100 Favorite Moments of Supernatural – Season Four
Criss Angel Is A Douchebag (4.12)
Sam sees their future mirrored in two magicians. A tragic tale. One of two best friends is forced to kill the other in the end for the greater good. Sound familiar?
Favourite scene: Dean stumbling into…ahem…
Chief: You are really gonna get it tonight, bit boy.
Dean: There’s been a misunderstanding. I think I’ve been had.
Chief: Oh, you ain’t been had, till you’ve been had by the Chief. Oh, and before we get started: what’s your safe word?
Afterschool Special (4.13)
Ah, some more of young Dean and Sam. Love it! Plus a moving story the experienced back than, another tragic one. Yes, this show monopolizes tragedy. I’m gonna need another funny scene here:
Dean in red shorts, looking downright ridiculous: The whistle makes me their God!
Sex And Violence (4.14)
Wow, talk about venting. Ugly truths. The Siren from True Blood. Sam’s love-em-and-leave-em premiere with a lovely, yet screwed up doc. Bobby saves the day.
My fave scene is again the last one – the Winchesters ‘talking’ it over, and although they are quite economical with words, they say pages of dialogue in between lines. And my heart breaks once more for these amazing guys.
Sam: Dean, look, you know I didn’t mean the things I said back there, right? That it was just the siren’s spell talking?
Dean: Of course, me too.
Sam: Okay. So…so, we’re good?
Dean: Yeah, we’re good.
Whose brains are you trying to salt here?
Death Takes a Holiday (4.15)
Astral projection actually works? Thank God for Pamela. Damn you guys, though, for dragging her back into it and to her death. The creepiest Alistair ever (Christopher Heyerdahl is as charismatic a villain as it gets).
The best scene, yes, one more time, a forlorn one. Pamela, after having been stabbed, laughing in the face of death (a desperate try to keep her head up) and slapping Sam verbally for getting them to this point, warning him about his ‘good intentions’. What a great, brave woman. I’m gonna miss Pamela.
“If you think you have good intentions, Sam, think again.”
On The Head Of a Pin (4.16)
How can I pick a favourite scene here? Angels die. Dean decides, under duress, heartbroken, to become a torturer again, though he dreads what that might turn him to. We finally learn what else Sam has been doing with Ruby, getting strong enough to destroy a demon like Alistair. And Dean, ah, finds out that he has been weaker than dad and jumpstarted the apocalypse.
Now, the scene I picked is one more proof for Jensen’s reduced and understated brilliance. Alistair shoves the truth into his face with so much drive that it makes me sick every time. Dean turns away, trying to hide from the truth, denying it at first, but you see in a split-second that he knows immediately the whole dimension of it.
Alastair: And it is written that the first seal shall be broken when a righteous man sheds blood in hell. As he breaks, so shall it break. We had to break the first seal before the others, only way to get the dominos to fall, right? When we win, when we bring on the apocalypse and burn this earth down, we owe it all to you, Dean Winchester.
It’s a Terrible Life (4.17)
Who would have thought that Dean could make such a lovely manager? And Sam playing around with a Dracula jiggle head? Come on! Zachariah, the angel I will soon hate the most. Plus: the Ghostfacers return!
This is my favourite moment:
Ed: Next little trick, we learnt this from those useless douche bags.
Harry: That we hate.
Ed: The Winchesters. Gun.
Harry: Shotgun shell.
Ed: Pack it up with fresh rock salt. Very effective.
Harry: Very effective.
Ed: Winchesters suck ass though.
Harry: Affirmative. Suckage, major.
The Monster At The End Of This Book (4.18)
Fandom references. Slash. Oh dear. Chuck the prophet. Lilith growing up (I would have loved to see an actress of more charisma in this part, sometimes pretty just isn’t enough. Guess what someone of the calibre of Kate Winslet or Rachel Weisz could have brought to that role)
Best introduction ever: I am the prophet Chuck!
Most moving scene – Sam’s biggest fears are being confirmed:
Chuck: It must be hard to know that it all rests on your shoulders.
Sam: Does it? rest all on my shoulders?
Jump The Shark (4.19)
John Winchester was not a monk. Anyone out there who thought so? Great storyline. Gory, disgusting creatures. Dean saving Sam for the first time in a long time like in the old days – and getting out of the crypt via an angel-window – what attention to detail!
My favourite scene is the ghouls tying Sam down and torturing him, in fact trying to bleed him out. This was terrifying. And I might just be the sick scientist from hell.
The Rapture (4.20)
Finally, Castiel’s background, respectively Jimmy’s story. Are there no happy tales on the planet anymore? Sam drinks blood, openly, as he can’t hold it back any longer (and wants to save Jimmy’s wife). He ends up in Bobby’s panic room.
The best scene here is Jimmy offering his body to Castiel again in exchange for his daughter. That girl was absolutely fantastic in that scene. What a phenomenal young actress.
