"If it keeps on raining, levee’s going to break."
Aside from being a cool lyric in the Led Zeppelin tune “When The Levee Breaks,” it also serves as a perfect metaphor for this week's episode (as well as it’s title). Sam and Dean's now busted relationship is a long time coming. Just like rising flood waters the sour feelings between these two have been slowly building to the point where the weakening bond that binds them together couldn’t hold anymore.
This episode cannot be taken at face value. It’s an intricate and complex script with elements that take on a different meaning upon multiple viewings. In other words, Sera Gamble is challenging us to think. What she’s created is nothing short of remarkable. Thanks to her and Robert Singer’s gift for bringing out the most intense emotion in the episodes he directs, I'm an emotional wreck.
When I watched Thursday night, I didn't get everything until the third viewing. The first time left me in a complete daze and the second time got me too teary. Looking back at Sam and Dean's growing issues this season though, I’m not surprised by the outcome either. This heart-crushing story is very painful to watch, but it’s also a fascinating development for their characters that’s likely to lead to a darker path. The fact that Sam and Dean’s falling out ended up being so explosive is exactly why I’m always hooked by this show. I’m still blown away by what happens next.
From Sam's Perspective
In four seasons, there has never been a more detailed and revealing look into Sam's head and man, am I blown away. This is the episode the Sam fans have been dying for! We actually see what makes him tick and somehow it makes his actions seem more practical. It also makes him far more sympathetic. The hallucinations are clearly manifestations of what’s going through Sam's mind and reflect his long-lingering desires. These particular people from his past surface just to ask the hard questions he's constantly asking himself and help reconcile his inner conflicts.
Alastair represents the fear inside Sam. Fear of demons, his fear of his destiny, his fear of what happened to Dean happening to him. That and the torture scene is a pretty cool mindfuck. In facing his younger self (it’s really cool to finally have Colin Ford and Jared in a scene together), Sam has a chance to examine his regrets and lament over how things didn't go the way he planned. It’s a powerful way to show his still lingering guilt over Jessica and broken promises to himself, the latter being a continuation from “After School Special.” That scene ends sadly, for it results in Sam ultimately accepting that he's a demon inside and can't run from that. Plus, Colin Ford is really sinister with yellow eyes.
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Article comments
1 - Emma
Great review Alice, I agree this episode was intense and showed just how far our little Sammy has changed. It showcased Jared's talent and Jensen played off of him perfectly. I wasn't as shocked when Sam knocked Bobby out (I was sure as Hell mad though) but not surprised. He's a junkie needing his next fix. The twitches and uneven breathing in the motel room showed that perfectly. I agree that I think Sam is Lucifer's First not Lilith. Ruby is a manipulative bitch and is playing Sam like a fiddle.
Dean was heart breaking as usual and he looked like a trapped animal when he made that deal with Cas and the angels- he did it for Sam. Even with all the lies and secrets and demon's blood turning his brother into a M word Dean still gave up everything for him.
I was shocked that Cas let Sam out. He is really conflicted by the orders he's been given. Nice to see that all that "ass reaming" in Heaven didn't completely take hold, there's still some of 'our' Cas in there somewhere.
The hallucinations were fantastic. I agree completely with your analysis. Something else people picked up on was the way each of those characters were portrayed: Alastair was bathed in golden light- probably to show Sam what he could become. Little Sam was pale, dark and very washed out- maybe to show how much of this sweet innocent child he has lost, as it slowly dies. Mary wasn't her normal angelic self either, she was portrayed as a bloodied human. This was interesting because she has been put on a pedestal by the Winchester men all series and Sam sees her as a human, but I guess that helped with the human emotion she gave Sam, something he needed. And of course, then there was Dean. This scene has me in tears. Jared was amazing. He really knows how to work those puppy dog eyes of his. Dean attacked him right in the heart by calling him a monster and I've always said Dean represents Sam's conscience, this scene seemed to prove that. Sam knows what he's turning into but his tunnel vision, and the demon's blood is clouding his mind and moral compass. He's willing to sacrifice himself and his humanity in order to exact revenge, oh excuse me, we're calling it justice now. He's losing the battle, let's just hope Dean can bring him back before they loss the war.
Em
2 - tina
Wonderful review Alice.I cant say anything you havent and the boys acting was phenomenal esp Jared and to finally get inside Sammys head was so heartbreaking but it showed how damaged he has been since losing Jessica.
Just fantastic.
3 - elle2
I love your opening bit here, especially about how this cannot be taken at face value. Repeat viewings are critical and that is part of what makes it so phenomenal. As expected the pre-season finale is awesome and sets the stage for not only the finale but for next season. They've been sprinkling in some things between The Rapture and now this and to be sure next week.
I'm really, really, really, really hoping Eric answers some questions and gives us a glimmer of hope...that may be too much to ask for since last year he killed Dean and showed us a sobbing Sam and a tortured Dean so no doubt he's looking to up the ante this season. Argh!
I really like how Sam's story which has been subtle but building all season long exploded here. It's not that different from Dean finally admitting he wanted to be saved from hell and then finally realizing that he had to pay the price...that took time to come about as well.
I'm still a mess over all that happened here and will be reading your review again and again to gather my thoughts more. As I've done before, I'll likely spend some time trying to figure out where and how it all gets put to right...I have faith though that damaged, frayed, dented and torn it can be put back together...heck, we saw the Impala brought back from almost total destruction...right? Anyone? Help?????
4 - vichi
oh, once again you did it! amazing review Alice! I loved the episode and Jared was excellent in that one. Jensen always is but now was Padalecki's time! speechless now...
5 - Baronius
Very interesting interpretation of the Lilith/Lucifer story. I hadn't thought that it might represent Sam.
6 - Andrea
Your reviews are awesome. I thought it was the saddest episode ever. Never imagined to see the boys fighting each other like that. Yet it was intense and powerful. Jensen usually gets the most attention for his performances but Jared was particularly outstanding in this one. He made an incredible job as the tortured and addict Sammy.