The Winchester Family Business - sweetondean's Spoiler-lite Preview - "Supernatural" 8.15 "Man's Best Friend with Benefits"

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So here we are at episode 15 of 23, man, it's going fast.

And so much has shifted and changed. As we rocket towards the end game of the season with the storylines laid out, I'm just waiting for them all to twist and turn and meet each other.

After where we left off last week â€“ what's in store now? More good bro vibes?

Kevin is yet to decipher the rest of the tablet, so I guess for the Winchesters until he does, it's business as usual.

So let's take a look at this week's episode.

THEN

Sam and Dean made themselves at home in the MoL bunker.
Kevin made himself sick on ground up hooves and pigs anuses.
We found out there are 3 trials (unless the tablet part deux has another 3)!
In order to complete the first trial and kill a Hellhound, the brothers donned sexy safety glasses (that according to Tara Larsen were Prada)!
The brothers spoke to each other openly with words of love and support for the first time in AGES!
A whole lot of us cried.
Sam ended up delivering the fatal blow to the Crowley's puppy and his arm lit up like a Christmas tree, ..
D'oh!

NOW

"Oh god! Freakin' witches! Seriously man, come on!
And why does the rabbit always get screwed in the deal? Poor little guy".

Actually I don't think there are any bunnies, but there's one sexy bitch...well actually she's a bit of a dog... OH COME ON! I HAD TO SAY IT.

Synopsis!

DEAN REALLY DOESN'T LIKE WITCHES â€” A police officer named Kevin (guest star Christian Campbell), who turned to witchcraft after working a case with Sam and Dean, is plagued by nightmares in which he murders innocent people. However, when the murders actually happen, Sam and Dean are called in by Kevin's "familiar" (guest star Mishael Morgan) to help - but the brothers aren't sure they want to save a witch. John Showalter directed the episode written by Brad Buckner & Eugenie Ross-Leming

Okay, first things first, .the guest star's name is CHRISTIAN CAMPBELL! Are you serious!? That's like, you'd read that name and just have to give him the job!

The other thing, I don't think we saw the case with "Kevin" (I'm getting to the name in a bit) that Sam and Dean worked right? So it must have been when we weren't watching! How dare they sneak off and solve a case without letting us watch!

Dean really does hate witches, like really hates them. They're always spewing their bodily fluids everywhere, according to Dean.

This episode was written by Brad Buckner & Eugenie Ross-Leming. They've done witches before in "Shut Up, Dr. Phil". They've also got Dean's gear off twice in "Route 666" and "The Slice Girls". Just sayin'.

Director John Showalter has done 8 episodes of "Supernatural" since season 5, including "Slash Fiction" which I happen to love, which is why I mentioned it.

We're obviously taking a break from the tablet arc. I guess OriginalKevin needs time to figure out the rest of his piece of the puzzle, so in the meantime, Sam and Dean can hang out with "Kevin 2" (or not...wait until you watch the promo).

I wonder if the wealth of knowledge in the MoL Batcave will come into play â€“ bet there's plenty on witches in there! Or maybe the boys will be back on the road this week (Dean is NOT going to like those funky smells, creepy motel stains and a mattress that has no idea who he is)!

Right, let's look at the CW promo...

Sooooooooooooo... did we all notice something a little peculiar? Huh? Huh? One moment please...the dude's name is James! What's with the Kevin malarkey in the synopsis? Typo? CW Publicity department brainfart? Some other witch fellow on a dream murdering rampage?

An old friend? Why don't we know him! I feel like Sam and Dean have been cheating on us!

Looks kind of gory and mysterious.

And there the brothers go again...flying towards a window. FREEZE FRAME!

Now I have to say, the preview clip made me laugh out loud! It's way lighter than the promo.

Ahhh hahaha! This episode is wrongtown! The belly scratch! Awkward.

And I love Sam's "Oh no" when he realises Dean's back and there's a dog in the room and you know...he might as well take a joint from a guy named Don while he's at it. (But not that Don).

And then...she didn't track in any mud, just wanted her belly scratched! Oh Sam!

And then Dean's like... sure she can stay the night! Oh man, this is a funny clip and kind of boggles the mind.......
But let's not go there!

(By the way, on the televisionpromos YouTube channel the above clip had an ad before it for "My Dog" dog food! Freakin' hell!)

