12.01 review/reaction
Oct. 15th, 2016 07:22 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ash48Dear Supernatural,
Welcome back!! You knocked it out of the park! \o/
Lots of Love
Me.
I think I can safely say that is my fave season opener after 2.01 (In My Time of Dying). I know 4.01 (Lazarus Rising) is pretty damn awesome too, but as it was the beginning of a season of secrecy between Sam and Dean I think I'd put that slightly behind this one.
This episode had a lot to achieve in a very short time. I'm happy to say that it not only achieved everything it had to, but it achieved it all so damn well. It was wonderfully paced and deftly crafted. There was an underlying sense of urgency and yet it never felt rushed. It even managed to get in some humour. I am so proud of my show!!
I think the biggest challenge was the re-introduction of Mary. It really needed to be handled sincerely and meaningfully for it to ring true. And it did. In fact, I thought it was beautifully handled. Sam Smith's performance was a stand out. She had a constant air of confusion and fear about her - mixed with an almost child-like bewilderment of the new world. She had to absorb so much in a short amount of time. It could have easily been melodramatic, but the script, directing and acting ensured it never tipped over into that. I wiped away a tear a number of times during her touching scenes with Dean.
I like that we got some extra backstory between herself and John. I also like that it suggests that John shared those stories with Dean, which paints a nice picture of some shared time between father and son. Of course, we have no idea the manner in which John told him, but I'll probably fanon that it was over a shared beer as they watched the sunset.
Jensen gave Dean a good mix of disbelief and then relief at having Mary back. The chemistry between Jensen and Samantha was strong - you could see shades of "little boy" when Dean was around her. Dean's "I know we make the world a better place" was perfect. So good to hear him be positive again. (And how wonderful is it to have Dean is back - not possessed, or under any influence (Mark, Amara etc) - it's Dean, as Dean! \o/).
And then we got Dean's awesome trademark badass determination once he knew Sam was missing. I love how this totally contrasts the last time Dean knew Sam was being held (when he was uncaring demon!Dean).
In fact, I love just how different this torture scene is compared to the one with Cole in the beginning of S10. These tortured Sam scenes were so much more poignant. It wasn't just torture for the sake of it, it was used in such a way that showed us more of Sam's character (and how damn hard were those scene to watch?! You know I'm a hurt!Sam fan, but wow... they were so difficult for me. I wanted to turn away a few times...).
Jared's performance was stellar. He balanced the mix of fear, vulnerability and stubborn determination perfectly. It was so heartbreaking - knowing he's been here many times before. He's no stranger to torture *sob*. Even with the knowledge that Dean is dead, he's fighting on. He was able to fight through the hallucinations because he knew that's exactly what they were. It was reminiscent of his hallucinations in When the Levee Breaks and of course the ones he had post Lucifer's cage. We saw Sam's current state of mind - the way he blames himself for all those deaths. We also saw clever and resourceful Sam, tricking Toni into thinking he'd killed himself (I gasped out loud at that moment).
I was puzzled why Sam didn't make sure Toni was definitely out cold before he tried to escape, but I reconcile that with his state of mind and what he's had to endure to that point. Even though he could have (and probably should have) killed her, he's still the Sam that hold back on killing humans. And that final shot of Sam alone on the stairs has to be the most heartbreaking moment in the episode. He's so totally alone and knows that no one will come to help him. I seriously hope all this hurt is matched with some comfort in the coming episodes. Sammy needs it!
I even liked Toni! I know I know. She was horrible - but she was a really interesting horrible. She wasn't portrayed as a cardboard cutout villain. She's been given some interesting layers. I am curious who Mr Catchit (something like that?) is - someone she is clearly terrified of (saying she never wants that psychopath near her again). She's seen as a loving mother and yet has such disregard for human life. We often got her point of view watching Sam with (almost?) admiration. Most definitely curiosity. I think there could be some really interesting story lines ahead for her and the BMoL (I think she's been indoctrinated into this life without a opportunity to see things differently - maybe Sam and Dean will show her (them?) that you can be a hunter without being totally soulless. We'll see.
