There's also the incredible chemistry between Jensen and Jared. Sure, that happens every week, but considering one of them is a totally different character this time, and the fact that these two have such a stunning exchange makes the scene that much more extraordinary. It's not only far better than the clever editing with the Dean/Future Dean scenes, it's one of the best scenes these two have ever done. After 86 episodes, that says a lot.
The scene primarily works because Lucifer stays in true haunting form (with one fine looking suit to boot) while Dean lets his human side show. That is the most important element of that whole scene. When Lucifer/Sam gives his speech about Dean’s choices, Dean weeps. No single tear rolling down this time, both eyes are pooling. That’s the human thing to do. It isn't weakness, it's showing character. It's showing true compassion for humanity and for his lost brother. It overshadows all the false sympathy Lucifer throws at him and sends a message that there’s hope for salvation through human weakness.
Zachariah wastes no time in pulling Dean back and giving him another chance to change things. Say yes to Michael, before the virus begins, before Lucifer gets to Sam. Something clicks during that long, reflective pause. Future Dean, even though he begged him to say yes, knew he’d say no. Lucifer told him whatever choices he made, it wouldn’t change things. Dean figures out he has to say yes in order to save the world. But not to Zachariah. “I learned a lesson alright. Just not the one you wanted to teach.” He realizes what set off these events wasn’t him saying no to Michael. It was him saying no to Sam. Lucky for Dean, Castiel is good at showing up for appointments on time. It’s time for Dean to right his wrong with one phone call.
The grand reconciliation of the brothers isn't all hugs and smiles, as it shouldn't be. They are finally taking a crucial step forward, but the past still lingers. There will still be differences, there will still be mistrust. That, too, is a very human concept. However, they are both wise enough to know that while they are each other's weakness, the consequences of them apart are far worse than when they're together. “The point is, maybe we are each other’s Achilles heel, they’ll find a way to use us against each other I don’t know, I just know we’re all we’ve got. More than that, we keep each other human.” The premise for the episodes to come is now established. “We make our own future.” "I guess we have no choice." Interesting how that was the premise at the start of the series as well.
.jpg?t=20130517094513)
Article comments
1 - Andrea
Hi, Alice
I love your reviews. I too think that the Dean/Lucifer/Sam scene is an instant classic in the series history. Both actors excelled. I marvel at how sweet, puppy-dog eyed Sammy managed to look so changed. He was both convincingly menacing and deliciously evil. The word that comes to my mind is devilicious!
I had some problems with the episode though. For instance, I thought that Dean's reaction to the news of Sam's supposed death in Detroit was a bit cold to my taste, especially considering the circumstances of their last exchange. He did show some signs of shock and regret at first, but next moment he just seemed to forget about that. It bothered me and I couldn't help wondering what became of all the love he always had for his brother, to the point of selling his own soul.
Finally, I have a feeling that the reasons and circumstances behind Sam's yes to the Devil will be dealt with in future episodes. I don't believe it's meant to remain a mistery.
2 - Jasminka
Hi Alice, another great review, thanks a lot for that. I thoroughly enjoy your reviews.
I agree with you for the most part, except that I think that it was perhaps not a perfect episode, but an awesome one. Gosh, I love this show. I’ve been hooked from episode one, and I am aware of the high quality to be expected from the uniquely creative teams at Supernatural, in front of and behind the camera. And when I think this show cannot get any better, is effortlessly moves on to the next level, and leaves me in awe.
The whole composition of the episode was exceptional â€" from Castiel running out of minutes on his cell and literally and hilariously waiting on the spot to finally meet Dean, to Future-Dean going all John Connor, to the closed down movie-theatre playing Route 666, to Past-Dean at first painfully refusing Sam’s wish to get back in and later, after having learned about the future, reaching out to his brother, to desperate love-guru Cas and his remark ‘What? I like past you’…. I could go on.
We’ve come to know the characters really well throughout the show, and their development, from a psychological point of view, is logical, to be expected and cruel. Of course, something has broken in Future-Dean, since he does things Past-Dean would never do. But then again, looking at the progress this character has made, Season 4-Dean probably would have stormed after Sam, after he was captured by the ‘demons’ in ‘Good God, Y’all’, Past-(Season5)-Dean does not. Season 3-Dean would have panicked at the revelation that Sam was supposed to be Lucifer’s vessel. Past-(Season5)-Dean is too disillusioned to even drop his beer. A person’s personality can change after experiencing traumatic situations of extreme stress, which is exactly what happened to Dean.
Edmund Burke once said ‘the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing’. That is not the Winchester way. They are good men. They will not sit tight. If necessary, they will put their lives on the line. And even after we’ve seen Lucifer in Sam’s ‘meat suit’, taken from the Sam-Winchester-mind set, it is certain that Sam would never have said yes because he gave in to mere seduction. I hope we will learn about his reasons. Even though you draw attention to Kripke’s point that some things are meant to stay mysteries, I do hope that he will decide to tell us about what happened to Sam (another opportunity for Sera Gamble to put Sammy in turmoil and pain??).