I remember when I first read about this episode ages ago on SpoilerTV I went...wait...what now?! I mean the title in itself is just so...um... And then we have Jensen making jokes about the episode and bestiality (a word I wasn't expecting to ever hear Jensen say in an interview) on MTV's #10onTop! Yeah...okie dokie then!

I have a feeling Dean's going to make at least one inappropriate "doggie" reference...

No CHCH promo this week I'm afraid.

[Watch this space for Carver's preview]

In all honesty, the promo looks kind of dark and gruesome, but the whole dog "familiar" thing is so left of field. No other show can balance extremes of tone the way our show can.

And because I love you all I trolled back through SpoilerTV and got the snippet that I was talking about - by the way, note the use of "James"...

- Portia is very attractive and is the human version of James's dog.
- James and Portia have become lovers which is against wiccan culture.

Oh dear.

Right...beyond the ick factor of the above, what are your thoughts?

Honestly...I've chortled all the way through writing this! Only on "Supernatural".

Have fun with the episode. See you in reviewland!
-sweetondean

Comments

# winmomwannabe 2013-02-20 01:53

I was fine until I read that last thing from spoilerTV. I think I moaned AAACK when I read that. My mom's old German remark. Well, my emotions can probably use a break after last week and who doesn't like to see the guys laugh and have some fun. And of course hear a wise crack or two from Dean. Oh yeah, that did sound just plain wrong coming out of that beautiful face when Jensen said that.

# kaz1 2013-02-20 05:15

sweatondean
Quote:

This episode was written by Brad Buckner & Eugenie Ross-Leming. Theyâ€™ve done witches before in â€œShut Up, Dr. Philâ€. Theyâ€™ve also got Deanâ€™s gear off twice in â€œRoute 666â€ and â€œThe Slice Girlsâ€. Just sayinâ€™.

Wocha jus' sayin' Sweatondean? are you intimating a gearless Dean?

I love the way your mind works! (insert emocon with devilhorns here). Well from your dirty mind to Buckner's pen.

# sweetondean 2013-02-20 05:25

A gal can but dream and hope....

# Sylvie 2013-02-20 08:13

I hope it's going to be a good one. I usually like the episodes with witches. But I'm with Winmomwannabe about the yuck factor. A witch and his familiar getting it on?

I mean, I love my cats, but not looove love.

# Murphy 2013-02-20 11:02

This should honestly be a pretty good episode of Supernatural, especially knowing that it is bringing back witchcraft in the process! I love that they can still do something new and different with a topic that is relatively old.

# teresa 2013-02-20 11:15

I am looking forward to this episode, looks like a Monster of the Week. I think it's ironic as hell that the woman/familiar is a dog right after the Hell Hound episode, esp. when Dean supposedly is so terrified of dogs...
I am waiting to see if the MoL Bunker is going to magically answer all their questions because then you have the same problem you have with an angel, a constant deux ex machina. (Don't kill me Cas girls; I don't dislike him, just the easy out of getting saved by an angel.)

# aelaine 2013-02-20 22:36

I liked this episode. good solid stand alone MOTW with references to the tablet goals. Some good funny and brother moments.

# Melanie 2013-02-21 00:34

I'm with you -- I thought it was funny. And yet it had a few serious moments, I liked how the witch brought back their hell memories - confirmed what I think was only speculated that Dean saw his Mom on the ceiling.
And I liked how the brothers continued their conversation from the last episode regarding the trials -- too often Show skips ahead in time and we don't get that continuity.

And the Winchesters 'won' -- they finally got the witch spell to work and ganked a witch that deserved it.

You know, for a fandom that made 'Wincest' famous to get all twitchy about thinly veiled 'doggie style' innuendos seems just a little ironic to me.

# Bamboo24 2013-02-21 01:01

Quote:

You know, for a fandom that made 'Wincest' famous to get all twitchy about thinly veiled 'doggie style' innuendos seems just a little ironic to me.

Good point, though some of us DO get uncomfortable about the Wincest. :) I don't know...I think it's different. Like, for me it wasn't the jokes about the bestiality so much as - yet again - the overt objectification of a woman in the show and the forced, immature gutter humor.

# Grace232 2013-02-21 01:29

And I have the same reaction to incest. ICK.

# eilf 2013-02-21 01:57

Here's a question, why is the familiar different to a shape-changing dog (Lucky) or a werewolf (Madison)?

# Tim the Enchanter 2013-02-21 02:18

I guess a familiar is like a shape-changing dog (Lucky) in that they could control when they changed whereas a werewolf (Madison) couldn't. Add to that, Portia and Lucky (did he have a real name?) remembered what they did while in animal form. Plus, Portia was possibly born a familiar so she always had that changing ability.

