9.01 Episode review/reaction
Oct. 9th, 2013 09:14 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ash48Show is back and I mean...BAAACK!
That was a damn solid and satisfying season opener. Welcome back show!! \o/ Way to make an entrance!
There was massive mirroring in this episode and even though I can hear some say "but we've been here before" I think that's the point. They used past character issues and have opened themselves up to really begin to explore and examine those issues. The door is wide open with possibilities and I am very excited by those. In the word of Death -"Well played!" (ha! assuming this IS about addressing the stuff they've done before...).
Let's go!
Counting the ways:
1. Ok. So we've been in Sam's head before. It's a pretty intense place and man that guy is messed up. As with The Man Who Knew Too Much, he's using his subconscious to wrestle a decision. This time it's between the resignation of death and the will to fight. It's highly appropriate that Bobby represents the invitation of death (a fatherly figure that gives good advice) and that Dean represents the fight (the voice that is always the reason to fight). "Real" Bobby might encourage Sam to fight, but this isn't a Sam who wants to live. This is a very broken Sam and he's ready to leave. (I have to say I am mighty relieved to see this as the way Bobby was brought back).
2. I am going to cut straight to it here and confirm that Sam did not want to die and leave Dean "alone out there" like he fought against in TMWKTM - this is a Sam who wants to die because he feels he has done enough damage already. Enough damage to people (and the world) in general and most importantly - enough damage to Dean. I think it's very important that we remember the state we left Sam in in the finale. He felt he let Dean down. He STILL feels he let Dean down and he, and the rest of the world, would be better off without him. (And NO, he's not a bleeding heart who needs sympathy. He's a man who as given enough - his own subconscious had to remind himself that HE saved Bobby from Hell - not Dean). He's a man who knows the world will fair much better without him screwing up all the time. He asks Death to promise there's no way he can come back - mainly so he can stop hurting the one person that matters the most. It's heartbreaking (but fucking awesome!)
3. In the end Sam agreed to Dean helping him because he still trusts Dean to know what to do. The fact that "his" Dean didn't have a plan was significant because the Dean that came to him in the end did. Sam relies on that. He trusts that. He believes in Dean. And he returns for Dean.
4. Dean Dean Dean. Oh Dean. Dean's been here before. A dying brother with a massive decision to make. Once again he chooses Sam's life, but this time he doesn't sacrifice himself (by selling his soul), he sacrifices Sam. It's a little like the decision to re-soul him in S6. He did that against Sam's will and - as with his own soul sacrifice in S2 - it had dire consequences. Will this be the season that Dean comes to realise what bringing Sam back from the dead means? Will this be the opportunity for Dean to examine his complete and utter need for Sam to be alive? I actually believed Dean when he told Death it wasn't his time. Sam wanted to die for the wrong reasons, so I think Dean made the right decision (much like giving him his soul back). Sure...it's wrong is so many ways - but this is what will create the story and potential to examine this issues in his character this season. I did love how competent Dean was (as a hunter) in this episode.
5. And I totally believe that that was Dean who came to Sam at the end. I know that the angel appeared at the very end but I (well, we - the lovely peeps I was watching it with) came to the conclusion that Ezekiel was channeling Dean allowing him to persuade Sam. That wasn't the angel "pretending" to be Dean - it came from Dean's heart. Which means Zeke rode Dean into Sam's head and the three of them kinda soul bonded (shuddup! That totally happened!)
6. I found it really interesting the way Castiel and Hael's story mirrored what was going on with Sam, Dean and Ezekiel. Hael's vessel was deteriorating and needed Castiel's much stronger one - Zeke needed a strong vessel to heal and needed permission to possess Sam. I think even though Sam's body is weakened he must still be very strong (he housed Lucifer after all!). I think it will be a very interesting story line. It opens up all sorts of questions - not least, what will happen when he decides he "could like it here" and not want to leave Sam.
