9.06 Episode reaction/review
Nov. 13th, 2013 10:02 pmI admit to going in to this episode with rather low expectations. All I knew about it was that Cas was in it and therefore it was going to be an angel episode. I was expecting to see some bumbling Cas (from the pics I had seen) and so I resigned myself to be pretty unimpressed (and bored tbh). Maybe it's because of that the reaction I have is: pleasantly surprised.
I think it was a pretty solid episode. I mean, it wasn't very exciting and there wasn't nearly enough SamnDean-ness for my liking, but it kept my interest and I was strangely intrigued by some of it. I also thought it held together fairly well.
One of my main hopes for Cas this season is that he would somehow learn how to be a decent angel. That his journey will lead him to discover the very thing that the angel race seems to have lost. Compassion. It looks like that's what they are doing (probably not a surprise) and so far I don't mind how they are handling it (as long as Cas continues to move forward and not remain totally naive to all things human).
I was surprised that Cas had a job (apparently easy to pick up work in the US without ID), but it showed how resourceful he is and how dedicated he can be when he puts his mind to something (which, I suppose we already know, considering he decided to become God once). Aside from stuffing up the slushy machine he seemed to be doing pretty well (thankfully).
I think it took Dean kicking him out of the bunker to force him to get his shit together.
Speaking of Dean. It's hard to watch Dean and not think of him constantly digging this giant hole for himself. His lying and sneaking around must take its toll soon. In the meantime we had a chance to actually see Cas and Dean being more like friends. Dean giving Cas dating advice was perhaps the closest we've seen to them being mates (maybe). Though his comment about being "proud" seemed to put Cas back into either little brother or son status. It's hard to see them as equals (and maybe we're not supposed to) and many of their scenes emphasised this divide.
I thought Dean was a little hard on Cas about his job. I'm not sure exactly what Dean was thinking Cas would be doing. He saw the state Cas was in when he got to the bunker so I'm surprised he thought Cas would be out there looking to help angels (is that what he thought he should be doing? *head scratch*).
There's probably heaps I could say on Cas - we got a lot of development for him in that episode, but I suppose I'm just not that invested to dig too deep. I think Misha did a fine job (the scene with the baby surprisingly affecting). I did love that we got to see him being a little bit BAMFy - looks like it took protecting a baby to bring that out in him.
As much as I wanted to get the next instalment in the Zeke saga it was quite nice not to have to worry about him in this episode. I enjoyed the Sam, Kevin and Crowley scenes without that added Zeke angst (though I was really hoping to see Sam start to question what's been happening to him, but I think this episode was deliberately devoid of Zeke, so if they're going to do that it will come in another ep I suppose).
Crowley was strangely intriguing. I think I like this character much more with these layers - rather than purely as a shouty evil demon.
I keep expecting him to do something underhand though. He seems to always be playing for a way out (and why the hell did Sam leave those needles so close to him? I mean, I know why after seeing the end scene, but Sam would know better than that).
The most intriguing thing is Crowley injecting...um...Kevin's blood. (I assume that's what was happening there?) It actually makes no sense that there would be blood still in the needle and Sam would leave the needle behind. Surely Kevin only took enough to fill that bowl. We either have to "hand wave* that whole thing and believe that Crowley is continuing the purification process (that's how I read it) or we have to believe that Kevin actually left it there for Crowley. I don't know. My feeling is that Crowley likes the feeling of having human blood in his veins (like Sam enjoyed the demon blood) OR it's something else all together. What I DO like, it that it adds another layer of mystery.
Wow - I sure did cringe when that needle went into Kevin's arm. That did not look right. I wonder why Sam didn't help Kevin draw the blood (properly!). Would have made more sense (and, er, smaller needle maybe…).
Crowley's "phone call" was rather hilarious. Bad connection, being put on hold...
Nice to see Abaddon again. She always adds level of awesomeness to everything.
Crowley throwing the paper in Sam's face was kinda hilarious. It's like….Ooooohhh, you big baddy! Is that the worse you can do? (hee..yes it is).
The girl crying over the break up was just too close too home. Not that my daughter has broken up with her boyfriend, but that level of drama….YES! I COULD IDENTIFY!
