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SPN 4.12 - Criss Angel . . .
My but it has been a trying time with iTunes. I'm still not completely happy with them at the moment, but they finally got their act together and got CAiaDB posted. (I'm still looking forward to the DVD, Kimmer, because my download of After School Special seems to be just a wee bit out of phase.)
Then: Oh, it's all Sammy stuff. The Sammygirls should be happy with this ep.
Now: The color scheme on this opening shot is kind of interesting. Everything seems to be muted blues and dark colors except the magician's jacket and the Magic Week signs. They're in Iowa, too. Just to give a general locale.
In the bar . . . oh! That's Barry Bostwick. Now, most people know him from Rocky Horror Picture Show, but I know him from a miniseries that aired when I was in high school. He played George Washington in a miniseries called, appropriately enough, George Washington. In fact, when I saw RHPS for the first time in college, I was rather impressed that he was in it. And of course he played the mayor in Spin City, but I never watched that. Judging by the man's IMDB entry, he is always working. (I know a lot of people were waiting for a RHPS joke, but I think they were wise to steer clear of that, for a couple of reasons. Anyway . . . )
Vance the jerk looks familiar, as does his assistant. And given his assistant's interaction with Vance, I wouldn't have been at all surprised if she'd been the one to off him.
Vernon looks really familiar, and Charlie kind of reminds me a little bit of John Mahoney. But that's probably just me.
And oh, Jay, feeling sad and outdated and wanting to kill himself. :-(
Yep, I still like the opening logo. It reminds me of the simplicity of the S1 logo, which I really liked.
Okay, now, Geo and I have been known to watch Criss Angel's Mind Freak marathons from time to time. I have no idea how much of his persona is just that--persona--and how much is real. He's not as bad as this guy is, and he's a good illusionist (and I always feel for his family when Criss decides to do the life-endangering stunts), but I gotta say, this is a pretty good facsimile. For what it's worth.
And is that ace of diamonds black?
Of course Sam went through a magician phase. Bwah!
And I am so with Dean on the playing with things you don't understand. And in this context, Dean especially has the right to be offended, because he has spent up close and personal time with demons, and he's still dealing with the trauma. *hugs Dean, even though he's probably not in the mood*
Okay, I really like Vance's assistant. Can she maybe come back in another episode? I have the feeling that she was actually the one who held Vance's show together.
Also, her grey eyes are very pretty. Striking.
Also, Dean's expression when she keeps pulling out the scarves. Bwah! Oh, Dean. You make me laugh.
Jay and Charlie . . . Sam and Dean. Yep. But which is allegorically which? Does it matter?
You know, this ep hit at a really interesting time for me (as did Dean's 30th b-day). I was born before man walked on the moon, but after the riots at the Democratic convention in Chicago. So all this talk about glory days and making a difference and dying before you grow old . . . yeah . . . makes for an interesting perspective on the show from my POV.
Oh, and a shout-out to the real Criss Angel. Heh.
Um, Dean? Honey? Don't you think the old guys gave up this "Chief" pretty quickly? Doesn't that make you at all suspicious? Okay, maybe it's just me.
Okay, so he has to go down into a dank basement with skeletons painted on the walls to see this Chief. And with the pounding and the coming up out of the floor . . . oh, this can't be good.
Now, I know that a lot of people got a kick out of this particular scene, and admittedly, it is rather funny, but I couldn't help but will Dean not to have flashbacks. Because I have a feeling that a similar situation--big, shadowy figure rising up from the depths, wielding an instrument of torture, coming for Dean--was not uncommon during Dean's time in the Pit. So the funny, it was not completely there in my corner of the couch. Dean, honey. Deep breath. Yes, there's been a mistake.
"What's your safe word?" Well, if CSI can do it, so can SPN. (That's two eps in a row where SPN has reminded me of CSI. Bzuh?)
Still, the way Jensen plays the scene is, indeed, highly amusing. So in spite of my misgivings, I did indeed snerk.
Sammy. Sammy, Sammy, Sammy. You would have made a very hot lawyer.
This whole exchange between Sam and Ruby? It's the first time I actually felt like Ruby was Ruby. Okay, no, not in the actress's portrayal, because she still annoys me and I still miss Kate Cassidy. But I felt like Ruby was starting to show her true colors. It didn't feel to me like she really cared that the angels were "losing this war," and it didn't really feel like she cared that "oceans of people" are going to die. Her primary goal was to get Sam to admit that he likes the feeling of exorcizing demons (or whatever . . . there's been speculation that it's something else). Her primary goal was to get Sam to go dark side. And for a moment, I honestly thought that Sam was going to exorcise her.
