hear the part that he is good man. I imagine Sam feels alone in this tragic mess of the MOC and a little encouragement from a Dad figure could go a long way…. we know Sammy felt it!
Dont’ get me wrong, I loved that whole scene; it’s about time someone remembered that Jared is still on this show and is a good actor to boot. It’s also time someone remembered that Sam IS a good guy and said so. It seems that there are plenty of people out there in the fandom who’ve forgotten that. Anyway, my issue with it was not script or acting related it was PTB related. I find it odd that we are reminded by the show that Sam is doing something ‘shady’ even though what that shady thing is hasn’t even been disclosed. Why are we getting plugs from the show that Sam MIGHT do something dark, why is Bobby telling Sam to be careful before he’s even done anything? Why does the show always call into question what Sam is doing, what Sam has done and put a dark or ominous spin on it? In season 9 Sam didn’t do anything wrong then either, but you’d never know it by the way he was written and the way the fans reacted. Now, before Sam has even done anything at all we are getting his non-actions painted in a sinister and threatening light. But does Dean get the same treatment? Nope. Dean is the one currently who is doing the truly sinister and threatening things. His continued lies and withholding of information is putting Sam’s very life at risk. He’s increasingly violent and crossing with Crowley to do who knows what. But does anyone on the show comment on this? Crowley was perfectly set up to call into question Dean’s actions, but did he do so? No…. we only got Bobby making assumptions about Sam’s actions. I’m tired of it.
I see what you are saying E, however I want to bask in a really good episode where someone praises Sam and calls him a good man and doesn’t really lambast him for anything!! The boys lie and keep things from each other, often a bad idea. Bobby would rip Dean a new one of he knew what Dean was keeping from Sam. I am going to feel warm and fuzzy about this one darn it.:D
I get you Leah… I really do. Just wondering why Bobby’s letter had to have any admonishment or warning in it at all. Why didn’t he just say “you’re a good man and I’m proud of you. You are in a tough situation and I know you’ll do what you have to… be careful” etc… Rowena calls Dean a “hero” in this episode and Sam is warned to not do bad things or go down dark roads. It’s that ever present double standard.
I just didn’t see it as an admonishment, E. Bobby was reacting as a parent might. I don’t think there was a bit of judgment in it at all. Keeping secrets=not good. Do you really believe he wouldn’t give Dean a tongue lashing (as he has done before) for what he is withholding from Sam? I don’t think this was even close to an admonishment, sorry. Rowena was being sarcastic. But the idea Dean is a good man too, is just fine with me. In spite of your “shit don’t stink” comment I believe Dean, as written ,is supposed to be a self-loathing, loser, alcoholic, selfish, jerk sometimes. And that is how many fans see him. I think Jensen manages to bring out his humanity despite that.
Except in the context of the show, it’s Bobby making Sam in a no win situation. Bobby was all over Sam for holding to their agreement to not look for each other if they believed they were dead. Doing so would have been going behind Dean’s back, and Bobby simply told him that was an agreement that Sam wasn’t meant to keep. Now, going behind Dean’s back, when not curing Dean means SAM GETS MURDERED is suddenly wrong according to Bobby. Plus Bobby was find going behind Sam’s back to trap him in the panic room for Sam’s own good. And he was part of going behind Sam’s back when Dean went to get Sam’s soul and shove it back into Sam. Both were cases where there was a risk of Sam dying when they went behind his back. So Sam doesn’t try to save Dean, when he honestly believes Dean is at peace and in heaven and Bobby tells him he’s wrong. Sam tries to save Dean from a fate Dean has declared worse than death, a fate that endangers Sam, a fate that endangers Cas, a fate that leaves an unkillable demon wrecking havoc on the earth and suddenly Sam’s wrong to do it? The show has decided that any action Sam takes must be criticized and scrutinized and Sam must be warned that he is probably wrong again all while remaining totally silent about Dean ever making a mistake. The double standard is what bothers me here and Bobby’s hypocrisy. The hypocrisy is not OOC for Bobby, BTW but it doesn’t leave totally happy with his note to Sam.
