SPN - "On the Head of a Pin"
Mar. 22nd, 2009 05:47 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
feliciakw*blink, blink*
o.O
Then: Everything that ever happened this season that relates to the mytharc. Ever. In Reader's Digest form.
Now: Major multiple car wreck, and hey, where can I sign up for that silence-car-alarms-with-the-wave-of-my-hand thing?
Castiel looking not unlike Columbo as he checks out the scene. Coming soon: ACSI: Angel Crime Scene Investigation.
Cops arrive, and I'm all "Oh, no! They're gonna think Cas killed her! No, wait. He's an angel. He can disappear. Yep. He's gone."
The angel is lying in a position that looks awkward and familiar, but it was Geo who said, "Hey. That's the same as the people on the ceiling." "*gasp*," says I. "And she's blonde and wearing a white dress!"
Also, the chopper search lights that reveal the wings is SO COOL!
Title flash.
Hey, Sam's driving. Not that it's unusual, especially this season but . . . Dean's . . . wow. Um.
Dean's squinting at lights, he doesn't care if Sam works with Ruby or not. He's tired. He's just tired. And I so feel for him.
"Get angry," says Sam. Oh, Sammy, you really haven't seen anything yet, have you?
And in the motel room, Dean really doesn't have time for Uriel's attitude. I like how Sam steps in and tries to contain the situation.
I also love how Cas tries to appease Dean, but Uriel will have none of it. Cas doesn't like the situation, and Dean notices. Yeah, there could be more of an understanding between the two if Dean would let there be.
"That's why we've come to his student. You happen to be the most qualified interrogator we've got." And that is ouch on sooo many levels.
"You can't ask me to do this, Cas." Dean appeals to Cas with his plea and refusal. I like the dynamic between these two characters. Dean might not like the angels, but he knows there's one who *might* listen to him.
The angels disappear with Dean, and Sam is left alone. See, Sammy? It's not that much fun, is it. How many times has Dean been left to look for you when you've disappeared, by your own choice or not? This is the first time Dean has disappeared, isn't it?
In the warehouse, Alistair is "bound completely." I just find it really interesting that the cross-brace is a gigantic Star of David. Yes, I know that it's always been a part of the devil's trap design, that they got out of Bobby's book. A Key of Solomon, I think they called it. But it's just never been so in-your-face before. Like I said, interesting.
Can I just say that Jensen looks really, really good in this ep? Because he so does. Also, there's that nuance and subtlety and with a shift in the eyes you can see his demeanor change.
And it's really kinda creepy how Uriel says he's going to seek "revelation." But he's starting to like Dean. Um . . . is that a good thing?
"You guys don't walk enough, you're gonna get flabby." Joke? Yes. But a well taken reminder that angels need to take care of their vessels' bodies. I like to think Cas does just that.
"Uriel is the funniest angel in the garrison. Ask anyone." Bwah! No, Cas, I think you just beat him out on that score. Hee!
And now doesn't that just make you wonder what angels do and what they talk about when they're kicked back between angel-type gigs?
"I was getting to close to the humans in my charge. You." See, Dean? Cas likes you. He's not out to make your life miserable. And he regrets when that does happen. He's the one who gripped you tight and raised you from Perdition, for cryin' out loud. He's faithful and he admires God's creation, and he's your celestial ally in all this. But we'll get to that later.
Btw, emotions? Um . . . let's see, anger, distain, condescension, borderline pride (and later not-so-borderline). Uriel's got all sorts of emotions going. And he hasn't been reprimanded?
"You ask me to open that door and walk through it? You will not like what walks back out." *shudder. Oh, Dean.
"I would give anything not to have you do this." Cas? I continue to love you, and hope you can find a way to be a practical ally to Dean. Because dude? Them's some heavy duty words.
Jensen? You rock. That is all.
Alistair, stop singing. I do not want you ruining that song--or any song--for me.
Okay, now this is going to sound really strange, but part of the reason I didn't fully appreciate Jensen's performance through this and later scenes is because I was so distracted by his eye make-up. Yes, that's right. They lined his eyes for this scene, and man, do they stand out. Later, it's the shadow and smudged "tired" liner. Sadly, that's what happens when you're as cognizant of such things as make-up and wardrobe as you are performance.
In other news, Jensen continues to rock.
". . . for all the things I did to your daddy." Oh, now that's just dirty pool. Which, we shouldn't expect anything else from a demon. But Dean? Watch out. Alistair is gonna play dirty. Don't give him the satisfaction.
Ruby . . . "I know you don't want him going all 'torture master' again . . . " That's the same tone she uses on Dean for "I know you don't want him going all dark side." Ruby, Ruby, Ruby. I just . . . whatever.
"He's not strong enough. Something happened to him down in the Pit." So we've got another reveal coming up at some point? Oh, Dean. Oh, Sam. Oh, boys.
