6.07 reaction/review

[ash48]

Three things before I start.

1. I. FUCKING. LOVE. MY. SHOW.

2. Bound!Sammy \o/ (sorry.. kink showing..*g*)

3. This:



If we needed any more proof that S6 was all about the "noir" here it is. I've always loved the way Show has used classic noir elements (the fan has been used a few times now \o/) but here it's particularly poignant as it seems to telegraph the mystery behind Christian - before we even know it. I kinda did a geeky squeee during that scene. Fans (and the subsequent use of light) are my most favourite cinematic device.

Before I count the ways I have to say I am seriously impressed about the way Show has approached Season 6. If feels like it's taken it by the balls and friggin' squeezed new life into it. *yikes* you may well not have needed that visual but it feels like it has really has grown up and given itself potential. Potential to be something meaty and... this may sound weird, but serious. It feels like it really understands what it's doing and it's dug its heels in. I love that!


Counting the ways...

1. Sam. Oh boy. I can't even. I cannot get over how well Jared is portraying Sam this season. It's not easy watching a Sam we don't know. But it's damn fascinating.

By watching this Sam we are learning so much about what makes up Sam. There's an acknowledgment of the depth of empathy that Sam always manages to find. No matter what.

(I could rant about the switch from "smirky" Sam (which read malevolent to me) to a somewhat more "innocent" Sam but I figure it's all part of the guise. Part of the damn ruse that Show was presenting. I HATE you and LOVE you at the same time for that. And how the fuck have you turned me from believing COMPLETELY that Sam is "Other" to believing and accepting that Sam is simply without a soul??!! I hate you. Really).

Show is consistent in it's use of Dean's POV. As much as I am always DESPERATE for Sam's side of things it's always had Dean as its central story teller. The thing is, when we DO get Sam's story it's usually friggin HUGE... Mystery Spot, I Know What You Did Last Summer, When the Levee Breaks. So I know when we get this season's "Sam story", it should be BIG. Though it won't get nearly the amount of time Dean gets but because the stories usually revolve around Sam, I figure it evens itself out. Clever.

2. Dean. I don't know about you but the Dean I saw in this ep was a little like the Dean from "The End". Not the complete ruthlessness, but the ""knuckle down and just get on with it" Dean. Somewhat pragmatic but not without a hint of caring. This is Dean who has (and I have said it before) been through the ringer.

I just have to do an aside and talk about acting for a bit. Jensen knows Dean. He knows what he's been through so the Dean he is portraying is a hardened Dean. It's not the Dean that sought Sam's help to find John in season one. It's a Dean who's been to hell and back. Quite literally. A Dean who has weathered Sam's betrayals, his sacrifices, his love, his bravery ... his EVERYTHING!!

So the Dean we saw tonight, the one that had to face the fact that Sam was without a soul was a Dean who just took it in his god damn stride.

I mentioned on ancastar's wonderful ep post that Dean is a man of action. And in this episode his actions spoke louder than words. He stuck by Sam and to me this was the heart of the episode. He is no longer the Dean that would shed tears over the fact that his little brother has no soul. He would stoically stick by him and do what ever it takes to get it back.

Though I have to agree with her that Dean is treating Sam like it's his fault that he's lost his soul. That he somehow brought this on himself. But really? ::soapbox:: Sam is often treated like everything is his fault. Not just by Dean but by fans as well. It's Sam's burden unfortunately. The very fact that Sam has had little control over things that have happened to him is part of the Sam story I think. ::/soapbox::

Aside from that.... Thank GOD they showed Dean for the awesome he is. It was starting to piss me off that they kept putting him down (I love they way they filmed that...Dean looking so "small" in the first half and then giving him this heighten status in the second half. Clever).

Have I mentioned lately how much I heart Dean? Consider it mentioned *G*

3. Bro!love. (Yes. I'm always looking for it). *G* I felt it people! I really did. It's all about the boys!

This was an amazing episode to (once again) show how psychotically, erotically and unhealthily dependent they are on each other (wincest goggles are off btw *g*). Dean cannot and will not leave Sam and Sam is drawn to Dean even though he doesn't "feel" the love he once had. I clapped my hands when Sam returned to Dean. I mean, I knew it was coming but to see Dean's face made it extra special. This episode hurt and felt good at the same time. Go figure.

