11.01 Ep reaction/review
Oct. 8th, 2015 09:23 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ash48Woot! Show is back and what a way to return!
Damn, I enjoyed that. I think I'm going to have to...squeeeeeeee!
I'm reluctant to say "it's just like the old days", because even though it was reminiscent of past episodes (Croatoan in particular), it managed to bring what's happened over the last couple of seasons into the "now". It managed to start a new journey, but not at the expense of what's gone before. In fact, I loved the way it connected the MoC with the darkness and Dean. It also connected Sam's overall journey to where he is now. It also had some wonderful creepy moments (woman hiding in the closest *yikes*), some solid SamnDean moments, hints of real character development and a shit load of unanswered questions. To me, that's a great way to start a season.
Highlights:
At the very top of my highlight list is "When did we forget how to do this? If we don't change, right now, all of our crap is just going to keep repeating itself."
Anyone who has been following my reactions over the last few years will know how desperate I've been to see Sam and Dean acknowledge this. I have been SO frustrated with the constant sacrifice/blame/create-more-problems cycle without it seeming to get anywhere. I know it's part of the storytelling, but without it ever reaching any sort of resolution (and I don't consider "I'm proud of us" a resolution) it becomes a tedious cycle.
Carver has often spoken of a "maturity" of Sam and Dean. He said it first at the beginning of season 8, but instead of maturity we saw them both take a step back, with jealousy and pettiness darkening their relationship. In season 9 we saw further steps back with dishonesty (bordering on cruelty) and nastiness and season 10 we saw them cross further lines - not only in their brotherhood, but victims took a back seat while their focus became even more insular. For the first time, since the beginning of S8, I actually saw this so-called "mature" Sam and Dean (and rather ironically Carver hasn't mentioned "maturity" this season that I know of).
The maturity not only came in Sam saying "we need to change", but with Dean accepting it. There was also a world-weariness about them, but they still maintained a level of focus to help. It seems that "saving people, hunting things" really is back - with a renewed focused on "saving" people.
I won't deny I'm contradictory when it comes to Sam and Dean. I can shout "burn the world for each other" one minute and "stop burning the world for each other" the next. Truth is, I want them to have that level of "I'd burn the world for you" about them (which they definitely have), but I also want them to acknowledge how problematic that is. I want them to care about the consequences of their choices. I felt we got that mix in this episode. Also, I don't think we have to have one and not the other. By them acknowledging how damaging and problematic their sacrificing ways are, doesn't necessarily mean they will stop saving each other. And love comes in many forms - not just being prepared to die for each other.
(The chances are, of course, that they WILL make the same mistakes again but at least in this episode their cycle of mistakes was acknowledged).
Another major highlight for me was seeing the way Sam and Dean's characters moved on from the end of last season. It seems to be a return to the way they used to be (certainly more of what we saw in the early seasons) - Sam being the voice of conscience, with Dean being all action. That balancing of each other was back. For them to work successfully as a team they need action AND conscience. I loved that each of them acknowledged that strength in each other. Sam knowing Dean wanted to save the baby, Dean knowing that Sam was thinking of the victims. I MISSED these aspects of their characters and it was wonderful to see that again. The strength of their relationship was a major part of this episode and I loved it for that.
I also loved what they did with Crowley. That 70's style house with the "swingers" inside was a delight. I loved female!Crowley - not just what the actress brought to it, but the levels of sexual ambiguity that came with it.
I really felt for Cas. Ha! I can't believe I said that - but damnit. That was some pretty nasty stuff for him. :( Cas must be a dilemma for the writers - always having to find a way to de-power him or not let him be around the boys as an insta-fix. I think they've handled that pretty well so far. At least there was contact with Sam and Dean and a new mystery surrounding what's happening to him.
Mini Winchester brothers! Was I the only one who saw the mini Winchester family here?
