This is a tricky review to write. As I look over my notes, I realize that this was one of those really funny episodes that kind of didn't go anywhere. Don't get me wrong, I laughed a lot and found it to be a pretty enjoyable hour of television. But as far as major plot development goes, there wasn't much. 
 
Dean's conversation with Frank at the beginning of the episode was a pretty good indication that we weren't going to get any Dick action this week. (Sorry, it's too easy) There was also no sign of invisible Bobby/Cas. But there were clowns. There were lots of clowns. 
 
I don't know about you, but clowns were ruined for me as a child when I stumbled on a Sunday afternoon showing of "IT". Yes, I've seen it since and I know how lame it actually is. But that fear of the first time has stuck with me all these years. Then one evening I stumbled on a little show on the WB. I was intrigued by the two handsome costars, and I was drawn in by the drama of the loss they'd just suffered. Then, there was a clown on the screen. I almost turned it over. I had my hand on the remote but I just couldn't do it. And I'm so glad I didn't because here I am six years later still way too invested to change the channel when clowns come on the screen again.  
 
Now, I wouldn't say my fear of clowns is to the level that it is for Sam. I actually feel like I have "Supernatural" to thank for desensitizing me to those kinds of things. And you'd think that Sam, a hunter and killer of evil creatures, would have been desensitized by now himself. But the look of pure terror on his face was unmistakable.  There were even times I thought he might just stop fighting and start crying. Poor guy. I felt guilty for laughing, but not guilty enough to stop. 

 
But there weren't just clowns in this episode, there was a killer octopus that left giant welts all over its victim, a unicorn that impales people and shoots rainbows out of its ass (nice touch) and a shark in the ball pit. I do have to say that the shark was actually pretty creepy. As an avid watcher of Shark Week, I also found Dean's knowledge of shark bites hilarious. 
 
I'm sure I won't be the first one to say this, but the premise of this episode felt a little familiar. At least three other episodes came to mind as I watched PPMM. The first being "Tall Tales" from season two. Alligators in the sewer and slow dancing aliens would have fit in with this episode's shark, clowns, and unicorn. I actually found myself wondering why Sam and Dean didn't suggest a trickster could be behind it. Season four's "Wishful Thinking" also came to mind. Not that the children wished for their parents to die, but they did wish that their parents would pay more attention to them. And like "Wishful Thinking," these wishes went sour.  

 
The third episode that came to mind while watching "PPMM" was the season five episode "I Believe the Children are our Future". Instead of old wives tales coming true and killing people it was the children's worst fears that came to life. Did anyone else find similarities to other episodes that I didn't mention? And am I the only one stuck on the fact that there have been so many child-centric episodes this season? Not that I have a problem with it, I just wonder what's behind this sudden surge.
 
If there was one moment from this episode that stood out from all the rest, I'd have to say it was the final scene. The dialogue between Sam and Dean warmed my heart.  First of all, Dean laughed. It was a real laugh, with a smile that touched his eyes. It's been a while since we've seen one of those from either brother, and I was really happy to see it from Dean. And I was equally glad to see how happy it made Sam. (Even though Dean was laughing at his expense.) Hopefully this means that the conversations he's had with Bobby, Ness, Frank, and Sam have finally started to sink in. Find a purpose, keep on smiling because you're alive and it's your job, and don't die.  I was also happy to hear Dean apologize for subjecting Sam to the cruel and unusual punishment that was Plucky Pennywhistle's Magical Menagerie. And I think the apology made Sam happy, too. And when I finally thought the scene couldn't get sweeter, Sam gives Dean the giant slinky. (There is no way to make that not sound like a double entendre) It was such a small gesture, but so meaningful. 

 
So what did you all think of the episode? Do you think Dean is finally in a good place to help Sam? Judging from next week's preview, it looks like he'll need it. 
 
This episode was chock full of one liners, and I'm sure I'll miss a few. Feel free to add any I miss below!
 
*Who else loved the title card?
 
*Did you like the count down clock? I didn't really get it. Am I missing something?  (From Alice - It's mocking "24."  Seems to be following the "time" theme that's been working it's way through episodes this season).
 
* Dean: "I'm getting the clap off this thing just touching it."
 
* "Creepin' my cheese" I may have to start using that expression now.
 
*"Dick on Dick"
 
* Dean: "Close but no Seabiscuit"
 
*Sam: "They think the ball washer did it."
Dean: "The what?"
Sam: "The ball washer"
Dean: "The what?"
Sam: "The ball…"
 
* Dean: "Shark Week, man. How do you not watch that?"
 
* So who else thinks bad cop Sam is hot?
 
*Tyler: "That stuff tastes like butt"
 Dean: "That is butt."
 
* "Right friggin' now." Loved that.