Joshua is kind and sympathetic, and is painfully aware how Dean is losing faith. He’s apologetic over the fact he can’t tell them what they hoped to hear. He sends them back to Earth this time with their memories and once Sam and Dean awake to the bloody mess they left behind, their perspectives couldn’t be more opposite. Dean calls Castiel and tells him of the conversation, and that’s enough for Castiel to lose all hope. He somberly returns the amulet to Dean, calling it worthless, and flies off. Sam is determined to find another way and tries to encourage Dean in their fight, but Dean follows Castiel’s lead and quietly gives up. He even drops his precious amulet in the trash on the way out, leaving Sam alone to ponder their
next move.
Paradise Lost
I usually read some fan reactions before writing a review and sad to say, I think a few missed what's happening here. The idea of God turning his back on man is nothing new. This is straight out of Paradise Lost (published in 1667), where God denounces responsibility for man because of man’s choice to use free will. He will not intervene or help. It’s up to man to solve his own problems. It’s meant to be a test of character, a test of faith, a test of the resolve of humanity.
Joshua even tells Sam and Dean “Why does he allow evil in the first place? You could drive yourself nuts asking questions like that.” He’s trying to get them to focus on the bigger picture, which is fighting the apocalypse. I don’t think Joshua is implying they should give up. He even tells them he’s rooting for them and feels bad he couldn’t deliver the answer they wanted. He points out that they were saved by being put on the plane and granted them salvation in Heaven, despite all that they’ve done. They are in God’s good graces.
The issue with Dean is he’s not in a good place right now and can’t find the way out. He’s at wits end due to the impossible burdens he’s put on himself to save everyone in the world alone. He needs help and isn’t getting the kind he wants and that’s putting him into the lowest of lows. Finding God to him is truly the last act of a desperate man. Once that didn’t turn out the way he hoped, his spirit is broken. They’ve been building up to this fall for a while now, at least since “Abandon All Hope.” When Dean throws the amulet away, I don’t think it is a slam on Sam so much as the action of a man who has lost faith in everything. Family, God, the real world, people; all that he held dear. It doesn’t mean anything to him anymore because nothing means anything to him anymore. He believes Castiel, it’s worthless.
Article comments
1 - Tiecg1
Great commentary. I like how you've seen both sides of the equation. I know it would be weird or possibly sacrilegeous to say that Dean was *gasp* overreacting, but I think it was about time we saw an emotional meltdown from him that didn't involve a bottle of liquor in his hands. This episode was deep and the debate between who was more out of touch with the other brother, Sam or Dean, is dividing fandom. But my take is Dean's anger was a tad irrational and Sam was a little out of touch with the burden that Dean had been carrying since he was a child. I find it hard to believe that Dean was saint his whole childhood though, just like I find it equally hard to believe that Sam was completely selfish his entire childhood. But I love that their relationship has layers. Maybe some type of true respect for each other will come from all this torment.
I feel like it was refreshing that Sam finally knows that he has been forgiven by God. Now if he could only get that forgiveness from his brother. It won't be easy though.
Some say that Castiel got some kind of revelation from God at the end of the ep, but I don't know. I just wish he was more resolute in his faith. These angels are so messed up (and I couldn't even watch the part with Zachariah and Mary! It made me squirm!).
2 - carlotspeak
Best review of all that I have read so far. Thank you.
3 - Fifthelement
I heartily agree with carlotspeak, this is one of, if not the best, review that I have read on this episode. In fact, this is the first time that I have chosen to partake in any discussion about the show. Thank you.
And you are so right about this: "[I]f you want to blame them for turning you an emotional wreck, have at it. They’ve been just brutal recently, and I’m sure that’s perceived by them to be doing their jobs right."
I sat in stunned disbelief after this episode, trying in vain to absorb the impact of what was revealed and pondering what is to come. Days later I was still discussing it with my husband, who is a very recent convert this wonderful, wonderful show. Great job by the writers, the director, and, as always, the actors for bringing it all to life.
4 - faye
Great review, as ever. I think I've read most of them, and some, you have to wonder if the writers actually watch the show on a regular basis.
I do think the places Sam and Dean visited in Heaven were coreographed by Zachariah. If not I think we have to take a close 2nd look at Sam's memories. He's been running away from his life, and he's never got very far, even when he was older. He's trying to deal with his anger issues, but this is something different.
One thing I'd like to ask, because it seems to be a topic everyone has avoided mentioning (like the elephant in the room): a resurrection episode for Easter? No comment?
5 - carlotspeak
Good catch, faye. Perhaps, too high up of the blessed being to compare with the boys no one think to say? I am not sure. Sorry, I am a Buddhist and I don't know enough. I love the show to death, though.
6 - Alice Jester
Tiecg1 - I couldn't agree more, the brothers are just both in different worlds right now. This was a big eye opener for both. I've read those fan debates and I think your take is correct, Dean wasn't a saint and Sam wasn't totally selfish. Plus they've been down this road before. Perspectives are different though when coasting on fumes.
Castiel's reaction does puzzle me the most, and one I didn't speculate on too much because I think there's a lot of his story left. He's really confused right now, being separated from Heaven and alone, but for some reason I think he's going to come to his senses and see that he was given another chance by God. I'm also happy that Sam has salvation. Actually, that doesn't surprise me, but him knowing that, very cool.
Thanks carlotspeak! I'm glad you liked this.
fifthelement - Welcome to the comment page! That's what I love about this show, it has episodes like this that inspire fans to discuss, even those that have never commented before. It's so great your husband is a recent convert! My husband watches too and it's great to get into discussions with someone in the same room. We both see things so differently so its fun.
Faye - I do believe that my theory about Zachariah is unpopular opinion. I'm sure it's one of those things that we'll never really know the answer and someone will ask Kripke at Comic Con and he'll leave it as one of those "secrets". Sam's happiest memories are when he became his own person. I wonder if he'll ever desire that again or take the "it was fun while it lasted" approach. You are so right! It was an interesting episode to air on Easter week. Good catch. I do wonder if that was intentional or a happy accident.
Thanks everyone for all the great comments!
7 - cassi
Awesome review Alice. Besides the episode being absolutely awesome, I was really glad that we finally got a dramatic script by Dabb and Loflin. Usually they rely very heavily on Supernatural's comedic aspect and forget about the drama part. I prefer Edlund's witty and dark sense of humor, so I'm not a big fan of their very straight-forward type of comedy episode. I was getting really worried for season 6. Fortunately, they delivered an awesome reminder after what seems ages ago season 4's After School Special that they too can write drama.