I liked the personification of The Darkness. I'm going to assume that having a "person" represent the darkness is the best way for the show to deal with it. I'm curious to see how they proceed with it - as I feel this darkness is more than a person. I'm hoping it ends up being a stronger presence than say, Eve. We'll see, but I liked the chemistry between her and Dean and WOW - there's some great potential in that storyline - what is that "connection" actually going to mean (and peeps were complaining that Dean wasn't going to have a story line this season. Looks like it could be a very interesting one *g*).
And I did love that Sam got some POV (and was allowed to actually say stuff!) - and his bob was gone!! \o/
Little niggles.
I don't have many niggles I have to say. The baby not crying at all was a standout (though maybe the mark had something to do with that?). The deputy hardly reacting to being stitched up was - well, either she has an AMAZING pain tolerance or it was missed. Maybe she's just that damn awesome!
Cas calling Dean instead of Sam was a little weird - considering he was calling Dean to give a message to Sam. I get that it doubles up as a "how are you" so that's totally forgivable. I liked that both Sam and Dean ended up talking to Cas.
Overall I think this is a great start to the season. I know I've said that before (S9 had me all sorts of excited for the potential), but at least we have a sense of them working together against a common foe. I know Sam didn't tell Dean he was infected (neither did Cas) - and already that's a return to their old ways, but I'm hopeful it might also be a catalyst for further discussion about decisions they will make. I accept we need certain elements in the story telling
I know I can't read too much into things. I've been burned too many times doing that. So, I'll take this episode for what it was - enjoyable on pretty much all the levels on which I enjoy this show. It had action, zombie wannabes, an orgy, Sam and Dean being actual heroes, an intriguing mysteries (what does the darkness want? how is Dean connected? what's with the baby? And SAMMY?! Whaaaaaa (::koff:: hurt!Sam I WON'T complain! *g*).
I'm going to simplify the reaction poll. 5 is "LOVED IT!! to 1 being "nope".
[Poll #2024460]
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no subject
Date: 2015-10-08 01:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-10-08 01:54 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-10-08 01:45 pm (UTC)Yup. Everything you said. Based on what I saw in the promo, I expected to love this episode, but honestly, it was all the little things (in addition to the showstopper that was Sam's monologue) that made it for me.
(The chances are, of course, that they WILL make the same mistakes again but at least in this episode their cycle of mistakes was acknowledged).
They already have. Sam not telling Dean he was infected, and Dean not telling Sam everything Darkness told him. But as you say, at least the problem has been acknowledged, and -- I HOPE -- their mistake cycle will be addressed in future. Sometimes, change is slow, and those boys have an entire lifetime of making similar mistakes to undo. :)
Good to see you posting again, bb! ♥
no subject
Date: 2015-10-08 02:02 pm (UTC)It's curious because they do often mentioned that they shouldn't do what they do (over and over again), but for some reason this felt a bit more like that might mean it (or, at least the part about saving people again). Though the test will be when they meet a demon. They seem to kill off meat suits without a thought, so if they start to exorcise again, rather than kill, it might be a change.
But, they also have to tell a story. They need to create tension and with all three of them keeping what's going on from the other, they're doing that. I just hope that doesn't keep up like that (though it's still Carver and I can't imagine he's changed his style of telling a story that much). Also, there's probably more seasons to come, so they can't "fix" them just yet. ;)
(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2015-10-08 02:07 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2015-10-08 02:14 pm (UTC)But it did indeed feel old school, the hospital conversation was great, and I'm actually looking forward to next week! Have been almost entirely unspoiled, more out of apathy than self-control. (I'm happy to know that the spoilers are exciting you, versus the whole existential dread thing. Am I right? Tell me I'm right...)
Me thinks the trooper-lady may not be what she seems....
no subject
Date: 2015-10-09 01:53 am (UTC)versus the whole existential dread thing. Am I right? Tell me I'm right…
haha! well, yes. From what I've seen from the Js and some spoilers I'm pretty happy (so far!). I have no idea where they're going with this and I can't see Carver changing his spots overnight. There's bound to be the same old issues come up again this season, but maybe they're actually going to address some of them. We'll see!
