Thinky thoughts and pics - 6.12

[ash48]

Now that I've calmed down a bit...

There were a few things that struck me when watching this ep and a few other things that stood out on re-watch. Though um... fairly random and geeky... *g*





Remember this bit of meta? How much do I love that one of the first things Dean did was give Sam a beer with his food?! Ok - so I know we didn't actually see him give Sam them but I'd be pretty certain he did. We do see him offer Sam another one and that's good enough for me!



I said at the end of that picspam My hope is that we will be able to see them share a drink together again. A real drink. A celebratory drink. A drink that will signal that they are on some sort of road back to brotherhood.

There was certainly a sense of celebration about it and I think this does signal that they are on the road again to brotherhood. \o/ (and yes, I am well aware that there may well be troubles ahead, but at least this feels like a beginning.)

Speaking of being on the road...

I haven't really got an idea why this is significant (or even important) but when the boys are in the Impala for the first time it was filmed from the back seat of the car. As far as I can remember (and I am happy to be corrected on this...) we've never had this before - unless it's from a backseat passengers POV or we need to see what the boys are seeing outside the front windscreen. It's either front-on or from one of the boys' POV's - so usually on the side.



Instead it's as though we are in the back seat, along for the ride.



It had a very distinct feel about it. For me it created an intimacy. I dunno.. did it feel different to anyone else? Maybe I'm being too geeky now..


Another shot that had me excited was this one:



I just adore this overhead shot. It was used a couple of times and I've been wondering about its significance. It's a kind of weird perspective. I wondered if it had something to do with the fact that they are dealing with flying monsters and it gives us a bird's eye (or rather dragon's eye) point of view? Or maybe it was to match the other, interspersed scene where we had the overhead view of the door to purgatory? I'm not sure. I loved it though. That stuff gets me all excited. (Yep - def. geek coming out now.../o\)

Also... loved these couple of moments...



I like the rather weird angle but more importantly I love that the camera stays on the food when Bobby exits the scene. I think this worked so well because later we have this awesome moment...



Oh Bobby! What did you concoct for yourself?

I just love that this subtly highlights Bobby's life a little more. We never see Bobby wallow in his loneliness but little moments like this perhaps show us what Bobby has lost. Idk. It made me laugh out loud and then go..... oh... poor Bobby.


The value of souls

Something else that this episode really brought home to me was the value of souls. Balthazar said "Do you have any idea what souls are worth, what power they hold?". I suspect that this refers more to the soul's value to other supernatural beings but to me the value and power of Sam's soul was enormous to Dean. It certainly has healing powers because I can't recall a time (recently) that Dean seemed so happy and at some sort of peace. And obviously worth a lot to Dean also. To die, once again, for Sam (and his soul) speaks volumes of what it is worth to him.

The boys are each others' home. And it was wonderful to see them at home again.

Speaking of which..



I loved this scene. I liked that we didn't get an angry, overly guilty or angry Sam. He knew why his brother kept it a secret and even thanked him for protecting him. And Dean showed concern but also understanding of why Sam would feel he has to put things right. I loved the maturity they displayed and it felt like progression in their characters.

Love the Impala in the background. This scene had a real sense of "home" about it and that just added to it. Nice touch.

And I LOVE SO MUCH that they now have money. Well, gold.. but they (read.. I) no longer need to fret about their money supply. *g*

And because these are the two faces I have missed recently...

Dewy, soulful Sammy eyes. God, this scene. It was hard to find a shot that captured everything that was going on his Sam's mind. The fact that he was feeling all this stuff and had to keep it under wraps. Awesome.




And Dean's cocky happiness. It feels like ages since we've seen this cocky smirk that used to be a trademark look for him



And of course I had to include this hug. I can't get over Sam's forearms. Practically bursting. I also love that the force of this hug seems to make up for the complete lack of passion we got from episode one. (Thank you Show). I also loved that the last thing Sam probably remembers is seeing Dean beaten to a pulp, Bobby's neck snapped and Cas bursting into flames. No wonder he's full of emotion here.



And because this scene was a crack up I just have to include some classic Jensen faces. I'm not always a fan of the slapstick in the show but this... I just felt Dean needed this and Jensen seemed to be having a ball.





And to think... we have a brand new ep THIS WEEK! Woot!

Comments

[el1ie.livejournal.com]

Don't want to burst your bubble or anything, but they filmed from the back seat in the Pilot and Simon Says that I can think of, I've usually thought of it being used when they are in happier times...