7. Ok, so there's a potential rift likely to develop between the boys, but I am much happier with this rift making issue that last season's. Something like this might actually drive them to actually talk about Dean making decisions for and on behalf of Sam and them keeping secrets from each other (again). Of course Sam might just turn to Dean and say..."Good call man. Thanks. I wasn't in a fit state to make a life and death decision". Yeah...maybe not. But I can't imagine what they will do. Sam storming off is hardly going to cut it this time. I think (hope) they'll have something more interesting up their sleeves for this resolution.
8. I was happy with how they handled Cas, for the most part. The only silly moment was him trying to knock out the phone guy with his "powers" when he knew he'd lost his grace and wings. Though, he still had angel radio so maybe he though he still had some angel powers. No idea how all that angel power stuff works. The other angels seem to have powers so maybe it's their grace that gives them that. I did love the laundry scene. A great moment of indecision. I think it was no mistake that we saw the sign "Do not overload the washing machines" while he was looking at the vending machine. His dilemma was very human in the end. I also liked that he took charge and stopped listening to Hael has she tried to persuade him to let her use his vessel. We might see a stronger Cas emerge after this.
9. Loved the opening scene in car - mostly because of the way it was filmed. The car seemed to float and there was that wonderful red and blue light we saw in the cage promo. Might not represent heaven and hell as such, but I think it's definitely representing the decision Sam needs to make. There is also A LOT of red and blue throughout the episode.
Other general stuff:
Title card looks AMAZING! Ok - it signals a full on angel season (which, yeah - can't say I'm thrilled about that) - but wow! Looks stunning.
Fantastic "then". (Looked like a cool fanvid). AND THAT SONG!!! "Who Do You Love?" <33
SAM AND DEAN!! SAM AND DEEEAAAANNNN!!! OMG! Their messed up, co-dependent, all consuming love was what that episode was all about! Holy crap - it's great to be back here again.
DEAN IS NOT DEAN WITHOUT SAM! I know that's totally messed up, but THAT'S WHY I WATCH THIS SHOW!
SAM STILL NEEDS DEAN! I know that's totally messed up, but THAT'S WHY I WATCH THIS SHOW!
Ezekiel was great! And now he's IN SAM! He's INSIDE SAM! (we will get some Ezekiel/Sam won't we? Won't we?! It's gotta be Samkeil surely?! Or Ezesam! *smirk* ) SAM HAS AN ANGEL! (and holy crap that's all kind of wrong and messed up and awesome. *guh* I hope they do some amazing stuff with that). ETA: Ha! Apparently there's running joke about this on the set. They clarify this as an angel looking through Sam - not inside him.
If Dean is paired with Cas and Sam is paired with Zeke does this mean they'll all live happily ever after with their own angels? Teehee...
Will Zeke be using Sam's soul to repair himself -like Cas had to do when he touched Bobby's soul? That could open up an interesting can of worms.
Grand Canyon! Way to make up for their last gaff. Great little "yeah, we know we messed up" to us.
Death is IMPRESSED by Sam! (awesome scene <3)
We got work to do! \o/
So. Great episode - (which I actually appreciated more on the second viewing). Lots of delicious potential! I am back in my happy SPN place - that was just messed up enough to make me really excited for the future eps. BRING IT!! (now please...)
Note/disclaimer about my review posts: Even though I re-read my posts I am terrible at proof reading so sorry for the mistakes. I love hearing other people's opinions on an episode, even if they are not in sync with mine. So feel free to let me know what you thought if you want to! :)
That was a damn solid and satisfying season opener. Welcome back show!! \o/ Way to make an entrance!
There was massive mirroring in this episode and even though I can hear some say "but we've been here before" I think that's the point. They used past character issues and have opened themselves up to really begin to explore and examine those issues. The door is wide open with possibilities and I am very excited by those. In the word of Death -"Well played!" (ha! assuming this IS about addressing the stuff they've done before...).
Let's go!
Counting the ways:
1. Ok. So we've been in Sam's head before. It's a pretty intense place and man that guy is messed up. As with The Man Who Knew Too Much, he's using his subconscious to wrestle a decision. This time it's between the resignation of death and the will to fight. It's highly appropriate that Bobby represents the invitation of death (a fatherly figure that gives good advice) and that Dean represents the fight (the voice that is always the reason to fight). "Real" Bobby might encourage Sam to fight, but this isn't a Sam who wants to live. This is a very broken Sam and he's ready to leave. (I have to say I am mighty relieved to see this as the way Bobby was brought back).
