Robin’s Rambles: Supernatural 9.06 – “Heaven Can’t Wait”
Robin’s Rambles, Heaven Can’t Wait, episode 6, Season 9
Great seeing Kevin and Crowley again!
Rexford, ID, a man about to commit suicide changes his mind, but is evaporated by a man? Or what?
Cas, now Steve, is working hard at a Gas n Sip, mimicking human behavior like tossing his coffee stirrer into the garbage can. His co-worker calls him special. Cas reads of four mysterious deaths in the paper.
Kevin has translated the tablet into cuneiform, but can’t translate that. They hope to send the angels back to heaven. Sam, Dean and Kevin each grab a volume of 24 books to research cuneiform, and Dean is thrilled to get a call from Cas about a case to get him out of the research.
Cas is apparently living at the Gas n Sip, keeping a toothbrush and sleeping bag there. His pretty co-worker Nora seemingly asks him out on a date. Cas says yes.
Dean talks to the local sheriff and learns all of the dead were depressed in some way. They enter the house, where the remains of the dead man are virtually spray painted all over the walls.
Over the phone, Dean suggests Sam consult with Crowley on the translation. Sam is concerned about Dean working the case alone.
A dumped teenage girl is vaporized by the same being who earlier killed the almost-suicidal man.
Dean visits Cas at his job as an associate at a Gas n Sip. Cas is terse, unfriendly. He fell to earth and lost his grace, his powers, and he’s now a sales associate. Dean says he went from fighting battles in heaven to nuking tequilas. While Dean finds this amusing, Cas clearly does not.
Crowley is pissed that, after demanding reading material for so long, they bring him cuneiform. Sam saw what humanity did to him, and believes it’s there. They’ll give him to Abbadon, who is scarier than Crowley has been in years. Crowley requests to see the paper again, balls it up, and tosses it in Sam’s face. Sam locks him back up.
Dean tries to tell Cas he’s above this menial labor. “Not so,” insists Cas, “I failed at being an angel, but there’s dignity in what I do here.” Nora tells Cas someone had a bathroom accident–cleanup! She asks him to come to her place at 7:00. “Oh, it’s about a girl,” realizes Dean. “No,” says Cas, “she asked me out, and dating is a human thing, so I’m doing it.” Dean gets a call about another kill, one at the high school, and convinces hunter-in-training Cas to come with him after his shift ends. First, Cas has to clean the bathroom.
At the crime scene, Cas surveys what has happened, horrified. Dean questions the dead girl’s friend, who says she was kinda bummed over a breakup. ‘I’ve seen this before, in Heaven,” says Cas. This is very bad–a mercy-killing angel who homes in on pain. He kills those who are suffering, and everyone is fair game because he can’t differentiate between kinds of pain and doesn’t get humans. Cas can’t help Dean stop him because he’s scared; everything feels different now. Dean assures him that he will take care of this murderous angel alone; Cas should go on his date. To do that, he needs a ride from Dean.
Crowley agrees to translate if he gets to call Abbadon. Kevin doesn’t trust Crowley, and tells Sam he wants proof Crowley can translate the symbols. Crowley translates three words–Cupid’s Bow, angel’s grace, and Nephilim, but won’t go further without his phone call, and needs blood from Dean or Kevin to make it.
Parked in front of Nora’s house, Dean preps Cas for his date–he makes makes him remove his Gas n Sip vest and open his shirt a few buttons. He advises him to ask her lots of questions, hold open doors and not to go Dutch. Cas picks a single rose from her garden, eliciting a “Nice touch!” from Dean, who has to get around some douche in a truck blocking him as he’s leaving. But it turns out Nora wanted Cas to babysit while she went out on a date! Of course, the baby begins to cry immediately.
Crowley insists on Kevin’s blood, but Kevin doesn’t want to donate, since Crowley killed his mom. Crowley won’t translate! Kevin stabs a needle into his own arm and withdraws blood. Swirling Kevin’s blood in a bowl Sam provided, Crowley makes his call, but is placed on hold.
After begging the baby to stop crying, Cas picks her up and sings the theme from “The Greatest American Hero,” which soothes her.
Dean gets a call. First crime scene, only the wife’s DNA has been found, not the husband’s.
Cas tells the baby there was a time when all he had to do to ease her pain was touch her forehead. She’s warm–is that normal?
At the police station, Dean gets info from the sheriff and sees a photo of the truck that parked in front of him at Nora’s house. It hits him: “Cas.” He races out.
Cas is trying to reach Nora on the phone to let her know about the baby’s fever. If he can’t reach her, he’s taking her to the hospital. They’re on their way out when they come face to face with the killer angel, who he apparently recognizes.
