Review: “Abandon All Hope…”
Well look who went and got motivated yesterday. I had the chance to type up some thoughts and get it out to blogcritics pretty quickly. It was just published this morning so you can find it here:
https://web.archive.org/web/20150329052811/http://blogcritics.org/tv-review-supernatural-abandon-all-hope/
(Reposting here since it has disappeared from the site):
Abandon all hope. I suppose that’s a given when Lucifer is walking the earth, but after seeing Lucifer massacre an entire town just to raise the angel of death (not to mention the gruesome demise of the Harvelles), one has to wonder how in the world Sam and Dean can get out of bed every morning. No matter what they do, no matter what they try, it ends in pain, loss, and the end of humanity remains a near term inevitability. Maybe it’s no accident that the next episode has them in a nuthouse.
Yes, it’s another mytharc classic from Ben Edlund. Let’s face it. After three weeks of diversions, we had to have a sobering reminder that there’s an apocalypse going on and Lucifer is trying to destroy all. Ah, but it isn’t just humans he wants to eradicate. Demons are fair game now too. How is that twist going to play out? How are demons going to take it that those years of efforts to raise their leader are ultimately going to lead to their destruction? Will there be any left by the time they figure it out? How is this show making me feel sorry for demons?
The Story
The world just keeps getting lonelier for Sam and Dean. It all begins with the introduction of the new crossroads demon, Crowley. That’s another piece of inspired casting with Mark Sheppard, who rocked as the sly demon who sees the writing on the wall. How does he know about Lucifer’s hatred of demons when no others do? Why would he try to get Sam and Dean involved by giving them the colt? Did he know it wouldn’t work? I do love when this show brings on characters of questionable motive. A little of that character mystery has been lost this season with the introduction of Lucifer and other archangels whose motives are very clear. Who will Sam and Dean need to ally with? What dangers are involved in these partnerships if they win? Chances are they aren’t thinking that far since they hold little hope so far of winning.
The way the story unfolds is where Ben Edlund is a master. It starts with beer and shots at Bobby’s place. Yes, I caught the Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King reference when Castiel easily downs shots with Ellen and Jo (I too am a dork and have all the extended editions). His bonding in this episode with Ellen and Jo is adorable. The other highlight is watching Jo shut down Dean. Those two were never meant to be more than what they already are. Sure it was established earlier in the season that Jo was over her schoolgirl crush, but it is great to see her handle herself among the charms of the master, even if it’s their last night on earth.
This show works best during those understated moments where the actors are allowed to simply react. As it’s time to pose for the photo, there aren’t many words said when faced with the knowledge that the end is near. It’s not something hunters discuss. In posing, how fitting that the only one stating the obvious is the non-human angel. With everyone else, their silent reactions captured by the camera say it all. They’re doomed. It’s a bittersweet gathering.
One of the big treats is the return of the old Castiel. He’s been troubling me this season but not in this one. The vision of all the reapers, which only he could see, is a great looming visual and Cas’ reaction to their presence is both stoic and ominous. Then he has his forced confrontation with Lucifer where his fierce loyalty to Sam and Dean, despite all that’s happened, is downright inspirational. Yes, he’s losing his power and having to rely more on humanity for survival, but he’s still loyal. I got chills when he declared that he wouldn’t allow Lucifer to take Sam Winchester.
One of the strengths of this show is when Phil Sgriccia is allowed to do action sequences. The hellhound attack is especially effective because they aren’t visibly there, yet we believe they are there. They’re scarier that way. But Mr. Sgriccia pulls a rabbit out of his hat when he slows down the action to do one of the most heartbreaking death sequences done on this show. The actor’s strengths are definitely used to their maximum potential. Take the realization of Jo’s mortal wounds. How the horror and fear of her demise is achingly shown just through the shared expressions of Sam, Dean, and Ellen. Pitch perfect. It’s fitting, no, its imperative that if anyone has to pull Dean out of meltdown mode, it’s Bobby. It reflects what Dean told Bobby at the end of “The Curious Case of Dean Winchester.” He can’t do this without him. Sure, Bobby is falling apart too, but they find strength in being unified. Sam can’t pull Dean out of a place like that, no matter how strong their family bond. Only Dean’s father figure can.
