9.09 ep reaction/review

[ash48]

Thank you Show! You did not let me down.:D That was an epic mid season ender. Answered a HEAP of questions, gave us some (mostly) great moments and left us wondering…what next?!

I was worried that Ross-Leming and Buckner couldn't deliver the mid-season ender so I was mostly relieved that it gave me a lot more than I expected. Sure, it lacked fineness (but I am past expecting that), but it hit a lot of what I needed going into the hiatus. Mostly answers.

Stuff:

Did any one else yell out "single perfect tear" at the end?! Oh man, I know it was a sad moment (and I did feel a pang of sadness) but I was hanging out for the Single Perfect Tear and I wasn't let down! I actual said out loud "there it is!". Kudos to Jensen though because I really felt the depth of his utter realisation of how much Dean FUCKED UP! But maybe I should have been bawling my eyes out? Have I been watching this show too long?

I gotta say Kevin's death came as absolutely no surprise to me (hey! It's Supernatural!). To be honest, a lot of that stems from feeling that he has worn out his usefulness (in terms of his character). I thought the episode did him justice though. He was a used and a rather abused character and his death empathised that. Sad, but I have to admit I'm not going to be mourning his lost that much (*yikes* sorry). I love Osric (such a passionate supporter of the show and seems like a genuinely lovely person), but Kevin's storyline ran out a little while ago so him dying was totally on the cards (and set up from the beginning of the season). Also - we'll no doubt see him again in some form ;D.

Jared must be suffering whiplash after that ep. Great transitions between his characters. Really loved the work he was doing. Initially Gadriel (Gadreel?) came across as somewhat sympathetic (I think it was Jared's puppy eyes) but then noooooooo……..oh so evil…..(with perhaps the potential to redeem himself maybe?). (The card on the body was a bit cheesy mind…)

The angel war is rather ho hum to me - but I wasn't exactly bored by it. I think it was kinda epic enough to move past my "oh, just get on with it". I recognised a bigger pictured needed to be told, even though I really don't care that much about it. Two sides equally awful? Hmmm….

But WHY are angels such dicks? I wonder if they'll ever address that? Maybe too much paradise is bad for you. Or something.

I was going to rant about Sam not saying more about "missing time" when he got back from the long beer run, but by then Gadriel was well and truly in charge so yeah - I LIKED! (in hindsight)

I LOVED Dean's confession to Sam and then I HATED that Sam didn't actually hear any of it! (though I suppose we'll find out how much Sam is aware in future episodes).

I LOVED that not!Sam (Gad!Sam? Samdriel?) mentioned "choice". Even though it wasn't actually Sam I love that the whole issue was addressed and that it suggests that Gadriel knew Sam VERY WELL, so he knew how to be Sam.

Once again I'm all over the place with Cas. Seeing them all together again was actually nice (and boy do I CRAVE Sam and Cas interactions…we never get much of that. What we did get in this episode was so warm and genuine. I liked it a lot. Dean and Cas on the other hand is always just so damn murky. That "profound bond" sure adds a weird layer to everything. Seriously, remove the destiel stuff (and I don't mean that in any way other than trying to look at these two without that added layer) and what goes on with these two? There's equal levels of awkwardness and fondness. It actually confuses me. But then, I think the way they are writing Dean this season is a little confusing. It's almost like the Sam of last season. The first half of last season set Sam up to be the "wrong" one because he didn't look for Dean. This time it's Dean's turn maybe? Perhaps Dean is all over the place because of him decision to let an angel possess Sam without his consent….or something. I don't know.

I do know that I'm still really REALLY invested (damn you Show!). I like the tangled web of messiness. There's a sense of epicness that I'm appreciating but the nature of humanness and being flawed is shining through.

I like that as much as it isn't the show it used to be it's still so very (very!) much the show it used to be (and yep, I'm going to be posting about this at a later date…).

Summing up in brief:

Metatron is beyond slimy and how anyone trusts him is beyond me.
Cas without the trench coat makes me happy.
Cas has another angel's grace… O_o (back to instant problem solving?)
Cas working an angle to get out of danger = clever. Thank you.
Cas torture made me uncomfortable (looks like I can only tolerate Sam and Dean being tortured. what the…?)
Dean's bossy when Sam is in danger
Dean's just plain bossy
Kevin's dead (for which he might actually be thankful for- but what was that about Kevin's mom then?)
Sam is screwed
Dean is screwed
Cas is… ? God knows! (maybe he actually does?)
Gadriel is curious. I'm looking forward to knowing more.
Malachi has potential - but will probably die before we know more
A lot of vessels died :(
Religious institutions are taking a hammering lately
Faith seems to be respected - "institutions" not so much. I'm ok with that.
Not a lot of SamnDean, but it's all about SamnDean so I'm ok with that (and we've had a LOT of SamnDean and I knew we were heading here so that's ok).
No demons? Probably saving for later.
Gadriel has been imprisoned and so has Sam. Nice.
Sam is, once again, not in control of his body. Not so nice, but could be interesting!
"Sam" killed Kevin. He didn't but man, how Sam survives this is beyond me.
WE STILL HAVE THE FALL OUT FROM SAM FINDING OUT! (I WANT THIS SCENE FOR REALS NOW!!!)
What's gonna happen next?!?! *FLAILS* Still so much potential. (I have to say I had a moment when I thought Sam had actually made the choice to embrace the angel within. That would have screwed with my head I have to say- probably in a good way! Or bad -I DON'T KNOW!)

