Yes, I'm incredibly fortunate again to get from Warner Brothers a critics episode preview. This time, I got to see the milestone 100th episode of Supernatural, "The Point of No Return" in its entirety. So what did I think?
I'm taking a risk of sounding a broken record (not to mention risking my professionalism), but here goes. HOLY FREAKING MOTHER OF GOD!! WHAT A STUNNER!! I'M A COMPLETE WRECK!!
After 100 episodes, there aren't words anymore. I've stretched my thesaurus farther than it was ever intended to go. How many times can I use words like "epic," "emotional," "dramatic," "brilliant," (especially with the acting) "superior," "touching," "jaw dropping," or just "the best" without sounding redundant? I suppose if those words worked for the first 99 episodes, they'll work for the hundredth as well. "Point of No Return" is all those things and more. Prepare for the episode that will make fans fall in love with this show all over again.
I have a fun little story to share about watching this. I was away and unfortunately suffered an internet free weekend (it was torture) and in between coming back from that and taking my daughter to the mall, I HAD to work in this preview. How could I not? So, I made my daughter a promise. If she let's mom watch the episode, we'd go to the mall immediately after. So, guess who was a TOTAL FREAKING BASKET CASE by the time we got to the mall?? I was so lost in my shock over this completely engrossing drama that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time that I don't even remember driving to the mall. I couldn't even look at a flannel shirt without busting out in tears. When an episode affects me like that, it's something special.
As I've done with other episode previews, I'll share some "teasing" statements. These are little clues that are slightly spoilery but don't give away the farm. I've especially been sworn to secrecy on four MAJOR plot twists that will have everyone buzzing by the end. Yes, a lot happens.
So, if you want to be totally unspoiled, look away NOW.
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Sam desperately tries to hold everything and everyone together and WOW, this is not the Sammy of old. He takes plenty of bashing but holds on in a big way, even though he has points where he's about to lose it. It's so exciting to see him act like this.
Oh Dean, poor poor Dean. What can I say? His burden is huge and his heart is heavy. Dean gets his own time in the panic room but it's not anywhere near as long or dramatic as what Sam got in "When The Levee Breaks." Two powerhouse scenes come from that setting though.
The Sam and Dean brotherly drama is VERY intense and the core of this episode. Their brotherly bond faces the most critical test ever and the results push the limits of everyone involved, including any fan that gets really emotionally involved in these episodes (you know, all of us). This is the most emotional, most dramatic, and most satisfying brotherly drama I've seen on this show yet.
You know what else is really intense? Castiel. He gets a huge storyline and his scenes are every bit as shocking and exciting as the Winchester brothers. The Minions will be doing backflips. There's deep friction between Cas and Dean the entire episode and because of that he follows Sam's lead.
Bobby is in the episode too, but other than one explosive exchange with Dean (yes, one of the clips), he's more there as a supporting player. It is thrilling to see all four of our heroes working together in the same room though.
As said in the episode synopsis, Adam returns. How he comes back though is really cool and he's not close to the Adam from "Jump The Shark." We get to know him all over again and he isn't exactly happy over the family reunion. When the plan for Adam is revealed, it's one of those moments that sets this episode up for greatness.
Zachariah is in this episode and he's a bigger dick here than any other time, including "Dark Side of The Moon." Just when we thought he couldn't go any farther, he does.
There's a scene twenty minutes in where my heart gets crushed into a million pieces. I had to pause for several minutes to pull myself together. The final scene got me pretty hard too.
The story continuity is excellent, especially from "Dark Side of The Moon," "Jump The Shark" and well, all the other episodes. John Winchester is brought up a few times and not in a flattering light. Daddy issues for everyone!
The "Green Room" from "Lucifer Rising" makes another appearance. It's really amusing where it turns out to be.
A minor point, but the episode is directed by Phil Sgriccia, not John Showalter which is what the synopsis published by The CW says. That's great too, because he has a masterpiece on his hands.
(ETA) How could I forget this??? There's a brief moment of bare chested Castiel.
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That's all I can share for now without giving away too much. It's a HUGE setup for what's coming for the rest of the season, so hold on and we can "white knuckle" it together.