Cas was back to being badass, but his abilities were a little mystifying. I assumed that his fall meant he wasn't fully powered - but he did zap the guy in the truck in the beginning, so he had some juice. I wondered way he didn't use some angel juice to fight the BMoL thug? I am going to assume those magic knuckle dusters prevented angel juice and gave he extra strength (a very cool weapon!). I really enjoyed the badass women in this episode.
Crowley hunting for Lucifer felt a little like an amusing interlude. The "teenage girl" demon certainly made me chuckle.
I really liked the balance of all the characters. It's an absolute given that the show needs some series regulars to help spread the load of the Js. If they balance it out, like they did in this episode, I'll be pretty satisfied with that.
Other highlights:
The fabulous use of music (*guh* that last song - "Solitude" by Black Sabbath).
The snappy editing of the opening sequence. Great summing up of S11.
Mary's reaction to the car.
Dean realising she's remembering the fun times her and John had in the back seat *g*
Toni's "We want to make America safe". A nice tie to Trump's slogan (and maybe a nod to their "evil" ways...;D)
The "Mystery Spot" billboard Cas crashed through in his landing.
The little moments of stillness - Dean and Mary on the bench, the final scene of the Impala driving away and Sam on the step.
Great cinematography as always.
So. A really strong start to the season. I can't wait for next week. I can't stand the thought of poor Sam being left alone in that hell hole.
Welcome back!! You knocked it out of the park! \o/
Lots of Love
Me.
I think I can safely say that is my fave season opener after 2.01 (In My Time of Dying). I know 4.01 (Lazarus Rising) is pretty damn awesome too, but as it was the beginning of a season of secrecy between Sam and Dean I think I'd put that slightly behind this one.
This episode had a lot to achieve in a very short time. I'm happy to say that it not only achieved everything it had to, but it achieved it all so damn well. It was wonderfully paced and deftly crafted. There was an underlying sense of urgency and yet it never felt rushed. It even managed to get in some humour. I am so proud of my show!!
I think the biggest challenge was the re-introduction of Mary. It really needed to be handled sincerely and meaningfully for it to ring true. And it did. In fact, I thought it was beautifully handled. Sam Smith's performance was a stand out. She had a constant air of confusion and fear about her - mixed with an almost child-like bewilderment of the new world. She had to absorb so much in a short amount of time. It could have easily been melodramatic, but the script, directing and acting ensured it never tipped over into that. I wiped away a tear a number of times during her touching scenes with Dean.
I like that we got some extra backstory between herself and John. I also like that it suggests that John shared those stories with Dean, which paints a nice picture of some shared time between father and son. Of course, we have no idea the manner in which John told him, but I'll probably fanon that it was over a shared beer as they watched the sunset.
Jensen gave Dean a good mix of disbelief and then relief at having Mary back. The chemistry between Jensen and Samantha was strong - you could see shades of "little boy" when Dean was around her. Dean's "I know we make the world a better place" was perfect. So good to hear him be positive again. (And how wonderful is it to have Dean is back - not possessed, or under any influence (Mark, Amara etc) - it's Dean, as Dean! \o/).
And then we got Dean's awesome trademark badass determination once he knew Sam was missing. I love how this totally contrasts the last time Dean knew Sam was being held (when he was uncaring demon!Dean).
In fact, I love just how different this torture scene is compared to the one with Cole in the beginning of S10. These tortured Sam scenes were so much more poignant. It wasn't just torture for the sake of it, it was used in such a way that showed us more of Sam's character (and how damn hard were those scene to watch?! You know I'm a hurt!Sam fan, but wow... they were so difficult for me. I wanted to turn away a few times...).
Jared's performance was stellar. He balanced the mix of fear, vulnerability and stubborn determination perfectly. It was so heartbreaking - knowing he's been here many times before. He's no stranger to torture *sob*. Even with the knowledge that Dean is dead, he's fighting on. He was able to fight through the hallucinations because he knew that's exactly what they were. It was reminiscent of his hallucinations in When the Levee Breaks and of course the ones he had post Lucifer's cage. We saw Sam's current state of mind - the way he blames himself for all those deaths. We also saw clever and resourceful Sam, tricking Toni into thinking he'd killed himself (I gasped out loud at that moment).
