While Dean and Bobby go off to have a “beer” (I’m with Bobby, Sam should have been there), Sam goes into the diner to find more eyeballs burnt out and bloody knuckles. I picture the guys in special effects cackling in delight as they made masks for the black eyes. Their mission is most awesomely accomplished. Sam’s tackled by the girl demon, a la no eyeballs but still fighting, and I can’t help but thinking of Monty Python and The Holy Grail when the Black Knight tried to fight with no arms and legs. It’s only a flesh wound! She’s terrified by what she saw, proclaiming “it’s the end, were all dead.” Who’s "we"? Demons, humanity, the world? Sam tries to get more answers, but she toughens up and tells Sam to go to Hell. Oh boy, you shouldn’t have done that. You don’t want to see Sam when he’s angry.
After a defiant sneer and a flash of the same crazy eyes we saw in “Dream A Little Dream of Me”, Sam closes his eyes, stretches out his hand, and with his mind yanks the black smoke out of her! Sammy, what did you learn over summer vacation? She goes down in a violent swirl, and I want to hug the VFX guys right now. We’ve waited four seasons for Sam to finally do something with those “gifts”, and it’s better than we ever imagined.
Sam closes his fist, takes in a deep breath and opens his eyes, and man, does he look dangerous. Way to man up, Sammy! In walks the girl from before, and Sam calls her Ruby. I’m surprised, but not surprised. Granted, Genevieve Cortese didn’t impress me, but then again, Alona Tal didn’t impress, Katie Cassidy didn’t impress (at least at first), and Lauren Cohan didn’t impress, so I’m ready to stop complaining and accept what I’m given in the female supporting role department. It’s Ruby, she’s helping Sam, and I’m digging the plot twist.
This episode is so damn good that I’d hate to nitpick, but how long did it take Bobby to put those symbols all over the barn? That job would take weeks, not an hour or two, even if Dean helped. Anyway, I dismiss believability, for what we get next is too spectacular.
Ruby asks Sam if he’s going to tell Dean what they’re doing. Sam recognizes that Dean’s going to be pissed when he finds out and will try to stop him but for now, he says nothing and keeps going. “I don’t know if what I’m doing is right.” I don’t know either, but I like it.
Article comments
1 - Rene
Awesome Alice, Still loving your reviews hun. Your are Mrs. Magic with words in my book. I so loved this episode once I got past the piddly stuff. Not worth mentioning so I won't. I was happy to see the boys back, overwhelmed with excitement to see the angel and I can't wait to see more.
2 - Elle
As always, a stellar review that captures, practically verbatum my thoughts on the episode! I was anxious to read your review - because I read a review that had less than stellar things to say about our boys (not that I expected you'd committ the same blasphemy - but good reviews make me happy).
Lazarus Rising now ranks in my top ten episodes, no question - very possibly my top 5. This is the first season I am watching "live", that is not on DVD and I think the wait between episodes might kill me.
[You forgot to comment on one of the best Deanisms to date: "perky nipples" - that just about killed me. ]
I thought Jared and Jensen stepped it up - they were great and you're right (as usual), the reunions were perfect, exactly as I imagined them - throw in an unexpected Holy water dousing and a gay reference - Supernatural is back in full form! Favourite scene (reunions and end teaser aside) - the iPod. Jensen absolutely nailed the exasperated, incredulous glare and then the "really?" - Loved it!
Sammy? What happened to you? He is dark and creepy and I love it. The demon-sucking-out power was, to borrow from the show, awesome!
I completely agree with your assessment of Castiel - he was perfect. I was especially pleased with the way he honed in on Dean - "you don't think you deserve to be saved?"
Also, as you said, gotta appreciated the continuity of this show with regard to the Angels storyline - the writers make it seem as though they've been planning this particular episode/story arch since day one just about. I wonder - is Castiel the angel Mary was talking about. Intersting sidenote - did you know that Castiel is the angel of Thursday? Doubt that was a happy accident. Interest info on the other yet-to-be-seen Uriel too.
Can't wait for your next installment - we've certainly started this season off with a bang.
