Supernatural’s Top 100 Favorite Episodes: Countdown 10-6!
Time to countdown our Favorite 100 Supernatural Episodes! This week we enter the Top 10 with numbers 10-6! Almost there!
How did we choose which episodes deserved to be on the Top 100 list? Rankings were determined by a group of rag-tag-war-torn fans who spend way too much of their time studying and writing about Supernatural! More specifically, participants in this ranking challenge included administrators and writers from The WFB, admins from the website Fangasm, and admins from Super-Fan-Wiki. Each individual’s rankings were tallied to create a consolidated list of our Top 100 Favorite Episodes – and by “tallied” I mean my computer-expert hubs took the excel spreadsheet and applied his math-genius skills, resulting in a formula that weighted and ranked the final results. Details about this epic project were described in “The Road So Far” introduction. It’s all about the Math, and say it with we – Math Don’t Lie. So let’s get to this week’s countdown!
#10 “What Is and What Should Never Be” (2.20)
Written by Raelle Tucker
Directed by Eric Kripke
Recap: Dean is attacked and held captive by a djinn inside an abandoned warehouse. While imprisoned, Dean begins to have hallucinations where he is happy – he has a beautiful girlfriend, his mom is alive and well, Sam is engaged to Jessica – but his relationship with Sam is strained.
Alice said, “This episode still brings me to tears after all this time.”
Elle said, “One of the earliest glimpses of the struggle [of] the emotional disparity in Dean and the vision of his mother lingering from childhood. Such a great episode – especially the callbacks to the pilot.”
Nightsky said, “It breaks my heart when all his loved ones appear to Dean. What Mary says to him. What Sam says to him.”
Journalbookbinder said, “Incredibly heartbreaking and touching to basically go inside Dean’s head and see what he really wishes for – Mary alive and Sam living a normal life – but so painful when Dean realizes that in this alternate, perfect world, he and Sam don’t get along and Sam thinks his brother is a giant screw-up. It’s also touching to see Dean realize that, in this world (though imaginary, it feels real to him), the people he and Sam had saved all died. That knowledge along with his fractured relationship with Sam cause him to go back to his painful real life. It’s gut-wrenching and touching and sweet all at once.”
Nate Winchester said, “This is another I-want-to-do-a-retrospective-on-some-day as I’ve written about it before as possibly one of the more important episodes in the show (besides the pilot, obviously). This one is… just perfect in every way and Jensen Ackles gives the performance of a lifetime with a soliloquy that is nearly an archetype of what every guy wants to say to their father. The whole episode is so emotionally powerful, and a testament to why they do what they do. A MotW episode that shows the show’s soul.”
Kate38 said, ” This is one of those episodes that I enjoy more each time I rewatch! It is one of Jensen’s earliest Emmy-worthy performances, especially the scene at John’s grave. Jensen should have his own hall of fame! I am also struck by the fact that even though Sam didn’t really like his brother, the Sam Winchester WE know was still in there and insisted on coming with Dean when it was clear he was in danger. I loved being reminded that even if the brothers’ lives had been different, they still would’ve somehow found their way to each other.”
Lynn agreed, adding, “Jensen is so good at struggling and being in pain and making it all look so real every single time. When Dean sees his mother – he literally cannot take his eyes off her. The way Dean looks up at his mom, like he becomes that adoring four year old again, and the way he leans into her touch, craving it so badly. Can you imagine, after losing her as a four year old, what it would be like to have her again? The horror in his expression as he realizes that all the people he thought they had saved were not actually saved; the way Dean flinches when Sam says ‘I can’t believe we’re even related’; the strength that Dean pulls from within himself to figure out what is happening with the djinn; the courage he has to go back to his real life; it’s all those little things that Jensen brings to this character that make you FEEL what Dean feels.
Memorable Scene #1: Dean likes this “new” life with his girlfriend (Carmen) and spending time with his mother, even mowing the lawn for her, but he doesn’t understand why things are so awkward between him and Sam.
Sam: What? What happened?
Dean: Well, the uh, the djinn. It attacked me.
Sam: The gin? You’re… drinking gin?
Dean: No, asshat. The djinn. The… scary creature. Remember? It put its hand on me and then I woke up… next to some hot chick.
Sam: Who? Carmen?
Dean: Who?
Sam: Dean, you’re drunk. You’re drunk-dialing me.
Dean: I am not drunk. Quit screwing around!
Mary: Carmen just called and said you just took off all of a sudden.
Dean: Carmen? Right. Let me ask you a question. When I was a kid, what did you always tell me when you put me to bed?
Mary: Dean, I don’t understand –
Dean: Just answer the question.
Mary: I told you angels were watching over you.
Dean: I don’t believe it.