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2015-10-08 02:21 pm (UTC)First of all is the fact that Dean didn't seem to give one ounce of a shit about the brother he almost beheaded in the last episode. No concern, no affection, no "hey, how ya doing, buddy that I almost murdered?" He was fine with everyone else (including the car, which he was more concerned about than his brother) but in relation to Sam, he seemed the same as MoC!Dean to me. I'm sure you'll disagree, but that's the way it played to me. Whether that was an intentional script choice or Jensen's acting choice is up in the air.
They also made Sam a complete idiot noob at the end by having him lock himself in a closet with basically no weapons against a zombie horde. I mean, it was no different than Charlie locking herself in the bathroom last season -- more Carver era dumbing down the characters every time they need to make a lame plot point move.
Sam's little speech about "oh noes, saving each other is bad now" only means something if they try and test the theory, which they won't because then Carver will have to lolcanon himself. Sam's characterization continues to flip-flop every half season, so expect it to be opposite by 11.10.
I actually felt for Cas, but he was an idiot for calling the angels, too, so more Carver making people stupid. And Cas calling DEAN to tell SAM about Rowena and the Book, especially since Dean was supposed to be off-the-grid for all Cas knew, is Fanservice 101. But hey, it gave tumblr one scene to gif ad nauseum, so Carver did his duty lol
I enjoyed female Crowley very much, especially since she reminded me of Lucy Lawless. I wish we could have kept her instead of Sheppard.
Amara is hot and reminded me of a crossroads demon and had good chemistry with Jensen, so that is what it is. I'm assuming we'll age back up to that actress by mid-season.
Half the people I know called the Baby-as-Darkness weeks ago, so that's not surprising. It's intriguing enough, but the entire episode was so derivative of previous episodes/plots/themes that you could probably zip open the top of Carver's skull and see nothing but soap suds.
So, whatever, lets see where they go next week with Sam being infected and see if Sam acknowledges that his big plan to put on his big boy pants failed again and see if that gets Dean to be mildly concerned/protective or just even more pissy. I want to be excited for the brother relationship this year since both Jared and Jensen seemed so genuinely excited themselves about it in their M&Gs at NJCon (both of which I attended this time around), but at the moment, I'm not seeing them giving much of a shit about each other so who cares?
I know you hate me for this comment, but I'm Jeremy Carver's arch nemesis, you know I have to keep it real! :D
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Date: 2015-10-08 06:02 pm (UTC)It's the trope of "DON'T GO IN THE CLOSET! DON'T GO IN THE CLOSET!" I'm surprised the brothers aren't bumping into walls by now.
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Date: 2015-10-09 02:17 am (UTC)And I do love the comment because it's meaty and there are some things that I hadn't considered. OR, I had, but I had a different response to.
He was fine with everyone else (including the car, which he was more concerned about than his brother) but in relation to Sam, he seemed the same as MoC!Dean to me.
My first response to this when I read it was "huh, I didn't even notice that!" And it's true, Dean's response to Sam was not a surprise I think because I have become totally attuned to Dean being like that with Sam. I'm not sure the last time we saw Dean actually "care" about Sam - in terms of his emotional well being. That's not to say he won't do the grand things to save him - killing death for example, but that genuine "are you really ok" hasn't been Dean for a while now. I think the MoC was definitely part of that last season, and the one before was his bitterness in being told that Sam wouldn't save him. Oh man, I could waft on for ages about the psychology of why Dean is like that, but I don't think the show thinks about the characters that deeply, so I won't. Instead, my feeling is that Dean still hasn't shaken off the MoC affects - AND the darkness has "bonded" with him, so his new motivations might be even more subtle than having the MoC (um, though I might not really believe they would be that subtle, nor that they'd taken Dean down another dark path. But, maybe?).
Also, Dean is still pissed at Sam for saving him I suspect (and that's more about him feeling he's not worth it), so the last thing he's going to do is show any sympathy toward him. Guh, I don't know why I don't care about that at the moment. Dean's response felt true, and that's probably pretty depressing really.
