Sam is sitting on the front steps, looking like he lost his best friend. Missouri comes out and confirms there’s no spirits in there now for sure. “Not even my mom?” Sam asks. Missouri says no, Sam looks a little crushed. “What happened?” He asks. “Your mom’s spirit and the poltergeist’s energy cancelled each other out. Your Mom destroyed herself going after the thing.” Sam isn’t sure why she would do that. “Well to protect her boys, of course.”
Sam doesn’t take this too well, and we get what is essentially his trademark look every time he has to take in bad news. He still does it today, even doing it when Dean called him a monster in “When The Levee Breaks.” His eyes get all puppy dog sad, he presses his lips together, takes in a few quick breaths and says nothing, internalizing whatever he hears, tucking it in deep, letting it consume him slowly. If there’s a season six, I want an episode where that internal reservoir of Sam’s finally busts, and he’s has that long awaited mental breakdown. Maybe even sometime in the happy hunters home? Heck, that sounds like a good season five plot.
Missouri goes to touch Sam and then stops, as if she senses that with him it won’t do any good. She’s got him pegged. She instead tells Sam she’s sorry. Again, Sam must ask for what. This time though, he gets an answer. He sensed it was there, even when she couldn’t. Sam doesn’t know what to say, but figures it out. “What’s happening to me?” Oh, Sammy. If you only knew what you end up doing. “I know I should have all the answers, but I don’t know.” This makes Sam feel even worse.
Dean calls to Sam to see if he’s ready. Ready as he’ll ever be. He looks at Missouri one more time with a haunting look of worry. A still dejected Sam works his way over to the Impala and says a quick goodbye to Jenny. Missouri tells them not to be strangers and Dean says “We won’t.” Considering we have yet to see Missouri and Lawrence, Kansas again, I’d say they didn’t make good on that promise.
Missouri says see you around. Sam gives her a quick, very un-assuring smile and climbs into the car with his mope. The two brothers drive off, both pretty rattled by the latest developments. Missouri with worry watches them drive off, the violin in the score plays the somber parting music, and I’m so thrilled Kripke didn’t send them off after that poignant moment to “Rock You Like A Hurricane.” I would have given up on the show if that had happened.
Meanwhile, it’s not done! Missouri comes back home and starts talking to what looks like herself. “That boy, he has such powerful abilities. Why he couldn’t sense his own father, I have no idea.” She goes into the living room, and there’s John Winchester! He did come after all! John is looking pretty ashamed of himself. He asks if she really thinks that Mary’s spirit saved the boys. She does. Poor John sadly looks at his wedding ring, and now he’s making me cry. We see with that one look how Mary was his entire world. Dammit you Winchesters!
Missouri berates him for not talking to his children. He really wants to, but he can’t. “Not yet.” Then he looks at Missouri. “Not until I know the truth.” Fade to black. What truth? Oh yeah, no answers coming anytime soon. I still wonder by the end of season four if we all know what John really knew. Somehow, I doubt it. I think more reveals are coming.
Yep, this episode really set the standard for dramatic fare to come. Much of what’s in this episode can be traced as the beginning of what’s happening now. It’s a groundbreaker, even if Dean had to endure some bullying. My overall grade, an A-. It was perfect except for the beginning teaser.
It’s funny the things one appreciates in an episode of fictional television.
The whole scene with the garbage disposal. I have one in my house. Had one for years. My dad is a general contractor and has installed stuff like this for years. I know how they work, having seen them in pieces.
So usually when we see a garbage disposal scene, folks are getting sucked into it like the action of the unit itself is pulling them in. BUT, they don’t actually work that way. The stuff inside is blunt, not sharp and essentially bludgeons your veggie clippings and left over chicken bones into stuff small enough to wash down the drain.
So why do I bring this up. Well, this is the first time I have ever seen this scene done is a way that I would consider…..realistic, for lack of a better word.
