This show is making my brain hurt. That’s always been a hazard with Supernatural but this season my head wants to explode only two episodes in. When Kripke stated his goal for season four was to hit the ground running he wasn’t kidding. I’m thrilled.
I mean, look at episode two from the previous seasons. Wendigo, Everybody Loves A Clown, and The Kids Are Alright are hardly mentioned among the series greats, the first two making many worst lists. The latter was an improvement because the season three opener was a stinker, but it wasn’t a ground breaker. Here the ground is not only broken, a giant chasm has opened and is sucking in us all. How awesome.
A Musical Intro in Episode Two?
Bonus, another classic rock intro! On comes “Lonely Is The Night” by Billy Squier, and the sequence put together is better than last week's. That song is off of one of the most overplayed albums in the history of classic rock, “Don’t Say No.” Now I have a new great memory to go with that song instead of having to turn it off in boredom. This show has already done that for me with Styx’s “Renegade” and Asia’s “Heat Of The Moment,” so why not Billy Squier?
A woman is asleep on the couch, holding “The Secret Teachings of All Ages.” That’s some pretty heavy reading to fall asleep to. I’m saving all philosophical discussions for the next part, so make note for now. Lights flicker, she goes to the arsenal, and we know from “Born Under A Bad Sign” that anyone with that collection of arms in their closet is a hunter. She booms away the first spirit, draws the salt line, and the spirit comes back to scare the crap out of her. Apparently she knows him. She turns to find another spirit has stuck its hand into her chest. At least she went down swinging.
This episode was written by the always entertaining Sera Gamble, and the director was the always fantastic Phil Scrigga. That’s likely why this episode feels comfortable and familiar to fans, even with all the new mythology we now have to overanalyze.
The conversation gets heavy right off the bat. I’m pleased though because if the whole angel thing had been glossed over or if Dean had kept that from Bobby and Sam, I would have been upset. I’m especially impressed he didn’t try to hide the truth from Sam. Dean can’t accept this is an angel while Sam is more than open to the idea and we're taken back to “Houses of the Holy.” I guess Sam still believes in angels and God. They argue while Bobby’s face is buried in books and wisely staying out of the discussion. Considering the words “fairy dust” came up, I don’t blame him.
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Article comments
1 - hannah
i love supernatural i watch it all the time. i think dean is georgous and he's sooooooooooooo funny :-)
2 - vichi
Hi, Alice
Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your comment. Your review is great as always and just like you I was wandering about the words Ruby said to Sam. I mean he's using his powers now and they are not God-giving. Should he be afraid of Angels? Plus, I read some sides (spoiler junkie) of episode 9 and yeah, some angels don't find Sam angelic at all:)
I loved Dean, this episode. He always had problems with faith, but finally he's realising that something big is coming and he's part of this. So yes, he's scared as hell. When you know God is watching you, you have to act different. Jensen is a great actor. For the first time since Supernatural begin he really was scared of something. You could see it on his face when Castiel said that line about getting back to hell!
Bobby is awesome! The boys said it, I said it, you did it too so I guess is official now:)
Can't wait for the next episode.
3 - slp
I love this show, but what kills me are men that believe in demons and devils and supernatural monsters, but Dean doesn't think there is a God?? And while I remember something about 7 seals, I guess it is in the CW's interest to say there are 66, lots more writing material that translates into $$$.
4 - winnie
I totally agree with everything you have said above about the episode but I have to disagree with you about the identity of one of the cars. It's actually a '57 Chevy (the white car with the blue blaze along the side) and not a '55. The '55 had a totally different look along the side, different chrome trim (although I do realise it ddint have the chrome on the car) and didn't have the fins at the back. It was a little more compact where the '57 went for impact.
Other than that, I squeeed trying to identify the other cars too. I cant wait to see what the rest of season 4 has to offer us :P
5 - elle2
Extra credit: I'm going with Meg in Devil's Trap and the Trickster in Mystery Spot for chuckleheads.
As for the flashbacks to the various characters, I'm assuming that was used for any new viewers coming on board this season who wouldn't know about the greatness of Meg in S1 and Ronald in Nightshifter as well as Henrickson...just a guess.
Love the line about the demon dressing her like a whore...oh, Meg, if you thought in S1 you were dressed as a whore, be glad you're not on the CW 'cause that brings a whole new meaning to the idea of being dressed like a whore.
:-)
6 - Alice Jester
Winnie - You make a good point, but yes, the lack of chrome makes the identity murkier. I concluded a 55 based solely on the trunk. The smooth and flatter trunk, without the Chevrolet emblem on the back, was prevelant in the 55 model. Also, I couldn't clearly tell if those were tail fins, or missing tail lights which is there they would be on the 55. In the end, it was hard to tell for sure.
