The Light on Spoilers, Heavy on Squee Preview of the Supernatural Season Finale! 9.23 "Do You Believe In Miracles"

SEASON FINALE!

*runs around screaming*

Well. This is it. The season 9 finale. Ahead us lies unknown horror followed by 5 months of hand wringing! Remind me why we watch this show again? Oh yeah...because IT'S AWESOME!

So let's take a quick look at what's been going on....

THEN

THE BROTHERS

Sam was dying after going through the trials and stopping short of closing the gates of Hell. To save his brother, Dean did a deal with an unknown angel, and tricked Sam into saying "yes" even though he knew that Sam would not be on board with his plan.

The angel Dean let inside Sam turned out to be an impostor and not the angel Dean thought him to be. When said angel, (revealed to be Gadreel, the angel who let Lucifer into the garden), teamed with Metatron, in order to demonstrate his allegiance, Metatron made him kill Kevin. So Gadreel, wearing Sam, burned Kevin out of his body while a helpless Dean watched on. A-wahhhh!

When Sam was finally released from Gadreel's possession, he let loose a world of angry hurt onto his brother, implying to Dean that he no longer felt that Dean was a brother to him and allowing Dean to believe that Sam would not save Dean if placed in the same situation.

This, along with Dean's own guilt over what he did to Sam and what happened to Kevin because of his actions, made Dean flee and in a desperate state, team up with Crowley who managed to manipulate Dean, which led to finding Cain, taking on the Mark of Cain no questions asked and agreeing to kill Abaddon if Crowley could bring him the First Blade. The tragic play was set in motion.

Dean is now infected by the Mark and all that comes with it - a terrible burden. Every time he uses the First Blade, he becomes more bound to it and addicted to the power that surges through him. Every kill seems to make him stronger. He can even move the Blade with his mind!

Sam, even though still pissed at his brother, has put his feelings of hurt to the side for the time being, as his concern over Dean's behaviour increases. Sam is worried. As well he should be.

Regardless of all of this, the brothers remain together, even with everything said and done and through their emotional estrangement.

THE ANGELS

Castiel lost his grace when Metatron stole it to cast the spell that tossed the angels out on their asses and made them fall to earth. Cas then stole another angel's grace to power back up. Unfortunately, that stolen grace is burning out... and taking Cas with it.

Metatron believes he is writing the new history of life, the Universe and everything and has positioned himself in Heaven as the new God, offering the angels a way "home", if they pledge allegiance to him. He is also considering buying a trench coat.

Gadreel is still Metatron's lackey, however,  as Metatron's ruthless tactics are revealed, the angel appears to be having doubts about the side he has chosen. Gadreel has spoken to Castiel and when last seen, was bleeding out Grace after coming hat in hand to the bunker and being sliced open by a feral Dean Winchester wielding the First Blade!

THE DEMONS

Abaddon, in all her glory has been dispatched in an epic demonstration of what the Mark of Cain and the First Blade can do when combined. Dean killed her, and then some. Apparently with a wind machine somewhere in the vacinity.

Crowley has ingratiated himself with a vulnerable Dean. He has a plan for Dean and Dean, unwittingly, has played right into Crowley's hands. However, Crowley is still affected by traces of humanity left behind by the trials and amplified by his continued consumption of human blood. This made him save his son, who plucked from the past, is now living in the present and doing God knows what to the time, space continuum! Crowley may also have a huge crush on Moose.

NOW

What affect is the Mark of Cain having on Dean and where will that lead?

How can the brothers repair their eternally tested relationship. Can Sam forgive Dean? Does Dean currently give a damn?

What's going to happen to Castiel if he can't retrieve his own grace. Is Cas about to go up in a burst of fiery bright light?

Can Metatron be stopped? 

Has Gadreel truly flipped teams?

Will the gates of Heaven finally be opened so the souls trapped in the veil (including Kevin) can pass on?

What the hell is Crowley really up to? What is his plan for Dean? What is his plan for everyone?!

WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN?

*tiny voice* What is going to happen? Tell meeeee!

Let's take a look at the incredibly vague synopsis...

“Do You Believe in Miracles” 

THE SHOCKING SEASON FINALE — Dean (Jensen Ackles) feels the effects of the First Blade, and Metatron (guest star Curtis Armstrong) makes his move against humanity. Meanwhile, Sam (Jared Padalecki), Dean and Castiel (Misha Collins) face shocking consequences when taking the fight to Metatron (guest star Curtis Armstrong). Thomas J. Wright directed the episode written by Jeremy Carver (#923).   

Yeah...that gives us exactly diddly squat! Apparently, stuff will happen that has shocking consequences. Well, thank you captain obvious!

The finale is penned by The Carver, who gave us the season opener, "I think I'm Gonna Like It Here" and of course, last season's beautiful finale, "Sacrifice". He's a lovely writer so I'm definitely looking forward to what he has in store for us this time around! Thomas J. Wright this season directed "Holy Terror" and "Meta Fiction", two incredibly important episodes.


Okay, so...seeing as there is nothing to discuss from the synopsis, let's start off with the CW promo.

I think Dean really needs to kill! Meep. So we finally get a bit more intel on the Mark/First Blade combo and what it's doing to Dean. The more he kills, the better he feels. But what happens if he stops killing? Is he going to get sick, like when Sam stopped the trials? Though Cain gave up killing and threw away the Blade, and controlled his urge to kill, so it must be possible to separate yourself from it. Though Dean is not Cain. 

There's so much going on in this promo. Crowley being summoned by Dean, why do I think this is bad. Sammy trying to stop Dean, why do I think this is bad. Angels beating the snot out of someone. Gadreel looking rather dead (though I don't think he is), Sam shooting WHO? Something blowing up, Dean flying through the air, and the confrontation between Dean and Metatron...on a boat apparently. Whew, that's a lot of stuff!