Pink splatter. Weird choice of colour I thought. Almost had a comic sense about it, so I'm not sure what that was about - there was certainly nothing comic about it. Maybe pink = angelic.
Cute baby (man, I never say stuff like that…). Confession: I hit fast forward during the Cas and baby scenes because I seriously wasn't that interested. Then I went back (in case I missed something important) and even though they weren't that exciting to watch, they did show an interesting side to Cas. And him singing the theme tune to The Greatest American Hero was worth the re-wind. I used to love that show.
New type of angel (Rit Zien) - wonder if they will make more appearances in the future. Probably just there as a MoTW.
Interesting to get confirmation that Cas has only been on earth a few years (maybe Show explaining why he's still so inept when it comes to humans?). I always thought he'd been around longer for some reason.
I'm not surprised Cas thought Nora was asking him on a date. That's how it sounded to me. I actually felt sad for him when he realised the truth (does this Cas have a Forrest Gump feel to him? That's how he's coming across to me at the moment).
The writer is new to SPN (Robert Berens) and I think he did a pretty good job. It must be hard coming into a show with so much canon and history.
And as I love this kind of stuff I leave you with the wonderful Castle Storage sign. This is the name of John's lock up. I assume there's a few of them around as these aren't the same locations. I'd love to say that there's significance in it being used again, but I rather think it's just a handy sign they have in set storage (also, it's pink. So maybe not a coincidence).

5.01 Where they confront Zach and Dean is told he is Michael's vessel.

6.22 Inside Sam's noggin.

9.06 Abaddon's telephone booth
So yeah. A solid ep. Won't be in my rematch list, but certainly not on my least fav list either. :)
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Date: 2013-11-13 02:27 pm (UTC)I thought the episode started wiht some funny bits and I thought I hope Cas doesn't turn into some complete idiot again, but the slow draining of fun and the seriousness and depression that arose slowly as the ep continued was really good in my eyes.
I did laugh out loud whit Crowly being put on hold because nobody seems to even know him anymore. And yes, him being more layered makes him really interesting, I certainly agree.
I liked the pink "splatter of death" because this angel is a mercy angel. Meant to end suffering quickly from other angels that have no way of getting well again. Pink is a love and comfort colour...
I generally loved the idea of this angel and how his job up made him a murderer down here basically, just because someone is having a bad day. I loved how Cas explained that this angel can't cope/understand the human moods and is so ready to "releave" them of their burden. A total misconception as he shouldn't be down here anyway.
So, yes, a nice episode. I liked it despite the worry at first that Cas might turn into comic relief again. And some things had to be handwaved I guess, but that really happens in most episodes. ;)
Anyway, enough said, my food is getting cold. LOL *digs in*
xoxoxo
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Date: 2013-11-13 02:31 pm (UTC)I'm also intrigued by Crowley injecting Kevin's blood.
For me, all these secondary characters with their own storylines really slows the narrative down. The chemistry that built this show just doesn't translate via cell phone. I want Sam and Dean together or at least focused on one another. As Scruffy and I were discussing this morning, in the classic seasons when the boys were separated, the plot still focused on them -- one of them saving the other or trouble they were having. There was a focus and momentum to the show that just doesn't seem to be there anymore.
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Date: 2013-11-13 03:15 pm (UTC)If Crowley was really clever (or if the writers were) he'd try and convince Sam he's turned/cured and then betray them once he'd gained their trust - in a Loki-like twist.
"I sure did cringe when that needle went into Kevin's arm." Me too!!! Why would you jab a dirty great needle right through your elbow joint like that???? Ack!!!
I did like Castiel's little speech to the baby, that was well done.
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Date: 2013-11-13 03:42 pm (UTC)I also had heard whisperings about Cas being in the ep, working as a gas station attendant, and that made me a bit wary (namely because of possible bumbling!Cas). And even though Show's time and time again proved that they are better than what the spoilers make me imagine, for some reason I always go in expecting the worst. Possibly because I'd be really bummed if Show let me down.
I always thought he'd been around longer for some reason.
Didn't they mention in S4 that Anna and Cas "shared the same foxhole"? That sounds like they were here for a long time. Maybe Cas&co watched over earth and humans for a long time as sort of guardians, but Cas has actually walked among humans only since saving Dean?
