6.14 reaction and review

[ash48]

Have I mention how much I love my show lately? I'm pretty sure I have. *G* It's episodes like that that remind me why I love it so much.... \o/\o/

That was damn satisfying and downright entertaining if you ask me. Dare I say "old school" Supernatural? That's the vibe I was getting... And not the "right back to where we started" vide, but that familiar "putting on a comfy pair of slippers" vibe. Loved it to pieces.

Let's do this!

1. This SCENE!!! I watched it 3 times in a row before I even watched the ep. yes, I really did. I live for these types of scenes....



JOY! I mean COME ON! Dean clinging to Sam, HIS HAND ON HIS HEAD, desperation, fear, angst, UNCONSCIOUS Sam.. oh boys... <33



2. They TALKED about what happened to Sam! \o/ But wow... a few minutes equals about a week for Sam? I wonder if that's because it's so horrible it feels like a week or he droped into Hell Time? Cage Time?? I also wonder how much he remembered? He seemed ok afterwards, other than a splitting headache, so maybe the experience of remembering didn't effect him that much or once he woke he forgot it..? Hmm.. So intrigued to see what they do with this wall...

3. The MoTW!





Holy crap! That was damn creepy. Mannequins are such freaky things and I'm thrilled they went there. (And friggin hilarious... I can't get over some of the film references this show happily digs up.) Initially, I couldn't see the why only dummies were being animated but after seeing that (very sad) scene of that gal being set up it fell into place. Though I find it somewhat amusing that any sort of accidental death seems to involve falling over and hitting one's head on a table. Coffee tables should be banned from living rooms. Just saying.

Then we had Dean's baby animated. Hee...so um, the Impala's Dean's doll...?! Cute.

4. BE MY VALENTINE!! Really?!?! I just... Say yes Sammy... you know you want to. :D That aside - ADORE that the banter is back! Eye rolling Sam is back! As is niggling his little brother!Dean is back!! JOY!!


5. Sam told Dean to take Lisa's call. I love the comparison to Robo!Sam saying he doesn't care about them. Thank you Sam.


ETA: And this.... (thanks rhymephile for the reminder):




*swoon* Touching is always nice.. but take care big!bro touching is even nicer..

6. LISA AND BEN! I'm surprised they went back to Lisa and Ben so soon. I'm so glad they did. I think it would have been hanging over Dean (and Sam and our) head if they didn't. And I really loved the way they handled it.

The Lisa and Ben story line was always going to be difficult to resolve. I wouldn't say what we had tonight was it being "resolved" but it was at least it was addressed. And satisfactorily as far as I am concerned.

The thing is...Dean can't be with Lisa and Ben in the show. Unless the show changed DRAMATICALLY it's just not gonna happen, so they need to give good reasons for Dean to not go back and stay there. Because really? It seems like a damn good option.

But essentially, it's not his life. I think he'd like it to be and that's what he's clinging onto (Lisa: "What do you want from us, Dean?) but slipping back into suburban life just can't happen for Dean. I suppose it's part of his tragic tale, but with his history, knowledge of what's out there, knowing he could be saving people, knowing he could die one day AND Sam... there's just no way.

Loved Lisa. Again. She's stoic and honest. Doesn't play the guilt game with Dean and does what she needs to do to move on. And I don't know about you, but I would have a friggin tough time getting over Dean Winchester also. Good luck any guy that follows... :)

I even liked Ben. Having a teenager of my own, this was very typical of one. Self centred (that's not a negative comment it's just how teenagers are wired), feeling abandoned, feeling like what's happened is his fault and wanting Dean back in their lives. Playing a trick to get Dean back. The actor (Nicholas Elia) is maturing also. I really liked their scene together.

I wondered whether Ben's comment "You know you're walking out on your family right?" was a parallel to Sam walking out to go to college all those years ago? That sense of guilt? Not sure, but I like the idea that there could be full circle here. Now it's Dean's turn to make that choice. Though, when Dean talks about family I only think of him meaning Sam (and maybe Bobby). I know he had a family with Lisa and Ben, but if he did return to them then maybe he would be walking out on his other "family".