How about the CHCH promo?

Pretty much the same - something is happening to Dean and he finally seems concerned about it. Huzzah! Will we find out what the Mark and the First Blade are truly doing to him? Sam tries to stop Dean and Metatron sends Dean flying. That was a pretty cool edit by the way, those 2 scenes cut well together! What will Dean do to Sam to get out of the bunker. Eeep.

Here's the sneak peek clip.

Angry Dean is angry... Awww "Sam. Sammy?" Remind you of another scene in another season? Dean has had to do this for Sam once too.

We know Dean doesn't stay in the dungeon. We know he summons Crowley, who I'm assuming lets Dean out. On the way, Dean runs into Sam in the bunker... then stuff happens and there are shocking consequences.

THEORIES

This is the part where I throw out some of the theories doing the rounds, so if you don't want to read these, skip down to the last three paragraphs!

Yeah, so. Jensen read the season finale script and was surprised that they "went there", he then said at the upfronts that the finale is a real "eye opener". He wanted us to remember he said that. Jared said, something happens that the brothers can't just bounce back from and it could set up mythology for seasons to come. Misha said it's disturbing and will freak us out. How y'all feeling? Worried much?

I'm really shit at predicting what will happen in this show and I don't even try. Many theories are swirling around this fandom and have passed my way. One is that one of the brothers will kill the other. Obviously this relates to the Mark of Cain mythology. Also obviously, neither brother can really die, or at least, die permanently. I'm not sure this is going to happen...or that it would play out as simple as this.

There are thoughts that maybe Dean's eyes will go black. According to Jensen it is the last second that will blow our minds. This would go with his "a real eye opener" comment that he then reinforced with asking us to remember that he said that.

There's also the theory that Sam could be faced with the same situation that Dean was faced with at the beginning of the season. Having to make that choice, to save his brother no matter what the outcome. I like this one. This would be a nice circular path in this season's mythology. Does Dean want to die because of the Mark, or is prepared to kill himself to stop Metatron, like Sam was prepared to do with the trials and closing the gates of Hell? But Sam stops Dean, like Dean did Sam? The consequences for Sam were that he was on death's door and ended up with an angel all up inside him. Could the consequences of Sam's actions to prevent Dean dying be that Dean is no longer wholly human?

There would be lovely symmetry to the above and it could, dependent on Dean's state, set the brothers back onto a path of understanding and possibly healing. I've said all along that this particular journey was not about apologies, but about understanding, something I think the brothers have always struggled with. Neither ever fully understanding the other's road, even though they share the ride and share so many steps along the way.

Jared said at A12 over the weekend, that Sam was lying to Dean when he said he wouldn't save Dean. That of course Sam would. He was simply angry and trying to injure Dean. And Dean would have seen that eventually and understood it, had it not been for the influence of the Mark. He said that both brothers love each other equally and that love is now, and was always there.

This is something I've believed and screamed from the rooftops since "The Purge"! So it was great to hear Jared say all that. I never believed Sam meant those words...

If this is the case, it could set the stage for Sam to save Dean from this new, dark destiny. Something I know we would all love very much to see. I'm sure that would do Dean's heart the world of good...unless he is no longer Dean...

Hey, but chances are NONE of this speculation is going to happen! Because this is Supernatural and one thing it always manages to do is surprise us! Remember those falling angels?

Whatever will happen we can all rest easy, we have another season. Both the Js are onboard - obviously - and totally jazzed by how the show and where the story is going. Just a glimpse of their excited interviews at the upfronts should (but probably won't) still some of those voices in the fandom that believe Jensen and Jared no longer enjoy their jobs. Jensen did say this was a hard season for him and he's glad to move past it. He's said repeatedly that this story was a difficult one on him and it took a toll. But in the meet and greet I did with Jensen in Las Vegas, he said that regardless of that, he was enjoying exploring this side of Dean and was enjoying the story and getting to play Mark of Cain Dean and having such a significant role in the mythology...it was just emotionally exhausting for him. We also know that Misha will return next season, so we know that Castiel will be back in some form or another. Beyond that it's anyone's guess...though Jared did kind of say something in one of the upfronts interviews that sounded like another character may make it through into season 10.

So, this is it guys! The big one! The season 9 finale. May we all come together afterwards to support each other in our probable emotional flailing state! Time for fandom to hug it out I say! We'll have 5 months to speculate what will happen to these brothers that we all love so much. Hopefully the team will be at Comic Con and we'll get a few vague hints! And maybe we'll see some sneaky shots, if someone is clever enough with their phone camera!

Enjoy the episode guys. Revel in the fact that we have our wonderful show and that we have at least one more year. Possibly more! Who knows! Bask in the glory that is Sam and Dean. Celebrate Supernatural! And carry on my wayward sons...

\

-sweetondean

Member of the League of Squee

The Light on Spoilers, Heavy on Squee Preview of Supernatural 9.21 "King of the Damned"

KING OF THE DAMNED

KING OF THE DAMNED

Sorry...but this title gives me fearful feels for some reason.

Hi and welcome to another squee filled preview! This one might be a bit more squeeful than usual because oh my gawd...ONLY 3 EPISODES LEFT UNTIL THE END OF THE SEASON!

And we have...


The brothers still not on solid ground (hey, what's new)...but they're working together and seem to have fallen back into their go-to relationship of simply working together and not facing anything... Yeppers.

Dean has the Mark of Cain and he's getting more and more gnarly as time goes on.  He also gets hotter. So I think we might be in trouble as he's going to get darker for sure...which means hotter...which means... KAPOWEEEE AMY!

Sam now has worry, you can see it in his swirly worry lines on his pretty forehead and also in the occasional, um Dean about that beheading the vampire thing, attempt to talk to his even-more-closed-off-than-usual brother. Gulp.

