10.05 reaction/review

[ash48]

This got long! (sorry, not sorry..*g*)



I will be the first to admit I went into this episode with MUCH trepidation. Maybe I am a "bad fan" for doubting they could pull something like this off, but history (:cough: Becky) left me feeling very nervous. Perhaps there are some that feel they didn't pull it off - but I'm not one of them. I'M THRILLED TO SAY!!

Strangely, it was the sneak peeks and 200th episode interviews that had me worried. I saw a high school cast singing about Mary's death, baby Sammy being chosen and "Bobby" saying "idjit" and it made me cringe. The cast talking about how important the show is to fans made me want to RUN A MILE! But, it seems that I was hasty in my concern (though, I feel it was kind of understandable).

I thought instead of listing all the things I loved (and actually, accept for two teeny tiny nit picks there was nothing I didn't love) I would instead look at why that worked so well. Why Robbie Thompson did the unthinkable and successfully created a so called "love letter" to fandom.

On paper it shouldn't work. Trying to address the issues fans have with the show whilst being respectful to them is a hard ask. Having beloved characters sing, having young girls portray said beloved characters AND acknowledge the various factions within fandom seems like something that no writer (or show!) in would want to touch with a ten foot pole.

But it's testament to the Show that it celebrated its 200 episodes with such an episode.

Ten reasons why Fan Fiction worked:

1. After 10 years and 200 episodes our show has EARNED the right to create an episode like this. I remember when Hollywood Babylon aired back in season 2, I saw a comment that said something like "the show is referencing itself and the actors and it hasn't earned that right yet". That may or may not have been true, but it's something that stuck with me. Even before I knew what I'd think about this episode, I did think - after 200 episodes it has earned the right to do what the hell it likes. The fact that it was done so carefully and successfully was an added bonus.

2. The casting. This would not have worked if they had screwed up the casting of the girls in the episode. They managed to bring the right level of humour and pathos to their roles. They brought that certain "something" that (unfortunately) the girl that played Kate in last weeks episode was lacking. I thought all the girls did an excellent job (credit to the director also for that).

3. "It's your interpretation". Ok, it might sound like they are stating the bleeding obvious, but there are times when I think we need to hear that (well, I know I do). What I like most about the way this theme handled is that it never preached "this is the way we are writing the show so shut up!". It was - "this is the way we are writing the show because we are the creators, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy your interpretation of it - be that you see wincest or destiel or you prefer Sam or Dean or Cas or you think, well, anything - it's only an interpretation and it's OK. And even though we don't need permission to write fan fiction or create art, it somewhat did that. Perhaps "permission" isn't the right word. But it definitely acknowledged how comfortable they are with it. And how much they appreciate it. The passion, creativity and dedication was acknowledged. I never once got the feeling they put themselves above us. It was in this way it was a real acknowledgement to the fans - and not a condescension, which I feared it might be.

4. The writing and directing. These were both skilfully handled. Again, this could have fallen flat on its face without the right directing touch. Phil Scgirria directed it and I his obvious control over it really shone. He allowed the humour in without letting it go overboard. He caught the reaction shots without allowing the pace to slow down. He gave each character special camera moments that helped us connect to the characters. The writing also blew me away I have to say. I've always liked Robbie Thompson episodes (Slash Fiction being one of my faves), but he knocked it out of the park with this one. The MoTW was the least of what was going on but it was there to anchor the "love letter" and was superfluous enough not to add too much angst or weight. There were no deaths - aside from the actual monster of the week. The fact that the MoTW was a "muse" was most appropriate. But it was the way he wove the fan acknowledgement, the loose ends and brother love that really made this skilful.

5. Fucking amulet. I mean…WHAT THE FUCK?!?! They did that? They gave us the amulet fix for the 200th episode?! I think I tweeted once that if we get car washing or the amulet nothing else would matter. We almost got car washing (naked mechanic!Dean \o/) and then naked sleepy!Sam!! (ok, not exactly naked but single layer! May as well have been!). But they gave us the amulet and I fucking cried! I hate you show for doing that to me. I mean, I love you but….STOP THAT! I'm TRYING not to care any more. What I ADORE about this amulet fix is that it was so damn simple. And it was so beautifully perfect. (Hee - you can ask redteekal (who I watched this with) I spent most of the ep going "no!, no! they're not doing that". What? No!" (Meaning of course "omg yes!" and "I can't believe they're doing that!"). We got amulet fix!!!

