This episode, penned by Robbie Thompson, begins in County Cork, Ireland.
A man and a woman are with their daughter, who’s in a crib, when a high pitched scream disrupts their dancing. A banshee enters and kills the parents, leaving the baby crying in the crib.
Back in the bunker, Sam has nightmares about his time with Lucifer in the cage. Dean comes in and finds Sam awake in the middle of the night. He found them a case close to home. Apparently Sam has not left the bunker in days. Sam notes that they should be worried about Amara and Castiel. Dean says they have nothing on Amara and that Cas will be fine.
Back in the bunker, Sam has nightmares about his time with Lucifer in the cage. Dean comes in and finds Sam awake in the middle of the night. He found them a case close to home. Apparently Sam has not left the bunker in days. Sam notes that they should be worried about Amara and Castiel. Dean says they have nothing on Amara and that Cas will be fine.
We switch to Casifer or Lustiel in a park, feeding the ducks. A man in a gray suit comes close and Casifer leads the man into the woods. We see that the man is an angel with a blade. The angel knows Castiel is Lucifer. Lucifer talks about missing things when he was in the cage and assures the angel he can beat the darkness. Of course, we know how this scene ends. Not good for Robert Mitchum angel.
Sam and Dean go to Oak Park for the case. It’s a home for the elderly. A man named Harold was killed and they can’t figure out what happened. Mildred, played by the fantastic Dee Wallace, enters and she checks out Dean. Dean interrogates the manager and we find out Harold had enemies. Sam investigates the crime scene and finds that Harold was stealing Viagra. Harold was accused of stealing someone’s pension checks and they go to the man’s body to burn it. Dean reflects on Sam’s seeming pessimism and they discuss Sam’s experience with Lucifer in the cage. Back at the home, the manager hears a high pitched scream and we see the banshee reappear. The manager jumps through the window and Mildred sees the banshee kill him.
Sam and Dean question Mildred. She explains that she saw something. She holds Dean’s a hand a bit too long. Sam notices a maid and questions her. Sam notices that she is hearing impaired and she corrects his sign language use. Later, Dean explains that they are dealing with a bad banshee. Dean heads back to the bunker to get a gold blade and Sam stays to find out who is vulnerable to the banshee. The maid watches from the second story window as Dean drives away. When Dean gets back to the bunker, he notices a noise, pulls his gun, and runs down the bunker hallway and finds “Castiel” searching the bunkers. Casifer pretends to be Cas. Dean reveals that he missed killing Amara twice, a fact which Casifer is very curious about.
Sam goes back to talk to Mildred. He reveals that they are not FBI but hunters and they won’t let her get hurt. Sam asks about Marlene, the maid. He figures out that she is not really Marlene. He follows the maid around and she figures it out and a struggle ensues. She confronts him and thinks that he’s the banshee at first and we see that the maid is the baby. She was raised by a hunter named Lillian. She became a hunter and she’s a legacy.
Back at the bunker, Dean admits he is attracted or connected to Amara. Casifer plays concern well and says they may be able to use the attraction to their advantage. Sam calls Dean to research Eileen's (the maid) story and they find out it’s true. Dean asks Casifer not to tell Sam about his failures to kill Amara. Cas promises Dean won’t be alone the next time he faces Amara. Dean leaves and returns to the nursing home.
Back at the home, Eileen and Sam are talking about what she will do after she gets her revenge on the banshee. She thinks she might want to be a lawyer like her mother. Sam tells her that he was studying law before Dean came to get him to get their own revenge. She’s surprised they’ve been hunting ever since and Sam says he wouldn’t do it without his brother, who has been with him every step of the way, even when he’s disappointed Dean. At that point, Dean arrives with the gold blades to kill the banshee. Mildred greets Dean and takes him aside. They watch a sunset together and she tells him about her life and tells him to follow his heart. Dean hears the high scream and collapses as Sam rushes to his side. They turn and the banshee is hovering over them all.
The banshee throws Eileen and Sam across the room as Dean pounds his head into the wall. Mildred cuts her hand and traps the banshee between the symbols on the wall. Eileen kills the banshee. After, Sam and Eileen talk and Eileen decides to keep hunting since the banshee kill can’t bring her parents back. Sam tells her to keep in contact. Mildred sees Dean out and says he’s pining for someone, she can tell. The women watch as the boys drive away and sign back and forth about the Winchesters’ beauty.
Back at the bunker, Sam and Dean talk and Sam tells Dean about what Lucifer showed him. Sam apologizes for not looking for Dean when he was in purgatory. Dean says he forgives Sam and it only matters that they are together now. Sam says good night but does stop to wonder why the banshee went after Dean. The episode ends with Sam putting the retirement home pamphlet in a box of pictures of him and Dean while Dean is in his room and we see that he can’t sleep.
Another great outing by Robbie Thompson!
N.B.: I write this spec as the episode airs so if I miss things please forgive me and my hurry.
Questions, Specs, Feelings
1. What do you think about Dean wanting to hide the Amara attraction from Sam? Why hide this?
2. What is Casifer/Lustiel up to by searching the bunker?
3. What do you think of the introduced characters of Eileen and Mildred, especially Eileen and her connection to the bunker and Men of Letters?
4. Why was Dean vulnerable?
5. What did you think about Sam’s speech to Dean at the end?
Leave your thoughts, feelings, etc. below!
Sam and Dean go to Oak Park for the case. It’s a home for the elderly. A man named Harold was killed and they can’t figure out what happened. Mildred, played by the fantastic Dee Wallace, enters and she checks out Dean. Dean interrogates the manager and we find out Harold had enemies. Sam investigates the crime scene and finds that Harold was stealing Viagra. Harold was accused of stealing someone’s pension checks and they go to the man’s body to burn it. Dean reflects on Sam’s seeming pessimism and they discuss Sam’s experience with Lucifer in the cage. Back at the home, the manager hears a high pitched scream and we see the banshee reappear. The manager jumps through the window and Mildred sees the banshee kill him.