And we get the debatable reveal from Alistair about what allegedly went on with John during his time in Hell. Now, I've been saying for weeks that it would kill Dean when he figured out that John didn't break and he (Dean) did. A lot of people have come up with a lot of different theories here, and whether or not Alistair is lying about any or all of it, I'm inclined to believe that John did not break. That things happened in AHBL2 as we were told in that ep: that John escaped Hell, that he saved Dean, that he gave Dean the opening in which to kill YED, that he said good-bye, and that he disappeared in bright white light. It's that last part that inclines me toward the John didn't break scenario. But be that as it may, my point still stands, and Alistair knows how to play Dean's weakness. Dean believes he failed. He believes he didn't live up to John's expectations. This has always been an issue, ever since the flashback events from "Something Wicked." So, yeah, I'm a little delighted that this whole issue came up, because I don't often call such things with even the remotest bit of accuracy, and in this instance, I'll take it.
And now it's Dean's turn to scare Alistair. Apparently, you're not supposed to be able to dream in Hell. But Dean did. (Or rather, says he did. Heh.) And it looks like that scares Alistair. Quite a bit, actually.
And as soon as the hypodermic needle comes out, Geo hollers, "I knew it!"
And in case you didn't know, Jensen continues to rock this whole thing.
Ruby casting a spell, and the fire reflected in her black eyes . . . why, that's kinda creepy. And Sam? Dude? Are you paying attention? Black. Eyes. Sam. Not good. Definitely not to be trusted.
"Ruby, it's been weeks. I need it." And again, I'm right. Sam's addicted. To something. But he's the addict and Ruby is the pusher. I called that months ago, too. Like at the beginning of the season. (And before anyone decries the similarities to Buffy, please be aware that I was never a Buffy viewer, so they could have done an entire SPN season and I wouldn't have known it.)
Oh, no. Please, no more demon sex.
Wait. Did she just call him Sammy???? That's just so wrong. Only Dean is allowed to call him Sammy. This would seem to indicate that you've usurped Dean's place at Sam's side.
This is not good.
*blink, blink* O.O Sam . . . Sam . . . You're drinking her blood??? Oh. Ohohohoh, Sam. No! That's not right. Ew!!!! Stop! No!
Though I suspect the fans of vamp!Sam fic are squeeing with glee right now.
And I've heard some "bzuh?" around about how can it be demon blood and not host blood. My handwave goes something like this: a demon has been reanimating the corpse of the host for months now. It's very possible that the blood of said dead host has taken on some major demonic elements during this period of time to sufficiently infuse it with demonic . . . stuff. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.
And . . . she's petting him! Like a child or . . . or . . . or a pet. And if anyone thinks after seeing that look she gives that Ruby is still all about the altruism, just, no.
And I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that I might have to revise my opinion of Genevieve. I won't go so far as to say she's an amazing actress, but apparently working with this group has improved her game since "Lazarus Rising." She still annoys me to some extent, but I'm a little more hopeful that the explanations I've been making up as the season goes on might not be too far from the mark. So yay.
But Ruby is totally not in this for Sam's well being or anyone else's.
Dean? Is really kinda scary when he wants to be. Once upon a time ("The killed ya, Tommy! They killed ya like a sack of meat!"*) would anyone have thought that Jensen could be this scary?
And it pains Cas to know what's going on in there, and to know who's doing it. *hugs Cas*
Anna. In her old body. Now, I've seen a little bit of complaining about the handwaving they did to explain this. I'm just freaking delighted they addressed it at all. Yay. Because you know if they didn't everyone would be complaining about that.
Okay, Anna? You're still not my favorite character here. In fact, I'm still a little irked by your whole fallen angel reveal. But. I'm willing to sit down and talk about it. Because your speech about discernment? I almost cheered. So. True. So many people who believe they're doing God's will don't use the discernment we as believers are instructed to use. Going back to the source rather than taking it on the word of our leaders. I had composed in my head a long paragraph outlining RL examples, but that would take too long to reformulate. Just be aware that I'm delighted that you're giving solid advice, even if it's coming from a place of cynicism rather than belief.
However, that said, you people keep talking about doubt as if it's something new and different for Cas. Dean knows it's not. So, ya know, Anna? Even if you and Cas are both angels, and even if you have served together for millennia, Dean, a silly human, knows something about your compatriot that you don't. Go fig.
And as Alistair tells Dean, "You have no idea how bad it really was." That look that Dean gives him? That's a total Alec look. Suddenly, Jensen was reminding me of his days as Alec, and . . . it was kinda weird. In an "ohmywordhe'samazing" kind of way.