6. The love. Ok, I know that sounds cheesy and sentimental, but the love oozed out of this episode and it reminded me about why I fell in love with this show in the first place. I had pictured them maybe "mocking" that aspect of what we love about the show - but instead almost every aspect of it was about the love. The love of creators, writers, performers and viewers. The love of the story, the genre, the characters, the music, the props, the road, the motels and even the 'ships. The love WE feel for all of this and the love THEY feel for all of this. Within all of that we had a chance to celebrate Sam and Dean's love and it felt so nice that they didn't shy away from it at all. It felt like all fans were included and without a sense of mocking or disgust. It was a fun look and full of love.

7. Dean. After writing how much I've been missing Dean recent he was back in all his wonderfulness. Those soft eyes that look on others with fondness and an attempt to understand. His desire to "save" and look on others with an open mind. Plus his reactions were PRICELESS. Jensen chewed those up - possibly because he was genuinely feeling "what the fuck" most of the time. ;) I'm sure he was as worried about this episode as some of us were (apparently he actually was). It was a gamble, that's for sure. But he committed himself and, even though this episode was a mile away from his recent demonhood, I never got the feeling he'd completely forgotten him. Sam and Dean will always have a layer of heaviness about them - that hadn't "suddenly" disappeared because it was a meta episode. They remained in character and the strength of that helped make this episode work. Dean demonstrated his caring leadership and ability to stop and listen.

8. Sam. Oh god. The sam!girl is me was in my happy place I gotta tell ya. I felt that special little shout out was there just for me. If Sam and Dean were real, they wouldn't back down from a fight, especially my sweet, brave, selfless Sam. There's nothing he can't do. I squeed out loud and my heart melted. They put "selfless" and "Sam" in the same sentence. Robbie wins ALL the awards, just for that. :D I love the way this episode worked to give us some of Sam's story (his need for Dean to understand just how much he loves him) and allow "character Sam" to control the story. The fact that the director became Sam felt extra special to me (it may be stretching it too far, but "Sam" being in control and making choices AND killing the Monster (both Sams!) was wonderful).

9. That bloody rendition of "Carry on My Wayward Son"! For god's sake! How is a girl supposed to maintain her dignity!?! Fucking tears I tell you! That moment really just "got" to me. I was suddenly overwhelmed with just how much I have loved and how much still I love this show. Ok, so it was manipulative- but I like being manipulated like that! I thought seeing the road backdrop, the fake car and everything on stage like that would somehow cheapen the Winchesters story, but instead it reinforced how much that story means to me. No idea how they managed that, but boy, it worked.

10. And then all the rest:
- the stressed out drama teacher on her phone
- a tentacle type monster
- robots and aliens in the second half!
- that motel room! LOVES IT!!
- that stupid fake amulet of brolove now hanging in the car (ack! Wil that be gone next ep and now we all start wondering WHAT HAPPENED TO THE FAKE AMULET!? Fake!amulet fix-its will be needed)
- Cas! Oh I loved this girl! She captured Cas perfectly. And that song!!!
- Sam's "manly tear song" (DAMMIT! I actually even liked the songs! OH DEAN!!!!
- The guy with the plastic poncho! \o/
- Epic opening titles
- Chuck. Oh they kept that a good secret didm't they!! (did they? I'm glad I didn't know! Great surprise!)
- Jensen's look to the camera (normally I'd HATE that, but at 200 eps I'm letting it ride because, actually, it was hilarious).
- ADAM acknowledgement!
- The acknowledgement that they need to be hunting
- SAMNDEAN!
- BM moments! (Personally it's "Bro Monent or Bro Mance - but WHATEVER! *g*)
- Dean and Cas actresses a couple! Hee! (and no, this doesn't mean it's canon - it means enjoy whatever the hell you want in this show!)
- "and I want you to put as much sub into text as you possible can"
- MY FAVOURITEST LINE! "so I used this for my one woman Orphan Black show last year!" She was such a powerhouse and this fit perfectly with her character!
- EVERYTHING ELSE! I'm sure I'll be posting about this for days! It'll take a while to come down from this high.