4. The whole look of the episode. It was dark and mysterious and insular. I just loved the whole feel of it. Again, it reminded me of The End. I would love to think this is no coincidence. The Campbell clan has a sense of the "rebel force" and Dean finally came into his own as "commander". (I could rant here about the sudden switch around but won't because the payoff was totally worth it. Dean was always going to show these SOBs how awesome he really is. \o/)

5. Crowley. Ok. Ok. Yes, I hated him when he first showed up in S5 (but that was more the episode than the character) but surprise!Crowley was clappy hands because we are seriously onto something here. :D :D I do like this actor. :)

6. Gwen! A strong female character has snuck in. \o/ I think show may have learned its lessen from the poorly introduced Jo, Bela and even Ruby. Gwen has been given a slow build. Some history and importance. I'd like to see her stick around for a while.

7. Grandpa. I have to say I'm liking Mitch. He doesn't have the JDM presence but there's potential for this character and it will interesting to find out what his reasons are for being Crowley's "bitch". It will no doubt be family based. His wife's soul being held to random like Sam's? Mary's maybe? Both?

8. The boys - together. At last. Even though they are not the same, at least the mystery is out in the open. *phew* I liked this episode for the truths it revealed and that Dean called Sam on doing stuff that is not right. I have no issue with Dean now being Sam's, I suppose, guardian. It's probably not fair that Sam is, once again, in the position of being the little brother needing big brother's guidance... but, um... I kinda like that. It's back the "keep each other human" motto they've made for themselves. The dynamic between them will be very interesting - as long as it doesn't go on for too long. I really want to see what state our old Sam will return in well before the end of the season. I worried about Sam coming back burdened with guilt. But with the now "innocent" Sam, I can't see he'll have much to feel guilty for.

9. Alpha Vamp. He was awesome. The actor was perfect. (love the fingernail on the chair - a wonderful directorial decision. The directing was really tight in this episode).

10. The story. The writing. The directing. I was in the edge of my seat for most of it and loved the tension it built. It was meaty and very satisfying.


Overall, I love how solid this season is feeling. As much as I am missing Sammy, I love that we have a new dynamic between the boys. Some new, interesting characters and a meaty story arc. Go Show!! \o/

(now we just have to wait to see where Sam's soul is. If it's still in the cage... *yikes*... that will be one messed up Sammy soul....)

Comments

[amnisias.livejournal.com]

Just swinging by afte having watched the ep to agree with pretty much everything you've said. Great season of a great show. This feels much tighter and more more compact than the last season, each ep has a clear sense of purpose and contributes to the overall arc. I'm really intrigued by where things going week by week.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hey! Thanks for swinging on by. :) It certainly does feel lighter and more compact than last season. I too can't wait to see where they go with it. :DD

[debbiel66.livejournal.com]

Yay, I'm just so happy that you're happy!!! And I love the icon... still think we're going to need it. The ride's just getting started.

So glad though for all the unveiling of secrets and the mystery isn't going to be perpetual and season long. I'm just so excited about this season, which feels so different from the feeling I had all last season - mesmerized dread sums it up best.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Oh yes indeed - I'm happy!! :) And I think for sure we are going to need the icon. Show as a way of lulling us into a false sense of security... Just when we think we have a handle it throws something new at us.

Can't wait to see what's around the bend...

*hugs*

[girlyghoul70.livejournal.com]

I was actually a little disappointed in this episode. Not devastaingly so. It just seemed like too much too soon (I compared it on my journal to opening all your Christmas presents before it was even Thanksgiving). But you make a lot of good points in this post so I'm seeing it all in a different light (Noir lighting maybe?)

2. Bound!Sammy \o/ (sorry.. kink showing..*g*)

Heh. I knew there would be squeeing throughout the fandom on that front, esp. which the teeth marks now in Cas's belt. MA HA HA! They know their fandom's twisted brains so well!

(I could rant about the switch from "smirky" Sam (which read malevolent to me) to a somewhat more "innocent" Sam but I figure it's all part of the guise. Part of the damn ruse that Show was presenting. I HATE you and LOVE you at the same time for that. And how the fuck have you turned me from believing COMPLETELY that Sam is "Other" to believing and accepting that Sam is simply without a soul??!! I hate you. Really).

See, I never saw that smirk as necessarily malevolent. (Though if it turned out to be, I could accept that too). I saw Sam as driven by pure animal instinct. He was on a mission. (Get to the Alpha Vamp) The turning Dean into a Vamp gives them an "in"... *smirk*. So now Sam's "innocence" works for me too. I see him sort of like the Terminator. He's got no moral compass, just driven by his mission- whatever that happens to be at the moment. It's actually kind of scary.

