11.16 reaction/review

[ash48]

Firstly *waves*. It feels like ages since I've been here. I confess to feeling very lack lustre in terms of fandom and show lately. I've been checking stuff but not responding or participating. I think I've been feeling a little burnt out maybe? I think I lost a little of the passion (I know I have actually, but hey…11 years is a long time to maintain that level of passion! :D) I've also been burnt by some stuff in fandom (yeah, twitter kinda sucks for that) so I been staying back. What can I say? I'm a sensitive soul…;D)

AaaaaNYWAY! Show returned this week and I'm feeling it again! (hopefully enough to dust of my vidding program and a motel post I've had pending for ages and become a little more active *g*).



What a delightful episode! I loved it. Matching Sam and Dean with Bobby and Rufus was inspired.


The wonderful:

I adored the direction and editing (transitions between S&D and B&R were absolutely wonderful!)

I loved the warmth that Bobby and Rufus brought to the episode (that's possibly nostalgia, but I don't care - I'll take it!). Though maybe it's not just nostalgia. Those two together are great fun. And a reminder that hunters can live past their 30s. Season 20 here we come! (*yikes*).

Show seems to have remembered that the boys working together rather than behind each others' backs for the "good" of the other, makes for better viewing. Thank you!

Dean lost PSR to keep Sam safe again (Dean deliberately losing will always be my head canon :D).

Dean holding his breath and closing his eyes when he saw dead!Sam. A lovely, subtle moment.

Sam cradling Dean at the end was just what my heart needed. Protective brothers is my jam! <3

The music choices were spot on ("Nite Life" by Willie Nelson and "Midnight Rider" by The Allman Brothers Band).

The shining (and positive) love for each other was a standout in this episode.

And many more!


The thinky:

I actually think we're not meant to really think too hard about how this episode worked. Sam's "my head hurts" and Dean's "Let's get drunk and not think about this ever again." was a message from Robbie to say "don't ponder on this too long. I didn't". Ultimately I think the "space-time continumn" was designed simply as a way for Bobby and Dean to see each other. I might be wrong and it's actually a set up for a future episode (which could work actually - might be a place Amara ends up for example? Trapped there? *shrugs*), but I'm not sure they've thought that far ahead.

I was having trouble following how both Bobby and Rufus and Sam and Dean came to the conclusion they were hunting a soul-eater. I just have to accept it, but it did seem weird. Much like the end when Rufus was insisting it was another monster - a baku. Again, this could be setting something up for the future OR it's just something to *handwave*.

Sam's comment at the end was the only moment that felt "off" to me. It seemed like such a strange thing to say. That his death was "comforting". Perhaps deliberately ambiguous? I've seen many theories. Personally, I felt it's about the "normalisation" of seeing one of them dead. As in "oh yeah, that's typical". That is was somehow comforting that Dean saw something familiar to him. It might have also referred to the fact that Dean didn't see Amara as someone he "loves" - so that's comforting to both of them. Maybe? It could just be that death is such a major part of their lives that it no longer freaks them out (though clearly Dean was very freaked out). But I'm not quite sure who was supposed to be comforted by it. I sure wasn't!

I've been pondering the title "Safe House". Didn't seem like a particularly safe house to me (so ironic maybe?). Though I figure it was to do with the soul-eater telling Sam that he could keep Dean safe from The Darkness in the nest. That he could keep both of them safe. Clearly the soul-eater doesn't know the Winchesters that well. Safe is not an option.

Curious that even the soul-eater knows the darkness is free and Dean wants to go to her.

Sam being able to look up MoL info on the internet (or directly on his computer maybe?) suggests he's digitised it all? Or was that stuff already available on a website maybe (yeah, yeah, I know it was there for convenience, but it does make me wonder how it all got there).

And there was further confirmation that Dean's soul is left vulnerable without Sam. Sam said the soul eater messes with the victims and they see people they love which makes their soul vulnerable - which is exactly what happened to Dean when he was in the nest. I wonder if that will become important later on...