You want nit picks?

1. That teacher was in the basement for a couple of days. She looked far too fresh for that. She would have been hungry! (maybe she had a supply of alcohol on her?)

2. THEY GAVE ME THE ENDING I WANT!!! BOOO! Now they won't give me that for the actual finale. :(( I know the Js talk about wanting the character to die but NO! Driving off into the sunset is exactly how I want it. AND THEY GAVE IT TO ME! Maybe I should watching RIGHT NOW! I'm in my happy place with the show and I don't wan it spoiled!

But you know what? This has helped me. I may never forgive them for S9, but I can get over it. I have my on interpretations for S9 and even though they haven't played out I'm hanging onto my interpretations because I can. This told me they still adore the characters and they KNOW what makes this show work. They still have a heap of stories to tell and many directions to take these characters in. They may not always work (what was that about robots?) but at it's heart there is, well, lots and lots of heart.

ETA: Holy crap. Forgot to mention that we even got some brother relationship healing. It felt like a genuine way to move forward. A little more insight and understanding from both.



[Poll #1988842]

Comments

200

[junkerin.livejournal.com]

I tell you something funny.

Every epi you don´t like I find great.

And every epi you like doesn´t work for me.

Re: 200

[ash48.livejournal.com]

haha! oh noes! Maybe one day we'll share our feelings on one! (I have to say I am surprised how much I did like this. Perhaps it's because I shared the viewing experience with someone else - which I think this episode was designed for).

[killabeez.livejournal.com]

I think it was awesome, but not perfect because we needed some Kevin and Jody Mills in that play, and I did have a tiny bitter moment in the middle, when Dean was describing "what really happened." Pretty darned close to perfect, though! I am still laughing over the Adam punchline. That was frelling hysterical. And the girls were all fantastic—especially the tech guru. Her delivery of the Adam lines was spot-on. And I do think it was a love letter—an incredibly balanced, insightful, and genuine one. Felt good. Castiel's song was so precious it made me want to hug a kitten.

p.s. The fact that every single guest character was female made me :D. I mean, it's too bad they can't figure out how to do that the rest of the time, but still.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

*nods* Firstly, I am so glad you enjoyed it. And yes yes. The tech gal was awesomesauce!

At least Dean's description was met with "That is some of the worst fanfiction I have ever heard. I mean seriously where did your friend find this garbage?" :)

I think the fact that all the guest characters were female was a huge improvement from the one where all the fans were male. :)

an incredibly balanced, insightful, and genuine one. Felt good. Castiel's song was so precious it made me want to hug a kitten.

Yes! I can get over how well balanced it was. (yay!)

[el1ie.livejournal.com]

I watched. I smiled. I laughed. I cried. I felt. I voted awesome.

Not reading reviews right now, watching the rosetta landings!

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Oh yay! I'm glad you liked it too. <3

It's funny - my tears were a mix of happiness and sadness. I felt a loss and a warmth. I think if I wasn't with company I might have just sat there and sobbed my heart out.

[chomaisky.livejournal.com]

I was nervous watching the first ten minutes because Dean's reactions were like my dad's when he didn't know why I took something he thought silly so serious. (I was crying and shouting at my dad and he was laughing. And that was about a important decision in my life.) So when Dean had that WTF expression on his face when he was given a tour around the backstage I was forcing myself to keep watching...I actually expected Sam to have similar reactions, but he appreciated the hard work that went into the preparation for the musical, which made me love him even more :) But I know Dean wouldn't be Dean if he didn't react that way.
It's the moment when Dean started to nod to the music that got me.
The singing is great!
AND SAMULET!!!
I think this is a great episode and I enjoyed it. And it actually helped the brothers' relationship.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

I was SO nervous going in. When that bedroom scene started I was thinking…don't!

but he appreciated the hard work that went into the preparation for the musical, which made me love him even more :)

I know! His theatre geek is awesome! :) And I love the way Dean warmed to it all as it went on. There was a real thawing out of Dean and it felt like he let something go.

And it actually helped the brothers' relationship.

