9.08 Reaction/Review

[ash48]

Reaction and some character arc thinky…



Damnit!!! Another episode I really enjoyed. All these wonderful eps! It makes me scared that I am going to be hit hard in the second half with some horribly painful eps where Sam and Dean are separated.../o\

And Dammit! Another episode of awesome broments! DAMN YOU SHOW! You are so going to kill us with this reveal because their relationship is working so well. YOU EVEN EMPHASIS HOW SPECIAL IT IS! (Wonderful moment!)

JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY

My third favourite character in the show. \o/ SHE IS RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME! I adore her SO MUCH! It's the way Kim delivers the lines. She is so no nonsense - but totally believable. *hearts in my eyes*


Ok. So. *handwave* *handwave* *handwave*

I am getting so good at this now I barely groan when they do something I have to *handwave*. Though I did groan at the handy first aid kit. Um…what? Also Sam finding Dean on a train whistle (I know he's clever but that's kinda ridiculous). They've already established they can use GPS so I'm surprised they didn't go that route. Maybe without a signal it doesn't work? Also… do those gals seriously buy that these two strapping lads what to take a vow of chastity? I suppose it doesn't matter because I'D LET THEM IN! :D Dean ignoring Sam's calls during a case was a major problem though…:/

I actually felt TENSE during that episode. First time in …well… a reeeeally long time. I think it's the idea of being starved to death - and buried alive. It's something that personally creeps me out and I loved it for that. The girl with the bleeding fingernails was a fabulous moment of sheer desperation. There were some classic horror moments in this ep and that make me HAPPY!

I THOUGHT THEY WERE GOING TO KILL JODY AND I WAS SCARED AND I WAS READY TO RANT IF THEY DID THAT!!! I will not survive her dying. I WILL NOT!. Thank god they didn't! She rescued herself AND saved the day. She is so awesome.

Dean

Am I allowed to say how much I loved seeing Dean back to his horn dog self? (*ducks* because I get a feeling there is going to be much gnashing of teeth over Dean making Suzy break her vows (or something). But she's a big girl. She can make her own decisions I'm sure. She made the first "real" move so I'm hoping Dean isn't going to get the blame for, you know, everything). After his delicious speech about how much he loves sex it was nice to see him (finally!) get some.

Though it was utterly ridiculous that Suzy, who was moving on from her porn life, still had her films in her top draw (handy for Dean to find!), but it was a way to move the story (and sex!) forward so…*hand wave* (though I've had another thought on that and I feel this is about Suzy actually being a little proud of her past achievements, so that's why she might have kept the DVDs). I wonder if Dean being bi-sexual might finally be put to rest now.*ducks again*

Loved seeing Dean confront that douche in captivity. Nice to see our heroes being, well, heroes.

But.

Dean is SO screwed. And I don't mean literally. He finally tried to tell Sam and Zeke stopped him. Pure and utter blackmail. What was that about Sam being Dean's weak spot?

/Time out.

I want to just mention something here about the concern some have that Dean doesn't have a story line this season (and previous seasons). I know many don't consider Dean having a storyline if it's about Sam. As in, if Dean's story line is connected to Sam it somehow isn't really a storyline. I do understand that and I also would love to see something "different" happen to Dean (something like the trials or being secretly possessed etc) but I also LOVE that the conflict that Dean is going through IS connected to Sam because such a major part of his character IS Sam. We've seen, time and time again, the decision he's made because of Sam, so it's nice to really see that being fleshed out this season (of course, there's still a way to go to see if they really do flesh this out).

Personally, I don't think this is simply about what Dean would do for Sam. It's about what makes Dean tick. It's about how he feels about himself and his self worth. It's about wanting something for himself - no matter the cost. It will backfire and he will, no doubt, pay dearly. But I, for one, am looking forward to that. It has potential for Dean to really look inward at his decisions. I'm in the minority I think, but I am loving Dean this season. He's almost like an early version of Dean, only with all the extra crap attached.

Sam

So many Sam feels.

Let's start with Sam and Jody. I love this team and I love that they keep making them a team. They work so well together. I'd ship 'em if I didn't feel such a huge motherly quality come off of Jody for both Sam and Dean (though I could ship 'em anyway. I'm sure someone could write something that would take me there…;D).