Oh Dean. I felt for you here. You will never stop loving these people. The saying "having the best of both worlds" is very apt for you. If I could give you both I would.

7. Really liked that Sam went off to do the hunt so Dean can go and see what was up with Lisa. I loved that Sam was shown to be caring about Dean. Actions speak louder than words. Luckily, with this episode, we got actions AND words.

8. And what fine words they were. That final scene may now be up there as one of my all time favourites (it's going to be really tough to beat the present opening scene from SPN Xmas though..).



Sharing a beer, talking, working on the Impala ...*heaven*

I felt this scene was a parallel to past moments where they felt like they stuffed up. "We can't save them all" - from Dead in the Water I think. They still feel like they've stuff up if innocent people are killed - or they weren't able to save them.

But I liked that they acknowledged that things do screw up, but mostly they work out ok. The BIG things work out. The world was saved for example.

But more than anything there was a maturity in their acceptance and acknowledgment of that. From both of them. I think we are definitely seeing signs of development in their relationship and their characters. So exciting.

Favourite line:

Dean: You shove it down and let it come out in spurts of violence and alcoholism.

So true from what we've seen. Such a bitter sweet and hilarious statement.

This was in response to Sam saying "you want me to forget about it?". Of course, even with their new found maturity we know Sam will be confronted with something that will tear at the wall. He might (for Dean's sake) keep from scratching it, but if that part of Sam Winchester's character (flaw maybe??) is still there then he will want to know what damage he did without a soul and try to fix it. He's not one to ignore these things. Neither is Dean, only with Sam's life at stake he is prepared to "shove it down". Though I suspect the next encounter to attack the wall will be more accidental - Sampa is yet to make a return visit. I suspect that will have consequences.


But the moment that had me clasping my chest was Sam saying thank you. And they (all but) said "I love you". I mean look at those eyes...



Emo!Sam



Warmfuzzy!Dean. Not sure how else to explain it. But Dean feels right with the world here. The love shining out of those eyes....*be still my heart*


I didn't feel this episode was as solidly constructed as the last two. The MoTW story line was a bit muddled I thought. I'm sure there are parallels to be had with the sisters' story line to the brothers' but there was too much else going on for me to really fix on that. I think the Lisa / Ben "family" story was a much stronger mirror than the sisters'. But maybe I missed something more significant there. I haven't done much reading yet, so I'm sure to find out.

YAY!!! Show. I think its poised to have a few good old fashioned hunts up a head. The boys are on good footing (AT FUCKING LAST!!!!) \o/\o/

In other words... the Epic Love Story of Sam and Dean CONTINUES! \o/

NO IDEA what's coming. I have successfully remained spoiler free. It paid of this week - I didn't even know the title of this one and clapped gleeful hands when I saw the first mannequin.

Already can't wait for the next one.

Comments

[lightily.livejournal.com]

Yesssssssssss. The MoTW was a bit :/ but I felt like it served well enough to gel the other parts of the episode together and to act as a reminder of the grim reality of what it is they actually do with their lives (when there's no apocalypse looming), the family business.

I do think this episode covered a lot of necessary ground - the boys re-establishing their dynamic with Sam's re-souling and you know, they're so very grown up right now. And like mature adults they need to learn from their mistakes - and stuff. I am not super coherant on these ideas :p But I happy with the direction they're going. BOYS IN LOVE.

I like Lisa and Ben. I think they're such solid characters. And like many people have mentioned, it's given the relationship some closure at least. Even if it was in the form of a saccharine montage.

Messy episode, lots of awesome moments. Mostly, we are moving forward!!! FORWARD.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Yes. The sense of moving forward was very strong. And "closure"... that's the word I was looking for. :)

Hee! The montage. (I felt like I was watching a vid!) But yeah... Dean had to have some closure too, so maybe that was it. Lisa has been a great character ("has been", because I think it might be a while before we see her again..). One of the better thought through characters. She was a great match for Dean. I felt like they were giving her a farewell..

Yay for the boys being in a place where they can move forward... can't wait to see what they do with it. \o/

[ancastar.livejournal.com]

For me the MotW was a bit of a mess. But the stuff between the guys was pure gold.

