ash48 | 8.16 reaction (Reply)

Well, actually Dear Cas but I'll get to that later.

I really REALLY liked that one. I can't quite put my finger on it but it felt, um...grown up or something. It felt really comfortable and solid. I think a lot of that had to do the the boys being smart and competent. They were in charge of the situation. They were professional and it felt so good to watch them work this case calmly and with a sense of knowledge and experience. I liked that they were calling the shots and even though they got thrown around a bit (thank you), it's all part of "another day at the office".

It was refreshing and it continues this lovely reboot of where they are at.

I really don't have a lot to say about the story line because, ashamedly, I know nothing about Greek mythology. I should, but I don't. (check out what

maenad has to say on her journal though - she's in the know...;D). I'll just say I liked all the characters and the story was interesting enough to keep me engaged. I think a lot of that had to do with the acting of the guess stars. There wasn't the histrionics we get sometimes. It was nicely handled I thought. Kudos to Steve Boyum for his directing. I think in less experienced hands this wouldn't have worked so well.

Some things I have to mention:

Let's start at the very end and *swoon* over that final speech of Dean's. OH MY GOD! Did Dean just pray to Cas to watch over his little brother?! He said LITTLE BROTHER!! \o/ Be still my hurt!Sam / protective!Dean heart!! I think I died and went to the bat cave. And Jensen is always amazing when he does scenes like that. <33 I will be re-watching that scene SO MANY TIMES!! (and I loved "eat your burger"...)

I am beyond THRILLED that they didn't make a huge issue about Sam not telling Dean about the blood. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THIS is how Dean reacts. He knows Sam is hurting and he knows why Sam would be keeping that from him. Instead of ranting about Sam hiding things or keeping secrets he prays to keep him safe. There may never be a finer moment (well, there might be but that one tops it so far this season).

I also love that we got more from Dean about how he really feels about those trials. It should have been him. Dean wants that more than possibly anything at the moment. He doesn't want Sam in danger and he knows that if Sam dies it will somehow be his fault. Even if it isn't. ON DEAN!! So much love for this Dean I CAN'T EVEN!!!

Now let's go to the scene just before that. *ADORES* Sam all but tells Dean he's not well. That was all little brother speak for "I'm scared and I'm not actually sure I will be able to do this." And as much as Dean said he didn't want emo I didn't think Sam was being particularly emo about it. He just stated a concern, tried to inform Dean carefully about his predicament. I honestly believe that Sam is keeping this from Dean to protect him. He knows Dean will freak. He promised Dean he'd be ok and he isn't. He really doesn't want to worry, upset, disappoint Dean. (and yeah, Dean DID freak. It brought about prayer, which is Dean freaking...). I love it even more that Dean can see right through him.

Also - it's SO going to take BOTH of them to complete these trials successfully. (\o/)

As always the MoTW connects to the brothers in some way and Sam seeing himself as Prometheus and seeing that future for himself was powerful. They have often considered themselves cursed - and it's clear what happens to those who are cursed. *meep* (I'd be really surprised if one of them dies as the cliffy this season - but you never know).

One of my other favourite scenes was the moment Sam had with the little boy. At first I wondered what that was all about - it didn't seem to really do or mean anything. But it was actually very poignant I thought. Dean is usually the one to connect with children. It looked like it was going to start out that way, but it ended with Sam trying to reach out. It was important that Sam saw this little boy make the decision to stay. He could have run away (like Sam has done in the past) but instead he chose to stay and accept what was happening. That meant something to Sam. (and yeah, Sam has faced his responsibilities before, but I think it served as a nice reminder. In the beginning of the season he was all for leaving it behind, now he needs reminding of the reasons he needs to stay). It was a lovely catalyst for the next scene of Sam opening up to Dean.

I also have to say that that scene was beautifully filmed. It wasn't rushed - the director allowed the moment to sink in. Allowed some quiet contemplation for both characters (and was anyone else thinking that Jared will have a better understanding of children now that he has one of his own? I was...).

The brother moments were fantabulous! So many quiet moments of bro!love. Dean was back to being proud of Sam, impressed with Sam's knowledge. Dean was in command and Sam took his lead acknowledging Dean's capabilities. They worked so smoothly together - I just loved it.

And the bat cave continues to be gorgeous and awesome. I wondered if they would let other people know about it. It looks like it's going to be a sanctuary for themselves and for others. (I just hope they don't let too many people know - I would hate to see that place threatened).

Dean is proud of being legacy. <33

*happy sigh* I love it when Show is like this.

As an aside...(skip if you've managed to somehow avoid the recent news re a certain character)

if they continue to have Cas as part of what's going on with Dean AND Sam I will happy (well, happier. I am ambivalent about him continuing to be around next season. Happy if it's about all three, downright depressed if it comes at the expense of Sam). I actually loved that Dean turned to Cas here to ask him to help Sam. I hope Cas heard him - though I suspect he might not have. And as much as the destiel shoutouts irk me, I do love it when they actually make some effort to show them as friends. Maybe now there will be some consistency in how they feel about him and act toward him. It will be tricky to have him as an ally (they will never face mortal danger again) but better if they can work as some sort of team. I'd love to see Cas as a protector to both of them. And some BAMF!Cas wouldn't go astray either...;D That's just me...those who know me know my turbulent history with Cas. :)

Anyway. That was highly satisfying. And I hope it continues to inspire Bat Cave works. Don't forget they can be cross posted to