Cain joins the rest of the main cast this season in cleaning up messes, much as Cas tried to do with Clair, and Sam and Dean are trying to do in regards to the MoC. As for Crowley, well, finally Rowena’s annoyingly shrill presence dovetails with the Winchesters’, as, at the end of the episode, Crowley turns his back on his perceived friendship with Sam, Dean, and to a lesser extent Cas, and returns to his demony ways…at least I dearly hope so. It was one betrayal too many and the writing is clear: Hunters and demons will use each other as a means to an end, but friendship just isn’t in the cards.
This was an excellent episode. I join others who have commented that Mr. Berens, the newest addition to the writing cast, has an impeccable writing style that compliments all the good things about this series. He sticks to canon, gets the characterizations right, and even gives us good brotherly moments, both funny and sad. The scenes with Sam and Dean hit all the right notes from the beginning scene in the Impala – intriguingly shot from the backseat – as they discuss the case and banter about whether true crime statistics, the knowledge thereof, is a hobby or disturbing, (as someone who once studied Ted Bundy and enjoys true crime shows, I say it’s a hobby. Who knows, if I did it over again, I might study criminal justice), to Sam trying to understand Dean’s motivation in going after Cain, to Dean telling Sam he was scared, to the end as Dean, exhausted from his battle with Cain, came down, handed the Blade to Cas and nearly fell into Sam’s arms, to their summation and final scene: Berens got it right.
Take note all other writers – except Jeremy Carver who does always manage to get the brotherly moments right – this is how it’s done. It’s really not hard. A little less slapstick, a few less pop culture references, which are always better lightly sprinkled rather than slathered on, and some honest, open discussion. Some of those brother moments had a touch of the original master: Eric Kripke.
The script wasn’t flawless – but hey, what script is (Aside from Person of Interest’s, but they’re playing at a whole different level, and only at Season 4, so longevity is due some credit here.) The biggest flaw: no way two guys dressed in suits, driving an Impala get to wave a couple of badges and gain entrance to a maximum security facility. I’m a court reporter and occasionally go to state penitentiaries of lesser security measures, and I still have to be searched, properly ID’d and I have to be vouched for by the attorneys who requested my services. But, hey, it’s Supernatural, and at least they weren’t FBI agents again. It was necessary to send them there for Dean to see Cain’s profile. Distinctive as that profile is/was, I think it had more to do with the presence of the MoC that Dean knew it was Cain. From then on, the episode was off and running.
Every character’s story dovetailed, and it all worked. With Crowley’s reaching a turning point, I think his demony mojo returns and he and Rowena will join forces to regain the Blade and end the Winchesters.
Plus, there were three moments in this episode when Jensen used his eyes, to the side and lifted up, to convey something amiss with Dean, or an untruth being told. First was telling Crowley that Cain was coming for him, second, when he looked back up over Sam’s shoulder after confronting Cain, and third, and most chilling, was when he patted Cas on the shoulder and left the kitchen. Jensen used his eyes beautifully to convey so much in each moment, and the final look was absolutely unnerving. In that instant I knew Dean was truly not all right. Sam’s horrified admission to Cas mere moments simply added to the chill.
Last week’s episode was crucial in that Dean came to peace with the MoC; that peace allowed him focus and control. The Blade didn’t consume him immediately, and as Cain observed during the fight, Dean was holding back, perhaps because of Sam’s staunch faith in him; Dean didn’t want to disappoint Sam. It was desperately heartbreaking to see Dean nearly pleading with Cain to simply tell him that he could, in fact, stop. Cain’s statement that he won’t stop nearly ended Dean as he realized he was (A) going to have to kill Cain, and that meant using the Blade; and (B) he was very well looking at his own future – a future that terrifies Dean.
Other notes:
“There is no resistance. There is only remission and relapse.” Frightening.
Mr. Omundson’s look as Dean cut Cain’s hand off, that shock and amazement was breathtaking, and then it was followed as he hung his head in defeat. Just wow.
Mark adds so much to that moment as Crowley hands Dean the Blade because he subtly leans back, underscoring Crowley’s wariness of Dean possessing both the Mark and the Blade.
Thank you to the makeup department for keeping Dean’s injuries on his face and making him pale, and kudos to Jensen for conveying that exhaustion beyond the scene at the barn but all the way back to the bunker.
Is Cain well and truly gone? Just how did Sam know Dean was in trouble? Do you think the move to Wednesday s will be good or not – ah, who cares on that one; SPN is renewed for Season 11 and it has shown an ability to excel on whatever night it is shown.
