en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/970699 Comments by Lianne7 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2011/05/03/supernatural-mommy-dearest/#IDComment148562203 Dean's disappointment at Sam's memories had nothing to do with Sam's desire for normalcy or independence. Dean was hurt that Sam's "best" memories didn't include times with him and were actually some of Dean's WORST memories (i.e. Sam running away and Dean getting blamed for it). But I totally agree that Dean didn't handle things very well in DSOTM. He was hurt and he wrongly lashed out at Sam. Dean was definitely in "parent" mode there and he was wrong (although I think John should take a bit of the blame for pushing that on Dean when he was a kid.) And of course Dean isn't perfect. He can be crass and rude and quick to judgement. He can be stubborn and flippant and inappropriate. He can be uncessarily reckless and sometimes inconsiderate of other's (especially Sam's) feelings. Dean is also the flawed everyman, without any special powers. He's made many mistakes, but he's also made many apologies. I think Dean's a hero as well but ... I'm thinking that's not a very popular sentiment around here. Tue, 3 May 2011 20:25:40 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2011/05/03/supernatural-mommy-dearest/#IDComment148562203 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2011/05/03/supernatural-mommy-dearest/#IDComment148557653 "And the fan butt hurt over Swan Song is so rancidly hateful." Excuse me? I love BOTH brothers, but yes, I would have preferred a little bit more action for Dean in the finale. Since it was Kripke's big wrap up to a 5 year arc and Lucifer is the biggest baddest EVER. But still, I liked the way Sam handled things in the finale. I have never complained about Sam in Swan Song. So how exactly does that make me "rancidly hateful"? "Guess Dean finally beat the independent spirit out of Sam after all. He got what he wanted and he can't even be bothered to talk to Sam, he's so busy talking to everyone else on the show. Dean is all ego, all the time, and it gets tiresome to witness episode after episode." WOW. Talk about "rancidly hateful"!! You're criticizing "EDG's" and yet YOUR comments here are filled with "extreme" rage and hate toward Dean. Unbelievable. Tue, 3 May 2011 20:05:53 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2011/05/03/supernatural-mommy-dearest/#IDComment148557653 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2011/05/03/supernatural-mommy-dearest/#IDComment148553562 "Sam *needed* Dean in order to overcome Lucifer" Well I would have loved for this to the be the case, but it wasn't Dean's bloody face that allowed Sam to overcome Lucifer, it was the ray of sunlight shining on the toy soldier in the Impala and Sam's own MEMORY of their childhood. Sure, memories are important, but that doesn't mean Dean himself was "pivotal" to defeating Lucifer. The Impala was pivotal though. I do wish Kripke would have had Dean's "Dean-ness" directly contribute to Sam to overcoming Lucifer, but that did not happen (IMO). Swan Song was HEAVILY Sam-centric, with the rest of Team Free Will assisting in SAM'S plan. Show wanted to promote Sam as Hero of the Year. There's nothing wrong with that as long as Dean gets his Hero moments too. Tue, 3 May 2011 19:52:22 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2011/05/03/supernatural-mommy-dearest/#IDComment148553562 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2011/05/03/supernatural-mommy-dearest/#IDComment148547123 I assume Dean was in the picture (yet still standing BEHIND Sam) in order to tell Lenore about Sam's "awesome" beheading of Gordon. Of course Show could have used this as an opportunity to have Dean mention being turned into a vampire and now understanding Lenore's struggle with not feeding on humans... but Show did not do this. Dean instead focused on Sam's bad-assery. And this seemed to be the only reason Dean was in the picture in that scene. Tue, 3 May 2011 19:34:49 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2011/05/03/supernatural-mommy-dearest/#IDComment148547123 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2011/05/03/supernatural-mommy-dearest/#IDComment148469696 "And yes, Dean’s the hero of the year, and I get that, but if Sam had any less to do in this ep, he might as well have phoned it in and saved himself a trip. " So it's okay that Swan Song was all about Sam being a hero when he defeated the biggest baddie EVER -- while Dean laid on the ground beaten to a pulp? Dean had NO active role in SS at all. So I guess Sam was "hero of the year" last season. So... maybe now it's Dean's turn? "As for Sam/Padalecki, the poor guy must be getting mighty bored, because the lines he’s got to memorize this week wouldn’t fill up a