It was really awesome to see the Castle Storage sign again! There was a lot of red-white-blue in the ep (like Cas and Sam's first shirt) and that sign fits also those colors.
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Date: 2013-11-13 03:46 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-11-13 03:48 pm (UTC)Wasn't too interested in the Cas/Baby scenes either, although I did like him singing that Greatest American Hero song too. And the "bad connection" and etc of Crowley's phone call cracked me up. I'm still enjoying him this season.
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Date: 2013-11-13 04:05 pm (UTC)Why would the woman go on a bowling date in a dress?
I thought the mercy-killing angel had a lot of potential to be the 'misunderstood' monster like the rugaru, but he lost my sypathy when he monologued at Cas.
I kept waiting for Zeke to pop out when Sam was with Crowley. Glad it didn't happen, but I was nervous each time they talked.
On twitter the writer said that he had Cas slice his hand on a handy knife to make the sigil, and Misha and the director came up with using the thorns on the rose idea.
Where did the second syringe of blood come from? Come on, people, how can they overlook such obvious logic holes???
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Date: 2013-11-13 04:30 pm (UTC)EXACTLY. I went in with very low expectations, and was quite pleased when they didn't pan out.
Pink splatter. Weird choice of colour I thought. Almost had a comic sense about it, so I'm not sure what that was about - there was certainly nothing comic about it.
I was not fond of that color at all. You turn a human into a slushie, I'm pretty sure the results won't be cotton-candy pink. That was just weird.
(does this Cas have a Forrest Gump feel to him?
Oooh, had not thought of this, but now that you mention it . . .
Dean called Castiel a "baby in a trenchcoat" in S6 and a "child" in 7.02. He's acting almost adolescent-like now. I like to think that he's evolving, growing, learning. Pretty much what Metatron demanded that he do. I'm still a little sad to think we'll never get back the badass soldier of S4, but I want to see what this evolution brings.
My feeling is that Crowley likes the feeling of having human blood in his veins (like Sam enjoyed the demon blood) OR it's something else all together. What I DO like, it that it adds another layer of mystery.
Hee. My mind went to very strange places over the possible implications of that scene, and I may have gotten a wee bit excited in my reaction post. Let's just say that S4!Sam came to mind. ;)
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Date: 2013-11-13 05:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-11-13 06:07 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-11-13 06:21 pm (UTC)About the blood. I thought it was Sam's blood. Wasn't it already in the syringe? I thought it was and when Crowley didn't want it Kevin gave his blood for the call. But I could be wrong.
hmmm
Date: 2013-11-13 07:28 pm (UTC)What I did like was the interaction between Crowley and Sam. I love the tension that always hangs between them. Kevin is, well, not a character I have any feelings about one way or the other. I did enjoy Abbadon - she is going to be trouble.
I do wonder if Crowley really has no idea that Zeke is around or if he is waiting for the right moment to play that card.
I also cringed at Sam not noticing that a syringe was missing right away. That is a totally rookie mistake and not one I can see him making. That was just bad writing (the same thing they've done in the past when they've had Dean making rookie mistakes for the sake of the storyline - I just don't buy it). I am not convinced though that he was injecting Kevin's blood - I thought he was drawing his own. Certainly there wouldn't have been any blood left in it. I just don't know what to think about that part. Maybe Crowley was trying to withdraw his own blood to make another phone call?? LOL!
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Date: 2013-11-13 11:01 pm (UTC)I liked Cas's dignity about his job and felt bad for him about his boss's unclear babysitting request, but that was the height of my emotional engagement.
Wow - I sure did cringe when that needle went into Kevin's arm. That did not look right.
Very true!
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Date: 2013-11-13 11:02 pm (UTC)Yeah, I think it took itself serious enough to leave a message at the end. Hopelessness is something SPN does very well. I didn't think about Crowley taking the blood as a bad thing - though I like the residing to drugs idea. Maybe it was purely for relief (which it looked actually).
I liked the pink "splatter of death" because this angel is a mercy angel.
Yeah, I figure it was meant to look like a "happy" death rather than a gory one. Maybe it was to show it's not like anything they've seen on earth before.
