A touch more on 6.01

[ash48]

During the opening montage I had a sense of deja vu... or something. It seemed familiar in some way and today it twigged.

One of my very (very!) early vids (4th in fact, so 50 vids ago../o\) featured an attempt to do a similar thing. Of course not nearly has wonderful or succinct. In fact, looking back on the vid it's pretty embarrassing (I can't believe how long I let clips run for.../o\), but the idea was similar - comparing Dean's domestic life in WIaWSNB to his hunting life - it even had a him opening the car boot. *g*. (which is the bit that had me thinking about it...) It was one of my first meta vids (poorly executed unfortunately).. but the idea was there.

I kinda like that they used such a montage in an episode that harked back to WISaWNSB. So... yay. :)

Said vid.. if you're interested.

I very much liked the opening montage, even though it was completely heart breaking - especially the shots of Dean showing Ben the car twinned with him showing Sam.





Which brings me to something else I really liked. The comparison that was made between Sam and Ben I especially thought this when Dean was watching Ben drink from YED's wrist during his hallucination. It was as though Dean wasn't able to stop this happening to Sam and now he is presented with it happening to Ben and similarly not being able to stop it. I take it they were using Lisa to represent Mary and Ben represented Sam. His "new" family representing his "old" family. This didn't strike me when I was watching, but now it seems quite obvious. (and yep! I'm slow on the uptake. There was a lot in that episode to process...). A real slap in the face to Dean when he was presented with his fears. And also the thing that could have helped Dean to decide to stay with Lisa and Ben. He knows the potential danger they are now in and possibly sees them as a mirror of his own, now dead and estranged family. I did admired him for staying, even though it hurt like hell. But I don't think Sam presented him with any good reason to follow after him, so it made sense that he stayed with his new family.

The jury is still out for me on this episode. I've read the good, the bad and the down right ugly today on this episode. It's been interesting how torn people are over this one. From utter rage to utter glee. Just shows how personal peoples viewing experience is of this show. And how thoroughly passionate we are about it.

All I can say is...BRING ON 6.02... \o/ I'm ready for ya! (I think...)

Comments

[linda3m.livejournal.com]

Dean is nothing without his sense of responsibility. Sam doesn't appear to need him. Sam has been back for a year and didn't contact him. He survived without Dean. Lisa and Ben need Dean to protect them and so that's where he'll stay.

Dean hasn't changed. It's still all about other people's needs above his own desires.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Absolutely. And family is still one of the most important things to him. Same Dean. Different surroundings...

[debbiel66.livejournal.com]

Excellent point! I never even thought about that, but you're right. Dean cannot resist being needed. The Sam & Ben comparison was pat as well.

I am nervously anxious to see where they go with this. I'm not going to be reading a ton of post-ep threads this season, but I always enjoy yours. &hearts

[zimshan.livejournal.com]

Which brings me to something else I really liked. The comparison that was made between Sam and Ben...His "new" family representing his "old" family.
I've actually been thinking about this. Last year Sam and Dean both were saying how they needed to get out of their childhood roles, for Dean to stop treating Sam like just a little bro anymore, and Sam to stop letting him. It actually works out really astutely that the show then extrapolates that need of Dean's to protect and watch out for and comfort, in the form of Ben.

'Cause Dean's need to be needed wasn't going away. Sometimes I think that's the saddest thing with Dean. That without Sam needing him in the same way he always did, that he automatically believes his relationship with his brother was gone. But if he is now given the ability to funnel that instinct elsewhere, perhaps maybe Sam and Dean can start rebuilding their relationship as equals without their out-grown familial roles getting in the way.

How Lisa fits in though, that's potentially stickier territory. I half still don't expect them to go through truly figuring this out, but if they do, it'll be pretty ballsy of them. Sam walking through that door, Lisa's face just had 'that's it for me' all over it. I'm not sure how you coulc keep her alive and deal with that while keeping the same format of the show. But I'm anxious to see what they do with it!

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Thank you honey. I never used to write reactions but it's kind of nice to get stuff off my chest and just blab a bit.

*smish*

[ash48.livejournal.com]

But if he is now given the ability to funnel that instinct elsewhere, perhaps maybe Sam and Dean can start rebuilding their relationship as equals without their out-grown familial roles getting in the way.