Great pictures though and I said it in my journal but there were slews of this episode that needed no dialogue what. so. ever. - everything was painted over their little faces all the way through *smishes them*

Was such a relief to see the air cleared of lies and anger - I'm not holding my breath it will stay that way for long, but there was a maturity about their interactions, the forgiveness and understanding has been a long time coming and very welcome.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Yes - Simon Said was one I remembered but I thought that's cause we needed to see what they were seeing out the windscreen? Weren't they spying on Andy? I remember it being odd there also though. That scene had a really weird quality about it and I'm not sure whether it was because of the way it was filmed or the quality of the film. Or just me. Probably just me... (don't remember the pilot one...)

I'm not holding my breath it will stay that way for long

God - I hope it stays that way for a while. It was so nice not to have to worry about the secrets they keep from each other. Though I wonder how much Sam knows exactly.....

xx

[el1ie.livejournal.com]

Yep, it was a strange one, I personally felt the camera - for being in the back - was still very close, almost claustrophobic even in a couple of places, wanted to scream about personal space and I was sitting in the living room!

**bites nails** Ack -don't start about Sam remembering, I'll cry - but at least it will be NEW secrets, angst and guilt yes? Because I'm not sure it would be the Winchesters without a good helping of each... hee.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Yeah - lack of personal space for sure.. (though if I could climb in there and ....well, 'nuff said :) )

I'm kinda excited for Sam remembering. I'm hoping for crippling moments of leakage... though Show doesn't really do h/c so no sure what they'll do with this one.

But agreed... NEW stuff to worry about. Which is exciting in itself. :)

[greyowl88.livejournal.com]

I loved the shot with Bobby cooking his food / going to the phone, too. And I thought they showed us his food gone cold on the plate after doing research for the boys. (Like he never got around to eating that pie at "Bobby's weekend episode".)Like he never really gets anything done because he is there for them all the time. Well, at least that was my first impression.

Sam's heartfelt hug really got to me. I loved it.♥

And you already know that I loved the "pulling the sword out of the rock" scene. lol. Just rewatched this morning and laughed again.

Lovely pics, btw! ^_^

And yes, brand new episode this week.. :D

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Oh yes... I love the idea that his food went cold because he was helping the boys. I really love this shout back to the Weekend episode. (a comment below says that the spoon in the food mirrors Dean's sword in the stone... HAHA!) ... awesome..

I have new appreciation for the sword in the stone scene - I watched it a few times whilst capping these and yeah - Jensen knows how to work it... :D :D

NEW EP SOON!! \o/

[greyowl88.livejournal.com]

(a comment below says that the spoon in the food mirrors Dean's sword in the stone... HAHA!)

HAHAHAHA! I LOVE that thought! :D

[maenad.livejournal.com]

It's adorable that about 70% of the episode could be summarised as:

Sam: *is Sam*
Dean: *bounces gleefully*

Just - aww.

Something else that this episode really brought home to me was the value of souls. Balthazar said "Do you have any idea what souls are worth, what power they hold?". I suspect that this refers more to the soul's value to other supernatural beings but to me the value and power of Sam's soul was enormous to Dean. It certainly has healing powers because I can't recall a time (recently) that Dean seemed so happy and at some sort of peace. And obviously worth a lot to Dean also. To die, once again, for Sam (and his soul) speaks volumes of what it is worth to him.

*nods* Sam kept pointing out that this wasn't what Dean did when he came back, or that Dean would need to deal with this if he were in Sam's shoes, which is such a contrast to what he said before - that they were completely different, that he couldn't fathom needing the kinds of things Dean did when he came back. It plays so nicely into what they've been saying about family so far - that it's common experience and affection that make it count, rather than blood. Dean kept offering that before, and Sam didn't need or want it; now he doesn't need to offer, because Sam simply intuits it. It was a lovely way of demonstrating that Sam has come home. :)

I also love that the force of this hug seems to make up for the complete lack of passion we got from episode one.

You really have to appreciate eleven episodes of set up, there. That that was the test. Not salt, not iron, not a quiz on Sam's habits - you'll just know Sam when you see him.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

that it's common experience and affection that make it count, rather than blood.

Indeed and I think it's great that the boys have common ground to work on now. Even though Sam doesn't remember his time in hell he knows he's been away for a long time and the effect that would have on Dean (having been through it himself). And Dean knows enough about hell to want to keep Sam safe from ever remembering it.