And Sam continues to take that on the chin - he knows that deep down Dean cares, so he doesn't need those reassurances (yeah, I'm probably trying to convince myself a bit here…).
Sam's characterization continues to flip-flop every half season, so expect it to be opposite by 11.10.
haha *nods* And I suspect he's only made that speech to then go and do the direct opposite down the track. As usual, I'm hanging on to some optimism that the "the brothers are working together this season" hold true and they aren't completely contradictory.
The closest move was totally ridiculous! After "let me do what I do best" and then - NO PLAN! Flail! My first thought what he had planned to hole up in the closest because he had seen how tough those doors were (after witnessing it) and knew exactly what was in the closest. I wanted him to act like that was the plan all along. But he then looked around to see what he could use as a weapon and BOO, no plan. Just bad narrative choices. At the time I didn't worry because the women in there was a rabid and that was cool! (simple things JC, simple little things…*g*)
And, for me, I did see them care about each other a wee bit. I think for the casual viewer (and maybe that so-called majority of male viewers), they can't make the brothers too wishy-washy with each other - or emotional. Their trust in each others abilities was back (even if their abilities failed them), and Dean's "I know you will" as close to admiration as we'll get from Dean (or maybe it wasn't and Dean was being snarky with him :/). Carver seems to like these boys being horrid to each other for some reason. I suspect he thinks it supplies the tension (and the chatter between fans).
As I've said in some other replies - I can't see Carver changing his spots. The season isn't suddenly going to change from what we've seen before. But hopefully, it will be less painful that the previous three. I shall remain positive for as long as I can! :)
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2015-10-08 02:41 pm (UTC)And yes, ding dong the bob is dead! ;D
I'll just end with EEP, hurt!Sam!! But I bet there can be some GREAT fic arising from it!
no subject
Date: 2015-10-09 02:44 am (UTC)My expectations seem to be on a permanent low (from the last few season), so maybe that does help enjoy things more. :)
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Date: 2015-10-08 04:19 pm (UTC)LOVE! That is all!
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Date: 2015-10-09 02:44 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-10-08 04:22 pm (UTC)"The maturity not only came in Sam saying "we need to change", but with Dean accepting it. There was also a world-weariness about them, but they still maintained a level of focus to help. It seems that "saving people, hunting things" really is back - with a renewed focused on "saving" people." - I got a strong world-weary vibe too, like 'we've fucked up and have to fix the world - again!" But they're still gonna do it, yaaay!
no subject
Date: 2015-10-09 02:46 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2015-10-08 05:03 pm (UTC)I do feel for the writers trying to deal with Cas. They have to have him depowered so he's not an automatic fix-it, but they can't permanently depower him because the Cas people fell in love with (not me)was powerful. Also, part of why he is there is so that Jared and Jensen don't have to be in every scene. That means he gets stories away from them and thus far, those stories don't work for me. I don't care about angel politics. I don't care much about the angels period. I hope they find a way to work around this, somehow.
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Date: 2015-10-09 02:51 am (UTC)So yeah. I've just accepted those storylines are there. I also hope they can do something interesting with them down the track.
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Date: 2015-10-08 06:29 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-10-09 02:54 am (UTC)All I could think was, "I did that to your face, Sammy. I almost killed you.
It would have been nice to see more from Dean in that respect - actually acknowledging that he was prepared to kill Sam, but maybe his response to Sam was a kind of acknowledgement. I liked that Dean took Sam's lead - especially after everything that had just gone before.
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2015-10-08 06:35 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-10-09 02:55 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-10-08 09:31 pm (UTC)That terrible flop
It's finally ex and hop
Good job!
Sam running into the broom closet to hide must be the aftermath of the mop hairdo. ;)
All joking aside, I really enjoyed this season opener. Welcome back, Show! :D
xx
no subject
Date: 2015-10-09 02:57 am (UTC)Welcome back show indeed! \o/
no subject
Date: 2015-10-08 10:10 pm (UTC)Sam looked terrible throughout - so worn and ill even before he got infected, and all I could do was worry every time he was on screen. Dean feels like a parody of his younger self - clinging to the bluster and bravado but without the depth he used to have. His empathy seems as worn down as Sam's appearance.