Memorable Scene #2: Dean has dinner with Sam and Jessica, Carmen, and Mary.
Sam: Okay. What’s gotten into you?
Dean: What do you mean?
Sam: I mean this whole warm, fuzzy, ecstasy-trip thing.
Dean: I’m just happy for you, Sammy.
Sam: Yeah, right. That’s another thing. Since when do you call me Sammy?… Dean, come on. We don’t talk outside of holidays.
Memorable Scene #3: Dean begins to realize that all the people they saved are now dead, never having been saved at all. Dean visits his father’s grave and breaks everyone’s heart with his speech:
Dean: All of them. Everyone that you saved, everyone Sammy and I saved. They’re all dead. And there’s this woman that’s haunting me. I don’t know why. I don’t know what the connection is, not yet anyway. It’s like my old life is – is coming after me or something. Like it, like it doesn’t want me to be happy. ‘Course I know what you’d say. Well, not the you that played softball but… ‘So go hunt the djinn. He put you here, it can put you back. Your happiness for all those people’s lives, no contest. Right?’ But why? Why is it my job to save these people? Why do I have to be some kind of hero? What about us, huh? What, Mom’s not supposed to live her life? Sammy’s not supposed to get married? Why do we have to sacrifice everything, Dad?
Memorable Scene #4: Dean is determined to find the mysterious girl he keeps seeing. Sam insists on going with him to the abandoned warehouse. Dean finds the girl, realizing she is being held captive by the djinn. He realizes he’s also a captive, and he fights to wake up. Sam, Mary, Carmen and Jessica appear and beg him to stay in the dream with them.
Sam: Look, whatever stupid thing you’re about to do, you’re not doing it alone. And that’s that.
Dean: I don’t understand. Why you doing this?
Sam: Because you’re still my brother.
Dean: Bitch.
Sam: What are you calling me a bitch for?
Dean: You’re supposed to say ‘jerk’.
Sam: What?
Dean: Never mind.
Mary: Put the knife down, honey.
Dean: You’re not real. None of it is.
Mary: It doesn’t matter. It’s still better than anything you had.
Dean: What?
Mary: It’s everything you want. We’re a family again. Let’s go home.
Dean: I’ll die. The djinn’ll drain the life out of me in a couple of days.
Mary: But in here, with us, it’ll feel like years. Like a lifetime. I promise. No more pain. Or fear. Just love and comfort. And safety. Dean, stay with us. Get some rest.
Memorable Scene #5: The broment at the end, after Sam saves Dean, is heartbreaking. The words needed to be said, but it is still hard to hear.
Dean: Yeah, I’m all right. You should have seen it, Sam. Our lives. You were such a wussy.
Sam: So we didn’t get along then, huh?
Dean: Nah.
Sam: Yeah. I thought it was supposed to, to be this perfect fantasy.
Dean: It wasn’t. It was just a wish. I wished for Mom to live. That Mom never died, we never went hunting and you and me just never uh… you know.
Sam: Yeah. Well, I’m glad we do. And I’m glad you dug yourself out, Dean. Most people wouldn’t have had the strength, would have just stayed.
Dean: Yeah… Lucky me. I gotta tell you though, man. You know, you had Jess. Mom was gonna have grandkids.
Sam: Yeah, but, Dean, it wasn’t real.
Dean: I know. But I wanted to stay. I wanted to stay so bad. I mean, ever since Dad… all I can think about is how much this job’s cost us. We’ve lost so much. We’ve… sacrificed so much.
Sam: But people are alive because of you. It’s worth it, Dean. It is. It’s not fair, and… you know, it hurts like hell, but… it’s worth it.
#9 “Sacrifice” (8.23)
Written by Jeremy Carver
Directed by Phil Sgriccia
S A C R I F I C E.
This is my #1 favorite episode. Fav-or-ite. EVER. But, Ugh. My feels. My heart.
In this episode, Sam is finishing the last trial, in order to close the gates of Hell. Crowley isn’t at all happy about this endeavor, and he threatens to kill Jody if the boys don’t stop. In turn, Sam and Dean trap Crowley by handcuffing him with spell-laced handcuffs. Crowley has become Sam’s final trial – curing a demon.
Meanwhile, Metatron is manipulating Cas into doing a series of trials to save Heaven. Unfortunately, Cas doesn’t realize until it’s too late that Metatron’s plan is exactly the opposite – he’s trying to expel the angels from Heaven out of revenge.
Alice called the episode “easily the best episode of the post-Kripke era!”
Gail said, “Fantastic episode! The idea of Crowley killing everyone the boys ever saved unless they cease the trials is diabolically brilliant! Crowley’s confession was a wonderful, riveting moment! And then the Angels falling – holy moly! What a fantastic effect, and a fantastic ending. I felt awful for Cas, because we knew he was going to be vilified for the fall of the angels. What a finale!”