That that was the test. Not salt, not iron, not a quiz on Sam's habits - you'll just know Sam when you see him

Oh yes. It was immediate wasn't it? His body language, his face, his demeanour... everything spoke "Sam".

<3

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Thanks honey. <3

The soul less Sam was just too hard & unsatisfying for me to watch.

It was wasn't it? I did struggle but knew there had to be a pay off eventually. I hoped that I could look back in hindsite and appreciate what they were doing. And I can now. Just to have the boys know what each other has been through is more than they had before.

Let's hope it can stay a little positive for a while.
<33

[amnisias.livejournal.com]

Interesting point about the backseat pov. You are very observant, aren't you?

My fist thought to this (and I have no supporting evidence for this whatsoever) that this represented a nod to the silent observer, aka the fans. I think the show runners make a point of knowing what happens in fandom, and they've been playing with the fourth wall before. And it the last episode I've noticed that several set pieces (e.g. a big hug fest, Sam actually been seen eating) were right out of a fangirls wet dream (or off a fan board). And both those scenes had a little OTT moment in it (Sam & Cases nothug, Samy chewing his burger with way too much enthusiasm), which I read as a nod to the fans, along the lines of "here, this is what you wanted, this is what you've been waiting for, we know...." In a way, this ep was a little present for the fans, to make up for all that pain, and waiting, and uncertainty they had to go through. So, for this ep, they allowed fandom to be right there with the boys, floating on the ceiling, riding on the backseat of the Impala, coming along for the right to see Sam & Dean back together up close and personal.

Call me crazy..., but that's what I think. *vigorous nod*

[ash48.livejournal.com]

You are very observant, aren't you?

Hee! Or overly geeky! :)

I really like your theory. I agree show often does shout outs to the fans. Sometimes I mind (having actual fans on the show and the references to wincest..) and other times I don't - usually with the more subtle ones.

I had a feeling of being up close and personal with them also. We have car scenes so often and it's nice that they put us in the backseat this time.

I think the cas almost!hug was perfect "one for the fans" moments. I think moments of acknowledgment are fine (and sometimes heartwarming) but I'm not sure I like it when they go overboard - like completely tearing down the forth wall.


:)

[boggiecat.livejournal.com]

hi ash
i just wanted to say that i so enjoyed reading this - partly because i'm all keen and excited because im actually managing to see current episode when everyone else sees them and it's great to read what others think (it's good to be in on the 'sharing'); and, partly because your comments were interesting and increased my understanding of the ep.
i think the internet would have exploded over all the comments about 'the hug', and those bursting arms - down boy. i've not noticed the camera angles, but i will now.
i'm envious of your geekiness!
'geek is good' in my view.
so, keep geeking!
thanks.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hi there!

Hee! Oh yes... lots of geekiness to be had here. :) I do tend to notice the camera stuff and framing etc. mostly because of the vidding probably, but I've always had an interest in that stuff. I love it when Show does something interesting and different.

That episode has stayed with me since I saw it...I loved it. (as you an probably tell!)

xx

[missyjack.livejournal.com]

I loved that interior Impala scene, it certainly did have a diff feel. I think it was more than just the POV, which was unusual. It felt like they were actually filming with a videocam while actually driving around (rather than on set w green screen as per usual).

Also, Luminosity pointed out that Bobby's s"spoon in chilli"mirrored dean;s "sword in stone"!

The hug was very satisfying, although I loled at Sam's poppin'veins. It was like he came out of a coma and decided to get pumped up before he hugged Dean!

[ash48.livejournal.com]

It felt like they were actually filming with a videocam while actually driving around (rather than on set w green screen as per usual).

Yes, yes. I felt that too. It had a video quality about it and I'm not sure if that was deliberate or because they'd run out of time to give it the same look at the rest of the show. I'd love to know the truth about that scene..

Luminosity pointed out that Bobby's s"spoon in chilli"mirrored dean;s "sword in stone"!

Oh that is perfect. If that's the case I love that they put that kind of thinking into that. :D

It was like he came out of a coma and decided to get pumped up before he hugged Dean!

Ha! I know. I remember reading that Jared likes to pump himself up before a shirtless or sex scene. I can just imagine him thinking... "right, I'm going to be showing off my forearms - better get pumped..." Oh Jared.. <33

[chiiyo86.livejournal.com]

Wonderful pics! You captured the essence of the episode, I think.

