Reviews That I Missed: Supernatural 9.06 – Heaven Can’t Wait

“Heaven Can’t Wait” is one episode where I didn’t remember ever seeing it or what it was about.  So, for such a forgettable episode, this rewatch took me by surprise.  It was actually good.  A well deserved character study for Castiel based on his new circumstances as a human, and a smaller yet effective glimpse at Crowley and the fallout from “Sacrifice”.  Yeah, it was a little slow in spots, but given what we’ve had so far in season nine, it has proven to the be best of the bunch.  Anytime a character sings the theme from The Greatest American Hero as a lullaby, the episode has worth!  

This episode was the debut of writer Robert Berens and he proved from this first script he was a good study of Supernatural.  He successfully did what other writers have been failing at for a while now, blending in a rich character study seamlessly with a solid MOTW plot.  It was a well crafted parallel between the changes in both Heaven and Hell and I was just happy to see someone focus on good writing for a change.  Yes, it is hard to sell to fans a character based story that does feature someone named Winchester, but Castiel and Crowley had earned this time.  It helps to have two talented supporting actors in Misha Collins and Mark Sheppard who can run with what they’re given so well.  

Castiel

Oh Castiel, how the mighty have fallen.  He was pretty low when we last saw him in “I’m No Angel,” but here, it’s another twist to his human saga.  He’s decided to accept his reality and be the human he’s supposed to be.  He has a job, albeit a degrading one, but it’s what he perceives to be human dignity.  For an angel with no human skills, it’s the best he believes he can do.  What passes for human dignity though doesn’t necessarily work for a former warrior angel that spent years on the front line of action.  I was little disappointed that his name was Steve and not Clarence, but I suppose he has to lay low.  

Castiel is certainly walking the walk and talking the talk, aka fake it until you make it.  He’s pouring himself into his new job, going above and beyond the duties of the average gas station clerk.  He even tries to be warm and encouraging to his patrons, something that freaks them out a little, like when he wishes a lady buying a lottery ticket good luck.  That’s something I  certainly don’t get at a Gas and Sip!  He’s still homeless though, evident by his sleeping bag being found in the storeroom by his boss.  As much as we feel for Castiel, this isn’t far from a normal human struggle.  Finding your way back from living on the streets isn’t easy.  It’s a struggle that many veterans find themselves in, coming home from the fight and left with nothing.  It’s a clever depiction of someone lost in a cruel world.  

The MOTW case tied in well with Castiel’s plight, triggering that internal guilt over all he’s done.  It wasn’t just average angels like Castiel that fell too and each are reacting differently.   This is especially confusing for a Rit Zien type angel, who instantly kills angels who show any type of suffering. These angels haven’t been on earth like Cas has, and don’t understand the human condition, especially when it comes to depression and hopelessness.  They don’t understand that humans struggle, but often come out of it on the other side. 

No, Dean. I’m not. I failed at being an angel. Everything I ever attempted came out wrong. But here… at least I have a shot at getting things right. I guess you can’t see it, but… there’s a real dignity in what I do – human dignity.

Castiel has been around enough to know when a string of suspicious deaths are happening.  He cares enough to call Dean, but not enough for him to step up and do what’s right.  Without his angel powers, he doesn’t feel he can help.   He’s dealing with a few things right now.  There’s his one struggle, which is adapting to being a human and all the challenges that come with that, like homelessness and monetary needs.  But there’s also the desire for connection, something he can’t easily do when he’s moving from place to place because he’s wanted by the angels.  It’s also hard when Dean, his best friend, had to send him away (grrr).  He’s lonely and feels all alone in his struggle.  To compound all that, the MOTW case triggered that guilt of what he’s done, letting angels loose on earth that don’t understand humanity.  He’s put real lives in danger, all because he thought he was doing the right thing.  He wants to help, but is reluctant to do so because his desire to help is what got them in this mess.  

Nobody told you. Nobody explained. You’re just … shoved out kicking and screaming into this human life, without any idea why any of it feels the way it feels, or why this confusion, which feels like it’s … a hair’s breadth from terror or pain. You know, just when you think you do understand, it’ll turn out you’re wrong. You didn’t understand anything at all. Guess that’s just how it is when you’re new at this. You know, it wasn’t that long ago when all I’d need to do to ease your pain was touch you.

Ah, only Castiel could intuitively understand the perils of a crying baby.  He does care about humanity, enough where he feels he could live among them.  Granted he desires to be treated like an equal and not a babysitter, but he hasn’t earned that yet.  He accepts undignified tasks, like cleaning up the mess in the men’s room, and accepts rejection of what he thought was a date, because that’s what a good human would do.  He still sees the good in people, despite the fact that humans for the most part are rude, ignorant, or uncaring.  

Is that what you think you’re doing, Castiel – the best you can? Well, I’m sorry. But if this is the best that the famed Castiel can do, you’re a more urgent case than I thought. I used to admire you. You failed more often than you succeeded. But at least you played big.

Trying to embrace his new human life is dooming Castiel to a life that he deep down knows isn’t meant for him.  He was a leader, a warrior, and now he’s a gas station attendant.  It may be human dignity, but it isn’t dignity for someone like him.  He should be doing something more, but is too scared of doing the wrong thing again.  It’s easy to hide this way, even if this life goes against everything he’s supposed to be.  After his encounter with Ephraim though, it’s obvious that futility is eating him alive.  

Castiel:  I want to live.
Ephraim:  But as what, Castiel? As an angel? or a man?