single side of a 3 x 5 card. As for blocking? There wasn’t any. He just had to stand there looking cute while Dean/Ackles interacted with everyone else BUT Sam. " Sam did ALL of the interrogating of Lenore and Lenore spoke primarily to Sam. Sam stood in front while Dean stood behind him IN THE BACKGROUND. Sam did most of the talking when they were questioning the boys. Sam and Dean took the boys to safety. Sam and Dean took on the Mother of All, just the two of them together. I thought this was a pretty good episode where BOTH brothers interacted with the MOTW and the PiPs and BOTH saw some action. I liked the way both brothers worked together in this one but I guess I'm completely wrong. I'll just show myself out. Tue, 3 May 2011 15:07:30 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2011/05/03/supernatural-mommy-dearest/#IDComment148469696 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/11/23/supernatural-clap-your-hands-if-you-believe/#IDComment111510927 Ah, thank you for the explanation of the Red Cap dude! That part confused me. I do wish they would have done a better job in the actual episode (maybe an issue with the final edit?) because the way they played up Dean's fear of Red Cap was sort of lost in translation because I had no idea who this guy was and if/why he was such a threat. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:47:08 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/11/23/supernatural-clap-your-hands-if-you-believe/#IDComment111510927 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/11/23/supernatural-clap-your-hands-if-you-believe/#IDComment111508827 I'm glad you enjoyed the episode, Sylvia. I do enjoy Edlund's episodes generally, but I guess I was a little disappointed in this one. Parts of the episode were laugh out-loud funny (Dean being attacked by "nipples" at the top of the list -- Jensen was brilliant in this scene!) but my amusement was tempered in this one because it wasn't really "Sam'n'Dean"... there was Dean and not!Sam, which is not the same thing at all (to me). "But what I’m trying to point out here, if you’ve not garnered it already, that it is pure joy to watch them like this, and to give Dean plaudits for putting up with Sam throughout his transition." Well perhaps I'm in the minority, but I don't find much joy in watching Dean as he struggles to deal with not!Sam. Oh he's trying his best but the underlying frustration and tension is so on-the-surface for Dean right now, that it permeates the entire episode. And I'm sure it's supposed to. Dean is there to remind us that Sam is indeed NOT!Sam, and Jensen does a great job at keeping that tension on the surface - in his jaw, in his voice, and especially his body language - but as a viewer and as someone who is sympathetic to Dean, it breaks my heart for him. Dean wants the real Sam back, but instead finds himself responsible for this soulless being (who has killed innocents and who is incapable of feeling guilt or remorse) wearing his brother's face and who does not care about Dean's (or anyone's) well-being in the least. And I would have to imagine that being strapped down and "probed" brought back some not-so-good hell memories for Dean (yikes!), but again, Dean's hell trauma was mostly played for laughs in the one episode that dealt with them primarily (YF) so yeah, I guess playing it for laughs again here was to be expected. "Because of course it proves that however Dean might strut about claiming indifference that he is alone, he truly, truly, truly needs Sam in his life," Oh I don't agree that Dean has ever been indifferent about being alone.. no, he has always been honest and upfront with Sam about *wanting* Sam to be in his life, from the moment we first meet him in the pilot. His Sam, I mean, not this current robo!Sam. Yet this is one of Dean's primary flaws -- wanting Sam too much. Needing Sam too much. I thought perhaps he had turned a corner in 6.1 by remaining with Lisa and Ben, being able to let go a little, but nope. That didn't even last.. what... a week? As Dean told Bobby and Sam in 6.1 and again in last week's episode, all Dean wants is his brother back. And I don't think Dean needs a Sam to cry "over him" but I do think he desires someone who cares about him at least as much as he cares about Sam (the real Sam) -- a relationship where the feelings of affection or loss would be MUTUAL. And right now, Dean definitely does not have this without "his" brother, as this episode so clearly demonstrated. So yeah, this one was funny on the surface, with great performances by both actors, but horrifically sad at it's heart, or rather lack of. Although I supposed that was the point. Especially the final scene where we'd normally have both brothers sharing a beer on the hood of the impala and bonding... but instead we see only Dean drinking. Alone. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:34:13 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/11/23/supernatural-clap-your-hands-if-you-believe/#IDComment111508827 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/10/12/supernatural-the-third-man/#IDComment104043050 Hi Sylvia – late to this one, but thank you for all of the lovely sceencaps in this review. YOWZA! ** “There were so many chestnuts in this ep, it was like watching something out of a film noir; I pity the actor who has to stumble through such cumbersome stuff. And it was so bad, I started keeping track.” ** Yeah, the dialog was a bit clunky but I do like the whole “noir” feeling of this season so I guess I just went with it. It would definitely be a challenge for the actors, I agree. ** “They meet up, they exchange snarky comments, they try to one-up each other, and it’s good, it’s all good.” ** Hee. Yeah I agree it is all good. I loved the brotherly exchanges as well! And yeah, Dean’s “silver lining” comment at the end… aw! ** “All of this allows Dean to make comical facial reactions to Sam kicking down doors, and to make the woobie face when Sam allows the Soap Angel to torture a young child for information. I liked seeing them this way. They’re brothers, to be sure, but they’re not clones of each other. Of course it was creepy watching Sam simply standing by and taking notes during the torture scene, but it was supposed to be.” ** That had to be a very difficult situation for Dean especially. I think Dean has a lot of empathy and sympathy for the victims right now. And after being the victim of 30 years of torture in hell and then breaking and becoming a torturer, I think the torturing of Aaron had to bring up some very painful memories in Dean. But more importantly, I think that Dean, who still seems to be struggling to find his balance again after Sam’s return, was shocked at Sam’s reaction (or rather non-reaction) to Aaron’s torture. When Dean returned from hell, he was very focused on the “saving people” aspect of hunting. I think he became obsessed with the thought that if he could just save as many people as possible that he could try to make up for the horrible things he did in hell. I think Dean is still trying to process this new Sam, who seems to be very different from the Sammy Dean knows (or thought he knew). Because it was just a few years ago when Sam believed that Dean didn’t care if he killed an innocent man (potentially “sacrificing the innocent for a greater gain”) in Croatoan: “You might kill an innocent man, and you don't even care! You don't act like yourself anymore, Dean. Hell, you know what? You're acting like one of those things out there.” But Dean doesn't know exactly what happened to Sam in hell so he's sort of at a loss about Sam's state-of-mind at the moment. So, it does appear that the roles are now reversed. But while Sam has had a year to adjust to the changes in himself, it’s all still very new to Dean. They are still trying to get used to being around one another. ** “More proof of this is Dean’s pleasure at having Sam back at his side. This is amply demonstrated when Sam’s bad boy has been bashed to bits in the angel puddle battle. Instead of commiserating with Sam, Dean says, casually, “Okay, silver lining.” Because, as you can see, if Sam has no car, he must sit in the Sam Seat once again, and join Dean inside the confines of the Impala as the two brothers rocket down the road. I get that Show felt it had to build up to this point in the story line, that they wanted to give us all a momentary concern to up the ante, but really. This is all we want, the rest of it is just window dressing.” ** Great points, Sylvia. I do think Dean is happy to have Sam at his side in the Impala. And the window dressing is VERY nice, isn’t it? ;-) Thanks again for the review. Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:58:25 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/10/12/supernatural-the-third-man/#IDComment104043050 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/10/05/supernatural-two-and-a-half-men/#IDComment102528977 @ Whiskey: "But there's just no way a four-year-old Dean was taking care of six month old Sam in anything even approaching a primary caregiver position." Oh I agree. I do think Sam was mostly self-sufficient (i.e. Something Wicked) when Dean was charged to care for him. I think Dean maybe is just a natural with kids of all ages. And yes, the name choice by each brother was interesting! @Whiskey: "I'm not sure where that suspicion came from. Maybe it's just Dean's default position right now, to question Sam that way, which is both painful and understandable." Yeah, obviously Dean has a lot on his mind right now. There's Sam not telling Dean he was back -- which pulled the rug