Crowley has the First Blade and some nefarious plan for Dean.

Abaddon is still an angry ginger.

Castiel is leading the rebellion against the Empire... wait, no it's against Metatron.

Gadreel is lurking like an angel who lurks with intent to do something we don't know what yet.

Metatron is trying to write the story of his life with him as an epic hero. But as Chuck once said, writing is hard!

Heaven is closed. The veil is chockers. Hell is, well even more hellish.

Dogs and cats, living together, mass hysteria. Okay that's not really a plot point of the season, maybe season 10.


So those are the things that are all about to intersect as these things do in Supernaturaland!

How about the synopsis for this episode....

ABADDON BLACKMAILS CROWLEY — Castiel (Misha Collins) captures one of Metatron’s angels (guest star Gordon Woolvet) and asks Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) for help with the interrogation. Dean eagerly accepts, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Sam. Meanwhile, Abaddon (guest star Alaina Huffman) demands Crowley (Mark Sheppard) help her kill Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles). When he refuses, she reveals her shocking bargaining chip. Also, Castiel (Misha Collins) sets a meeting with Gadreel (guest star Tahmoh Penikett). PJ Pesce directed the episode written by Eugenie Ross-Leming & Brad Buckner (#921). 

PJ Pesce is new to Supernatural. He's directed a fair amount of TV, including Fringe and a few others...and notably to me, he directed Lost Boys 2! HA! I will seriously watch anything Lost Boys... Eugenie and Brad are well known to us. They have been markedly improved with their episodes in season 9, but I know a lot of fans see their names and get a little wobbly. "Blade Runners" was their last episode and that was bloody awesome! Just sayin'.

Okay, so the boys go and help Cas interrogate an angel. Oh, so we're torturing again? Just channelling 2009 Dean here! Oh hang on... there's this too.

BAHAHAHA! Cas is obviously happy to see the Winchesters. Dean's face tho.

Okay where was I. Oh... lookit here, is that Gavin MacLeod? Ye olde son of Crowley? Is that Abaddon's bargaining tool?

I don't know if the Angry Ginger's plan is going to be very successful! Though as a fan said to me, with Crowley's humanity in play, maybe he'll feel differently about seeing his son this time around (remember when Bobby summoned Gavin in "Weekend at Bobby's"). Though I think Crowley's humanity is well under control and is only in play when he needs it to manipulate Dean. Whatever happens, I'm sure Crowley will work this whole thing to his advantage.


Let's check out the promo from the CW.

That little flashy edit in and out of Dean's face as he's having Mark of Cain feels... unf quite frankly. That should make me feel all worried but it makes me feel rather differently! Still...objectifying and overshares aside, that does look terribly troubling. I'm so very frightened and yet excited for what's going to happen with Dean before the end of the season.

So... questions raised.

Who do you think the title relates to? *whimper*

Do you think Cas can talk Gadreel, the not the sharpest tool in the garrison angel around to betraying Metatron?

Who does Abaddon shoot? Looks like it might be whoever is in the chair in the buttoned down shirt and cardy. Who is that dead man/some other entity?

Is Crowley doing the old triple cross here? Playing Abaddon off against the Winchesters.

And here's a doozy... do you think Dean kills Abaddon in this episode and that sets off a chain reaction in him with the Mark of Cain that leads us nowhere good in the next two episodes? Because her name does not appear in the last two synopsis!

And...do you think Sam will be able to bring Dean back from the brink?

What do you think will happen to Dean if he does get to use the First Blade on the last Knight?  Will he become immortal like Cain, destined to live forever as those he loves and knows die around him? Wouldn't that be Dean's worst nightmare? Not being able to die, even when he wanted to because the one person he lived for was no longer alive. ARGH! FEELS. FEEEEEELS.

But who knows, right? I just watch this show and I don't attempt to ever figure out where the writers are going to take us.

Supernatural is like a rollercoaster. You know there's going to be ups and downs, that you're going to have your heart in your mouth and your tummy is going to flip. You know there's going to be twists and turns you didn't see coming. You know you're going to scream and laugh and your eyes will undoubtedly water at some stage. And then when it comes to a halt, you know you're going to feel a bit wobbly, a bit scared, but excited and exhilarated and you're going to turn around and get right back on! So just pull down that safety bar, keep your hands inside the carriage at all times, HOLD ON AND ENJOY THE RIDE!

There is no sneak peek yet. I DON'T KNOW WHY! But if one happens, you'll know where to find it. Same goes for the CHCH promo.

So what do you think? Are you excited or scared out of your wits?

Enjoy the episode...enjoy the show! And thank Chuck for season 10!

-sweetondean

OKAY! Here we go with the sneak peek!

Wow. Castiel's hub of operations is rather impressive! The nerd angel has been busy. Probably easier when you're an angel to set up something like this I guess, but colour me impressed.

I love that the boys give Cas the blokey pat on the back hug, very different to the Winchester, hang on to your brother and never let go hug that the boys give each other. But hey, at least they now hug Cas back! Even Dean, who is less than effusive about, well anything except the opportunity to torture the information out of an angel. And on that, I must admit my hackles went up a bit along with how Dean's seemed to (until he embraced it), when Cas said he brought them on board essentially to do just that, torture information out of an angel. Geesh. For some reason that gave me a frowny face. I love how I can feel indignant for my boys! Ha! Though Cas does let them know they don't have to if they don't want to... but Dean's right, he called them in to be his heavies! Maybe he thinks they could get the information out of him psychologically. Um.Yeah. Dean's response tho. UGH. Flat, cold. UGGGGGH. So scary. (And hot). I'm so scared for Dean. So scared. And I hope Sam uses is outside voice soon to convey what's on his face. He be worried about his bro.

OKAY CHCH PROMO!