I was puzzled why Sam didn't make sure Toni was definitely out cold before he tried to escape, but I reconcile that with his state of mind and what he's had to endure to that point. Even though he could have (and probably should have) killed her, he's still the Sam that hold back on killing humans. And that final shot of Sam alone on the stairs has to be the most heartbreaking moment in the episode. He's so totally alone and knows that no one will come to help him. I seriously hope all this hurt is matched with some comfort in the coming episodes. Sammy needs it!
I even liked Toni! I know I know. She was horrible - but she was a really interesting horrible. She wasn't portrayed as a cardboard cutout villain. She's been given some interesting layers. I am curious who Mr Catchit (something like that?) is - someone she is clearly terrified of (saying she never wants that psychopath near her again). She's seen as a loving mother and yet has such disregard for human life. We often got her point of view watching Sam with (almost?) admiration. Most definitely curiosity. I think there could be some really interesting story lines ahead for her and the BMoL (I think she's been indoctrinated into this life without a opportunity to see things differently - maybe Sam and Dean will show her (them?) that you can be a hunter without being totally soulless. We'll see.
Cas was back to being badass, but his abilities were a little mystifying. I assumed that his fall meant he wasn't fully powered - but he did zap the guy in the truck in the beginning, so he had some juice. I wondered way he didn't use some angel juice to fight the BMoL thug? I am going to assume those magic knuckle dusters prevented angel juice and gave he extra strength (a very cool weapon!). I really enjoyed the badass women in this episode.
Crowley hunting for Lucifer felt a little like an amusing interlude. The "teenage girl" demon certainly made me chuckle.
I really liked the balance of all the characters. It's an absolute given that the show needs some series regulars to help spread the load of the Js. If they balance it out, like they did in this episode, I'll be pretty satisfied with that.
Other highlights:
The fabulous use of music (*guh* that last song - "Solitude" by Black Sabbath).
The snappy editing of the opening sequence. Great summing up of S11.
Mary's reaction to the car.
Dean realising she's remembering the fun times her and John had in the back seat *g*
Toni's "We want to make America safe". A nice tie to Trump's slogan (and maybe a nod to their "evil" ways...;D)
The "Mystery Spot" billboard Cas crashed through in his landing.
The little moments of stillness - Dean and Mary on the bench, the final scene of the Impala driving away and Sam on the step.
Great cinematography as always.
So. A really strong start to the season. I can't wait for next week. I can't stand the thought of poor Sam being left alone in that hell hole.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2016-10-15 01:21 pm (UTC)Yes to all this. I think the torture scene was well handled too. It really made me want to look away when the hand torch (?) came near to Sam's bare feet... thanks for all the hurt!Sam though.
I'm looking forward to the role Mary is going to play in Dean and Sam's life now :) I'm glad that the brothers now have a loving mother to lean on. It won't surprise me if there arises some conflict between Mary and the brothers, because they are from different times, and especially because what Sam and Dean have gone through may not be something Mary experienced. I'm wondering if Mary would try to ask the brothers to quit hunting and have a normal life... or something.
I like Toni and her side kick so far, and I'm definitely would love to see Mr. Catchit. He actually reminds me of Mr, Scratch from Alan Wake, who is a psycho dark version of the hero Alan. I hope when he is introduced to the brothers, he'll be as scary and creepy as Alastair...
All in all, I need a rematch :)
no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 11:50 am (UTC)Thank you! It's great to be back being to able to be so positive (and excited) about an episode. :))
Sam's feet!! That was SO hard to watch. I had been spoiled for some of what was going to happen - but not that! It was so hard to watch. Even the cold water had me cringing.
The impact Mary will have on their lives has potential to be so interesting. I particularly love this angle because it so inherently part of their story. I wonder if she'll just spend most of the time in awe of their abilities and close relationship. I'm excited to see what they will do with it.
I hope when he is introduced to the brothers, he'll be as scary and creepy as Alastair...
*rubs hands* I suspect he'll be the actual villain of the piece. And I think (I have absolutely NO idea on this) he might be someone that Sam and Dean may need to "save" Toni from.