I simply didn’t read all that into the note sorry! But I will respectfully withdraw from this conversation because it is a no-win situation for me. I enjoyed the episode and thought it was a lovely scene. Enough said.
I think you are missing my point, this isn’t about Bobby commenting on Dean’s actions if he had known about them. In the episode Sam’s motives and his possible actions were showcased as potentially being negative BY THE SHOW before Sam had actually done anything at all. Dean’s actions were not even even highlighted let alone commented on, although what he’s hiding could be construed by many as being negative and potentially dangerous. This happens constantly on this show; both brothers are taking a course of action. Sam’s course of action is held up to scrutiny by the show who weighs in to give that course of action a slant or tone and Dean’s aren’t, this is just one more example. If Sam’s potential actions were going to be showcased and someone (anyone at all) was going to comment on them then why weren’t Dean’s also? Sam’s were, Dean’s weren’t… period; it’s not really about Bobby at all. I am just questioning the Shows motives for making a comment on the nature of what Sam is currently planning when they aren’t doing the same with Dean. Why did they have to go there with Sam; why is JC always painting Sam’s potential story as “going down a dark path?” Why can’t he be going down an heroic path? or a sacrificial path? Why is it a dark path? Why is Sam “the bigger monster?” Dean is painted as “fighting for his life” and Sam as “the Bigger monster.” These are the things the show runner and the powers that be are telling us about Sam instead of letting us draw our on conclusions about what Sam is doing as they do with Dean. I know you aren’t going to agree so this is the last I’ll say on the subject.
This contrasting attitude towards Sam and Dean even goes back to the Kripke era. Kripke was upfront about considering Dean the hero of the show, so Dean nobly and selflessly sacrificed his life and soul to bring Sam back in AHBL. At the end of Mystery Spot, however, Sam is portrayed as a psycho, who is prepared to kill an innocent human so he can trap the Trickster to try to get him to bring Dean back. The current writers often seem to forget all of Sam’s positive qualities, but the one they steadfastly cling to is the “darkness” in Sam. Although I’d imagine that Kripke thought Sam had totally redeemed himself and conquered his darkness in Swan Song. It does seem pretty likely now that Sam is not going to be allowed to save Dean in a manner that reflects well on Sam. The reference in Bobby’s note only makes sense if Sam is going to disregard it and do something really bad. But after the drought of any characters speaking well of Sam, I’m going to try to focus on the wonderful aspects of Bobby’s note.
Although I talked about my reservations about Bobby’s note, I did appreciate the fact that the show actually had someone say something positive about Sam. I’m glad Bobby told Sam he is a good man. No one else, except maybe Jody, does that. I do agree that the problem is no one on the show ever calls Dean on his bad actions. Mystery Spot is a really good example. Sam wasn’t just saving Dean from death, he was saving him from certain damnation. When Dean “saved” Sam, he pulled him from heaven knowing he would leave Sam alone and guilt ridden. Yet the only thing Bobby talked about was how sad it was that Dean thought so little of himself. Last season refused to even look at how what Dean did by tricking Sam affected SAM, the story immediately turned to how sad Dean was. This season has very much been in that line, we see how Dean feels, but nothing about Sam while the writers continue to beat the Sam is dark drum and Dean remains a cuddly, sweet demon or almost demon. CROWLEY is getting a redemption arc while Sam is, yet again, getting the going evil arc, no redemption permitted.
I started getting a little annoyed about it myself, but upon further thought, I think Bobby would be saying the same thing to Dean, and even more strongly, if he knew what Dean was hiding from Sam. And it was greatly outweighed by that awesome note. That note might be my highlight of the season so far!
Friggin YES! Lucifer was mentioned with a possible tease! I felt a surge of excitement the moment I heard Metatron say “…but you can’t exactly speak to him” (may not be exactly what he said). I rubbed my hands with glee imagining the idea seeded in Sam’s head, growing as Dean’s predicament becomes worse. Then the idea blooms and Sam, too enthralled by desperation ignores all bad feelings.
Please please PLEASE let that be a subtle hint Sam will contact Lucifer and doom himself >:3
Great shout to the old Rocky and Bullwinkle show when, after Crowley called Dean squirrel, Dean responded where’s Natasha, Boris?