Hello CHCH promo...giving us what we need! See, now, if I was doing the promos for this show (I WISH), this is how I'd go. I think the Mark of Cain is the big hook at this stage and most of us are jonesing for more on it like Dean is jonesing for The Blade. This promo gave me thrills and chills, thrills because...IMPALA TALK. Oh my gosh, do the brothers actually have a bit of dialogue about how The Blade and The Mark are making Dean feel? Is Dean actually telling Sam stuffs? Not that he looks terribly troubled by the fact that once he touched That Blade he knew that he wouldn't be stopped. Also, any time Sam yells DEAN gives me lovely feels. I believe he's the only person who can get through to Dean in any significant way. Dean beating the snot out of someone. Fist all bloody. Sam yelling his name. Hair all epic. YES.

I must say, I am properly terrified about what's going to happen, especially reading Jensen's reaction to the season final when he read the script (as reported out of his meet and greet). I think this is going to be threat level red! I can't even prep my feels because I can't imagine where this is all heading. Well I can, but anything I concoct freaks me out so I push it out of my brains!

Anyhoo, on that rather dour note, this episode looks stuffed full of awesome! Enjoy!

-sweetondean

Spoilers Sweeties! Official Description Supernatural 9.21 "King of the Damned"

OMG OMG OMG. So I totally read this title and wondered if this related to Dean. Oh wait... you better read it first.

“King of the Damned” — (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET) (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)

ABADDON BLACKMAILS CROWLEY — Castiel (Misha Collins) captures one of Metatron’s angels (guest star Gordon Woolvet) and asks Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) for help with the interrogation. Dean eagerly accepts, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Sam. Meanwhile, Abaddon (guest star Alaina Huffman) demands Crowley (Mark Sheppard) help her kill Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles). When he refuses, she reveals her shocking bargaining chip. Also, Castiel (Misha Collins) sets a meeting with Gadreel (guest star Tahmoh Penikett). PJ Pesce directed the episode written by Eugenie Ross-Leming & Brad Buckner (#921). 

Seeeeee... THE TITLE HAS ME WORRIED(ER)  

Right. So this is the 3rd to last episode of the season and obviously things are going to be heating up. It's not unusual for Supernatural to have one or two filler style eps (though really, are any totally fillers? Most add to the mythology somehow, if not the over arching myth of the season, the over arching myth of the show!), close to the end of the season, but the last 3 eps are always when we start on the high speed rollercoaster to finaleland. EEEEEEEEEEP!

Two things here...  

1. "Dean eagerly accepts, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Sam." I hope this means Sam says something to Dean about the whole Mark = Dean being all megaviolent thing.

2. "When he refuses, she reveals her shocking bargaining chip." WHAT IS IT? WHAT IS IT!!!!

Oh, hey let's make it 3.

3. "Castiel sets a meeting with Gadreel" - Yup, I'm waiting for Gadreel to realise the road with Metatron is full of megalomaniacal bumps! Here's hoping this is when he has a change of heart. I still feel he may have a redemption arc. (Not for Kevin, no redemption there, but for his previous sins).

Okay there was also a very vague season finale spoiler on EOnline from The Carver. Of course it was vague... IT WAS FROM CARVER! If you want to read it... it says nothing really... but if you want to read it... scroll downwards. If not, get out now!

Non Spoiler-phobes keep going.


Keeeeeep going


Just a little further


Just a little further still


Okay here we go


When to Watch: Tuesday, May 20 at 9 p.m.

What to Expect: A fierce battle! "All bets are off when Sam, Dean and Castiel take the fight to Metatron," boss Jeremy Carver warns. "Uneasy alliances and brutal choices await...all culminating in shocking consequences." Gulp.

SOUNDS LIKE EVERY SUPERNATURAL SEASON FINALE EVER!

Hit me with your thoughts!

-sweetondean

Spoilers Sweeties! Promo and Promo pics from Supernatural 9.16 "Blade Runners"

Hello! Welcome to Dean gets a new knife! Brought to you by the Mark of Cain!

So it looks like shit's about to get real and go down and hit the fan and all that stuff shit does.

Here are the promo pics for the next episode - which is March 18.

"Blade Runners"

I love how they share Ruby's knife. Very nice sharing! Now if only they can work that other crap out.

I'm happy/sad to see the beard of feels still making a showing! Happy for me, sad for Dean. Sammy looks spectacular giving the death stare of Sam!

Spectaculacular!

Well here she is! Sam and Dean (and me) finally get to figure out what a Snooki is! Can anyone say crossroads demon!

Look at this beautiful lighting. Serge Ladouceur directed this episode. Everything he does is beautiful.

Seriously. Sam is making me feel feelings I'm pretty sure I should be feeling for Dean! Bad Sam! (P.S. Sam...don't stop!)

Aww Sammy. A box of files in the trunk! Love our nerdy researching Sam. The fact that he can also kill anything just makes him the most awesome of nerds!

Moose, looking about the size of a, well a moose!

I have to say, I am enjoying all of these Sam pics. Very much.

Sinister Crowley looks sinister. Shiny baby looks shiny!

Sam's tied up! Must be Tuesday! The boys are tag teaming being in peril of late! 

NOT THE FACE! Where's that magical Winchester healing cream!

Helloooooo First Blade!

Does one have to roll up his Mark of Cain sleeve to wield the knife?

Sam looks surprised...o-oh.

Wait. Does Dean have chain around his arm? They're both chained up! Double Winchester bondage! What? Nothing.

I have a feeling this guy is curtains!

Dean Winchester is not amused. Hot, but not amused.

Soooo what do we think of those! Is this the real First Blade? Who is this dude in the bowtie (P.S. bowties are cool, but maybe not this one). Let me know your thoughts!

And here's the promo! I feel the snark level will be up to 11!

-sweetondean

Spoilers Sweeties! Official description Supernatural 9.16 "Blade Runners"

So good news! Seems that the originally scheduled hiatus is not happening, or at least not happening yet.