And this goes back to what I said way back at the beginning of the season. The powers are going to be like a drug for Sam, and Ruby is the pusher. Yep, I totally see where this is going.
(Now, a lot of Buffy viewers are complaining that this storyline has been done before. But I didn't watch Buffy, so that doesn't really matter to me.)
Sam, do not trust Ruby. She has an ulterior motive and her own agenda. Even if you don't trust Uriel, trust Castiel. He doesn't want you using your powers, either. And neither does Dean. So just say no.
It's okay, Dean. You can borrow my brillo pad to scrub your brain. You'll have to get your own spork, though.
Um, Dean? Did you not just hear the guy say not to con a con man? You're more convincing as a Fed than an aspiring magician. And that's saying something. Love the eyeroll, though.
Oh, creepy snake-like rope with a mind of its own. That's . . . kinda creepy.
Dean's doing the bookwork! Yay!
"I hope I die before I get old." I hear what you're saying Dean, and if you dig into the underlying meaning, yeah. Old is a state of mind. There's something to be said for experience. And you, sir, are older than a lot of your peers. As is Sam. So, yeah. Don't let yourself get "old." However, I do want to see you live a long life. So, chronologically old, yes. Attitudinally, no.
Anyway . . .
You know, Sam? The thing about Bobby. That's exactly what I tried to tell Dean when Rufus was all "I'm what you've got to look forward to." My immediate thought was, "Nuh-uh. There's Bobby."
"Now there's a poster child for growing old gracefully." Oh. So you don't want to be totally awesome when you get to reach Bobby's age. Because you said yourself that he is. And he's saved your pretty, pretty hide more than once, if I recall.
Oh, Dean.
Oh, Sam. Yes, there is something you're not telling Dean. And you're not telling us, either, and it's a little bit annoying. *frown*
"Evil bitches just keep pilin' out of the Volkswagon." This? Made Geo laugh.
Dean with his fatalism, and Sam with his really wanting something after. Oh, boys.
"He's a sixty year old." Dean, you obviously don't know my mother-in-law. Or have you not heard that sixty is the new forty?
Boys peeking around the corner. I do so love that visual. Hee!
Jay tied to the chair, and he slips the knots. Yes, boys, you should have seen that coming.
Um . . . guys? He never left the room. Wait! He never left the room. Guys? Where are you going?
Oh, boys. And you were doing so well staying off the law's radar. You're supposed to be dead, you know. Both of you. In an explosion, remember? Hm . . .
Magic is a whole lot like crack. See? That's what I said back at the beginning of the season. And yes, Sam, we're talkin' to you. Dean doesn't know he's talkin' to you, but you better be listening, dude.
"I'll be there in two shakes." Now there's an expression I haven't heard in forever.
Dual Winchester peril! And poor Dean, constantly getting strung up by various creatures. And Dean being throttled is becoming a more common occurrence. I'm not sure Dean is okay with that. Clearly Sam is not.
"You chose the strangers over me." There's so much there, I don't even know how to formulate my thoughts on that one.
Jay, in the bar, unable to shuffle the deck of cards. Quite possibly one of the saddest things on the show. Jay, hopeless and alone . . .
Then Sam gets into the car with Ruby and they drive off, and . . .
That's it?
End titles flash on the screen.
"I do not like where they left it," says I.
Geo chuckles at me.
A very unsatisfying ending, to my way of thinking.
Which is exactly what they were going for, I'm sure.
Then: Oh, it's all Sammy stuff. The Sammygirls should be happy with this ep.
Now: The color scheme on this opening shot is kind of interesting. Everything seems to be muted blues and dark colors except the magician's jacket and the Magic Week signs. They're in Iowa, too. Just to give a general locale.
In the bar . . . oh! That's Barry Bostwick. Now, most people know him from Rocky Horror Picture Show, but I know him from a miniseries that aired when I was in high school. He played George Washington in a miniseries called, appropriately enough, George Washington. In fact, when I saw RHPS for the first time in college, I was rather impressed that he was in it. And of course he played the mayor in Spin City, but I never watched that. Judging by the man's IMDB entry, he is always working. (I know a lot of people were waiting for a RHPS joke, but I think they were wise to steer clear of that, for a couple of reasons. Anyway . . . )
Vance the jerk looks familiar, as does his assistant. And given his assistant's interaction with Vance, I wouldn't have been at all surprised if she'd been the one to off him.