I noticed too that the conversation in the car was shot differently (and I rarely notice this stuff!) so you're definitely not alone here. I have no idea what it means - if it means anything - but it was interesting.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hi,

thanks so much. Yeah - I'm not sure if there was any relevance either but I'm glad to hear I'm not alone in my observation.
:)

[etoile444.livejournal.com]

You are not geeky. I think some of the shots were done for specific reasons. I felt like the overhead shots were b/c someone was watching them.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

I felt like the overhead shots were b/c someone was watching them.

Yeah, and that's how they are often used. Maybe it was to create that unsettling feeling of being watched. Or maybe it was to make them look small when faced with the huge problem ahead of them. Either way, it was great to see something a bit different.

[destina.livejournal.com]

It had a very distinct feel about it. For me it created an intimacy. I dunno.. did it feel different to anyone else? Maybe I'm being too geeky now..

It was the same basic camera angle used when the truck smashed into the car at the end of season 1, and I was jittery through that entire scene, expecting something horrible to happen. :/

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Oh was it? I thought that was filmed side on? Eeek , I'll have to go check. though yeah, we have that shot of Dean's reflection in the mirror which would have been shot from the back..... hmmmm

And yeah, I did have an uneasy feeling during that scene. Coupled with Sam suddenly appearing when Dean and Bobby were talking (that felt reminiscent of robo!Sam) maybe it was all there to create an uneasy feel? Hmmm... yeah. I can see that.
xx

[euphonious-glow.livejournal.com]

You've neatly summarized why this is the first episode that I've thoroughly enjoyed in a long time. I just... wish we had soul!Sam back sooner. It kinda feels like half the season bore no meaning on the plot or the characters. But I'm glad you pointed out the progress made in their characterization, especially Sam's. This episode really did make me feel nostalgic. It was like the best of the brotherly moments from seasons 1-3 again. A brother-moment in the Impala, while listening to classic rock. I can't properly convey how much I missed that.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hi. Yes - 11 episodes was a long time to be without Sam wasn't it? It was extremely hard going I felt. I mean, I love the direction they took because it really gave weight to Sam's sacrifice. It also brings Sam and Dean's experiences closer together. Both have been to hell. Both have had to live without the other AND with the knowledge that the other is suffering in hell. This should (ideally) bring their relationship even closer. That's also why I think that scene in the garage worked so well - they've just been through too much to be fighting about it. I hope it stays that way...

xx

[kassidy62.livejournal.com]

The overhead shots struck me, too, and I loved how the camera stayed on that DOG FOOD Bobby was going to eat for dinner.

Also loved that the boys' relationship seemed so peaceful and together, and the honest emotion between them, and most of all, the the unspoken united front seemed to be there again (finally!).

[greyowl88.livejournal.com]

Jumping in to laugh at the "DOG FOOD"! So true!! :D

[kassidy62.livejournal.com]

I don't know which would be worse, one of those cheap frozen tv dinners or the dog chow. blech. Poor Bobby!

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hee! Oh Bobby... a cook he ain't!

And the united front was well awesome. To be fighting evil on the same page was just so fabulous to see.

\o/ At last! :)

[phoenix39.livejournal.com]

Wow, you are ULTRA observant with the camera shots. I never noticed that with the car. Did a new guy direct this one or something?

SAAAAAAAAAAM!!! ♥ As a Sam girl, I cannot explain how much I loved having Sam back! AND THE HUG! *drools over arms*

And then the scene where Castiel told Sam broke me a little. Puppy Sam is back.

Oh, and Dean with the sword! Jensen has the best facial expressions and you captures some great ones. My favorite is the last one. Can't stop laughing!

Top three moments of the episode! Oooh, I'm going to make a pic spam with that!

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Did a new guy direct this one or something?

I actually checked that because I wondered the same thing. But no, it was Phil Sgriccia who has directed a HEAP of episodes. So yeah.. he was obviously working some different angles.. (tehe..)

And as a fellow Sam girl I AGREE!! SAMMY!! \o/

Hmmm - top three moments is a cool idea. :)

[dragonlit.livejournal.com]

Wonderful recap and very insightful. The director did a great job with the variety of camera angles and the focal points for sure. The Impala scene did feel very intimate, almost inviting us all in and it was so good. Bobby, oh Bobby. That scene with his whatever it was that passed for food made me want to give the poor man a hug! And I love the comment someone made about the spoon mirroring the sword. Lol!