I believe the CW are re-running "The Purge" on March 11 and then there is a new episode on March 18. What happens after than, I'm not entirely sure! At some point there will be another short break - 2 weeks by my math - to get to May 20, which is when the season 9 finale is scheduled.

So yay! We aren't having the season all disjointed!

Anyway, here's the synopsis for 9.16 "Blade Runners" which is directed by director of photography extraordinaire, Serge Ladouceur.

SUPERNATURAL
“Blade Runners”  - March 18

CROWLEY SINKS DEEPER INTO HIS ADDICTION; NICOLE “SNOOKI” POLIZZI APPEARS IN A CAMEO ROLE — Dean (Jensen Ackles) is frustrated when he can’t reach Crowley (Mark Sheppard), who has promised to find The First Blade. When Crowley finally calls Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean, he tells them he fell off the wagon and has been injecting human blood and needs their help. To make matters worse, he had a demon (guest star Rebecca Marshall) helping him find blood, but she sold him out and told Abaddon that he and the Winchesters were searching for The First Blade. The brothers need to find the blade before Abaddon does, so they enlist the help of a former member of the Men of Letters (guest star Kavan Smith). Meanwhile, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi appears in a cameo role. Serge Ladouceur directed the episode written by Brad Buckner & Eugenie Ross-Leming (#915). 

Sounds like a good one! I'll still be in Vegas after Vegas con, so will be watching it Stateside!

-sweetondean

The Light On Spoilers, Heavy on Squee Preview of Supernatural 9.14 "Captives"

Thank goodness! Seriously, way to leave us hanging and crying and hurting and crying and hanging, show! Stupid hellatus'. And listen, don't get too comfortable because even though the show is back, it's only back for 2 weeks and then we have a whole damn month hellatus! Crap! I mean, CRAP!

But... we do have two new episodes to look forward and the first one is 9.14 "Captives". Weee!

So let's look at the synopsis:

Sam and Dean go shopping for new coats.

Okay...they don't really... but I do like these coats! Dean looks particularly like a male modeling son of a bitch here! I just love his collar. Dean, always with the collar.

Here's the real synopsis:

THE BUNKER IS HAUNTED — Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) are stunned to discover the Men of Letters’ bunker is haunted. Their investigation leads them to a storage facility where the demons have been keeping a prize possession. Meanwhile, Castiel (Misha Collins) is captured by Bartholomew (guest star Adam Harrington). Jerry Wanek directed the episode written by Robert Berens.

The last episode written by Robert Berens was "Heaven Can't Wait". Jerry Wanek is of course, the fabulous Production Designer for Supernatural. This is Jerry's second shot at directing an episode, having directed season 7's "Slice Girls" (Mmmmm Dean sex....)

The bunker is haunted? Seriously, the guys need to get their warding updated or something because there's angels and demons coming and going and evil witches and now ghosts! Geesh.

Ok...promo!

Snooki's a crossroads demon? Nice! After the ouchiness of the end of the last episode, this actually looks like fun. It's going to be so very interesting to watch the brothers interacting after the emotional upheavel at the end of "The Purge".

Here's an extended promo - but it has more footage than from just this episode, because we know the Ghostfacers are in the next episode.

Crowley cracks me up. I do so love him. I wonder what's going to happen between Cas and Bart? Do you think they'll join forces? Maybe Bart's no the bad guy afterall.

For some reason, the kitchen scene fills me with glee! I can't wait to see how the boys react to a haunting in their very own home!

How about the sneak peak clip...

It's such a good one liner... nice one Sam. They've always been excellent at snarky comebacks. Some things never change. If they're out camping... This episode looks so interesting!

It seems like we're going to get 2 separate stories. The brothers and their adventure and Cas and Bartholomew and his angels. I'm guessing that's the way it's going to roll until everything starts to intersect.

But really, no offense rest of the characters, but right now I'm interested in the brother's relationship and where it goes next. How they function together, do they continue to talk? I can't wait to find all of this out.


So who do you think is haunting the bunker? Anyone we know or just a random spirit?

Who do you think the demon's have locked up as a prize possession?

Where do you think Sam and Dean got their spiffy new coats and do you think they went shopping together or just had a weird in sync moment and both went out for weapons or something and came back with new clothes... ;)  I want to see them shopping... I really do.

Let me know you thoughts. I can't wait. I'm so excited for the show to be back. To hell with pain, I just want to see the brothers and I just want to see what happens next!

-sweetondean

***I would usually include the CHCH promo, but it's so damn spoilery I can't believe it and I won't include it for that reason. If you still want to see it Clickety Click! But you've been warned!

Please DON'T discuss the spoiler in the comments. It's way too spoilery for a Light On Spoilers preview!

Thanks a bunch and enjoy the ep... I CAN'T FREAKIN' WAIT!

The Women of Letters Podcast - The all Aussie Supernatural Podcast! Episode 18 - An indepth discussion of "Road Trip" and "First Born".

In the latest edition of the Women of Letters Podcast, Jules from the Supernatural Wiki and yours truly have an indepth chat about the first two episodes of 2014 - "Road Trip" and "First Born".

We look at the extension of the mytharc regarding Cain and possible scenarios of how painfully that might play out, as well as looking at the brother's current relationship upheaval and Castiel's and Crowley's parallel stories surrounding their humanity residue.

Plus we also talk facial hair...the magnificent beard of Timohty Omundson and also, shaggy Dean's oh so beautiful ranga beard (that's a ginger beard for non-Aussies). And when I say we discuss...I mean me!

So please enjoy and don't forget to subscribe to us on Podomatic or iTunes.

And if you left a review on iTunes we'd be as happy as Dean Winchester in a pie shop!

Click here to listen.

Review - Supernatural 9.11 "First Born"

Why, Dean... Why!

Hold me!