I was curious about Sam asking Dean to let him do what he does. What - exactly - does Sam do? In this episode he ended up doing a lot of running down corridors, he got throttled (again!) and then infected with evil blood (again). Why was locking himself in a closet such a great idea? Where's the bright, intelligent mind he used to have? Where are his analytical skills?
I am interested in the Darkness - I liked her scenes with Dean, and that conversation had potential. I really liked the idea of Dean being linked to the Darkness. i liked that the boys shared the responsibility for the release of the Evil this time, and I am happy that this disturbance to the Force has stirred up Lucifer and Michael, because that is one Angel storyline I'd welcome.
The baby being the Darkness seems a little odd, unless she's going to have some accelerated growth, like Dean's monster baby girl in whatever season that was. I liked the police woman though she was ridiculously calm throughout - that character would have made a good angel. I winced at the fact that she was on her feet, kicking ass one second and the next suddenly needed a wheel chair. Then within two minutes of Dean getting his healing hands on her she was good as new - no blood loss effects or anything. *handwaves*
I care nothing for Crowley (male or female versions), or Cas and the boring civil servant angel cohorts. What happened to Hannah? I confess I can't remember if she bought it last season or not.
So - yeah, I'm conflicted!
no subject
Date: 2015-10-09 12:55 pm (UTC)I think maybe I was just so happy to see the show back that I could have watched anything :)
I have to admit I was celebrating how much better Sam looked - compared to last season. Of course, I was solely focused on his hair. The bob is gone and I can be happy again! But yeah, both boys were very world weary and tired. I actually like the continuity of that. The season ended and they were both wrecked. Sam had been through hell trying to save Dean (and nearly being killed by his own brother - not to mention being told some horrible things by Dean) and Dean has been put through the wringer. There's guilt for being alive and guilt for what they've both created. He's a mess, that's for sure.
I'm hoping that we'll slowly seem them come out of that weariness, but after all these years of massive hardships, it will be hard.
I'm disappointed that Sam didn't have a proper plan. I liked his "let me do what i do" (purely referring to hunting) - until it seemed he didn't know what he was doing really. But, again, I was so focused on the words he had said to Dean he could have done anything after that. :) Though, it was a shame they had to dumb him down (again) for the sake of the story.
The lucifer and Michael reference was awesome! I would love to see either of them back (Adam as Michael would be interesting).
I was SO much more interested in female Crowley than I am male Crowley. I respect Mark, but boy that character is worn out. A bit like Cas. I admire Misha a heap, but they are really struggling with the demon and angel story lines. I would love to see them take a break of all that, but it won't ever happen.
Hannah returned to heaven - remember "she" came back in a male meat suit last time we saw her. Not sure if she's still around. I liked her (the actress who played her), but I can't see them bringing her back.
Hopefully the next ep will be better for you hun.xx
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Date: 2015-10-08 10:52 pm (UTC)And that policewoman was pretty much a younger, sexier mixture of Jody and Donna. That felt like cheap audience manipulation to me.
no subject
Date: 2015-10-09 01:16 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2015-10-09 12:41 am (UTC)Then Sam had that moment where he confronted Dean and Dean fucking listened and I almost leapt for joy. Not only have I been waiting for that moment for THREE SEASONS and SEVEN EPISODES (yes I was counting) but it was just perfect in every way. Not only did Dean listen, he let Sam participate in the decisions. And even more, what Sam said actually retroactively fixed some of my frustration with the first half of the episode—because he is literally saying, we're screwing up and we're failing and we need to fix it. So, seeing the evidence of that in their mistakes and their lack of coordination and misplaced priorities works. We also got hints that they still can be what they once were, with the moments of synchronization.