The best for me was definitely seeing Sam back (even though I did enjoy Robo!Sam.) Having him back made Dean so happy and it was about time he had a bit of that again. It was definitely like a weight had been lifted from him and he could just be himself again. I thought Jared really nailed that scene, the one you cap'd, when he was talking to Cas. The emotion there was so good. And then, getting the comedy from Jensen (even though we did get a bit when he fought the fairies) again was so good.

Fabulous episode and great recap. :D

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much and I am glad you found it insightful. I get a little excited when I see different shots...:)

[a-carnal-mink.livejournal.com]

Malleus Maleficarum had shots of the boys from the backseat while they're having a lil' conflab, IIRC... *runs to check* Yup. You can see some of it in Oxoniensis' caps here.

(it's entirely likely that one was a choice of necessity, due to the cameraman not wanting to get rained on on the day they shot that *grin*)

Nice post! :)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah - good pick up. I'm curious about what would make them choose a back seat shot. I just watched that scene and it felt kinda weird there too.

Hee - and yes. I noticed it was raining so yeah, probably out of necessity. In fact, I wondered if the one from the recent ep was like that also. The quality wasn't as good as the rest of the ep (looked like video footage) so I wondered if it was a rush shoot. Like they needed to re-shoot it because of some problem.

Thanks for dropping by! :D

[dotfic.livejournal.com]

Lovely analysis. I loved the unusual camera angles too, and how the show uses food and how we're getting more this season of those quieter character moments like Bobby and his chili/stew thing.

The boys had a beer together! The show telegraphed that might happen once they set up the symblism with Robo!Sam refusing Dean's offer of a beer. So glad they did follow through, and again it's the importance of food and drink on the show. Like Sam being ravenous now he's resouled and we actually see him eat--we see Dean eating a lot but not Sam very often.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Thanks honey.

I can't believe that on my first watch I didn't immediately leap on them having a beer. It was something I was really hoping for - especially after robo!Sam refused the beer from Dean. Oh Show - I love it when you show consistency.

I really wish we hadn't seen Sam eat as robo!Sam, because it would have made that eating scene even more significant. I still haven't figured why he didn't need to sleep - (not that there has to be a reason) but the body needs to sleep as well as needing to eat.

But. I'm not complaining. At all! Sam is back and all I want to do is celebrate! \o/

[pat-san.livejournal.com]

You know, I stumbled into your meta just after I wrote mine. While I was reading I often said 'yes', 'this', 'totally agree' to my computer screen lol and after finishing I was in awe: you managed to get straight to the point using like 1/4 of the words I used in my review XD That's just brilliant ^__^

Also, I think in this episode really images were more important than words. I love the shot of Sam's face, his eyes troubled, and Dean's trademark cocky grin? You're right, we haven't seen it in ages. But look, Sam is here, for real and BAM, Dean is back too.

I loved the maturity they displayed and it felt like progression in their characters.

True. They're still the same around one another - with the jokes and the calling each other name - but they're also so mature now. I love that in Supernatural 'character development' is not just a nice expression :)
I also agree on your words about Bobby's life without the brothers. "Weekend at Bobby's" was a fantastic character study, but I'm so happy we're having some continuity there.

Brilliant meta, really, and since I loved it I recommened it in my review (http://pat-san.livejournal.com/28722.html) ^__-

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hi there. Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. :) I spent so much time just squeeing in my episode reaction that I needed to take a step back and look at what was going on in the episode. There was a lot more of course, but these were some things that really stuck out.

Thanks so much for the rec. I will take a read of yours also - sounds like we were on the same track. :D

xx

[sandymg.livejournal.com]

I love reading your visual observations. I tend to listen to the words more and watch their faces. So this is perfect for me to get a richer picture of the whole. I so appreciate these.

To me ... I knew that was Sam again from just the way he said, "Dean." And really ... super kudos to Jared for all of this season to date.

And to those above thread who said that now Dean was back, too. Yes. Exactly. So happy with this.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hey hun! Thanks so much. I think I do see things at a more visual level. Sometime I miss a lot of what said because I'm drooling looking at the scene. I often go back and find new things on second watch.

And yeah - Jared sold his soulfulness in one word, in one moment. It really bought home how well he did as soulless Sam - so COMPLETELY different.

thanks for dropping in. :)

[yaya-wr8t3r.livejournal.com]

I loved being in the back seat of the Impala ;)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah.... I'd ride in there any day... ;)