Show is consistent in it's use of Dean's POV. As much as I am always DESPERATE for Sam's side of things it's always had Dean as its central story teller. The thing is, when we DO get Sam's story it's usually friggin HUGE... Mystery Spot, I Know What You Did Last Summer, When the Levee Breaks. So I know when we get this season's "Sam story", it should be BIG. Though it won't get nearly the amount of time Dean gets but because the stories usually revolve around Sam, I figure it evens itself out. Clever

Excellent point! I've been pretty desperate for Sam's side of things, but you are correct that when we get his side- it's always BIG! Now looking forward to this even more!

Though I have to agree with her that Dean is treating Sam like it's his fault that he's lost his soul. That he somehow brought this on himself. But really? ::soapbox:: Sam is often treated like everything is his fault. Not just by Dean but by fans as well. It's Sam's burden unfortunately. The very fact that Sam has had little control over things that have happened to him is part of the Sam story I think. ::/soapbox::

And this has always surprised me too. Sam's got plenty of faults, and he's far from a blameless puppy. However, it always seems that the show has Dean react more angrily and violently to the things Sam can't help. (Like Sam's childhood memories in Heaven where he was happiest being or getting away from his family. He was a kid in those memories, but Dean blamed Adult Sam for them) I don't know why the Show sets it up this way- or why so many fans hold these things against Sam. Unless it turns out he consciously handed his soul over to Crowley, cut the kid some slack, eh?

Gwen! A strong female character has snuck in. \o/ I think show may have learned its lessen from the poorly introduced Jo, Bela and even Ruby. Gwen has been given a slow build. Some history and importance. I'd like to see her stick around for a while.

See, everyone's been lovin' on Gwen, but I was so disappointed in her for falling in line with Samuel. Though now that I think on it, I think it's because I saw her being so strong willed and capable that when she didn't stand up to him in the end it was a big let down to me. Still, I think it's there. She has it in her to be the Wild Card and turn the tables on everything later. I think she will bounce back and be a handy ally to the boys further down the line.

Sorry for the ramble, but you gave me a lot to think on :-)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hey there. I'm glad this gave you some food for thought.

Unless it turns out he consciously handed his soul over to Crowley, cut the kid some slack, eh?

Yeah - we're yet to find out exactly what has happened here. I still wonder if Sam made some sort of Deal. It's another mystery I am looking forward to see.

I get what you mean about opening all your christmas presents. I have to say I'm probably one who likes to do that.. so I was pleased that so much was revealed. I was getting pretty anxious for Dean (and us) to finally know about Sam. I think we've been given so much because there's still a lot to go. I suspect there will be a few more episodes yet of soulless Sam and Dean having to provide the moral compass and then there will be the fall out of Sam's soul returning.

Exciting times ahead I feel.

*bounces*
xx

[missyjack.livejournal.com]

certainly agree about the POV. For me the show is (generally) a story about Sam, from Dean's pov.

As regards 'smirky' Sam - I think the brilliance of the way it was palyed was the number of ways we could read Sam's expressions. For me the smirk, for example during the reunion hug, was Sam acknowledging to himself that he'd read something right, as 'passing' if you will.

I don;t think Dean is angry at Sam for losing his soul. I think he's angry about it, but is angry at Sam for all the deception, which we know has always been a big trigger for Dean.

Most of all I love as you say, the new dynamic between the boys. That after 5 seasons we get this new lens on them. I note though after Dean did the whole "i'm driving the bus' speech, at the end it was Sam (looking way hotter than a soulless dude has any right to) saying "Are you with me Dean".

And *waves hand" all the other wonderful stuff you pointed out. What an awesome Season.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

For me the show is (generally) a story about Sam, from Dean's pov.

Yeah. Work's well I reckon. I know it gets mixed around sometimes but they're generally consistent with that.

And I agree on the smirk. Show was definitely playing it up and of course looking back it could be read as "I've done the right thing". I love that it had me so worked up about it all. Mostly.. *g*

And YAY!!! awesome season. So well structured. Lots of hot, lots of great one-liners, lots of thinky thought material... :D

xx

[greyowl88.livejournal.com]

Hee! Glad to hear you're enjoying the ride... love the things you pointed out. :)

What struck me at the end was how readily Sam was going to shoot Mitch. I think that shows how unpredictable he is, how dangerous, how quickly he didn't see Mitch as family anymore but as an enemy. So I think Dean has a handful looking after soulless!Sam...