Also, you can't take werewolves out for a walk, they generally don't spend hours chasing their tail and they're a bitch to groom. Yeah, you try putting a werewolf under a hose and you won't be long knowing all about it!

# eilf 2013-02-21 02:26

You don't know that werewolves don't chase their tails. I bet they do when they think no one is looking. I wonder what happens if they manage to catch it...

On thinking about it I wonder if the difference is skinwalkers (I remembered what they are called) and werewolves start off human and turn to an animal and we are supposed to assume that Portia started off as a dog. Though I don't think she tells us during the episode.

# Tim the Enchanter 2013-02-21 02:34

You don't know that werewolves don't chase their tails. I bet they do when they think no one is looking. I wonder what happens if they manage to catch it...

You've been reading (or writing.....) that 'Twilight' fanfiction again, haven't you?? 'Bold Jacob, stop chasing your tail and do your sit-ups!''

# PaintedWolf 2013-02-21 05:43

I believe that familiars start off as animals, although I think they're meant to also stay animals, so the shapeshifting thing could just an SPN twist in the lore...

# percysowner 2013-02-21 07:41

Yes skinwalkers and werewolves start out human. Familiars also don't masquerade as dogs so they can leer at their owners and jump in bed with them at night while the owner thinks they are just a nice snuggly dog instead of a leacherous male. I HATE Lucky!

# sweetondean 2013-02-21 07:43

Ever since that Lucky episode I've been squicked out when my dog decides to burst in on me when I'm in the bathroom!

# Supernarttu 2013-02-21 07:59

Oh yeah, that was one puppy that should've been put down. Can't believe I just said that.

Let's rephrase, that skinwalker sleezebag who killed people left and right for his own jollies, and peeping-tom'ed his owner in the shower, should've been put down.

Creepy McCreepy much?

# Leah 2013-02-21 02:37

You can't scratch em behind their ears. They refuse to fetch a stick. Forget house training. Sorry.. you started it.

# Supernarttu 2013-02-21 03:51

eilf, I have a follow-up... Where does all that hair go? As in fur.

And what's with the collar? It gave me the heeby jeebies...

And to answer your question... Other than NOT being homicidal while in animal form? Dunno.

Got it! The Psychic bond!!!

# E 2013-02-21 11:20

confirmed what I think was only speculated that Dean saw his Mom on the ceiling.

I guess I had always speculated that Dean DIDN'T see his mother on the ceiling. IMO it was never implied that he had. We, the audience never saw anything from little Dean's perspective to indicate that he had seen anything other than his father handing him his brother and telling him to run outside, and I think that John was deliberately trying to shield Dean at that point. The clip that they showed us as Dean's in this episode was what JOHN saw; it was clearly attributed to John in the pilot and to no one else. To me this is a retcon of the worst kind. Dean has seen any manner of traumatic, awful, game changing things, why couldn't they have actually focused on issues and visions that were actually his, rather then attributing to him a vision that was someone else's? Sam got to revisit his own specific issues, why not Dean? And why was that scene in the episode in the first place? What was the purpose of re-showing the audience these traumatic events? If they are going to become central issues for the brothers for some reason later down the line, then the set up here was pretty confusing.

# Bamboo24 2013-02-21 11:38

We, the audience never saw anything from little Dean's perspective to indicate that he had seen anything other than his father handing him his brother and telling him to run outside, and I think that John was deliberately trying to shield Dean at that point. The clip that they showed us as Dean's in this episode was what JOHN saw; it was clearly attributed to John in the pilot and to no one else. To me this is a retcon of the worst kind. Dean has seen any manner of traumatic, awful, game changing things, why couldn't they have actually focused on issues and visions that were actually his, rather then attributing to him a vision that was someone else's?

I believe it was just incredible laziness. However, I do think it's possible that Dean might have seen his mother on the ceiling and then backed away from the doorway in terror, which is why he was just outside of the door when John came out with Sammy in his arms. That makes it better for me. My question: is it canon now that Dean saw his mother on ceiling? I don't know. I like to interpret everything in the show on a prima facie basis - meaning it is what it is; what's been shown is canon.

I also noticed that one of Sam's memories was of himself jumping in the pit - but how could Sam watch himself do that? That clip seemed more apt for Dean's memory, actually, since he was watching as Sam jumped. Smh.