Comments
This sounds awesome (yeah, my thesaurus is exhausted too)
I'm really looking forward to the brotherly moments (and everything else as well) and really hope that they are as satisfactory as you say (although you and I tend to be on the same page regarding these moments so I think I'll be satisfied)
I can't say enough about how much I really like Kurt Fuller as Zach. Just finished watching Dark Side of the Moon again this evening (fifth or so viewing) and he is superb in that and I just relish his scenes, so I'm so happy to know he's got another goodie on his hands.
I'm very intrigued, having read yours and another's preview of the 100th eppie, to find out just where the green room is. Both of you reviewers indicate it's either funny or amusing -- I'm intrigued!
Bare-chested Castiel???? Really????
What crushed you into a million pieces? I'll be checking my timer on Thursday but to be sure I'll have no trouble figuring it out.
Only 95.5 hours until Point of No Return. GOod thing I've got a busy week ahead of me to help move the time along.
Thanks for the preview -- WB has figured out a good thing, sent out the milestone eps and let the hardworking fans work their magic and get the word out. You've done another great job and deserve all the kudos you get (and previews and anything else the WB sends you.)
Thanks for hunkering down right away and sending out the word.
Thanks so much for sharing! I didn't think I could possibly get more excited for an episode, but you've proven me wrong!
And can't wait for the brotherly scenes!
Thnks for the report!
I wasn't all that excited about this episode before even with the clips they released. But now that you mention that tidbit, i just want to watch the ending scene already.
And oh yes, Adam sounds cool too.
A shirtless Castiel? I like the fantasy of picturing what is under that trenchcoat better than knowing what is really under the trenchcoat.:rol l::
What we need is another full frontal Sam Winchester scene.
The only thing I read from your preview that bugs me is more daddy issues (why are they destroying John Winchester's character?) *double sigh*
Oh, I hope it's as awesome as you say, cause I'm stoked to see Sam bend (but not break). This show has had many intense eps, but the only one that has gotten me super emotional was the scene in "When the Levee Breaks" when Sam is pleading with hallucination!D ean when he/it's calling him a monster. That part gets me all misty-eyed everytime I see it (actually, the whole ep was traumatic). I'm not talking about Sam's puppydog eyes; if Sammy is somewhat near that state like he was in WtLB, I'll be a happy/traumatiz ed SN fan.
It will be interesting to see where depressed/distr aught Dean does after 99 problems, where Dean left thinking "What the hell???" He's finally cracking, and it's been a long time coming.
By the way Alice, I just recently found your recaps (on another site?) and love them to pieces. Can't wait to read your latest. And to think I just found out about thsi show when they syndicated it on TNT in January. That's sad, but I've watched every ep since (and I never backtrack that far for a show... ever).
Seriously though, Alice, thanks so much for this. I am really looking forward to SuperN's 100th!
Yes! This is what I needed to hear! I can't wait!
Alice, please reassure me that this episode won't break the Dean-Cas friendship either!
Never has a television show captured my heart the way SN has and I can't wait for the rollercoaster to kick into an even higher gear with Thursday's episode!
Thanks again!
That is why i think you guys shouldn't be worried. The idea of Castiel teaming with Sam and going against Dean isn't to be taken so superficially. It seems more like Castiel is siding with Sam because when it comes down to it, Sam knows Dean more than anyone and Castiel wants nothing better than to stop Dean from making the biggest mistake of his life by saying yes which is in Dean's best interest. That is what you do for a friend. You help him stop self-destructin g or half the world-sabotage in Dean's case. So logically, he would ally himself with Sam because they are both right in helping save Dean. Castiel is helping Sam with Dean.
And what is wrong with Castiel teaming up with Sam? You guys make it sound like adultery. Sam is the only sane one left anyways and is currently in charge of Team Free Will. And Castiel considers him his friend. And not to mention, Dean teamed up with Castiel to help save Sam in MATEOTB. No big deal then, no big deal now. And most importantly, since Sam is Dean's brother; he knows exactly how to deal with Dean with Castiel's help.
Please, Please, Please let Dean and Cas be alright.
I'm also very excited about Sam and Adam sounds great, I so can't wait to see it.