Lynn said, “This episode was all about Being Human. When Crowley bares his neck willingly for the syringe, the power of that simple gesture gave me goosebumps. Mark Sheppard literally made me cry for Crowley. Cas finds himself human in the end, and he’s confused and alone, and my heart broke for him too.” She added, “The ending was intimate, powerful – and most of all, personal. The words Sam and Dean said to each other were the ones each needed to hear. Finally Dean knows how much Sam needs his approval and faith. Finally Sam knows that Dean believes in him, and how desperately Dean needs him. The whole episode was simply heartbreaking.”
Kate38 said, “Even if you don’t love the rest of season 8, the scene in the church has to touch you in some way and remind you why you love this show so much.” She also added, “The angels falling was one of the most stunning visual effects I’d seen on this show in a long time.”
This episode is deeply personal to Nightsky: “Sacrifice” started everything for me. I was so moved by the raw emotions and the stunning visual effects, I was compelled to write my “Dear Jared” letter, applauding him for the passion and unguarded vulnerability of his performance. Jared later confessed how much he needed to hear that his work was sincerely powerful, as he literally made himself sick to convince us of Sam’s near-death condition, and wracked himself with self-doubt about his effectiveness. Portraying Crowley, Dean, Sam and Cas being forced to face their insecurities hit close to home for Jared, and for viewers. Crowley’s “where do I even start to look for forgiveness” betrayed every’s person’s most private pain. After Dean recited back to Sam all the things Dean judged were unforgivable in Sam’s life, Dean “confessed” how much he loved Sam. Dean needed to admit it to himself as much as he needed to admit it to Sam. The focus on forgiveness and self-acceptance brought viewers to tears as they themselves long to hear the acceptance the boys gave each other. This was a Jeremy Carver masterpiece, delivered with distinction by an extremely talented cast.”
Memorable Scene #1: Jody thinks she’s on a date with Roderick, but it is a actually Crowley, and he’s setting a trap for Sam and Dean. He threatens to kill her if the boys don’t stop the trials and turn over the demon tablet. I remember feeling physically sick at the thought of Jody dying.
Crowley: I want the demon tablet – the whole demon tablet.
Dean: Fine, but then the angel tablet comes to us.
Crowley: On what grounds?
Dean: On the grounds that you’re a douchebag and no douchebag should have that much power. Deal or not?
Crowley: First, I need to hear two little words – I surrender.
Memorable Scene #2: Metatron reveals his true plan to Naomi.
Gail said, “Just when I thought I couldn’t hate anybody as much as I hated Metatron, along comes Naomi to vie for the crown. I often have wondered what kinds of things were erased from Cas’ mind. What did she expect?”
Metatron: Do you have any idea what it would be like to be plucked from obscurity, to sit at God’s feet, to be asked to write down his word? The ache I felt when he was gone, telling myself, ‘Father’s left, but look what he’s left us – paradise.’ But you and your archangels couldn’t leave well enough alone. You ran me from my home. Did you really think you could do all of that to me and there’d be no payback?
Memorable Scene #3: Cas desperately wants to right the wrongs he believes he has caused, and in his naivety, he believes in Metatron’s plan to save Heaven.
Castiel: Do you really think it’s wise to be drinking on the job?
Dean: What show you been watching? Talk to me. Are you sure about this? I mean, it’s one thing me and Sammy slamming the gates to the pit, but you – you’re boarding up Heaven, and you’re locking the door behind you.
Memorable Scene #4: Crowley’s transformation back to humanity was truly an Emmy-worthy performance. Journalbookbinder agreed, calling the scenes “ANOTHER master class by Mark Sheppard.”
Kate 38 agreed, adding, “The scenes between Sam and Crowley in the church don’t get the recognition they deserve, in my opinion. Mark Sheppard gave one of his most stunning performances, and Jared looked just terrible, sick, and exhausted – both of them had me completely convinced and glued to my TV screen. Kudos, gentlemen.”
Crowley: Seriously? Me, seriously? We just shared a foxhole, you and I. We beat back the Tet Offensive, outrun the Rape of Nanking, together! And still you’re gonna do me like this?! Band of Brothers? The Pacific? None of this means anything to you? All those motels, you never once watched HBO, not once? Girls? You’re my Marnie, Moose. A-and Hannah – she just – she needs to be loved. She deserves it. Don’t we all – you, me – we deserve to be loved. I deserve to be loved! I just want to be loved.
Memorable Scene #5: Naomi tells Dean that Sam will die if he completes the final trial, so Dean runs back to the church to stop Sam.