So. Another great S11 episode. :D This one is definitely shaping up to be my favourite since Carver took over. At least the boys do actually seem to be on the same page. At this point in time I do believe that neither of them are hiding a secret from the other. Will wonders never cease?! :D

Comments

[killabeez.livejournal.com]

That last comment of Sam's—it did play a little oddly, but for me, it was pretty clear because I was very focused on Sam's concern over Dean's state of mind.

I read it this way: it was comforting because, after what happened with the banshee (and they deliberately used the term "vulnerable" again), Sam thought maybe it would have been Amara that Dean saw when under the thrall of the soul-eater. But instead, it was Sam—which is as it should be, as the reverse would have been for Sam. So it was a confirmation that even though Dean is "under the influence," as it were, he's not completely lost. Sam is still his anchor, his touchstone, and they're still each other's "stone number one."

The thing that was striking to me is that a) Dean would admit what he actually saw (so many times in the past, he would have denied it or made a joke), and b) that Sam admitted he was hoping for the answer he got.

[marciaelena.livejournal.com]

It was a beautiful, flawless episode. Felt like old school SPN, which gives me some hope for the rest of the season.

Best part: seeing Sam&Dean that open and affectionate with each other. Just amazing.

[fufaraw]

I am very very happy with almost everything about this episode, and I shall clasp it to my breast and hold it very very tight. It's kind of odd feeling this way. I like it. I'ma hang onto it as long as I can.

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Yay! I knew you've love the cinematography in this one, I was thinking of you every time they shot a nice/unusual angle!

Re: the baku, I think the only reason Rufus said that was to try and get out of Bobby winning the bet and losing his bottle of Blue. And I took it that the soul eater knew stuff about Dean and the Darkness because it kind of possessed Dean so would have access to Dean's thoughts.

Otherwise, I totally loved this - Bobby and Rufus are gold. I'd watch a spin off with them any day.

[katwoman76.livejournal.com]

Sam was sorting through the archives right after they found the bunker and probably ever since and it would totally make sense for the nerd in him to digitalize it.
Also - didn't Charlie do something fancy to that huge Server in the bunker in the Oz-episode? That probably helped Sam get access to the stuff already on it from his laptop from everywhere.

[zebra363.livejournal.com]

I interpreted it this way, too. It was good news that Dean saw a dead Sam, since it means he has his priorities straight!

I'm finding them almost out-of-character open with each other – it's a bit bizarre (in a good way).

[sam-dean-lover.livejournal.com]

hey, i agree with everything, my grade is A, looking forward to next week, the week after yet to be seen. great start to the finale!

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Yes, I agree. :) I actually wonder if there might have been some dialogue cut just before that line (or something). I think it played oddly because it felt it came out of the blue. I think also (as Zebra says below), their honesty with each other is feels pretty unusual in itself. I was taken a back that Dean actually admitted to what he say. I was thrilled that he told the truth to Sam - and that Sam chill with it.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

A relief after all the dishonesty and secrets. I feel like pinching myself - it's almost too good be to be true!

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Haha! Agreed! For me it was just the episode I needed to get me excited for the show again. :)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

I ADORED the cinematography!! Those transitions had me cheering in m y living room! :)

And I took it that the soul eater knew stuff about Dean and the Darkness because it kind of possessed Dean so would have access to Dean's thoughts.

Oh yes! Good point!

I'd watch a spin off with them any day.

You know what I'd love (and watch)? A spin off that featured the variety of characters/hunters we've seen on the show. So one week Bobby and Rufus and then the following week Jody and Donna etc. I'm not sure how they could work it but hunters that we know and love in the SPN 'verse. :)) I'd certainly love to see more of Bobby and Rufus! I hope they find a way to re-visit them somehow.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

*nods* I can buy that Sam has been busy copying everything onto a website. There must be plenty of downtime when he could do that. :))

That probably helped Sam get access to the stuff already on it from his laptop from everywhere.