I am really pleased that we are going to get a goood look at both brothers in this one.
The only dynamic I am concerned with is the Sam and Dean one, the true one.
Castiel is cool and I like him, but for the the only relationship that matters is Sam and Deans.
Also really pleased to hear Sam isn't cut out of this episode, such a fantastic character deserves his time in the spotlight.
(Seriously, that's about all I could imagine satisfying this person, from a Dean perspective!)
I'm SO glad to hear it's a balanced episode, and that no one is torn down at the expense of anyone else. It sounds like we get some of mature early season 2 Sam back, which is absolutely delightful, and although I'm horrified that Cas and Dean might be breaking up, I have faith that those two crazy kids will make up before the season's over.
Also, would you consider this to be one of the best 10 episodes of Supernatural?
You're so lucky, i'm so jealous! The wait is killing me.
And I don't think the plot twists are all that twisty. Let me guess: Zach plans on using Adam as Michael's vessel (way to jump that shark, Kripke), Sam locks Dean in the panic room to prevent him from saying yes, Cas and Sam fight over saying yes, Dean and Sam fight over saying yes, Sam pleads with Dean that they all stick together for Team Free Will because that's the only power they have left. Ta-da!
Zach been baddie even worse, that I can't wait to see.
Hope that Dean/Cas will be ok and Dean/Sam will work all out, Cas been badass = awsome.
Team free will working together and all 3 brothers interacting. Yay for that.
I'm glad they are REALLY hyping the 100th episode. I can't tell you how much hype went into 'Bones' 100th last week. Maybe CW will do a special promo too, like they did with 'Changing Channels'
I already saw Dean in the panic room, so that wasn't a surprise, but I was hoping Sam would be stuck in there too, until the boys got ALL THEIR ISSUES buried, and come out as the Winchester brothers. That would be nice for the 100th episode.
Alice, I hope your not doing an 'Ausiello' twist again. WE'RE YOUR FANS, ALICE ! Be NICE to us!!!
Also any protective big brother Dean moments when it comes to Sam?
I don't believe that Sam and Cas are turning their backs on Dean or teaming up against him. And I don't believe that Dean and Cas having their own bond is any detriment to Dean and Sam's relationship which is the core of the show.
I love both Sam and Dean, and I'm happy that Sam and Cas are getting along better. I'm just worried about the fight in the alley and I need to know if Dean and Cas's friendship is in danger. I hope you will be able to answer, Alice, if it's not too spoilery. I just need to be put at ease. Thank you!
I loved this review, and yes, I'm thrilled to finally have some proof that Sam actually exists in this episode beyond a background role. Every single spoiler about the 100th has been about Dean, Castiel, Michael or Zachariah and Adam. I was beginning to think we had a third repeat of the no Sam show on our hands. I'm so, so, SO happy that the brotherly bond seems to be the focus, because that was upsetting me too, the way that the spoilers made it seem as though the angels were the focus of this episode. The brothers, and their relationship, ARE the show, in my opinion. For the 100th episode to focus on any thing else would be nothing short of a crime. I was dreading this episode, but now I'm actually kind of looking forward to it. Thank you for that!
Oh... well, now that I know someone from *that* forum loved this episode, I'm going to assume this is EXACTLY what is going to happen. Yikes!
I'm assuming Dean will be shown to be WRONG about everything because I assume he doesn't say yes to Michael. So, he'll get questioned by Sam, yelled at by Bobby, beaten up by Cas - who will now side with Sam because Dean is an idiot.
From the previews I've read it seems that the entire point of this episode is to show us how very stupid and wrong Dean has been all along to even consider saying yes. I guess Sam was right last season to think that Dean is too weak to handle anything.
So an entire episode of Dean being weak and wrong and then in the end, I assume he'll apologize to everyone for being so weak and so very wrong about everything. Oh well.
I do hope the brothers' relationship improves and I am looking forward to them becoming close again. I miss my "Sam'n'Dean". I just really hope they don't throw Dean under the bus in order to accomplish this.