We’ve seen some fantastic Lucifers in recent movie history, like Viggo Mortensen in ‘The Prophecy’ or Peter Stormare in ‘Constantine’, and Jared, you’re right there…
There is always a certain creepy allure involved when you have an evil character looking handsome ‘as hell’, yes, pun intended.
Back in his day Hitchcock cast Joseph Cotton (who in those times was regarded a highly attractive man) as the villain in ‘Shadow of a Doubt’ in order to confuse the audience’s emotions and evoke sympathy for a devil.
The creepiest thing about this Lucifer (and, strangely, the most appealing) is not his impeccable white suit or his stainless loafers, full in view as he breaks Future-Deans neck… it’s his tender, vulnerable, loving manner in which he refers to what he wants Past-Dean to know. We all know, the master of con is trying to con Dean, and I was wondering… is Sam awake in there? How will he emerge of this being-ridden by Lucifer? Will we learn about this?
And I came to worry about Dean… will he tell Sam of his encounter with future-Sam/Lucifer or will this remain another burden for him to carry like he did with John’s disclosure of possibly having to kill his brother?
High praise for Jared’s acting: I think it takes a lot of skill and guts and charisma to tread the fine line of being unbelievably appealing and utterly appalling in the same moment. Wow.
And Jensen’s talent is again revealed in the most awe-inspiring fashion: what he does with his voice alone when speaking to his past self is wondrous. It sounds like too much whiskey, too little sleep, too much disappointment and lost hope. Jensen, you’re too young to be having a voice like that… I salute you.
I can hardly wait to find out what the creators have in store. Personally, and I’m a split personality here, one part of me would want the brothers come together, be the ‘dynamic duo’ once more and then go out with a bang, like Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, with Thin Lizzy’s ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’ playing in the back. Another part of me (the corny one) is hoping for some kind of happy ending. Ay me, whatever happens, I’m thrilled to accompany the brothers on their ride, as long as it will last, and I’ve learned to trust Kripke and all of the creative minds there and haven’t been disappointed.
After all, Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid is still one of the best westerns ever made, and it was the ending in particular that stayed with me after I first watched it, way back when I was still a child. What better way to go in a manner viewers will remember for a very long time (not that I would have any trouble remembering the show â€" I will probably still be watching the dvds for many years to come and get sentimental).
I think going out with this season (should this be the case) hopefully will provide Jensen and Jared with the opportunities to do other stuff, and they already have proven their versatility and talent in other movies and shows, and I would love to see them tell us other stories, introduce us to other characters.
Personally, I would wish them to have a career like Ed Harris for instance (should they so desire). He managed to stay out of the paparazzi spotlight and all that celebrity-frenzy many tabloids magazines (and fans, unfortunately) seem to thrive on these days. Harris is no doubt one of the most respected American actors, and whenever he is in a movie he ennobles the film, no matter how weak the script might be. I thing both â€" Jared and Jensen â€" possess this kind of acting quality and the talent necessary. Good looks alone would not be enough to succeed in this merciless world we call show business. But that’s just me.
Alice, I’d love to read your recaps on your site, but somehow I have a server-problem and am not able to open the articles… Hell. So I’ll just wait for your words here at blogcritics.
Dear God, I’ve just realized how long this got… So sorry. Thanks a lot for bearing with me.
Cheers to you all and God bless, Jas
3 - Lauren
Alice -- great review! I really enjoyed this episode -- the writing, directing, and acting. It's my favorite of the season so far. And I agree with you about the brilliance of the Dean/Lucifer confrontation. Jared's Lucifer was eerily calm and collected, while Jensen's Dean wore his (very human) emotions on his sleeve until they finally overwhelmed him and then came the tears. Great job by both actors.
***
@ Andrea: "For instance, I thought that Dean's reaction to the news of Sam's supposed death in Detroit was a bit cold to my taste, especially considering the circumstances of their last exchange. He did show some signs of shock and regret at first, but next moment he just seemed to forget about that. It bothered me and I couldn't help wondering what became of all the love he always had for his brother, to the point of selling his own soul. "
Dean certainly seemed upset to me, but the entire situation he was in was bizarre and overwhelming, and he knew it was only temporary at that moment.
And how about Dean weeping while he's talking to Lucifer -- in his brother's body? And then Dean apologized to Sam, admitted he was wrong, and showed Sam that he trusts *him* to keep him human, and that he wants to be with Sam.