Chances are you're right too though, but it also could end up being some sort of replica that was just there to mess with us. Thanks for pointing that out!
7 - Elle
Yay for another review! This was such a great episode - so far, season 4 is setting a very high bar. This episode was fantastic!
As usual, your comments are spot on- I too was waiting for Sam to move the desk with his mind. I was also glad when Meg called Sam out for the Ruby thing. I was wondering why Ruby, or at least the body she was in all of last season, didn't appear and whip out some guilt/punishment (of course, I knew KC wouldn't be back) so I was glad the issue was addressed.
Each and every week, Jensen blows me away. The opening where they're discussing Angels and arguing about their existence was excellent - they maintained contunuity, it was clear with no messing around. I particularly liked how Sam seemed amused by this discovery of angels and I wondered if he was withholding his I-Told-You-So dance. Birthday hats, pie and addressing Dean's self-esteem issues head on - my kind of scene.
Misha and Jensen have an excellent chemistry together. In caliber, it isn't far from what he has with Jared, Jim and JDM. Misha plays Castiel so perfectly - a delicious mix of compassion and danger.
Can't wait for your next installment. Time travel - I'm looking forward to your take on it.
Thanks!
8 - heraldtalia
Great review Alice! I agreed with most everything you said--but I do agree with elle2's assessment that the flashbacks were for new viewers--like my mom who had no idea who any of the ghosts were and who hasn't caught up on the old eps.
I do have to disagree about Dean having the Hell threat coming. Granted, he was giving Castiel a hard time, but who can really blame him after the life he's led and all he's suffered? Plus, theatening torture and damnation just because he's not being "respectful" enough? Seems like Castiel was just being a bully to me, and I like that Castiel is flawed, but shouldn't angels be above having an ego? Not to mention that if The Big Guy wants Dean here, it seems pretty out of place for Castiel to threaten to pitch Dean back down just because Dean is questioning him.
Still, overall, I loved the episode, Jensen, Jared, and Jim all rock, and so did all the guest stars and Misha. Great review and I can't wait for Thursday!
9 - Alexia Kriniti
I have three questions:
"the non-tourist version of Revelations": What does that suppose to mean? Is Revelations the same book with the Apokalypse?
"Five dollar gallon of gas apocalypse.": Is that considered expensive (as I assume)? (please, do not laugh at me! I am not a U.S. resident, I don't know the gas prices and gallon means nothing to me).
Are the ratings of the show still good? Can anyone protest to the CW for that horrible green "thing" used for promotion, which covers nearly 1/3 of the actors' faces? Shame on them! Respect people's work!
I have nothing to add to Alice's comments. Only that Dean has all true characteristics of a person who wants to believe but his reason prevents him. His "I-don't-know.-I-would-like-to" answer to Casey ("Sin City") really makes sense now.
10 - Alice Jester
Alexia - All good questions!
As for number one, The Book of Revelations tells of the end of the world, but there are references to the Apocalypse all throughout the bible. Bobby was just saying that the Christian bible likely wasn't revealing all that was known about the Apocalypse, and other ancient texts out there tell a different story. I took it to be a comment that told us viewers that the writers were developing their own mythology, so don't go to The Book of Revelations for answers.
Five dollar a gallon gas is a lot in the US, but for the rest of the world, it's the norm. What happened is gas reached five dollars a gallon in California, and the exploding cost of gas actually came up in SAG (Screen Actors Guild) negotiations. It's costing actors too much to drive to location shoots and they want more money. It was an inside joke.
The ratings for the first week were the series best, the next week went down to normal levels, but still good given the competition. I'm sure viewership will go way up with DVR numbers come back in a week or two.
The trouble with this show is no longer ratings. It's a solid niche contender in the most difficult time slot of the week. The concern is if there will be a network next year for them to air. The CW is in deep financial trouble, and the show's budget is suffering because of the poor US/Canadian exchange rate (the show films in Vancouver, Canada). I heard reports that they've cut several staff (not just Lauren Cohen and Katie Cassidy) and some people have taken pay cuts. Kripke and the writers are approaching the story lines as if this is the last season. Of course they and we fans hope not, but its all in the hands of the network surviving right now. If they do, season five should happen.
Ask and you shall receive!
11 - Alexia Kriniti
Thanks for your prompt reply.
Yes, I've read your comments about the ratings of the 1st ep. I was just wondering about the 2nd.
So I suppose, if CW doesn't survive, isn't a chance for another network to broacast the show? It's really a pitty for such a well-made show! It's by far better than other overestimated TV shows! Yes, I would like a season 5 for Supernatural! May be CW can survive for few more months!