The poor plumber looked like he was being held by a person who was forcing his arm down the disposal. Not like the disposal was sucking him in.
Yea, yea, I know. It makes no nevermind to you all. It was just a scary scene but to me it was the very first time it didn’t look cheesy. And if you think I pay that close attention to stuff like this….you don’t want to see me review something where horses are involved!![:mrgreen:](https://www.thewinchesterfamilybusiness.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/mrgreen.png)
Oh Alice, a phone book in a phone booth – in this day and age you’re lucky to find a phone booth period. 😆 Kind of strange actually.
Now, I’m not a “Sam” girl or a “Dean” girl. Heck if I HAD to label myself then I’d say I’m a Winchester/Supernatural!Girl – however, it has always bugged me why Missouri seemed to be giving Dean the gears. Although we know from “Everybody Loves a Clown” that Dean doesn’t take sympathy from strangers, so what you said about why Missouri was doing what she was doing makes a lot of sense. She is a psychic after all.
I love re-watching season one in particular because it just amazes me how they evolved this show so beautifully.
Great recap Alice.
I loved this episode and wa always sad that they never could bring Missouri back, hopefully they will at some point.
This episode was the start of the upward trend for SPN thing just clicked and you get all the things that would make SPN o great in one episode. The angst, the horror, the family drama, the humour, daddy issues, sibling conflict, the wider series arc – it all comes together to make and awesome episode and the coming together, I believe, of kripke’s vision of the show.
Also it’s the start of Kripke and Co’s ongoing mission to make me think twice before using anything in my kitchen, garbage disposal, fridge, knife draw – keep watching the episodes and you see what I mean. Honourable mentions go to the mircowave, blender, oven in MM (not officially scary but gross enough to qualify) and melonballer which i’ve never been able to pick up again (ditto butter curl maker by association). The trend had started in DITW (the sink) but I hadn’t picked up on it yet until this episode. If they decide to go for the kettle/coffee maker i’m screwed!
This is the up-side of not having any hightech domestic wossnames … The nearest I get to a garbage disposal is a combination of an elderly labrador and the compost heap, and though the former might steal your cake if you weren’t looking and the latter smells a bit questionable when it’s hot neither is particularly perilous when you get right down to it.
The fridge is too tichy and too full of past-it veggies to get get anything bigger than a very small thing shut inside and all my knives are totally blunt due to small boys pinching them to chuck at bits of wood outside ( Ninja training, apparantly, blame Naruto … ) If I had a melon baller I would be too scared to use it though, so you do have a point! ( Unlike my blooming kitchin knives … mutter, mutter … )
I can’t imagine Dean being particularly receptive to comfort from motherly strangers … He has enough problems accepting it from his thin-on-the-ground nearest and dearest, so Missouri struck the right note for me.
Good recap, I can’t wait for my discs to arrive so I can get stuck in … It’s been so looong!
Awesome, Alice, Just awesome.
I’m glad you agree with my assessment (in tone and flavor) of how/why Missouri dealt with Dean, and you added to it as well, fab.
This was a powerful episode and Kripke himself states that this is where they really got their footing going, sure there were fumbles after that but overall this ones marks the turn…it’s awesome DAMN YOU, KRIPKE (in the best possible sense.)
Great recap! This episode is one of my favourite’s as well. The fact that the “I’m sorry.” hung in the air for three seasons before we got the ultimate pay-off is why this series is so incredible. The other scene I love is Dean leaving the voicemail for John. I always think that what Dean needs is a good, long hug (I volunteer!).
I cannot, nor have I ever been able to, watch the garbage disposal scene. I don’t even close my eyes, I simply fast forward. That scene is too authentic and in the realm of possible kitchen accidents for me to stomach. Werewolves, wendigos and ghouls? Bring ’em on. But not the appliances – I just can’t handle it.
Okay, back to real life and work now *sigh*.