I've re-watched this once already - which is always a good sign. :D
(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2016-10-15 04:57 pm (UTC)While I appreciate your assessment of Toni, I just cannot get over my feelings shouting out "DIE, BITCH, DIE!" for the ways she is hurting Sammy. *sobs* I do hope you're right and that they balance all the hurt with some comfort later, because that poor boy certainly deserves it.
(What do you mean, "Am I a 'Sam girl'?" Really, I don't know what you're talking about XP)
Seriously. I could respond to every point you made with a happy burst of agreement and squee. I hope this episode is an indication of what we can expect from the entire season, because, if so, it may just be one of the best yet. Soooo looking forward to next week!!! :D
no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 11:56 am (UTC)Love hearing your thoughts, and seeing a beautiful episode highlighted just as beautifully. It's almost like watching it again!
Thank you! What a lovely thing to say. <3
I just cannot get over my feelings shouting out "DIE, BITCH, DIE!"
Haha! Oh me neither! I can't stand her impersonal approach to our darling Sam. I just suspect - in terms of story telling - her story will be deeper than just pure villain. She is no doubt horrid, but I'm thinking there's even nastier villains behind all this. I am very curious to see what happens here (I suppose I am worried they'll do a "Cole" on her and let her off lightly, but I'm already feeling there's better storytelling here *fingers crossed*)
I feel more positive about this season, but I know I have been disappointed in the past. My hope is that Dabb and Singer have a better handle on it all than Carver did. We'll see!
no subject
Date: 2016-10-15 05:07 pm (UTC)I was worried to watch the episode. Its thumbnail looked at me from the streaming site and I looked back at it. We stared at each other for a while and I wasn't sure if I was ready to take the chance of possibly getting disappointed or frustrated again. But I watched it. And it all just went so very well!! :D I really hope they keep going like this. I'm loving it! Yes, yes, yes!! :D
Welcome back, Supernatural, indeed! ♥
no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 12:02 pm (UTC)I was very spoiled for this episode, so I knew (pretty much) what it was going to be like. I've been so damn excited about it for ages!! I just wasn't sure how it was all going to work. I was thrilled that I loved it as much as I did. :D
I think I'm passed thinking one good ep will mean the whole season will be awesome, but I am going in with a refreshed view of it all. I'm going to take each episode as it comes. I know there will be some I'll love and some I won't. I have to say that I am happy that Carver has gone though. It at least gives me hope that we won't see the brothers being at constant odds with each other as we have for the last 4 seasons *fingers crossed*.
no subject
Date: 2016-10-15 05:16 pm (UTC)I'm surprisingly interested in Toni, and I would love to see the contrasts between her and Mary explored a little, as mothers, and as women knowledgeable about the hunting world.
I definitely got a vibe of the current political clime "making America safe" off the whole tribe of MoL UK (which I still have to stop myself calling the Watchers Council).
I did something last night I haven't done in...well, seasons! I rewatched the ep! I'm hoping really hard this bodes well for the season.
no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 12:06 pm (UTC)and I would love to see the contrasts between her and Mary explored a little, as mothers, and as women knowledgeable about the hunting world.
Oooh yes. That could be an interesting exploration. I wonder if Toni will see something in Mary that she has in herself? A love for her children - and that Sam and Dean will not be seen has people to be tortured, but rather as sons. Hmmm...
I rewatched the ep! I'm hoping really hard this bodes well for the season.
Me too! I can't remember the last time I did that (probably Red Meat *g*).
no subject
Date: 2016-10-15 07:10 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 12:07 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-10-15 10:03 pm (UTC)Sammeeeeeee!
no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 12:12 pm (UTC)I agree! I wish the side kick was still around because she WAS fun (i mean, horrible, but deliciously fun...).
It felt like show was ecognising the audience's intelligence and allowing us to see things and fill in the gaps.
Yes! This is something I wanted to mention actually. I loved that we were treated with respect and intelligence. We weren't spoon fed. There were gaps - but nothing that we couldn't fill in ourselves.