Cas places the baby in her crib. Efram remembers Cas as a legend and says he wants to wash the planet clean of all suffering. When Efram moves toward the crying Tanya, Cas blocks him: “Don’t touch her.” But Efram has come for Cas.
Crowley and Abbadon have finally connected; she has slit some poor soul’s throat.
Cas asks how Efram found him. “By following the sound of your pain,” the medic says, “It’s loud, I can hear you for miles.” Cas tells Efram he’s not doing Heaven’s work down here, humans are just doing the best they can. Cas, who had slashed his fingers bloody on the rose thorns, has backed away from Efram and drawn an angel sigil behind his back on the glass door in his blood. “If this is the best that the famed Castiel can do, you’re a more urgent case than I thought,” says Efram, advancing on him. “You failed more often than you succeeded, but at least you played big.” The sigil completed, Cas tries to banish Efram, but the angel grabs his arm and brutally twists it. He accuses Cas of burying his head in the sand, just when his kind needs him most.
Abbadon brags to Crowley that she doubled his projection of souls. How? “You’re taking souls before their time, voiding my contracts,” Crowley realizes. “That’s right, I’m taking it all down,” she says, “Brick by brick–it’s over for Crowley, King of bureaucrats.”
Efram promises to take away Cas’ pain. “I want to live,” pleads Cas. As an angel or a man? asks Efram. Deans bursts in and is immediately thrown to the ground by Efram.
As Kevin and Sam listen in amusement, Crowley curses out Abbadon. She asks how it feels to be the Winchesters’ bitch. “You have nothing to offer me,” she says, “no authority.” “Your way will backfire,” he promises, “you will burn.” “I can’t wait,” she chortles. The call ends. Crowley demands the translations–“I keep my agreements.” He reads, but has bad news–the spell can’t be undone–they are stuck with the angels.
Efram tells Cas that by choosing to live as a human, he has chosen death–and raises his hand up over his forehead to kill him. In a flash, Dean skitters his angel-killing knife across the floor; Cas grabs it and thrusts it into Efram, killing him. Dean and Cas gaze solemnly at each other.
Sam reports to a despondent Dean what they learned about the angel spell being irreversible, and asks if he’s going to tell Cas.
Cas apologizes to Nora for overreacting about the baby, but she’s glad he cares so much–it’s what makes him special. Cas gets into the Impala so Dean can drive him home.
Finding a needle missing from the set, Sam races to check Crowley. He hides and watches. Crowley deliberately injects himself with Kevin’s blood.
At the Gas n Sip, Dean apologizes to Cas for ousting him from the bunker. He praises his progress, says he’s proud of him. “Thank you,” says Cas, “but there’s something Efram said–the angels need my help getting home.” “Sam and I will take care of that,” Dean assures him. “You’re human now, that’s not your concern anymore.” Cas exits the car and bids Dean a sad goodbye. He preps the store and watches his brethren again fall from the sky on a TV news show that calls it a meteor shower.
1. I felt Cas’ sadness permeating this episode and was very sorry for him. Now Dean is keeping a big secret from both brothers. But I understood why he didn’t tell Cas right now.
2. What’s up with Crowley? Was he injecting himself with Kevin’s blood? If so, why? Is he trying to finish what Sam started? Now that Abbadon has taken over in hell, has he decided he should give up on being a demon?
3. Is it me, or does Kevin seem less geeky now? He looks older, and when Crowley challenged him, he drove that needle into his arm like a jackhammer. What do you think of our little former geek-boy.
4. No Zeke in this episode, and I didn’t miss him. Did you?
5. Efram fascinated me. I supported Dr. Kevorkian. I believe that if people CHOOSE to die, they should be able to do so if they are in severe pain from terminal illness. We humanely put down sick dogs and cats–why not people? Efram, of course, was murdering people who were heartsick or depressed, which is extreme. But he had no frame of reference for human suffering, and actually meant well. What did you think of Efram?
6. Abbadon reminded me of a mean sibling who has taken over the family home after her big brother has been locked up in prison. She’s upended all his rules, held forbidden parties, and now is taunting him with her transgressions. I hope we get to eventually see these two in mortal demon (or human) combat.
7. I give this episode 9.5. I loved the feels between Dean and Cas, who is obviously hurt over being tossed from the bunker. I teared up when Dean told him to leave Heaven to him and Sam and just go on with his human life. I also enjoyed the scenes between Crowley, Kevin, Abbadon and Sam, some of which were really funny. Given the often-somber tone of this ep, there were a lot of laughs–Cas vs. the slushie machine, anyone?–and when Crowley cursed out Abbadon, I couldn’t help LMAO. Those two are so hilarious together!
I thought this was a rather melancholy episode too. It’s not going to become a favorite anytime soon but it’s a good solid first-time effort from the writer and director.