Journalbookbinder called this scene “One of Jared’s best performances!” She added, “Dean’s speech to Sam about how he would never put anything before his brother is the only clip of the show I have saved on my iPod, if that tells you anything. Dean getting Sam to believe in THEM and stop the trials is an essential moment of the Show.”
Lynn said, “Kudos to Jared for his performance in the final scene in the church. Jared knocked it out of the park! His portrayal of Sam’s agony – both physical and emotional –was literally painful to watch. Jared gives us a Sam that is scarred and damaged and broken and yet still so brave. The way Sam’s voice cracked when he said ‘You think I screw up everything I try’ was heartbreaking. So much emotion, and Jared made me feel every ounce of it.”
Dean: You finish this trial, you’re dead Sam.
Sam: So?
Dean: We have enough knowledge on our side to turn the tide here. But I can’t do it without you.
Sam: You can barely do it with me. I mean, you think I screw up everything I try. You think I need a chaperone, remember? You want to know what I confessed in there? What my greatest sin was? It was how many times I let you down. I can’t do that again.
Dean: Sam –
Sam: What happens when you decide I can’t be trusted again? I mean, who are you gonna turn to next time instead of me? Another angel, another vampire? Do you have any idea what it feels like to watch your brother just –
Dean: Hold on, hold on! You seriously think that? Because none of it – none of it – is true. Listen, man, I know we’ve had our disagreements, okay? Hell, I know I’ve said some junk that set you back on your heels. But, Sammy, come on. I killed Benny to save you. I’m willing to let this bastard and all the sons of bitches that killed mom walk because of you. Don’t you dare think that there is anything, past or present, that I would put in front of you! It has never been like that, ever! I need you to see that. I’m begging you.
That’s it. I am broken.
You know where to find me.
#8 “The End” (5.04)
Written by Ben Edlund
Directed by Steve Boyum
To briefly recap: Dean wakes up in a hotel and finds himself in the future – a future where the Croatoan virus has spread across the world, Sam has said yes to Lucifer, and Dean is trying to kill Lucifer.
What?
Nightsky explains part of the episode’s distinctiveness: “One of the many things that is brilliant about this episode is that all the actors create entirely new characters. Jensen seamlessly gives us two versions of Dean; Jared forever defines the perfect Lucifer; Castiel is a free-love, uninhibited hippie. Even Chuck is transformed into “Radar” (i.e. the organized company clerk) instead of a scatterbrained writer/prophet. The depth of the entire cast’s acting talent makes this story mesmerizing.”
Alice said, “Supernatural would have been a far lesser series without the writing of Ben Edlund because he chose to take risks and add impact to his stories. It set apart Supernatural from the rest. His style of writing has been sorely missed.”
Nate Winchester added, “In writing, if you want to have tension in a story, your audience has to know what’s at stake and like the saying goes, it’s better to show, than to tell. Without this episode, almost all of S5 falls apart as the consequences of a loss would be nebulous. This sets the stakes in concrete and shows us, it’s not just the world that ends, it’s our beloved characters too. And all on a TV budget! This episode is impressive in numerous ways.”
Journalbookbinder said, “Two Deans? Hell, yes! Can we give Jensen an Emmy now? Playing his current self and a future, more jaded version of himself is riveting. I can’t watch the scene of him interrogating himself to make sure he’s really who he says he is enough. Is that a crazy statement? That’s why this show is so incredible! You sound like a nut when you try to describe it to someone who doesn’t watch it, but it ALL works.”
She also added, “The other standout is Jared as Lucifer at the end. It impressed the hell out of me. And so hard to watch Dean see Lucifer in Sam’s body kill the future version of himself. I also love that they vow to be in control of their own future at the end of this episode. They won’t allow themselves to be pawns.”
Lynn agreed, also giving Kudos to Jensen for his performance. She said, “This is a freaking master class in acting – Jensen makes it so clear which is Present Dean and which is Future Dean. You can tell instantly just by looking at them, just by the coldness in Future Dean’s expression.” She added, “I could honestly watch Dean talk to himself forever.” Same, Lynn, same.
Kate38 said, “This one is tied with Lazarus Rising for my #1 and it always will be!! From top to bottom, this episode was simply amazing. Jensen flawlessly portrayed two versions of himself without skipping a beat! The story was intriguing and left us with a terrible vision of what might have happened if Team Free Will had faltered and Lucifer had been allowed to win. And my all-time favorite visual effect in the series is in this one – when Future-Dean slides a bourbon glass across the table to past-Dean and they each take their glass. I STILL can’t figure out how they did that!”
She added, “Did I say how much I love hippie guru Cas?”
Memorable Scene #1: That iconic moment when Cas runs out of minutes on his cell phone:
“I’ll just wait here then.”