I LOVED that we got more from Sam on what he thinks is happening to him. I mused a while back that the reason Sam hasn't put two and two together is because he knows something is wrong with him and he just doesn't want to confront that or push Dean on it. It's good to see that playing out (though I also like the idea that Zeke could be preventing him from making the connection). Also, there is absolutely no reason for him to think that he has an angel on board, so his natural assumption that he is damaged in ways that are his fault makes sense. He's ALWAYS been "wrong" and so he continues to think that he is. It's so sad…:( (deliciously so of course…).

/Time out.

Ok. So. I know that the "something is wrong with Sam" story line is not liked by some. It's been done over and over. BUT. For me that's the whole point. Something IS always wrong with Sam - so why not explore that as a theme? The same way they are exploring Dean's achilles heel. Why not have Sam acknowledging that (the same way he acknowledged his very unfortunate experiences with women). Sam resigning himself to "something is always wrong with me" works because of his past and now his present circumstance. It might also mean it opens up the show for other things to happen in the future - away from the "something is wrong with Sam". And yeah, something being wrong with Sam pleases my inner hurt!Sam gal. I can't help it. ;) And Dean hovering over a sleepy Sam makes me….awwwww…..

Zeke

Crunch time. I feel like the Zeke reveal will make or break this story line.

Sam seems to have weakened while Zeke has been in him (or, at least, not got much better). If he's being held together with "duct tape", then I'd say he hasn't healed much further than day one. Though he was out jogging early in the season - so does that mean Zeke has kept him ill? Deliberately?

It all comes down to what Zeke wants. I have to assume it's heaven related - but we don't know if it's good or bad. I don't really care at this stage, I really only want it to make sense. I would somehow like the brothers not to be at complete odds with each other for the rest of the season (though I am preparing myself as best as I can for that outcome).

I am also REALLY interested to see how Sam deals with Zeke. And how Dean deals with Sam!Zeke once it's busted open.

How cool that all these questions still need to be answered. I love that I am on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens. I am also scared. As with this time last year I don't want to find out that it all really means nothing (sorry Amelia). I am hoping for some damn juicy drama to come out of this. Drama that is organic and will open up some great character exploration.

Comments

[killabeez.livejournal.com]

Trying to view this one from my happy place of low expectations. :D

Hi, Jody, you're still alive! And badass! And yummy as Sam's partner!

That's about all I got, but they had me at Jody Mills, so.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

They had me at Jody too. So wonderful to see her again.

And my happy place of low expectations is working for me too. (Which I think I will be going into with next week….*meep*)

[cassiopeia7.livejournal.com]

*handwave* *handwave* *handwave*

Yup. Agreed with every single thing you handwaved. And surprised I didn't go airborne with all the hand-flapping I was doing. (I'm less successful at ignoring that stuff than you are.)

Personally, I don't think this is simply about what Dean would do for Sam. It's about what makes Dean tick. It's about how he feels about himself and his self worth. It's about wanting something for himself - no matter the cost. It will backfire and he will, no doubt, pay dearly.

Agreed 100%. Dean agreed to Zeke's plan because he didn't want to lose Sam. As you say, it will backfire and he will lose Sam (temporarily, please!), which will poke another hole in his self-worth, he'll return to thinking he doesn't deserve to have what he wants, and the vicious cycle will continue. Poor Dean -- he can never win. (For the record, I will never understand why some say that Dean has no storyline if it also involves Sam. It may not be the healthiest thing in the world, but Dean's life has been about Sam since he was four years old -- even this Dean!girl gets that.)

there is absolutely no reason for him to think that he has an angel on board, so his natural assumption that he is damaged in ways that are his fault makes sense. He's ALWAYS been "wrong" and so he continues to think that he is.

I'm so afraid that Sam is returning to the same dark headspace he inhabited at the end of S8 . . . or maybe he never left it, but has only been hiding his darker thoughts from Dean. Either way, the reveal is going to be a wowser.


the Zeke reveal will make or break this story line.

This, absolutely. *prays for the GOOD* writers to pen the big reveal*

[ash48.livejournal.com]

I'm less successful at ignoring that stuff than you are.