When The Levee Breaks (4.21)
What could I possibly say about this amazing episode that hasn’t already been said? Acting-fest for Jared, what an incredible job he does. Everyone is great, Jensen, Jim, Misha, one actor spurring on the other, what a joy to see.
This episode breaks my heart every time I watch it. Every bloody time. I sound like a broken record.
My favourite scene (which was really tough to choose) takes place in Bobby’s scrapyard. Bobby tries to hold Sam back.
Bobby: We’re trying to help you, son.
Sam (placing the gun’s barrel over his heart): Then shoot. (I am convinced – for a moment he wants it)
I’ll place a few more pictures here, without comment, just moments that move me beyond description.
And, lastly, Dean says it.
Dean: Because it’s not something that you’re doing, it’s what you are. It means…
Sam: What? No. Say it.
Dean: It means you are a monster.
My heart is scattered all over the room. I’ll be back in a minute. Where is that superglue when you need it?
Lucifer Rising (4.22)
The celestial, yet quite infernal holodeck. Ruby manipulates Sam…as he is without hope…she succeeds. She gets killed, finally. And, of course, Lucifer rises.
Best loved scene: Bobby can’t keep his mouth shut any longer. There’s so much love in this scene. Don’t we just love Bobby?!
Bobby: You stupid, stupid son of a bitch! Well, boo hoo. I am so sorry your feelings are hurt, princess! Are you under the impression that family’s supposed to make you happy? Make you an apple pie, maybe? They’re supposed to make you miserable, that’s why they’re family!
Dean: I told him “if you walk out that door, don’t come back,” and he walked out anyway! That was his choice.
Bobby: You sound like a whiny brat. No, you sound like your dad. Well let me tell you something: Your dad was a coward.
Dean: My dad was many things, Bobby, but a coward?
Bobby: He’d rather push Sam away than reach out to him. Well, that don’t strike me as brave. You are a better man than your daddy ever was. So you do both of us a favour: don’t be him
Off to season five. It doesn’t get easier for our dear Winchesters and their allies. If you needed tissues for this season, stock up on them, as you’re going to need them again. Part five to follow soon.
May the good angels watch over you. As for the others: Kick ’em in the ass (Kim Manners, we miss you).
See you in a while for more favourite moments of season five! Or, that said, it might be a better idea to wait it out four more episodes and deliver a full account of the fifth season which, I think, is my personal favourite so far, though it’s hard to actually choose. So, well, see you after the fifth season’s cliff-hanger…I’m sure there will be one…and I my greatest fear is: Sam will be dead. Oh my!
Sweet list from a great season. “When the Levee Breaks” is one of the best episodes of the series (easily in my top five), so great job there with the screencaps. I was hoping to see the pic of the scene specifically of Sam tearing up and turning his head away from hallucination!Dean and saying something like, “please don’t say that to me… don’t you say that,” when “it” says he’s nothing to him. Tears me apart more than the fight at the end.
My other favorite episode was “Sex and Violence”. The story and twist was brilliant. Other faves include “Metamorphasis” and “It’s a Terrible Life.” Surprisingly, the one ep that I didn’t take much pleasure in was “On the Head of a Pin.” Everybody else in the world seemed to love that ep. It moved the story along and had many exceptional plot developments, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Who knows why… to each his/her own.
Your lists have been excellent, and this one’s no exception.
Alice,you’re absolutely right – I never had to work in a cubicle, thankfully with my job that will never be the case. It does have its perks.
Tiecg1, thank you. That ‘monster’ talk of the brothers tears me up, too.
Thanks, Jas
Alice,you’re absolutely right – I never had to work in a cubicle, thankfully with my job that will never be the case. It does have its perks.
Tiecg1, thank you. That ‘monster’ talk of the brothers tears me up, too.
Thanks, Jas
as always, great work, Jasminka and a real pleasure to read. though, I have to add the scene between Sam and his former teacher in “After school special” at the end of the episode. For some reason, that makes me cry every time I see it. His reaction to the “Are you happy” was a great job and this moment where Sam is almost in tears, is very emotional.
Hi Jasminka
Thanks for another fantastic list.
Season 4 nearly gave a nervous breakdown…it tore at every emotion I had.
I know everyone was getting mad at Sam, but I tell you he broke my heart. I really felt for him.
And now with Season 5, it’s slowly catching up to me almost having another nervous breakdown, especially with the last few episodes. Those two characters will be the death of me.
It’s funny the scene you picked for ‘Are you there God’ is the one scene I always fast forward thru. I found Meg so whinny and overdramatic, I can’t watch it.
I prefer the last scene with Castiel and Dean. Dean giving Cas attitude and Cas giving it right back.
Thanks again Jas, this has been great.
Tiecg1,marie-a, Karen, Dany – hey, happy you liked my choices and added some of your own!