Memorable Scene #2: Dean in a thigh holster. That’s it. I don’t even know what else happens in that scene. Because, Dean. In a thigh holster.
Memorable Scene #3: Oh Dean. When will you learn that splitting apart the Winchester Team is never a good idea?
Dean: Look, Sam – it doesn’t matter – whatever we do. I mean, it turns out that you and me, we’re the, uh, the fire and the oil of the Armageddon. You know, on that basis alone, we should just pick a hemisphere. Stay away from each other for good.
Sam: Dean, it does not have to be like this. We can fight it.
Dean: Yeah, you’re right. We can. But not together. We’re not stronger when we’re together, Sam. I think we’re weaker. Because whatever we have between us – love, family, whatever it is – they are always gonna use it against us. And you know that. Yeah, we’re better off apart. We got a better chance of dodging Lucifer and Michael and this whole damn thing, if we just go our own ways.
Sam: Dean, don’t do this.
Dean: Bye, Sam.
Nightsky: “It’s heart-breaking that Dean wants to stay separated from Sam. It kills Sam to hear “Bye Sam.” It kills me too.”
Memorable Scene #4: Dean wakes up handcuffed to a wall. Future!Dean begins interrogating Dean. Future!Dean isn’t buying what Dean is saying, and oh my gosh, my head hurts.
Future Dean: Okay. If you’re me, then tell me something only I would know.
Dean: Rhonda Hurley. We were, uh, nineteen. She made us try on her panties. They were pink. And satiny. And you know what? We kind of liked it.
Future Dean: Touché.
Memorable Scene #5: Future Chuck is just as precious and innocent as Actual Prophet Chuck and frankly, he’s adorable. Lynn agreed, adding, “This is probably my favorite version of Chuck, so innocent and benevolent and all about the stocking up on toilet paper.”
Future Chuck: Some free advice? You ever get back there, you hoard toilet paper. You understand me? Hoard it. Hoard it like it’s made of gold. ‘Cause it is.
Dean: Thank you, Chuck.
Future Chuck: Oh, you’ll thank me, all right. Mark my words.
Memorable Scene #6: Future Cas doesn’t have any angel powers and he’s… um… well, he’s much more laid back and easy going in the future.
In the spirit of full transparency, Gail didn’t like this version of Cas. She poses some very thoughtful questions. She said, “I get what they were going for, but it just left me cold. Future Chuck: meh. Future Cas? Worse. I read somewhere that they had considered making him a gangster, and I would have been very intrigued by that, but the hippie, drug taking orgy guy seemed very silly to me. If he had no angelic powers, but used to be a warrior, why wouldn’t he become a gangster or a mercenary, instead of some flower-power-whatever they made him out to be? It didn’t work for me, at all. If he had given up that much, why would he even be with the resistance fighters, or whatever they were supposed to be?”
Future Castiel, to the ladies: So, in this way. We’re each a fragment of total perception – just, uh, one compartment in that dragonfly eye of group mind. Now, the key to this total, shared perception – it’s, um, it’s surprisingly physical. Oh. Excuse me, ladies. I think I need to confer with our fearless leader for a minute. Why not go get washed up for the orgy? You’re all so beautiful.
Dean: What, are you stoned?
Future Castiel: Uh, generally, yeah.
Dean: What happened to you?
Future Castiel: Life.
Memorable Scene #7: Another phenomenal performance from Jared, this time as he plays Lucifer. Elle said, “Lucifer in Sam’s body in that white suit, surrounded by roses – it is iconic, chilling and unforgettable.” Gail agreed, adding, “Good, menacing performance by Jared as Lucifer in the immaculate white suit.”
Lynn called it “Jared’s master class in acting.”
Master Class indeed. That white suit. That menacing smile. The whole performance is brilliant. Creepy, but absolutely brilliant.
Memorable Scene #8: The broment at then end, when the boys decide to hunt together, to stay together. Kate38 said, “I can’t say enough wonderful things about this episode, but I have to add another “bravo” for the scene at the trestle bridge at the very end. Yes, Zachariah, Dean did learn a lesson, but not the one you wanted to teach. The brothers seem to inherently know – somewhere deep down in those thick, Winchester skulls – that they’re stronger together than apart. But that belief gets tested, torn, frayed, and ripped apart so many times throughout this series that it’s often hard to watch. I’m always thrilled when they come to their senses and come back together, and this episode was no exception.”
Dean: Look, man, I’m sorry. I don’t know. I’m…whatever I need to be. But I was, uh – wrong.
Sam: What made you change your mind?
Dean: Long story. The point is… maybe we are each other’s Achilles heel. Maybe they’ll find a way to use us against each other, I don’t know. I just know we’re all we’ve got. More than that. We keep each other human.
Sam: Thank you. Really. Thank you. I won’t let you down.