I can’t remember being so frightened by the ending of an episode, as I was this week. I mean I probably have been. There have been some terrifying moments after all. I’ve more than likely blocked them out through emotional distress! But sweet lord of the rings…WHAT THE HELL IS GOING TO HAPPEN!

But I’m jumping ahead of myself…

*wibble*

I think “First Born” may be my favourite episode of the season. I say, “I think”, because every time we get a new episode I go, “Oh yeah, new favourite!” The season is just that good. Not one dog. Not even the one where Dean became a dog! Which happens to be one of my favourite episodes of the season…along with the other 10.

Robbie Thompson wrote another gorgeous script, full of pathos and humour and way more kickass than we’re used to from him. He’s officially taken over as my favourite writer on the show from the no longer with us, great and powerful Edlund (damn you Kripke *shakes fist*). He can write humour and he can write angsty angst angst. And he gets the brothers. He wrote an episode where the brothers were apart; totally, with no contact at all, and yet, they were ever present in each other’s minds and almost a shadow in the scenes. You could feel Dean in Sam’s scenes and visa versa. Just as Robbie managed to get the brothers to connect across decades in “Time After Time”, he managed to keep the brothers mentally connected even when they were trying not to be. Demonstrating clearly their love for each other, even when they were fighting against it. Well done, Robbie.

On a side note, this is only the second episode in the series where Sam and Dean have spent a whole episode apart without even a phone conversation. The last time was “Free To Be You And Me” which was the aftermath of Sam saying he was too dangerous to be around and Dean saying I’m not going to stop you. Familiar much? Oh these brothers, if one does something, they both have to. Can anyone say Hell, Purgatory, trying for a ‘normal’ non-hunter life, dying (again and again). These Winchesters and their shared experiences. Bless their damaged, brodependent hearts.

I also have to mention that “First Born” was directed by John Badham. Now, we get our fair share of über talented people working on Supernatural, both in front of and behind the camera…but John Badham! This is the guy who directed such classic movies as Saturday Night Fever, War Games (as quoted in Robbie’s “The Girl With The Dungeons and Dragons Tattoo” and “Pac-Man Fever”. Robbie must have been wrapped) and a favourite ‘80’s movie of mine, Short Circuit. He’s directed stars like, Kevin Costner, Johnny Depp, Mel Gibson, Michael J. Fox. He was one of the most prolific and successful movie directors of the 80’s and 90’s. He then went on to direct a stack of television and now he’s added Supernatural to his belt. I mean, WOW. I bet everyone was so excited to work with him.

“First Born” was split into 2 concurrent, parallel stories, with a mash up of partnerships. Sam was with Castiel, while Dean was with Crowley. It’s like the brother’s have switched up their rolls. Sam with the angel, Dean with the demon. Where is this going? *tiny voice* nowhere good.

With Dean parts unknown, Sam headed back to the bunker with Castiel, to recover from the aftermath of the trials and the Gadreel fiasco. I was beyond excited that Sam went…HOME. I was beyond, beyond excited that it actually looked like he was going to stay there! In the past, Sam has been the one to split. So often, it’s felt like he’s had one foot out the door. Whether through anger or through need, he’s often spoken of leaving the hunter life, or has walked away from Dean. He's vacillated between wanting to hunt and accepting the life and not. I’ll be honest and say I’ve found this frustrating and sometimes infuriating…mainly because I like my Winchesters as a set! But this time around, I find Sam’s willingness to continue and fight, in the place that Dean and he live, a nice bit of character growth…of course, there were things going on that also made me yell his name at the TV…but hey, Supernatural makes me yell plenty of names at the TV and quite often, expletives!

Sam and Castiel together (no, not together together), is something I’ve wanted to see for a long time and I know I’m not alone on that one. I’ve always felt that they’d have a hell of a lot in common. They have both made very dubious decisions with good intent, which have well and truly blown up in their faces. On that level alone they should connect. Cas, over the years, has been resistant because of Sam’s demon blood ties. But Cas, through his own experiences, has changed and this episode had a lovely exploration of this.

Thank goodness for PB&J (in more ways than one, though I prefer honey).

Thank goodness for Castiel’s lingering humanity.

Sam, Sam, Sam. The tragedy of Sam always feeling like he needs to atone is never, ever not going to be heartbreaking. He’s tried over the years to put it all behind him and sometimes, for a brief shining moment, it seems like he has…but here we are, back onboard the guilt train with a full set of baggage. It makes me so sad for him. Obviously Sam’s going to be deeply disturbed by what happened when he was possessed by Gadreel. All those horrible images, the most horrible of which being the death of Kevin, are burnt onto the back of his eyeballs. When Sam pleaded to Cas, ”Please help me do the right thing”, I may have groaned for him... So sad. He’s always done the right thing, or at least tried to. I wish like crazy he could see that.

Sam is a stubborn S.O.B. Both the Winchesters are, but I’ve always felt like Sam can make stubborn an art form when motivated. Both these brothers are so full of self-hate and self-doubt. Why can they not see how freakin’ awesome they are! I want to cuff them both around the ear.

Anyhoo...

Like I said before, thank goodness for human Cas. The scene where Cas was trying to extract the Grace from Sam was as painful for us to watch as it was for Sam to have it done to him (and I was so disturbed I couldn’t even enjoy Sam all sprawled out, long bodied with a v-neck t-shirt on). Cas was obviously in as much distress as we were. He was right, why do the Winchesters always chase death? They run at it headlong. I know that Sam feels like crap right about now and yes, he feels his life isn’t worth more than anyone else’s (with all the lives he saves, I think I may disagree a bit, but then I’m bias), but why must he always want to die.