I'm not a fan of the Braedens. I don't hate them. I just don't care about them (mostly because the show, for me, is all about Sam/Dean...and because young Ben is a pretty dreadful actor). I'm hoping this has completed their arc. Mostly because where else can the writers go with this? Dean isn't going to leave hunting (most especially not when he's worried about Sam and his faulty wall), and Lisa isn't going to put her life on hold for him (nor should she). They don't fit.

Though I'm pretty sure I know two guys who do...

;-)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Yeah - the MoTW didn't bore me as such (mainly because I loved the creepy factor), but I'm not sure they really had a clear idea of what they were doing with it.

I haven't minded the Braedens - as OC's go these (well, Lisa mostly) they were pretty well developed. I'm glad though that there's a sense of closure (which didn't result in them dying) so the boys can move on.

I felt this was was Ben's strongest scene - the one with Dean. I agree he's not a great actor but I'd like to think Jensen helped him out here.

Hee... so you know two guys who fit well together eh?..*dreamy thoughts*

xx

[dotfic.livejournal.com]

omg I know that last scene! Boooys! And did you see how Dean still looked kind of grim there for a moment and then his face just softens and he gives Sam this small smile? ♥___♥

This ep addressed a lot of my SamnDean issues. (Haha, think I will maybe stop worrying in the future? Probably not).

What's really great is how while the show has established they still love each other...but now they're getting into that they LIKE each other.

The Dean and Ben and Lisa stuff was heartaching. It's interesting to see how the show is asking those questions, I'm really glad to see it examined and not just dropped like it didn't matter.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, yes..things being addressed...\o/ I felt this episode had a lot of that going on. If felt a bit like a "tie up those loose ends so we can move on" episode.. but not in a way that was brushed aside. Not sure who wrote that one, but I think they got a lot of that right.

but now they're getting into that they LIKE each other.

AT LONG LAST!! Man, it's only taken 2 years...

And I think the worrying is part of what the show friggin' does to us! So damn invested in these characters... :) But let's hope we can have a breather. I'm sure there will be issues a long the way, but they are at least starting off on the right foot. Together.

<33

[maenad.livejournal.com]

JOY! I mean COME ON! Dean clinging to Sam, HIS HAND ON HIS HEAD, desperation, fear, angst, UNCONSCIOUS Sam.. oh boys... <33

It's so nice when they're hopeful. I think it's interesting how backwards these last couple of stories have been - revisiting old ideas in a different way. The last scene of Unforgiven pretty clearly paralleled No Rest for the Wicked - but Sam got back up again, so instead of a story about crashing badly in the aftermath of a loss, Dean gets a story about resolutions. And also awwwwwww. :)

I wondered whether Ben's comment "You know you're walking out on your family right?" was a parallel to Sam walking out to go to college all those years ago? That sense of guilt? Not sure, but I like the idea that there could be full circle here. Now it's Dean's turn to make that choice. Though, when Dean talks about family I only think of him meaning Sam (and maybe Bobby). I know he had a family with Lisa and Ben, but if he did return to them then maybe he would be walking out on his other "family".

I think maybe more where Sam was in the Pilot? When he left for college, he wasn't running toward any kind of family - he was going to be on his own. But when Dean showed up in the Pilot, you could briefly see Sam walking the line between two worlds and two families. It wasn't really fair on Jess to run out on her in the middle of the night - but Dean needed him; it wasn't really fair on Dean to abandon him with everything still unresolved - but Sam had things to do and a life of his own to get back to. You could see him hovering when he said goodbye to Dean, trying to find a balance - he had to go home now, but Dean should call later.

For Sam, the situation was resolved quickly and brutally. For Dean things are less awful, but also messier - partly because they're older now, I think, but also because they're free. For a long time, they really only had two options - to resist or give in - because they were up against these enormous, single-minded forces who really did have the power to just step in and rip their lives apart. But now there are factions, and multiple conflicts and a variety of points of view. And not everybody is looking directly at the Winchesters all the time. So on the one hand, if 'family' exists in two places, Dean can't avoid stepping away from someone, but on the other hand, that horrifying we-want-you-on-the-road-so-we're-going-to-destroy-all-your-other-options-in-a-blazing-inferno scenario isn't in play either.