I liked the idea of an angel relieving suffering in heaven (hmmm, there is suffering in heaven after all) and doing the same thing on Earth.
And yep. We're all pretty good at handwaving - we do need to do that rather a lot.
xx
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Date: 2013-11-13 11:12 pm (UTC)Oh yes indeed. It was an interesting example of how tragic something can seem at that time, but it's certainly not something worth dying over. And I didn't think of it as a mirror for Cas's emotional growing pain. He talks about all the human emotion and how confusing it is for angels to understand - so I suppose that was there as a good example of that. Cas is probably going through puberty.
For me, all these secondary characters with their own storylines really slows the narrative down.
Yeah, but I've resigned myself to the fact that they are here to stay. I still feel that the major focus in on the boys (always will be), but every now and then they'll have these OC episodes. At least they hit them all at once (Cas, Kevin and Crowley) meaning the next few they probably won't be major focuses. I don't mind them building stories around the boys, as long as it keeps coming back to them. The major story arc this season is directly related to them, so I'm still content with that.
And now I'm pretty darn excited for next weeks ep (even though I've only seen one still).
xx
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Date: 2013-11-13 11:21 pm (UTC)I'm normally very tollerant if they screw around with medical stuff, but that was just so bad on so many levels. The angle (he was drilling down into the bone), the direction (needle pointing to the hand - even if he'd been anywhere close to vein it would just have collapsed) and the gauge (that was more like a bone marrow needle than anything else). Also, no tournique?!
I'm sorry, but any random stranger off the street could do a better job at pretending to draw blood than Kevin. Actually, I'm thinking Osaric Chau could do a better job than Kevin, which makes me wonder what kind of stage directions he got. *hand-wave*
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Date: 2013-11-13 11:54 pm (UTC)Interesting point - I hadn't thought of that. But apparently it's only angel suffering, not human soul suffering.
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Date: 2013-11-14 12:03 am (UTC)I've been struggling to describe my reaction to this episode. Your sentence hits it on the nail.
Plus what cheebles and ash said as well about secondary characters. Like Ash, I'm also resigned to them being there (for various reasons which do NOT include anything about disliking those characters.)
But "uninspiring" in particular describes my overall reaction. The episode was solid, but uninspiring.
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Date: 2013-11-14 07:04 am (UTC)I couldn't tell who's blood Crowley had. I went back and watched and it sure seemed like Kevin's. He probably likes the human blood buzz but not the cure from Sam's blood. Was Crowley lying about the spell being irreversible? I wonder if he knows something about Zeke on board.
I'm really wondering how much Zeke is directing Sam's day to day actions. So many characters not to trust.....and Dean is right in the mix. Phooey.
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Date: 2013-11-14 11:57 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-11-14 12:14 pm (UTC)Didn't they mention in S4 that Anna and Cas "shared the same foxhole"?
Yeah, there's some reference that made me think he had been around Earth and humans for longer than the time he saved Dean. Perhaps in past canon he was but Show has just made it clear that he hasn't actually been around that long. Or something.
I loved the colours in this episode. Red, white and blue…and purple. Purple feels like an added colour this season (angel = purple/pink). I wonder if that's why Jared was in pink in the promo shots. Cas had a purple (and white) shirt on in this ep too. Sam's new shirt looks to have some pink in it (though it could easily be red).
I love it when they play with the colours. That store Cas worked in was glorious for that.
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Date: 2013-11-14 12:29 pm (UTC)Oooooh, that's such an interesting idea. I like it a lot - though, sadly, I don't think show would be that - um - subtle. I think if they were playing with an idea that Zeke is controlling Sam (and making a deal with Crowley) we'd get some sort of hint. I think like this because I've been burned with all sorts of interesting theories (hello Amelia!) and it turns out that there's nothing nearly as interesting as the stuff we come up with. :) That said, I am more than willing to see them make something that interesting out of all of this. I pretty sure it's Kevin's blood - just not sure why he had to be his...
Actually, I just read a theory that it's Kevin's blood and Crowley wants to finish the last trial and become human so he can die and go to Hell and confront Abaddon. Doesn't explain why he needed Kevin's blood and not Sam's though….Hmmmm….