Sam and Dean question Mildred. She explains that she saw something. She holds Dean’s a hand a bit too long. Sam notices a maid and questions her. Sam notices that she is hearing impaired and she corrects his sign language use. Later, Dean explains that they are dealing with a bad banshee. Dean heads back to the bunker to get a gold blade and Sam stays to find out who is vulnerable to the banshee. The maid watches from the second story window as Dean drives away. When Dean gets back to the bunker, he notices a noise, pulls his gun, and runs down the bunker hallway and finds “Castiel” searching the bunkers. Casifer pretends to be Cas. Dean reveals that he missed killing Amara twice, a fact which Casifer is very curious about.
Sam goes back to talk to Mildred. He reveals that they are not FBI but hunters and they won’t let her get hurt. Sam asks about Marlene, the maid. He figures out that she is not really Marlene. He follows the maid around and she figures it out and a struggle ensues. She confronts him and thinks that he’s the banshee at first and we see that the maid is the baby. She was raised by a hunter named Lillian. She became a hunter and she’s a legacy.
Back at the bunker, Dean admits he is attracted or connected to Amara. Casifer plays concern well and says they may be able to use the attraction to their advantage. Sam calls Dean to research Eileen's (the maid) story and they find out it’s true. Dean asks Casifer not to tell Sam about his failures to kill Amara. Cas promises Dean won’t be alone the next time he faces Amara. Dean leaves and returns to the nursing home.
Back at the home, Eileen and Sam are talking about what she will do after she gets her revenge on the banshee. She thinks she might want to be a lawyer like her mother. Sam tells her that he was studying law before Dean came to get him to get their own revenge. She’s surprised they’ve been hunting ever since and Sam says he wouldn’t do it without his brother, who has been with him every step of the way, even when he’s disappointed Dean. At that point, Dean arrives with the gold blades to kill the banshee. Mildred greets Dean and takes him aside. They watch a sunset together and she tells him about her life and tells him to follow his heart. Dean hears the high scream and collapses as Sam rushes to his side. They turn and the banshee is hovering over them all.
The banshee throws Eileen and Sam across the room as Dean pounds his head into the wall. Mildred cuts her hand and traps the banshee between the symbols on the wall. Eileen kills the banshee. After, Sam and Eileen talk and Eileen decides to keep hunting since the banshee kill can’t bring her parents back. Sam tells her to keep in contact. Mildred sees Dean out and says he’s pining for someone, she can tell. The women watch as the boys drive away and sign back and forth about the Winchesters’ beauty.
Back at the bunker, Sam and Dean talk and Sam tells Dean about what Lucifer showed him. Sam apologizes for not looking for Dean when he was in purgatory. Dean says he forgives Sam and it only matters that they are together now. Sam says good night but does stop to wonder why the banshee went after Dean. The episode ends with Sam putting the retirement home pamphlet in a box of pictures of him and Dean while Dean is in his room and we see that he can’t sleep.
Another great outing by Robbie Thompson!
N.B.: I write this spec as the episode airs so if I miss things please forgive me and my hurry.
Questions, Specs, Feelings
1. What do you think about Dean wanting to hide the Amara attraction from Sam? Why hide this?
2. What is Casifer/Lustiel up to by searching the bunker?
3. What do you think of the introduced characters of Eileen and Mildred, especially Eileen and her connection to the bunker and Men of Letters?
4. Why was Dean vulnerable?
5. What did you think about Sam’s speech to Dean at the end?
Leave your thoughts, feelings, etc. below!
Comments
1. I guess Dean feels vulnerable and stupid and doesn't want to look weak in front of Sam? Maybe he feels a little like maybe he thought Sam felt with Ruby and he knows it's hypocritical?
2. I think he was looking for ways to stay topside after the Amara business is over.
3. OMG, I loved Eileen and Mildred! SAM MADE A FRIEND!! Mildred was so funny and I would rather watch the two of them then Claire and whoever any day of the week.
4. See question 1.
5. I think it was a gross simplification of what happened in season 8, but I was glad that Dean said he had forgiven Sam because Sam needed to hear it. I wish, wish, wish that Dean had admitted some culpability for the guilt Sam felt, and I wish, wish, wish that Dean had told Sam the truth of what's going on. I'm really not looking forward to Dean following his heart to Amara. That storyline sounds just sickening.
All in all, a really good episode. I was involved and interested through the whole thing and I loved that they had a great female hunter who didn't die and maybe will come back and WAS SAM"S FRIEND! My only issue was that Dean is still lying and that scene with him and Casifer was creepy and yuck. It was probably supposed to be, but yuck.
Good, cuz that's my favorite name for that combo too.
It works on multitudes of levels.
I also loved Dee Wallace and the character she played. She had a nice dynamic with Dean, and it was fun watching her put the moves on him. What could have been cheesy and silly came off as sweet IMO. The MOTW itself was quite interesting, and in many ways this ep seemed like yet another throwback to the earlier seasons when the MOTW eps were not mere filler, but were excellent eps in their own right.
It was also another wonderful example of how the brothers' relationship is back on its old footing: teasing, caring, supportive of each other, and wonderful in every way except for the secret Dean is foolishly, and inexplicably, keeping. I cannot fathom any reason why he is willing to share his fears about the Amara connection with Cas but not with Sam. That scene also seemed unrealistic, in that Dean practically tripped over himself confiding in Cas. And the weird excessive touching by Casifer seemed off for Luci.I'm assuming that Dean had to let Cas know about the connection so that Lucifer can be plotting some way to take advantage of this connection as a means of defeating Amara. It does seem to be the case that Luci truly wants to defeat Amara, there is no reason why he would lie about that to that other angel.