And now I don't mind spoilers anymore now that we know it's not a monster but 'only' Sam without his soul. :)
(Avoiding spoilers is hard work...)

xx

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hee! Yep - I'm all buckled in!! :D

Oh yes - Sammy will indeed be a handful. I can't wait to see what they do with that. Dean will have to be on his case I should think. But Sam will be able to be awesome hunter for a while.

though... (And I meant to put this in my post) Sam's body hasn't slept in over a year. Oh man. I wonder why a soulless person doesn't sleep?

Curious...

And damn that spoiler. I had myself all in a not over that. I really would have rather found out when I watched the episode not before hand. And avoiding spoilers is damn hard work.

Thanks for dropping in honey! *huggles*

xx

[greyowl88.livejournal.com]

Sam's body hasn't slept in over a year. Oh man. I wonder why a soulless person doesn't sleep?

That is indeed an interesting question....

[ruby-jelly.livejournal.com]

Loving reading your meta, means I just comment on yours, don't have to do one! lol!

The directing was interesting, wasn't it. I may be about to sprout crap, so shoot me down if you so desire! At some stage I became aware of the directing in a manner I don't usually on the first viewing. It seemed a little "conservative", and of course I can't back that up. The most outstanding difference, and it may be editing even, was the reaction shots to Castiel leaving. Used to be we saw the reaction, then the space. This time, I think two times, we saw the space then the reaction to his leaving! Just saying.... and yes I do prefer to former style (but that's just me).

Thanks again, "thinking is fun", especially about our boys! hahahahaha!

;)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

yay! And I love hearing from you. <33

Taking notice of the directing is always so interesting. I love thinking about certain decisions that are made and why. Good point about the reaction shots to Cas leaving. :0

And thinking is SO much fun. Show sure gives us heaps to think about!!

xx

[ancastar.livejournal.com]

I really like the acting of both guys this season and love the way Jared has made soulless Sam weirdly sympathetic. He seems to have this need to "get it right" (which I suppose is strange for me to say, given the big mistakes he's made this season) and being with Dean clearly has value in his eyes, which from a logic standpoint seems odd when you're talking about a guy without a soul. I'm way invested in the show, these characters and the boys' relationship. I just love them to death, and love reading posts like yours. :-)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hey honey.

Oh that Sammy boy.. I tell you. I am all over the place trying to get my thoughts together about him. Before this I was all it's more than JUST Sam here and then after this I'm, it's just Sam without a soul and now after reading posts about evidence to the contrary I am all... ACK!! I Don't know. My gut tells me that there's more here than meets the eye.

But it was nice to see a somewhat innocent, needy Sam. Well, needing some guidance. Jared is just blowing me away. Can't wait to see where this goes from here.

<333

[counteragent.livejournal.com]

I agree with most everything, especially how awesome Dean is being. I've seen people on my flist complain that Dean doesn't care ENOUGH for Sam which just baffles me. Dean is hard right now because he needs to be.

You know the one thing I don't agree with--I think innocent sammycakes is a front, as I posted in my journal.

Imreqlly think the promo shots confirm it...Sam is in the
Driver seat, baby.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Yes, yes on Dean. He's been through such a lot with Sam and even though he's not all sad eyes learning the fact about his missing soul the fact that he is sticking with him speaks louder than anything.

You know the one thing I don't agree with--I think innocent sammycakes is a front, as I posted in my journal.

Ah yes.... in fact it was your post that inspired my most recent one. *g* I thought maybe Sam might have been innocent after that episode but I've been looking at the evidence and um..... nah... Sammy ain't what he seems.. :)

[sothcweden.livejournal.com]

I finally, finally got to watch the ep, and I completely agree that the season is feeling more solid now. I was pretty worried about where they were headed after Live Free, but this ep really sold me on the idea that there's a coherent story going on.

If you liked the actor who played the alpha-vamp, you might check out an old ep of Stargate SG-1, 5x18 The Warrior. He plays another alpha-ish character.

Thanks for writing up such a long review, it was a pleasure to read.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hey hun. Thanks so much. I have been blabbing a lot lately - I've had more time on my hands. It's great fun tossing around ideas.

I thought that episode was very solid. Love that we got some answers. Though I think it also opened up a heap more...

Looking forward to the next one now...:D