I usually let them have the silly stuff (the train was just plain silly), but the character stuff I find harder to *handwave* (Dean ignoring Sam's calls during a hunt wouldn't be (and wasn't!) wise. I know that was done to create tension, but they could have not even had that and have Sam finding out much later. Or something.

Poor Dean -- he can never win.

I know! He's just so messed up at the moment (which I see has a major part of his story line at the moment).

It may not be the healthiest thing in the world, but Dean's life has been about Sam since he was four years old

Exactly. It's not healthy (yay ;D) but his "there ain't no me if there ain't no you" is exactly right.

I'm so afraid that Sam is returning to the same dark headspace he inhabited at the end of S8

Yeah. I can see that developing like that also. It's curious that Sam seemed to be feeling so good in the beginning - and now he doesn't. I wonder if that's just lack of continuity, or if that means something. Sam has every reason to feel better about things - especially his relationship with Dean, but maybe he's still harbouring those feelings of letting Dean and other people down.

Ack! All the Sam and Dean feels. :(((

Um…and…unfortunately your prays are too late. One of my big worries for next week is who's wiring it. I am hoping to be pleasantly surprised though. *bites nails*

[batgurl10.livejournal.com]

This episode had me at "Honor Sucks, I bake real cookies, she always brings Oreos" LMAO. LOVE my show. and I swear I almost started crying when Dean tried to talk to Sam and Zeke took over ... @@ NOT a good sign yo.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

The cookies like was awesome! I laughed out loud! :DD

DEAN MADE ME WANT TO CRY! So did Sam...:(( I love that Dean finally tried to tell Sam. He was really ready to let it go....

So not a good sign! Dean has got to know that Zeke will take Sam over whenever he feels like it. It's a horrible situation for them to be in... (but I love it...*g*)

[borgmama1of5.livejournal.com]

It's curious that Sam seemed to be feeling so good in the beginning - and now he doesn't. I wonder if that's just lack of continuity, or if that means something.

That intrigues me as well...

It's all going to come down to where they go with the Zeke plot...very anxious, I want to love it, am afraid I will be disappointed...

[ash48.livejournal.com]

The problem with it building up like this is that we've had all sorts of great ideas being written all over the place. Lots of musing so when it finally is revealed it may feel like a let down. Though I remember the big reveal when Dean told Sam that John said he may have to kill him. At the time it felt like a let down (it seems too simple), but it ended up being such a huge thing really. I hope they've thought it all through...

xx

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

I'm with you on both the important time out points here - firstly I've always felt that SPN story lines are about Dean (almost more than they are about Sam). We are always in Dean's POV, and Dean's world revolves around Sam, so Dean's story is always all about Sam. I don't care that Dean hasn't had powers or whatever (maybe I was a little disappointed we didn't get a Lucifer Michael standoff in Season 5, but I think if we'd been given that, we probably wouldn't have had a Season 6 so...
Second - Sam being flawed or feeling that he is flawed is a big part of Sam, so I'm very happy they are exploring that this season too.

"He finally tried to tell Sam and Zeke stopped him. Pure and utter blackmail." This time when Zeke popped up - unannounced and purely to prevent Dean confessing all - that first instant was (I thought) pure menace. Then Zeke dialled it back a bit, and clearly full out lied about it not being long until Sam was fully fit again - it MUST be a lie because Vesta could see inside Sam and like you say, he barely seems in any better shape than he was when Zeke took up residence, supposedly to do the healing thing. All of which bodes ill for Sam if and when Zeke leaves...

So I too am very scared for next week (and the rest of the season) - which is great!

[ash48.livejournal.com]

We are always in Dean's POV, and Dean's world revolves around Sam, so Dean's story is always all about Sam.

Yes. I always feel we are involved in Dean's story. He's such a strong voice and as Sam is so much big part of Dean, we get to see many of Dean's issues being played out via Sam. I think this is why we constantly have the pull of arguments about who has a bigger storyline. For me..they are pretty darn even.