Yes. It moved their relationship on. I'm sure there's rocky roads ahead but at least there is some acknowledgement that things CAN be great between them
xx

[reggie11.livejournal.com]

Yep, I watched it and as soon as I finished the episode I watched it again. I've never watched the same episode twice on the same day before.

I thought the writing was absolutely brilliant. Robbie Thompson just knocked it out of the park. It wasn't perfect, of course, but he covered pretty much everything that is meaningful to the fans, and it such a loving way. Both boys were outstanding; nothing felt out of character about any of their responses. Dean was so very, very Dean, and Sam was a big ol' nerd with his theatre club geekery.

The not-quite-sameulet scenes broke me into a thousand pieces. From the, "You never should have thrown it away" to the "I don't need a symbol to remind me of how I feel about my brother" to THAT look between the boys when Dean hung it from the mirror.

Watching Sam and Dean watching their lives through outside eyes was almost like a revelation. And when Chuck/God showed up at the end \o/ I just felt that it was exactly what he wanted them to see and learn from.

Not only was it a fabulous love letter to the fans, it felt like this episode was such a monumental turning point for the boys and their relationship. We know things are going to get rough again (when don't they?) with the Mark of Cain still present and masses of history of lies, betrayals and disappointments for them to overcome. But you could see in their reactions to what they were watching, and the moments and looks they shared together in the last ten minutes of so, that it really was the moment that they both knew they could fix things between them. They knew how much the other loved them, and they both will do anything and everything for each other; that they are brothers and it means everything to them. That, to me, was the best part of this episode.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

I've never watched the same episode twice on the same day before.

Ditto!

From the, "You never should have thrown it away" to the "I don't need a symbol to remind me of how I feel about my brother" to THAT look between the boys when Dean hung it from the mirror.

I know! I can't even! So perfect and so so dead from it.

They knew how much the other loved them, and they both will do anything and everything for each other; that they are brothers and it means everything to them.

Oh yes. It's a good point. Looking at how everything used to be and how everything is now. Actually, it was that aspect of the show that renewed my hope for the future. It made me realise that they DO know why the show works and perhaps even some of the mess they've made of it. Or, maybe, it's all about the drama of it all and the constant tearing apart of their bond only to rebuilt it and strengthen it. It's hard going, but it does make me see that there is a fundamental love and respect they have for the characters (which I can't believe I am saying!).

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

You know what the absolute best part of this episode airing is for me? That it's got you back squeeing about the show.

I was scared about this one - I'd seen stills, and knew it was a musical, and I'd seen that Jensen had reservations but that he'd overcome them, and all of that was making me nervous. But hell, I did enjoy a good 80% of this, and think I will get more out of a second viewing too. It made me laugh more than it made me cringe (and I did cringe a little in parts), and I had a cheer when Adam got a mention. How great to know the writers haven't forgotten him!

The music was written by Lennertz, and that definitely gave it some gravitas - those songs were actually good, and the girls could really sing. And I really appreciated the broments they slipped in there.

Actually, that look to camera Dean did because more acceptable to me knowing it wasn't scripted. That's actually quite cool! My main quibble (apart from - ew, those women had been trapped in that room for days and therefore had to have used a corner of the place for going to the toilet!) was that a lot of the 4th wall themes they covered had actually been done in one way or another before, so I'm not sure they really added anything. However, having read your review, I'm now much happier with that aspect.

Oh and the fact that Dean told whoever it was the whole story - I dunno, that didn't feel like something Dean would do.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

You know what the absolute best part of this episode airing is for me? That it's got you back squeeing about the show.

That certainly IS the best part of it. I can't remember the last time I squeed and DAMN it feels good!

I had a cheer when Adam got a mention. How great to know the writers haven't forgotten him!

Ha! well, fans have constantly reminded them so I think this was a definite shout out. I think Adam will somehow appear again. One day. I loved that shout out (but wow, the boys being reminded about that…*weeps*)

ew, those women had been trapped in that room for days and therefore had to have used a corner of the place for going to the toilet!

Exactly! they needed to be very much the worse for wear. And surely they would have spent all that time trying to get out!

was that a lot of the 4th wall themes they covered had actually been done in one way or another before, so I'm not sure they really added anything.