I like that idea too! :)

[amypond45.livejournal.com]

Like amberdreams, I was thinking of you a lot during this episode -- the overheads in the motel and the fabulous split-screen with Sam & Dean making sigils on either side of that wall from different dimensions -- so cool!

I love your reviews SO MUCH that I miss them (and you!) almost as much as the show when it's not on!

Twitter is a brain-suck sometimes, I've decided :(

[greyowl88.livejournal.com]

Seeing Bobby and Rufus again made me so happy! And that nest outside of time was genious. I love sense making stories with interacting timelines. A delightful episode indeed! :D ♥

[zara-zee.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, the editing was wonderful. The transitions were so smoothly done, it was really a joy to watch. This was a real feel-good episode for me--I loved seeing Bobby and Rufus and the way Sam cradled Dean at the end was just perfect. So much love. ♥

[catinplaid.livejournal.com]

This epi felt so much like old times, it made me really nostalgic for S1. Bobby and Rufus are an awesome team. I loved seeing those grumpy old men working together! And I really, really loved the transitions between them and the boys - they felt so seamless and natural.

I, too, didn't really understand what Sam meant when he said that Dean seeing him dead was comforting, but I agree with the conclusion that it's a good thing Dean saw him rather than Amara. Or he was just happy that it was confirmed that Dean loves him the most ;D

The boys being so open and honest with each other feels so, so great. It feels like a breath of fresh air. And yes, it's so unfamiliar that I still feel like I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not imagining it :D Bobby didn't tell Rufus that he saw Dean in the nest, but Dean told Sam - and we got the feeling it was the most natural thing, cos we didn't even see how he told him, we just got it from their conversation. Wow, boys! I sure hope it stays that way!

The physics of the nest were complicated indeed. On my re-watch, it occured to me that they could be used for so many cool things, story-wise. And who knows, maybe they'll use that idea? It sure would be cool.

You know, I get why you want stay away from fandom drama - there was quite a lot of it on twitter and it feels like such a shame. I'm not in fandom as long as you but I'm still fed up of some sh*t sometimes. I'm happy Show is back, and with a bang like this epi :) It's much better talking about the show!

Oh, and I got really excited when I saw you asking motel questions on twitter, cos I gathered you were working on another motel post :D Whenever you finish it, I'm definitely gonna enjoy it very very much!

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Me too, me too!

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

I kind of loathe Twitter. I go there occasionally to connect with a few friends who use it but always come away feeling fed up.

[lyryk.livejournal.com]

Dean deliberately losing will always be my head canon :D

Hee, mine too!

Show seems to have remembered that the boys working together rather than behind each others' backs for the "good" of the other, makes for better viewing. Thank you!

Yes! S11 is looking pretty awesome so far. :-)

[madebyme-x.livejournal.com]

I loved this ep!!! The beautiful cinematography (that shot of the research table from above as it shifted seamlessly from Dean and Sam to Bobby and Rufus), the boys working together and being honest with each (such a positive change that I keep doubting it, but I do love it, and it fits more with Sam's speech at the start of the season. Something needed to change, and maybe this is going to be it? I sure hope so), the creepy feel of the case with those 'sad people' - just all of it!

I think Sam's end comment was more relief that Dean saw a dead Sam, rather than anything Amara related. That's how I read it, but maybe they edited something out there, it did feel like it needed a extra word or two. And I'm pretty sure Rufus bauk comment was related to the bottle of Blue (and how cool was that tie in to that old ep!!!)

And I'm sorry to hear you fandom burned. You're amazing, and I always look forward to your ep reviews, vids, motels metas and cinematography discussions. I'd really miss you if you left, so I hope you find a safe haven here *hugs*

[sleepypercy.livejournal.com]

I've had this up for a few days now because I always love your episode reactions, and they have a lot of my own responses.

Same for music choices - the Allman Brothers (along with the Eagles) are my dad's favorites bands, and somehow all that nostalgia mixed together pretty hard for me in this ep.

I was confused about the same things - how they knew what the monster was. I did actually like that their solution for trapping the monster was kind of a catch-all. Not every monster has a one-weakness / special weapon.