2. I am going to cut straight to it here and confirm that Sam did not want to die and leave Dean "alone out there" like he fought against in TMWKTM - this is a Sam who wants to die because he feels he has done enough damage already. Enough damage to people (and the world) in general and most importantly - enough damage to Dean. I think it's very important that we remember the state we left Sam in in the finale. He felt he let Dean down. He STILL feels he let Dean down and he, and the rest of the world, would be better off without him. (And NO, he's not a bleeding heart who needs sympathy. He's a man who as given enough - his own subconscious had to remind himself that HE saved Bobby from Hell - not Dean). He's a man who knows the world will fair much better without him screwing up all the time. He asks Death to promise there's no way he can come back - mainly so he can stop hurting the one person that matters the most. It's heartbreaking (but fucking awesome!)
3. In the end Sam agreed to Dean helping him because he still trusts Dean to know what to do. The fact that "his" Dean didn't have a plan was significant because the Dean that came to him in the end did. Sam relies on that. He trusts that. He believes in Dean. And he returns for Dean.
4. Dean Dean Dean. Oh Dean. Dean's been here before. A dying brother with a massive decision to make. Once again he chooses Sam's life, but this time he doesn't sacrifice himself (by selling his soul), he sacrifices Sam. It's a little like the decision to re-soul him in S6. He did that against Sam's will and - as with his own soul sacrifice in S2 - it had dire consequences. Will this be the season that Dean comes to realise what bringing Sam back from the dead means? Will this be the opportunity for Dean to examine his complete and utter need for Sam to be alive? I actually believed Dean when he told Death it wasn't his time. Sam wanted to die for the wrong reasons, so I think Dean made the right decision (much like giving him his soul back). Sure...it's wrong is so many ways - but this is what will create the story and potential to examine this issues in his character this season. I did love how competent Dean was (as a hunter) in this episode.
5. And I totally believe that that was Dean who came to Sam at the end. I know that the angel appeared at the very end but I (well, we - the lovely peeps I was watching it with) came to the conclusion that Ezekiel was channeling Dean allowing him to persuade Sam. That wasn't the angel "pretending" to be Dean - it came from Dean's heart. Which means Zeke rode Dean into Sam's head and the three of them kinda soul bonded (shuddup! That totally happened!)
6. I found it really interesting the way Castiel and Hael's story mirrored what was going on with Sam, Dean and Ezekiel. Hael's vessel was deteriorating and needed Castiel's much stronger one - Zeke needed a strong vessel to heal and needed permission to possess Sam. I think even though Sam's body is weakened he must still be very strong (he housed Lucifer after all!). I think it will be a very interesting story line. It opens up all sorts of questions - not least, what will happen when he decides he "could like it here" and not want to leave Sam.
7. Ok, so there's a potential rift likely to develop between the boys, but I am much happier with this rift making issue that last season's. Something like this might actually drive them to actually talk about Dean making decisions for and on behalf of Sam and them keeping secrets from each other (again). Of course Sam might just turn to Dean and say..."Good call man. Thanks. I wasn't in a fit state to make a life and death decision". Yeah...maybe not. But I can't imagine what they will do. Sam storming off is hardly going to cut it this time. I think (hope) they'll have something more interesting up their sleeves for this resolution.
8. I was happy with how they handled Cas, for the most part. The only silly moment was him trying to knock out the phone guy with his "powers" when he knew he'd lost his grace and wings. Though, he still had angel radio so maybe he though he still had some angel powers. No idea how all that angel power stuff works. The other angels seem to have powers so maybe it's their grace that gives them that. I did love the laundry scene. A great moment of indecision. I think it was no mistake that we saw the sign "Do not overload the washing machines" while he was looking at the vending machine. His dilemma was very human in the end. I also liked that he took charge and stopped listening to Hael has she tried to persuade him to let her use his vessel. We might see a stronger Cas emerge after this.