I just think they were done a whole lot better this time. Last time the wincest stuff was funny but more "eeew", this time Dean knew it existed so was less "ewwwed" by it and more "cut that out!". The cast were all women, which worked much better than the episode with mostly men and we didn't have any caricatured Becky characters to be insulting. Marie was passionate without being "crazy". Which, I accept fans are a little crazy (we have to be!) but not cardboard cutouts.

Oh and the fact that Dean told whoever it was the whole story - I dunno, that didn't feel like something Dean would do.

Yeah, that was for us. And I think Dean was slowly warming to the idea of what they were doing. And being a bit defensive of their actual story. As in - "there's no robots, there's actually a lot of suffering!". But mostly I think that was for our benefit of the criticism of the last couple of seasons "worse fan fiction ever". :DD

[heidi8.livejournal.com]

As Misha said last night, this episode was really a master class in transformative media - and it was also only possible because of the fandom. If fandom hadn't spent nine-plus years creating so much fic, art, meta, cosplay, plays, films, vids, gear, games, swag and discussions, this episode would not have happened - so it's not only a love letter to the fans, it's a love letter because of the fans and the fandom.
No show has ever had that, or done that and every single SPN fan - whether they've watched all the way through, missed a few episodes or stopped a few seasons back - is why we got Fan Fiction.
So thank you, SPN fandom. You built this.

[locknkey.livejournal.com]

< it's a love letter because of the fans and the fandom. I hadn't thought about it that way, but absolutely true.

[cassiopeia7.livejournal.com]

Perfection. Sheer perfection. I absolutely ADORED this episode! (Though I do agree with your nitpick about Calliope's victims trapped in the room -- the teacher, at least, should've been a bit more ragged.) :)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

PERFECTION! So happy. :D

Teacher must truly be pickled to be so well preserved. ;)

[debbiel66.livejournal.com]

Oh God (oh Chuck!), I loved it, I really did. My 'no expectations' baseline is doing me so well this season, although I was expecting something special after peeking at some squees - not enough to spoil me.

You did a brilliant just with this analysis, Ash. Nothing to add here. This was a love letter to all of us. And how awesome was it that some goddess muse was the big bad of this one? How often have we wanted to stake that muse through the heart?

Thank you Show, for a decade of being awesome at times, frustrating at others, but for rising from the dead, for being the little show that could, for love and amulets and feelings that don't need symbols. For Sam and Dean. It has been fun, and I'm so happy the ride isn't over yet.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hey hun! It's great to be squeelful isn't it?!

And how awesome was it that some goddess muse was the big bad of this one? How often have we wanted to stake that muse through the heart?

Exactly! They got that spot on! :D

Thank you Show, for a decade of being awesome at times, frustrating at others, but for rising from the dead, for being the little show that could, for love and amulets and feelings that don't need symbols. For Sam and Dean. It has been fun, and I'm so happy the ride isn't over yet.

Beautifully said! All the hearts! xx

[alienat.livejournal.com]

I'm just really conflicted about the way I feel about this episode. On one way I loved it, but a whole lot of me just feels sad, like I'd been to a 'funeral' and just relived all those good moments in a relationship that has long burned to the ground. I've cried so hard during the rendition of Carry On My Wayward Son. I'm barely holding it together now.

I haven't really cared about SPN since S9, even though I've been watching every episode, waiting, hoping to find my love again. But slowly I realize that it might just be really gone. It's just hard letting go.

Watching this episode it made me yearn for all the things that were lost in the last few years.

You're right. It is a love letter, a wonderful, heartbreaking, breathtaking love letter to fans and fandom and being a family.

It just makes me so sad to realize that it's maybe finally time for me to say goodbye. I've been clinging to my fading love for Supernatural. Hell, it's been a huge part of my life for almost 10 years.

But after this episode? I feel like it can't get better. Maybe that's when I should leave, on a last high.

Okay, personal depression is turned off now. ;) I wanna leave you this comment with something positive. :)

I'm glad you and so many other people loved it and you're right it was done quite beautifully. The girls had great voices and it was awesome that they were all girls. The songs and the music worked really, really well. I actually loved the Cas!girl and her song. ;) Oh and they gave us an amulet-fix, that was so overdue and so awesome. And I loved, loved all those little hints at early seasons and the way fandom works. Also they gave me Chuck! I squeed when I saw him. As you can see, I loved almost everything about this episode. :)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

I've cried so hard during the rendition of Carry On My Wayward Son. I'm barely holding it together now.