How about Jo’s lingering death scene? How Sam crouches down and holds her hand, sending his sympathies with his pained eyes. Or Dean, oh poor Dean. He and Jo have always had something special. A bond of admiration and caring. After all, relationships aren’t possible when saving the world. Sometimes what you have together can only be explained through a look or a longing gaze. Dean’s silent, sweet kiss goodbye says it all. You are someone truly special, Jo Harvelle.
Ellen is very special as well. She sacrifices herself not only for Sam and Dean but because she can’t let her baby die alone. What mother would? It is crushing that Ellen has to watch Jo die first. No mother should ever have to go through that, even if it’s only for a minute. Great job by Samantha Ferris in showing the crippling pain from loss and bitter resolve to fight in just a few seconds. Now there are two more awful deaths to add to Sam and Dean’s survivor guilt. Of course I didn’t bust out crying until Ellen told Dean to “kick it in the ass.” We love you, Kim Manners.
Show of hands of those that actually believed that the colt would kill Lucifer. I don’t see any. So, is your reasoning from last season when Uriel said that the only thing that can kill an angel is another angel? Or is it from the likelihood of Lucifer actually dying slim? At least by anyone other than Michael. Or was it that Lucifer wasn’t going to die in episode 10 of the apocalyptic season? Yeah, someone forgot to tell Sam and Dean it wouldn’t work.
Castiel gets the kick ass moment award this episode for getting out of the ring of fire by throwing down and stepping on his very own Meg!Demon carpet. That’s so much better than actually killing her, which he no longer has the power to do. He also left her alive with the knowledge of what Crowley said, so how long will it take for her rude awakening? Once free, Castiel can only deliver Sam and Dean to safety while Lucifer welcomes with open arms death.
By the very depressing end, Lucifer could not be stopped. He didn’t even seem bothered that Sam wouldn’t agree to be his vessel or that they got away. Lucifer has that all mapped out. It all goes down within six months in Detroit. Just like what was revealed in “The End.” So what could possibly happen to Sam between now and then that will cause that to happen? Are more really bad things coming for the boys? Damn you, Kripke! Sorry, that slipped out.
How can anyone not be choked up over the burning of the picture in the end? I love how not a single word is said. Sam, Dean, and Bobby in vigil watch the images slowly fade away. Sure the intent is because there are no bodies to salt and burn, but the close-up on the photo as opposed to a close-up on Sam, Dean, and Bobby has to symbolize something. My take is either something really bad is coming, or something inside of them all died along with Ellen and Jo. Probably hope, fighting spirit, or possibly a piece of their humanity. Lucifer could already feel the rage welling in Sam. No way they aren’t going to take this personally.
So What Does This All Mean?
These angels keep bringing it up. Sam and Dean are supposedly like Michael and Lucifer, two brothers who loved each other and betrayed one another. There seems to be a piece missing though, too. Sam and Dean are two brothers who have also reconciled. Could this end up being the difference in their parallels that unravels everything? Also, the one angel whose take we haven’t gotten on this is Michael. What would he say about this whole mess?
This episode did raise a question as well: how strong is that brotherly bond? It seems unflappable when they are drinking beer, with Sam brushing off Dean’s snide comment about not trusting a demon. It seems unflappable when Sam confronts Lucifer primarily as a diversion for Dean to get close enough to fire the colt. Yet Lucifer talks to Sam about being smacked down by big brother and again with the silent reactions, we can’t help but think something clicks. After all the growing apart they did last season, how repaired is the damage? Just judging by the previews for the next episode (January 21?) those exact questions could be asked.
My grade is an A. Not much to elaborate on other than I’m an emotional mess. We have a nine-week breather now to wildly speculate how in the world Kripke is getting them out of this mess. Or maybe he won’t. Maybe destiny is too powerful to fight. I’m anxious to see them try though. Happy “Winter Hellatus,” everybody!