Zeke is so interesting!! He clearly lied. WE know Sam is still very very ill but Dean doesn't know that. He can only believe what Zeke tells him (but damn it! Why?! Why has Dean been so trusting? whaaaa….it's all so nerve wracking! (i love it of course…;D)

[greyowl88.livejournal.com]

I didn't even have to handwave anyting because I barely noticed the "off"-things. The whole feeling of this ep was so right for me. Dean was certainly much like the early Dean and that was so great. I loved how they made fun of the religious chastidy thing (no offense to anyone who is into stuff like that, but for me it's illusionary bs. *cough*) and really how Dean mirrored to Suzi how really she should not feel ashamed of herself and of her sex(uality). I personally loved it.

The moment that broke my heart in this ep was when this liver eating Goddess looked at Sam so irritated and said he is only held together by duct tape and safety pins. For me that was the proof I was waiting for that Zeke hasn't been lying about Sam still needing him in there to stay alive. And my heart broke again when Dean wanted to come finally clean with Sam because he loves him and then he takes Zeke's warning seriously and does not. I do believe Sam would have freaked and thrown Zeke out and then died. Today's ep really made me believe that. I FEEL SO MUCH LIKE HUGGING BOTH SAM AND DEAN!!! *sniff* poor boys.

Hmm.. just reading your thoughts on Zeke possibly keeping Sam ill on purpose. What a horrible thought. But it's true Sam wasn't well. I thought maybe that is because Zeke has been coming out once to often and now overdid it himself and is struggling more in there than he is willing to admit to heal both Sam and himself. I SO don't want to believe that Zeke is another dick-angel.. :S

A lot of unanswered questions indeed. (hurray :D)

xx

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hey hun!

The "off" things only niggled briefly for me. I tend to hand wave automatically so most of it didn't really bother me while I was watching. :)

Dean was so reminiscent of early Dean it was almost like putting on a pair of comfy shoes.

The moment that broke my heart in this ep was when this liver eating Goddess looked at Sam

Oh that killed me. The end of the ep was so gutting. Both boys are in such awful positions. Dean brought on himself and Sam didn't at all. :(

I SO don't want to believe that Zeke is another dick-angel.

So do I actually. I like the idea of the angst it will bring if Zeke is bad and both Sam and Dean have to battle him to "win", but I also would love to see what happens if Zeke is actually good. It could be interesting. :) I doubt he is actually "good" though…I think he has to have an agenda that means he has used both Sam and Dean. But we will have to wait and see!

[tebtosca.livejournal.com]

Have we considered that maybe Suzy still had her DVDs because she "missed that" like she said post-sex? People get shamed into thinking sex is bad and go the opposite direction straight into just another form of manipulation (*cough*religion*cough*). So someone tells her that she has no reason to be ashamed and that she has been a comfort ("the good dreams") in the midst of a really shitty life.

I mean, still terrible writing, but one expects that from the dark age of The Carver Years lol.

[quickreaver.livejournal.com]

YES! I've been reading tons of scathing reviews of Dean's behavior in that scene, disgusted by how he pressured Suzy to give up what seemed to be a sincere vow of chastity and I couldn't put my finger on exactly why it didn't feel that way to me, even after a re-watch specifically the purpose of analysis. But you did it.

I know a sex-worker who would've behaved exactly as Suzy did. Hell, HAS behaved as she did, vacillating between uber-righteousness and backsliding.

Yes, there was still a lot of dubious writing and I knew the whole premise of the episode was gonna be nearly impossible to pull off, so I went into it with very low expectations. That mindset pretty much saved the episode for me.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Exactly.

I actually wrote this on tumblr because I've been having trouble reconciling some of the issues people have with Dean: (it was in response to someone saying Dean was repugnant:

Puzzling this though (not necessarily disagreeing so please don’t bash me anyone /o\)- this suggest that Suzy had no agency nor ability or strength to say no. Suzy was living a life she was trying to escape and yet kept copies of her work, which might suggest she wasn’t exactly ashamed of her past. Nor was she horrified that Dean recognised her. Sure, Dean’s initial objectives were to “hit” on her (a very Dean thing to do), but once he saw that there was no chance he gave that up. He didn’t force himself on Suzy at any point. He then made the connection of who she was and his fire was re-ignited. And yes, Dean pressed forward but I am sure if Suzy had not made a move on him he would have let it go. Dean’s sex drive has always been part of his character and I’m curious that when we (finally) see him having sex he’s criticised. I realise it’s about the way he went about it that’s being criticised - not the actual sex, but I see this as very consensual sex and if Suzy didn’t want it (and hated the way he was objectifying her for her past) then I am sure she would have rejected him. Also, I didn’t entirely get the feeling she was embarrassed by her past. She came across with a sense of pride. I also don’t think that this was out of character for Dean. After his speech about how wonderful sex is (and after last week’s episode) we are reminded the important role sex plays in his life. Just interested.