I totally understand that. It's very much how I was feeling. I've sobbed over the show over the last couple of years because of the loss. The deep loss of the characters I've loved and felt so much for. In early S8 when Sam and Dean were SO horrid to each other I took myself down to the river and sat and sobbed. I was grieving for a relationship that was once - well, everything we saw in the episode last night. I actually had to remind myself that I was feeling all this over a TV show. It didn't really help because it's a TV show that's such a huge part of my life.

I think if there was a time to let go it would be after this one. It felt like a finale A recap of everything we once loved so much. I wan to let go at times, but then I still love so much about fandom and even the show. This episode gave me hope that they haven't actually forgotten why we've loved this show for so long. Maybe they'll be not be so horrible to our beloved characters from now on (wishful thinking!).

*hugs*

[borgmama1of5.livejournal.com]

I was right with you in dreading this...

And tearing up by the end...

You are right, it worked because it was truly done with love, no shaming. And like The Real Ghostfacers episode, the boys responded to the outsiders' view of their relationship by realizing how much they do have in each other. I think (hope) the healing between them in this episode continues because it really matters to keep the boys together.

I could die happy now :)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Absolutely. Worked on exactly those levels. It's weird how it's our version of the boys' relationship ends up helping them realise the power and love of their actual relationship. That's some screwy stuff right there.

[ames1010.livejournal.com]

PERFECTION!!!! and even MORE Perfect with Chuck at the end!!! :)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Yes! Chuck was a great surprise! I wonder if this means we'll see more of him? (doubt it, but it was nice to see him *g*)

[sam-dean-lover.livejournal.com]

my grade is a C. i didnt like the singing. i loved the beginning and the end. had Sam and Dean sang--A+. i did shed a few tears at the fake!amulet in the car-the end there. if that amulet is not there next episode, :(

[ash48.livejournal.com]

I have to say I think I would have cried (in not the good way) if sam and Dean had sung. ;) I'm somewhat fond of musicals so it hit a spot in that for me. Plus I'm a drama teacher so - more things to love! :)

[galwithglasses.livejournal.com]

I just finished this amazing piece of love and I just want to hug everything and everybody. I'm going to have to go back and watch again. It really hit me the way they had the musical character Mary start by singing the lines about wayward son. Sobbbbb.

Could you make out the name of the motel they're staying at in the beginning? I think it might have 200 in the name but it's really small. I think the Samulet looks like a moose hanging from the mirror. Snerk.

It's not a tulpa.

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Bwhahaha you are SO right about the new Samulet looking like a moose! Bet they did that on purpose...

[emeraldsedai.livejournal.com]

I agree with 100% of this post. I'm pretty sure that my doubt and trepidation (I might even go as far as fear and dread) going in made the episode even better: I started to relax, my laughter became less embarrassed, my trust increased, and when the pretty soprano started singing Carry On at the end, I burst into tears. Surprised the hell out of me.

Like almost everyone else, I wanted to turn right around and rewatch the episode. That hasn't happened in YEARS. I even texted the old friend who led me into this fandom in S3 (and who jumped ship sheer despair over season six) and told her she should watch it. As someone upthread has mentioned, the episode works perfectly well as a valediction for someone needing to say goodbye to Show. I think a lot of the episode's poignancy for us dedicated fans is exactly that feeling of closure.

Oddly enough, it also makes me excited to see the rest of the season. It was a perfect palate cleanser.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hi! Thanks. :)

Surprised the hell out of me.

Exactly my experience of it. I was watching with redteekal and we were both pretty nervous. Then once the laughing started and are we warmed to the girls we relaxed and enjoyed the ride. :)

I think a lot of the episode's poignancy for us dedicated fans is exactly that feeling of closure.

Oh yes indeed. It felt like such a great place to finish it. It's exactly how I want to feel when the series does end. And if it doesn't I'll come back to this one and pretend this was the ending. :)

It was a perfect palate cleanser.

Great way of putting it. I saw a post that said it was like they were saying sorry with a promise to do better. I'd like to think so.

