That's much better. Sure, "The Devil You Know" sacrificed action and rich plot development for the sake of character tests and grand scheming, but given the awful mess of “Hammer of The Gods” I really like what is presented. They all can't be loaded thrill rides and upon closer examination "The Devil You Know" gives us plenty to consider and worry about.
If you're going to put the main focus on a cunning demon working a dastardly plan, you can't do better than Mark Sheppard's Crowley. There's no doubt about it, the guy is one colorful character. He is every bit as manipulative as the other demons that have crossed paths with Sam and Dean but way more entertaining. Sure, that entertainment comes from a stereotype, but a homosexual demon with some flamboyance and a diva-ish nature wins. He’s ruthless with a smile; a used car salesman in a designer suit. Not a new suit though. He's had to get by in life on the lam considering his foes ate his tailor.
Then there's Brady, the other "devil you know." Eric Johnson, who I know previously as goody two shoes Whitney in Smallville, is really good when he gets to be evil. He too is a used car salesman in a designer suit, but he's on the side of Satan. His purpose ends up to be a connection with Sam, which is why we’re likely dealing with him and not Pestilence himself. Enter a backstory of Sam's time at Stanford that was never hinted at before. Sam had a best friend in college and Azazel had an accomplice. When the two became one in Brady, Sam back then didn't know he was being played. He finds out now though and yeah, the already raging younger Winchester didn't need any more fuel added to that fire. He got it though and the results are downright chilling.
Time to Get Worried
Yes, I’m worried about Sam. This episode is a transformation for him and not in a good way. I am pleased to see Sam’s anger issues brought to the forefront again. Since the glaring appearance in “Sam, Interrupted” his internal fire has only been alluded to briefly. As soon as Crowley appears he’s raging, trying fruitlessly to kill the mischievous demon with vicious swipes of the knife. Dean has to hold him back and even though Dean doesn’t trust Crowley any more than Sam does, his cooler head and desperation to find Pestilence makes him willing to collaborate. This really bothers Sam, especially when Crowley will only take Dean along for the ride and Dean agrees.
Article comments
1 - Huppy
Alice, I agree that this episode did not rate an "A." I had a big problem with the Brady character. Not so much that SN just inserted a new best friend of Sam's from college days, who later was possessed by a demon and then murdered Jessica.
My problem with Brady was why did the demon remain in the body of Brady after murdering Jessica and Sam leaving Stanford? His demonic job was done, but he just decided to remain in Brady's body for all those years? He did the class work to graduate from Stanford? He got a job at this corporation and worked himself up? Why?
It would have made so much more sense if the demon had left Brady's body years ago and smoked himself into the body of an executive at this pharmaceutical company more recently. After the demon had been captured, he could have told Sam he had possessed Brady years ago; it wasn't necessary for Sam to immediately recognize the face of his college friend. The viewers have seen how easily demons can go from one meatsuit to another, such as YED, Ruby, Meg, etc. The writers shouldn't change the rules now for some dramatic effect that turns out to be absurd.
I also really missed Castiel in the episode; he should have been a part of it.
The best part of the episode for me was Crowley. Great actor, great character.
2 - Carlotspeak
I agree with you that aside from the technical awesomeness of Hell Hounds scene, Mark Sheppard’s most enjoyable dialog and acting; Eric Johnson’s mirthless laugh as Brady for Sam’s sake; this episode is mostly about Sam. I felt like the story was building him up to complete his Darth Vader transformation. In reality if Sam was really trying to avoid being possessed by Lucifer, he would have tried not to cultivate Vengeance, anger etc. Brady (The Demon) was only doing the job as ordered by YED. Sam failed to recognize that. All the taunting about how much fun he had killing Jessica etc. was only part of the concert effort of the demon(s) doing their works tirelessly to get Sam to be where he supposed to be for Lucifer at the End Game. Sam did not have the wisdom or compassion to recognize that, so he killed Brady instead of doing something different and use the chance to fight off the ‘transformation’ of his ‘mind’. Sam has brute strength but could his mind power grow weaker?. (Jared Padalecki's body building in real life paralleling with the story are pretty good at this point to me. No offense. I love everyone in SPN) The salt lines scene was not fun to watch. To kill a broken prisoner in a lonely alley. I don't think at the end it gave neither Sam or Dean any satisfaction feeling. Plus the unanswered question for me, what bugged me was that the real Brady, his best friend was still in there watching himself being killed by Sam. Could he not even question himself, may be thinking of taking the symbols off the flesh with the branding like Bobby did? Exorcising to free his long suffering friend? - Thank you again, Alice for another great review. What will we do when the final is here next week. I'll miss your review terribly.
3 - Jasminka
Alice, this is indeed an episode to get us worried. For me it is the first of a three-part finale, and it sets things up in a manner that I already keep biting my nails.
Just as you I am satisfied (and relieved, actually) that Sam’s anger is getting a face again. Had the writers just thrown us that bone early on and never let us chew on it again, I probably would have wondered what happened to the famed psychological continuity. I agree, as I said in my review on your site, this quiet rage is the most dangerous kind… a silence that makes your soul bleed… Forgive me.
The same goes for Dean â€" he is not his usual self, you’re right, my thoughts exactly, he is still depressed and Jensen again speaks pages of dialogue in a scene that allows him only a glance. He’s trying to come to terms with what awaits them, perhaps being worried about Sam even more now that the end draws near. When he eventually hears of Sam’s insane, yet brilliant, plan â€" somehow I think he will react with more despair. Or more action.
I’m scared to see the Croatoan effects on the world, I expect a 28DaysLater scenario. Simulataneous worldwide distribution via a vaccine for swine flu, what a smart move â€" considering that when I had my inocculation I had such a severe reaction I was sick a month. I suppose I got the early test version of Croatoan and didn’t turn into a bloodsucking raging monster. Thank God… or the incompetence of Lucifer’s Lab?
In addition to the lighting of the episode, which was indeed fantastic, I also noticed the fine sound effects editing. That kind of quality is also not easy to achieve, and I love it when the sound effects sometimes creep up on you or blast your mind to kingdom come, depending on the director’s wishes.
Thanks for yet another great review, Alice. Love Jas