So yeah. I liked it. I enjoyed watching - which counts a lot for how I react to an ep. I figure there's a bigger discussion about how we are doing this far into the season but I can't gather my thoughts about it right now. Or what it means for Sam to be possessed by something he doesn't know about. What I do know is that I am in a much better place than I was this time last year. :)

Comments

[d0llface-h00ker.livejournal.com]

I found it amusing that when I looked up 'Gadriel' on wiki what popped up was 'Azazel' (= YED) which is all levels of interesting. So when I looked up 'Gadreel'? It also mentions 'Azazel' WTF. Have we looped all the way back around to the beginning seasons except Gedreel (Azazel) REALLY has his hooks in Sam? Demon Angels will be the new new bad guys?

[borgmama1of5.livejournal.com]

Nice to see you found the ep rewarding.

I'm just devastated about Kevin, though my firend says (probably correctly) that I'm confusing my affection for Osric and his character.

Will we ever get the boys back as a team?

[cassiopeia7.livejournal.com]

I was TERRIFIED when I found out who the writers were. Such a pleasant surprise. And yup, agreed with everything you said. (So many questions about Gadriel/Gadreel and his possible connection to Lucifer, soooo many. And was it just me, or did he look almost remorseful when he looked at Dean after saying he'd done what he had to do? So many layers to this character -- and Jared knocked 'em all out of the park.)

Not a lot of SamnDean, but it's all about SamnDean so I'm ok with that

Agreed. I was about to get all snarky about that, then realized that pretty much everything that happened was about them.

Also? By the time the angels are done rumbling, Earth won't need to worry about overpopulation anymore. ;)

That final scene. OMG, Deeeeeeean! *cries*

[strive2bhappy.livejournal.com]

when gadriel said "there is no more sam, but i played him convincingly i thought" he meant just in the warded room, right? he wasn't talking since the hospital in the beginning of the season, right?

ASH!!! RIGHT??!?!?!?!??!?!?!?

*flails and quivers and waits for your confirmation*

[bluestar1820.livejournal.com]

I actually really think the whole Gadriel thing is going to going to end up a redemption arc, which I am kind of okay with. I am kind of sick that we very rarely see angels on Sam and Dean side. I always sit there and go 'really another evil angel?' I am still crying over Kevin's death though. I really loved the character, though I will admit you are kind of right in saying that his character had been played out. I just wish they had thought of another way to write him off, like they did with Charlie.

[jessm78.livejournal.com]

Did any one else yell out "single perfect tear" at the end?!

OMG I did!!! Jensen really nailed it.

Yeah, Kevin's death wasn't exactly a surprise to me; it just seemed like there wasn't much more for him to do.

I am so, so glad I am not the only one who finds the angel war "ho hum."

I noticed religious institutions taking a hammering lately too. As someone who is somewhat religious (don't kill me! lol) I just don't take it seriously or think "omg it's the writers/cast trying to inflict their views on us/teach us a serious point"! I just separate myself from it and realize it's just a tv show. I don't take it seriously. And like I said, the whole angel war thing being pretty ho hum to me kinda helps.

The fallout from Sam finding out is gonna be huge, I think. I'm nervous about what's going to happen. I predict he'll walk away. Probably not long term, but maybe something like we saw in early season 5. I'm going to make myself crazy guessing what will actually happen, so that's about it for me lol. They really left us on a big cliffhanger here!

[tebtosca.livejournal.com]

It's Gadreel, not Gadriel. Gadreel was basically one of Lucifer's generals during the rebellion, and was thought to actually be the serpent in the Garden of Eden. Also, he was the one that introduced the weapons of war to mankind.

Of course, right now they aren't using any of that potential and are playing it like he was just some dumb guard who accidentally let Lucifer into the Garden, instead of being the serpent himself. We can always count on SPN for wasted story potential!

reply

[phx69.livejournal.com]

That does pretty much sum things up. it was nice to see Cas take care of himself and get grace back. He should be kick-ass and not a bumbling victim all the time so I did enjoy that. And I feel he is going to be needed as Dean goes to war against the angels to get Sam back. I do not believe that Sam is "gone" and perhaps Cas will have more insight into that. I won't miss Kevin. I thought the whole prophet thing was cheesy and this just means that another prophet will be called.