I felt sorry for Crowley, too. Like Cas, he had lost everything that was beloved and familiar to him to a hated enemy and is being held prisoner in a world that doesn’t get him. I know, he’s a bad guy, but the king of hell was put on hold, which seemed so wrong!
I’m also not a huge fan of cas but I do like what they’ve done with him in his two feature episodes this season.
Yes. I’m probably one of the few ppl that missed an appearance by Zeke but that’s okay, too. That whole saving the day stuff can’t and shouldn’t be repeated ad nauseum.
I know this is not important but the word is Taquitos, I think.Not Tequilas. Normally I wouldn’t correct a person about such a thing but Taquitos are so delicious ,that they deserve the proper respect.
Thanks for the correction. I know the right word is taquitos. I don’t know why I typed it wrong. Duh me!
Favorite moments: Cas and the Slusihie machine. I’ve been there.
Cas singing the greatest American Hero theme. I used to watch the heck out off that show. And where in the world would he have learned it. (It’s also a song that applies to Cas in some interesting ways and just made the episode sadder, really.)
Great review but I can’t give it a 9.5. This episode gets an 8. It only avoids anything lower becasue I like the chemistry between Crowley and Abaddon, and Sam and Kevin so much.
I enjoy Cas. Crowley and Abbadon were great together, as were Kevin and Sam.
[b]1. I felt Cas’ sadness permeating this episode and was very sorry for him. Now Dean is keeping a big secret from both brothers. But I understood why he didn’t tell Cas right now[/b]. I can understand Dean keeping the knowledge that the spell can’t be reversed from Cas. There is nothing Cas can do except feel guilty. BUT I’m getting tired of Dean deciding who gets to know what and what exactly people have a right to know. I really hated Dean putting down Cas’s very exemplary actions in finding a job, learning to become human and feeling proud of himself. It’s one of Dean’s least attractive traits.
I think Dean means well. He was making fun of Cas’ job, implying it was too menial for him instead of supporting him–until the end. Dean is flawed, like everyone else. He saved Cas and himself.
[b]2. What’s up with Crowley? Was he injecting himself with Kevin’s blood? If so, why? Is he trying to finish what Sam started? Now that Abbadon has taken over in hell, has he decided he should give up on being a demon?[/b] Do you want what the writers supposedly said, or would you rather stay unspoiled? It is an interesting development. I don’t know if he rejected Sam’s blood so we know that Sam is no longer good enough or pure enough (likely), or if he suspects that Zeke is in there (unlikely, the soldier demons had no idea about Zeke until he manifested and killed them) or if he needs a prophet’s blood in particular.
Hmmm, I don’t want to be spoiled, so would rather not know what the writers’ said, but I’m looking forward to seeing what all this means for Crowley.
[b]3. Is it me, or does Kevin seem less geeky now? He looks older, and when Crowley challenged him, he drove that needle into his arm like a jackhammer. What do you think of our little former geek-boy.
[/b] Much less geeky. Kevin is growing to be a member of the team. An interesting Tumblr post about how other characters are taking Sam’s place in the mythology here http://safiyabat.tumblr.com/post/66875528654/what-is-sams-place that I kind of agree with and makes me less than happy about Kevin’s growth.
I don’t like the idea that Sam is being replaced!
[b]4. No Zeke in this episode, and I didn’t miss him. Did you?[/b] Nope. Sam not getting knocked out because he is an incompetent hunter is getting WAY old.
[b]5. Efram fascinated me. I supported Dr. Kevorkian. I believe that if people CHOOSE to die, they should be able to do so if they are in severe pain from terminal illness. We humanely put down sick dogs and cats–why not people? Efram, of course, was murdering people who were heartsick or depressed, which is extreme. But he had no frame of reference for human suffering, and actually meant well. What did you think of Efram?[/b] I understood Ephraim. He is a great example of how angels simply don’t UNDERSTAND humans. He was trying to do good. I was less happy with him saying how he admired Cas as an angel, not just because he did, but because the show is still shoving “Sam started the Apocalypse all by himself” in my face, while telling me that only BAD angels don’t totally forgive Cas and want him back on their side.
Good point. It does seem that only BAD angels go after Cas, doesn’t it?
[b]6. Abbadon reminded me of a mean sibling who has taken over the family home after her big brother has been locked up in prison. She’s upended all his rules, held forbidden parties, and now is taunting him with her transgressions. I hope we get to eventually see these two in mortal demon (or human) combat.[/b] I love Abbadon and find the different ways of governing Hell to be very interesting.
As do I. I look forward to more of Abbadon.
[b]7. I give this episode 9.5…. [/b] I’m not a Cas fan, so I didn’t like this that much, maybe a 5. Way too little Sam for my tastes. I like Crowley, but I want Sam to actually have a POV, as opposed to not.