Also, Maureen Ryan at the Chicago Tribune put out her review yesterday. She calls it the best episode of the season. You can check it out here:
Alice Jester is the founder, editor-in-chief, head writer, programmer, web designer, site administrator, marketer, and moderator for The Winchester Family Business. She is a 30 year IT applications and database expert with a penchant for creative and freelance writing in her spare (ha!!) time. That’s on top of being a wife, mother of two active kids, and four loving (aka needy) pets.
I suppose I’ll leave my comment here. 😎
Great review, as always. I loved the Meg as Persian rug gig and staredown with Lucifer. Castiel, in coming to grips with his weakening powers, is starting to learn that most perfectly human trait, pigheadedness.
In so many other mytharc shows, such a middle-season setpiece would be nothing but that, tossing out pieces of information. This one slapped a heaping dose of emotion on top of each peek down the characters’ respective avenues.
There are a hundred thing I could say about this episode, but I’ll keep it brief. It’s 4 AM on my side of the globe…
Once again they have achieved the perfect balance between funny and dramatic. Seeing Ellen in a drinking contest with Cas, only to watch her grieve over her dead daughter before blowing herself up fifteen minutes later. It’s the perfect way to deliver the punch.
Crowley was awesome! They need to bring him back. He’s just plain cool.
Dean’s sadness and the way he was falling apart when he talked to Bobby on the radio was heartbreaking. The way Bobby was trying to get Dean to focus while he was obviously close to tears himself was just as sad.
What also got me was Sam’s rage at Lucifer. He was so furious and helpless at the same time, it was just painful to watch. That whole scene was awesome. Once again a perfect combination of scary, drama and humour.
I wonder what is going to happen in Detroit…
The end of the episode was very well done. I love it when they let the silence and expressions speak for themselves. Sometimes you don’t need words to say anything.
Ok, this isn’t brief… But you can go on and on about this one! Definitely one of the best episodes ever.
Great review Alice!
I still get teary every time I think or read something about this episode, I keep saying it’s a tv show but it’s not helping! Abandon all hope, I would say it’s mission accomplished Mr. Kripke.
I’ll be waiting for the recap (maybe some screencaps?) and all the others reviews and articles.
On a side note, I’m a LOTR geek to, I’ve got the collectors boxes with the extended versions and the “statues” (don’t know how you call it), it’s those that you have? (or I’m geekier?)
Thanks for another great review! Lucifer’s really twisting the knife around with that “monster, freak” stuff…whatever it takes, I guess. Poor Sam.
I’mm still a bit of a mess too– crying again, btw–because I just read Samantha Ferris’ blog about shooting the episode, apparently the idea to say “kick it in the ass” as a tribute to Kim came from one of the camera guys…it’s on samanthaferris.net
Alice,
thank you for this moving review.
I’m still an emotional mess, this episode did strike so many personal chords of loss in my soul that I had trouble keeping them down, as the episode came in a moment I felt particularly vulnerable. Sometimes that show does that to me.
Again we’ve seen the power of silence – sometimes no words are necessary when you have actors like that, and I mean everyone – Crowley (fantastic Mark Sheppard) watching SS-documentaries, Lucifer staring down Castiel, the mute adieu of Dean and Jo, Jo looking at her mother and seeing in her face that she will stay by her side, Sam’s pained expression as he holds Jo’s hand… Devastating.
I need to look up the previews you mention, but I, too, have a feeling that things are going to get really bad. Perhaps this is another Star Wars moment – you know, when the Emperor challenged Luke Skywalker to give in to his rage ‘and your journey to the dark side will be complete’. Maybe this is Sam’s journey to the dark side, as in really, really dark…Will his rage catapult him to say yes to Lucifer? In a moment someone he loves will be in danger or wounded (well, this leaves us Dean and Bobby, the others are dead)…Sam might get devilishly angry… Gosh, I have no idea…
They’re cooking up something big, I’m certain. This is going to be a hell of a ride.