Which brings me to one of my gripes with the ep: I'm still not wild about Casifer. Misha toned it down this ep so it was not cringe worthy, and at times it worked for me. But whenever he tries to mimic MP's facial expressions he just looks silly and cartoonish IMO. I also didn't like the fact that disposable angel #5 actually was going to take Lucifer on- he should have been crapping his pants in terror and running the other way, or at the very least calling for reinforcements. Remember when Lucifer struck fear and dread in the hearts of even powerful angels? I guess this angel found Casifer as unimposing as I do! As an aside, I'm assuming that Luci still has the power of flight? Since he was in hell when Metatron's spell was cast, presumably he was unaffected. He had already fallen centuries earlier, yet still retained the power of flight after Sam raised him, so I would think he still possesses it now.
My final gripe is the whole Sam “not looking” issue. With the simple addition of one or two lines of dialogue I would finally have been able to let it go, but RT didn't do that. He has been quoted as saying that he'd wanted to explain in S8 what happened with the effing dog; well, if this is his idea of clarifying the issue it sucks. I have no problem with Sam's guilt about the whole thing, since that is the Winchester way. But if only he had said something to explain BRIEFLY that he hadn't looked because he had “imploded” (as he said to Amelia), that all of the pain and loss of that year just wrecked him. Better yet, I was hoping Dean would acknowledge something like that when he told Sam that he had forgiven him. But for some reason it seems to be very important to TPTB to not cast Sam's OOC action in S8 in too sympathetic a light. I will simply never understand that.
But aside from that, in this ep RT amazingly continued the streak of making up for all of the sidelining of Sam the past two seasons by giving him a rich storyline, and some terrific POV. I loved that last scene of Sam putting the brochure of the retirement home in the box with his special mementos, yet more proof that he is maintaining his faith in the brothers' ability to defeat the D and live to a ripe old age. RT gave us some terrific interactions between the brothers, and it seems like the show is finally going to ramp up the story of Dean's connection with Amara. Unfortunately, that might come to a screeching halt next week with the Claire ep. When she announced in the preview that she has been hunting, I actually groaned. I would much rather see the MOL hunter from this ep back than revisit Claire. The only thing I wondered about her reappearance is if Cas's lack of interest in accompanying the boys when Claire calls sets off louder alarm bells about him.
I don't know what they put in the water at the writers' offices, but they keep coming up with one good/great ep after another, and I'm loving it. I really think it's the best first half of a season since S5.
A photo shopped picture of Jensen and Jared as Sam and Dean, lol, and the "Samulet" from Fan Fiction. Awesome!
2. there are only 2 Lucifers Mark P and Jared Padalecki
3. i'll be back for episode 13
Quote:I was very happy to see the addition of the new MOl hunter. When Sam said he had faith in his family and friends, it made me think that there was practically no family or friends left! All the family, except for Dean is dead. All the old friends including their Dad's network of friends are dead, Bobby and his connection of friends are dead. Any friends the boys have made are dead except for Cole. We have Cas, an angel (albeit currently possessed), Jodi who is preoccupied with being a teen den mom, and the other happy sheriff. So yes, very glad to see a competent hunter friend.
Quote:Well of course she is hunting and she is already an expert. Claire is my all time most disliked character on this show.
Just for you SamandDean You didn't mention Sam's beautiful flowing hair over the burning of the bones grave site mmmmmmm
Quote:Don’t know, but I can’t wait to find out. I love a scheming Lucifer.
Quote:Really liked them both – funny, smart and capable. Mildred’s flirtations with Dean were priceless, so kudos to JA and Dee Wallace. And yay, both survived through the end credits. Nice to see Sam make a friend, too.
Quote:Because Amara got to him and he can’t figure out how or why? Although I will admit when I first saw stills from this episode that showed Dean’s eyes bleeding, I flashed back to Season One’s Bloody Mary and wondered if we were finally going to get an answer to why Dean’s eyes bled there. Maybe not, but guilt and vulnerability can be opposing sides of the same coin. Hmmm….
Quote:
I choose to interpret this as an apology by proxy to the fans from the writers – so thank you Robbie Thompson. Sam not looking for Dean will always be one of SPN’s biggest WTF storylines; it fit neither the character nor the story that preceded it. I get annoyed just thinking about it, especially since there were so many better and more in-character ways the same end result could have been achieved. In and of itself, there was a lovely emotional maturity to the scene, something we’re seeing a lot of this season and I’m liking it.
It should be interesting how Casifer acts with Claire. Or if she picks up on anything. Then again he does have an all access pass into Cas's memories...
Poor Dean is so spun when it comes to Amara he doesn't know what he's feeling.
Do you think the first blade will be a factor? Cas is the only who know where it is...
If ever they were going to introduce the SOD, this would be the time. ;) I expect if it comes into play we won't see it till around Episode 18 or so...
Reading on other sites where Dean is in love with Amara. I don't buy that. Lust, curiosity, infatuation, confusion, connection - yes. Love, no.
I think Dean is ashamed, scared and feeling weak and he's afraid to talk to Sam about it for the usual reason.....he doesn't want sam to think of dean as being weak or incapable. Dean is the big brother after all. It's been the same excuse for both of them forever now...each worrying how the other will see them. On the bright side, Sam is getting past this fear as he is opening up to his brother. I think Dean will too, it just usually takes him longer to do so.