*meep* Sammeeee. I can't. It still hurts (in all the best ways...)
xx
(no subject)
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Date: 2016-10-15 10:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 12:14 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-10-15 10:11 pm (UTC)Mary was out of the hunting life and she obviously didn't feel good about having to kill someone, so maybe she could become a MoL and be more on the research side of things. She might even connect with Toni and/or the UK MoL because of that. *ponders*
no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 12:17 pm (UTC)I was spoiled for this so I knew it wasn't going to happen. I actually don't mind them being separated when the episode focus is about them being back together. I mean, there was a lot of other things going on, but the driving force was hunting for Sam.
And yes...I think there may well be a connection between Mary and Toni. I didn't think about Mary being a MoL (like Toni is a BMoL) but maybeeee.....I see a lot of potential here. :)
no subject
Date: 2016-10-15 11:06 pm (UTC)And Jared. Stellar, as you say. I need Sam rescued immediately though. Poor baby. Sobs.
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Date: 2016-10-16 12:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-10-15 11:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 12:18 pm (UTC)<3
no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 12:27 am (UTC)I was really looking forward to your review because the ep left me a bit unsatisfied and since you always write very poignant reviews you usually make it better. This time too! the only instance I disagree is when Sam didn't make sure Toni was out cold or tied her up. while this ep was certainly better crafted than a lot of the eps in the last seasons, this felt like a lazy writing moment. the writers wanted to show sam's badassery (thank god) but needed him to stay captive. so yeah. i thought sam would have done better considering he was still able to fake a suicide to get out of there. cas' powers are certainly confusing but all in all was this much better than what i expected. and i whole-heartedly agree, they did handle mary's return beautifully and the acting was stellar, from everyone. i think you could see how much the Js liked the script. now we just have to hope the rest of the season continues like this and doesn't go like last season...
thanks for your review i'm looking foward to many more!
no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 12:27 pm (UTC)Sorry to hear the ep left you a bit unsatisfied. Though I'm glad the review made it a bit better! *g*
That Sam moment was a niggle for me too. He had threatened to kill her earlier and then didn't when he had the chance. Though it's very "sam" not to kill humans - so I'm glad he didn't. But he should have made sure she was totally incapacitated - so he was assured of a get away. But yeah, he needed to say captured so they played it like that - slightly tighter scripting could have found a way around that maybe.
now we just have to hope the rest of the season continues like this and doesn't go like last season...
Yeah, it's always a worry. My hope is that as they are not dealing with a *huge* myth arc like God and His Sister, the stories might be back to basics. It already has a more insular feel - more closely connected to Sam and Dean, than it has done for a while. *fingers crossed* anyway. :)
thanks for your review i'm looking foward to many more!
You're welcome! I wasn't even sure I was going to right reviews this season, but I had so much I wanted to say about his one, I just had to!
<3
(no subject)
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Date: 2016-10-16 12:54 am (UTC)The extra details on Mary and John were interesting but what really caught my attention was the discussion of how different the UK is from the U.S. in terms of hunting and monster control. Presumably though this doesn't work for demons, given that Bela was able to make a crossroads deal... I can't remember at this point if Bobby ever discussed hunting in Japan or was merely informed about creatures generally found there, but we've hardly ever gotten any clues about what goes on outside U.S. borders.
Yes, I really don't get Sam ensuring she's unconscious or, for that matter, appropriating the taser for himself -- especially after the clever escape attempt.
Actually given that you mentioned IMToD at the start, I was surprised you didn't mention the callback to that arc with the Impala car crash. This time we have Dean driving with Mary shotgun rather than Sam with John, and Cas is in the backseat instead of Dean, but I'd be really surprised if the connection wasn't intentional.
no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 12:43 pm (UTC)I have to say I am so relieved by the way the handled Mary. And it's wonderful to see Sam Smith back.
but what really caught my attention was the discussion of how different the UK is from the U.S. in terms of hunting and monster control.
Yes! That was very interesting. I had the feeling that the UK division feel like they know everything about Sam and Dean - and yet they really know nothing (as Toni was seen to be realising in that episode). It has such great potential.