Dean: Listen, Cas… back at the Bunker, I, uh… sorry I told you to go. I know it’s been hard on you, you know, on your own. Well, you’re adapting. I’m proud of you.
Castiel: Thank you, Dean. But there’s something Ephraim said. The angels — they need help. Can I really sit this out? Shouldn’t I be searching for a way to get them home?
Dean: Me and Sam will take care of the angels. You’re human now. It’s not your problem anymore.

When both Dean and Ephraim tug at exactly what Castiel has been pushing to the back of his mind, it’s safe to say that Castiel is kidding himself.  We could see this entire debate playing out in the entire episode just by Castiel’s sad eyes.  He needs more time to get back on his feet, but it’s becoming very clear this isn’t the path for him.  For now though, he’s stuck until he figures it all out.  Misha Collins knocked it out of the park in this episode.  He really sold the despair and relatability to Castiel’s current situation.  

Crowley

On the flip side, Crowley is experiencing his own set back.  Sure, he’s been captured by the Winchesters for a while, but until now he’s been cool and casual, refusing to cooperate or give into demands.  He assumed Hell would be running fine without him based on all he’s done so far.  They fear him.  The phone call to Abaddon was likely in response to Sam’s taunting, to prove that things were still working without him.  Sadly, the call was a rude awakening instead.  

Here is where we start to see that wall of snark start to crack.  Given his treachery in season eight, it’s obvious that his near turning human experience in “Sacrifice” has gotten him in touch with that side that’s he’s been repressing so long.  He was actually appalled that Abaddon was breaking agreements, something that’s he’s been guilty of numerous times both past and future.  It’s without honor.  That’s such a human reaction, telling us that something has been shook loose in the all fearing King of Hell.  

This spell can’t be undone. The new world order – we’re stuck with it.

Crowley wasn’t just talking about the angels.  He was talking about Hell and his own circumstance as well.  It’s stunning to see such a statement of hopelessness and defeat from someone usually brash and defiant.  He’s stuck with this mess now too, and might as well accept it.  One would actually feel sorry for him if it wasn’t for the fact that he’s done some really horrible things before now.  

What’s more interesting is how he stole a syringe and keep some of Kevin’s blood, just so he could inject himself.  Was that so he could feel that humanity again?  Or was there another reason that he specifically wanted Kevin’s blood?  Is this him getting a new fix?  His state isn’t as intense as in “Sacrifice,” but something clearly has changed.   It does raise a good question, can Crowley be redeemed?  Probably not, but at some point Sam and Dean have to realize that Crowley is a better choice than Abaddon.  In time he’ll find himself again but for now, he’s at a new low.  I always love what Mark Sheppard brings to Crowley, but this episode was a different twist and it was nice to see a sympathetic side.  It makes the character more interesting!    

Sam and Dean

They were relegated to pretty window dressing in this episode.  They were kind of there, each supporting a plot, just so we could remember the show was about them.  I forgive though taking one episode to do this once in a while.  It gives J2 a break and allows the other talented cast members to shine.  

It’s still very interesting though, yet very predicable, that Dean chose not to tell Castiel about what Sam discovered from Crowley.  He obviously did that because of guilt of sending Cas away from the bunker.   Maybe he decided he’ll tell him someday when he’s back to himself.  Or, what’s most likely, is Cas will find out second hand from Crowley and see Dean’s deception.  Honestly, I can’t remember what actually happened and I’m too busy to dig it up right now.  No matter the reason, Dean wasn’t about to kick a friend when he was down, or put him in harms way when he’s so vulnerable right now.    

As for Sam, he saw Crowley plunge that blood into his arm.  What will he do with that knowledge?  Okay, nothing from what I remember, but he did have that chance!  

The Rest

I applaud Berens for doing his lore research for both the A plot and B plot this episode.  There hasn’t been a reference to the ancient language of Elamite, which is real.  That is the native language to ancient Elam, which was part of now modern day Iran.  He even referenced in the script how the language is in cuneiform, which are the characters often used in ancient writing systems.  It might have been a stretch that Crowley spoke Elamite for the sake of the plot, but hey, there’s nothing established that said he couldn’t.  Also, a Rit Zien angel hasn’t come up before either and it was a refreshing twist. 

Berens also paid attention to his continuity!  I love that Dean mentioned Professor Morrison for translating the tablet.  I also love that Sam suggested the Thule in Dean’s case.  The best part though was bringing back the demon way of communicating, over a bowl of blood.  We haven’t seen that in a while.  I know it’s a usual trick for a new writer to impress, but I liked it.  

What I didn’t like was again the rapid fire back and forth in the editing, especially with Castiel’s confrontation with Ephram and Crowley’s call with Abaddon.  It took away from the emotional impact of Castiel and Crowley’s stories.

Yes, I still question how Dean, and FBI agent, could bring Steve from the Gas and Sip along on a crime scene, but we’ll just call this Idaho and move on I guess.  Of course, Castiel instantly knew what was happening which helped, but it was still odd.  

Sam was actually trying to use reverse psychology on Crowley!  He should have known better.  This is the King of Hell!  He’s the master of manipulation.  

The ending was a bit bleak for me.  It left our characters in a hopeless situation.  Of course we know it’s only episode 6 and they’ll find a way, but it was a bit of a bummer.   Metatron’s angel spell is not reversible and the angels can’t go back, Castiel is stuck in his dead end circumstance, and Crowley is hopeless in the MOL bunker dungeon as he loses grip on Hell.  Yeah, it sucks to be all of them. 

Overall grade, a B+.   A couple of knocks for pacing and editing, otherwise a solid effort overall.  Coming up next, “Holy Terror.”  I have no idea what to expect on that one, but I don’t remember it favorably either.  We’ll see what verdict the rewatch produces.