Dean: Oh, I know it. I mean, you are the second-best hunter on the planet.
Sam: So, what do we do now?
Dean: We make our own future.
Sam: Guess we have no choice.
Lynn is now sobbing. My feels are shattered, again.
#7 “Abandon All Hope” (5.10)
Written by Ben Edlund
Directed by Phil Sgriccia
How do I even begin to recap this episode? It is so hard to type through tears. I need some tissues, perhaps a whole box. I need to walk away for a minute…
MyBabyGirlIsOk… MyBabyGirlIsOk… MyBabyGirlIsOk… MyBabyGirlIsOk…
Breathe, just breathe…
Ok, folks, I got this. I can do this.
In this episode, Sam and Dean have collected all the rings of the Four Horsemen, and they have the Colt. The boys, along with Cas and Ellen and Jo Harvelle (chokes, crying returns), enter a small town with the intention of killing Lucifer.
This mission does not, in any way, shape, or form, go well.
Ok I give up. I’m just gonna ugly-cry my way through this one.
Alice said this is “the only episode ever to make Eric Kripke cry.” At least I’m in good company.
Kate38 shared my pain. She said, “Every time I rewatch this one, I tell myself I won’t get choked up. And I find out anew what a big liar I am. By the time everyone was saying goodbye to Jo, I was prepared for her to die. I was. But when Ellen chose to stay with her, I think that’s what makes me lose it – especially when Jo dies and Ellen realizes that SHE’S the one who has to flip the switch. Gulp…”
Lynn gave Kudos, and rightly so, to Samantha Ferris and Alona Tal for their performances, saying, “Samantha and Alona knocked this scene wayyyyy outta the park, breaking my heart in the process. These scenes are so hard to watch! Ellen’s desperation, our slowly dawning realization that Jo isn’t going to make it; the looks on Sam and Dean’s faces as they see the wound, how bad it is; the kiss that Dean and Jo finally share is full of very real affection and respect and sorrow; when Ellen tells the boys to ‘kick it in the ass’, that was it for me – using Kim Manners’ line destroyed the last bit of composure I had left. I’ve rarely rewatch this episode, it just tears me up too much. I don’t know if it’s because I have a daughter – it’s just too emotional. I can FEEL Ellen’s anguish, FEEL it. It’s only making me cry harder right now. Where are my damn tissues??”
Journalbookbinder added, “There are many good things about this episode, but, to me, it boils down to the deaths of Ellen and Jo. This was, perhaps the best self-sacrificing death on the entire run of the show. The emotion when Ellen chooses to stay with Jo and the push the detonator on the explosives together; knowing it will be the end of them, is hard to watch AND I can’t tear my eyes away. This episode is a great example of how our heroes’ plans seem to go wrong more than they go right. That’s something I’ve always loved about Supernatural. For a show with such a fantastical premise, there’s a lot of realism and the heroes don’t win every time. The hellhounds were terrifying too. I did love the teamwork here with Bobby and Ellen and Jo. Burning the Last Night on Earth photo at the end… it’s like Bobby didn’t want to be reminded of the people he cared about. Ouch.”
Nate Winchester said, “Then after setting things up… the season proceeds to take the characters’ hope away. I can still remember watching this episode at the time and feeling the sheer gut punch it delivered. Although you knew it was probably going to end along those lines, the impact of it still Hit. All the performers deliver on their roles with Jo and Ellen going out fighting, and Lucifer proving why he is the last boss at the end of this video game.”
Nightsky observed, “This is another Ben Edlund masterpiece, weaving together the climactic interaction of a dozen characters’ lives. Family was the heart of this story – Ellen and Jo as a family, the larger family of hunters, the ‘family’ of demons (Meg loving Lucifer as her ‘father’) and, of course, Sam and Dean – and how much they all counted on and sacrificed for each other. It was beautifully written and acted, perfectly balancing humor and tragedy. Very powerful.”
Gail wasn’t a fan of Jo as a love-interest for Dean, but she was “sad to see her and her mother go. I liked the character of Ellen, and I respected her.” She went on to say, “The interaction between Lucifer and Cas – Lucifer trying to appeal to Cas on the basis of angels as brothers – was interesting. What a great moment when Meg shows up, and Cas walks all over her, literally, to escape the holy fire. Perfect.”
Memorable Scene(s) #1: This is our introduction to Crowley! We first see him as he makes a deal with a businessman, kissing him to seal the deal. As Lynn said, I loved how unpredictable Crowley was, right from that very first scene! He was manipulating things from the beginning, and so smart.”
Later, Sam and Dean and Jo break into Crowley’s home in an attempt to steal the Colt. Crowley has another idea – he simply gives it to them because he wants them to get rid of Lucifer too.