3 - vichi
Another great review and another great episode of Supernatural.
Castiel is an awesome character and Misha Collins is indeed the best casting, after dear Jim Beaver.
Dean is back and in full form, he still has the power to make me laugh or cry just by one look.
Sammy was a big surprise but a good one. Still can't talk about the new Ruby. I have to wait to see another episode she's and then I'll make my mind about her acting skills.
Can't wait for the new episode. Hope is as good as Lazarus Rising or better:)
4 - Mary (Bardicvoice)
Thanks, Alice! This episode was really a wonderful present to open ...
On the demon-killing Ginsu: I kind of figured that Sam NOT having taken the knife with him was pretty much the only thing that persuaded Dean that Sam's "couldn't sleep, went for a burger" story passed the laugh test. Since he didn't know that Sam had learned how to take out demons with his mind, it didn't occur to him that Sam had gone after the demons in the diner, because Dean knew he wouldn't have gone demon-hunting unarmed.
I loved all the glass hitting Dean. No wonder they used a bordello room with a mirrored ceiling!
I'm right with you on loving Misha Collins as Castiel and Traci Dinwiddie as Pamela. Here's hoping we see more of both of them! My only issue with the episode was Ruby being so different in attitude and approach: not wanting to come between the brothers? My only explanation for her diffidence is that she had to learn to be circumspect in dealing with Sam after Dean's death, because if she had insulted Dean after he died the way she had always done before, Sam would probably have killed her out of rage ...
I can't wait to see where we go from here, with the brothers having to find a whole new balance. In Dean's words, "Bring it!"
5 - vichi
Hi Alice! Just wanted to say we finally have Supernatural in Romania. Just 2nd season now, but is a start, hmm? Unfortunatly it will be after midnight but is there anything I wouldn't do for this show? I have seen it ten times by now so one more time is not gonna hurt me:) Bring it on!
6 - Alice Jester
Hi Rene! Thanks for coming back.
Hi Elle! - Thanks for mentioning the "perky nipples" part. I tell you, there was soooo much in this episode, the review was over 4000 words and I still missed stuff like that. Another part of that conversation that I glossed over was "vaseline and a fire hose". I was going to look that up, but chose not to go there. Some things should be left untouched!
Hi Mary! Great hearing from you again. That's a great point about the knife, but I think Kripke had Dean show it to foreshadow for the viewers that Sam was about to do something we hadn't seen before. It was awesome. Another great point about Ruby. Things have changed, but I still think she's all about manipulating Sam. She always has been. The concern was likely an act. Either that, or she and Sam are doing it!
Vichi, thanks for sharing the news! It's something, and I assume those that don't stay up late will tape it. It's great to see your commitment, even though you're already up to season four.
7 - Alexia Kriniti
Hello everybody!
Well, according to a tradition in my country, when Lazarus came back from the dead, he never ever smiled again (but only once, in a very specific occasion) because he had seen all the suffering in Hell! Thank God, that is not the case with our “Lazarus”. Dean is back, looking indeed “fantastic”, with all his incredible humour, with all his appetite for food and for “Busty Asians Beauties” and with his low self-appreciation (I think Castiel realized Dean thinks he doesn’t deserve to be saved, he did not ask him). By the way, a parallel between Dean and Lazarus: Lazarus remained buried for 4 days; Dean was buried for 4 months.
I was also taken aback by the cross at Dean’s grave, even though his atheism was not so granted for me (as I have explained in another comment). However, since Sam was responsible for his brother’s funeral, and Sam is not such a determined atheist, he put the cross there; or it could be even the angel who did it, as a proof of the divine interference. May be we find out, may be not.