I am a Cas fan and enjoyed watching him in this ep.
So The Greatest American Hero started when I was 10 or so. I remember it being on the TV and I very specifically remember it as being a show I didn’t really like though it was hard to say why. I honestly don’t remember what the overall tone of it was supposed to be but in my memory it was supposed to be funny but came over as melancholy. The main character seemed really out of his depth and unable to cope – and really for me they couldn’t have found anything better to reflect Cas’s life and difficulties at the moment. (I hope Cas stops being sad soon and starts becoming angry or something..)
Every comment I have seen mentioning TGAH has been of people laughing at the memory so I am going to go ahead and assume that my take on it as a kid was not all that close to what they were going for. 🙂
(honestly though the only show that was on around then that was more depressing was The Incredible Hulk )
Yeah, I remember The Incredible Hulk as being deeply saddening. I think I was around 8 then. A
And you’re not wrong about TGAH. It was supposed to be funny and it was, up to a point. I felt sad for the hero and disliked his reluctant and incompetant handler most of the time. So yeah, its the perfect song for Cas right now and an adequate representation of his and Deans relationship too.
Yeah, I remember The Incredible Hulk as being deeply saddening. I think I was around 8 then. A
I don’t recall Greatest American Hero and don’t think I ever watched it. But the song became a hit and was played ad nauseum on the radio. I liked it, then got tired of hearing it. It does fit in with Cas’ sad story.
And you’re not wrong about TGAH. It was supposed to be funny and it was, up to a point. I felt sad for the hero and disliked his reluctant and incompetant handler most of the time. So yeah, its the perfect song for Cas right now and an adequate representation of his and Deans relationship too.
I have mixed feelings with this episode.
1. I loved Dean, but in this episode he was a douche with Cas.
You’re right–at first, Dean was a douche with Cas, but that was because he felt guilty for kicking him from the bunker. He made up for it later.
2. I think that he wanted Kevin blood for escape. I like his scene with Abbadon.
How will Kevvin’s blood help Crowley escape? I don’t get that.
3. Less geeky yes, but he hasn’t hunted anything until now and I wouldn’t did bring him into it yet. They have represented Kevin as a very lazy boy. I can understand why he couldn’t translate the tablet last season, giving account that he has only have half tablet. But he could translate it perfectly well in season 7 and in the last episode last season in hours. What logic it has translate something that you don’t understand into something that you don’t understand? And I don’t understand how they pretend to translate it with that volumes. Overall if they pretend to divide the job. The syringe was impulsive and stupid. And I remembered that three episode ago he was going to commit the same mistake (really the exact same mistake, for the same reasons given from the same guy) that a year ago.
4. No, I said in another comment that they could quickly overused him and they did it.
5. I like Efram. It seems scary that if you don’t feel up another angel will kill you, because they didn’t understand it. And I think that near everyone feels bad at some point in the life. At first I have my doubts for the depression pills, but it turns ok.
I take anti-depressants, and they keep me from jumping off a cliff!
6. I love Abbadon and her way to govern hell. Sorry Crowley, but the history of humanity is fill with dictators who was in power until their natural death. They sleep with a cannon in his bedroom, but they survived.
Yes, Crowley’s hell reign is done. But Crowley might decide to reign on earth. Uh oh.
7. I give it a 7
I didn’t say much about that touching scene between Cas and the baby, which I loved. He made the speech about being brought, kicking and screaming, into the world and more misery–which has been Cas’ own experience thus far. I felt so bad for him. But he’s going through the trials and tribulations many humans do. Love, Robin
[quote]Yeah, I remember The Incredible Hulk as being deeply saddening. I think I was around 8 then. A
I don’t recall Greatest American Hero and don’t think I ever watched it. But the song became a hit and was played ad nauseum on the radio. I liked it, then got tired of hearing it. It does fit in with Cas’ sad story.
And you’re not wrong about TGAH. It was supposed to be funny and it was, up to a point. I felt sad for the hero and disliked his reluctant and incompetant handler most of the time. So yeah, its the perfect song for Cas right now and an adequate representation of his and Deans relationship too.[/quote]
Hi Robin, you seem to be responding to my post about TGAH and TIH so thank you 🙂 I am completely puzzled as to where my original post went though!
I was called wimpy for not realizing TGAH was supposed to be a comedy and they said I should go watch it again …but now I have seen pictures from it and the guy’s hair annoys me so I won’t. 😛
I loved the theme tune though…today marks day 5 of the earworm effect it has had.
[quote]I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is required to get set up?
I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% sure. Any tips or
advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it[/quote]
There are several places where you can blog for free. Just put free blog into a search engine and you will be directed. WordPress is one place. Here we blog about Supernatural for free. We write articles here and it doesn’t cost us anything. Love, Robin