2. What is Casifer/Lustiel up to by searching the bunker? I'm still not sure Luci wants to even stop the darkness. He could've been up to anything in the bunker, but I do know it wasn't anything good. Not for anyone.
3. What do you think of the introduced characters of Eileen and Mildred, especially Eileen and her connection to the bunker and Men of Letters?
They were a joy to watch. It's nice to know that there are other legacies out there....could be helpful to the boys in the future.
4. Why was Dean vulnerable?
I think Dean is now vulnerable because he spilled the truth about his amara thing to luci and now luci will use it against him. He's vulnerable to luci even more than he's vulnerable to amara...amara he can avoid, luci is in cas and dean has no clue.
5. What did you think about Sam’s speech to Dean at the end?
I think Robbie Thompson has continued to use the double meaning method of writing in which the story can be interpreted in two ways, depending how you choose to view it.
Sam: "I should've looked for you . When you were in purgatory, I should've turned over every stone, but I didn't ...I stopped."
so we have option A. one can look at it like this. " I should've turned every stone but, I didn't, I stopped...Does that mean Sam in fact did try? Those first months when Sam said the just got in the car and drove, did he make the attempt to look but failed in that attempt? He stopped because he had no information, no clue, no help, nothing....did he convince himself that his brother had died because he couldn't face up to dean just being missing and sam not able to find him.
or....
Option B
I should've looked for you. ( as in I should've looked for a way to bring you back). When you were in purgatory, I should've turned over every stone. (meaning I should've looked for other ways besides demon deals to bring you back from the dead. I should've tried other methods, promise or not.) But I stopped. ( but instead I ran. I stopped hunting. I couldn't do it. I was weak and I failed you.) ( this is of course how Sam sees himself, not at all as I see Sam)
I think it's the latter, Option B.;) But no matter how you look at it, Sam has borne the burden of this guilt to this day....and even though it would've been nice for dean to admit that a promise was made, I think by telling Sam to let it go...he's long forgiven him...and all that matters is that they're together, was his way of letting Sam know that dean loves him and never has truly seen sam as a disappointment. So, I'll take it.
1. What do you think about Dean wanting to hide the Amara attraction from Sam? Why hide this?
As all comments say above I too believe its a sign (to Dean) of weakness, and Dean is still hesitant about what IT is, there was a mention in a comment above which I thought interesting. Could it also be because of Sam & Ruby and how down on Sam Dean was maybe Dean now is suddenly feeling like a hypercrite
2. What is Casifer/Lustiel up to by searching the bunker?
Could he be looking for the BOD and the codex I'm sure the Boys have it hidden there somewhere. I was thinking maybe the blade, but Cas knows where that is and its useless without the MOC
3. What do you think of the introduced characters of Eileen and Mildred, especially Eileen and her connection to the bunker and Men of Letters?
I hope and pray they take Eileen's story line across many episodes, as a new hunter a Women of Letters and a friend/Confidan t for Sam. I loved Mildred, I'm a Age Care Worker and I see many attractive older women who still Love Life/sex/fun and companionship I could totally relate. You go Mildred
4. Why was Dean vulnerable?
As said Dean now has aired his fear about Amara once it was released into the universe it becomes a vunerbility -- but there also could be something else Maybe connected to Death
5. What did you think about Sam’s speech to Dean at the end?
I will take it as a win. Although the way the scene was set up I feel they could have done more. I know the Boys arn't into epic story telling, but Jared handles dialogue well and I longer explanation would have been better. Something along the lines of Dean about purgatory and not looking for you When you disappeared that day the world stopped, my head was still in a million places after Lucifer / being soulless. haveing my mind scrambled -- and I just stopped I crumbled and didn't won't to face the hunters life any more. Everybody was dead & you my bother gone, so I ran until I couldn't run anymore. Sorry
Dean: I understand Sam and I forgive you --- Que ------ a nice BIG BRO HUG :o:o:o:o:o
The only other comment is that I'm not sure about Dean/Amara story direction. Is it a similar attraction to Sam & Ruby is there a lesson here for Dean. I was and am still hoping it doesn't turn overly romantic
Exactly and besides, if the brothers started with the long winded heartfelt apologies some fans are looking for, apologizing for all the crap that's happened, it would take up half the season.
Episode One: Mea Culpa. Episode Two: Mea Maxima Culpa. Episode Three: Seriously. Episode Four: We Both *ucked Up. Episode Five: How Is It Remotely Possible For Two People To So Consistently *uck up. Episode Six: On Second Thought, It's All Your Fault. Episode Seven: I Really Didn't Mean That. Episode Eight: Where's The Trickster When You Need Him...
:)
I love the fact that they are able to have a normal conversation, while both being normal at the same time - even though Dean has this Amara attraction, I still think this season is the most normal they've been at the same time in I can't even remember how long. Since after souless and before the wall came down in Sam's head?
As soon as Sam and Casifer cross paths, I think Sam will figure out that's not Cas. I never could fool you...
I agree with sugarhi, Dean is more vulnerable to luci now. Poor guy.
I'm not even gonna touch the looking/not looking, except to say writers please stop asking for me (I'm just speaking for myself) to forgive you for the year of the dog, because I won't. Please drop it now before you open mouth and insert foot in another lame attempt to clarify your previous clarification. I'm still pissed and will continue to be pissed for that shitty storyline. Enough said.
As others noted, glad that Sam made a friend. And she survived.
[edit] I wanted to add that I think Dean is vulnerable because of what Amara is doing to him. Mentally and possibly physically . I have no idea what or why.
A friend of mine suggested that maybe Amara is not the big bad. Maybe Luci is the big bad. Although Amara is no prize either. I don't know maybe she will save everyone from whatever catastrophe Luci sets in motion and they will all sing for she's a jolly good fellow followed by a group hug. It does disturb me that Dean is catatonic whenever Amara is around.