This is pretty much the episode I consider a first for so much that is/was to come in future seasons.
I want answers as to why Missouri felt power in Sam.
Heck! I want Missouri to return, I really enjoyed her in this.
Thank you! I thought I was the only one getting a headache thinking about bow they seem to get internet access ANYWHERE and EVERYWHERE! It’s mind boggling…
And yeah, Missouri definitely needs to come back!
Well, could it be that with their credit card scams and all that they opted for satellite hook up for their internet? That would work in a lot more places…..
Yes, yes, I can rationalize anything. I’m such a killjoy, I know.
Hi. First time commenting, a loooong time follower 😀
I found your blogcritics stuff last summer and tracked them back to your own site. Since then I have been totally sucked in by your great and snarky (plus funny as hell, excuse the pun lol) commentaries as well as your insightfull and emotional analyses of the boys.
I esp. love all your top 10’s (mooooore please!!!) and the “deeper look at season 3 Sam” and “…Dean” -bits. And anything about the music of this show is love 🙂
About this review, I *love* Home, it’s my fave s1 ep, hands down. So your rev was great and soooo funny 🙂
I just decided to voice my opinion(s) after being silent for a year ’cause it’s starting to take a toll on me… especially since I can’t really talk and squee about this AWESOME show with anyone ’cause none of my friends or family are hooked like I am 🙂 And boy, can I talk about this show 😀 SPN is THE show for me, and this comes from someone who watches tv and movies ALOT… like truckloads or something…
SO, a long story short, thank you for all these writings (and yes, i’ve read everything I’ve found off yours, and they kick *ss 🙂 ) and hope you keep it up and thanks to Elle2 ( I loved the s1 music bits) too who also writes very well 🙂
I’m swearing off spoilers this season so this hellatus is going to be a tough one, but thank god for my DVD’s and your articles :DD
Oh crap, I didn’t realize I had overusage of the smileys *sorry* 🙂 Damn, it’s a decease or something, need medication… 🙂
OK, I’ll stop now… 😀
dammit *grin*
Hey Supernarttu..I totally know how you feel! (ok I know this is a bit off topic here, sorry) Anyway, I’m in the same position as you Supernarttu…the online fandom is the only place for me to squee. I used to frequent this one forum a lot, and it was like my online home or something. But that forum has been cooling off a lot lately, much to my dismay. Fortunately, around the same time I found this wonderful site.. 😀 I might not survive Hellatus if I didn’t find this place.
Hi, Supernarttu and Narcissus.
I join in on the “this is the only place and you are the only people I can talk to about this fabulous show.”
I’m so blessed that Alice lets me write stuff here and that you all comment on it, it keeps me going and energized to find more things to go on about.
Sometimes I just need to ‘talk’ or emote or whatever about the show and this is the spot I come to. I visit some other places and occasionally (and now very occasionally) tag a comment or something, sometimes I vote on some polls but this is the place for lotsa comments. I’m so glad for everyone who comes here and shares.
Supernarttu, there will be a music review for each season to go with The Road So Far Series and Alice has an open invitation to add to any of those articles so the next one is coming your way in about a week to a week and a half. I’m planning on two posts of some length each week until the new season starts. If you have any suggestions (Alice is working on the best of the baddies and we’re collaborating on Supernaturalisms (or saying of the Winchesters plus some select others) that will head out later this month, likely, but if you have some suggestions…throw them out there. Together we’ll make it through and have a lot of fun along the way.
I know how you feel, i’m a big movie/tv buff (i can make a small fort out of my dvd’s – what i was bored)bu SPN is something special. Only one of my friends watches the show and she’s not the “lets talk about it” kind of person even though she does love it, so the only place i get to gush is online and here is one of the few places where you can talk about it without things getting well…….. lets just go with crazy. I like talking about the show here as people look at things differently and see things in a way that i hadn’t seen before and it brings new elements to my viewing.
plus it’s always fun to chat to other SPN fans and the general awesomeness of the show!
