Supernatural 15.02 “Raising Hell”– A Bit of a Jumble
This episode has really stymied me. For some reason, I’m having a problem ordering my thoughts about what happened in the episode and how everyone behaved. Normally I don’t run into this problem because I try my best to pay attention to the characters and what they’re doing, but for some reason, this episode felt a little disjointed – like it wasn’t being driven by character and actions, but by a big hand that was pushing the pieces around (that might be a little too on the nose, but it is accurate).
Before we go back to the town where Sam, Dean, Cas, and Belphegor are holed up, let’s head over to Reno, where Amara is enjoying her newfound freedom, until Chuck shows up and tries to ruin her free time. I found it particularly interesting how Chuck was acting because he seems to revert to the quirky author when he needs something, but when it doesn’t go his way, he turns into a tantrum-throwing four-year-old. Amara, on the other hand, was behaving like the queen she is. Despite her actions throughout Season 11, it seems she’s mostly moved past her imprisonment at the hands of Chuck and the Archangels – even though it seems she’s still holding onto a bit of a grudge if her last lines to Chuck are any indication. I’m fascinated by the idea that Chuck is diminished because of the bullet wound and he needs Amara’s help in order to get away. Additionally, his desire to get away implies a certain fear or dread surrounding his actions. I find that fear to be a proper response because as much as Chuck has been entertained by the Winchesters, I don’t think he’s stupid. He knows that those who stand in the Winchesters’ way tend to lose and often in a spectacular and horrendous way. But either way, I’m interested to see where this goes for the rest of the season. Thanks also to TPTB for not spoiling Amara’s return. We’ve seen enough spoilers throughout Hiatus and I’m glad there are still a few surprises.
Speaking of Chuck, his connection to Sam through that bullet wound is going to prove to be an interesting complication throughout the season. We’ve seen Sam in pain before. We’ve even seen Sam tortured. But I don’t think we’ve ever seen Sam in a situation like this, where he has a wound that isn’t healing and he doesn’t know why. I am also highly concerned that Sam’s connection to Chuck is going to mean that in order for them to finish Chuck, they’re going to need to kill Sam. Of course, this being the final season, we can go into it with some sort of expectations, but my hope is that both of the Winchesters survive this conflict and can keep on fighting the good fight, even if we’re not there to see it. I do find it interesting that Sam had those visions last week when Cas tried to heal his wound, and I’m curious to see if those visions are connected to Chuck, or it’s just Sam and the bullet wound contributing.
I think I knew Kevin was returning, but I don’t think I was expecting him so soon. I find Kevin’s arc on the show to be the strangest because as much as we know that Winchester’s never die, it seems that those who attach themselves to the Winchesters never seem to fare as well. Sure, they come back from the dead, but it always seems a little worse. Kevin seems to have gotten the shortest end of the stick, with his death, subsequent connection to his father’s ring and then supposed return to Heaven via Chuck. His ending up in Hell is just the last in a long list of injustices Kevin has had to endure for being a friend and ally of the Winchesters. I also find it interesting how he’d rather risk becoming a vengeful spirit in this world, rather than return to Hell and be tortured. I mean, it makes sense, but I’m still a little surprised. But, to each his own. Also, his, “I love you guys,” to Sam and Dean broke me. I love Kevin and I love Osric, so I’m saddened by the way his arc closed out, but I’m looking forward to seeing Osric return to my TV on Legends of Tomorrow.
Last few random thoughts:
1. What the heck is the deal with Rowena and Ketch? Ew. Ew. Ew. Ew. Ew.
2. As usual, Rowena’s look is fabulous and the Hair and Makeup team do a wonderful job.
3. I don’t know what the deal is with Belphegor, but I don’t trust him.
4. Cas and Dean’s conversation is EVERYTHING. Cas’ conviction that they did the right thing is a wonderful thing to witness because we’ve often seen him as the one confused by the actions of another.
5. Yo, that promo had me in the feels. I don’t want Rowena to be gone and that snippet of her and Sam crying GOT ME.
Those are my thoughts for “Raising Hell.” Again, forgive me for the disjointed nature of them. As always I’m thrilled to engage in the comments below or on the internet.
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