In my attempt to gather a set of cohesive thoughts for this review of the very exciting “Two Minutes To Midnight,” a comment came through on my site that got me wondering how we watched the same episode. The commenter surmised that based on Death’s comments that Dean cannot intervene while Sam jumps into the fiery pit with Lucifer, and Dean will be left out of saving the world while Sam gets to be the hero. Sure, a lot happened in the episode that might confuse some people, but I had a hard time guessing how that obvious point was missed. Are there those out there who really don’t realize what's about to happen to Sam? I think this episode pretty much spells it out.
Sure, some things finally went Team Freewill’s way, which adds immensely to the entertainment value of this episode. The recent hopeless doom and gloom has been stealing some of the momentum. They bested Pestilence thanks to an almost human Castiel arriving by bus to save the day. Also, thanks to Bobby’s demon deal, not only did they find where Death is but because of Crowley's creative stretching of the rules, Bobby is walking again! How awesome! With Castiel’s return and Bobby’s newfound mobility they, along with Sam, are able to partake in their own act of “domestic terrorism” and destroy the Croatoan virus before it is distributed plus save innocents while doing it. On Dean’s side, he learns that Death happens to be card-carrying member of Team Freewill due to the fact that Lucifer is controlling him against his will. He gets the final ring without a fight, although he gets one big scare.
Much like The Empire Strikes Back, these victories can't be enjoyed. The big bad is still out there and must be defeated. There will be a deep personal cost. With all four horsemen rings in possession they now can open Lucifer’s cage. Death even gave Dean the “instruction manual.”
Now for the tragic part of the tale. No matter which way you look at it, Sam is going down. There is only one way to get Lucifer into his cage. That involves Sam saying yes to Lucifer, becoming his vessel, going through the deep personal torture of being possessed and hoping he’s able to wrestle control of Lucifer long enough to plunge THEM BOTH into the box. If that plan works, he’s either dooming himself to an eternity in a cage with the almighty Satan or, best case, burn up in the process. If he fails, Michael, in his new vessel of brother Adam, will kill him and Lucifer together, taking half the planet with them.
Article comments
1 - Huppy
I really liked your review, Alice. Very insightful. I hadn't realized that yes, Crowley and Death must have made a deal, until I read your review. As you pointed out, Crowley's part of the deal was returning Death's sickle and delivering Dean to meet Death. And what will Crowley (the King of the Crossroads) get in return from Death? The mind boggles!
One thing I had noticed while watching the episode that struck me as curious was that it was Crowley who told Sam and Dean about the impending spread of the Croatoan virus. Why would he do that? I wouldn't think Crowley has any concern for humans. Maybe it was to split Sam and Dean into two groups so that Dean could meet Death without Sam? Maybe something else?
I also liked that Crowley gave Bobby the use of his legs back, without even being asked, but I have to wonder if there was an ulterior motive.
Good episode, but I agree with you that Pestilence deserved his own episode. I could have done without the bickering gods episode, myself, with the Gabriel-Lucifer death match (the only good part of that episode) put into the Pestilence episode.
I don't see how Sam can get out of his impending doom. Poor Sammy! I am anxiously awaiting the finale.
2 - Omega
Sam Sure is one crazy mofo :P. Hehe in any case he sure is "brave" so to speak.
But i mean if it is the only way to defeat satan would you let yourself be killed in the process?
It kinda sucks for Dean that he has to sit and watch for part of it though. Considering he can't do much :/
It's interesting how Sam was chosen as the vessel, but how come the Devil doesn't realize that Sam will betray him?
Considering hes a "god" he should know everything? hehe :P
In any case I can't wait to see how this plays out, and thanks for the review :).
3 - carlotspeak
A+ for the review.
I came here and always find out points and perspective that I missed and / or to expand my thoughts. Thank you, Alice.
4 - carlotspeak
Just remember one thing:
When this is said and done and we win, and if they need to "thank the academy and.." =), there is one more person in my opinion aside from the "team free will" to thank. It's John. The reason Sam (and Dean) been running into burning buildings since they were twelve years old to save people and the like was partly because how John raised them, right? John also endured 100 years in hell not breaking the first seal. There was a lot in John's character that I am sure transferred to his sons and strengthened theirs. Bobby and Cas are to be thanked, but John is also a big part. He is nowhere to be found in heaven. I hope he is in even a better place. May be on earth serving God, who knows.
5 - Leslie92708
I never made the association that Crowley and Death had an "arrangement". Hmmm..that puts a spin on things.
Crowley needs Humans to survive or he's out of business. That's his livelihood. I don't really think he loves or admires us or anything...it's just good business.
As for Dean, I don't really think he's just going be sitting on the sidelines. That's just not his way. While I don't think he will be participating as Michael, I think he still has a part to play.
I don't think Lucifer would even consider that a human could betray him. He's been wearing Nick all year. And Lucifer isn't a "God" he's just an Angel.
John as father figure played a huge role in how the boys have handled things both good and bad. But I'm sure he would be both proud of them and worried. "Fathers don't only love their children every now and then. It's a love without end. AMEN." (taken from a country song that I can't currently give credit to).
My survival kit is ready but I still don't know how I'm going to survive it. Season 6 can't start soon enough!