Sam's parting words clearly summarize the core of his harsh internal conflict. "You don't know me. You never did, and you never will." Sam leaves despite Dean's ultimatum because in his mind, it's over.
From Dean's Perspective
Dean’s fears about Sam have lingered for a long time, surfacing especially in “Metamorphosis,” and “Yellow Fever” earlier this season. He can’t bear the idea of Sam turning into a monster, or something evil. From the first scene, Dean has no reason to trust Sam, and even says so. Sam's been lying to him for a long while now, but it's the out of control behavior he can't handle. Sam has evolved into something unrecognizable, but he won't say the "M" word yet.
It's evident though that locking up Sam is tearing him apart, just by his painful gaze at the top of the stairs while Sam yells at him from inside the panic room. Bobby isn't giving Dean assurances either, telling him that Sam might not survive this and suggesting they get Sam's help to stop the seals from being broken. Dean won't back down though, for saving Sam is his utmost priority. Those words still ring true from "Born Under A Bad Sign”; he has to save Sam because otherwise he’ll have to kill him.
Dean goes to Castiel instead, and maybe he hasn't learned his lesson after all. Castiel lets him know that if Sam takes in enough demon blood to kill Lilith, he would turn forever into a monster that Dean would want to kill. Again, Dean makes a deal on behalf of Sam and vows to serve the angels. At least he thinks he's doing it for Sam. I think we'll find Castiel (or Castiel's superiors) are tricking Dean just as bad as Ruby and the demons are tricking Sam. I'm scared over the lesson Dean is going to get this time.
Second thoughts hover in Dean though, shown through those glimpses of grave concern, like when Sam has his intense demon blood reaction and he’s flung around the room. Yes, Sam biting down on Bobby's belt to prevent himself from biting off his own tongue really got to me too. Despite all that though, Dean sticks with his guns and accepts he'd rather see Sam dead than watch him turn into a monster. There, he said it, the "M" word.
![Supernatural: The Complete Fourth Season [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51eMIngABXL._SL120_.jpg)
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.