I just don't get some fans. I really don't. Dean LOVES Sam, but he is *not* the same person who sold his soul for Sam. That Dean made a huge mistake, he knows and admits he did, and he's trying not to repeat those mistakes. He knows he was too wrapped up in Sam to see the bigger picture sometimes. For that matter, Sam isn't the same person either.
But Dean loves Sam. I feel really sorry for those fans who refuse to see this.
Ah well, I'm just glad in the version of the show that I watch, both brothers love each other. Sorry, Alice. Your review was excellent! Thanks.
4 - Alice
Hi Andrea! I must admit, I don't know if its meant to be a mystery or not. Considering that future isn't meant to happen though, who knows if they'll explore it. I would love seeing Sam being tempted in some way this season, give us an indication of what might make him say yes. I agree, I think Dean's reactions have been rather cold lately, but in that case, the future hadn't happened yet. I got the impression Dean has never believed the future is written in stone.
Jasminka - I apologize, I read your fantastic comments last week and never got a chance to say hello and welcome! What an amazing analysis! I like your references, especially Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. That's one of my favorite all time films.
Jared blew me away with that scene. What an opportunity for an actor to do such things, to not only be someone else in an episode, but to be evil personified. Mitch Pileggi did the same thing in "In The Beginning" and I was wowed by that. To see Jared do it so perfectly, I got a little emotional. I feel like he's grown up right before our very eyes. I'm probably overreacting, but hey, the show does that to me.
Jensen did some amazing things too, playing two different versions of Dean at the same time. That is not easy to do and I'm in awe of that also. However, as I mentioned, he's done it before (very well) and he again blew us away. I also agree with how Dean would have reacted in past seasons. He's really changed this season too. I hope seeing his future self knocks some sense into him. Like treat your brother better! Ditto for Sam too though, it's a two way street. Judging by next week's clips, it sounds like they're having some struggles starting over but trying to make it work.
Also Jas, have you seen my site The Winchester Family Business? Click on the url under my name at the top of this comment. We do plenty of discussing there and I think you'd offer some great insight to our discussions. It's a very welcoming atmosphere. We love our show!
5 - Alice
No need to be sorry Lauren! You made some great points. I guess I'm spoiled by the level heads at my site where I don't see a lot of the controversy anymore. I like seeing people speak out against fandom insanity.
6 - Andrea
Hi Lauren
Thank you for your comments. Actually I was hoping someone would disagree with me and help me see the facts under a different light. I admit of being a little nostalgic of season 2 which was where I started being a fan. So I guess I'm still growing accustomed to the changes in my two favorite characters. And as a Samfan, I also admit of being a little biased towards Sam.
I really came to appreciate this episode after a second viewing, including details such as Dean weeping before Lucifer. For now, I'm overjoyed to see the boys back again and can't wait to see how their relationship will develop from now on. I'm sure that some fantastic moments are waiting for us before this season - or perhaps the series - comes to the end!
Your comments have been very helpful. Thank you again and sorry for any mistakes in my English. I'm not a native speaker but I'm trying. : )
7 - Jasminka
Alice, hi, I’m genuinely touched to be getting a reaction from the writer herself, thanks a lot for your warm welcome and your appreciation of what I wrote here! Most unexpected…
I’ve actually been looking for an opportunity to share some thoughts with other fans, discussing episodes or aspects of them on a normal level that does not necessarily include threads of saliva dropping out of my screen… Here on blogcritics I found your incredibly smart and multilayered articles and was hooked. (I have a problem with ‘fan insanity’, as you aptly call it)
I don’t think that there is a fan out there who would not confirm the good looks of the leading actors. We all know it, and they know it, and there's no need to talk about that obvious fact all the time. Were this a show based on good looks alone, I guess I would have been bored very soon. There is so much more to it, the dramatic undercurrents, the many layers to be discovered in each episode… This is what I love to discuss (though, of course, I don’t mind the handsome faces of the actors. I’m a woman, after all, and not immune to male charisma).
And Supernatural is such a multidimensional show with some of the best young actors I’ve seen on tv in a long time. What they did in the last episode alone was mindblowing, and we’ve seen many moments that demonstrated how classy, skilled and daring actors Jared and Jensen are, and the people responsible for the casting of the guest parts have a unique ability of finding very talented actors. Even if they have to say only one line, it will be said with gusto and the emotion needed in a particular scene. And I don’t have to begin about the marvellous Jim Beaver or Mischa Collins…
Due to long working hours and a lot of post-work work I don’t really have the time to ‘ransack’ the internet for sites.
I’ve looked at your site The Winchester Family Business, thanks so much for the hint, and loved it â€" unfortunately I can only open the articles at my computer at my place of work, yet not at my pc at home. Heaven knows why (or Zachariah…?)