out from under Dean and I don't think he's regained his balance yet. There's the mysterious resurrection of Samuel (and Sam). There are monsters who aren't acting in ways they're supposed to and who have attacked his home. There are all these other (creepy!) Campbells coming out of the woodwork who Sam has already built a relationship with, but they really haven't embraced Dean as one of their own. So there is suspicion on both sides. And quite frankly, Sam is acting differently and he's not opening up to Dean (yet). So, Dean is on the outside looking in and his keen spidey senses are telling him that something is going on... with Samuel, with the Campells, and with Sam... but he's been so preoccupied with the safety of Lisa and Ben that he hasn't been able to really focus on anything else. I don't think he wants to be suspicious of Sam but let's face it -- no one has any idea how or why Sam is back. Dean was also freaked out when he returned from hell and thought that maybe something evil rode out with him. And Sam was possessed by Lucifer the last time Dean saw him, so this could have been Lucifer's doing for all they know. Anyway, I guess I'm not at all surprised Dean is suspicious right now. He's been out of the loop for a year and now strange things are happening -- strange things that could be a threat to his family -- so yeah, I get it. And based on the look on his face in that final shot of the episode, he's gonna damn well get to the bottom of it. Tue, 5 Oct 2010 20:13:59 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/10/05/supernatural-two-and-a-half-men/#IDComment102528977 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/10/05/supernatural-two-and-a-half-men/#IDComment102492896 I thought this episode was pretty good, especially for a newbie writer. Both babies they used are just totally ADORABLE! There is a screencap when the boys are in the grocery store aisle and the baby is looking up at Dean with this huge smile on his face! Yeah, Jensen is really pretty, isn't he? :-) I also was a bit disappointed that the episode didn't touch upon Dean's caregiver role when they boys were growing up. When I watch season 1 episodes it's so apparent. Dean is just so maternal with Sam much of the time and even though Sam chafes at this sometimes, I think it's lovely. Anyway, I thought Dean did a pretty good job with the baby shifter. So of all the Campbells, why did the least offensive one have to die? Meh. Samuel is still as shady as ever and Christian is still an ass. And no wonder Dean is suspicious of them, they live in some sort of radical right-wing gated compound. I mean, really. Creepy. But Sam seems to trust them. I think Dean feels very isolated right now, not having the benefit of knowing these people for a year like Sam does. Obviously Dean feels extremely conflicted right now. He's being pulled in opposite directions because of his obligation and care for Lisa & Ben, but also his obligation and care for Sam. Dean doesn't want to become like John with Ben and treat him like the "good little soldier" as he was treated by John. Dean loved his dad but he is now able to see that John was only human, and he was flawed. Dean still carries a lot of anger and hurt by how his Dad raised them. He sees himself becoming John and that's something that scares him to death, and I think that's a big reason that Dean has decided he needs to go back to hunting. Things are happening that he's now smack dab in the middle of and the more he treats his family like property/soldiers the more he sees himself become someone he doesn't want to become. And good for Dean for realizing this before it's too late. I LOVED the reunion of Dean and his baby. But that look on his face at the end... that was a look of determination. There's a mystery out there with all these monsters and Campbells and such, and he's now on the case! Even though I love Lisa and Ben, I'm so very glad we have hunter!Dean back! Thanks for the review Sylvia. Tue, 5 Oct 2010 16:05:35 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/10/05/supernatural-two-and-a-half-men/#IDComment102492896 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/09/28/supernatural-exile-on-main-street/#IDComment102489355 @ tonia: "if Sam had gone to Dean from the beginning, fandom would be screaming how SELFISH it was of Sam to take away Dean's chance for a normal, happy life and that is The Truth." Personally, I would not have thought Sam was selfish for telling Dean he was back. Dean told Sam that he was a total mess for a long time after Sam went to hell. So, if Sam had checked on Dean, surely he would have known that Dean was having a very hard time dealing with Sam's death? And Sam remembers what a mess HE was when Dean went to hell. Also, it's not an "either/or" situation. Sam could have contacted