The one-off actors were charismatic, too, all of them. Nice casting.
no subject
Date: 2015-10-10 07:59 am (UTC)I adored female!Crowley also!! I really wish we had her for a least a couple for episodes. I've never been a huge fan of Crowley (and I do like Mark Shepard), so it was rather refreshing. And the idea of the orgy was a delight (and er, rather horrid at the same time).
I'm really happy to hear you enjoyed the episode. :)
no subject
Date: 2015-10-09 06:55 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-10-10 08:05 am (UTC)There were some great Sam moments, which is why I probably liked it so much. It seems like ages since we've really seen this Sam. I hope it bodes well for the future.
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2015-10-09 10:16 am (UTC)I loved the slow burn feel of this episode, like we're building up to something ominous - I much prefer that approach I think, than starting out too strong and then gradually fizzling out.
So many highlights (Sam's speech, the hair, the brotherly togetherness of old seasons, the Croatoan vibe, no 'blame' finger pointing but acceptance of their own mistakes, a maturity to moving forward, the mini hunting lookalike 'Winchester' family etc). The episode posed more questions than they answered I think, and I loved that, and some things haven't even been addressed at all yet (repercussions of a dead Death, Rowena with the book etc), which again works for me.
I also loved loved loved the reference to Michael, Lucifer, and the Cage (and maybe poor Adam?!) I'm spoiler free, but I would love to see that explored some more.
And so much hurt!Sam potential for next week! I'm sure looking forward to that! ;)
no subject
Date: 2015-10-10 08:07 am (UTC)The hair!! \o/ No more straightened out bob! Such a strong Sam episode - I hope that's a new approach to Sam this season.
I'm SO looking forward to next week! Can't wait to see what's in store for Sam - and Dean! <3
no subject
Date: 2015-10-09 05:55 pm (UTC)The whole sewing up the wound scene seemed particularly surreal.
The other bit was that it felt like they reused a bunch of tropes from earlier seasons. Sam and Dean split up so Dean gets the hero role with his car and the girl (naive, young, good girl with a baby seemingly becomes helpless even though she was a trained cop) and Sam is bait with a half-assed suicidal plan, especially for somebody so experienced and smart and ends up getting infected with something again. I was at the point of wondering if he wanted to get infected. I think Dean's question about how are you going to find a cure if you're dead was a pretty important thing to be asking. Why did they let the infected Dad hold the baby after they realized he was sick? His shirt was all covered with blood. Did they check to see if the baby was sick? How about the cop? It was a lot like hunter amateur hour. But I'm just going to let that all go as incidental and see where they go next week because there were enough curious things to keep my interest.
I wonder how the fact that they didn't film this first makes a difference. I think they started with Jensen's episode.
Sam's hair is a massive improvement so I have hope. Where there is good hair, there is always hope.
no subject
Date: 2015-10-11 11:03 am (UTC)I think your concerns are understandable. Those hinky things have been mentioned by a few others. When Sam found Dean so quickly I had assumed that he had been looking for ages and we just got to the see the part where he found him. Or just struck it lucky (I've seen many suggestions that as soul mates they'd be drawn to each other…*g*). I have long passed believing that the show puts in subtle things as hints that there's something hidden going on (some have suggested that they are still in the car and each experiencing different realities. We know from the past that Show doesn't work that way). I suspect no one questioned why he found him so quickly, so it was just for expedience.
I didn't notice a difference in their deliveries I have to say. I think they were attempting to think about were they left of last season. This has happened on the day that Sam was about to be killed by his brother (and at his wits end trying to save Dean), and Dean has just lost the Mark after having it for a year and a half. I think they were so worn out that perhaps being off was maybe in character for their emotional states.
I think Sam asking Dean to save the baby and he'd be the bait was more about testing Dean's trust of him (again!) . I think this calls back to many times when Dean has been the controlling partner and Sam has had to say "it's my turn to call the shots". I felt like this was more a test of their partnership after what's gone before. I'm probably reading too much into it, but I'm feeling like there's an attempt at a reset their relationship and this was a starting point. I feel that Sam is constantly having to let Dean see what he's capable of - or feel that Dean will listen to him. Dean said some pretty horrible things to Sam last season (under the MoC), so I can fanon a lot of what Sam said as being linked to his emotional state from last season.
