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raloriaOkay, here we go...at long last. Part of me is happy that this is the last review I'll have to do for a while (for obvious reasons: time, all the work involved), but the other part is sad that this wonderful second season is over. While I loved Season One, imo Season Two far surpassed it in quality. Everything was stepped up to a whole new level, which just made for a better show.
This season finale was no exception. With excellent acting by Jensen, Jared, Jim Beaver, and Fredric Lane under the careful eye of director, Kim Manners, it turned into a very dramatic hour of television.
*** Included in the review are 132 caps from my DVD recording of the episode as it aired. I'm actually quite proud of the quality of them this time. Did some major tweaking of the controls in Irfanview and was able to make them look fairly good. The usual rules apply, if you want to use any of these caps for graphics or whatever, I just ask that you please give me a credit. ***
Most of the caps are presented as clickable thumbnails, but 10 of the caps are seen here in their full 500 x 261 size.
I had also intended to include downloads of MP3 files of the key scenes. However, the seven files topped out at a whopping 32mb file size even in a zipped folder. Too big for me to upload to SendSpace on my puny dialup connection at home. Instead, you'll have to wait until Wednesday when I'll be going to the college and I'll upload them then. I'll make a special post to give you the links (I'm breaking it up into 2 zipped folders).
So grab a bag of peanut M&Ms, a box of tissues ('cause, to quote a certain animated bat "This can only end in tears!"), have a seat, and enjoy the review....
* "Carry On Wayward Son"!!!!!! I grinned from ear to ear the second I heard it. I know some fans have complained about them reusing a song, but come on! It's the unofficial theme song of the show. I think Kripke understands that. Imo, it was an excellent choice. Did it have the great impact it did when it was first used last season? No, but that's okay. Just hearing that song again along with the recap was enough of a gift.
* Oh boy. *wibble* Sammy really is dead. Of course, I always knew he was. I wasn't one of those who was hoping it was all some kind of vision from Andy or maybe there was a clone of Sam. And Dean's just standing there, watching over him. Jensen just makes Dean look almost dead himself here. It's all in his eyes. It's almost scary how he can just make his eyes look so empty and dark. *shudders* Dean's not eating. Yeah, you're definitly not fine. Btw, it took me my second viewing to realize that they're still in Cold Oak, SD here.
Bobby: "Dean, I hate to bring this up, I really do. But don't you think maybe it's time, we bury Sam?"
Dean: "No." (btw, the look on Jensen's face here....so dead, so lifeless it hurts)
Bobby: "We could *sigh* maybe.."
Dean: "What? Torch is corpse? Not yet."
Bobby: "I want you to come with me."
Dean: "I'm not going anywhere."
Bobby: "Dean, please."
Dean: "Why don't you cut me some slack?"
Bobby: "I just don't think you should be alone, that's all. I got to admit - I could use your help. Something big is going down - end-of-the-world big."
Dean: "Well, then let it end!"
Bobby: "You don't mean that."
Dean: "You don't think so? Huh? You don't think I've given enough? You don't think I've paid enough? I'm done with it. All of it. And if you know what's good for you you'll turn around and get the hell out of here. Go!!!!" (pause) "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Please just go."
Bobby: "You know where I'll be."
*sniffle* Get used to that, there's going to be a lot of sniffling in this review. What a great opening scene that just gives us a taste of some of the even better scenes to come! Such intensity from Jensen! It just moves me beyond words. The way his eyes are so piercing and the way his voice broke when he said "Please just go". Oh, and that one, single tear, yet again. Jensen is the master.
* I'd also like to give a big thank you to Kim Manners. The guy gives us the best closeups of any director on the show. They are works of art! And they're a screencapper's dream, I might add! So beautiful!
* Fredric Lane is great! He was quite menacing as the Federal Marshal on Lost, but that was nothing compared to what he's done as the YED. I love the evil humor he brings to the character while still making him, dare I say it, likeable. We know how cruel the YED can be, but he's written with such great lines. I gotta say, the American Idol line just cracks me up!
* Got your tissues handy? This is my favorite scene and it's the angstiest. I hope this is the scene that's used for Jensen's Emmy nomination, because it's just...unbelievably great. His facial expressions (again with the dead eyes), the wavering in his voice, the tears....it's just so much to take in. I honestly don't get emotional over this scene. I'm so wrapped up in Jensen's performance. I feel the sadness...I'm just paying so much attention to what he's doing. My emotional break happens much later (I'll let you know). This scene is just so touching. The way he starts off with a memory about Sam always asking questions when he was little and how Dean just wanted him to stay a little kid for as long as possible. In my mind I was flashing back to the end of Something Wicked when Sam lamented that he wished he could have had innocence as a child and Dean answered that he wished Sam could've had that too. Anyway, the music is just perfect here as well.
I'm gonna include my comments along with the quotes from this scene:
You know, when we were little - I mean, you couldn't have been more than five - you just started asking questions.
How come we didn't have a mom?
Why do we always have to move around?
Where'd dad go when he'd take off for days at a time?
I remember I begged you - "Quit asking, Sammy. Man, you don't wanna know."
I just wanted you to be a kid, just for a little while longer.
(wibble - I love big-brother Dean!)
I always tried to protect you ...keep you safe.
Dad didn't even have to tell me.
It was just always my responsibility, you know?
(I love how we now learn this was something Dean just took upon himself to do - protect Sam.)
It's like I had one job...I had one job...and I screwed it up.
(Oh man, when his voice breaks here - I break.)
I blew it.
And for that, I'm sorry.