Vernon looks really familiar, and Charlie kind of reminds me a little bit of John Mahoney. But that's probably just me.
And oh, Jay, feeling sad and outdated and wanting to kill himself. :-(
Yep, I still like the opening logo. It reminds me of the simplicity of the S1 logo, which I really liked.
Okay, now, Geo and I have been known to watch Criss Angel's Mind Freak marathons from time to time. I have no idea how much of his persona is just that--persona--and how much is real. He's not as bad as this guy is, and he's a good illusionist (and I always feel for his family when Criss decides to do the life-endangering stunts), but I gotta say, this is a pretty good facsimile. For what it's worth.
And is that ace of diamonds black?
Of course Sam went through a magician phase. Bwah!
And I am so with Dean on the playing with things you don't understand. And in this context, Dean especially has the right to be offended, because he has spent up close and personal time with demons, and he's still dealing with the trauma. *hugs Dean, even though he's probably not in the mood*
Okay, I really like Vance's assistant. Can she maybe come back in another episode? I have the feeling that she was actually the one who held Vance's show together.
Also, her grey eyes are very pretty. Striking.
Also, Dean's expression when she keeps pulling out the scarves. Bwah! Oh, Dean. You make me laugh.
Jay and Charlie . . . Sam and Dean. Yep. But which is allegorically which? Does it matter?
You know, this ep hit at a really interesting time for me (as did Dean's 30th b-day). I was born before man walked on the moon, but after the riots at the Democratic convention in Chicago. So all this talk about glory days and making a difference and dying before you grow old . . . yeah . . . makes for an interesting perspective on the show from my POV.
Oh, and a shout-out to the real Criss Angel. Heh.
Um, Dean? Honey? Don't you think the old guys gave up this "Chief" pretty quickly? Doesn't that make you at all suspicious? Okay, maybe it's just me.
Okay, so he has to go down into a dank basement with skeletons painted on the walls to see this Chief. And with the pounding and the coming up out of the floor . . . oh, this can't be good.
Now, I know that a lot of people got a kick out of this particular scene, and admittedly, it is rather funny, but I couldn't help but will Dean not to have flashbacks. Because I have a feeling that a similar situation--big, shadowy figure rising up from the depths, wielding an instrument of torture, coming for Dean--was not uncommon during Dean's time in the Pit. So the funny, it was not completely there in my corner of the couch. Dean, honey. Deep breath. Yes, there's been a mistake.
"What's your safe word?" Well, if CSI can do it, so can SPN. (That's two eps in a row where SPN has reminded me of CSI. Bzuh?)
Still, the way Jensen plays the scene is, indeed, highly amusing. So in spite of my misgivings, I did indeed snerk.
Sammy. Sammy, Sammy, Sammy. You would have made a very hot lawyer.
This whole exchange between Sam and Ruby? It's the first time I actually felt like Ruby was Ruby. Okay, no, not in the actress's portrayal, because she still annoys me and I still miss Kate Cassidy. But I felt like Ruby was starting to show her true colors. It didn't feel to me like she really cared that the angels were "losing this war," and it didn't really feel like she cared that "oceans of people" are going to die. Her primary goal was to get Sam to admit that he likes the feeling of exorcizing demons (or whatever . . . there's been speculation that it's something else). Her primary goal was to get Sam to go dark side. And for a moment, I honestly thought that Sam was going to exorcise her.
And this goes back to what I said way back at the beginning of the season. The powers are going to be like a drug for Sam, and Ruby is the pusher. Yep, I totally see where this is going.
(Now, a lot of Buffy viewers are complaining that this storyline has been done before. But I didn't watch Buffy, so that doesn't really matter to me.)
Sam, do not trust Ruby. She has an ulterior motive and her own agenda. Even if you don't trust Uriel, trust Castiel. He doesn't want you using your powers, either. And neither does Dean. So just say no.
It's okay, Dean. You can borrow my brillo pad to scrub your brain. You'll have to get your own spork, though.
Um, Dean? Did you not just hear the guy say not to con a con man? You're more convincing as a Fed than an aspiring magician. And that's saying something. Love the eyeroll, though.
Oh, creepy snake-like rope with a mind of its own. That's . . . kinda creepy.
Dean's doing the bookwork! Yay!
