This All-American kid, now decked out in his reindeer jammies, peeks through the wooden rail of the stairs to see “Santa” putting presents under the tree, reacting with wide eyes and adorable, lit up face. He gets very excited by the thump on the roof, but “Santa,” aka grandpa, knows that wasn’t a good noise. Some soot filters down from the chimney, and we assume from the creepy music playing that this will be grandpa’s last Christmas. Judging by his chilling screams, being yanked up the chimney hurts. Then his boot falls to the floor. With blood on it. All while the boy watches. At least grandpa gave his grandson a Christmas he’ll never forget.
Cue the special title card, a decked out “A Very Supernatural Christmas.” Major kudos to the graphics designer on that one. That right there gave us a hint as to how much effort went into this episode.
It’s next Christmas, in balmy Michigan, and Sam and Dean talk with a traumatized wife and daughter because dad is missing. Considering Sam found a tooth in the chimney, chances are he’s reindeer food. By the way, Sam and Dean in suits make for the best Christmas present ever. They conclude dad couldn’t have fit up the chimney in one piece, which is pretty accurate considering we saw proof of that in the last Christmas scene.
Here’s a prime example of what happens when great set decoration and directing collide. Sam’s researching in this week’s motel room, sitting on a dated forest green leather couch when Dean comes in, exposing the red leather retro table and chairs, ugly green curtains, and loud yellow floral wallpaper. A standard room so far, right? After Sam and Dean exchange some theories, we get the full money shot, Dean standing in front of a hokey Thomas Kinkade mural covering the entire opposite wall, instantly throwing him into the center of a cozy holiday picture. I laughed hard and froze the frame, partly because it’s the most absurd scene you’ll ever see Dean Winchester in, and partly because Jared Padalecki has a Christmas movie coming out one of these days where he plays Thomas Kinkade. Someone had way too much fun setting this up, and we all win.
After researching it, the best idea Sam can come up with is evil Santa. Dean thinks the idea is crazy and reminds Sam there is no Santa, which opens up a nice gaping wound. “I know, you’re the one who told me in the first place.” Ouch! Nicely played Jared, for the resentment feels very real.
Article comments