Ha. The dark age of The Carver Years. So far, I'm much happier with this season that the last one though. That still could change, of course.

reply

[phx69.livejournal.com]

Hmm... yup, I liked the episode as well. It is nice to see the brothers being good at what they do and just being brothers. Far fetched how Sam found Dean but hey, at this point in the series, I am not surprised, lol!

it is interesting what you said about Dean's lack of storyline. I actually thought it was the other way around. Yes Sam is the one, possessed, but it is Dean's responding to it so it feels more like Dean's storyline at this time.

We have also got some awesome character insight into him as we saw a very pivotal point in his coming of age.

My respect for Dean has blossomed this season.

I do not think that the brothers will be at odds over this, once it is revealed. There will be hurt and anger, I would think, but I am hoping that the writers remember how much they have grown the characters and that Sam, while he may not like Dean's choice, will understand.

Re: reply

[ash48.livejournal.com]

it is interesting what you said about Dean's lack of storyline

It's been a well discussed issue around the place. there's even been suggestions that Jensen himself isn't happy about his lack of story line (though I take those with a grain of salt as they are being reported by people who think that Dean doesn't have his own story line).

I think because Dean's drama revolves around Sam's drama there's a feeling that it doesn't count. So far this season I've really got a sense of Dean's dilemma and story line. It's rather tragic, but also the reason why I connect to this show.

but I am hoping that the writers remember how much they have grown the characters and that Sam, while he may not like Dean's choice, will understand.

Me too. Though I would like to see Dean being called out on making a choice to have an angel posses Sam - I actually think I would like to see Sam being genuinely hurt that his brother could make that decision on his behalf. So often Dean has been hurt by Sam's decisions (stanford etc) so it would be interesting to see what happens when Sam feels betrayed by Dean. But they have grown up and they also know the lengths that each other will go for them. There has to be some understanding on that level.

Next week will be very telling - being the last ep for a while…*meep*

[antrazi.livejournal.com]

Firsts, insanely happy that Jody is still alive \o/

There were a few things that could have been done better (SnD wrote on the purity pledge their real name? Really?) but I enjoyed the episode.

Great that Jody got to kick ass and got her research on with Sam. With Dean being the person more inclined to mesh with other people it's great Sam has somebody as well, even if it comes from her desire to mother him.
And finally Dean is back in the saddle, so to speak. It's one of the things that make him most happy and his life is shitty enough. I also smiled at his fanboy moment when he talked with Suzy about her former work. I also admit to wondering what exactly she did with the tacos...

The Sam - Dean - Zeke scene: Phew! We all knew from the start this would not end well, it never does in this show. The idea that we have a hellatus after the mid season finale is torture. The only thing we know for sure is that Zeke didn't lie when he said that Sam can't currently survive on his own. If his condition was that bad or Zeke didn't do anything or actually destroyed him further is another question, but that point is true.



I want to just mention something here about the concern some have that Dean doesn't have a story line this season (and previous seasons). I know many don't consider Dean having a storyline if it's about Sam. As in, if Dean's story line is connected to Sam it somehow isn't really a storyline.

Dean gets the supportive role but that still is a story line, just not a really plotty one. And simple fact is that his story line is always connected with Sam's - that is what the whole show is about after all.
Do I want him to have a Dean-centric arch that isn't only emoting on screen, even if he is great at it? Yes, absolutely. Bring it on, Show.
Personally I would prefer NOT to have a possessed!Dean story line or changing him into anything not human.
The simple reason for that is that Dean was always more or less our POV and in everything that happened, he stayed human and to a certain point represented humanity. Sam was "other" from the start with his visions. Like Dean said in "Heaven Can't Wait" to Cas, he never had powers. At least I prefer it that way

[ash48.livejournal.com]

(SnD wrote on the purity pledge their real name? Really?)