9. Loved the opening scene in car - mostly because of the way it was filmed. The car seemed to float and there was that wonderful red and blue light we saw in the cage promo. Might not represent heaven and hell as such, but I think it's definitely representing the decision Sam needs to make. There is also A LOT of red and blue throughout the episode.
Other general stuff:
Title card looks AMAZING! Ok - it signals a full on angel season (which, yeah - can't say I'm thrilled about that) - but wow! Looks stunning.
Fantastic "then". (Looked like a cool fanvid). AND THAT SONG!!! "Who Do You Love?" <33
SAM AND DEAN!! SAM AND DEEEAAAANNNN!!! OMG! Their messed up, co-dependent, all consuming love was what that episode was all about! Holy crap - it's great to be back here again.
DEAN IS NOT DEAN WITHOUT SAM! I know that's totally messed up, but THAT'S WHY I WATCH THIS SHOW!
SAM STILL NEEDS DEAN! I know that's totally messed up, but THAT'S WHY I WATCH THIS SHOW!
Ezekiel was great! And now he's IN SAM! He's INSIDE SAM! (we will get some Ezekiel/Sam won't we? Won't we?! It's gotta be Samkeil surely?! Or Ezesam! *smirk* ) SAM HAS AN ANGEL! (and holy crap that's all kind of wrong and messed up and awesome. *guh* I hope they do some amazing stuff with that). ETA: Ha! Apparently there's running joke about this on the set. They clarify this as an angel looking through Sam - not inside him.
If Dean is paired with Cas and Sam is paired with Zeke does this mean they'll all live happily ever after with their own angels? Teehee...
Will Zeke be using Sam's soul to repair himself -like Cas had to do when he touched Bobby's soul? That could open up an interesting can of worms.
Grand Canyon! Way to make up for their last gaff. Great little "yeah, we know we messed up" to us.
Death is IMPRESSED by Sam! (awesome scene <3)
We got work to do! \o/
So. Great episode - (which I actually appreciated more on the second viewing). Lots of delicious potential! I am back in my happy SPN place - that was just messed up enough to make me really excited for the future eps. BRING IT!! (now please...)
Note/disclaimer about my review posts: Even though I re-read my posts I am terrible at proof reading so sorry for the mistakes. I love hearing other people's opinions on an episode, even if they are not in sync with mine. So feel free to let me know what you thought if you want to! :)
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no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 01:23 pm (UTC)(my tiny ep response did mention the fact that the angel stuff continues to make no sense to me whatsoever!)
no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 01:32 pm (UTC)The angel stuff messes with my head completely. I think I will just let it wash over me because how it all works confuses me. I wonder where angels go while they are waiting for a vessel to say yes for instance. And where do they go now when they "die"? And why do they want to kill Cas exactly? Yeah..what? Oh that's right...SAM AND DEAN! <3333
no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 01:45 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 01:54 pm (UTC)That being said, I kinda hope as the season goes on -- and Sam inevitably finds out what Dean has agreed to let happen -- Sam has come around to the fact that he doesn't always hurt people and maybe, just maybe, Dean made the right choice this time (on Sam's behalf) in forcing him to live. And that somehow, there's a smidgeon of trust rebuilt between those two knuckleheads.
Enjoyed the ep, I did indeed!
no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 01:57 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 02:01 pm (UTC)I was so relieved they took Castiel seriously - his humanity and vulnerability was amusing at times but mostly it made me fear for him, and feel for the adjustments he's going to have to make, instead of just holding him up there as comic relief. The loss of his grace shouldn't be taken lightly, and they didn't! Phew.
That being said, his scenes detracted a little bit from the tension they were building in both Dean's thread, and Sam's. So though I could see why they did it, I would rather have had more of the Brothers. But then I always would!
I noticed all the blue and red! Especially in the car in Sam's head. That was actually more trippy second time round because I noticed they were doing things with the bokeh light behind the boys as well as tipping the camera. Loved the bit with Bobby suddenly in the front seat - so funny!