But after your most kind invitation to your site, I’m going to find a way. I’d love to contribute to your site. I love the respectful and fun manner in which you guys discuss the show. Thank you again, keep doing what you do, it’s so much fun to read what you have to say. Take care, Jas
8 - Kel
Alice--
I agree with you on all the points, especially with regards to your points about the Jensen-on-Jensen scenes. In Jensen's defense, though, I have read him commenting that he has only his stunt double or scene double to work from instead of another actor, so maybe that contributes as well to his not having someone else to feed off of.
As to why Sam said yes to Lucifer in Detroit, I don't find it that hard to believe. The Croatoan virus would be in full swing, Sam knows he's immune either way, and the Winchesters as a general rule are just dying to sacrifice themselves. I figure Sam's said yes to Lucifer because Dean isn't there to stop him from saying "I'll say yes if you stop the virus." Also, keep in mind what happened to Sam after four months of being without Dean--he fell under the spell of Ruby. And he's said, even earlier this season, that he misses being that powerful. Without Dean there lending him an extra shoulder, Sam's weak enough to say yes. And I think that's what Dean maybe realized in this episode; Dean is Sam's strength, and Sam is Dean's humanity. It's protecting his little brother that keeps Dean from being Future!Dean, and it's Dean's love of Sam that keeps Sam from becoming Lucifer!Sam.
9 - Jasminka
Hi Kel,
interesting point. I don’t completely agree with you. I don’t think that Sam’s decision to say ‘the big yes’ comes from weakness. After all, both Winchester’s have experienced first hand what it means to make a deal that will cost their souls, one way or another. Would any of us actually do that? If we knew that selling our souls meant eternity in hell, enduring pain no living being could possibly conceive of? I don’t know. It’s the kind of metaphysical question I’ve asked myself a couple of times, and I haven’t found an answer to it, yet. I doubt that there is one.
But it is not an issue of being weak. No, it is not. Dean made his deal which threw him down the pit, because he was not able to bear the pain of losing his brother any longer. All the pain of losing his father (who went for him), of not being able to track down the demon responsible (and thereby disappointing the expectations Dad had), and eventually of the early loss of Mom culminated in his decision to offer his soul for one short year. Considering how much Dean strives to put on that strong, impenetrable front of his, it took immense strength to admit that he was not able to live with that pain. Some might call this weakness, too. I call it courage.
It is not much different with Sam. After having experienced in ‘Mystery Spot’ what it would feel like to live without Dean (and turning into some kind of benumbed, seemingly soulless, cold man), he turned to Ruby, after he was not able to make the deal his brother made himself.
We know now that the grand caboodle of mean creatures (some angels, some demons) wanted Dean to stay down there to finally break the first seal (after John had not done it), so the crossroads demon wasted his breath and was got wasted by Sam, who had become homo desperatus. He turned to despair, revenge, some kind of strange love for Ruby perhaps, because those things kept him alive. After all, surviving is the strongest of human drives. People do almost anything to survive.
Sam knew what he was doing. We’ve seen him struggle with the blood-drinking almost throughout season 4, and he finally gave in completely after learning that Dean probably might be too frail after his time in hell to kill Lilith. Sam knew that the path he chose would lead to his downfall, his death eventually. But he was willing to cross that line… knowing that Dean would possibly hate him for it or at least would not understand. He was willing to accept to maybe losing his brother’s love (which might have been the worst of it all for him). He took the blood, so Dean would not have to fight, and (what Sam must have feared) die.
It takes a lot of strength to do that…and to hear his brother use the ultimate weapon against Sam: listening to Dean calling him a monster. And still doing what he was certain he had to do.
Weak is not a word that comes to mind when I think about Sam or Dean. Most people would have died from a broken soul long ago. They somehow are still standing, with a heavy list sometimes, but they do. And even if we will learn that Sam gave in to Lucifer to stop the virus, would you really call it weakness? We might have been led to believe that self-sacrifice is commonplace for the Winchesters, they kind of do it all the time…(although, in fact, each did it once so far) Well. Even if that be so, is it therefore less difficult? Does it not take a huge amount of guts to actually look into one’s own death or curse?
Best wishes to you all, Jas.
10 - Andrea
Hi Jas
Wow! This Samgirl here is very thankful for everything you said. These are some of the points I've been trying to defend in other forums because I feel that Sam receives a harsh judgement by many viewers. But I guess my English is not good enough to express everything I have in mind.
Thank you and best wishes,
Andréa
11 - Jasminka
Hi Andrea,
glad to be of help... thanks for your feedback. But don't worry about your English: you're doing just fine. Even though I absolutely adore both brothers and would be honoured to call them friends, if they were real people and not fictional ones, but I kind of been more drawn to Sam. Even when I was a kid, watching Star Wars I was madly in love with Luke Skywalker, when all my school friends would have chosen Han Solo... So, from this point of view, Sam (as some kind of archetype) and I go way back...