I agree njspnfan, that was great:)
I loved this episode! But as I generally have warm fuzzy feelings for SPN anyway, I frequently like episodes that draw a lot of complaints. /-( Anyway, aside from all the shout outs mentioned above, especially Boris and Natasha, what about that great “42” that sent me right over the edge into geek squee! That’s the answer, man! To everything!
I enjoyed Smart!Sam working with Wiley!Castiel and Crowley finally cutting the apron strings (after how many centuries?) and Dean counseling Crowley (WTF?) Oh, there were so many things to enjoy I can’t even list them all. Thank you, writers, cast and crew!
Alright, call me ignorant but what was the “42” reference about?
42 is the answer to the ultimate question of Life, the Universe and Everything…. Pretty good as a doorway to heaven 🙂
It is a reference to ‘The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy’
Thanks. Should I add that book to my very long list of books that I should/want to read?
Absolutely! 😉 Top of the list!
I’d say yes. It’s a classic in science fiction and very, very funny.
Adding my name to the Hitchhikers recommendation list!
Alrighty then, I guess I’ll have to read it and get back to everyone with a book report. Thanks for the recommendation y’all! (that’s me channeling Jared because I’m so excited that he knocked it out of the park last night).
I gave up watching SPN many episodes ago now because of boredom with Show, lack of Sam story/pov and too little Sam and Dean for my liking and I found myself quite happy to wait until next year to maybe watch s10 on the telly over here in Wales. But, after reading the reviews I watched this week’s episode and, suddenly, I am sucked back in again. All it takes to haul me back in, so it would seem, is, finally, some decent Sam action, some Sam pov and of course, a Sam tear. Sam/Jared broke my heart with that tear, I always was a sucker for Teary! Sam. Also loved Dean and the pool hustling, loved Bobby, LOVED the letter scene and Bobby telling Sam how proud he is of him. I teared up with Sam. Enjoyed the Sam and Castiel scenes. Last but not least I was SO excited to hear Lucifer mentioned. Now that really did pique my interest. Is Lucifer going to be a part of the story ahead? Is Sam going to contact Lucifer. I would love to see Lucifer back. I am really looking forward to the rest of the season now which, seeings as I had given up watching, says a lot for how awesome this episode was. Loved it all.
It seems plausible that Lucifer would be part of the story. I think Rowena’s statement about the MOC being a curse is accurate. It was in the delivery of the statement…. she was just thinking out loud and certainly knows her dark magic. I do not think the MOC is a simple undo by a witch. It is the tie – in to Lucifer. Lucifer put the curse on Cain. Lucifer used spells to raise the dead, demons used spells to break the seals, Lucifer is the source of real dark magic. Remember the witches coven in 3.09 Malleus Maleficarum, when things got ugly they were told by the witch – Who do you think you were praying too? In 5.12 Swap Meat the kid Gary who swapped Sam’s body wanted to be a witch he had to first meet the boss (Lucifer).
Metatron also confimed that it was old magic…. God or Lucifer level. Maybe both? In SPN fiction Mark was placed on Cain by Lucifer. (In the real world Bible/ Mythology it was God.)
Hi Gwen, welcome back ….. again. I know, this show is like a chronic illness, it keeps flaring up! Hopefully you’ll make it to the end of this season. This episode was very good, but there have been very few good episodes this season IMO. I always like your insights though so I’m glad to see you back. 😀
Hi [b]E[/b]. Thanks for the welcome back. I’m sorry I’m so late replying, real life has an annoying habit of getting in the way of internet SPN life sometimes. 😀
Lol! Yeah, you’re right. This show is like a chronic illness, you think you’ve gotten over it but then comes another flare up and you are stricken once again. Those Sammy tears are mighty powerful, infectious things. 😀
I’m hoping I’m back for good this time, I really hate falling out of love with SPN. I’ve watched since The Pilot and always thought I’d stay until the bitter end. I gave up watching in early S8 and then in the second half of S9 but came back both times then so I can’t see me staying away for good no matter how bored and grumpy I get at times. I’ve now just got a lot of catching up to do. 🙂
Fantastic is the word for this episode. SAMTASTIC! and FANDAMTASTIC (Dammed Dean) maybe even Fandomtastic! Wow this was FANTASTIC on many levels I would say Congratulations Well done! BRILLIANT! Loved it , hit the mark and will be a classic! This episode had all the elements of perfect SPN episode. Well written fast paced/plot moving story; storyline that accurately interwove past action/ characters and seamlessly integrated main characters with our leads; snappy, witty, humorous, emotional dialogue- repeat worthy lines; quick integral introduction of a new/ secondary character (Oliver Price psychic) that was smart, interesting and would like to see again; elements of classic SPN- brotherly pranks/ humor; scenes defining family, action, tear inducing emotion; great credible acting by all secondary characters; brought back a beloved main character in a plot- driven manner (Bobby); breathed new life into season regulars and as usual -yes, “knock it out of the park” acting by our leads (J2) and regulars (C & S).