I admit this is where I started yelling Sam’s name (and maybe the odd expletive) at the TV because, hey I’m just going to say it, I was upset that he was lying there going, yep, take the Grace, if it kills me so be it, I deserve it, yes yes yes. All I could think of was, you do not deserve it, no Sam you don't! But also... HEY wait a minute here, Sammy, your bro who loves you more than anything is out there, somewhere, parts unknown and you’re just going to up and die without even speaking to him, without even saying goodbye. You’re going to leave him…when you know he feels like the biggest piece of crap on the face of the earth right now…you’re going to check out. Please don't do that to him or you! I’ll admit it, I was a bit mad.

Look, I understand Sam’s in terrible pain as well, I feel for him so much, but whatever happened to “I’m not going to leave my brother alone out there”. Dean is about as alone as he’s ever been right about now and Sam was willing to die in that moment. If that happened, Dean would simple break. If he found out that Sam had sacrificed himself because of the guilt he still feels over everything, but more profoundly, the guilt he feels over the actions of his body whilst possessed…something his brother is responsible for. OH MY GOD. I couldn’t even. The whole thing haunted me for days. Those boys.

I saw Sam wanting to die, or at least, accepting of death in this moment as a very different thing to the conversation Sam had with THE Death. This was all about guilt and hurt and most likely anger and not in any way about being in a good place and ready to move on. Sammy, you don’t have to be happy with what your brother did, you have every right in the world to be angry. But… Oh man, leaving him like that. It made my stomach tie into knots. (Don’t worry; I still love you Sam…always will).

I know I’m probably pissing off some of my readers, but I’m being honest in how I felt in the moment. I was mad at Sam even considering leaving his brother out in the cold, alone, unknowing, and completely unaware that his brother is gone with everything unresolved. I just kept thinking…could you imagine the moment Dean found out? It hurt so much to see Sam even considering it. It hurt so much for both for Sam and for Dean.

Thank goodness for PB&J and thank goodness Sam is a thoughtful man who, even when you’re not sure he’s taking something in, does and then thinks it through. It’s one of my favourite things about Sam. How thoughtful he is and how level headed he can be. He got there in the end thank goodness, with a little help from Castiel, someone who now understands Sam because of his own experiences as a human. It was Cas’ empathy and gentle words that got Sam to see that there were other choices. I’m so glad Cas still has the remnants of his humanity. Praise be to Chuck!

And then they hugged and it was funny and it was awkward and I really liked it. I like this Cas. I like angel Cas, but angel Cas who seems to have learnt something. Like he said, if an angel can change, maybe a Winchester can. Maybe a Winchester can even learn something.

But stubbornness is always going to be a primary Winchester personality trait. Cas tried several times to get Sam to reach out to Dean. He told him they chose each other, he told him they’re going to need all the help they could get, he was trying all the angles…but, yeah…Winchesters, man. You could see Sam was processing it, thinking about Dean, at one point he looked like he was even hesitating, but he came back to Dean’s the one who left (ack Sam…not like you’ve never done the same thing). He’ll get there. I have a lot of faith in Sam. I’m hoping he lives up to my belief in him. I’m sure he will.

So gloriously wilful Winchester number 1… Now onto gloriously wilful Winchester number 2!

Meanwhile, somewhere in a bar in America, Dean Winchester LOOKS HOT.

OMG, let’s get this out of the way shall we. Dean is a little more shaggy than usual. I’m in love with his ranga beard (that’s a ginger beard in Aussie lingo). I loved him openly checking out the waitress. Hot damn. Dark Dean is smokin’!

Okay…I just had to get that out of my system.

I’ve been frightened for Dean before. Hell, Purgatory…but I’ve always felt like I had a fair idea what we were getting ourselves into. Not this time. I’m scared shitless.

Crowley and Dean. I knew they’d be an awesome duo. Crowley is just as smart mouthed as Dean and also a cheeky flirty, which both annoys Dean and throws him for a loop!

There was so much wonderful stuff in the Crowley and Dean scenes. I loved the talk about John and that the search for the first blade tied to the boy’s father. I always get excited when John’s Journal makes a showing and I loved getting to see another storage unit. I adore that these throwbacks to the original mythology of the show still happen. That the boys still know John’s codes, that they have storage units all over the country with John’s stuff (and some of theirs) in them. They should probably bring some of those files and artefacts into the MoL bunker actually…good home for John’s collection…also save some money on storage rental!

John’s old hunter companion/other kind of companion, Tara was wonderful. A ballsy female character who knew what was what. I’m always a little overjoyed when someone says something about how pretty Dean is. Not that I think he should be only judged on his looks, but because he’s so damn pretty I find it hard to believe everyone doesn’t start their sentences with OMG YOUR FACE! Okay, that’d probably be weird and a tad rude! But really, he is pretty; let’s not pretend he’s just an average looking guy! So I loved that Tara said he’d grown up pretty and that he was handsome like John (John was very handsome), okay she also said he was as dumb as John…probably true too. I’m bummed that Tara was a one-episode wonder, because I love the idea of other hunters being out there and Tara was really kind of cool. Pretty sure she was hitting on Dean…who the hell can blame her.

Then we got to meet Cain and how magnificent was he? Timothy Omundson was fabulous (so was his beard). Glad he didn’t die…well, I guess he can’t. Glad it sounds like he’ll be back, even if it’s just for Dean to kill him. Maybe he can be helpful in the battle against Abaddon; he does have a bone to pick with her…and a jaw bone blade to stab her with! He was so much more than he could have been, with his tragic love story and trying to retire and live a quiet life tending bees. Like so many characters in Supernatural, he had a sad story of loss involving family, love and sacrifice.

Cain and Dean standing toe to toe was a sight to behold. And Dean fighting. Wowsers and hubba! You sometimes forget how totally bad-assed Dean Winchester is. That battle royale between Dean and the demons as Cain watched on and shucked corn was a tour de force. Then to hear that it was Jensen in every shot! Well, it made the whole thing even more deliciously awesome. It was so beautifully staged and choreographed in such a small space. Kudos to all involved in putting that together. I wonder how long Jensen had to rehearse that scene? That might have to be a question for Vegascon! (I have about 5 now!)