"I hope I die before I get old." I hear what you're saying Dean, and if you dig into the underlying meaning, yeah. Old is a state of mind. There's something to be said for experience. And you, sir, are older than a lot of your peers. As is Sam. So, yeah. Don't let yourself get "old." However, I do want to see you live a long life. So, chronologically old, yes. Attitudinally, no.
Anyway . . .
You know, Sam? The thing about Bobby. That's exactly what I tried to tell Dean when Rufus was all "I'm what you've got to look forward to." My immediate thought was, "Nuh-uh. There's Bobby."
"Now there's a poster child for growing old gracefully." Oh. So you don't want to be totally awesome when you get to reach Bobby's age. Because you said yourself that he is. And he's saved your pretty, pretty hide more than once, if I recall.
Oh, Dean.
Oh, Sam. Yes, there is something you're not telling Dean. And you're not telling us, either, and it's a little bit annoying. *frown*
"Evil bitches just keep pilin' out of the Volkswagon." This? Made Geo laugh.
Dean with his fatalism, and Sam with his really wanting something after. Oh, boys.
"He's a sixty year old." Dean, you obviously don't know my mother-in-law. Or have you not heard that sixty is the new forty?
Boys peeking around the corner. I do so love that visual. Hee!
Jay tied to the chair, and he slips the knots. Yes, boys, you should have seen that coming.
Um . . . guys? He never left the room. Wait! He never left the room. Guys? Where are you going?
Oh, boys. And you were doing so well staying off the law's radar. You're supposed to be dead, you know. Both of you. In an explosion, remember? Hm . . .
Magic is a whole lot like crack. See? That's what I said back at the beginning of the season. And yes, Sam, we're talkin' to you. Dean doesn't know he's talkin' to you, but you better be listening, dude.
"I'll be there in two shakes." Now there's an expression I haven't heard in forever.
Dual Winchester peril! And poor Dean, constantly getting strung up by various creatures. And Dean being throttled is becoming a more common occurrence. I'm not sure Dean is okay with that. Clearly Sam is not.
"You chose the strangers over me." There's so much there, I don't even know how to formulate my thoughts on that one.
Jay, in the bar, unable to shuffle the deck of cards. Quite possibly one of the saddest things on the show. Jay, hopeless and alone . . .
Then Sam gets into the car with Ruby and they drive off, and . . .
That's it?
End titles flash on the screen.
"I do not like where they left it," says I.
Geo chuckles at me.
A very unsatisfying ending, to my way of thinking.
Which is exactly what they were going for, I'm sure.
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That's just speculation on my part, but, yeah. Sam's powers and whether or not he should use them have been an issue too long for the matter to just disappear.
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Jay just kills me more and more upon each rewatch.
The ending scares the crap outta me, and was so depressingly sad. I just picture Dean in a similar setting, drinking alone, in absolute misery, after having to... Nope. Not gonna say it. *weeps*
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However,
Of course, this being Kripke, I'm not at all trusting that he knows what's best for his own characters. You know?
Jay could potentially represent either brother. Either Dean from having to kill Sam if he can't save him, or Sam from Dean having died saving Sam. The problem with that scenario is that we've been there, done that. Dean died and went to Hell so that Sam could live. The only difference is that we knew Jensen was coming back. If it happens at the end of the series . . . oh, I'm not even gonna go there.
I see it more as both boys dying almost simultaneously, somehow killing and saving each other at the same time.
And, yeah, how's that for depressing.
That's not to say I'm not hoping for a happy (though story-appropriate) resolution to the tale, but given what I've read of next week's ep, I think things are gonna get worse before they get better.
*hugs Boys and never lets go*
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I didn't like where they left it either. Augh!
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The moments when Ruby finally started sound like Ruby and when Dean compared magic with crack made this ep for me. I hope i got all that right and i still hope there's a hope for Sam (and Dean).
I totally agree with your explanation of 'getting old'. And yes, there's Bobby.
I just had a thought about the last Jay's scene. I always thought it was about Dean - old and lone and hopeless w/o Sam cos he was forced to kill his brother. But now i think maybe it was a reference to Sam - old, lone and hopeless cos his brother was killed saving his ass? Now i'm depressed...
The scene with Chief was awesome and the way they're both play it off of each other was awesome too. But if you're looking for angsty stuff you could read smilla02's fic - good read but very dark.
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I'm telling you!
Oh. So you don't want to be totally awesome when you get to reach Bobby's age.
Dean, Dean, Dean. *headshake*
Jay, in the bar, unable to shuffle the deck of cards. Quite possibly one of the saddest things on the show.
I actually got all teary at this. Jay!!