Okay, all that virtual arm twisting has paid off. Upon request, I pulled out the season two DVDs (okay, I picked them up from their reserved spot next to the TV) and took on two of the most gut-wrenching episodes done on this show. "All Hell Breaks Loose" is right.
Before I go on with the review though, I have a small follow-up from last week. My friends Lindsay and Heather at Support Supernatural are raising funds for The Humane Society and PETA. Their goal is to raise $500 for each organization and donate in the name of Jared Padalecki and his two rescue dogs, Harley and Sadie. So far they've collected $408. After that goal is met, they hope to raise more funds for Young Life on behalf of Jensen Ackles. There’s more info and a link on how to donate at their site. I wish you the best of luck, guys!
Okay, on with the review.
These episodes made their significant mark, escalating the mytharc to a whole new level. Part I was all about Sam and his test, Part II put Dean through his. Sam faced his evil destiny, and Dean, oh poor Dean, faced his worst nightmare. In the end, Dean came out as the most broken. Considering Sam’s ordeal resulted in death, Dean sank pretty low.
It all starts with the season-ending montage and for the record, I hate Boston. The use of “Don’t Look Back” here didn’t impress me one bit. The teaser did though, in a spectacular way. To the bad music we get a perfect brotherly squabble, Sam griping over Dean’s request for extra onions. And pie. Yeah, I shudder at that combination, too. Sam goes into the diner alone, and no time is wasted as static comes on the radio and everyone in the diner is gone. Wouldn't have Dean learned by now, especially after "Born Under A Bad Sign," that Sam getting food is trouble? Anyway, Dean jumps into action, and there’s an insane amount of water everywhere. It didn’t stop raining during the entire shoot, so this episode is a watery mess.
“Stand By Your Man” is on the jukebox, and I’m wondering if that’s the song I want my throat slashed to. Dean finds dead bodies, sulfur on the back door, and no Sam. We get the first of two dramatic shouts in the open air of “SAM!”, and I wonder how much prep Jensen put into that. He nailed it, both times.
Article comments
1 - Elle
First, I have to again express my love of your reviews! I clap my hands with glee when I see a new review.
I agree with your assessment of this episode - the subpar supporting acting detracted from the episode but the end....there are no words. Reading your review has made me want to go back and watch the episode again - if for nothing else than just for the Jensen parts - he's brilliant and could probably create chemistry with a cardboard box. I too first saw this episode on DVD (thank goodness! - I also saw the season 1 finale on DVD and I just about died in the 6 hours I had to leave my DVD player and go to work before finding out what happened in season two, which, fortunatly, was on hand) and I can't imagine having to wait until a new season to see how it resolved itself. All in all, Part 2 was my favourite, as I said - Jensen fan here. I can't wait to read your review!!!
2 - LindsayW
First, thank you very much for the Support Supernatural plug.
Second, thank you for a fantastic, balanced review. I cannot wait to read your next one!
3 - vichi
Indeed, I agree with you about this episode. I just saw AHBL 1 and 2 and I love the ending part of the first episode and adore the first half part of the second. Jensen never cesse to amaze me.I am a Dean fan all the way but I have to say that I love Sammy too and I cried when he died.
Can't wait to read your next review and hope you have the time to do one for IMTOD too.