TV Recap: Supernatural - "Lazarus Rising", Part One
Published September 23, 2008
Kripke, you magnificent bastard.
The long, painful summer is finally over, and the compensation for our agony is a pure gem. Eric Kripke does love us. Sure, Dean getting out of Hell is a forgone conclusion, but in coming up with a plausible explanation, the opportunity is seized to veer this show in drastic new territory, opening up a world of possibilities. We have a whole new show, and it’s awesome.
The script for “Lazarus Rising” is sheer perfection. Every little element transitions seamlessly, a remarkable juggling act considering what’s packed into this episode. On top of the flawless construction, the storytelling is vastly superior and the pacing extraordinary from the word go. Couple this with “No Rest For The Wicked”, and Eric Kripke the writer has risen to master of his craft. Not that the acting, directing, set decoration, visual and special effects, etc. are shabby. Every single part comes together for full circle brilliance.
I’m going to try a new format this season, one that worked well with my analysis of “A Very Supernatural Christmas” — detailed recaps broken into two-part segments. Granted, an episode might come along that won’t warrant such scrutiny, but that’s not the case with this one. Kripke and company gave us plenty to ponder.
You Shook Me All Night Long
Season premiere, and by now we know the drill. Kripke’s the writer, Kim Manners is the director, and there’s a new season opening montage summarizing the previous great season. While AC/DC is an obvious choice, I wasn’t expecting “You Shook Me All Night Long.” It worked though, and we get a rocking start to the season. My favorite is last year’s “Hells Bells,” which set the proper ominous tone, but I’m not going to quibble over one minute of music. This episode is light years better than “The Magnificent Seven.”
Red is this season’s color of contrast, adding a perfect gotcha to any scene. Just look at Dean’s red eyes. Bloodshot, shifting wildly in the middle his red and black face, with loads of screaming and quick, bright light flashes. That’s an attention grabber! There’s a deep gasp in the pitch black. We hang there for a second holding our breaths, because the creative team has chosen to break out the mind tricks only a few seconds in. Dean manages to find the lighter in his pocket, and we’re thankful for Sam’s attention to detail. Everyone waking up six feet under should have one. Dean cries for help in a raspy and barely audible voice, proving that Kripke pictured the potential fan debate over how his voice could work so well after four months. Way to dodge that bullet.
- TV Recap: Supernatural - "Lazarus Rising", Part One
- Published: September 23, 2008
- Type: Review
- Section: Video
- Filed Under: Video: Cult, Video: Drama, Video: Horror, Video: TV Recap, Video: Television
- Part of a feature: The Winchester Family Business: Supernatural
- Writer: Alice Jester
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--Dean asks, "How much did you pay?"--
Actually, that's not the line. Dean asks, "What did it cost?" I think that makes a big difference to the tone of that scene. There's no way that Sam could've taken that line to mean anything other than Dean asking him what he did ... what did it cost Sam to save him? And Sam knows Dean is dead serious ... but he's immediately evasive by turning the question into a joke. Dean, of course, KNOWS Sam, and knows he's lying.
Padalecki did a nice job with the eventual reveal and apology. Ackles shows his great talent at shifting tone and emotion on a dime as he maintains Dean's dead serious and determined tone throughout the confrontation, and then in an instant, softens to reveal Dean's big-brother, caring side with his "It's okay Sammy, you don't have to apologize. I believe you." Very nice.
Really nice review of the first half of the episode, Alice.
When I saw the old car that Dean hotwired to get to Bobby's, I thought of you, and I figured you would be able to tell us what kind of car it is.
The reunion scenes between Dean and Bobby and then Dean and Sam were wonderful. Great acting on the part of all three.
I didn't like the filling station/store being so conveniently closed, yet still having that day's newspaper in stock. Also the store being so isolated, but having a car there for Dean to hotwire. I'm surprised Dean had to use a phone in a phone booth (how many of those are still around?); the store should have had a phone, since it had everything else.
And I really didn't like Ruby/Kristy opening the door while in her underwear (like all women do that!), but I assume the point of that was so we would wonder what she and Sam had been doing.
Now I don't want anybody to think I didn't like the episode overall. I really did, and it was great to see Dean, Sam, and Bobby again. Castiel and Pam were also great characters that I will be glad to see in future episodes.
I actually think this season has so many possibilities, and I like the introduction of angels to the storyline. This might be the most exciting season yet!
Hi Cassi! Great hearing from you again. Thunderstruck would be perfect! Something other than a track from "Back in Black". Maybe next season.
Linda - You are so right! I stand corrected. There were so many details in this episode, I must admit I missed what you saw. Great observation, and thanks for pointing that out.
Huppy - I was going to mention the phone booth thing, but since we're dealing with rural Illinois, in which I've seen some pretty scary parts, I dismissed believability. Good point though! Most stores do have a phone, but in these days of cell phones, who knows? You are so right, this looks like a pretty exciting season
Alice
I love your reviews! You are such a fan girl so I really enjoy reading your reviews. Dean is one of the chosen ones! I am so excited to see where this show is headed and I am glad to see it exploring the good side.
What a magnificent season premiere!
I am still speechless. I haven't stopped thinking about this episode since it aired.
Joan
There was one line from Ruby that is still disturbing to me from this LR part one episode. The one when she said, "So, you two are together?", and looked like she did not recognize the big brother.
I mean, Ruby's soul wasn't new to Dean, and she definitely knew Dean's relationship to Sam. She actually held some conversation with Dean in the previous season. So, why this question? Was it just meant to be funny?
Well, it was funny :)) thanks to Jensen and Jared's perfect facial expression. But seems uncalled for, coming from an old acquaintance.
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Hi Alice!
Great idea with the two parts, especially with another amazing episode airing next Thursday!
"Anyone notice the bathroom walls are red"
Yeah, I loved the walls, it made the whole scene even scarier. I just love that flashback to hell!!! I was thrilled after watching the first few seconds of SPN. It was fantastic! I think it's one of the best effects I've seen in SPN so far.
I agree Kim Manners is a genius, the gravescene (magnificient), the suprise scene (my favorite) and the brothers hug (going from Jared to Jensen and back)!!!!
I think we should get a discount with ACDC songs, how many have we used already? ;)I'm still waiting for Thunderstruck! Great intro! My heart was already beating faster when I heard the first notes of the song, Hells Bells is better but Shook me all night long was also fantastic.
Of course, I noticed the knuckles, I even noticed the knuckles in the preview from Comic-Con.I'm a fan of the knuckles!;)
The new Supernatural logo (red, black feathers) is great, although my all-time favorite is still season 2.
Can't wait for the second part!
Especially what you think about Castiel, Pamela and the new Ruby.