I won't get into my over-thinkiness on this, but it's weird how the holy water is making Alistair bleed. Because holy water doesn't make the host bleed. Holy water doesn't hurt the host at all, that we've seen. It burns the demon, but I've never known it to leave a mark on the host. At least not that I've seen. Huh. Ookay . . .
Dean broke the first seal. What? See me slap my hand over my mouth. Dean. Demons lie. Consider the source, Dean. Don't take it at face value. Though knowing Kripke, yeah. That's probably how things went down.
And apparently demons can't feel when a devil's trap is broken. Alistair just figured it out when he saw the broken seal? Wha? Ookay . . .
And here we get into the major Dean whumpage. And what I want to know is what did they do to his eyes to make one look like the blood vessels have broken (easily enough accomplished with a contact lens), and the other to look like it's rolled kinda weird. Just . . . owwww!
Then with the throttling, Darth Vader style. Thumb pressed in neck, crushing windpipe. Dean!!!
And it's Castiel to the rescue! Yay!
And Dean passes out. Remember that. At the point in time when Dean loses consciousness, Cas is the one coming to his rescue.
And Alistair places Cas--and his vessel--on a spike!!!! No!!! Oh, Cas, do some healing on the guy when you get out of this.
Oh. So . . . demon's can't kill angels. I mean, if any demon would know how, you'd think it would be Alistair, right?
Sam to the rescue! And doing it pretty awesomely, I might add.
Now, let's have a word about Sam. I said early in the season that I could very easily get behind something intended for evil being turned to be used for good. Because I love to see evil outwitted. It's the nature of the powers (demonic) and the one training Sam to use them (a demon) that has made me the most twitchy. (Well, that and the fact that Sam broke his promise to Dean.) But I can completely understand Sam wanting to take the curse and turn it into something good.
Until he drank demon blood. That's where my sympathies stop. Because, just, no.
But I kinda like his childish little self-conscious look that he gives Cas. But you can tell that he's proud of himself. (Careful, Sam. We've talked about this pride thing before.)
Dean, in the hospital, on a ventilator. This makes twice during show. Am I gonna have to start keeping track of this like I do his coronary events?
"Get in there and heal him. Miracle. Now!" Sammy, I get all tingly when you take control like that. :-)
And have I mentioned recently that Jared has rather lovely eyes? 'Cause he really does.
Uriel and Castiel . . . Castiel is taking Sam at his word about the demons not doing the hits. I find this very interesting, that in spite of Sam's demon blood, Cas is still inclined to believe him. Of course, he was accepting of Sam when they first met, and he and Sam have been on fairly convivial footing the whole, for the most part, but I find it really interesting that Cas trusts him. Is it because he's Dean's brother and Cas trusts Dean? Is it because he knows Sam's motivations are in Dean's best interests, even if Cas knows things could go sideways at any moment? Hm . . .
But this whole intrigue in the ranks think is making me twitchy. But I'll get into that a little later.
Cas and Anna . . . Anna still annoys me, but this scene is significant to me in a way that has, in reality, little to do with the story show is telling. Or maybe it does have something to do with it, though I'm looking at this particular portion as Cas's story. If he were a person, I'd say he's growing from faith that he's been taught to faith that he actually believes. This is a very important step. (What bothers me is that they're using angels to tell this story, but it's a minor quibble, with so much awesome going on that I'm willing to overlook what's niggling me for now.)
Castiel: Angel Crime Scene Investigator. This tickles me greatly. :-)
Uriel pulls out the sword. "The only thing that can kill an angel is another angel." And at this point, my brain starts churning with the intent to possibly essplode. Also, what does this mean about the angels Cas mentions dying in battle in "Are You There, God . . . "? Uriel's sympathizers making it look like demons? And how can Cas, an angel, not know that the only thing that can kill an angel is another angel? Perhaps because it's never been an issue?
And this whole reveal is what makes me say, "Okay, I just have to toss everything out the window and hold on for the ride." Uriel wants to free Lucifer? He's gone rogue? Like, zealous rogue. He gives in to his pride and arrogance and defies God. His pride pits him against God, whom he apparently doesn't believe in anymore, if he ever did. That . . . makes him more of a fallen angel than Anna. o.O
I have issues with the suggestion that God is out of touch and doesn't know what's going on in the ranks of His messengers. God is omniscient. He would know these things. But if I look at it as an allegory for believers, then I can deal with it a little better, but then it becomes something other than SPN. And it makes my brain hurt.
"All you have to do is be unafraid."
"For the firs time in a long time, I am." Cas makes his decision, firms his faithful resolve, and the angelic smackdown begins. And Cas is willing to be killed for his faith. Cas? Have I told you recently that I really find you kind of awesome?
Dean's hospital room, and Castiel is there. As Dean wakes up, the first thing Cas says is, "Are you all right?" *hugs Cas*
"No thanks to you," and wow, Jensen, that's some pretty awesome vocal acting you've got going there. Do you mind if I hug you? Just for a moment?