12 - vichi
Hi Alexia,
I'm european too and I made some researche about the Revelations because I dind't knew what that means. And you're right. It's the last part of the Bible,the New Testament actually, the Apocalipse of Ioan(I don't know what's the name in russian (I guessed you're Russian, sorry if I am mistaken), in english is Apocalipse of John.
13 - Alice Jester
The US broadcasting world is pretty narrow minded. The only hope of another network picking it up would be cable. They have their own shows and tight budgets, and are not open to picking up other networks leftovers. This is especially true for shows going for their fifth season and beyond.
If The CW folded, Warner Brothers would have five displaced shows. Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, Privileged, Smallville and Supernatural. One Tree Hill and Smallville would be done for sure. They've had good, long runs. Kripke only wants to do five seasons of Supernatural and chances of Warner Brothers finding a home for one season is very slim. Priviledged is doing poor in the ratings and might not make it a full season. They should have no problem finding a new home for Gossip Girl. There's enough buzz where they could sell it elsewhere.
It's kind of stupid actually, because Sci-Fi and cult shows sell for years, long after a show is gone. Warner Brothers has more than enough capital to keep this show going, even if they produce only for online viewing or straight to video. They would make money off of worldwide syndication, Video on Demand services and iTunes and DVD sales. Sadly, the models are only based on current license fees from US networks. No TV distrubutor, no show. That's so antiquated in today's day and age.
14 - Alexia Kriniti
Hi Vichi-I am Greek. I am totally familiar with the book of Apocalypse (actually I have read it). What I didn't know is that in the English language they refer to the book as the Book of Revelations, that's why I was confused. Bobby's phrase: "the non-tourist version" made my confusion worse. I suppose when they are using the word "apocalypse", the way Dean or Bobby did, they mean the Second Coming and the end of the world as we know it. Alice, does any of what I am saying here makes sense?
I forgot to mention in my initial message, that I liked the "Lonely in the night", it was really suitable for the recap. In Lazarus Rising, AC/DC song was great, but to be honest I can't see the connection between "You shook me all night long" and Dean's and Sam's story. Two songs I would like very much to be included in the show is "The seventh seal" by Van Halen and "The Unforgiven" by Metallica. I think they are both most appropriate for the boys' way of life. Besides, I think Dean is supposed to be a huge fan of Metallica, why don't we ever listen to their songs (or am I wrong)?
15 - vichi
Hi Alexia, sorry for my mistake:) Your country is lovely, been there twice already:) I'm Roumanian:
)
About the music, I guess they don't have enough money to bring those songs into the show. I like very much The Unforgiven, but I would like to hear "Kashmir", Led Zeppelin too. It is awesome. i know Dean listened in one epy this song but we heard another song instead. They didn't had the money to actually play the song:(. It is sad what's happening but I have hopes. Supernatural is doing fine now, the rating is ok...Hope CW stays till SPN ends. Then the network can crash and burn, I don't care about it after SPN.
16 - Alexia Kriniti
Goodmorning vichi. I am glad you have visited Greece and you liked it. Bucharest is one of the cities I intend to visit:-).
I thought it should be something with money as far as it concerns music. I suppose the copyrights for Metallica must cost a fortune but I must admit they worth every single cent. I mean when ever again songs like "The Unforgiven" or "Nothing else matters" would be composed and perfomed? Well, may be Mr. Kripke manage to afford some Metallica for the finale episode of the show, like a bonus to the fans?:-)
Re. CW, I couldn't agree more: Burn CW, burn (but after the 5th season of SPN).
17 - vichi
Hey, nice to know you intend on visiting our capitale. If you do, please let me know and I will be glad to help you:)
About Metallica, it will be grate indeed to have some songs into the show( Dean sang in Phantom Traveler "Some kind of monster', well if that was singing:)) but the money is gioing for ever to be a problem for the show. I was glad to hear Ac/dc in the premiere and I expect another great hit in the next episode. Who knows, maybe one day we'll have 'The unforgiven" too!
18 - Alexia Kriniti
"Phantom Traveler": I haven't watched that ep. At the beginning I wasn't a big fan of the show:-)
19 - Matt
Hey I liked the review but one thing I absolutely have to say is that Wendigo and everybody loves a clown were absolutely brilliant eps admitadly not better than season 4 but all the same brilliant
20 - Matt
as for the music I think Dirty Deeds done dirt cheap by AC/DC (especcially for an ep that involves Sam using his powers, prefrebly for nefarious intent) and AC/DC Flick of a switch
21 - Matt
also I'll have to call you on the 20 dead hunters, it was actually 22, castiel said 20 other hunters Sam and Dean already knew about Olivia and that other guy