In addition to the nicely done foreshadowing, I really liked the way Dabb and Loflin in a later scene cut between Dean’s memories and his current actions. Mrs. Tran is very useful in helping the boys and Kevin track down a thief who stole the tablet from Kevin’s hiding place. The thief is wily, forcing Sam to negotiate hard for the tablet’s whereabouts. The situation triggers memories of Purgatory in Dean, and we learn he interrogated many monsters in his search for the missing Castiel. Unlike Sam and in fact unlike Benny the vampire, he is utterly ruthless, putting all his hell-gained torturing skills to work as he extracts information.
The memories goad Dean into taking control of the present interrogation as well, and he shocks Sam with his ferocity as he threatens to choke and stab the thief. As the scene cuts back and forth between Purgatory and the present, we clearly see the impact Purgatory had on Dean, who no longer has the issues with torture he had when asked to extract information from Alistair in season four.
At the same time, we also see Dean track down his friend and promise Castiel he will not leave Purgatory without him. Surviving Purgatory by living in the moment and leaving behind his emotional baggage allows Dean to let go of his anger at the angel. The protective loving side of Dean has not disappeared, even if it is much less evident than his fighting spirit.
The episode does not shy away from the darkness of these concerns, but the writers weave in several lighter moments to keep the story balanced. From Mrs. Trans’ shocked concern that Kevin has been watching television to the way she impresses Dean by using tax evasion threats to extract information, Kevin’s mom adds a humorous touch. Sam has a great moment when he’s able to pick up Thor’s hammer, presumably being found worthy as much due to his long flowing locks as his morality.
But in the end, the focus is on the struggle between individual pain and the needs of the bigger community, which is fitting in a story about heroes. When Mrs. Tran and Crowley get in a bidding war over the tablet at an auction held by a god, this loving mother does indeed put up her soul to save her son. Dean, though appreciative of her sacrifice, is pleased to be moving forward on the plan to close the gates of hell. Sam is taken aback when Dean tells him in his mind, “We got off cheap.” It’s especially ironic given Mrs. Tran has just turned down help from Alfie the Angel in favour of the Winchesters.
Article comments
1 - Tina
Actually I disagree we didnt follow Sam's pov in season 4 and alot did lose sympathy for him but thats another story.But I do agree with Dean it is different and we will not have a problem understanding where he is coming from .Sam on the other hand is different so it remains to be seen what Jeremy Carver,s idea is.
Thanks for the review Gerry.
2 - Pooj
As long as they show Castiel in every episode I don't care what story line they follow...
3 - a
They aren't going to show Castiel in every episode; he's only scheduled to appear in 8 out of 23.
4 - Gerry
Hi everyone! Lovely to see you here.
Tina, I take your point that everyone reacts to story lines in their own way. I had no problem keeping sympathy for Sam in season four, because we got to see why he made the decisions he did and he always was trying to do his best. He had flaws which Ruby manipulated, but everyone has flaws.
I am looking forward to seeing where Carver is taking Sam this season. I'm a little surprised with where we are starting with him, but then I've been surprised with Supernatural before. I think Carver has already addressed some issues I had with the storytelling last year, so I'm not rushing to any judgements over Sam.
Pooj, as a commented, Castiel is so far only supposed to appear in 8 episodes, though that could change. It's great to see him back!
5 - Marie
I am not liking this season so far...I think that they are making Sam out to be a douchbag when he is not. He would have never just turned tail and not looked for Dean. This show is not all about Dean...it is the relationship between the brothers that I fell in love with and right now I see none of that in this season. I worry this arc is going to ruin my favorite show for me.
6 - Gerry
Hi Marie, I think many people share your surprise that Sam didn't look for Dean. I do myself.
However, I'm a long way from looking at Sam as a douchebag. I think we'll get many more looks at Sam and his headspace and how that affects his relationship with Dean.
I hope the season picks up for you. I think Jeremy Carver is bringing a lot to the table, so my hopes are high.