Oh. Wow. Ouch, so Dean really did start the Apocalypse. Like he doesn't have enough on his shoulders.
And angels laid siege to Hell to get him out. This makes me happy.
"It's not blame that falls on you, Dean." Yay!!! Thank you for pointing this out to him, Cas.
Wow. So Dean is responsible for stopping the Apocalypse? No pressure, dude.
But you know what this means? It means all the angels that were of like mind with Uriel--as well as Lilith's demons--are gunning for Dean. And I do believe Dean has earned himself a personal guardian angel. Maybe two.
"I know our fate rests with you."
"Well, then, you guys are screwed." And I must admit that Geo and I laughed at this line, because it's just . . . so Dean. (It also reflects a line from a fic Izhi and I were batting around, but whatever.)
"Find someone else. It's not me." Yeah, because that line worked so well for Moses. Oh, Dean. *hugs him tight*
One final note . . . Ruby gives every indication of taking Dean's place with Sam. And with Cas being the last rescue effort Dean sees, and as far as we know the first face he sees when he wakes up is Cas sitting in Sam's usual spot, Cas seems to be taking Sam's place with Dean. This . . . should make things interesting.
In conclusion, Jensen rocks.
Next week: Humor!!! Yellow polo shirt and corporate hair! AU!Boys! Because we all need a break from the angst, the boys (and I suspect Jensen) as much as anyone.
However, I've got a theater speed-through Thursday, so I'll have to watch it when I get home.
*From an episode of Mr. Rhodes, wherein Jensen's character Malcolm tries his hand at the thespian arts. It's kind of hilarious.
o.O
Then: Everything that ever happened this season that relates to the mytharc. Ever. In Reader's Digest form.
Now: Major multiple car wreck, and hey, where can I sign up for that silence-car-alarms-with-the-wave-of-my-hand thing?
Castiel looking not unlike Columbo as he checks out the scene. Coming soon: ACSI: Angel Crime Scene Investigation.
Cops arrive, and I'm all "Oh, no! They're gonna think Cas killed her! No, wait. He's an angel. He can disappear. Yep. He's gone."
The angel is lying in a position that looks awkward and familiar, but it was Geo who said, "Hey. That's the same as the people on the ceiling." "*gasp*," says I. "And she's blonde and wearing a white dress!"
Also, the chopper search lights that reveal the wings is SO COOL!
Title flash.
Hey, Sam's driving. Not that it's unusual, especially this season but . . . Dean's . . . wow. Um.
Dean's squinting at lights, he doesn't care if Sam works with Ruby or not. He's tired. He's just tired. And I so feel for him.
"Get angry," says Sam. Oh, Sammy, you really haven't seen anything yet, have you?
And in the motel room, Dean really doesn't have time for Uriel's attitude. I like how Sam steps in and tries to contain the situation.
I also love how Cas tries to appease Dean, but Uriel will have none of it. Cas doesn't like the situation, and Dean notices. Yeah, there could be more of an understanding between the two if Dean would let there be.
"That's why we've come to his student. You happen to be the most qualified interrogator we've got." And that is ouch on sooo many levels.
"You can't ask me to do this, Cas." Dean appeals to Cas with his plea and refusal. I like the dynamic between these two characters. Dean might not like the angels, but he knows there's one who *might* listen to him.
The angels disappear with Dean, and Sam is left alone. See, Sammy? It's not that much fun, is it. How many times has Dean been left to look for you when you've disappeared, by your own choice or not? This is the first time Dean has disappeared, isn't it?
In the warehouse, Alistair is "bound completely." I just find it really interesting that the cross-brace is a gigantic Star of David. Yes, I know that it's always been a part of the devil's trap design, that they got out of Bobby's book. A Key of Solomon, I think they called it. But it's just never been so in-your-face before. Like I said, interesting.
Can I just say that Jensen looks really, really good in this ep? Because he so does. Also, there's that nuance and subtlety and with a shift in the eyes you can see his demeanor change.
And it's really kinda creepy how Uriel says he's going to seek "revelation." But he's starting to like Dean. Um . . . is that a good thing?
"You guys don't walk enough, you're gonna get flabby." Joke? Yes. But a well taken reminder that angels need to take care of their vessels' bodies. I like to think Cas does just that.
"Uriel is the funniest angel in the garrison. Ask anyone." Bwah! No, Cas, I think you just beat him out on that score. Hee!
And now doesn't that just make you wonder what angels do and what they talk about when they're kicked back between angel-type gigs?
"I was getting to close to the humans in my charge. You." See, Dean? Cas likes you. He's not out to make your life miserable. And he regrets when that does happen. He's the one who gripped you tight and raised you from Perdition, for cryin' out loud. He's faithful and he admires God's creation, and he's your celestial ally in all this. But we'll get to that later.