I'm a member on that forum you're talking about and hell - as mean as it sounds, I have gotten that impression myself from some users there, BUT that's exactly the impressions some "Dean girls" on whatever sites (I don't go to many forums/sites) gives off to them! To the point to! "Dean fans" and "Sam fans" are just as bad as the other!
I personally HAAAATE all this "Sam vs Dean" shit. Gosh! I adore both brothers, I do NOT want a show with one brother, I don't want any of those characters to fuck up and get no belivable redemption!
Geez I wish people could cut down on the fan wars...
Like I said in my previous post - I am SO happy that the episode will be with both brothers
I'm hoping this is the end of Castiel, i've never been a fan and even if you are a fan you have to admit after the apocalypse there's no real need to keep an angel around on the show if they're going back to basics as rumoured. I hope Castiel goes out in a nice way for him, but that he goes out all the same. He's never got me on side.
Very happy for the Sam and Dean brotherly relationship, I only hope Sam rescues the samulet and gives it back. Love me some Winchesters.
Love the Winchester brothers myself and the two of them are the reasons I watch this show after 5 years. Nothing would make me happier than to see them get back to the former relationship they had before, even though it would have to be on a different level now. LOVE LOVE LOVE Dean and Sam and Sam and Dean. Without that dynamic there is NO SHOW! Hate and despise the fan wars, that's why I cut out most of the other sites and stick to this one.
Don't know if I will survive the 100th episode after reading your comments Alice. :shock:
Sammy... if flannel shirts made you cry, that will not mean that something will happen to him, eh? Just nod if I'm safe, okay? What if Dean is too broken to serve as a vessel? What will the Panic Room do to him? Bobby! Castiel!
I know I should not watch this episode before going to work on Friday, but I also know that I will. and be a wreck. Again. Who cares.
I love you for giving us this preview. Rightnow I live on spoilers like this. I can't believe we have only five episodes to go... This will be over too, too soon....
;-)Jas
I don't know if you can say, but Jensen and Jared alluded to a big fight between them in a future episode at the LA Con. Does that fight happen here?
The ep sounds so good and full of brotherly love, yay. You probably can't say, but do we get another brotherly hug at long last? The last few episodes have been fantastic, but have depressed the hell out of me with their bleakness. I need bro!hugs!
I like Sam teaming with Cas. They need to help Dean. And I love badass Cas.
Please, please let in the End Dean, Sam and Cas be alright.
Not so for Sam, where even his most heroic actions are treated as nonexistent or cast in a negative light. Sam's journey as a whole on SPN has been a huge disappointment to me. I have had to struggle with Sam's story being wiped out in season 3 (16 episodes was plenty of time!), his original saving of Dean from hell being erased, his addiction storyline being told off screen in season 4, his not ever, EVER, being allowed to be right about anything since the series actually began 5 seasons ago, have all led to giving me a deep case of cynicism and bitterness regarding this show and the writing staff. Worst of all is Sam not being given his own voice, a valid emotional point of view on the show. It has done more harm to Sam than anything else. Now, we have to watch Sam being cut out of whole episodes, because the writers don't think it matters if he is even there for really important episodes. Frankly, that is why I dreaded Episode 100 more than other episode, based on Kripke and Gamble both saying it was about Dean's relationship with Michael, and not even botherinig to mention Sam by name. It hurt, bad.
And to me, being a Sam fan also involves me being a Dean fan, because SPN to me is about Sam and Dean, and if the writers cannot show me this, then they haven't been doing their jobs properly (which they haven't). So, I for one, am glad that Sam and Dean both are present and accounted for in this episode. I have felt like something vital and important has been missing from SPN since season 4 began, and I hope this is the beginning of that being restored finally.
Winchesters against the world, alone, solitary and hounded but alone together.
And I can even give or take Bobby and Castiel because I love Sam and Dean best when they're completely alone in the world with only one another. Go Winchesters, take them all down.
But now you've got me scared that my poor heart won't be able to handle these intense scenes. Especially the 20 minutes between Sam and Dean. Is there any possibility you could set my family up with a night out so I can blubber in peace and without witness?
So, you say someone's feelings get really hurt in the panic room (to compare with Levee's scene)...will this get resolved by the end of this ep or will it be let go? Is the comment made out of line? Do I have to just wait and see, lol?! Will my heart recover?!