Sharing a beer, talking, working on the Impala ...*heaven*

I think that played very nicely off the end of Live Free and Twihard - then Dean couldn't bring himself to face Lisa, and was struck with the sudden realisation that he didn't have Sam either. His bitter question then - 'You got my back - no matter what happens I can always count on you, right Sammy?' - bounced nicely off Sam's spontaneous offer of solidarity now.

I'm sure there are parallels to be had with the sisters' story line to the brothers' but there was too much else going on for me to really fix on that.

Okay - I think they were playing Dean off Rose, and his idea that just because you love someone doesn't mean you should hang around. Rose wanted love, but some idiots gave her a mannequin instead; the possessed car is funny, but also a sad reminder that before Lisa, this was the closest thing to a long-term relationship Dean had - and he lavishes a lot of affection on that car. Dean is afraid he'll bring harm down on Lisa and Ben just by existing - Rose's sister died purely because Rose was a ghost; Rose didn't mean her any harm - she was just doing her 'job', because going after the people who killed them is what ghosts do.

I do think it wobbled a bit, because leaving the haunted kidney as a last-minute reveal was irresistible. It was really the only present-day representation of the love between the sisters because Rose was only haunting her in the most technical sense - and since it wasn't addressed until the last minute, the two story lines didn't connect very well until the end.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

But when Dean showed up in the Pilot, you could briefly see Sam walking the line between two worlds and two families.

Oooh yes.. That's better. I felt like there was a similarity in there somewhere. Now they both have had a taste of the white picket fence life and have both had to turn their backs on it - realising it's not for them. Sam had a chance to rebuild and try for that life again once the YED was dead but he chose to stay with Dean. Now Dean is in a similar position. Sam's soul is back but he made the choice to still stick with him.

And yes! Thank god Dean wasn't forced back on the road because they had met a horrible death. It was my biggest fear.

'You got my back - no matter what happens I can always count on you, right Sammy?' - bounced nicely off Sam's spontaneous offer of solidarity now.

Yes, yes... Show has made a few shout outs to Soulless!Sam and the words that came out of his mouth. I love that they are resolving some of those horrible moments from robo!Sam so soon. Not teasing it out.

Good summation of the sisters story line. I can buy that... kinda lame, but there nonetheless. I missed how she ended up with a piece of glass in her side. Accident? Or did she stab herself... I must go back and check.

Thanks hun. Always love to hear your take on things. <33

[rhymephile.livejournal.com]

You missed a scene! Right when Sam is telling Dean that it's "only 24 hours" and that he can handle it on his own, he touches Dean's shoulder as he gets into the Impala. Small but noteworthy moment, I thought, in addition to the opening scene.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Oh yes!! I LOVED that moment! *dances* I might just have to add that!! :D

[rhymephile.livejournal.com]

I have missed the closeness between the two of them and I'm glad to see some of that genuine concern and brotherly love showing through (what are those of us called who love their love but don't slash them? Is there a name for it? I'm in that camp). The show was never about saving people or hunting things, it was about their partnership and being brothers. I hope this storyline is going to bring that back. I think all of us are missing it.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

what are those of us called who love their love but don't slash them? Is there a name for it? I'm in that camp

I think of it as bro!mance.. :) I usually don't have my slash goggles on when I actually watch the show. Outside of the show... well, that's a different matter.

But yeah. I agree. Its pretty much been about them and their amazing bond. I'm glad I also enjoy everything else around it though. I love the genre. But thank god we are seeing them back together on some sort of happy footing. Let's hope it stays that way for a while. Quite a while!! Forever... maybe... :)

[debbiel66.livejournal.com]

I'm so happy you're happy! :) It wasn't my favorite MOTW, but you're right - the Sam & Dean make up for a whole helluva lot. Who would have thought we'd ever get a moment like that ending? Last couple of years, it would've hardly seemed possible.

Epic, indeed. &hearts

[ash48.livejournal.com]

I know! Who would have thought they would spoil us with all of the SamnDean moments. About bloody time is all I can say... Hee! We've endured them punching, choking, hurting each other... I think we needed to see this side of them again.