Btw, emotions? Um . . . let's see, anger, distain, condescension, borderline pride (and later not-so-borderline). Uriel's got all sorts of emotions going. And he hasn't been reprimanded?
"You ask me to open that door and walk through it? You will not like what walks back out." *shudder. Oh, Dean.
"I would give anything not to have you do this." Cas? I continue to love you, and hope you can find a way to be a practical ally to Dean. Because dude? Them's some heavy duty words.
Jensen? You rock. That is all.
Alistair, stop singing. I do not want you ruining that song--or any song--for me.
Okay, now this is going to sound really strange, but part of the reason I didn't fully appreciate Jensen's performance through this and later scenes is because I was so distracted by his eye make-up. Yes, that's right. They lined his eyes for this scene, and man, do they stand out. Later, it's the shadow and smudged "tired" liner. Sadly, that's what happens when you're as cognizant of such things as make-up and wardrobe as you are performance.
In other news, Jensen continues to rock.
". . . for all the things I did to your daddy." Oh, now that's just dirty pool. Which, we shouldn't expect anything else from a demon. But Dean? Watch out. Alistair is gonna play dirty. Don't give him the satisfaction.
Ruby . . . "I know you don't want him going all 'torture master' again . . . " That's the same tone she uses on Dean for "I know you don't want him going all dark side." Ruby, Ruby, Ruby. I just . . . whatever.
"He's not strong enough. Something happened to him down in the Pit." So we've got another reveal coming up at some point? Oh, Dean. Oh, Sam. Oh, boys.
And we get the debatable reveal from Alistair about what allegedly went on with John during his time in Hell. Now, I've been saying for weeks that it would kill Dean when he figured out that John didn't break and he (Dean) did. A lot of people have come up with a lot of different theories here, and whether or not Alistair is lying about any or all of it, I'm inclined to believe that John did not break. That things happened in AHBL2 as we were told in that ep: that John escaped Hell, that he saved Dean, that he gave Dean the opening in which to kill YED, that he said good-bye, and that he disappeared in bright white light. It's that last part that inclines me toward the John didn't break scenario. But be that as it may, my point still stands, and Alistair knows how to play Dean's weakness. Dean believes he failed. He believes he didn't live up to John's expectations. This has always been an issue, ever since the flashback events from "Something Wicked." So, yeah, I'm a little delighted that this whole issue came up, because I don't often call such things with even the remotest bit of accuracy, and in this instance, I'll take it.
And now it's Dean's turn to scare Alistair. Apparently, you're not supposed to be able to dream in Hell. But Dean did. (Or rather, says he did. Heh.) And it looks like that scares Alistair. Quite a bit, actually.
And as soon as the hypodermic needle comes out, Geo hollers, "I knew it!"
And in case you didn't know, Jensen continues to rock this whole thing.
Ruby casting a spell, and the fire reflected in her black eyes . . . why, that's kinda creepy. And Sam? Dude? Are you paying attention? Black. Eyes. Sam. Not good. Definitely not to be trusted.
"Ruby, it's been weeks. I need it." And again, I'm right. Sam's addicted. To something. But he's the addict and Ruby is the pusher. I called that months ago, too. Like at the beginning of the season. (And before anyone decries the similarities to Buffy, please be aware that I was never a Buffy viewer, so they could have done an entire SPN season and I wouldn't have known it.)
Oh, no. Please, no more demon sex.
Wait. Did she just call him Sammy???? That's just so wrong. Only Dean is allowed to call him Sammy. This would seem to indicate that you've usurped Dean's place at Sam's side.
This is not good.
*blink, blink* O.O Sam . . . Sam . . . You're drinking her blood??? Oh. Ohohohoh, Sam. No! That's not right. Ew!!!! Stop! No!
Though I suspect the fans of vamp!Sam fic are squeeing with glee right now.
And I've heard some "bzuh?" around about how can it be demon blood and not host blood. My handwave goes something like this: a demon has been reanimating the corpse of the host for months now. It's very possible that the blood of said dead host has taken on some major demonic elements during this period of time to sufficiently infuse it with demonic . . . stuff. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.
And . . . she's petting him! Like a child or . . . or . . . or a pet. And if anyone thinks after seeing that look she gives that Ruby is still all about the altruism, just, no.
And I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that I might have to revise my opinion of Genevieve. I won't go so far as to say she's an amazing actress, but apparently working with this group has improved her game since "Lazarus Rising." She still annoys me to some extent, but I'm a little more hopeful that the explanations I've been making up as the season goes on might not be too far from the mark. So yay.
But Ruby is totally not in this for Sam's well being or anyone else's.