I did love how Dean was fighting so hard both inside and outside Sam's head, like Sam KNEW he would be, like Dean always does. He's the warrior, the battler, the never say die man. Sam's the thinker, the worrier, the walk away to try and fix things guy.
I forgot to check who wrote this one but I kind of want to hug the writer right now - he gave us so much in this epi! I really hope this is setting the tone for the whole season!
no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 02:05 pm (UTC)I love how utterly consistent Dean's essential core has been from beginning to end of this series. He's changed in so many ways, but never what he feels for Sam.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 02:05 pm (UTC)I'm glad that they didn't have Sam instantly healed after the finale - mainly because after everything he went through it wouldn't make sense. I HAVE to hope this decision is about Dean facing the issue of they way he makes these decisions on behalf of Sam. Though I have to believe also that Sam really wasn't in a good place to make a choice about dying (though really? If Dean did the decent thing he'd probably let Sam finally rest in peace - but of course he can't ;D).
And yes. Sam has to learn that he doesn't actually hurt Dean all the time - nor anyone else. He's one messed up dude (lowest we've seen him I think?)
I'm curious to know what they have in store with this story line. I hope it's about rebuilding real trust.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 02:18 pm (UTC)SAM AND DEAN!! SAM AND DEEEAAAANNNN!!! OMG! Their messed up, co-dependent, all consuming love was what that episode was all about! Holy crap - it's great to be back here again.
I was positively ecstatic to see the show get back to where it belongs. It's why we watch, after all -- nice to see it acknowledged after seasons of neglect.
I totally believe that that was Dean who came to Sam at the end. I know that the angel appeared at the very end but I (well, we - the lovely peeps I was watching it with) came to the conclusion that Ezekiel was channeling Dean allowing him to persuade Sam. That wasn't the angel "pretending" to be Dean - it came from Dean's heart. Which means Zeke rode Dean into Sam's head and the three of them kinda soul bonded
*hugs you like whoa* Yes, yes! THIS is what I was hoping for. It initially wasn't that clear (to me) who was doing what. It was definitely Dean with the "if there ain't no you, there ain't no me" speech, but I wasn't entirely sure where Ezekiel was. This makes perfect sense, and I'm going with it.
Death is IMPRESSED by Sam! (awesome scene <3)
It takes a Winchester to impress Death. Love it. \o/
no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 02:19 pm (UTC)I would say the whole thing is classic monster strategy. Wait until the two of them have established that they can do anything together, then put them in a situation where they cannot get to each other – and pounce. :) Neither of them ever makes good decisions in that situation. Dean more than Sam in this instance – but Sam too. As you say, Sam's self-assessment is very wrong.
It's interesting to contrast Sam's internal Dean with the real one, too. Sam's Dean is very, very honest about everything: about Sam dying, about his opinion on that, about his reasons for killing Bobby – everything. But at the same time, he's just flailing. Not only does he not have a plan, he can't inspire Sam to come up with one of his own either.
The real Dean lies and deceives, but he's also a juggernaut. People tell him they won't or they can't, and he just turns around and looks for another option. That's what Sam is lacking. But on the other hand, the blunt honesty of internal-Dean is a kind of ideal.
And on the other side – you don't get the same visual representation for Dean's half of the story, but it's there. Dean says he knows Sam wouldn't want this, that he'd say no ... but then he wavers and gives in. The real Sam, if he were there, would have shouted and waved his arms around and not let it be till Dean agreed to try something else. But Dean hasn't got the real Sam – just the one in his head, who doesn't have as much conviction.
No idea how all that angel power stuff works. The other angels seem to have powers so maybe it's their grace that gives them that.
I'm assuming that most of the angels are roughly the same as Castiel in much of season five: cut off from heaven and the power of souls, but still retaining general angelic power. Castiel is more like Anna, though he got there by different means.
Ezekiel was great! And now he's IN SAM! He's INSIDE SAM!
... I just spent 40 minutes going 'I know that guy. Why do I know that guy?' :)
no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 02:20 pm (UTC)That being said, his scenes detracted a little bit from the tension they were building in both Dean's thread, and Sam's.