[batgurl10.livejournal.com]

1.st. i love your reviews, just want you to know.
2. Everything you said but do u know what i most took away from this, whn Dean was recapping Sams story to the girl, he says and then Sam hit a dog and pauses....shewhowillnotbenamed was all a figment of Sams delusional mind. Thats my take, but this was pure love. Show is still rocking 10 years in!

[ash48.livejournal.com]

1. Thank you!
2. Ha and yes. Sam "imagined" said shewhowillnotbenamed. I always figures that from the "dream like" way it was all shot. *nods*

Here's to 10 years!

[jessm78.livejournal.com]

What you said. :)

The ending just.... oh goodness, it was wonderful. :) And I kind of share your sorta disappointment because we got the ending we were hoping for, but how will they be able to top that now?? I don't want the characters to die either! If that happens heaven forbid, I think lots of fix-its will be in order.

I was just a little "meh" on the kids' OTT attitudes at first, but I warmed up to them a lot as the episode went on. I went into this one expecting to cringe, but I was really pleasantly surprised.

Forgot to mention that we even got some brother relationship healing. It felt like a genuine way to move forward. A little more insight and understanding from both.

Yes yes, THIS so much! I loved that they did that.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hey hun.

I was really worried what the girls would be like, but they were treated respectfully and I thought their performances were spot on.

Let's hope this more positive feeling lasts through to the next few eps!

[locknkey.livejournal.com]

I am so much with you on the fear in advance and feeling they hit it spot on after. :) It could have been so terrible, but I enjoyed it thoroughly!

[ash48.livejournal.com]

It could have been sooooo bad. So much dread going in. So much happiness coming out. :)

[bluestar3317.livejournal.com]

Other than Demon Dean hunting Sam down the hallways of the bunker (which I found extremely hot by the way), Season 10 wasn't really "working" for me - up until last night.

I was a little hesitant about the episode and the beginning, with the play. I literally said out loud, in a displeased tone, "oh, here we go...".

But. I absolutely adored this episode. I laughed out loud in many, many parts. It was interesting to me that Adam was there. I am trying to remain spoiler-free and I am so geeked that Chuck was there. That was a huge surprise to me, but it fit perfectly!

Last night's Carry On rendition? Love. it!!

Kudos to everyone who pulled this off. I wasn't too sure how it was going to play out (no pun intended) when I first heard about it. But, holy crap, that was one fantastic hour of tv!

Then, not only did Jared tweet about it, but Jensen and Misha did too. That was fun. Late, but fun. :)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

I love how many people who have been unhappy with show (either for a while or recently) really loved this episode. Feels like a "fix it" for many things - not just the amulet. :)

The Carry On rendition was fantastic. My fave version yet. :)

[sothcweden.livejournal.com]

I just watch the ep, and I'm so full of squee I could just explode. I started shrieking with laughter when I heard them refer to Principal Salazar, and then realized the uniforms were Gryffindor colors. I pretty much watched the rest of it trying not to scare my neighbors.

The point where I got teary was when Dean told Marie to keep writing. Such a different reaction than in 4x18. And I loved Marie, so different from Becky. And I'm glad that it was a Sam'n'Dean episode that was about the show's roots.

Someone will probably want to draw and quarter me for saying this, but I'm really hoping to see the show go out with a bang at the end of this year rather than withering away over the next several years of the CW trying to squeeze another nickel out of the show. Let it go out well!

ETA: can't spell

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Principal Salazar, and then realized the uniforms were Gryffindor colors.

I wasn't so quick on the uptake with that one! Didn't spot the colours. SO cool.

The point where I got teary was when Dean told Marie to keep writing

Yeah, such a turn around for Dean. A perfect realisation of how much the fans love their story (in the show and out of it). And a great progression from Becky to Marie. Seems like TPTB have also learned some stuff.

but I'm really hoping to see the show go out with a bang at the end of this year rather than withering away over the next several years of the CW trying to squeeze another nickel out of the show.

It does need to go out on a high for sure, but I doubt it will be this year. I think it will definitely go to S11, maybe even 12. I can't imagine where they can go, but I suppose as long as the boys are willing to do it the show will go on. And on. And on….

[lavinialavender.livejournal.com]

OMG.