Dean? Is really kinda scary when he wants to be. Once upon a time ("The killed ya, Tommy! They killed ya like a sack of meat!"*) would anyone have thought that Jensen could be this scary?
And it pains Cas to know what's going on in there, and to know who's doing it. *hugs Cas*
Anna. In her old body. Now, I've seen a little bit of complaining about the handwaving they did to explain this. I'm just freaking delighted they addressed it at all. Yay. Because you know if they didn't everyone would be complaining about that.
Okay, Anna? You're still not my favorite character here. In fact, I'm still a little irked by your whole fallen angel reveal. But. I'm willing to sit down and talk about it. Because your speech about discernment? I almost cheered. So. True. So many people who believe they're doing God's will don't use the discernment we as believers are instructed to use. Going back to the source rather than taking it on the word of our leaders. I had composed in my head a long paragraph outlining RL examples, but that would take too long to reformulate. Just be aware that I'm delighted that you're giving solid advice, even if it's coming from a place of cynicism rather than belief.
However, that said, you people keep talking about doubt as if it's something new and different for Cas. Dean knows it's not. So, ya know, Anna? Even if you and Cas are both angels, and even if you have served together for millennia, Dean, a silly human, knows something about your compatriot that you don't. Go fig.
And as Alistair tells Dean, "You have no idea how bad it really was." That look that Dean gives him? That's a total Alec look. Suddenly, Jensen was reminding me of his days as Alec, and . . . it was kinda weird. In an "ohmywordhe'samazing" kind of way.
I won't get into my over-thinkiness on this, but it's weird how the holy water is making Alistair bleed. Because holy water doesn't make the host bleed. Holy water doesn't hurt the host at all, that we've seen. It burns the demon, but I've never known it to leave a mark on the host. At least not that I've seen. Huh. Ookay . . .
Dean broke the first seal. What? See me slap my hand over my mouth. Dean. Demons lie. Consider the source, Dean. Don't take it at face value. Though knowing Kripke, yeah. That's probably how things went down.
And apparently demons can't feel when a devil's trap is broken. Alistair just figured it out when he saw the broken seal? Wha? Ookay . . .
And here we get into the major Dean whumpage. And what I want to know is what did they do to his eyes to make one look like the blood vessels have broken (easily enough accomplished with a contact lens), and the other to look like it's rolled kinda weird. Just . . . owwww!
Then with the throttling, Darth Vader style. Thumb pressed in neck, crushing windpipe. Dean!!!
And it's Castiel to the rescue! Yay!
And Dean passes out. Remember that. At the point in time when Dean loses consciousness, Cas is the one coming to his rescue.
And Alistair places Cas--and his vessel--on a spike!!!! No!!! Oh, Cas, do some healing on the guy when you get out of this.
Oh. So . . . demon's can't kill angels. I mean, if any demon would know how, you'd think it would be Alistair, right?
Sam to the rescue! And doing it pretty awesomely, I might add.
Now, let's have a word about Sam. I said early in the season that I could very easily get behind something intended for evil being turned to be used for good. Because I love to see evil outwitted. It's the nature of the powers (demonic) and the one training Sam to use them (a demon) that has made me the most twitchy. (Well, that and the fact that Sam broke his promise to Dean.) But I can completely understand Sam wanting to take the curse and turn it into something good.
Until he drank demon blood. That's where my sympathies stop. Because, just, no.
But I kinda like his childish little self-conscious look that he gives Cas. But you can tell that he's proud of himself. (Careful, Sam. We've talked about this pride thing before.)
Dean, in the hospital, on a ventilator. This makes twice during show. Am I gonna have to start keeping track of this like I do his coronary events?
"Get in there and heal him. Miracle. Now!" Sammy, I get all tingly when you take control like that. :-)
And have I mentioned recently that Jared has rather lovely eyes? 'Cause he really does.
Uriel and Castiel . . . Castiel is taking Sam at his word about the demons not doing the hits. I find this very interesting, that in spite of Sam's demon blood, Cas is still inclined to believe him. Of course, he was accepting of Sam when they first met, and he and Sam have been on fairly convivial footing the whole, for the most part, but I find it really interesting that Cas trusts him. Is it because he's Dean's brother and Cas trusts Dean? Is it because he knows Sam's motivations are in Dean's best interests, even if Cas knows things could go sideways at any moment? Hm . . .
But this whole intrigue in the ranks think is making me twitchy. But I'll get into that a little later.
Cas and Anna . . . Anna still annoys me, but this scene is significant to me in a way that has, in reality, little to do with the story show is telling. Or maybe it does have something to do with it, though I'm looking at this particular portion as Cas's story. If he were a person, I'd say he's growing from faith that he's been taught to faith that he actually believes. This is a very important step. (What bothers me is that they're using angels to tell this story, but it's a minor quibble, with so much awesome going on that I'm willing to overlook what's niggling me for now.)