Yeah. Seemed like a strange move. Maybe (secretly) they both really wanted to take the purity pledge. Though…nah…

It is really great that they have given Sam someone to connect with. It seems natural to me that Sam would connect with people though (especially someone like Cas even…), but they seem to like him isolated. Maybe that's part of his character arc.

he stayed human and to a certain point represented humanity. Sam was "other" from the start with his visions.

Yes. It's been interesting to see this being played out over and over. I would like to see Dean (or rather Jensen) be given so meatier moments. I think Jensen is best when he's really challenged (like in The End) - I am hoping we'll see in some emotionally challenging moments as I think he'll nail it. We SHOULD do as I think the Zeke thing will bring a lot of angst.

The hellatus WILL KILL US!

[altruisticinteg.livejournal.com]

I also LOVE that the conflict that Dean is going through IS connected to Sam because such a major part of his character IS Sam. We've seen, time and time again, the decision he's made because of Sam, so it's nice to really see that being fleshed out this season... Thank you!! ♥♥♥♥


Sam and Zeke thing - We have seen a lot of angelic vessels be destroyed because the human body hasn’t been able to contain the whole power that is an angel. It is interesting that this ep, it brings into question Sam’s ability to sustain Zeke in his body. Obviously, Sam was meant to be Lucifer (a fallen angel)’s vessel but it makes me wonder if there is only one angel that is committed to one vessel. Also, Sam was pretty bad off in the premiere but last night I got the sense that he was a lot worse than before.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

I don't get the sense that there's only one vessel for one ange (though we've not been given a lot of info on this so it's hard to say). I think there are stronger vessels then others and Sam is probably one of the best (along with Jimmy I'd say). I am really curious to see if they are going to play that angle - Zeke chose Sam because of his ability to hold him. But also…maybe it's also destroying him rather than fixing him as Zeke claimed…?

Also, Sam was pretty bad off in the premiere but last night I got the sense that he was a lot worse than before.

I really hope this is part of the plot and not convenience on their part. He needed to be seen as sick for this episode so he was, and yet earlier on he seemed to be well. He might be getting worse because and angel is inside him. Ack! Can't wait to find out.
xx

[hugemind.livejournal.com]

Hee, I was watching the ep exactly the way the writers wanted (i.e. focusing on the delicious things ;), so I didn't have to do much handwaving while watching. Although Dean not treating the A.P.U. people all as suspects and not answering when Sam called weren't smart things.

They've already established they can use GPS so I'm surprised they didn't go that route.

A GPS device needs a clear line of sight to at least 3 or 4 of the GPS satellites to work. If Sam put together the "--ground" in Dean's garbled call and the bad signal of it, he might have figure it's useless to try the GPS.

As with this time last year I don't want to find out that it all really means nothing (sorry Amelia). I am hoping for some damn juicy drama to come out of this.

The payoff here can't be worse than last year and at least this time the road here has been better than with the Amelia storyline (which was just painful at times), so the whole thing can't be worse than last year. Think positively, y'know? ;) But I also have a feeling that this will be a juicy reveal (story-wise - emotionally I'll probably be a wreck). I'm entertaining a theory that Zeke is actually Metatron, but whoever Zeke is, he spells trouble.

[percysowner.livejournal.com]

I did understand why the GPS didn't work. I did wonder why Dean didn't try texting. I have horrible signal in my apartment and I can usually get a text through eventually when voice service keeps cutting out.

