Thin Lizzie offered some of the richest character information about Amara to date – specifically about her impact on everyone around her. So, sorting through the plot of the week, let’s see what we can see.
First Impressions
Thin Lizzie was enjoyably odd and disturbing at turns, though admittedly the big bad was nothing spectacular to blanch at by the time the reveal came. Ultimately, the babysitter was nothing truly spectacular – but somehow I got the overall sense she was secondary in the grand scheme. This episode tottered more on the balance of funny rather than horror for the first half, though somehow it wasn’t one of the classic comedy episodes either. Instead, it offered a mockery of horror without trying too hard there either.
Horror Movie Mockery?
Was this meant to poke fun at horror movies? It wouldn’t really be the first time (though, truly Monster Movie achieved this at an incredible level) and so much says “mmmm…maybe, yes.” The Red Shirt kids went looking for a thrill in an urban legend inspired tourist trap that reeked of ridiculousness and then bit the dust the only way they could have – by axe murderer.

Of course, as we will later discover, he is a blood descendant of Lizzie Borden herself. Hello, irony.

In each case, it was so outlandish and sardonic in construction, by all appearances there was undoubtedly a thread of horror-story mocking throughout Thin Lizzie. And it was well achieved, if by nothing else than by the B&B’s physical presence alone.
The Lizzie Borden B&B was one of among some of the most ridiculous places the boys have stayed and I’m so glad they visited. In it’s time, Supernatural has accomplished an incredibly long list of memorable sets, and certainly the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast, with it’s eye gouging wallpaper, disturbing dolls and creepy staff wardrobes. (Note to self – avoid thematic inns in century towns.)
The Issues


What Worked
So, those are my points on the messy bits of the episodes, but I did actually like Thin Lizzie. It was amusing and ultimately, I believe the plot of the week was a vehicle to communicate about Amara more than anything else.
Laughs

New Friends

The Darkness

In the case of our murdering babysitter, she lived a tragic life and was grossly unhappy overall. Though she functioned on a socially acceptable level, internally she was struggling to cope and was certainly not what one could describe as a “blissful” person. She also seemed to resent a number of people around her or feel wronged by them.

So – what point am I making? Well, Sydney had some uncorked rage that, once expressed, could allow her to be happy (apparently) and/or satisfied. Len had no such unsatisfied outlets to be opened. Sydney wanted, ultimately, to finish her goals, sacrifice to Amara and then take care of Jordie and be better to him than anyone was to her. Len simply remembered what right behaviour was and sought to tow that line.
Perhaps Amara is more than the loss of the soul, but the complete loss of inhibition in pursuit of achieve a state of complete “bliss” such as it were. Almost like Bacchus from mythology, if you will. But for those who have this already, it doesn’t have the prescribed effect. Thoughts keep circling back to the patient with Sam in the hospital gorging on pudding. Yes, he was infected, not soulless – maybe it’s a similar effect – but the “want, take, have” that overcomes both breeds of Amara-touched is similar; with different types of ecstasy-like frenzies.
Speculation and Spies

Dean also revealed he wouldn’t describe his encounter with Amara as “blissful” just quiet. Somehow, this is comforting to know. It makes me think if and when she finally hits adulthood, any relationship she has with Dean will be less about seduction/rehashing the days of Ruby. Maybe that’s a wishful thinking on my part. Weigh in on that one below.

So, children are spine-chilling, no argument. But I’m ready for her to grow up soon I think. Pre-teen is different that child and somehow the in-between of it all doesn’t work the same for the extended length of time.
Final Thoughts
Light on text, rich on subtext – if you’re so inclined. I really enjoyed this episode, truth be told. It was funny and the first half, without the tortured girl and Amara was like an episode of yore. The parts that did focus on the Darkness offered some vivid pictures of her relationship with humanity to interpret, so it’s easier to overlook some of the other…bumps along the way.
If nothing else, Sam and Dean’s time in the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast makes it a worthwhile episode.
What did you think? Please, speculate and criticism my theorizing below!