I was surprised you didn't mention the callback to that arc with the Impala car crash.
ah..well, I can't say I saw that connection I have to admit. But when I think on it - yes, there was a similarity in the way it was filmed. They were certainly blindsided as they were in Devil's Trap.
I loved that silent moment with Dean looking back at Mary as if he was going to say something, but didn't. Just so much to say - where do you even start?
Some lovely little nuanced moments like that throughout the episode.
Happy to know you're still watching. :)
no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 02:46 am (UTC)Dean + Mary--their faces showed so much emotion...
Sam--fighting so hard even though (he thinks) Dean is dead...
If what Lady Toni wanted was to improve the hunting techniques of American hunters, why was it necessary to start so antagonistically toward Sam???
I predict that the little bit of admiration she was developing for Sam has been replaced with conviction he really is a monster and she's going to call Mr. C the psychopath to really work him over next week and I really don't want that to happen!!!
Lots of credit to Andrew Dabb for giving us backstory that is consistent with previous canon and addressing the times Mary has appeared in the show previously--that was well done!
Can't wait for the reunion scene!!!!
no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 12:48 pm (UTC)Me too! Wasn't sure I would be to be honest, but that episode renewed the love (and the break was good).
If what Lady Toni wanted was to improve the hunting techniques of American hunters, why was it necessary to start so antagonistically toward Sam???
Good point! Sam's approachable...just talk to him! I wonder if this was to show how brutal and out of touch the BMoL are. I had a feeling that they were shown to be cold and calculating (even in their treatment of that monster) for a good reason. I think this might be about them learning from Sam and Dean (and learning that there is US MoL like there is in Britain).
Lots of credit to Andrew Dabb for giving us backstory that is consistent with previous canon and addressing the times Mary has appeared in the show previously--that was well done!
Yes! I loved that.
Can't wait for the reunion scene!!!!
I WANT IT NOW!!!
no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 03:59 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 12:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 12:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 12:31 pm (UTC)Fair enough. Sometimes it's just the way it goes. I will say that this was a great episode, so if you do decide to come back it would be worth a watch. But yeah, maybe see how it all goes. It would be awful to be disappointed again. The last few seasons have been pretty damn rough.
My love for Sam and Dean will never fade though (and the Js). I may be thoroughly pissed with some of the story lines but as long as they did what they did in this ep, I'll be pretty happy. :)
Take care!! And thanks for always popping by to my reviews.
xx
no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 03:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-10-17 09:08 am (UTC)Yikes! Wha?!? Oh man, I hadn't even considered that. I didn't get that vibe at all and will be very surprised if they go in that direction. *meep* I hope not. I have a feeling there will be some sort of "redemption" - but more like a realisation rather than a redemption exactly. As in, she's been trained one way and getting to know and seei the Winchesters in action will show here a different way. Maybe. But yeah, if she's a love interest I will seriously side eye (and maybe scream a little).
they forgave Cole pretty quickly and I don't want that to happen here
*nods* Cole was such a strange character. It might be a similar thing (as in, Cole thought one thing but it turns out to be another) but I really hope what's happened to Sam here isn't dismissed as it was with Cole (not holding my breath on that, but I'm just going to roll with it if that's the way they play it. Hope not though). I hate that Cole never apologised to Sam. Sam stood up for him, which just shows what an amazing person he is.
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Date: 2016-10-16 04:57 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-10-17 09:15 am (UTC)The added meaning to him cutting his hand is really interesting. I felt that he did it purely to draw blood to fool Toni, but the connection with the hallucinations is a great idea. :)
I too loved Castiel's concern for both Sam and Dean. I like that he returned to earth because Sam was in danger.
Sammy in peril is my jam, but wow - so hard to watch. Poor Sammy!
no subject
Date: 2016-10-16 05:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-10-17 09:16 am (UTC)Got nothing to add (since I've already blabbered over at my LJ)
Haha! Snap! :)
I have all my fingers and toes crossed for a great season. Even if they can simply have a season without miscommunications or secrets I'll be pretty happy.
no subject
Date: 2016-10-17 04:37 pm (UTC)As you said Mary was perfect, and for me that was so important. But as you say, Sam knocked it out of the park with everything she was given, and it must have been odd for her playing Mary as Mary and not as a hallucination/flashback/monster.