Frankly me dears, if any of us unleashed our inner fangurls out in the real world we’d be in danger of being carted off … or at least chucked out of the PTA for aggravated oddness … But if we keep it virtual no one need ever know and we can obsess to our heart’s content!
So bring it on, it’s going to be a very long summer otherwise …
just been looking at the screen shots – how young does sammy look, all together now – awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
This is my first time here and after browsing around a bit I happened upon this and decided to comment 🙂 Home is the first ep of SPN that I ever watched and I was hooked right away. I don’t really know if I love the ep because of the guys or Missouri or because John appeared or what but It’s among one of my favorite episodes from Seasons 1 to 4. I wish they’d bring Missouri back. Thanks for re-capping it 😀 BTW I totally agree with whoever said that Jared/Sam looks really young in this episode!
Thank you for welcoming me, it was very sweet of you guys 🙂 And I promise I wont rant obsessively – alot anyway *grin
But, since this (Home) is my fave episode of S1, I have to add a little squeee 😎
I don’t remember the exact time I saw this the first time… My SPN hook-up happened rather late (like spring 08) even though I had been familiar with it for 2 years.. It started running here 2006 and I used to flip it on and off occasionally but I wasn’t hooked so to speak… It was only after S2 All Hell Breaks Loose I (the ending) that got me mental 😀 I was shaking the whole week waiting for the last ep ( OMG THEY KILLED SAMMY screaming in my head 24/7) I just didn’t see that they would *shame on me* And after the finale I just jumped onto my computer and checked if the network had rights to S3, witch they didn’t… And I was… very cranky 🙂 Oh, I’m getting sidetracked here, sorry…
LOng story short, I watched S3 online (like I watched s4 and propably s5 too) ’cause they only started showin it here this april. And after that I just ordered all the season dvd’s… I’m gonna order the season companions too some day, for I hear they are filled with great stuff and I love all the behind the scene -commotion and stories.
BUT, this was (supposed to be anyway
) about Home… So I love this ep, this is the most emotional ep of s1 for me… It has the boys, mom, dad and missouri all in this one wonderfull teary angsty shell, oh *love*
I agree, the teaser was kinda boring in the sense that it wasn’t that scary… or interesting… but if they had included the sammy dearming bit part of it, it would have been SO much better.
But I loved everything else, it is epic for me 🙂
On a side note, the garbage disposal thing wasn’t that creepy for me (still thank god, we don’t have those things here *g*) but the cymbalmonkey toy freaked me out!! I would run out of the house screaming if that kinda creepyass monkey started to do the rumba all on its own *shudders*
Both boys were just love in this and I just felt for both of them… I just wanted to hug them and stroke their hair and say it’s gonna be okay *sigh*
And mom, oh, she was so heartbreaking with the whole loving glances and the “I’m sorry” (which bugged me -alot – way up until s4 and then it was just more heartbreak) and John in the end just killed me. He can be a bastard but I just love him too
part 2:
Oh, I ran out of space, what a surprise 😀
But ranting on…
I can never pick a favorite ep, ’cause I.just.can’t. but a season favorite seems a little more possible… Even though as I speak, I feel like I’m cheating other awesome S1 eps *grin* ’cause it still was very hard to choose.
There are no eps that I hate or dislike ’cause they all tell the story of Sam and Dean 🙂
Sh*t, I can’t keep on the topic 😛 Ok, Home is awesome on top of awesome (like many, many others) and I’ll shut up now until I have something sane to say 🙂
P.s. You should do the award thingy on S1 and 2 too 😀
Pp.s. Elle2: I can’t wait for the music articles and your road so far -bits are great too 🙂
You could have a point there, Alice … Several of the trophy wives who occasionally wander into the PTA meetings to slow down proceedings and flash their add-ons at the chairman bear a strong resembelance to that crew out of Malleus Maleficarum …