Well, Dean is back and ready to take on his old role: the protective older brother who’s the chief of the team. However, things are just a little bit different, Dean! It is true what u said Alice! Younger siblings grow up so fast! And we do not even notice! It has happened to me with my younger sister as well! Dean asks a rhetorical question, “What don't I know about that kid?”, and it sounds so ironic in a poetic justice way! There are so many things you don’t know Dean! What happened to shy, sweet “so-I-can-gouge-my-eyes-out” Sam? To be honest, I already miss that kid. This all new Sam seemed not to have a particular problem to share the same woman with his brother in the same bed! But, he was NOT invited (what a hilarious moment)!!!!! Funny how Dean did not notice that change! Maybe, he was too absorbed by the hot psychic! However, the chick made the mistake and…moved too fast just before the séance and Dean was really, really p***d off and frustrated!!!! I would never expect that and it was my moment of laughing on the floor and watching again and again the scene. Actually, along with the “Vaseline and fire hore” line is one of the do-not-touch scenes, but I can’t help it.
What I really loved in this episode is the way we learnt in just a few minutes, what Sam did and how much he has changed in these four months (and it is nothing close to what we saw in “Mystery Spot”). And I am sure there is still much to learn.
However, even though the episode rocks, I am not so sure that I am happy with the way the story seems to go! Brothers are miles away from each other! One works with a demon and the other is just about to work with an angel. Sam doesn’t just keep secrets from his brother, he’s lying to him in a very serious way! How that will not be a huge obstacle in their relation, when Dean finds out the truth? The very first motive I started watching the show, even the very first not-so great episodes, was this tender, strong and so realistic relationship between the two brothers! I don’t want this relation to be destroyed and Dean to turn against Sam (or the other way), not at any cost! It will be a huge disappointment! Also, the 2nd element I love in this show is the writers are inspired by myths and legends from all over the world (and I really love folklore). Now, a huge change seems to be in the air: it will be more connected to the religion. And if that’s the case, I need a great (not just plausible) reason why All Mighty God would need Dean’s help! Finally, I am not so much a fan of a Sam getting too close to the dark side.
I agree with your A+ Alice, the episode was one of the best, no doubt. But, I am very cautious as far as it concerns the 4th season: If I like it or not, time will show.
8 - Alice Jester
Hi Alexia! I've been reading your insightful comments on my other articles too, and I appreciate your points of view. You've brought up many great points that I never considered before. I'm glad you started posting here and sharing.
After last nights episode, there are even more questions now than answers, but I don't mind one bit. Sam knows more than he's letting on, and chances are that's what we'll start seeing more and more this season. How both brothers will end up is anyone's guess right now, but the implications are fascinating.
9 - Alexia Kriniti
Thank you Alice for your polite comments..on my comments. Needless to mention that your articles show me some points that I wouldn't notice otherwise. Also, it's very helpful (since I am not familiar with U.S. geography), when u mention details about the towns or the states the two boys are in each episode or when u comment on U.S. TV Shows (e.g. in the case of "Ghostfacers").
I will watch 2nd episode next week, so I am trying to be patient and to avoid spoilers.
However, today I re-watched "All Hell Breaks Loose" part I and I realised there is a link between that episode and Sam of "Lazarus Rising". In 02x21, Ava and Sam have this conversation:
AVA:"If you just quit your hand-wringing and open yourself up, you have no idea what you can do. The learning curve is so fast, it’s crazy, the switches that just flip in your brain. I can’t believe I started out just having dreams. Do you know what I can do now?
SAM: Control demons.
AVA: Ah, you are quick on the draw".
Well, it is exactly what we saw Sam doing.
10 - vichi
Hey Alice, I can't wait for your new review to the second episode. I love Kripke for what he's doing with this show, I mean it gets better and better! I just wanted to share something because my obsession with this show finally was noticed and I was asked to do the reviews for the show on a romanian tv blog. I am so excited and I already made one for Are you there God?It's me Dean Winchester and I want to know what you think about this episode. The romanians fans loved this one and the comments were very positives.
Just wanted to share...hope it's ok!
11 - Alice Jester
Vichi - Of course it's okay to share. That's great news! Do you have a link to the blog? I'm getting a link list together for my personal blog and would love to include it. Sure its in Romanian, but I don't mind.
12 - vichi
:) Check your personal blog Alice:) I send it but you should call Bobby to help you with the translations because romanian is a very difficult language:) Bobby seems to know a lot of languages, and romanian is a latin language so maybe he knows it!Just kidding! Thanks for your response!