Also, the show often "dumbs" the boys down when it's needed for the narrative. Sam not having a plan was a huge hole (and not checking the cop or baby for the darkness - though I don't blame them for not checking for the Mark. That wouldn't have crossed their minds I don't think).
I'm confused about the baby actually. At first I thought there were two "darknesses" - the woman and the baby. But after readying stuff I think we are to believe the baby is now the darkness. MAybe? Really not sure about that - I think answers will come later.
Where there is good hair, there is always hope.
Hee. I would believe that only, for me, first half of S8 was best Sam hair and but also worse story line. But, YES! Huge improvement from last season! YAY!
no subject
Date: 2015-10-10 10:13 pm (UTC)I loved that each of them acknowledged that strength in each other. Sam knowing Dean wanted to save the baby, Dean knowing that Sam was thinking of the victims. I MISSED these aspects of their characters and it was wonderful to see that again. The strength of their relationship was a major part of this episode and I loved it for that.
Yes, exactly!
Other things... I loved the scenes with Dean and Amara.... they have great chemistry. Sam's hair looks great (goodbye to the bob!), and we got some good Sammy pov.
About Dean not telling Sam more about his conversation with Amara, and Sam not telling Dean that he's infected... I'm waiting to see what happens in the next ep. There's reasons why each of them has kept quiet, and I want to see how this will play out.
Yay that you're posting ep reviews again!♥
no subject
Date: 2015-10-11 11:14 am (UTC)Yes, I agree it's not what they'd change. But I do hope that the consequences of what they do to save each other is considered (even if they say "I know this will have bad consequences, but I have to save you anyway"). I love (sometimes!) that they'd do anything to keep the other alive - but, as you know, I want them to at least address or acknowledge that their choices do cause problems to the rest of the world and even to each other at times. I was thrilled to finally hear that spoken out loud though. I think Sam was definitely talking about "saving people" - other people - and not just shooting them without a thought to sable trgh I hope this works for demon possessions. They probably should have killed the rabids come to think of it (they were doomed anyway), whereas they know possessed people can be saved.
There's reasons why each of them has kept quiet, and I want to see how this will play out.
I agree. I'm not annoyed by that (yet). They usually keep stuff like that from each other because they know how the other will react. Sam knows Dean will do anything to save him, so maybe Sam wants to see what he can do by himself. And same with Dean. I don't think he knows what Amara meant, so might not want to share that until he has a better idea. Season is very young so we'll see. I will be pretty annoyed if they continue to present Sam and Dean like they have through much of S8 and S9. I'm hopeful they'll move it along now. :)
(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2015-10-11 01:09 pm (UTC)The maturity not only came in Sam saying "we need to change", but with Dean accepting it. There was also a world-weariness about them, but they still maintained a level of focus to help. It seems that "saving people, hunting things" really is back - with a renewed focused on "saving" people.
I won't deny I'm contradictory when it comes to Sam and Dean. I can shout "burn the world for each other" one minute and "stop burning the world for each other" the next. Truth is, I want them to have that level of "I'd burn the world for you" about them (which they definitely have), but I also want them to acknowledge how problematic that is. I want them to care about the consequences of their choices. I felt we got that mix in this episode. Also, I don't think we have to have one and not the other. By them acknowledging how damaging and problematic their sacrificing ways are, doesn't necessarily mean they will stop saving each other. And love comes in many forms - not just being prepared to die for each other.
I 100% agree, and i really really hope that this continues throughout the season (and the sam pov).
no subject
Date: 2015-10-13 12:14 pm (UTC)I really hope we begin to see this (fairly) new approach of including Sam's pov more. I know last season gave us more than S9, so hopefully it's a trend that will continue. *fingers crossed*