Personally, this is how I think it will go: Sam will do whatever it takes to set Dean right, because duh. Amara will wise up to what Sam is doing and try to kill him cause no one comes between her and Dean. Dean will wise up to the fact Amara wants to kill Sam, and gank her (using the SOD that AlyCat is so excited about). Cause no one comes between him and Sam.
Carver has said that the brothers will remain united for the first part of the second half. So I'm thinking we might be in for some ugly between the brothers before the season ends.
"Personally, this is how I think it will go: Sam will do whatever it takes to set Dean right, because duh. Amara will wise up to what Sam is doing and try to kill him cause no one comes between her and Dean. Dean will wise up to the fact Amara wants to kill Sam, and gank her (using the SOD that AlyCat is so excited about). Cause no one comes between him and Sam."
You are probably pretty spot on.
I loved loved this episode. It was fantastic from beginning to end. Great MOTW, brother caring from both brothers and fabulous guest stars.
This is the first time that the Amara/Dean connection has seemed to have some kind of impact emotionally on Dean. It's about time. Finally it looks like this is going somewhere. I understood why Dean hasn't confided in Sam yet. He still can't figure out why he can't get a handle on it. I also understood why he confided in Castiel. He needed a trusted friend to talk to. Yes that could have been Sam but I sometimes you need to talk to someone who is a little more distant than a loved one. I don't see this as being a future wedge issue but a future scenario for Sam to take the wheel when Dean can't handle it anymore.
I thought Misha did a much better job of portraying Lucifer in this episode. What was he looking for in the Bunker? Honestly I almost expected Dean to pull out the SOD instead of the gold blade. (Thanks Alycat! Now that is in my head). Casifer/Lustiel trying to mimic Cas by touching Dean was kind of funny (Dean seemed to think it was odd too). Lucifer trying to pretend he cares. I thought Misha did a great job as Lucifer trying to pretend he was Cas. I don't think it will take long before they figure it out.
I know that RT wants to clear up the whole not looking mess and this is probably as close as the producers want to go with it. It just seemed to me that the point was that Dean doesn't hold a grudge against Sam and hasn't for 3 years. I don't think it will ever be mentioned again. Poor Sam still feels horrible about it and I agree that Robbie's explanation leaves it up to the fans to interpret it however they want (I wonder how much more Robbie wanted to write about it but couldn't). I don't need to revisit the story ever again.
Sam's keepsake box! Why didn't we know about this? Did Dean give him the "Samulet"? I need to know what else is in there and what special meaning it has for Sam.
I give this episode an A. This season has just been fantastic.
Sisters of the Spear of Destiny! AlyCats Army! Who else is with me?!?!
Didi said it best.......word ! You nailed it girl.
Quote:Further, I am with samandean about Casifer. It was better here, but I am not getting one iota of menace or danger from him. Sorry Misha, jovial and dangerous is not your forte and currently, I am not convinced. And I think it's just a little TOO convenient that Dean is so willing to completely spill his guts to Cas and not to Sam. This lie he's keeping is just making him look like a fool and his reasons for keeping his secret are weak and dramatically flimsy at best. He's consorting with the enemy and doesn't even know it. Currently I am not liking either the Dean/Amara thing (which is going nowhere fast) nor the Dean can't man up thing. Ive seen a lot of people say that Dean is hiding the truth from Sam because of an overabundance of "big brother" syndrome. I don't like this idea for several reasons: Sam has grown up and has proven himself time and time again to be his brother's ally and equal, especially lately. He deserves better from Dean then to be treated like a 6 year old who needs help wiping his own nose. That MAY have been their relationship at one time, but that's far, far in the past and Dean's inability to recognize that fact is not only unflattering, but currently causing all kinds of problems. To have Dean fall back into this mode of thinking shows an irritating lack of character growth that to me doesn't make a whole lot of sense and doesn't seem particularly realistic to me. I wish the writers could come up with a better reason for Dean's silence: the fact that he's scared and/or that he somehow needs to put on some kind of front for Sam is unrealistic and quite unflattering IMO. It means that Dean's character has stagnated despite all that he's experienced and all the changes that have gone on in him, his brother and their relationship. It's weak and doesn't make a whole lot of sense IMO.
Or should we assume this one of those conversations between the brothers that conveniently took place off camera?
I just think it's strange that Sam wouldn't at least ask about it?
Death told him the MOC was actually a Lock and Key to Keep the Darkness locked away. My thought is --------------- -----
The darkness is locked away within the person who wears the mark or The Lock and Key. The darkness is evil / she is strong/powerful and maybe can't be killed. All the traits that the wearer of the MOC portrayed. This could be why when the MOC was lifted from Dean and the Darkness was released he was taken from the impala and then later found in a field by Sam
This to me would explain this unusual connection, attraction feeling of being drawn to Amara that Dean has and also why Amara feels they are bonded and their destiny is to be as one,
Because when we talk about The Darkness, we are talking about a time long before Cain or any human was alive. So, if Lucifer was bearing this mark (or curse, lets just say) and he passed it on to Cain, then it became infused with using the blade, somehow?? Oy. The whole time, Amara was still safely locked away, when it went from Lucifer to Cain, and eventually to Dean. So, transferring the MoC doesnt let Amara out, I get that. But thinking about the story of Cain and Abel, wasnt it God (not lucifer) that was a part of that whole deal and made Cain want to kill his brother...???
Im seriously lost, my head is swimming. I swear, I am soooooo on board with Meg with all this. I truly miss the Apocalypse. Things were so much simpler! People were good, people were evil...nothing fancy. I miss that.
