Crowley is certainly the most unlikely member of the team, but he again manages to deliver. Forget the joy he brings Bobby. His info about Pestilence is good as is his trick to find Death's location. Still, his behavior is a bit strange when taking Dean to find Death. His hint about getting some pizza is the clue that he and Death covertly arranged for Dean to come to him. Interesting too that it had to be Dean but I assume that is the case so that death could get assurances that he wouldn't stop Sam. How else would Death know about about Sam's plan? Crowley is the only link I see, especially the slick way the sickle is returned. A bargain was made. That makes me wonder what Crowley is asking for in return.
Then there are the captains of Team Freewill themselves. These are not good times for the Winchesters. Both are trying to plug on with calmer heads, but the burdens they carry underneath are still too raw to share openly. They both know, as well as Bobby and Castiel, that this is all going to end very badly for them. They say it only with troubled expressions though. They find themselves with two grave predicaments, stopping the Croatoan virus from distribution and finding Death. Sam takes the lead on one, Dean the other. As the time comes for them to part, their weariness over the tasks ahead says it all.
“Alright, well, good luck stopping the whole Zombie Apocalypse.”
“Yeah, good luck killing Death.”
When Sam reminiscences about the good ole days when they only had to hunt Wendigos, that reminds us just how much these two have taken on since season one. It’s stunning.
Yes, Dean has a right to be really upset when he first hears of Sam's plan. He knows what the consequences mean. Its suicide or worse for his brother, but no one else can do it. Sure, it also means that Dean isn't ready to make the choice of the world over his brother, but he’s strong armed into it anyway by Death. By the end scene he’s actually contemplating what could happen if caught lying to Death. Now we're left to wonder if he'll make good on his promise when the time comes. I'm also wondering how he'll live with himself if he does watch Sam take on that horrible fate. It's a no-win for him as well.
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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!