AMEN!! \o/

[katiestitch.livejournal.com]

I loved this episode! All the brotherly affection made my insides all warm and fuzzy. It's so nice to see Sam taking care of Dean again and empathizing, and Dean hearing how much he matters to Sam, albeit through manly slaps on the shoulder.

Although I had to laugh at the comparison between the Impala and the sex doll. Made me think of your Dean/Impala vid.

Also, hi! I've seen you around fandom, and I enjoy your vids and meta-ish things. Mind if I friend you?

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hi there!

Hee yes... Dean certainly seems to be having some sort of affair with that car of his! I love it...

And welcome! Glad you enjoy what I get up to with my obsession.. :)
xx

[tiniowien.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your take on the whole Lisa and Ben storyline. Reading your reactions helped put it into a nicer perspective for me. :D _{And you were not the only one who watched the opening scene far too many times. *g*}

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Thanks. :) I'm curious to know what your perspective was? I figure people see things differently and I always love hearing about that. (hee... but don't feel you need to...)

And yep! That scene... about to watch it again actually. :)

[tiniowien.livejournal.com]

Oh no, feel free to ask away! I don't mind. :) I guess in relation to the Ben&Lisa idea, I had a sudden flare of discomfort in thinking that the writers were going to try and pull them into the storyline more in terms of Dean having to be torn between deviding his time with two sets of people who obviously love him but whose lives can never truly intermingle for whatever dangerous reasons. But I am pleased with how they seemed to handle things, even if I have this feeling that the pair might still have some big role to play before the season is over.

...And maybe I put on the ep for that first scene after reading your post. *toes ground* XD

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, I see. To be honest, I think they have pretty much wrapped this story line up now. It's just not practical for Dean to be with them so yeah, I reckon that's the last we will see for a while. The only way I imagine they will be brought back in is if they are in some sort of danger or they are used to coerce Dean into doing something.

Dean's made his choice.. and it's Sam. \o/

Oh that first scene... *melts*

[greyowl88.livejournal.com]

I wondered whether Ben's comment "You know you're walking out on your family right?" was a parallel to Sam walking out to go to college all those years ago?

This is what I thought when I watched that scene. It really jumped at me.

I thought when Dean looked at Sam in the end it was a bit with apprehension. His worries about the wall coming down.

I loved the way they started this ep with an good old fashioned ghost story and I expected the usual good outcome. But then things went...different. With the girl dying, the idiots surviving (and even Dean's car turning on him. lol).
For me there was some strange humour in it and it showed that things can't get back to how they were when the Show started. Not really.
And it felt a bit like the show was making fun of the fans that want the first season back. "So here is your 1. season back... What?! Don't you like it?" lol. Idk. Maybe I have a strange sense of humour.
Anyway another great ep and another heart felt and loving review from you. What do I want more? ^_^

♥

[ash48.livejournal.com]

It was a great ep yeah? I think there was a bit of tongue and cheek in the MoTW. Especially the idea of a haunted kidney.. tehe..

But there was a nice balance of seriousness also. I enjoyed the mix, even if the monster story line was a bit weird.. :)

<33

[greyowl88.livejournal.com]

I'll watch the ep again in a minute. See if I get past repeatedly watching the opening scene... ;)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

We should have it on a loop... playing in the background all day.. :)

xx

[greyowl88.livejournal.com]

YES!:D *g*

[amnisias.livejournal.com]

I just loved the way Ben called Dean on his crap. Dean is always talking about how important family is to him, but he's still stuck in his childhood concept of family - his parents and brother. But Dean is a grown-up now, he has made a connection with Lisa and Ben, and he really needs to re-evaluate his definition of family.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hi. This is a really interesting take. I must admit I didn't consider Dean being called on his crap. I think he definitely saw Lisa and Ben as family. Just not a family he can hang around with. I suppose I see this as Dean having 2 families. One he can stay with and one he can't. Awful decision to make, but a necessary one. I thought it was good though to see him having to confront it - make him think about his promises to Ben - I think Ben saying that really helped him do that.