So, truly, I dont believe Lucifer wants to start the apocalypse at all. I dont think he ever did. He just wants to do his thing and partake in his evil ways. He wants to make life hell for humans, that is what he wants. It was always Michael that wanted to fight, and therefore start the apocalypse. Just food for thought. :)
Lucifers just ducking around...
And Cain controlling his urge to kill did last centuries but he broke and again surccomed to the evil.
It is not important now because it was way back in S8 ? But I am still haunted by Cain's words to Dean. "With the mark comes a great responsibilty ........" then cut of by Dean. Do we feel this has been answered now.
On the Dean forgiveness, I wouldn't count on it lasting. We've been down this path before and he always seems to forget it and blasts Sam for ALL his past mistakes and non mistakes (soullessness) when he feels like it.
I also agree that Dean being the big brother is annoying. I'm a big sister and don't treat my younger sibling like he does Sam. Dean's biggest problem is he likes controlling Sam. Withholding information from Sam is a way of controlling their relationship. He's been doing it since the get go and I don't see that changing. I wanted to thump him on the head when didn't also apologize to Sam for the things he did to Sam.
The writers have a long way to go to give the brothers' a relationship that isn't based on Dean being in control and Sam being his underling. I'd be surprised if it ever happened.
Next episode looks awful. Much as I like Jody, I detest Claire in equal measure.
This story was seriously saved by the guest actors and their stories. Casifer was a side show,although Misha is doing way better than I expected with the character. MP played Luci over the top so MCs painful attempts to dial it down when with the boys is actually very good.
1. What do you think about Dean wanting to hide the Amara attraction from Sam? Why hide this? Typical, but understandable. Doesn't want his little brother to worry whilst he tries to figure it out.
2. What is Casifer/Lustiel up to by searching the bunker? I would guess what he said to Dean; a way to draw Amara out.
3. What do you think of the introduced characters of Eileen and Mildred, especially Eileen and her connection to the bunker and Men of Letters? Mildred was hilarious with her flirting. I was waiting for her to butt slap Dean at the end
4. Why was Dean vulnerable? He is vulnerable to Amara's influence.
5. What did you think about Sam’s speech to Dean at the end? I get the feeling that was added to please fans. It was nice though.
Also The Boy's thought the Banshee fed on the unhealthy vunerable, but I think it was more the "love" vunerable. Not sure about our Irish couple but there was a hint of maybe a marriage hicup, then we had the guy stealing money and viagra and the retirement village manager a marriage break up. Then Dean in love or not in love with Amara
Robbie Thompson tweeted this last night. I don't think it was scripted.
I was shocked that they actually went back and addressed the proverbial elephant in the room with Sam not looking for Dean after Season 7. So Sam has now apologized for not looking and did in fact look for him but gave up and has been beating himself up about it ever since (duh). Probably not satisfactory to many fans but I think it's the best you're gonna get 3+ years later. Just wondering what the reasons are for this; did they other writers wear Jeremy down, did Jeremy finally realize how badly he f'd up, is it the fact that Bob Singer is not involved day to day now, or are they setting up something for the end of Season 11? There have been a couple of times recently where Sam has mentioned how, even though he's let his brother down, Dean has always had his back and been there for him. Are they setting this up so Dean let's Sam down this season? The fact that Dean is not being honest with Sam about his connection to Amara, and asked who he thought was Castiel not to tell Sam, leads me to believe that they might be headed in that direction.
1. What do you think about Dean wanting to hide the Amara attraction from Sam? Why hide this?
He would have to admit weakness to his little brother, the one he's looked after his whole life; Dean does not like admitting weakness.
2. What is Casifer/Lustiel up to by searching the bunker?
Not sure yet but I can't see Cassifer and Amara teaming up; Lucifer views Amara as an obstacle to his end game; curious to see what happens if and when there's a showdown.
3. What do you think of the introduced characters of Eileen and Mildred, especially Eileen and her connection to the bunker and Men of Letters?
Enjoyed both the character; they handled Eileen's introduction in a very logical, organic way; didn't feel "forced" at all. It made sense to the story. Mildred was a great addition as well. Wouldn't mind seeing both of them again down the road.
4. Why was Dean vulnerable?
His attraction/conn ection to Amara; Dean also doesn't like when he isn't in control.
5. What did you think about Sam’s speech to Dean at the end?
As some others have said above, it came across as an apology to the fans for Carver's biggest screw up. Maybe it was also telling eveyone that Dean has moved on from this and forgiven Sam, so it's time for Sam (and, by proxy, the fans) to move on as well. It wasn't perfect but it's the best you're gonna get at this point.
I really liked the music selections for this episode; a little different. Warren Zevon's Prison Grove was an appropriate choice
An icy wind burns and scars
Rushes in like a fallen star
Through the narrow space
Between these bars
Looking down on prison grove
Dug in, hunkered down
Hours race without a sound
Gonna carry me to where I'm bound
Looking down on prison grove
Iron will hard as rock
Hold me up for the fateful knock
When they walk me down in a mortal lock
Out on prison grove
Shine on all these broken lives
Shine on, shine the light on me
Knick knack paddy wack
They say, "You'll hear your own bones crack"
When they bend you back to bible black
Then you'll find your love
Some folks have to die too hard
Some folks have to cry too hard
Take one last look at the prison yard
Goodbye prison grove
Shine on all these broken lives
Shine on, shine the light on me
And it intrigues me that they may be setting Dean up for a major "big brother" fail. It might just shock him out of his self righteousness to find himself picking Amara over Sam if push comes to shove. I'd like to see that shoe on the other foot after all the crap Sam has taken about Ruby and Amelia and every God forsaken thing over the years. Color me there.