And – thanks by the way for pointing out that Lord Of The Rings-moment. I’m just a dork as you are, with the extended versions at home, but when I saw that drinking game scene I was like ‘okay, I’ve seen this before – but where!?’. Thank you, I can sleep now.
I also liked (even though I am a huge fan of the brotherly moments) that there were so many intense interactions between Dean and Jo, Dean and Bobby, a little in the beginning with Sam… Just as you noticed, in those moments, Dean needs Bobby… it makes sense, as his kid-persona pops up when he’s desperate, and he needs fatherly consolation or a loving order to get a grip and concentrate at the things at hand.
Jensen’s performance broke my heart. When talent was distributed, he was sitting in the front row.
I wanted to write something more, but my brain works too slow,so I posted this as a replica of my comment for discussion’s sake, in case you wondered.
😉
Best always, Jas
I waited to read this (and anything else) until I wrote mine and sent it off to you, Alice, so now I can read and write to you on yours. We are so alike in our thinking on so many levels that will be reflected when my review gets posted.
I too enjoyed Cas’ bonding will Ellen and Jo. Interesting that the Ellen could get Cas to trade shots with her. I’d missed that it was a shout out to The Lord of the Rings (I too have the extended versions — hee, hee) but yes, htat’s it exactly.
I too wonder at the brotherly bond, is Sam going to fear Dean’s dismissal of him and thus go down that rough again, I think not although the devil will give it his best shot.
I miss the Harvelles already, I truly wish they didn’t have to die but I do say ‘have to’ because I know that to do otherwise, with such beloved characters (especially Ellen) would be to cheapen the effects of the Apocalype, it’s deadly, so death must visit and be painful.
I think the previews show that both brothers will deal (possibly) with what has just transpired, Sam with Lucifer’s words and Dean with two more deaths he’ll no doubt carry as his burden, somewhat like what Pamela’s death did last season.
My belief is that with the repairing of their bond well underway they will aid each other in healing and moving forward. Some say the brothers didn’t have much together this episode but I say that their important togetherness was often unspoken, from Dean and Sam quietly side by side at Crowley’s, to their moments at Bobby’s, to their working in unison at the hardware store, to their stoic committed confrontation of Lucifer with nothing needing to be said between them. They’ve gotten their anger out, they’ve gotten their blame out, they’ve gotten their apologies out…Dean was good and so was Sam, because they’ve said all that needs to be said…and they know it.
Great episode, damn you, Kripke, and thank you at the same time.
Oh my gosh, I’ve just seen the promo for ‘Sam, Interrupted’ – now I’m officially freaked. Not only because of the cookoo’s nest look, but the issues-info we’re given – I agree, Elle2,
and hope that we are right – the brothers will try to help each other out instead of lunging at each others’ throats. I believe they’re past that. Then again – you never know what Kripke’s mind comes up with…
Love Jas
Great review Alice. There is a lot to love in the episode and a lot to be sad about.
Dean and Sam’s bond has always been strong. If it hadn’t been, they wouldn’t still be alive today. The martyrdom of Jo and Ellen will strengthen their bond for each other and their position against the angel and demon war. You ever want to bond people and motivate them, creating martyrs is the way to go. That was the worst thing Lucifer could have done.
I’m sure Kripke will have the devil tempt the boys some more, but, for me, I would like to see them get on with putting Lucifer back where he came from. And yes, Jas, Sam’s anger is a weakness, but it can also be one of their greatest strengths, as soon as they realize how to use it.
Cas’s loyalty was interesting…especially when he said he wouldn’t let Lucifer take Sam. I’m wondering if this is a show of remorse for letting Sam out of the panic room. I would like to think he was sort of apologizing for what he did, also for helping in the capture of Anna, and his resistance in helping Dean until it was too late I do believe he knew what he did was wrong when he did it. Or maybe it’s just the angel vs. demon concept…ie angels are good, demons are bad, God’s not around, so I’m going to pick up where he left off and carry out his last command. Just a thought. I guess only the second half will tell.