[alienat.livejournal.com]

I don't know about this episode, while the brotherly moments were awesome and Jodie is always a win, I wasn't feeling the case. Soooo boring. I felt so awkward when Dean talked about why he quit sex. But Dean/Jensen was hot when he picked up the girl. Holy shit. *fans self* So for me this was mostly about the eye candy. ;D I'm with you on the 'I like Dean this season'. Zeke scares me a little. I'm not sure of his agenda. And I'm a little baffled that Sam's all of a sudden feeling not so good, I mean the last episode he was always saying he was fine. Weird. I do hope there is a reason and not that someone of TPTB screwed that up in the script. Looking forward to next week.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

I was actually feeling pretty tense throughout the ep so I wasn't bored. I mean, I spend most of the time waiting for both of the boys being on the screen but I wasn't fast forwarding. ;)

I felt so awkward when Dean talked about why he quit sex

ha. I've listen to that section of dialogue SO many times (due to the last vid and a new wincest version I am currently making ) that I was a bit detached from it when it finally aired. Though damn…Jensen's voice…

I am very excited to see how this will all play out (and very scared too!).

[bluestar1820.livejournal.com]

I liked the episode for it's comedic value, but the one thing that really bugged me was that, while we can guess at the reasons why Suzy would have sex with Dean, we never get any real justification, especially when she has taken a purity pledge. As well, the placement of it in the episode I felt was really awkward, with it being in between the Jody/Sam scenes (which were awesome) I kind of felt like it should be it's own thing with the Jody/Sam stuff either before or after it. (I vote before because it would add that classic 'we know something bad is about to happen to them but they are blissfully unaware' value to it).
Still, I very much agree that it did have it's funny moments to it and I'm really getting worried about what Zeke is going to do and after the promo, I'm worried about everyone (mostly Cas and Kevin because they are the two most likely to be killed off and they are my babies).

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hi,

It's kinda weird - in that I didn't find the ep particularly funny (though the cookie line made me LOL!). I was interested in it, but I didn't see it as an episode for purely laugh values (like the dog ep). Though I think it was designed as a mostly fill in ep.

Many felt the stuff with Suzy was awkward (there were some moments I felt were awkward too) - I think the writing was a little clunky in those scenes. Plus Suzy wasn't given enough reasons for her actions.

I'm worried about everyone (mostly Cas and Kevin because they are the two most likely to be killed off and they are my babies).

Well, I don't think there is ANY fear that Cas will be killed off. I have no idea how they plan to keep him on, but I can't see them getting rid of him any time soon. Not sure about Kevin mind you. I think he's one they might kill off for the angst it will create.

I think the next ep will be very telling! I can't wait. :)

[quickreaver.livejournal.com]

I think we really spoil ourselves in fandom. We have such a collection of smart, thinky, contemplative folks that anything the show's writers do seems to pale by comparison. I have to admit, though, Show has gotten dumber -- more typical, hokey CW fare than when it began. It's starting to smack of 'Charmed', God help it. Contrived episodes, far-fetched plot arcs, saved only by the history we have of the characters and how the actors soar when given those tiny moments of nuance that just rip our hearts to shreds. Man, do I wish they'd sit all the writers down and force them to do a binge rewatch from the beginning. Remind them what used to be the hallmark successes of the series. Go back, reinvent.

But on to your review!

To echo you: JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY JODY

I want her as a regular SO HARD. This episode sealed her as my favorite female character, up there with the Harvelles.

DEAN

Yeah, I get that Dean doesn't get to navigate all the mytharc-y stuff, but he truly is the heart of the show. He's the one we get to know, the Big Damned Hero. The one who's viewpoint really washes over evvvverything. He's the classic rock soundtrack, the big black car, the smell of leather and gunoil and Old Spice. He is the show, personified.

All that being said, I wouldn't mind the occasional episode where this gets flipped around, where the show looks more like Sam's headspace (indie rock, outsider-ish, a mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a puzzle, which we haven't really seen since Mystery Spot, have we?) and Dean gets to be the one wrestling with some personal supernatural infestation that requires another person--his brother--to keep him human. Almost happened when Dean got vamped but then, well, Sam was missing his soul. Kinda busted that opportunity.

Anywho, I wasn't nearly as off-put by the Suzy scene as most, but nor did I totally buy into it. It just happened too quickly--I would've liked for Suzy to have had more thoughtfulness and show how she arrived at her decisions--and Dean sure as hell wouldn't have taken time to get his rocks off in the middle of a hunt like that. But to me, this felt more like the constraints put on TV show writing than deliberate shitty writing. The pacing was pretty good, the dialogue (with a few small exceptions) felt authentic, so okay, hand-wave and done.