The whole viagra thing was hysterical. These intermittent nods to their age is awesome. They aren't 20-somethings anymore. They are handsome, sexy men. They should collide with attraction from women quite often. So, yay Mildred. I don't want this show to be about romance, but I don't want it to be sex-less either. Hallelujah that Dean is no longer eyeing college girls.
I like the job that Misha is doing as Lucifer. I don't mind that he's Mark Pellegrino's Lucifer-like. The personality inhabits the meat suit, so I think it follows that he should be like that.
They are so NOT welcome into the SOD commune! Fools.
Because these brothers would hide anything they could from each other. I wish it would stop, but it just seems to be the nature of their relationship, sadly. If there is a secret to keep, they usually do. I am sure that deep down, he is afraid of what Sam will say. That he will getting a talking to about how much trouble he could be in with Amara and how he shouldnt be out hunting and what not. Plus, it is always Deans nature to protect Sam. And he knows Sam feels guilty about freeing the Darkness, so anything to do with that which could be potentially harming Dean is something Dean would not want Sam to know or be burdened with. Dean has always had an immense strength-of-wil l. He will try to hide this and fix the problem himself for as long as he can. He probably sees the attraction as some form of weakness or hold she has on him and Dean has this strict moral code about never showing any weakness in front of Sam. He has got to be Sams protector, so that means he doesnt get the luxury of ever being weak. I may not agree with this, but I am writing what I believe Dean is thinking...if that makes sense.
2. What is Casifer/Lustiel up to by searching the bunker?
It stands to reason that it has something to do with Amara, but honestly, I dont know. Whatever it is, I find it interesting that he didnt seize the opportunity to just kill Dean - the one true vessel to his arch nemesis, Michael. I dont care if Michael really is a pile of mush in the cage, logically, there is almost no reason I can think of why Lucifer would not want Dean dead. So, keeping him alive and pretending to be Cas must really be part of some master plan he has. I wonder why he truly is *hiding out* in Castiel. To be honest, I was not expecting that. There are no archangels left to fight him, God is apparently still gone. If he is trying to draw Amara out, then the best way would be to make his presence known.... Maybe he is waiting until he gets more prepared to fight her? I dont know. Still, very little reason to not kill Dean (other than he is the main star of the show and we need him to not die that often, lol).
3. What do you think of the introduced characters of Eileen and Mildred, especially Eileen and her connection to the bunker and Men of Letters?
I think they were great. It is nice to see more Men of Letters connections in general. It would be nice to see either of them or both of them one day.
4. Why was Dean vulnerable?
The way I see it, Dean is feeling compromised. Amara, this massive enemy, has some kind of hold over him that he cannot explain. And he cannot ever be sure when she is influencing him. So, he feels compromised and therefore, very vulnerable. Makes sense to me.
5. What did you think about Sam’s speech to Dean at the end?
I think it helped bring some more closure to the whole situation, but yeah, it would have been nice if Dean offered up some apologies as well.
Also in the promo, Sam pointing a gun at Cassifer...
Sam: "Dean! Have you seen the can opener?"
Dean: "Nope, not a clue."
Sam: *later that day* "Where's my favorite flannel shirt?"
Dean: "What am I, you're personal assistant?"
Sam: *Getting geared up for a hunt* "My FBI badge?"
Dean: *Shifty eyes*
This sentence was one of the things that broke my heart ...seeing my favourite character lying to himself..I just hope that this lie does not become Sam's downfall.
The other one was the apology...He apologized for something which was not even wrong.
IMO he's not much of a brother.
Like others have said. Dean doesn't like to admit weakness nor vulnerability. But I think he will come around. Fingers crossed. At least I think Jensen said that in a con that he will need to take shotgun position later on.
2. What is Casifer/Lustiel up to by searching the bunker?
Don't know yet. What ever it is it is nothing good. For me Lucy inside Cas has been really creepy. I mean he is Sam & Dean's trusted friend and they have no idea that one of the baddest beings is in him and Cas is gone. Misha is doing good job or maybe I just find the situation creepy and scary.
3. What do you think of the introduced characters of Eileen and Mildred, especially Eileen and her connection to the bunker and Men of Letters?
Loved it. Also the sign language was great and that she was deaf. It was well done in this episode and I really liked the character anyways. Love the new lore and the new monster. She was scary. Mildred was sweet and the honor belongs to the actress. She was great.
4. Why was Dean vulnerable?
Because of Amara or Death. Or maybe Dean has some real illness that has nothing to do with either of them.
5. What did you think about Sam’s speech to Dean at the end?
I think it was to clear the air. Sam wanted to say it on his behalf and Dean said that all is okay and they have already moved forward. Which I think is good to acknowledge.
Sorry E. I just noticed that my post essentially repeats much of what you said in one of your earlier posts. I guess we're completely on the same page!
I think this episode just told us what happens when Dean hides the attraction he has for Amara - it makes him vulnerable to Amara, it makes them all vulnerable to the DARKNESS which will lead to their demise. Big Brother Dean never wants to appear weak or vulnerable to Sam -like parent/ child. Dean is also embarrassed by his attraction and needs to understand it or get a handle on it before he shares it with Sam. Dean does not have this luxury, he is running out of time. It cannot go on too much longer and YES, Sam does have a heads up from Crowley that Dean could not kill his girlfriend. One more clue and Sam has to get it.
2. What is Casifer/Lustiel up to by searching the bunker?
I honestly do not know. No clue as to Lucifer's end game. If anyone knows all the deep dark secrets of the MOC, Lock and Key and Amara/ Darkness it is Lucifer. Maybe searching for whatever is there that can kill him. The First Blade? Amara is the original Mark as she said and she can ice the devil with the First Blade.