Overall, I loved the balance of the storylines too. I like slightly more Winchester, and slightly less everything else, and this felt perfect for me, and like you say the pace was wonderful too; urgency but not rushed.
And our Sam - I was in heaven!!! I mean was Dabb trying to tick off all the ways I like our Sam; injured - tick, wet - tick, tied up - tick, defiant and bad ass - tick, beautiful hair - tick, bare feet - tick, smart - tick, sad and lonely and beautiful - tick. Honesty I don't know what was missing (the tortured toes made me squick a little, but honestly I still loved every minute of it!!!!)
I'm positive about the future, but still intrigued about what Mary's presence will bring and how it will affect the family dynamic. Bring it on Show!!! *big hugs*
no subject
Date: 2016-10-19 01:45 pm (UTC)I think we're probably in for a bumpy ride (as we always are) but I love the way its started. Sam in peril and protective, badass!Dean is my jam so I gotta enjoy it while I can.
(I will probably need fandom to provide the "comfort" part of this tale though as show rarely does....*hint hint*...;D)
I'm excited about Mary's presence. It will probably be complex, but I love that the myth arc seems to be closer to home.
xx
no subject
Date: 2016-10-17 06:03 pm (UTC)I pretty much adored this episode, and agree with everything you said. I liked Ms. Watt (she of the blowtorch skills) way more than Toni. Perhaps because she was so darned badass. It's not just anyone who can take down Dean Winchester when he's in full-on "Save Sammy!" mode. :D
And yes, a wet Sam is a gorgeous Sam indeed. ♥
A nice tie to Trump's slogan (and maybe a nod to their "evil" ways...;D)
. . . I love you. Yes, indeed.
no subject
Date: 2016-10-19 01:48 pm (UTC)I really like Ms Watt! She was scared that Toni I thought - as in not at all afraid to dish out the pain. I thought Toni didn't want to actually do that stuff - just wanted the results. Both horrible, but a fun kind of horrible!
Wet!Sam *drools*
Show getting in some anti!Trump sentiment is always great in my books...:)
xxx
no subject
Date: 2016-10-17 07:43 pm (UTC)I admit going into this episode I was a little concerned about how well they'd bring Mary back into this...wasn't sure if they'd be able to pull it off, but I think they did it very nicely, pretty much for the reasons you stated. I am looking forward to seeing her interactions with both boys (and especially Sam's reunion with her).
Good point in the contrast between Sam's torture scene in this episode and the one with Cole at the beginning of S10. I agree, this one felt a lot more poignant. Jared did such a great job in this. And I know it's early, but I'm really liking his hair so far (you just knew I'd bring that up, didn't you? ;D).
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Date: 2016-10-19 01:51 pm (UTC)I was really happy with their approach to Mary's intro. She was so dazed and confused. It was like she was living in some sort of dream. I don't think it will all really hit her until she sees Sam and realise what her sons have been going through. I dunno - it should be interesting I think. :)
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Date: 2016-10-24 02:37 am (UTC)Question for you - I never watched last season's finale, and I seem to remember you were not a fan. Do you think I need to watch it or will I get the gist and just dive in to season 12?
Yay, boys!
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Date: 2016-10-24 10:43 am (UTC)Personally, I don;t think you need to watch it.
*Spoilers ahead if you want to avoid what happened in the end*
S12 starts where it left but all you need to know is Dean went of to "kill" Amara by exploding himself near her (a spell I think?) but instead she and God make up and as a thank you Amara returns Mary to Sam and Dean.
Sam thinks Dean is dead. Sam returns to the bunker and a woman appears and says she from the British Men of Letter. She expels Cas (who returned with Sam) and shoots Sam.
Black out!
That's all you need to know. You could maybe watch the last, say 15min, but that's the gist of it. :)
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2016-10-25 02:28 am (UTC)But until then.... BOYS!!!! And off I go to watch the 2nd one. There are benefits to stockpiling episodes, but I prefer to read your recaps in close to real time! :)
no subject
Date: 2016-10-29 12:58 pm (UTC)