Amulet???

Amulet fix???

That's it. I may not watch any others, but I'm getting this episode.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Haha! Yes, it's as close to one as we are going to get I believe. And to me, it was PERFECT! If you don't mind the meta eps then this one is FULL of bro love and fan love and EVERYTHING LOVE! :))

If there's only one episode to watch ever again, this would be the one I think.

xx

[zebra363.livejournal.com]

even though this episode was a mile away from his recent demonhood

Nicely worded!

Your definition of naked, however, is rather broad!

With your theatre background, you must have all sorts of insights into this one that I would have missed. Looking forward to a group rewatch over the summer. It's an episode where you could just press pause over and over again and admire all the little details.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Nicely worded!

haha, thanks.

Your definition of naked, however, is rather broad!

I confess I pinched it from a tweet I saw claiming that the one layer on out boys is as close as we'll get to naked! It stuck in my brain and thought…naked boys! Could have actually been shirtless - that would have been SO much better! (and legit).

With your theatre background, you must have all sorts of insights into this one that I would have missed.

Haha - only that it was pretty unrealistic. Though, maybe realistic in some parts. :) Those sets would have taken ages to make!

It's an episode where you could just press pause over and over again and admire all the little details.

I know! Simone and I did just that. We missed you! Definitely good for a group re-watch next time we all catch up. :)

[cordelia-gray.livejournal.com]

That episode made me utterly, ridiculously happy. It's like falling in love again~~ It made me feel so good I immediately went & got out my DVDs and re-watched Monster at the End of This Book, and it has been a really long time since I felt the urge to rewatch an old episode.

I loved it.

(I do think it wasn't just coincidence or the fact that the books ended with Swan Song that all the moments they referenced in the musical came from the Kripke years - the show just hasn't been as good since then. But I still love it, godamnit all, and if the real ending is too sad I will probably watch this episode again & imagine Sam & Dean driving off into the sunset.)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

if the real ending is too sad I will probably watch this episode again & imagine Sam & Dean driving off into the sunset.)

Ha! I was just saying the same thing in a comment above. The feeling this episode gave me is what I want to feel at the end of the series. If I don't I'll come back to this one! :)

I've rewatched more from this ep that I've done for any since - well, S7 I think.

[meus_venator]

I love musicals, but I have to say, I was a bit scared going into this. The sneak peek was not a complete enticement but I was so happy with the outcome for all the great reasons you stated above. In particular for me were the Samulet and Sam and Dean listening to Wayward Son being the highlights and then Chuck showing up and his nod of approval at the boys path. UGHHH! Perfection.

And yes, whatever magic dust was sprinkled over Robbie's script he knocked it out of the park.
I thought it was perfect. I wasn't sure Carver and company even understood what made the boys tick anymore or why we loved them, every things been so wrong for so long (I would start with Amelia)

Sera may have killed every beloved character but Carver killed SPN's spirit. This whole episode was redemptive. I have wanted my show back for so long, let's hope it stays.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

The Samulet was such a huge highlight! And that version of Wayward Son was tear enducing.

I wasn't sure Carver and company even understood what made the boys tick anymore or why we loved them, every things been so wrong for so long (I would start with Amelia)

I've been worried about that too. I have to hope that maybe they've finally understood how this all works (?). I mean, I know Carver does because he's written some of the best bro episodes. I have to figure he's just been interested in creating the drama and angst without too much thought on what he's doing to the characters.

I have wanted my show back for so long, let's hope it stays.

We can hope! But with the mark still on Dean we have a lot of angst ahead of us I fear! Hopefully well handled angst. :)

[madebyme-x.livejournal.com]

Lets squee together *squee!!* Because I loved this episode so hard!

It had a little bit of everything in exactly the right proportions, and for me it just a big old celebration that we could all enjoy together as an SPN family.

And yes, I got teary too (for me it was the fact that 'Mary' was singing Carry on my Wayward Son) and by the time Dean hung the samulet in the Impala I was gone.

This ep made me fall in love with Supernatural all over again!

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Sqqueeeeeee!

So many moments to fall in love with! My tears started as soon as Mary started sining! And then the boys reacted to it…*sob*….(I am sure they've never heard the song and connected it to themselves).