SAM!!!! Yes, Sammy is back in rotation! (quoting Azazel -yellow eyed demon Season 2). Well written Sam! Humorous Sam! Looking at his brother with a straight face informing him he was going to see a French movie about a mime that is really a cockroach! Priceless. Brother Sam! On a mission to save Dean- worried caring and told Dean not to go in his room. Action Sam! Running down the hallway of the bunker to investigate/ aid Dean! Smart Sam! Mapped out Plan B to spring Metatron. Leader Sam! Took control and utilized Cas to “follow his lead” and execute plan. Awesome Sam! Kicked Metatron’s Ass, didn’t even flinch with the leg shot! And Good Man Sam! As we know but Bobby said it and Sam needed to hear it. It was great to see the Sam we saw at the start of season 10. Sam is desperate, determined, smart and I think and hope revitalized by his encounter/ letter from Bobby.
Bobby! Yes we had our Bobby back in full character saying and doing all the things we love about him. It was a well written comeback that moved the plot and seemed plausible. Loved to see Bobby give Sam the much needed and well deserved (good man comment) fatherly advice because they certainly are “on the ground” alone with this one- MOC. I wish Dean would have also gotten a talk from Bobby about not giving up. Hope Sam at least tells Dean about the mission/ connection to Bobby at some point.
Dean. I was happy to get some further insight on the MOC storyline. After Dean’s encounter/ killing of Cain, he was depicted as fundamentally damaged/changed. Sam certainly knew. This is the first episode after the killing that we have seen some effect on Dean. This episode was the best insight in Dean’s struggle and POV thus far. As we know, Dean does not want to die. My take on Dean’s fear of dying is that he is concerned that the essence of Dean that makes up the soul/ mind/ heart will be destroyed. I do not think this refers to any actual possession of Dean as discussed in THREADS. My interpretation of the flash of black eyes is that the MOC the disease is showing itself to Dean as he wages the battle to beat it from the inside/ himself. (Rowena was not playing tricks- she was not yet aware of the MOC at this point). I think the nightmares are vivid images of his/ struggle and fears. I think Dean is hopeless but has not totally succumbed to despair. He is still struggling to maintain control. As we know Dean does not want to die and is trying to hold it together in Dean fashion, still trying to be himself, going about life as usual, pranks (toothbrush- yikes!) having a night out at bar- hustling pool, wanting to keep working with Sam- calling another hunter to help out on case. Another reason I think Dean is not totally hopeless is because he did not kill the college guys and spared Rowena so she can undo the spell to make them whole. I saw some foreshadowing of Dean’s success over the MOC. As Rowena pointed out Dean was controlling the mark because he was a hero/ good guy. His good side can win. Again he did not kill and that will be part of his salvation as Sam said, you can beat this from the inside.
I actually did not hate the character of Rowena in this episode. As stated she was used to move the MOC story forward. I think her statement about the MOC being a curse is accurate. It was in the delivery of the statement…. she was just thinking out loud and certainly knows her dark magic. I do not think this, the MOC is a simple undo by a witch. It is the tie – in to Lucifer. Lucifer put the curse on Cain. Lucifer used spells to raise the dead, demons used spells to break the seals, Lucifer is the source of real dark magic. Remember the witches coven in 3.09 Malleus Maleficarum, when things got ugly they were told by the witch – Who do you think you were praying too? In 5.12 Swap Meat the kid Gary who swapped Sam’s body wanted to be a witch he had to first meet the boss (Lucifer).