Gladreil wants to redeem himself. I find that interesting then as his mission is to kill one of God's children. Are there no good angels? I do find that a bit tiresome. The angels are continually shown like the mafia and exactly demon-like. That is wearing for me and probably while I do not enjoy angel episodes. I want my Clarence, G-damnit! LOL!!!!

So much fallout to come... Jensen was right when he said in an interview that of course everything blows up in Dean's face and he will have to deal with the fallout.

And Sam, oh, Sammy... another possession. I would have honestly thought, by now, that the show would consider that a very well done plot line. Jared knocked it out of the park playing both sides but I kind of feel that we are back to a soulless Sam scenario and I am not sure what to think about that. So I am not going to think about it too much and I am going to happily wait until next season.

I enjoyed the episode and that is all I can ask. But after 8 years of watching, Dean's tear - while well played - didn't affect me like it used it. I wondered though who the tear was for: Kevin? Sam? or himself?

Good episode.

[growyourwings.livejournal.com]

I'm going to have to come back later to comment. Because I'm still kinda recovering from last night. The first half of the episode I was thinking this was a rather ho-hum mid-season cliffhanger (mostly because Cas+angel wars aren't that overall interesting to me.) Then the Gadreel reveal (which perked me up a bit and I was not expecting.) Metatron being sleezy both repulsed me and had twinges of angel-stuff-not-that-interesting-but-yet-it-is (so I was confused in my reactions). Then the last 10-15 minutes happened. I *was* surprised/floored by Kevin's death. I was not expecting it at all. I had assumed it was Cas's name on that piece of paper (which, ... yawn...again).

And for someone who started out not *getting* all the yeah!Kevin/Osric stuff that went on when Kevin's character was first introduced, I found myself *very* upset by Kevin's death. And I was sure that Cas's returned Grace (more on this in a moment) would mean an insta-cure for Kevin. Then I read Osric's twitter post (just now I wrote "Kevin's twitter post" which shows for me it's likely OSRIC that has impacted me.) And I'm just in denial. I agree with what you say here that Kevin's character was kinda an appendage that perhaps had worn out it's welcome (is that a mixed metaphor?) But I was still so devastated.

And now that I think on it. I think I was devastated because DEAN was devastated - Dean is just so very devastated. I'm sure he (and me) thought he had lost so much in his life that he couldn't possibly be impacted at his core again. But yet, there he is. Again. And that OPT - just killed me.

And when Cas stole that other angel's Grace I actually yelled out loud, "WTF?! Can he DO that?!" My daughter, who was in the room, looked at me very strangely (lol). I hadn't much thought about it after the Sam/Gadreel/Kevin stuff. But what you speculate here makes sense.

Well I guess I won't have to come back after all. Glad I got that out. I don't think I've been this impacted by a mid-season cliffhanger ep in a while. Show did it's job well I guess.

[growyourwings.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think I'm also confusing Kevin with Osric. Especially after seeing Osric for the first time at Burcon. I now *get* all the "Osric is amazing" stuff. And while Kevin went from I-don't-get-why-everyone-loves-him for me to oh-it's-Kevin-again-ok. OSRIC went to yeah!Osric.

So yeah, I think my reaction has more to do with Osric then Kevin. In fact as I was typing my comment here to Ash I found myself interchanging Osric/Kevin's names all the time.

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

I kind of didn't enjoy watching this one very much - and I've been trying to pinpoint why. I think it's because I really don't care about the angel war and angel politics other than where it impacts on the boys, and it wasn't until Metatron turned up that it started to impact. I also found too much of a disconnect between Sam and Dean which I know was partially intentional as it was setting up the Gadriel take over but still...I felt they were kind of disengaged (which of course might have been because I was kind of disengaged). All of my investment in this one was packed into the end, and then they went and killed off poor old Kevin. Sigh.

I'm actually more interested in the what happens next than in what happened in the episode.

Especially ""Sam" killed Kevin. He didn't but man, how Sam survives this is beyond me." and of course, Dean failed to prevent it happening and in many ways set it up, so will inevitably blame himself.

The potential fallout is definitely awesome.

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Apparently it can be either spelling, but one of the SPN team tweeted it was Gadreel. Interestingly Gadreel also introduced sex to humans and procreated with them! According to one reference I found... LOL

[tebtosca.livejournal.com]

There is another angel named Gadriel, which is different than the one they are using in the show (i.e. referencing the Garden, etc)

[alienat.livejournal.com]

Since when I found out who was writing the mid-season finale I kept my expectations low. Good thing I did. It wasn't their worst episode by far, but it really didn't flash me - not after watching the mid-season finale of The Walking Dead and having my heart ripped out and stopped on.