Dean just to let him know he was alive and well, but he could have made it clear to Dean that he wanted him to stay with Lisa and Ben. Perhaps Sam could have given up hunting for a little while? Sam could have gone to stay with Bobby or he could have stayed in the same town as Dean, got himself a job, and they could have hung out in suburbia together. There were many OTHER options besides Sam not telling Dean that he was no longer in hell. And although I understand Sam's desire to give Dean "normal" the deception was the worst possible thing Sam could have done, IMO. As Dean told him, all he wanted was his brother back, alive. @ tonia: "when Dean made his selfish deal and went to hell," So do you think Sam's deception was selfish as well? To be fair, I think Dean's motivation for making the deal was just as complex as Sam's motivation for not telling Dean he was out of hell... not entirely selfless and not entirely selfish. Tue, 5 Oct 2010 15:41:07 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/09/28/supernatural-exile-on-main-street/#IDComment102489355 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/09/28/supernatural-exile-on-main-street/#IDComment101395092 Yep. Again I agree with all of this. Honestly, I do understand that everyone -- Sam, Bobby, and yes even John -- loves Dean. But that doesn't excuse them treating Dean like he can't make decisions for himself. They have all treated him like he can't think for himself. That's wrong. And I'm really growing tired of "tough love" Bobby. Dean is far kinder to Bobby than Bobby is to him. And of course I love that about Dean, but still, I do get angry on Dean's behalf. And in this episode, even after Dean found out Bobby knew about Sam this whole time, Dean still had kind words about him to Lisa. I certainly hope Dean will stand up to Samuel if he treats Dean poorly. I don't think I can take another "father-figure" treating Dean badly. Tue, 28 Sep 2010 21:07:55 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/09/28/supernatural-exile-on-main-street/#IDComment101395092 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/09/28/supernatural-exile-on-main-street/#IDComment101394059 Very good points! I definitely do not trust Samuel or any of the Campbells and it freaks me out that Sam trusts them, although maybe he really doesn't and he's just pretending to? They definitely want something with Dean but I don't know if it's necessarily his hunting skills. I don't know but I have this strange feeling it might have to do with Ben (but that's only my speculation). Or maybe they want Dean because of his angel vessel lineage? I don't know, but I think the Campbells are not to be trusted. Tue, 28 Sep 2010 20:58:47 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/09/28/supernatural-exile-on-main-street/#IDComment101394059 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/09/28/supernatural-exile-on-main-street/#IDComment101391847 I do think that Dean felt that keeping his promise was something he could/should do for Sam since he was not able to find a way to save him. But I don't think Dean blames Sam because he decided to stay with Lisa and Ben. I think he blames HIMSELF for that (because he placed them in danger) and that's why he reacted to Bobby (and Sam) the way he did at Bobby's house. Sam isn't responsible for Dean's decision to stay with Lisa and Ben. I think Dean stayed (and is staying) with Lisa and Ben because he truly cares about them. He's built a home with them and they are now a family. But Sam had no right to take away Dean's ability to make the choice for himself, and that's my issue with it. And now the situation is worse because Dean *could* have actually had "normal" with Lisa and Ben while knowing Sam was alive, but now there are weird acting monsters after him and weirder acting cousins to contend with. So that "normal, apple pie" life is (most likely) never going to happen for Dean. I'm not convinced that Dean really wanted to quit hunting entirely, I think he just needed a break to catch his breath. But now that the stakes are higher with strangely acting monsters targeting him, Dean feels obligated to stay and protect his family. And I do think he genuinely cares about them. But he's in a tough situation now, and he's getting pressure from The Campbells as well as Sam (now) to return to the hunt. I like that he choose to stay with Lisa and Ben but obviously we have to get to a point where he returns to the road with Sam. I just hope Dean can get to a point where he actually enjoys hunting again and I'd LOVE it if he could balance hunting with his family life. Tue, 28 Sep 2010 20:43:03 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/09/28/supernatural-exile-on-main-street/#IDComment101391847 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/09/28/supernatural-exile-on-main-street/#IDComment101368284 