I have to admit that I was dreading watching this episode a little bit for two reasons. First of all, it’s the last episode before the Christmas hiatus, which will last well into January 2010 (how can you do this to us, Kripke?) and second of all, an episode from a TV show covering a war between Heaven and hell that is entitled "Abandon All Hope" doesn’t bode well, wouldn’t you say?
But I finally got over my willies (and had enough spoilers on my Tumblr dashboard) and finally watched this episode. Then it took me quite some time to get my act together and review this episode. It was kind of nice to have "Supernatural review" on my to-do list for an extra two weeks before yielding to the desire to write it up. It’s going to be a hard couple of coming weeks, that’s for sure.
The opening scene was quite intriguing, and builds right into the little bit of precious information Becky (our unlikely informant) gave the boys last episode — that Crawley has the Colt. Speaking of which, Crawley was rather brilliantly portrayed by Mark Sheppard, wouldn’t you say?
It’s obvious that a lot of work has been done by the boys, Jo, Ellen, and Castiel since the last episode, which is great, because this leaves a lot of room open for books going over the action between episodes. And no, I am certainly not talking about fan fiction. I went there once, and I never want to go there again (sorry, guys).
It’s also obvious from the very beginning that, although Supernatural’s typical banter and one-liners are going to be present in this episode just like in any episode, the jokes are over; it’s time for some serious Apocalyptic action.
There were a couple of things that were a little intriguing about this episode, and that make me wonder if, on one side, Supernatural might be running out of steam (I know, I dared), or if the writers are taking us somewhere we are not expecting and these are the foundation blocks of a future that is quite different from what we are expecting.
For one, there was the blatant display of homophobia at the beginning, when Crawley asks the banker to seal the deal with the typical kiss. It seems like the writers are having a bit too much fun with some fans’ obsession with slash fiction. Becky was awesome; last episode’s joke was also funny. But seriously guys, give it a rest. Most Supernatural fans are not into Wincest or slash, and we’d like for some other jokes to be laid on us.
.jpg?t=20130517094513)
Article comments
1 - Suzie
Actually about half of Supernatural's fanbase are wincest fans.
2 - Sahar
Oh dear... I really hope you're wrong ;)
3 - fx
If you wonder why Castiel didn't know that the colt wouldn't kill Lucifer (and I think he had voiced skepticism about it when it was first mentioned), why wouldn't Crawley know, too? The biggest thing this episode accomplished in bringing the story forward is that the colt put Sam right in front of Lucifer. I think Crawley was following Lucifer's interests. That's why he had the colt.
4 - Sahar
fx, your theory makes sense. After more thinking, I do have two other theories to offer.
First, perhaps the Colt not being able to kill Lucifer is simply a very well kept secret. And it would make sense that Lucifer wouldn't want anyone to know that.
Second, that this is just another simple yet efficient demonstration about how people tend to forget the truth, in this case, that only angels can kill angels. This would therefore make this a simple yet powerful social commentary.
5 - Koterz
Well, the reason that Bobby burnt the picture is because it was the best way to honor them. You know, a hunter's funeral is where the body was burnt, but since they didn't have the bodies, the best way to give respect to their memories was by burning the picture. Besides, hopefully Bobby still has the negatives.
6 - Amy
Don't trust Crowly. Becky said she was pretty sure Lilith and Crowly were lovers. Sam killed Lilith. Ulterior motives are playing out here.
7 - Sahar
Koterz, you do have a good point. It just might have been their own mini 'funeral' of sorts. Excellent point!
Amy, you're right - I forgot about that little tidbit of information. Which means that, while it still hols, my theory about disunity within the ranks of the demons is a little less strong.
8 - Nitewoman
Enjoyed your review, thoughts and ideas and the questions you posed. I haven't written my review yet as this was an episode that tore me apart. I have always loved Jo and Ellen, so it was bitter sweet to lose both of them, but if they had to die...what a great tribute to two of the best hunters.
I had always wished the relationship with Dean and Jo had ben developed more in a romance situation instead of the "little sister" I always loved the chemistry between Dean and Jo. When the hellhounds attacked Jo just knew she was the first casualty. I so wished Jo could have had her moment with Dean. Dean's pain was palatable. Watching him see Jo was dying and IMHO realizing just how much he cared about her.
Ellen was the only other person except for Bobby that Dean would listen to and Ellen could always keep Dean in line. At times I feel that Ellen actually had the most control over Dean because she was the mother figure that Dean needed so desperately. For many years Dean had John, but when John died that's when the boys met Ellen and she was the one that kept Dean from loosing it after John was dead.
Again wish Jo had said yes to Dean, she always did love him, and being her last night on earth why not have the last thing you wanted...Dean. Dean showed real love and respect toward Jo.He did acknowledge that they were both great hunters. Dean's last two kisses to Jo - perfect. The last shot, Dean looking at the photo of Jo's face burning, got to me, Dean did love Jo and realizes the terrible cost of life to him and Sam for being the hunters that John brought them up to be. Don't know how I'm going to wait until January....kiss a happy Xmas goodbye!
9 - Sahar
Nitewoman, thank you for sharing some great comments (as usual!). You're right about Ellen being the mother figure that helped Dean keep it together, and Jo being someone he cared deeply about. I'm sad about that too - I honestly thought those two would end up together sometime (and not just a fling, but the real deal) and, just like you, as soon as Jo was attacked, I knew it was a done deal. After all, this is war, and during war, people die :(
And I hope you have a happy Christmas anyhow - however awesome it is, Supernatural is only a show ;)
So MERRY CHRISTMAS! I insist ;)