Castiel: Angel Crime Scene Investigator. This tickles me greatly. :-)
Uriel pulls out the sword. "The only thing that can kill an angel is another angel." And at this point, my brain starts churning with the intent to possibly essplode. Also, what does this mean about the angels Cas mentions dying in battle in "Are You There, God . . . "? Uriel's sympathizers making it look like demons? And how can Cas, an angel, not know that the only thing that can kill an angel is another angel? Perhaps because it's never been an issue?
And this whole reveal is what makes me say, "Okay, I just have to toss everything out the window and hold on for the ride." Uriel wants to free Lucifer? He's gone rogue? Like, zealous rogue. He gives in to his pride and arrogance and defies God. His pride pits him against God, whom he apparently doesn't believe in anymore, if he ever did. That . . . makes him more of a fallen angel than Anna. o.O
I have issues with the suggestion that God is out of touch and doesn't know what's going on in the ranks of His messengers. God is omniscient. He would know these things. But if I look at it as an allegory for believers, then I can deal with it a little better, but then it becomes something other than SPN. And it makes my brain hurt.
"All you have to do is be unafraid."
"For the firs time in a long time, I am." Cas makes his decision, firms his faithful resolve, and the angelic smackdown begins. And Cas is willing to be killed for his faith. Cas? Have I told you recently that I really find you kind of awesome?
Dean's hospital room, and Castiel is there. As Dean wakes up, the first thing Cas says is, "Are you all right?" *hugs Cas*
"No thanks to you," and wow, Jensen, that's some pretty awesome vocal acting you've got going there. Do you mind if I hug you? Just for a moment?
Oh. Wow. Ouch, so Dean really did start the Apocalypse. Like he doesn't have enough on his shoulders.
And angels laid siege to Hell to get him out. This makes me happy.
"It's not blame that falls on you, Dean." Yay!!! Thank you for pointing this out to him, Cas.
Wow. So Dean is responsible for stopping the Apocalypse? No pressure, dude.
But you know what this means? It means all the angels that were of like mind with Uriel--as well as Lilith's demons--are gunning for Dean. And I do believe Dean has earned himself a personal guardian angel. Maybe two.
"I know our fate rests with you."
"Well, then, you guys are screwed." And I must admit that Geo and I laughed at this line, because it's just . . . so Dean. (It also reflects a line from a fic Izhi and I were batting around, but whatever.)
"Find someone else. It's not me." Yeah, because that line worked so well for Moses. Oh, Dean. *hugs him tight*
One final note . . . Ruby gives every indication of taking Dean's place with Sam. And with Cas being the last rescue effort Dean sees, and as far as we know the first face he sees when he wakes up is Cas sitting in Sam's usual spot, Cas seems to be taking Sam's place with Dean. This . . . should make things interesting.
In conclusion, Jensen rocks.
Next week: Humor!!! Yellow polo shirt and corporate hair! AU!Boys! Because we all need a break from the angst, the boys (and I suspect Jensen) as much as anyone.
However, I've got a theater speed-through Thursday, so I'll have to watch it when I get home.
*From an episode of Mr. Rhodes, wherein Jensen's character Malcolm tries his hand at the thespian arts. It's kind of hilarious.
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Date: 2009-03-23 02:38 am (UTC)I agree about the awesomeness of the opening scene. That was amazing imagery with the angel wings. Kudos to whoever thought that one up.
It was strange seeing Sam driving. Dean looked like he was just waking up, but still strange. The guy is no doubt beat down to hell. Funny how now any side "hell" reference takes a literal meaning. Oh, Dean. It breaks my heart how dead tired, worn to the bone the guy is. I just want to lock him in my bedroom, and let him sleep. Don't look at me like that. I would let him sleep. Ocassionally.
Jensen? I ran out of ways to express my outright amazement and admiration of the man's mad Ackting skillz. Just when I think he can't get any better? He brings it! Boy howdy, he brings it.
You mentioned earlier in the week that you were worried about Jensen. I hope. No, I PRAY that he can let go of Dean Winchester at the end of the day. I mean, I love Dean. I really love Dean. But he IS Dean! To get the level of performance we now nearly take for granted, Dean must live in the man's soul. Hell, Dean lives in *my* soul. I can't imagine what Jensen goes thru. I just can't imagine. Who knows? He's probably a lot healthier about living with Dean than I am. I hope, anyway.
Where was I before I got Jensenated? Oh, yeah. The episode. I agree about the connection between Cas and Dean. I hate that the boys have to rely on others for emotional support, but Dean and Cas have developed a real level of trust.