Man, my heart already hurts just reading your description.
I'm relieved beyond words that this episode is about the BROTHER's relationship. This is SO right. I agree with everyone who thinks that the relationship is the soul and heart of the show. Of course it is. Castiel may be cool to many people, but Supernatural is not really about him. But if he's to stay, it's only right that he teams up with Sam too. Like someone said, we're not talking about adultery here.
So I'd like to think it's just some very extreme Sam fans. I hope so. I love these brothers and the actors and I don't understand the need for such hatred. I am happy to hear there will be good brotherly moments in this episode.
Thank you Alice for previewing it for us and for giving us the tidbits that you have! I appreciate it!!
I admit I'm partial to Cas, though, and I was wondering if this alleged shirtlessness is gruesome or gratuitous. His guts aren't going to be falling out when this happens, are they? Because Kripke would totally do that.
If you can't tell me then thanks for the review anyway and rest assured I'm hopping up and down with excitement over here.
I guess that was my mistake.
http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/11/23/supernatural-scoop-100th-episode/
“We’re aiming for it to be a big mythology episode,†reveals Supernatural boss Eric Kripke, adding that, “The Archangel Michael plays a very large part as we explore his relationship with Dean.â€
I wonder if Kripke has decided to save all of that for a later episode? I'm disappointed in that regard... I was very much looking forward to the episode advancing the mythology, seeing as we're so close to the end of the season.
but then you say this ep redeems both brothers...
so that makes me think about and HOPE for the last scene. but then i'm afraid of hoping because it could be beat down so hard... lol, this is an impossible situation.
But thank you so much for the review! I don't want to seem ungrateful, but i am so worried for the thing most important to me in this show.
There are only 2 questions I'd like to ask and then I'll try to survive until Thursday:
1) You mentioned lots of bashing for Sam. Is it in a physical sense?
2) Is there any hint about the Amulet in this episode? (I understand if you can't answer this one)
Here is one(from January):
Sera Interview: "The 100th episode! Congratulations ! What can you tell us about the episode?"
"We want it to feel appropriately substantial. The most I can say right now is that it's about the Archangel Michael...." (and this was done the week the they filmed it? Which is what I don't get)
And yes the next is from Ausiello(Februa ry but could have been done earlier obviously) but he is quoting her:
"In the milestone episode, airing April 15, a very important character will sacrifice themselves in a suicide mission, reveals exec producer Sera Gamble. "We definitely kept in mind that this was [an important] episode. We wanted to deliver something with real scope; it's about the Archangel Michael. Crises will come to a head for Dean and Castiel. And you'll see characters you never thought you'd see again."
Some of that is true but really it doesn't seem nearly as epic. It seems like the only character returning is Adam, which while I liked him in Jump the Shark I never particularly wanted to see him again, no matter what his personality was(and we already have a Dean, I don't think we need a new one). Things do come to a head for Dean and Castiel, in a way. Dean's the only one trying to sacrifice anything but they won't let him so...
However, apparently, according to both Alice and Mousista, there is very little to do with Michael or Dean's relationship to him, at least not that is any different from what it was before.
"But Dean's relationship with Michael isn't going to be what people were assuming."
People were largely assuming he was a vessel for him(because that is what the show said), nothing any sources have reported appears to change that. He was vessel who had to say "yes" or say "no". It appears he is still a vessel who has to say yes or say no.
(sorry if this posted more than once, I had trouble with word verification)
"All the same, it feels like the burden still lies with you to reassure everyone and make everyone happy on here no matter the concern. "
Awww...just like Dean has been doing his whole life.
The confirmation of season 6 happened between the interviews and the filming of ep 100. I am sure that changed a lot.
Thanks for the preview info, Alice! I was skipping this one hearing about the initial spoilers but with this info I think I will watch. I'm not expecting miracles but if Sam has even one scene that gives his character anything else but wall-paper status I think it's worth a shot.
*sigh* I hope everything's okay between Dean and Cas - next to Sam and Dean, Dean and Castiel's friendship has been a highlight of the series for me. I hope everything goes works out between them, because I now couldn't imagine the series without Cas as Dean's faithful friend and ally.