I love that it opens up some great theories. :))
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Date: 2013-11-14 12:33 pm (UTC)I'm still really enjoying this season (which makes me worry that I didn't like the first half of S8, but liked the second. Does this mean I'll like the first half of this one but not the second?! ack! I hope not...
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Date: 2013-11-14 12:42 pm (UTC)That made no sense at all. If they wanted to dress her up I'm not sure why she couldn't have been going to dinner. I was more concerned about her using Cas as a baby sitter!
I thought the mercy-killing angel had a lot of potential to be the 'misunderstood' monster like the rugaru, but he lost my sypathy when he monologued at Cas.
I am totally with you there. I thought we were going to get this wonderful idea that the Rit Zein might be merciful in heaven, but monsters on Earth and he would understand that. See that he was killing humans that didn't need to die - but yeah, it ended up being about Cas which seemed rather weird - in context.
Where did the second syringe of blood come from? Come on, people, how can they overlook such obvious logic holes???
It's either deliberately set up that way (a mystery of where it came from and how Crowley ended up with it) OR they stuffed up. There is NO WAY Kevin would drawn more blood than was needed for that bowl. He wouldn't have said "oh, here's a little extra incase more is needed for that long distance phone call".
I would dearly love that to be a plot point rather than an error.
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Date: 2013-11-14 01:09 pm (UTC)Well, you know how Dean picked Cas up in the evening and then we saw him drop him off the next morning? Yeah - they're veerrryyy happy about that. Also? Dean telling Cas to undress in the car? Yeah… ;D (also, I peaked at the destiel tag in tumblr and whoa…lots of destiel feels to be had from this one).
Though I haven't dug very deep so maybe there's some unhappiness also. I mean, it must be weird waiting for them to actually become a couple in canon and then have actual scenes where it's clear that they are into the opposite sex. I dunno. I think the episode gave them at least something to get excited about.
(and just quietly…I spent quite a bit of the episode actively dreading what they were going to do with them. I find myself unable to relax during their scenes for fear we're going to get something that will blow up the "IT'S CANON!" wank. I hardly hear their dialogue for trying to "read" what might be interpreted. It's really spoils any of their scenes for me. Ack..sorry to unload. /o\).
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Date: 2013-11-14 06:17 pm (UTC)I was pleasantly surprised by Cas' adventure as an entry level employee (despite the hand-waving on required employment documents).I would hire him given the level of responsibility he demonstrated.I cant get my employees to do half of that (clean up a messy bathroom?Are you kidding me?!?) I like the growth he is showing as a character. And the singing did bring a smile to my face, especially after this exchange over on Big Pretzel
I also think that Dean continues to dig deeper holes, not with Sam, but with Cas. Trying to protect everyone from everything by lying generally doesn't end well.
I am torn about Crowley. I lean towards the side that he know more than he lets on. I think he knows that there is an angel in Sam, and I dont trust he told the truth about what he translated for them.One, because truth telling is not in his nature and two, to have information that the boys don't is the only leverage he would have right now. I did read that theory above. That is also certainly interesting as well.
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Date: 2013-11-14 07:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-11-14 07:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-11-15 01:45 am (UTC)Yeah, I would love to see badass!Cas again too. Maybe he has to develop that side of him - I can see him as a defender so maybe once he's learned what's important he'll get back to defending it. Or something. I like the "baby", "child", "teenager" idea. I'm looking forward to seeing "adult" Cas. I wonder if we'll ever get that.
The blood injection was certainly the most intriguing moment in the episode. Leaves open all sorts of possibilities. I think Crowley is planning a way to get out. No idea how that would work yet (maybe if he's not a demon he can break the devil's trap or something…)
xx
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Date: 2013-11-15 01:49 am (UTC)Hahaha! Oh I hear you. I was laughing at something in last weeks episodes (I think the fetch scene) and my daughter is totally…Bzwat…? How is that even funny? And I tried to explain about it in context, but yeah…that's not an easy conversation to have (especially when the reaction is…I didn't really want to know, you can stop talking now…).