I had rather low expectations for this episode in all honesty, but I ended up liking it well enough. It plays better on repeated viewings, IMO. “Okay, so, here’s the deal. Sam is in hell. Apparently, he’s been in hell for a year now, and thusly Dean, who is living with Lisa and Ben, has become domesticated.” Actually no, Sam wasn’t in hell for a year. He got out immediately and he’s been back for “almost the entire time.” So I don’t think we know how long he was in the cage/hell but hopefully we will find out as the season progresses. I loved the montage scene of Dean's current and past life! And I like that they didn’t go for mechanic for Dean. I think that would have been too predictable and I was glad to see Dean separate himself from John in that regard. But I liked that Dean was still “Dean” and his hunter instincts were still intact. Although the Impala under a tarp in the garage and leather jacket in a trunk made me sad. Boo! I loved the “possum’s kill, Sid” line. Perfect delivery by Ackles there. Jensen’s performance was a bright spot for me in a relatively dull episode. The reunion between the brothers was a little disappointing because of Sam’s lack of emotion. He’s different for sure. Like you, I’m not sure if it’s because Sam isn’t really “Sam” or if it’s the effects of hell or just what’s going on. I’m assuming its part of the mystery of Sam’s return. Oh, but I loved that Dean thought Sam was there because Dean had died and gone to heaven. Oh, Dean! I hope we get a do-over on the hug though. Sam just wasn't "all there" for it, IMO. I don’t trust any of those Campbells. Nope. They’re gonna be trouble I think! And I didn’t like them mocking Dean’s home and I especially didn’t like that Sam joined in on the mocking. Dean was clearly upset about it as well. I like Lisa and her interactions with Dean, but I agree with you that Dean’s feelings are more “affection” than “in love”. They took him in when he was at his lowest and most vulnerable and I’m sure he feels grateful for that. He also feels responsible for them, because he’s Dean after all. I think he wanted to give every effort (partially because of the promise he made Sam and partially because he really desires to be part of a family) but as we see from his djinn-induced nightmare, it’s always in his mind that he can’t outrun his past. Again, oh Dean. “And why do I not disagree with an ending where Sam and Dean aren’t together? Because, frankly, Sam lied to Dean. He’s lied before, but this one was a whopper, a lie of such huge proportions, a soul-destroying lie, that even though was wrapped in a kind of benign kindness (or Sam’s attempt at it), ripped Dean asunder from the inside. There’s only so many times a guy can bounce back from something like that so I’d say Dean was within his rights to send Sam on his way.” Yep. Totally agree with you here, Sylvia. Dean made the right decision in the end. And I just don’t understand why Sam couldn’t just let Dean know he was alive but *also* tell Dean that he’s fine/he’s staying with Bobby/he’s going back to school/he’s quitting hunting/he doesn't need Dean to be with him… so that Dean could have his “normal” life (IF that’s what HE wanted) but he would have --most importantly-- peace of mind and not have to live knowing Sam is suffering in hell. Sam lived through Dean being in hell for 4 months and he knows what he went through himself. Dean could never truly be happy knowing Sam was in hell. And we found out he was a mess for most of the year and we see that he's still drinking and not sleeping. Don't get me started on Bobby. He's just as guilty. But I like Dean’s response to him: “Do I look ‘out’ to you?!” It was like no one had any faith in Dean to make his own decisions and then on top of that they mocked Dean for the decisions he had made about living in a "normal" home (yes, with magazines and golf clubs!). And Dean looked very upset about it. I don't blame him. I do think the episode was supposed to feel “off” but it did make it hard to really enjoy. Not a great start to the season but that just means there’s A LOT of room for improvement! Even though I did want Dean to stay with Lisa and Ben, I also want him to find a way to return to hunting and to Sam. I just hope that they don't kill off Lisa and/or Ben and they give Dean a very good reason for leaving them and for making the choice to be with Sam instead. Thanks for the review! Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:42:12 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/09/28/supernatural-exile-on-main-street/#IDComment101368284 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/05/18/supernatural-swan-song/#IDComment76224547 "He's cried more in the past two seasons than he ever has, but not when Sam voluntarily jumped into Hell?" Dean had tears as he knelt on the ground after Sam disappeared into the hole. Bloody and beaten to a pulp. He looks up at Cas and asks (hopes) that he's God. I mean, I hope you're not suggesting that Dean was other than completely devastated in that moment because then I'd have to think we're watching entirely different shows. I didn't need to hear Dean cry "Sammy" in that moment... I felt it was evident how Dean felt. "As you pointed out, Dean didn't promise to do what Sam asked. So what was he doing at Lisa's? I think he was there because he wanted to be there" Well you certainly have the right to believe what you want, but the show's actual *canon* tells us otherwise: As our narrator informed us -- "Dean didn't want Cas to save him. Every part of him, every fiber he's got, wants to die or find a way to bring Sam back. But he isn't gonna do either, because he made a PROMISE." Dean looks absolutely devastated as he appears on Lisa's doorstep. He can barely speak. Why? Has he been crying so hard he lost his voice? And the show tells us, Dean just wants to die. But he's honoring his promise to Sam because it's the only thing he can do. He's going to attempt "normal" because that's what Sam wanted him to do. Both brothers sacrificed their life in this episode. And for Dean, his life was Sam. And he made a promise. Wed, 19 May 2010 18:16:17 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/05/18/supernatural-swan-song/#IDComment76224547 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/05/18/supernatural-swan-song/#IDComment76221380 [part 2] “But here’s an idea…if Sam is playing Lucky and Adam is Mike (even if it was supposed to be Dean), doesn’t that make The Dad the ideal candidate to represent The Heavenly Father?” Oh yes, it would have been wonderful to get JDM back … I like that idea! Of course Dean is still the odd man out, with Sam as Lucifer and Adam taking his place as Michael. And of course Michael makes it clear to Dean – “You’re not part of this story.” Heh. Yeah, we get it Kripke. “Lucky goes at Dean and starts talking about snapping bones, and keeps pounding on Dean, and all the while Dean is telling Sam (in horribly well-done broken tones) that he’s not leaving, he’s not going. Frankly, it’s horrible to watch because soon Dean’s face goes from attractively bleeding to a bloody, pulpy mess.” Oh man, Ackles KILLED me the way he delivered that line! Oh my. Yeah, that beat-down was brutal. But again, what would we expect. Dean is in way over his head and he knows it. And you know, while I do like the idea that the Impala played such a significant role in the lives of the boys and in this episode, I would have enjoyed it even more if it was DEAN himself that Sam responded to. Looking into Dean’s eyes and seeing how broken and beaten Dean was, yet still pleading with Sam that he wouldn’t leave him. I would have thought THAT is what would have moved Sam to gain control. Or maybe even if the amulet was laying in the backseat instead of Sam’s toy soldier? I don’t know. It was a bit of a letdown for me. The montage was very effective though. And poor Sam (and Adam too) now trapped in the cage. *sniff* I really would have preferred it if MB stayed dead (sorry Jim!). Oh well. And Cas coming back was kind of a surprise because I thought he would have stayed dead as well. Probably the most effective scene for me personally was when Dean knelt on the ground in shock and sadness (praying to God?) over Sam. My heart broke for him. He was gutted. But then when he asked Cas, through teary eyes and with a broken yet hopeful voice, “are you God?” my heart shattered into a million pieces. Oh, Dean. And you’re right Dean, Cas does suck at goodbyes! “Even though he never promised Sam out loud that he’d do it,” Oh sure he did, just not on camera (to keep the surprise ending intact). But yeah, Chuck/Kripke/God told us that he did: “… but Dean made a promise.” I really don’t understand why some fans are so reluctant to allow for this? Chuck/Kripke/God told us that Dean wanted to nothing but to find Sam or put a bullet in his head… but Dean made a PROMISE to Sam. And so he’s honoring that promise by doing as Sam told him to do -- go to Lisa and live a normal life. Both brothers made the ultimate sacrifice: Sam by choosing to honor his family and take down Lucifer and Dean by choosing to honor his family and following through with his promise to Sam. I hope that it is really Sam there in that final shot. And Dean didn’t look like he was handling his new family life well at all. And to think, we have another season of angst to look forward to next season! I don't know if my heart can take it but I look forward to it anyway. Wed, 19 May 2010 17:49:51 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/05/18/supernatural-swan-song/#IDComment76221380 