Sam and Ruby? The blood? Like you say. Just no. I don't see any way, shape, or form, that Sam can justify it's okayness in his mind. I don't really have a problem with the "it's the host blood" issue. YED was possessing someone when he gave him the blood as an infant, and it worked just fine. I take it as one of those metaphysical transfers. The same with the constant vanishing. Since they're not ghost, and are using a real body, how does the human body vanish? I can generally hand wave my possession issues with no problem.
As far as the host bleeding? I think the combination of salt and holy water would cause the throat to blister and bleed. Besides, I loved Alastair's comment about his throat. He was hysterical. And I loved his singing!
Man, I've rambled on. And I haven't even gotten to the good stuff. Um, like you said. *blink, blink*
And, Jensen rocks!
Subltety and nuance and all that good stuff
Date: 2009-03-23 04:03 pm (UTC)But here? Jensen totally has the less is more down pat.
He's said at a con that Dean has become less Jensen as time has gone on. Separating from the character I wouldn't imagine is an issue. But he's also said that the emotional scenes are a lot more exhausting than the physical stuff. I'm sure the places he has to go mentally and emotionally are very weighty, and I just . . . yeah. I hope he's taking care of himself.
That's why I don't begrudge them a humor ep in the middle of the mytharc. It's like putting the comics at the end of the newspaper. After going through all the heavy, depressing, exhausting stuff, we--and they--need, by necessity, the opportunity to blow off some steam.
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Date: 2009-03-24 09:51 am (UTC)You knew i'll ask :) Can you, please make a cap where i'd be able to see it? Because i didn't notice anything (being not familiar with stuff like this), maybe zoom in that cap for me that i'd notice it too?
So we've got another reveal coming up at some point?
I don't think so. I think Sam said that to underline that's he's the strongest one now.
As to John, i do believe he was broken down there. But he saved the life of the chosen one hence bright light and *possibly* heaven (possibly because we have no proof yet).
Okay, Anna? You're still not my favorite character here. In fact, I'm still a little irked by your whole fallen angel reveal
I like her. Yes, she was... annoying when she found out about being an angel but she wasn't the one before she returned her grace and see how different she sounds now - before she whined about God and now she believes her Father couldn't order such awful things from Dean. For me it's very big of her and the reason to like her even more.
but it's weird how the holy water is making Alistair bleed
I think it wasn't holy water itself but demon's reaction to holy water - it makes him suffer hence demon hurts the body of his vessel.
I have issues with the suggestion that God is out of touch and doesn't know what's going on in the ranks of His messengers
I don't :) I'm pretty sure he knows. But i think it's a lesson for angels as well as for humans.
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Date: 2009-03-24 10:26 am (UTC)Re: John . . . I know I'm in the minority of fandom; that's not really unusual at all. As I explained elsewhere, I really don't think the writers knew at the time where they were going to take this whole Hell thing. If they give me an explanation otherwise, I'll go with it. But right now, they haven't. And whether or not John broke isn't really the point. The point is that Dean believes John didn't break, which I knew would kill him inside.
I do think the glowy white is supposed to imply Heaven. I guess we shall see.
I think it wasn't holy water itself but demon's reaction to holy water - it makes him suffer hence demon hurts the body of his vessel.
But this is the first time we've ever seen holy water actually damage the host's body, i.e., make it bleed. One of the benefits of holy water, as I've always observed it, is that it hurts the demon without causing physical damage to the host. Bobby has said as much when he spikes his liquor with holy water--a human wouldn't know the difference.
But it's just an observation I'm making; it's not a criticism.
I'll have to go hunt down some screen caps. It might or might not be a prominent as when I watched the show the first time, given the color correction on the low res broadcast is screwy. But I'll see what I can find.
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Date: 2009-03-24 05:28 pm (UTC)I forgot this bit. Hee!
Alistair, stop singing. I do not want you ruining that song--or any song--for me.
You have to admit, though, that was some grade-A creepy. *shivers*
And apparently demons can't feel when a devil's trap is broken. Alistair just figured it out when he saw the broken seal? Wha? Ookay . . .
I had the impression that the seal wasn't broken with the first drop of water, it had to be washed away by the slow drip. Which I thought was cool.
"Get in there and heal him. Miracle. Now!" Sammy, I get all tingly when you take control like that. :-)
*dies of giggles*
"Well, then, you guys are screwed." And I must admit that Geo and I laughed at this line, because it's just . . . so Dean.
It made me chuckle just because it was a flip of a line that made me laugh in "Titan A.E." Kale says something like "I happen to be humanity's last great hope!" and one of the aliens deadpans, "I weep for the species." And yeah, it's just very Dean, that line.
I think I need to write more happy Impalapocafic with the boys being all content and riding horses to make the owies from this episode better. Pity baby has stolen my brain.
no subject
Date: 2009-03-25 05:30 pm (UTC)More Impalapocafic? Yays!