Crowley: I want you to take this thing to Lucifer and empty it into his face.
Dean: Uh-huh, okay, and why exactly would you want the Devil dead?
Crowley: It’s called — survival. But I forgot — you two, at best, are functional morons—
Dean: Yeah, you’re functioning… morons. Mor…
Dean: Oh, uh, excuse me for asking, but aren’t you kind of signing your own death warrant? I mean, what happens to you if we go up against the Devil and lose?
Crowley: Number one, he’s going to wipe us all out anyway. Two, after you leave here, I go on an extended vacation to all points nowhere. And three, how about you don’t miss, okay! Morons!
Memorable Scene #2: Sam and Dean, Bobby, Ellen and Jo have gathered at Bobby’s house to finalize their plan to take out Lucifer. Although the scene has it’s funnier moments, overall it is foreboding and just really sad.
Lynn said, It’s so hard to rewatch episodes like this when you know what’s going to happen because you know it’s gonna hurt so much.” She added, “That photo doesn’t seem like it’s going to break your heart, but here we are.” Same, Lynn, same.
Dean: So. Dangerous mission tomorrow. Guess it’s time to eat, drink, and, you know, make merry.
Jo: Are you giving me the last-night-on-earth speech?
Dean: What?
Jo: What?
Dean: No… If I was, would, uh, would that work?
Jo: No. Sweetheart, if this is our last night on Earth, then I’m going to spend it with a little thing I call self-respect.
Dean: If you’re into that kinda thing.
Memorable Scene #3: That Moment. Yeah, that one. The one where Sam and Dean and Ellen and Jo and Bobby, and all of us realize that Jo is going to die. And she has this idea to blow up the store in order to buy time for Sam and Dean to escape. And Ellen breaks. And Dean says his goodbyes to Jo, kissing her. And then Ellen decides to hold her dying baby girl in her arms, and she’ll stay there with her until the hellhounds come. And Sam and Dean escape out the back. And then Jo dies. And then Ellen pushes the button on their homemade explosives, and the building explodes in a violent burst of sound and heat and flames. And Sam and Dean stop, for just a moment, because they know Ellen and Jo are gone.
I Can NOT.
Jo: You got another plan? You got any other plan? Those are hellhounds out there, Dean. They’ve got all of our scents. Those bitches will never stop coming after you. We let the dogs in, you guys hit the roof, make a break for the building next over. I can wait here with my finger on the button, rip those mutts a new one. Or at least get you a few minutes’ head start, anyway.
Ellen: No, I – I won’t let you.
Jo: This is why we’re here, right? If I can get us a shot on the devil – Dean, we have to take it.
Ellen, to Dean: Kick it in the ass… don’t miss.
Ellen, to Jo: I will always love you.
Jo dies away in her mother’s arms. Ellen finds her innermost strength, reassures her girl one last time – and then Ellen puts her hand on the button.
I literally have no words right now. I’m just sobbing. Again.
#6 “Mystery Spot” (3.11)
Story by Jeremy Carver and Emily McLaughlin
Teleplay by Jeremy Carver
Directed by Kim Manners
Well, after that last episode, this is a much-needed break from the emotion!
Wait…
In this episode, Sam and Dean are investigating a place called the Mystery Spot, where a man has gone missing. And Dean dies. Often. And Sam is doing everything he possibly can to keep Dean from dying. And it’s the Trickster. Oh and it’s Tuesday. It’s always Tuesday.
Alice said, “After all these years, this episode is still my all time favorite!”
Nightsky reminisced, “So many scenes, lines and actions in this episode are indelibly seared into our psyches forever. This gave us many of the most recognizable moments in Supernatural‘s history – both humorous and tragic. Dean’s deaths. Desperate, smart, obsessed, then totally beaten Sam. Bobby’s ‘You and Dean are the closest thing I have to family.’ Jeremy Carver was inspired when he wrote this!”
Gail said, “This is one of the few pre-Castiel shows I watch over and over again. The concept is both fresh and extremely familiar, at the same time. The comedic timing of Jared and Jensen is perfect. There are so many great moments, including Pig In a Poke, The Heat of the Moment, Dean’s different and creative deaths, and, of course, Sam’s helplessness to prevent Dean’s death. The reveal of the Trickster was great. Well done!”
Lynn gave Kudos to Jared for his performance in this episode. She said, “Sam’s shock, his feeling of being totally unmoored by the apparent deja vu, you can FEEL every bit of it. Sam’s gradual descent into almost-madness is so difficult to watch, and comes off as so believable. Sam’s exhaustion and exacerbation and grief – Jared plays it all so vividly, so flawlessly!”