And that last line - I rewatched in a panic because I thought I'd missed some reason Sam thought it was comforting and Dean agreed. It's not comforting at all to see your brother dead... by after the second watching (and tweeting) I'd come to the conclusion that Sam being Dean's thing in his life that he's afraid to lose actually means that everything is right with the boys' world. As long as Sam's more important to Dean than whatever pull Amara has, everything is ok.

I think this ep will also be filed under one of my favorites. I love how the show doesn't make every single episode about the arc problem. I'd be ok if they didn't bring up Amara and Casifer for a while because they boys hunting together, and Dean willing to talk to Sam about problems has been really nice.

[hugemind.livejournal.com]

So much love for the ep!! I loved the transitions and how the story was seamlessly told in the past and in the now. Bobby and Rufus have a great grumpy old men vibe and the similarities between the two pairs were pretty awesome too. <3

Sam being able to look up MoL info on the internet (or directly on his computer maybe?) suggests he's digitised it all?

Charlie moved all the MoL files to her tablet computer in 9x04, so maybe Sam's downloaded them to his computer (or remotely accessing them). What surprised me was that the MoL already had the files on a computer. :)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Should be interesting! :))

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Aww, thank you! I don't realise how much I miss the show until it's back on and we can all chat about it again!

The cinematography was gorgeous! I was in heaven watching all those lovely transitions.

Twitter is a strange beast. I check it out often, but it's not the place to tweet anything in the slightest bit controversial - or needing a proper discussion. I've learned my lesson… ;)

x

[ash48.livejournal.com]

*nods* I'm really curious to see if they'll use that space/time place again. It might be a handy place to trap monsters (i.e. Amara) in. Maybe.
x

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Agrees! All things that added up to a wonderful episode. :)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Or he was just happy that it was confirmed that Dean loves him the most ;D

THE MOST!

The boys being so open with each other is SO DAMN refreshing! I just hope they can keep it this way for a while now (if not forever!). It makes for much easier watching When its the two of them against the world it's easier to cheer both of them on, rather than have to pick sides.

The fandom drama is tiresome indeed. And never ending I suppose. I think twitter just makes it more accessible - we see it so easily.

The motel post is so close! I just have to do some more research (I love seeing where they've used certain props before etc) and it'll be up! :)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Yes! S11 is looking pretty awesome so far. :-)

Sure is! :))

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Something needed to change, and maybe this is going to be it?

Something sure did need to change! I'm glad that this time we're seeing it rather than just being told something has to change and nothing happening.

I'd really miss you if you left, so I hope you find a safe haven here *hugs*

Thanks hun. I can't really see myself ever leaving completely. Just when I think I might be over the show it comes back with an ep like that and I remember what it is I love about it (and fandom!). I just think I've been occupied with so many other things lately (the new bar in particular) that do fandom stuff has taken a back seat. I'm hoping to get the motel post up soon. And I even have a vid idea in mind…;)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hey.

Yeah, I agree about the last line now. At the time it seemed a weird thing to say - but I think it was definitely in connection to Amara. If Dean had seen her things would be very wrong. It was good see Sam feeling that way too - even a vision of dead Sam is better than seeing Amara.

As long as Sam's more important to Dean than whatever pull Amara has, everything is ok.

Absolutely! :)

I'd be ok if they didn't bring up Amara and Casifer for a while

Oh me too. I feel like I can relax and enjoy it more when it's just them fighting a MoTW. I like the arc stuff when it's well written and constructed (which doesn't always happen).

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Charlie moved all the MoL files to her tablet computer in 9x04

Ahh, that's right. I suppose we're not supposed to think too hard about all that info being there (and how it all got onto a computer in the first place!). And we'd have to assume not ALL of it is available via computer - otherwise they'd have no need to look at any of the fabulous books they have.

Such a great ep for us cinematographer types! :)

[catinplaid.livejournal.com]

The motel post is so close!

YAY!!! \o/
:D