SPN report

[zubeneschamali]

Reactions to 9.02:



I'm just as mixed as I was last week, so let's start with the stuff I didn't like this time around.

The last two scenes in the bunker were way overdone, IMO. I'm glad Dean thinks of Kevin as family, and I don't think he's saying it without meaning it. But I'm also skeptical that he'd die for Kevin, and that whole speech was clumsily written in that it countered what Crowley had said so well--but of course Dean wouldn't have heard anything of that. Sam overflowing with happiness also made me cringe, because a) over the top, and b) last week he was ready to die, but of course he doesn't remember that because of angelic mind-fuckery, which means this is fake, too. Not that poor Sam doesn't deserve to be happy and at peace, but I don't like that not only is there an angel inside him without his knowledge or consent, it's making him feel things he doesn't actually feel.

If there was a theme to the episode, it was "good intentions." Tracy-the-random-hunter reminded us that Sam's never going to entirely get away from his past, where he thought he was doing the right thing but instead started the apocalypse. Dean's little speech to Tracy about how a lot of people do unfortunate things when they have good intentions was obviously aimed at himself, and I was SO GLAD that he took on himself the responsibility for all of the demons running around right now because he couldn't let go of Sam. Normally I think Dean overdoes it with the guilt, but it's hard to deny this one. I appreciated Ezekiel pointing out that Dean's choice was made out of the L-word, along with Dean's adorably awkward response and refusal to look at Ezekiel!Sam. But I hope that wasn't meant to absolve him of that choice.

I did like Ezekiel's tattered wings, including the few feathers fluttering free, and I loved his, "That is probably what a bad guy would say." I think Jared's doing a great job playing not!Sam; even his face looks different when it's Ezekiel. (Still bitter that he's had so much practice at playing not-Sam, though.) I liked the knowing look that Crowley had when Sam was in front of him at the end; he knows something's going on, and it's going to be interesting to see how Dean gets him to shut up.

Abaddon was, of course, awesome. I rolled my eyes when her body was restored sans clothes but with bright red nails and lipstick, but everything else was great. I could watch her looming over Dean and threatening him all day, and I'm excited to think of all of the Abbadean fic that must already be on its way having to do with how much she wants that body. *delicious shiver* It was nice to see Dean's bravado in the face of demons once again, along with it being wiped away when she started detailing what she wanted to do with him.

On a different note, I was highly amused at the boys' reactions to Crowley's suggestion of Sam in stilettos and a leather bustier. Dean looked like his mind was blown, and Sam didn't seem to mind at all. Hmm. Crowley's description of Kevin as a wind-up toy was hilarious and accurate--but of course he has more in mind for Kevin than his own amusement.

Your thoughts?

Comments

[dugindeep.livejournal.com]

I don't think Dean would die for Kevin, either, but he'd do anything in his power to keep him alive ... I also am not sure I believe in those tears. Not that Dean purposely faked them, but that the writers did to guilt him/Kevin/us/whoever. A lot of the drama, angst, and love in this episode felt SO overdone, I felt like I was just staring at my ceiling for 42 minutes for how many times I rolled my eyes.

I think Jared did way better on Ezekiel this episode than the opener, but I'm still not liking it. And not just because he's once again being used as a meatsuit for someone/something. I just wish they [the writers] would stop fucking around and let the boys be boys.

[zubeneschamali.livejournal.com]

So much agreement with your last point. This is why I laugh at the people who are butthurt because they think the show's all about Sam. We usually only get Sam!Sam for half a season at a time. :(

[dugindeep.livejournal.com]

LOLOLOL WHO THINKS THE SHOW IS ALL ABOUT SAM?

[zubeneschamali.livejournal.com]

The people whining last year that Sam did the Trials instead of Dean.

[dugindeep.livejournal.com]

I know, I know. I was being sarcastic. Which I know is not my best ... at least in print.

;-)

[counteragent.livejournal.com]

I have a poll with my thoughts such as they are, but I like your faith that it is Zeke who's happy and not Sam. Those two moments felt really off for me as well. Basically, I can see them only working if Dean is actually just manipulating Kevin and Sam isn't really happy. But sadly I think this is too complex for the writers...

[zubeneschamali.livejournal.com]

Sam just spent months going through the hardships of the Trials, and all for nothing. (OK, I guess they have Crowley in the dungeon.) I doubt that he's going to be super happy at this point in time. Okay with his choices, glad to be in one piece and with Dean in a safe place, but not the happiest he's been in a long time. That's too suspicious.

[counteragent.livejournal.com]

Well, sure it is. But a suspiciously one-note and OOC characterization of Sam was the hallmark of last season so I am not hoping TOO hard.

[dugindeep.livejournal.com]

suspiciously one-note and OOC characterization of Sam was the hallmark of last season

LULZ Too true!

[zubeneschamali.livejournal.com]

Crap, that's a good point. :(

[locknkey.livejournal.com]

Dean looked like his mind was blown, and Sam didn't seem to mind at all. This! :)

I like the set up for the season. I think it could go somewhere if the writer's can find some subtlety and be less anviliscious. :)

I liked the Sam/Dean interaction and I think both J's gave stellar performances. I thought there was too much tell in some things (abaddon's speech to minions, Sam's happiness, Dean';s speech to Kevin), but much less of that then in most of last season's ep., So I am hopeful. :)

[zubeneschamali.livejournal.com]

I think cautiously hopeful is my current state of mind. :)

[cassiopeia7.livejournal.com]

Definitely agreed that Dean's not gonna die for Kevin. He'd do all in his power to save him, for sure, but the only person Dean will lay down his life for is Sam. Period. (That said, I do love that Dean called Kevin "family.") And Sam being so happy? That's angel bleed, right there. Zeke is happy (or at least content) and Sam's picking up on it.

Speaking of "picking up on it" . . . in order to keep his secret from Sam, I foresee Dean possibly making some sort of deal with the unfortunately observant King of Hell.

I'm excited to think of all of the Abbadean fic that must already be on its way having to do with how much she wants that body. *delicious shiver*

Aww, hells yeah! BRING ON THE FIC. And "Abbadean" is a portmanteau I can live with. (Except maybe "Abaddean" instead?) :D

*would not mind seeing Sam in stilettos and leather either*

[zubeneschamali.livejournal.com]

I honestly thought it was Abbadon! But since it's Abaddon, I'll take your correction. :)

[mdlaw.livejournal.com]

I think Dean would die for Kevin.  He's willing to die for strangers almost every week.   What bothers me are the random hunters that keep showing up when Sam and Dean aren't really supposed to know a lot of hunters.   m.        :/

[zubeneschamali.livejournal.com]

I went, "Who the hell is this guy?" when random!hunter dude was on the phone with Dean. I was kind of amused that they're so low on actual friends who can be used against them that Abaddon had to kidnap some random hunters, though. Amused and sad.