Tiecg1, I agree wholeheartedly – When The Levee Breaks is one of the best episodes of the show, on so many levels. The scene you refer to was a close choice, too, hell, I could have taken the whole episode and put all the scenes in it… it’s so devastatingly heartbreaking and so well acted. And – it’s perfectly alright to not like On The Head Of a Pin that much. I, personally, loved it, as many did, but I also heard other voices. The great thing is, we don’t have to be of the same opinion. I love variety.
Marie-a, that scene in After School Special also moves me deeply. I had a teacher like that once, who took a lot of interest in a little girl and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Today I have a friend who is a teacher like that who really cares about the boys and girls in her class.
Karen, hi, yep, season four tore me apart in slow motions… like one of those medieval death sentences… what a strange comparison… I really did not entirely understand the anger many felt about Sam, I never did, just as you I felt for him and I understood him, I got really protective over that invented character…
That scene in Are You There God… you would have picked is also a great one! Somehow, though, Meg had to be there… I’m a sucker for tragedy… might well be some occupational hazard.
Dany, picking those photos also had me well up a few times, going through the episodes in my mind or for real… it is some kind of torture, you know. But the kind I love… Ah, come on, it’s not five weeks… only four episodes to go… Gosh! Only four more… What would we do if this was the end of the show?! Luckily, we know we’ll meet the Winchesters again. And Bobby – please, let Bobby be there…
Thank you so much, ladies. Best, Jas
Your introduction says it all. There’s an authenticity, and the fact that it’s found amidst the weeds of fantasy and horror only demonstrates its power. Maybe the rest of TV land could funnel their vast largesse and purchase a clue or three.
Just to pick one example, the second scene you chose from 4.3. No Star Trek time travel scientific gobbledygook, just heartfelt emotion that was sold without haggling. (and the end of Heaven and Hell as well, hell.)
Yellow Fever, best rant ever.
Astronaut!
I fucked rolled when I first watched Afterschool Special. That *was* my grade school gym teacher, a first class lunatic.
Cas’ intro, arguably Bobby’s finest moment (well, maybe 2.22). Great job Jas, season four’s episodes, like the kids, are alright.
I really love Season 4 ( although season 5 is rapidly becoming my favourite I think! ) and I have been looking for ward to re-living it with you Jas.
Again we start with the old question , how is it possible to care so much about fictional characters? I think the emotions and memories your choices here inspire answer that one very well. How many other shows could move someone to tears simply by looking at an image or reading a passage from the script? None other that I can think of. I also think that it is testament to the wonderful team who produce this show.
I am pleased that you included some moments of light relief , including my own personal favourite – the homage to the mad genius Ben Edlund – `The Bi-Polar Teddy!!` How does a mind come up with an idea like that? Also loved the `diva rant ` from Yellow Fever.
After that it gets pretty dark, with words and images designed to rip us to shreads and ,yes , keep Kleenex in business. The look of utter devastation from OTHOAP. Reliving the agonies of the panic room and the awful `M` word moment from WTLB. The one which I have never watched without falling apart , the `dont get out of bed ` speech from ITB , even typing that`s hard! And of course `THE` scene from the end of Heaven and Hell which , judging by Jareds recent comments , had pretty much the same effect on the Js.
You also included `The Bobby Singer Moment`, the `princess` speech from Lucifer Rising. Probably my favourite Bobby moment ever and that`s from a VERY long list!
To end on a shallow note ( No! I hear you cry! ) thank you for the lovely hug image from Lazarus Rising to warm all our hearts , but I would have so understood if it had been from the other angle!
Thanks again Jas. Here`s to Part 5 Ju x
Randal and Julie, awwwwwh, you love my lists… Believe it or not, making this I sometimes thought… okay there are going to be many protests, but so far a lot of pleased voices. Glad about that.
Randal, couldn’t agree more with what your say about the simplicity of the show.
You had a teacher like that? Oh, my condolences….
Ju, what can I say, it is an emotion-wringing show… we all know that…Perhaps they should produce Edlund-Teddys. You know, like the tribbles you can buy.
And, you know, that pic from Lazarus Rising used to be my desktop image a while ago, as it moves me so much (even though it’s Dean and not Sam). I have a sweet other pic now as a desktop. I have my indulgence. Don’t worry, I’m taking care of my needs in that department…. But thank you, dear.
Best always, guys. Jas
That shot that was used in both WTLB and PONR on Dean’s face (and Sam’s but not as noticeably) where he’s saying justified but overly mean things to Sam (“You’re a monster” or “I don’t believe in you”) where it’s angled slightly upward from below is really effective. It jars me when I see it because it isn’t used too often and it makes me realize how off the words he’s saying are. I thought it would be the same director but it isn’t…I guess Phil and Robert trade tips.
Hey, Jas!
Great job on all four of your favorite moments lists. You chose some really great ones! And isn’t listmaking fun? Goodness knows I love it.
Astronaut! Man, I just love that moment. It’s so ridiculous! Brilliant.
Cheers,
Flamey
My favorite season! Love your picks 😀