Yeah, absolutely. It probably doesn't help that I'm really not that interested in what happens to Cas, so each time they went back it diluted the tension. I didn't mind what they were doing with him but I was anxious to know what was going on with the boys.
Bobby in the front seat! Great moment! :)
Dean was fighting SO hard! I adored his determination. And Sam using him inside his head to fight to stay alive made so much sense. I loved they way that all worked.
Carver wrote the ep. :)
no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 02:29 pm (UTC)BOYYYSSSS!!!!!!
It initially wasn't that clear (to me) who was doing what
We were confused at first also. But we talked it out and decided it HAD to be Dean (channeled through Ezekiel), because there's no way he could fake that level of commitment that Dean gives. I think he had to "use" Dean to do the convincing and once Sam said yes, he changed form and entered Sam. Works for me! (plus Dean HAD to say those lines...<3)
Haha - those damn Winchesters are SO impressive!
no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 02:30 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 02:32 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 02:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 02:47 pm (UTC)The representation of Dean as Sam's "Dean" and then Dean without Sam around and THEN Dean as Dean in Sam's head was very complex. (Jared was live tweeting during this episode and he even mentions that it was a mind spin...) They were relying on us knowing these characters and how they work together. Your point about Dean having to make the decision without Sam there is interesting - he WOULD have listened to Sam, but without any other option he had to take what was on the table. I actually liked that the decision was clearly not easy for Dean - I'm sure he remembers the decisions he's made before, but Sam was about to die so he HAD to something. I liked the dilemma and I hope that it'll be teased out some more over the season.
. I just spent 40 minutes going 'I know that guy. Why do I know that guy?' :)
I didn't recognise him. He's from another show yeah? I'll have to look him up. I really liked him! I hope we somehow get more...
no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 02:49 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 02:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 02:59 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 03:01 pm (UTC)HMMM
Date: 2013-10-09 03:06 pm (UTC)I think Dean's only mistake here was not in telling Sam once Sam regained consciousness. He should have trusted that Sam would see the logic and make the right decision instead of just assuming that Sam would rebuke this type of possession (suggested to him by Ezk) so we shall see how that plays out...
And I totally agree - that WAS Dean at the end. Ezk gave him an in to talk to Sam and then took over once he was sure Sam was going to say yes. Without his grace, Ezk would not have known about the conversation between Sam and Dean in the cabin. Plus, c'mon, THAT was Dean! lol
Great start!
no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 03:15 pm (UTC)I think because possession is a major part of the spn 'verse (so almost common), this as a "cure" is probably being treated as merely a possession and not something as abhorrent as rape. It suggests that all possessed people are victims of rape - and I'm not sure if it's the same. But, as I said, I can't really challenge that interpretation.
Sam gave Dean consent to help him survive - which I know doesn't mean real consent when he doesn't know what he's actually agreeing to.
Messy.
I suspect there will be no coming back from this for you yeah?
no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 03:25 pm (UTC)I would argue that non-conseual possession which is effectively what Dean agreed to is worse than rape. Both Sam's body and mind are now under the influence of another being that has full power over how much (or little) control Sam is going to have over his own agency for an undisclosed period of time.
In my opinion no matter how it is spinned what Dean did is absolutely deporable. He robbed Sam of his free will and on top of that Sam was ready to die. This wasn't about saving Sam because Sam wanted to go on living, but about Dean sacrificing Sam's ability to make choices to meet his own selfish needs.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 03:32 pm (UTC)I haven't yet had the second watch I always do before writing an episode review to really sort things out in my head, but I'm pretty confident at one point Ezekiel talks of it in terms of mutual benefit. He heals Sam and Sam in turn heals him!
no subject
Date: 2013-10-09 03:37 pm (UTC)I have to say the people i watched it with chatted about the episode for ages after and the notion of Dean giving permission for Sam to be (as good as) raped didn't come up at all. Dean not allowing Sam to die (again) did, as did Dean allowing Sam to be possessed when he knows Sam wouldn't want to be. I think they are going to be the major issues. Perhaps it should be more...and maybe it will be.
I'm really sorry to hear the episode not only didn't work for you, but created a situation that is deplorable.