I further had a problem with how little reaction the brothers gave their respective memories after having to relieve those things all at once - you'd think they'd be writhing on the floor from the revisited trauma. But they recovered so fast that there was no emotional connection or payoff with the audience.

Quote:

And why was that scene in the episode in the first place? What was the purpose of re-showing the audience these traumatic events? If they are going to become central issues for the brothers for some reason later down the line, then the set up here was pretty confusing.

The immediate conclusion I drew was that they needed something as a trigger to get Dean from point A's "Not Trusting Sam" to point B's "Trusting Sam." And I guess those horrible memories of hell, and his mom, etc. were supposed to do that, though I don't get the connection. And perhaps Sam's memories triggered something within him that will become a central issue down the line. I don't know though. And I doubt it.

# E 2013-02-21 12:31

That's true about Sam falling into the pit, that was what Dean saw, not what Sam experienced. Yes... it did seem lazy to me, like the writers went through the most iconic images and used them regardless of their validity. Humph. And the brother's DID seem to recover from what ever trauma having to see all that again might have done to them. If they wanted to get Dean from not trusting Sam, to trusting him, then why didn't they show Cold Oak? That would have made more sense. The whole episode just seemed sloppy to me; very wrote and by-the-book style writing. Subpar for Supernatural.

# eilf 2013-02-21 12:43

Actually it is odd (but likely coincidental) that they each saw what the other one would have seen. Sam saw his mother on the ceiling, Dean saw Sam fall into the pit.

# E 2013-02-21 12:44

Just watched that scene from the pilot again to be sure. When Mary burns on the ceiling it's John who sees it. Sam's room is at the end of the hall farthest from the stairs. After the room erupts in flames John grabs Sam and runs down the hall with him to Dean who is standing at the door to his own room, the room closest to the stairs. John hands Dean little Sammy and tells him to go outside. At that point Dean turns away from Sam's bedroom and goes down the stairs. There is no indication that Dean saw Mary on the ceiling burning. There are 1,000 other clips of trauma that Dean suffered that they could have used in that scene to make it more real IMO than the one they used.

# percysowner 2013-02-21 13:50

Although we never saw anything in the Pilot to indicate that Dean saw Mary on the ceiling, in Dead In the Water he does tell Lucas that he saw something horrible the night his mother died. I always thought that Dean caught at least a glimpse of Mary on the ceiling, so him remembering that didn't bother me.

I also know that studies of memory show that if a person is told a story that supposedly happened to them over and over again they finally not only believe the story but remember the details that had been given, even when the incident never happened. We know John saw Mary. We know he talked about how she died. Dean has been burning bodies for years, so Dean could have taken John telling him what he saw on the ceiling and added how bodies look when they burn and "remember" something he didn't see, but has convinced himself he saw.

# Leah 2013-02-21 13:59

Hi percy, That's how I took than scene in DITW, but I think it could have also meant that he saw his house burn with his mother inside.

I know I was told so many "family" stories as I was growing up that I don't remember which are my true memories and which were ones that I heard so much that I "remember" them as memories

# Bamboo24 2013-02-21 14:45

Great points, percysowner. I had forgotten about Dead in the Water - so there is definitely a legit possibility that he caught a glimpse of his mother's death.

I love your point about the vicarious trauma. Many psychologists who work with severely traumatized individuals end up getting "secondary PTSD", where they experience symptoms of trauma even though never having experienced it themselves. Totally, totally legit.

# Bamboo24 2013-02-21 14:47

If they wanted to get Dean from not trusting Sam, to trusting him, then why didn't they show Cold Oak? That would have made more sense.

Yes.

# fanotheboyz 2013-02-20 22:38

OK, so it was very disappointing and next week's doesn't look much better. I wish they'd get off of witches and "gods". Really, haven't we had enough of both? The wierd beasteality twist just was....wierd and fell flat. Motel scene was the best of the show.

# Bamboo24 2013-02-21 00:01

Motel scene was the best of the show.

Agreed. I'd go so far as to say that it was the only part worth watching.

# Bamboo24 2013-02-20 23:25

I didn't like this one.

First, some good stuff: I thought the secondary actors were excellent, and we learned a little bit more about Wiccan culture and had the introduction of "familiars." There were some cool special effects.