3. What do you think of the introduced characters of Eileen and Mildred, especially Eileen and her connection to the bunker and Men of Letters?
Mildred was harmless sweet, but I do not need to see her again. Eileen was cool because Sam/ the Winchesters need a friend and ally. Despite having faith in friends and family this currently seems to be a very small exclusive group; everyone is dead.
4. Why was Dean vulnerable?
Amara. Jen actually pieced it together- Dean is love attracted to Amara.
5. What did you think about Sam’s speech to Dean at the end?
I think it was not necessary from the standpoint of the characters. It was a way to wrap up a loose end for fans. Dean and Sam are good with it so I think the writers hope fans will be too.
Jensen recently said that, per Carver, Amara is Dean's kryptonite. How does that translate to a love connection? Is he connected to her, sure. Is he curious, sure. Interested, confused? Sure. But, love? He is practically comatose whenever she's around. How does this translate into love? I just don't see it.
I can't picture Dean and Amara setting up house together. Dean and God as brothers in law. What? Personally, I can't wait for this storyline wrap up. I'm exhausted and there's still half a season to go.
We've got two big bads this season - the darkness and Luci. One is after Dean and the other is after Sam. And we still don't know what the consequence of killing death is - whatever it is, I'm certain it will be ugly.
And then there's Cas and the whole Casifer debacle...
I really hope the brothers are going to stay united, but I fear they won't. Amara wants Dean as a soulmate, and Sam wants Amara ganked. Cue more brother secrets and lies.
These are just nerves talking. I'm sure that everything will be fine.
Also too many big bads for me this season. The devil and the darkness both walking the earth at the same time? Seriously, WTF? Lets resurrect Eve and Dick Roman while we're at it. The Winchesters can handle it. After all they are the WINchesters.
2. I imagine Castiel/Lucifer is searching for anything and everything usable.
As a supposedly scary big bad, I’m really not feeling the Castiel/Lucifer vibe. This is the least scary version of Lucifer yet. (A single angel goes after him in the park. It doesn’t exactly say much about the might of archangels when stunt angel number 879 thinks he can take one out on his own.)
3. They were enjoyable characters. Mildred was a delight, and it was nice to show an older women being presented in a positive light. Eileen was also enjoyable but the parallels with Sam were a bit too heavy handed. I wouldn't mind seeing either of them again in the future. However, Eileen is a friend of Sam’s so she’s probably earmarked for death in order to get Sam to toe some line or teach him some lesson in the future.
The friendship with Eileen could also signal that things won’t end well for Sam. He’s in a good place at the moment, possibly the best he’s been in a long time. He’s confiding, and not just in Dean. He’s possibly considering a future where maybe he doesn't have to ‘die bloody’, Dean’s preferred way of Sam and Dean going out. He’s clearing his conscience and his soul, and he is pushing himself and Dean back to being real hunters where the focus is saving and not just killing. Sam is a beacon of light and hope this season. He’s the reminder of what is heroic about hurting and hunters. So, Sam is due a fall.
There was a lot of foreshadowing in this episode about Sam and the Cage, from the image of him lying in bed with the shadows on his face, to Dean’s comment about Sam 'not going back in the Cage, period'. A big deal has, rightly, been made about how it’s about saving other people, not just each other. It’s also being heavily alluded to that things are not better when Sam and Dean are together (couldn’t agree with that one more) because the people they are supposed to be helping and saving very often end up being offered up as some sort of sacrificial lamb so Sam and Dean can stay together. With all these things going right for Sam, and with the cleansing of his soul as it were, I think Sam is going back in the Cage or will sacrifice his life in some other major way. And this time his actions won’t be partially driven by guilt (the guilt at letting Dean down because Sam tried to save people’s lives or because he dared to find happiness when he believed Dean was dead......), or because he feels he’s the least of all of them. He’ll have nothing to ‘atone’ for by going back in the Cage etc, it will just be pure sacrifice to save others.
4. Dean is vulnerable because he has just told Lucifer about his attraction to the Darkness.
5. I hated it. Once again, another apology from Sam but absolutely no explanation as to why what happened, happened. What’s worse is that Dean didn’t even bother to ask him why, so now his extremely limited and negative interpretation of events, and of his brother, are what he will accept as fact i.e. Sam left me to die for a girl. No consideration that Sam thought he was dead, or that Sam broke down, no recollection of all the times Sam did save his life, all the times Sam did search and tore the world apart searching; those things aren’t important. Just, Sam wouldn’t save me, what a horrible, traitorous brother he is. (Or was. Sam is playing a blinder this season. He has done and said nothing that Dean can be even remotely critical of.) This then, of course, totally justifies Dean’s appalling treatment of Sam in the aftermath and how persistently he brings it up when it suits him.
And I have no doubt that it (the not looking) will be brought up again. It’s been bought up twice in quick succession so they’re reminding the viewers of it pretty heavily. They didn’t close off anything because there was still no explanation as to why. (And it really says a lot about fandom that, for many, things are considered tied up as soon as Sam apologies. Once he does that then fandom is sated so explanations are irrelevant.) The next time Dean needs to shut Sam down, it’ll be brought up again.
Add to that, it pushes the agenda that Sam must always be the one seeking forgiveness, while Dean must always be the one granting forgiveness. Way to nail home the ‘One is always right while the other is always wrong’ mentality.
But hey, in a Robbie Thompson episode, I’m just glad he didn’t have Sam crawl to Dean and, on bended knee, beg for forgiveness for 35 out of the 42 minutes.
MK, I agreed with most of your post, but that was my favorite part. You really put into words so beautifully the reason why I am loving this season so much.