I thought the twist on the Cain and Abel story was marvellous. Cain saved his brother’s eternal soul and sacrificed his own in the process. Gosh, who the hell does that sound like?

We’ve known for a long time that the brother’s linage goes back to Cain and Abel. Now looking at the change up in mythology, the ties seem even closer. Of course, Dean has already sold his soul once to resurrect Sam. But Dean has also, on more than one occasion, grappled with the possibility that he may one day have to kill his brother to save him. Whether it was because Sam was one of the YED’s chosen children and might go dark side, or because Sam had no soul and consequently no concept of right or wrong, or because an angel had taken over Sam’s body, Dean has faced this possibility again and again and always found a way to save Sam that involved Sam continuing to live.

And Dean would never kill Sam right? Right… Though… I was thinking. After everything that happened with Gadreel and how Dean’s love filled good intentions went south. How Dean blames himself for all the deaths, including Kevin’s that have happened since he convinced Sam not to close the gates of Hell. How Sam’s so angry with Dean for once again making choices on his behalf. In Dean’s current emotional state, if he was once again faced with this kind of choice… that the brothers could save the world, but Sam would have to be sacrificed and that Sam was cool with it… Obviously never going to happen (unless that is some coda the show is working towards in which case I will hunt each and every one of them down!) But all of this trauma and how destroyed and devastated Dean currently is, made me a little twitchy when I realised that the whole Cain mythology was coming into play for Dean. I know that Dean would never kill Sam under normal circumstances, but with Sam a little hell bent on dying anyway…if they were faced with another save the world kind of situation, if Sam was cool with taking one for team humanity and with the backlash of stopping the trials still very much on their minds… ACK. I’ma just gonna shut the hell up. I just made my stomach hurt.

Bottom line, the brothers will not kill each other. There. I’ve decided. (Of course they won't).

When Dean took on the Mark of Cain I was screaming at my TV “ASK WHAT THE BURDEN IS!” Oh my gosh. What the hell! Dean cares so little about himself, even more so right now, he couldn’t give a damn enough to even ask what the burden Cain spoke of was. In fact he probably thinks he deserves that damn burden. Dean Winchester, you break my heart into a thousand tiny pieces.

What will it mean? *tiny voice: help* There are so many different interpretations of what the Mark of Cain means. From the curse of immortality, to having people steer clear of you for fear of retribution sevenfold, to wandering the earth alone for eternity as a nomad estranged forever from family, to not being able to grow crops…um…that one probably isn’t relevant! Some passages talk about ties to Purgatory. Of course there are ties to Lucifer and Hell. With Gadreel in the picture who also has ties to Lucifer, is that something that might be relevant?

WHAT WILL IT MEAN FOR DEAN.

I do not know but I’m so very, very, very, very, very to infinity and beyond, scared for him.

The final scene of the episode with Dean alone looking at the Mark on his arm… So tragic. My poor baby. That boy can devastate your heart. He needs his brother STAT! Sam is going to freak the hell out when he finds out what Dean has done! Not that Dean will tell him, OF COURSE NOT! Bet it’s Crowley that spills the beans! Oh Crowley.

One thing that I’ve found super interesting about this season is how a lot of the characters are reflecting the brothers back at them. It seems to be a theme. Remember Jody telling Sam that he and Dean have something special, something that most people search for. In “First Born” we had Castiel telling Sam that Sam and Dean chose each other, commenting on how the brother’s always seek out death and how he understands Sam and his guilt because like Sam, he’s tried to do the right thing and failed. We had Crowley actually telling Dean he was worthy (aww, Crowley you softy) and that no one hates Dean as much as Dean hates Dean…and Crowley knows this, because he’s tried. Both Crowley and Cas were encouraging the brothers to contact each other (call your brother, moron!), if for no other reason than they’re going to need all the help they can get (and as we know, they’re stronger together, we also know there was another reason). Crowley also said, “It’s always something with you boys.” Amen Crowley! Wait. Is that appropriate? There has been so much insightful dialogue coming from the outside. I love it! Because the Winchesters are so close to everything that goes on between them that they can’t see the forest for the trees. I have this sneaking suspicion Garth will be continuing this trend next week! He’s never shy!

But while both brothers rejected contacting the other (stubborn bastards) both were very much in each other’s thoughts. That you could see. It was the episode you have when they’re not together, but are very much together, in their hearts and minds and emotions.

“First Born” was a magnificent hour of television for a show that seems to be hitting extraordinary week in week out…and in it’s 9^th season! Inconceivable! Every single character was portrayed wonderfully, both through the writing and the performances. Castiel and Crowley’s parallel is fascinating as they both continue to operate with lessons of their recent brush with humanity still resonating in their interactions. Tara was great, Cain was simply a revelation and Sam and Dean…well they were infuriating and heart wrenching and beautiful and all the things I love and oh my gosh…please, please realise how much you need each other.

Dean is in such a bad place, probably the worst we’ve ever seen him. How far will he go and how far down will the Mark of Cain take him? Right now, I only see one way Dean can be saved from himself and what is about to befall him…Sam. Like Colette’s love saved Cain from who he became, Sam Winchester’s love can save his brother.

It’s time for Sam to save Dean. It’s all I can see. It’s all I want. I want this more than I can express (though I’ve managed to express close to 4000 words!)

Hey Sammy… your brother needs you.

As much as this whole storyline is super scary from every angle, it’s also super exciting! I feel like the show just notched it up to eleven! This mythology feels like something that can carry us into season 10 (and dare I say, beyond).

Terrifying and yet epically awesome…just how Supernatural should be.

Squeeeee! 

-sweetondean