Journalbookbinder said, “This episode sums up Supernatural – describes it to a “T”. It might be the one episode I’d make a newcomer watch first. It’s so funny and so so so sad. I always felt like this episode was about 90 minutes long because there is SO MUCH packed into it. A hunt. A lesson. A realization (about the Trickster). A complete twist when Dean actually dies and STAYS DEAD! A large passing of time while Sam is without Dean. We get to see what a Dean-less Sam becomes. We’re on the edge of our seats wondering if Sam will really kill the real Bobby in an effort to get Dean back. I also love the way the Trickster just basically gives up on trying to teach Sam the lesson he’s trying to teach him because Sam just WILL NOT let his brother go. The scene where Sam and Dean are saying the same thing to each other at the same time (the ruler next to the bed line) is unforgettable.”
Nate Winchester said, “More Trickster, what else do I need to say? It’s Groundhog Day with Sam tormented and poor Dean suffering – it’s hilarious with its black comedy.”
Memorable Moment #1: Can you hear “Heat of the Moment” and not think of this episode?
Memorable Moment #2: Can you hear “Pig in a Poke” and not think of this episode?
Memorable Moment(s) #3: The multitude of deaths for Dean include being shot at the Mystery Spot, choking on a sausage, being mauled by a dog, he’s electrocuted by his razor, and even being accidentally axed by Sam. Other deaths were:
Dean is run over by a car.
Dean: Did it look cool, like in the movies?
Sam: You peed yourself.
Dean: Of course I peed myself. Man gets hit by a car, you think he has full control over his bladder? Come on!
Dean is crushed by a falling desk.
Dean is killed when he slips and falls in the shower.
Dean is killed by a bad taco.
Dean: Do these tacos taste funny to you?
And on Wednesday, Dean is shot in hotel parking lot by Cal the mugger.
Memorable Moment #4: In the words of Becky Rosen, “I love it when they talk at the same time!”
Dean: You don’t know everything.
Sam: Yeah. I do.
Dean & Sam: Yeah, right. Nice guess.
Sam: It wasn’t a guess.
Dean & Sam: Right, you’re a mind reader. Cut it out, Sam. Sam… You think you’re being funny but you’re being really really childish! Sam Winchester wears makeup. Sam Winchester cries his way through sex. Sam Winchester keeps a ruler by the bed and every morning when he wakes up he—
Dean & Sam: Okay, enough!
Nightsky: “The 100th Tuesday in a row & the only fight the Js had for real on set – trying to get that booth conversation in sync. Can’t blame them! That had to be hard!”
Memorable Moment #5: It’s the Trickster!
Trickster: True. But that don’t mean I should. Sam, there’s a lesson here that I’ve been trying to drill into that freakish Cro-Magnon skull of yours.
Sam: Lesson? What lesson?
Trickster: This obsession to save Dean? The way you two keep sacrificing yourselves for each other? Nothing good comes out of it. Just blood and pain. Dean’s your weakness. And the bad guys know it, too. It’s gonna be the death of you, Sam. Sometimes you just gotta let people go.
Memorable Moment #6: Sam’s struggle is shown through a dark, even brutal montage that shows the man Sam becomes without his brother. Sam is stone cold, unemotional, broken. Then, in the scene with Bobby, where Sam is fully prepared to kill Bobby – it is absolutely chilling to see just how far Sam will go to get his brother back.
Memorable Moment #7: The hug between the boys on Wednesday, when Sam realizes it is finally over. And he also realizes that someday he will have to live without Dean.
Lynn said, “This is one of my favorite hugs. The determination with which Sam jumps out of bed and strides over to Dean and just sweeps him up, there’s so much relief and joy and love in it. It’s like Sam can’t possibly get close enough to his brother, can’t hold him tight enough – doesn’t want to let him go. He’s got some serious PTSD from what the Trickster put him through, and I feel for him so much.”
Yes, yes, hugs. Hugs are good. We need more hugs. Fewer deaths, more hugs. Somebody put that on a shirt.
So that’s episodes 10-6 in the Top 100 Favorites list! Did any of these make it onto your list? Let us know in the comments! Be sure to join us again as we reveal the final five titles, including the Number One Episode of the series! Next up, episodes ranked #3, #4 and #5!
-MamaPrior, Photographer
Twitter: @MamaPrior or @PriorStudios
IG: @priorstudios
Staff Writer, https://fangasmthebook.com/
Staff Writer, https://thewinchesterfamilybusiness.com/
See the whole list of our Favorite 100 Episodes from the beginning! You can find them all with the tag Top 100 Episodes!
Need a little help compiling your Top 100 Favorite Episodes? Karen and Nightsky are sharing their Top 6 episodes of each season, to coincide with the #SPNSummer2019 Hiatus Rewatch. You can find those lists, and all of WFB’s Top 10 articles in WFB’s Article Archives!
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