Until next time, thanks for reading, Elle2
Great review. This episode exceeded expectations in every way. You know I still think that demon Dean is there… he’s in those eyes. Yeah I am not sure the blade killed Cain either. After all he’s tried to use it on himself and the Mark is the power in the relationship. I imagine that Dean say himself in Cain and now realizes he’s in it for eternity. I think Dean has always been afraid that the Mark craves, fratricide which is why demonic Dean didn’t want to be near Sam. I get why the main mytharc plot has been a slow burn. I just wish that the B plot was more exciting.
Hi, PSG,
Yes, that B plot is a very, very, very slow burn — more like a mild simmer actually and not very exciting. I’m really hopeful that Crowley — as much as I’ve enjoyed his on again off again ‘friendship’ as it were with the Winchesters, would go back to more of the Crowley of Season 5 (How’s about you don’t miss, MORON!) and less of the wishy washy of late. Mark sure deserves the chance to shine in that manner.
That look from Dean as he passed Cas at the end made me think of you and your theory that demon Dean is still in there. I’m not sure, but it’s clear that Dean is unwell. I rewatched that ending several times and beyond that, which Sam didn’t see, there isn’t much to tip off the problem other than Dean being subdued. I just love that Sam knows his brother so well that he isn’t fooled.
I agree, Dean is so heartbroken and afraid of Cain’s ‘prophecy’ that he is afraid to be near Sam.
Wow what an episode. That is how it’s done. Robert Berens is a treasure. I have enjoyed all of his episodes but this one was just about a masterpiece. This is what happens when your extremely talented actors have a script to work with. And wow did everyone bring it. Particularly Jensen. What a performance. He has put in some stellar work throughout this series but I think this is one of his very best. It seemed that everyone put every thing they had into this episode. Directing, writing and acting. Dean trying to hold it together, Sam trying just as hard, Crowley betrayed and Cas hopefully set on his path to help save his friend. Just about perfect. Thank you for your review.
Even Rowena was pretty good.
Hi, Cheryl142,
“Even Rowena was pretty good.” HAH! And…I agree. I’ve watched this one three times and even all of here scenes, and that is a first. It really is/was a great, we’ll call it, mid-mid-winter cliffhanger, which will lead to an almost-spring premiere. (I’ve actually scene some shows, like the Good Wife and Madam Secretary, billing their returns in March as a spring return or premiere. The networks are trying to aim for year round I guess.
Your comments are correct, everyone brought their best — which is not uncommon, but since they had a great script to bring their best to, it really shown!
Hey Elle2, I see you are back here (I don’t blame you:)). Then here is where I will come! I always enjoy and appreciate your take. This was an outstanding episode. It did hit all the right notes, was emotional but not overly so. The boys didn’t talk all that much but they were touching and revealing conversations. Dean was so low-key and vulnerable, that alone is alarming. It was nice to see him admit to Sam that he was scared much like he did when he was hellbound, near the end. I am not sure I buy that Dean wasn’t cured. But Dean is always aware how close he is to demonhood everytime he risks his life. That and the mark are heavy burdens and now he has the added burden that he may kill Cas and eventually his brother. He must feel hopeless and completely drained. The acting was superb. The directing was amazing. Just a lovely episode. Thank you Elle 2.
Hi, Leah,
Usually my reviews of SPN, if I have time to construct one, that is ;), are posted here. Occasionally they go to WFB, but only if there is room in their schedule of articles. I think one or two of mine from the first part of the season ended up over there for just that reason. Alice and Nightsky have free choice where to post. 🙂
I do plan a few articles for the mini-hiatus we’re on, and those will all go to WFB, so look for those over the next few weeks.
I agree with your words, the acting was superb and the directing amazing. It was a very, very good episode. I do believe that due to Dean showing no issues with crossing into the trap holding Cain that he has no demon left in him; however, the Mark is clearly a problem and having used the Blade again to kill, well, I wonder if we’ll see some of the effects from last season, vomiting blood and whatnot, come into play again as the Mark thirsts for the Blade and the urge to kill.
The brother moments were what initially sold me on the series and while the arcs may not be as tight and grand as in the earlier seasons (notably for me 1 – 4, 5 wandered a bit as they tried to stretch the story to fill the season) it’s those brother moments that will keep me coming back. Heck, if I can suffer the Vampire Diaries for nothing more than those precious few Damon and Stefan scenes (truly the only reason I watch is for the brothers) than I can absolutely handle this which has far less melodrama and silliness for the sake of silliness.
Thanks for following me around and reading. And thanks for the comments! See you at WFB for the next few weeks though.
Those early years hold a special place in my heart. But yes, the brother moments and those wonderful actors (all of them but especially the J’s) are what keep me so loyal despite some issues with the last few years. Every time I watch an older episode I feel that something has been lost along the way but the show is still so much better than most and, as with this episode, still has moments, of brilliance.
I am glad you will be posting both here and The WFB! 🙂 Looking forward to your next articles.