And I dunno, but I thought Suzy and Dean looked pretty hot together. Just on a purely superficial, eye-candy level. /shallow me

SAM

Thank God. A character Sam seems to really relate to, besides Dean: JODY. (Though I do think Kevin and Sam are finally starting to warm up to each other, as research buddies.) Sam lets so few people in, for understandable reasons ... especially if he still thinks of himself as damaged and dangerous and 'wrong'. Which clearly, he does. And that's so much a part of him, I don't think it'll ever leave his psyche.

And Sam in that forest green shirt. MORE PLEASE. (Or less, if Wardrobe is so inclined. Ahem.) /shallow me, again.

ZEKE

Man, I hope the Zeke plot is as Machiavellian as it could be. Not holding my breath, though. That ending scene and next week's preview made this whole episode for me. Not gonna lie.

tl;dr ... sorry!

[cassiopeia7.livejournal.com]

It's starting to smack of 'Charmed', God help it.

BITE. YOUR. TONGUE.

He's the classic rock soundtrack, the big black car, the smell of leather and gunoil and Old Spice. He is the show, personified.

OMG, this is beautiful, just a gorgeous description of Dean's essence. Why do you not write episode reviews, woman? ;)

Man, do I wish they'd sit all the writers down and force them to do a binge rewatch from the beginning. Remind them what used to be the hallmark successes of the series. Go back, reinvent.

This, times a metric bazillion. It really does seem like the writers have never experienced the "true" Sam and Dean, the monster-hunting brothers from the first three seasons. The current crop of writers simply don't KNOW what made SPN so good, so they're unable to replicate the feeling. :(

[jessm78.livejournal.com]

JODY!!!!! Love her :D And SO glad she didn't die!

I thought that first aid kit was a little too convenient too.

I'm pretty nervous and worried about the whole Zeke reveal. It seems to me that Zeke is just inside Sam to heal himself and isn't returning the favor. It scares me to think that Zeke has kept him ill purposely. We definitely can't trust him. I'm with you, I really want it to make sense and I don't want to see the brothers at complete odds for the rest of this season. So much stuff is headed our way, it seems. I hope we'll be prepared for it!

[ash48.livejournal.com]

I would be seriously pissed if they killed off Jody! And I am also glad Dean didn't have to call on Zeke to cure her. Or that Zeke just appeared in order to do so. I loved that Jody was able to save the day. I also loved that we got more info on the state Sam. He really isn't well (hee..yay!), so there's definitely something going on….

da da daaaaaa….

Bring on the next ep!

[sam-dean-lover.livejournal.com]

i am speechless. i am also scared, worried, and did i mention speechless? all hell is gonna break loose.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

It's gonna be pretty angsty me thinks… *meep*

[casey28.livejournal.com]

Yay for the awesome broments, and I was thrilled to see Jody again!

And yeah, something being wrong with Sam pleases my inner hurt!Sam gal. I can't help it. ;)

I feel the same way! I love the "something is wrong with Sam" storyline.

if he's being held together with "duct tape", then I'd say he hasn't healed much further than day one. Though he was out jogging early in the season - so does that mean Zeke has kept him ill? Deliberately?

I think that Sam was out jogging early in the season and feeling great, because of Zeke's grace.

Zeke was weakened when he used his powers, and that's why Sam is weaker. Also, back in S8, Cas said that Sam was damaged in ways that even he couldn't heal. So, it isn't an easy thing, to heal poor Sammy.

Have you read the latest spoilers about Zeke?

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Zeke was weakened when he used his powers, and that's why Sam is weaker

Ah yeah, that could be true. I did think Zeke would have done a lot more healing by now. Maybe it's beyond him…or that was never his intention… or there's more wrong with Sam than we first imagined.

and NO I haven't heard the latest spoilers. Ack!? Should I know? Would it put my mind at rest? I've been trying to stay unspoiled but I am also keen to know stuff. Maybe after the next ep...

(the spoiler I really want to know is what they plan to do with Cas for the 2nd half. In all honesty he's the only character I worry about - in terms of how much we are going to see of him and what part he'll play in Dean (and Sam's) story line).