I am a Dean girl, but like Sam as well! I use to love Bobby but can't stand him anymore because of his tirades, lack of respect for the boys and the fact he has now pulled a gun on them. Some father figure. He proved to be no better than John! I like Cas but am still bothered by the fact that he has yet to acknowlege his part in starting the apocalypse. He witheld info from Dean and Sam that could have avoided the entire mess. He let Sam out of the panic room and he aided in holding Dean hostage until it was to late to stop the whole thing. It's not that his actions haven't redeemed him because they have. But his lack of acknowlegement of his own culpability and tendency to point fingers, bothers me to no end. Plus he is pissed because he fell for Dean. What was his alternative? Remain Zach's minion? So I will not be rooting for his smackdown of Dean!
Please tell me that Cass will feel remorse for his actions.
Then here comes Castiel spitting out that he did it for Dean and Dean owes him. Selfish much? And not to mention, Dean doesn't need another person or an angel that is supposed to be a warrior of God putting their own selfish expectations on him. He is only human. Castiel should known better. He is thousands of years old not 2. And there i was finally liking the direction they were taking him towards the second half of this season. Now that just blew it. I thought Castiel chose to listen to Dean because he knew it was the right thing to do to help stop the apocalypse from happening. This just confirms it to me that he isn't noble and no longer an angel of God. Like someone else said, if he didn't listen to Dean, what is the alternative? Turn into a scumbag like Zach and Lucifer and even Michael? Seriously. For such an angel of the lord who used to do things because it was the right thing, he sure has fallen very far and not in the good sense. Bullying Dean is not winning my trust. He needs to take some anger management class. I hope it is out of context and the episode sheds some light on it because i would hate to no longer like the character as he was developing quite nicely and his new relationship with Sam is something that excites me.
"2) No amulet makes an appearance in this episode. Sorry!"
I'm sad now... I hoped that the end of the episode that everyone is describing as so emotional would feature Dean's amulet (as in Sam giving it back and Dean accepting).
Now I'm worried that instead of a brotherly bond at the end we'll actually have a bigger hole between the brothers... Oh, well...
But they were filming episode 100 at the time of the interview, they did that interview at the time of the 100th episode party. It's not like they could have gone back and re-filmed the whole thing.
And honestly I don't think they would have changed it because of the Season 6 pick up(especially as they pretty much assumed it was happening) because being about Michael has nothing to do with next season. It is directly related to THIS season's arc. They have stated repeatedly that the arc ends this season, Season 6 or no. So while some details might change - the basic arc itself should have remained essentially similar.
We've still had virtually nothing about Michael or about Michael and Dean. Lucifer has had major appearances in two episodes--he has influenced events in one or two others(like the demons having a "bounty" on Dean's head and the horsemen roaming around).
Michael had 3 minutes at the end of one episode and that is it and has seemed to be totally uninvolved besides that.
I just really feel they seriously shortchanged this part of the arc and I feel that Dean's part of the arc has suffered for it.
I understand and agree, I don't think that they changed anything because of season 6 for the reasons you said.
But as for me, I'm happy and relieved that this episode focus on Sam and Dean relationship instead of Michael. Because if it wasn't because of these two brothers, Supernatural wouldn't get its 100th episode.
(And honestly, I don't really miss Michael)
Thank you Alice for answering the questions.
And these guys are allies. They are all working together to stop the Apocalypse and they've all saved each other's lives several times over.
Contrary to what you are thinking right now, those other horrible!nasty! unforgivable characters actually care for your favorite guy. Really.
I was pretty excited with all the spoilers talking about Michael and how this episode would flesh out their relationship. I have to say that I have been quite disappointed in how they are handling the Michael part of the story as well and I think it's really too bad they backed off this storyline for whatever reason.
Michael is one of the most iconic figures in Christian mythology, not to mention tied to the arc of one of the two leads in the show. But he's hardly had any presence at all. It just seems like a huge waste of potential to me, especially during a season that has some pretty major low points. Right now, season 5 has been my least favorite in terms of the mythology. just because it has failed so badly to live up to the potential set up in season 4. I really do hope they can pull it together by the end the season.