So yeah, I'm not happy. Best thing about this whole episode was the last lets say ten minutes. Everything else was just meh for me. I couldn't honestly care less about the angel war or Cas or whatever.

Kevin's death didn't shock me, but I guess if you say that his character has long lost his purpose - I just feel bitter that they're still keeping Cas on while killing Kevin off, even if rightfully so.

Right now I'm afraid to turn on when they come back in January, because I don't think I'll like where the story is going. I'll be so pissed if Gadreel will keep possessing Sam for long.

We had so many great episodes this season. Episodes with Sam and Dean being back together and which felt a lot like season 1/2 episodes. If they go back to screwing it up now and give us such a disappointing half, like the first half of season 8, I'm gonna throw a fit. ;)

Best thing about this is Jared's acting. And Jensen's of course too. Single tear was amazing as always. Kudos to both of them.

Sorry for the rant, hon. :D I hope you can forgive me. :)

[greyowl88.livejournal.com]

I watched the ep just now... I'm still in shock... *doesn't have an appropriate icon*

*reads your post*

Did any one else yell out "single perfect tear" at the end?!

I wasn't shouting anything (too busy sitting stunned with my mouth hanging open) but I registered and apprechiated that tear, too. Made my heart break for Dean. *sniff*

Kevin.. I had gotten so used to him being around and liked him so much, when that angel started killing him I was all: Oh no! That can't be! And still hoped that Dean would make it in time to save him. (Naive.. I know.. lol)

But WHY are angels such dicks?...Maybe too much paradise is bad for you.

Hahaha! *hugs you laughing* ;D

Cas has another angel's grace… O_o (back to instant problem solving?)

Not nescessarily. The grace isn't his. Could create unexpected problems. (I hope. :D)

No demons? Probably saving for later.

They are waiting for the angels to kill each other before they show up again. lol ;)

Gadreel said there is no more Sam and apparently he has been supressing and playing Sam since he found out that Dean was doing this spell thing on the wall. (Or since he talked to Mete?) Gadreel smudged it. He showed his dirty fingers. So the spell didn't work or worked in his favour. Did I get that right? Does that mean Sam is actually dead? Or supressed "only"?

I WANT THE NEXT EP NOW !!!! O_O

I'm so glad you enjoyed this ep, too! ^_^ *hugs*

xx

[counteragent.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think they just meant the warded room. Although it was nice that it was ambiguous.

[counteragent.livejournal.com]

I think that it is going to be a redemption arc, too, which I actually dislike because it means that the effect of Sam's suffering will be lessened because look the angel was good, you guys.

But I will wait to see how they play it. It could be interesting.

Like you, I think it's weird that every angel is a dick, heh.

[strive2bhappy.livejournal.com]

okay, i shall cling to your words. :)

[counteragent.livejournal.com]

Too bad they'll waste THAT storyline *waggles eyebrows*

[cordelia-gray.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you can always find things to like about every episode! You are such a lovely, sunny presence :)

(I will keep my seething quietly to myself.)

[spnmonster.livejournal.com]

I'm not so sure though. Gadreel is a pretty expert liar. He's been playing Dean since day one, so he may just be lying about his role in the Garden. Now that he isn't having to hide behind Sam, his real personality may begin to creep out?

And yeah, CC had it as Gadreel too.

[callistosh65.livejournal.com]

I ditto passionatley just about everything you say here. Dean is all over the map a bit this season, and I know what you mean about Destiel. Take it out and really, what are they anymore? Though I did enjoy the bar scene with the 3 of them. Like that, I get a kick out of Castiel. But when it's just him, I'm afraid I fidget. And the angels as prissy, buttoned-up dicks is waaaaaaay old now.

Kevin had finally wormed his way in to my heart and he's gone - for now, at least. I agree, though, storywise he'd served his purpose and the timing of his exit is a good one ( Ahem, Glares at Castiel..).

But Sam and Zeke, and false reveals ( or not?) had me all verklempt and invested and looking at the calendar to see when they're back.

So onwards and upwards we go! True, a MUCH better place than this time last year. (::remembers Amelia and shudders::)

[counteragent.livejournal.com]

Oh, I was just making a joke about the sexytimes, heh.

But your comment fills me with hope that they won't play this as a redemption arc for Zeke, who I do not care about as a character per se.

[sam-dean-lover.livejournal.com]

it was okay, i thought, man that hurt the ep at the end there yes i liked it, it was acceptable for me

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hi…yes yes yes…He only meant from the warded room. Though I think it was when he returned with the beers. It rang utterly false that Sam wouldn't have said something like "I don't know why it took so long".

And there's NO WAY I can accept we haven't seen Sam all season. I mean, we haven't exactly seen a lot of Sam anyway, but what we did see what definitely him.