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Date: 2013-11-15 01:53 am (UTC)The blood was definitely Kevin's (I think the writer might have even confirmed that on twitter). Sam was going to give Crowley his blood but Crowley didn't want it - which is where the mystery lies I think. What different about Sam's blood to Kevin's? Does Crowley know something that he's not telling them about?
I'm interested to see where that goes.
Re: hmmm
Date: 2013-11-15 02:00 am (UTC)I agree with you about Cas. I totally loved the character when he first arrived. He seemed so damn competent and a force to be reckoned with. Over the series he's become more childlike (and annoying). I am seriously hoping this season is about him growing up and ..er.…moving on and going back to heaven (not going to happen though).
I also liked Crowley and Sam's interactions. They seem to bring the best (performances) out in each other. There's most definitely a connection between them also. I wonder if that's because Crowley has a lot of sam's blood in him (or it's just good chemistry between them).
I thought he was drawing his own. Certainly there wouldn't have been any blood left in it
oooh, I hadn't thought of that. Drawing his own… Though I think we are meant to think he's injecting Kevin's blood (though it's totally ridiculous that there would be any left in the syringe). I think he's planning something cunning - maybe becoming human so he can escape? I suppose we'll find out soon enough. :)
xx
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Date: 2013-11-15 02:02 am (UTC)Let's hope we get it back next week. :) (though, dammit - that's camp week. I might not be able to watch until Thursday. I am taking my laptop, so I'm hoping I can get a DL. I will need my fix! *g*).
Re: hmmm
Date: 2013-11-15 02:17 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-11-15 02:18 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-11-15 02:24 am (UTC)I loved all the Sam, Kevin, Crowley scenes. The three of them are awesome and I never tire of Crowley's snarky affinity for Sam.
It did look like Crowley took pleasure from the blood in his system. I kinda hope he's addicted (like Sam to demon blood.)
I thought the episode was well written and cohesive - thank you for pointing out it's a new writer - I'll looking forward to more of his episodes.
Always enjoy your reviews!
Re: hmmm
Date: 2013-11-15 02:30 am (UTC)I saw that you posted a fic (and did a little bounce), I will be reading that later. I like the idea - I think Crowley trying to dilute himself makes perfect sense.
xx
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Date: 2013-11-15 05:04 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-11-15 11:32 am (UTC)xx
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Date: 2013-11-15 12:50 pm (UTC)and OUCH!
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Date: 2013-11-15 12:56 pm (UTC)Yes I did! Our favourite lamps! :D And good to see Cas in purple. I'm thinking that purple (and pink) and the new angel indicating colours this season. Did Sam's new short have some purple in it? It looks red and white but in some caps it looks kinda pink too.
I think it's definitely Kevin's blood. I'm curious why he wanted Kevin's and not Sam's. Sam's seemed to be working well enough to make him human in the last trial Maybe being a prophet makes his blood different. I've seen some theories that he wants to be human so he can break the devil's trap.
And so many untrustworthy characters. I'm actually quite worried for the future eps. Not going to be a lot of brolove around when the truth is discovered.
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Date: 2013-11-15 01:10 pm (UTC)Oh that link is priceless! Imagine mentioning that and then having it in an episode. I used to love that show. :) I did enjoy Cas' singing of the theme song.
I also think that Dean continues to dig deeper holes, not with Sam, but with Cas.
Yeah, I'm not sure what's happening on the Cas and Dean angle. It confuses me quite a bit. I can see that he wants to keep Sam and Cas apart and it's really going to start to get messy if they do end up meeting. Dean is going to be in the shit from both sides.
And Crowley is an interesting mystery for sure. I think he's working on a plan. I figure he's going to have to escape at some point (not much is happening with him in the dungeon. I wonder if they've managed to get any more possessed human names). . I suspect the blood is being used to assist that. Not quite sure how yet. I have liked the theory that he wants to be fully human so he can break the Devil's trap (I hope Sam has worked that out…).
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Date: 2013-11-15 01:12 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-11-15 01:15 pm (UTC)Crowley and Sam do have a special chemistry. I think they bring out good performances in each other.
I'm glad you enjoy the reviews. I enjoy posting my thoughts -and I LOVE hearing what others thought.
xx
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Date: 2013-11-15 07:05 pm (UTC)