Now the not-so-good stuff: The pacing was S-L-O-W. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen, and it never really did. The characterizatio n of the brothers seemed off - particularly Dean. The episode on the whole was pretty smutty, IMO. I didn't find any of it funny, especially Dean's fixation on bestiality - I mean, come on? I'd like to know who wrote this one. Smh. And to top it all off, we have Dean finally telling Sam that he genuinely trusts him, that he will believe Sam if he says he's okay, and what happens? Sam coughs up blood into his hand. So Sam's not okay. And who wants to bet he hides it from Dean? 'Round and 'round we go, it seems....

Sorry guys, this episode doesn't get a high rating from me, unfortunately. :(

# Bamboo24 2013-02-20 23:28

Well. This explains everything.

# kaz1 2013-02-21 09:31

What was the bleeding nose about? So now we have Kevin and Sam nose bleeds. Am I being PARANOID!!!!? The tablets have to be involved and I just can't stand it that poor old Sam is going to go through this again. Didn't Sam's nose bleed whenever he tried to exorcise demons? I have a feeling that Crowley is doing some trials of his own with the other half of the tablet.

# Alice 2013-02-20 23:56

If you loved such classics as "Mannequin 3: The Reckoning," "All Dogs Go To Heaven," "Route 666," "Hammer of The Gods," "Season 7: Time For A Wedding," and "Fallen Idols" then this is the episode for you!

Ugh, this was not only the worst of the season, but it could rank as one of the worst of the series.

# Bamboo24 2013-02-20 23:59

Alice, we are so on the same page.

...though I didn't think "Hammer of the Gods" was terrible - was it written by the same guys?

# Alice 2013-02-21 00:44

No, Dabb and Loflin did that one. Eugenie and Brad have only written one decent episode in my eyes, "A Little Slice of Kevin." Until tonight, I had "Heartache" as the worst episode of season 8. They wrote that one!

# Bamboo24 2013-02-21 00:45

Ah - that's funny; I didn't like "A Little Slice of Kevin" though I'd agree it was "decent" - but I really liked "Heartache." :)

# kaz1 2013-02-21 02:47

oh no and we were on such a good run. 3 eps in a row should have ensured that the 4th was a charm, oh well close but no cigar I suppose, or should I say a miss is as good as a mile. I haven't watched it and if it is anything like 'time for a wedding' I...zzzZZzzzzz. Oops sorry! nodded off there for a minute.
Alice was it REALLY that bad?

Interesting point about Crowley. Just can't weave Cas into the idea. Why would he have let him go when he was 'god'? And Naomi for that matter. When Cas had all that power he laid heaven to waste, so how come he didn't zap Noami and maybe Crowley?

# kaz1 2013-02-21 02:50

re Crowley
Also why didn't Kevin know who he was. Isn't he meant to be a prophet?

# E 2013-02-21 16:22

But Chuck didn't know who any of the angels and demons were....

# JoRuth 2013-02-20 23:59

Hmmmm, I am on vacation, and in a different time zone and won't see Show for another 10 minutes. Interesting to begin watching after reading thoughts already. Still looking forward to it. even though Shut up Dr. Phil was definitely not on my top ten list so I was already a bit concerned about characterizatio n. I think Sam and Dean want to trust each other but it is part of their DNA to worry about letting the other down...and it all gets played out in tension that leads to hiding and then sadly to mistrust. I am fine with that - it is how the reactions and humour and reasoning is played out overall that I like to consistent. ... I will stop talking now and watch...

# JoRuth 2013-02-21 01:11

Interesting. Well, I definitely thought Hammer of the Gods was severely lacking. I read Alice's comment. :) But tonight's episode was quite okay for me. The story wasn't so great in and of itself but I stayed involved and didn't keep wondering if we were going to get a "good" moment which I have done for a few episodes - Route 666 - being one of those mentioned as well. And I was quite interested by the familiars and Dean's somewhat smutty reactions seemed so fitting to him as was Sam's reactions. In fact I found their easy affection and humor and bickering/bante ring to be highlighted well tonight. The scene in the motel and the closing scene were well done and perfect as frames ...and the generalized understanding of soul mates and staying together that was a thread tonight I found quite good as markers for Sam and Dean. So, a weak story with redeeming qualities that I will remember. Unlike Fallen Idols. Still working with Alice's list. :)

# kaz1 2013-02-21 13:03

Sometimes they get the anatomy of murder wrong. In the beginning of the ep the girl is screaming and yelling as her throat is being ripped out. Just how can you scream when you have a gaping wound in your throat.

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sweetondean's Spoiler-lite Preview - "Supernatural" 8.15 "Man's Best Friend with Benefits"

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