Oooh, how interesting. Yes. Certainly after that episode it was clear that Sam doesn't need Dean in the same way he used to. That's not to say he doesn't love him, but Sam has most definitely grown up. Maybe when they join forces again it will be more as equals. (though I have been pondering which car they will drive? Each their own maybe...? ooh, that will be change that would symbolise a lot...)

Yes. Lisa is a tricky one. I was thinking that in some ways we have a reverse situation to how Season 1 started. This time we have Dean "away" and Sam off hunting. Will they mirror that and have Sam come back for him and the only way Dean will join him is if some tragedy befalls Lisa and Ben (I hope not...). The only other option is that he decides to leave them, and thus go back on his words of needing to protect them...

Arghhhh.. sorry. Blabbing and I'm pretty sure I'm over thinking everything! (fun though.....)

And anxious is how I'm feeling also. I will wait in nervous anticipation.

<3

[deangirlxoxo.livejournal.com]

Still trying to make my mind up on this premiere too!!! all I know is that it was sooo good to see the boys again, despite the tension and the "offness" of it all. Sam was acting a little too "Stepfordish" for my liking, and that hug... Dean was totally into it and invested emotionally, but Sam looked a little like "whatever" and kind of patronizing. Is this Sam??? changed by Hell, or is this someone/something else in Sam's skin?

I don't think Lisa is staying -- in fact, I have a bet going with a friend as to how many eps she's going to see. My guess is six, but then I'm awfully pessimistic :) ... my friend figures she'll get what Gen C got ... overly optimistic in my books. I hate to put it in writing, but unfortunately, I'm just not sold on Lisa and Dean "together". I can't imagine the writers really bothering to dig deep and do her character any justice, so I'd rather see her check out earlier rather than later.

Furthermore, I don't think Dean is sold on this romance. He knows he was pushed into it by his dying brother's last wish, rather than his own undying passions. Now it's become a matter of fiercely protecting the vulnerable. He is staying out of duty, obligation, loyalty, doing the right thing, but love? Deep, uncompromising love? If it's there, I've seen no evidence of it yet, and the writers will have to really pull out all the stops to convince me.

For better or worse I think Lisa and Ben are just poor substitutes for a family Dean feels is lost to him - John, Mary, and most importantly Sam, who has "grown up" and no longer needs him. I don't feel that Dean is "in love"; I feel like he's found a situation that makes sense to him, that satisfies his insatiable need to be needed, a "mirror" of the family he's lost and longs for (and I really think you're onto something with the Sam/Ben parallels).

Will Dean abandon them? Absolutely not, so Lisa and Ben will have to exit stage left by some other device, the question is under what circumstances? A horrific tragedy will have some symmetry to it, but would be oh so predictable. I'd much rather Lisa come to the realization that Dean doesn't really love her, that it's obligation that holds him in place. In that case, she may decide she deserves a lot more than that, and leave of her own accord.

Ack!!! I don't know, all I know is I can't wait to see how it all shakes out!

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hee! I was thinking "Stepford" as well.

And I'd say six episodes for Lisa is quite optimistic. I thought she might be out quicker than that. I will be pleased to see her around a bit longer. Just not sure what they would do with her. Unless Dean stays for a while yet.

And yes to Dean and his situation with Lisa. I think he cares very deeply for both Lisa and Ben... but does it really replace his actual family...?? Maybe not....

And I will be surprised if Dean abandons them. I agree. I don't think he could now... so the question is, how will he end up leaving them (which, no doubt he will have to do...)....????

Can't wait to find out! :D :D

xx

[sothcweden.livejournal.com]

I just (as in 15 minutes ago) finished watching the ep. Whew! But, before coming over to read your meta, I stopped by bardicvoice's journal. Concerning the "What's the matter with Sam?" question, you might enjoy her take on it.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I see the eps so much later than everyone else (due to no connected TV or 'net at home) that I never bother making reaction posts. But I love reading them, since it's the closest I can get to watching it with others!

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I am about to launch into that one. I'm thinking I need a good amount of time to really go through it. :)

I made a more detailed post earlier - but really, it was immediate reaction. My opinion has changed about a few things and that's mainly because of the wonderful reading I have been doing. That's what I love about fandom.

Thanks for dropping. I always love to chat about the episode afterwards, so feel free to drop in any time. :D

xx