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/05/18/supernatural-swan-song/#IDComment76221286 Hello Sylvia, Nice review. I did enjoy this episode for the most part. It was quite emotional with a little bit of cheese thrown in for good measure. Hee. I appreciated the focus on the brothers, although I’m not sure why Kripke decided to jettison Dean’s role in the mytharc entirely and replace him with Adam? Oh well. I’ll just have to settle for only one brother as the main player in the show’s mythology while the other plays more of a supporting role. *sigh* “The conversation is all about them trying to move beyond their familial roles even though that’s impossible. Dean’s making an effort, though, and acknowledges that maybe this time it’s Sam’s turn to save the world.” I loved this conversation! I’m glad Dean again acknowledged Sam’s independence and once again told him that he had faith in him. Dean has been trying very hard to break out of his family role and I’m glad to see them have this conversation while leaning on the Impala… foreshadowing the big moment! I did enjoy the flashback moments and the inclusion of the Impala as an integral part of their relationship. “Dean argues that of course he will save Sam, or die trying. He doesn’t promise Sam that he will do what Sam asks about Lisa, however.” Dean DID promise Sam as Chuck states at the end of the episode. We didn’t see the reveal in this scene because they wanted it to be a surprise at the end. But yeah, Chuck definitely said that, even though Dean wanted to go after Sam with every fiber of his being, he made a promise to Sam. I loved this scene as well and we got another great brother moment in the Impala! “Sam exchanges a hug with MB, who is entirely too choked up about all this for my tastes. And then Sam turns to the Soap Angel, who is appropriately confused about a goodbye handshake, which should be accompanied by well-wishes and manly comments.” Yeah, I was not impressed with MB in this episode at all, especially when both he and Cas gave up on TFW after Sam became Lucifer. But I though Cas will kind of cute in his attempt to say goodbye though (and he kept looking to Dean for guidance, LOL!). I really didn’t like Sam having to drink gallons of demon blood though. Ew! I truly hope that was the last time he has to do it. “Dean is prepared to have Sam say yes, but really, Dean’s in way over his head.” Yeah, that seems to be the theme with Dean, doesn’t it? It’s especially apparent in this episode. Dean is only human and in way over his head, surrounded by all of these super powered beings. I thought Mark was a fantastic Lucifer. And of course I knew their plan wasn’t going to work at that point since we still have half of the episode left! “The differences between the two characters, though played by the same actor, are marked. All the while Lucky is talking to Sam via his reflection in the mirror, some clever person decided that Sam’s face would be presented in broken pieces in the cracked, shadowed mirror, while Lucky’s face would be glowy and intact, with some really close close-ups.” Yes, I thought the direction was very effective in showing us the contrast between Lucifer and Sam in that scene. [to be continued...] Wed, 19 May 2010 17:49:00 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/05/18/supernatural-swan-song/#IDComment76221286 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/05/11/supernatural-preview-swan-song/#IDComment75315483 I totally agree. I love Jim, but I do think it's time for Bobby to go. :-( Thu, 13 May 2010 20:04:48 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/05/11/supernatural-preview-swan-song/#IDComment75315483 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/05/11/supernatural-two-minutes-to-midnight/#IDComment75315104 "It was Sam who brought up the idea (in Hunted) that some things that were supernatural weren't necessarily evil, and he was able to convince Dean to let the vampires go." True, but the gray area of supernatural beings is not the end all and be all of the ethical and moral issues that the brothers are faced with. For Dean, it's always been about saving people *and* killing the evil thing "with as little harm to the locals as possible." Sam seemed okay, for example, with the "virgin" sacrifice in Jus in Bello. Dean felt that was wrong and wanted to find another way. "No, I don't think that's Dean's thing at all. He's not the kind of guy who goes in for awards or external motivation. Most of his motivation is internal, he's doing what he thinks is right (which most of the time is a pretty clear cut issue in his head), and that's that, he doesn't care who's watching." Agreed. Thu, 13 May 2010 20:01:39 +0000 http://www.pinkraygun.com/2010/05/11/supernatural-two-minutes-to-midnight/#IDComment75315104