Metatron also confimed that it was old magic…. God or Lucifer level. Maybe both? In SPN fiction Mark was placed on Cain by Lucifer. In the Bible/ mythology of the real world, God discovers that Cain killed Abel and God put the mark on Cain so everyone would l know he is a murderer, and no one would kill him; banishing Cain forever. So, looks like Lucifer may be back, Sam making a deal with Lucifer? We do know the Book of the Damned comes into play next episode. My personal favorite would be a visit/ input by DEATH! And we do know from Misha and Jared that things get dark and the season does not end well.
Other thoughts!
Our regular characters Crowley and Castiel are back! I loved the fact Crowley has found his footing and re-established his name and booted out Mom. Good quote in regard to killing Dean: “never seems to work out QUITE the way you want.” Great delivery. I think Rowena is not gone; she will be on a quest to garner the power of the coven from any MOL bunkers. Looks like Crowley trusted Dean and his advice about family. I like how we have a more interesting and serious friendship between Dean and Crowley.
Warrior Castiel is back with a mission to get his Grace! It was poetic justice and satisfying to see Metatron take a beat down from Sam and Castiel. Cas: “What that means is blow your frickin brains out”. I also like how Cas was ready to help by blowing down the door of the psychic.
I enjoyed the inclusion of Hannah in the new vessel. The change to Hannah was well- done by the actor.
One final note: I loved the fact that the escape hatch out of the private heaven room for Bobby was a thread. As we know the fate of the SPN world is usually hanging by a thread!
I loved the episode. When Bobby was looking at the doors I was SO waiting for him to find some of the old members of the team and for them to break out and kick a bunch of butt. Now THAT would be a helluva season finale. But we’ll see what happens. I still say this is the greatest show ever. My one and only fandom.
I watched the episode again with my second half and he totally loved it. I actually cracked up to the B-Team reference (A-Team) Have seen the series and loved the movie.
So here comes Lilah’s husband’s thoughts part 3 and 1/2:
I swear he literally fangirled when he saw Bobby at the start. He also understood the HGTTG reference about the number 42. He loves the books and the movie. He still would have wanted Dean, Crowley, anyone to waste Rowena. Yeah, he is not a fan of her.
One thing he noticed and in my memory too it is true too. No one got killed in this episode. Not even a monster. I think the 200th episode was close because only the monster died but this was all clear from any kills. Do we remember wrong or is it true? Is there another episode where everyone lived?
– Lilah
PS. Dean surviving a death spell that should have blown him to pieces still CREEPS me out!
You’re right! No one was killed.At least on screen – we still don’t know what Sam did to the angel he tackled! 🙂
I think our Dean is slowly dying in this episode. It seems to me as if we are gradually losing him to both the MOC and DemonDean. Loved, loved, loved the scene between Dean and Crowley. And for the Dean nightmare scene? Best director evah!! Someone send that guy a fruitbasket! Great episode, so much goodness all around. Badass, smart leader Sam!!! Badass Cas!!! Rowena showing her true colors, Crowley!!! I loved how the director moved things along with the whole psychic scene, Bobby was written in a logical way. Great job all around!
It’s no secret I’ve been struggling with SPN for awhile. In fact, I had just decided last night would be my last episode, and I really wasn’t even sure I wanted to watch it live.
But I did, and Bobby’s line about getting out, and being pulled back in is SO appropriate.
This episode had almost everything I love about SPN. The only thing that would’ve made it better, I think, is having Sam and Dean together. Not fighting, not keeping secrets, but enjoying each others company, and having each others backs.
Damn. I’ve been suckered back in. 😀
Praying the next episode continues in the same vein…..
AfterBuzz TV review ([url]”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i7ZD2TgHzM&feature=youtu.be”[/url])
Supernatural Season 10 Episode 17 Review w/ Travis Aaron Wade & Ruth Connell | AfterBuzz TV
Interesting bits and pieces. 🙂
– Lilah