I guess that's what I do. I let down the people I love.
(At this point I was thinking "No, no Dean. That's not true! You can't think that way about yourself!)
I let Dad down. And now I guess I'm just supposed to let you down, too.
How can I?
How am I supposed to live with that?
What am I supposed to do?
Sammy. God.
What am I supposed to do?
What am I supposed to do?!
Okay, I'm actually tearing up a bit now. Dammit. Jensen finally broke me. *sniffle* I had to watch the scene twice (pausing a lot, too) to get all the quotes. I really want him to win an Emmy for this. It's so well acted. Dean's finally reached his breaking point. He's lost everyone he loves. Without his family he has no direction. He's lost, broken. Life no longer has any meaning. Why not let the world end? It's painful how much he blames himself for not only Sam's death, but John's as well. He was supposed to keep his family (or what was left of it) together. That's all that mattered to him after protecting his brother. I could go on and on. Just an amazing scene with excellent acting. I'm sure it took quite a toll on Jensen, based on what he's stated at Asylum Con about filming it. Whatever he has to do to get himself to that level of emotion, I'm thankful that he can give that much of himself.
* We all had a feeling he was going to make a deal with the Crossroad Demon, didn't we? Btw, notice the ID he puts in the box for his photo? It's the U.S. Wildlife Service ID for Agent Ford. Remember that from Dead In The Water? Clearly a shoutout to director, Kim Manners, who directed that S1 episode. Very nice.
* At first I didn't like this actress's portrayal of the Crossroad Demon, but on repeat viewings it's grown on me. I guess I so identified the character with the previous actress (who did an outstanding job) that I couldn't get past the new actress. I love the way she keeps torturing and taunting him. She gets so close, close enough to kiss him and seal the deal and then backs away. So cruel! She has some great lines, too "Keep your gutter soul, it's too tarnished anyway." Ouch! That hurt. Then she won't make the deal with him! When he mentioned 5 years I thought that was bad enough, but she wouldn't even take that! I couldn't believe it when she dropped it down to only one year! And I knew Dean would take it, because he was so desperate. However, I was shocked that the show would do this. What kind of series are you going to have if you kill off one of your series leads? I was in shock! Of course, by the end of the hour there's some hope that the boys will somehow find a way, but it'll sure be interesting to see how they get around this deal come season 3. Oh, and to be a little fangirly for a moment...mmmmm Jensen kissing again! That just never gets old. :D
* Sammy's alive!!!! He's in quite a bit of pain, too. Ouch! The second Dean walked in I was saying in my mind "Go hug your brother. Go on!" And he did!!!! We finally got our hug!!!! I'm so happy! Granted, we couldn't see if Sam returned the hug, but you know he did. We'll say he did, anyway. *melts* What a wonderful moment. *tears of joy* *grabs tissue*
* Again I must say on repeat viewings I'm seeing the darker nuances of Sam. His sudden and unexplainable revenge towards Jake is a bit shocking. He speaks with more venom in his voice just saying how he's going to tear him apart than he did before with the YED. Dean doesn't notice, of course, he's just so happy to have his little brother back. Sam's all ready to go hunt Jake down, but Dean makes him take it easy and eat something. Now we know Dean's happy - he's eating again.
* This next scene of them eating and talking really bothered me on the first viewing. I didn't like them keeping secrets from each other. Dean about his deal with the demon and Sam about what he learned about their mom and that night she died. I just kept thinking "well that's not healthy." But I love how Dean just wants Sam to rest and recover (I love him in big-brother-protective-mode), but Sam is determined to track Jake down.
* The look that Bobby gives Dean upon seeing Sam....like shooting daggers. Dean could barely look him in the eye at first. So yeah, yeah, yeah, demonic omens, southern Wyoming...let's get to the next stand-out scene....
* I wanna take back all the bad thoughts I ever had about Bobby. In the past there were moments where I questioned which side he was on. I wasn't sure about his loyalty to the boys. I can now see that I never should have doubted how much he cares about Sam & Dean. They're almost like his own children. It's sad that we don't know his history with the Winchesters, but it's kind of evident now that he's known them for a long time. There feels like there's a lot of history. Bobby cares about the brothers deeply. He tears into Dean with as much anger as I'm sure John would've done had he been there. His emotions are very strong as he voices his anger over Dean's decision. But when Dean pleads with him to not tell Sam about it, you feel that he'd keep the secret. A great scene, full of emotion and tears. When he put his hand against Dean's cheek....it was just beautiful. It was something I never would've expected from Bobby. But then he sees Dean following in John's footsteps - sacrificing himself. Great acting from both Jensen and Jim Beaver. Who knew he had that in him? Wow!
Here's the quotes from the scene:
Bobby: "You stupid ass! What did you do? What did you do?! You made a deal....for Sam, didn't you? How long did they give you?"
Dean: "Bobby."
Bobby: "How long?!"
Dean: "One year."
Bobby: "Damn it Dean!"
Dean: "Which is why we've gotta find this yellow-eyed son of a bitch. That's why I'm gonna kill him myself. I mean, I got nothin' to lose now, right?"
Bobby: "I could throttle you!"
Dean: "What? And send me downstairs ahead of schedule?"
Bobby: "What is it with you Winchesters, huh? You, your dad, you're both just itching to throw yourselves down the pit."
Dean: "That's my point. Dad brought me back, Bobby. I'm not even supposed to be here. At least this way, something good could come out of it, you know? It's like my life can mean something."
Bobby: "What? And it didn't before? Have you got that low an opinion of yourself? Are you that screwed in the head?!"
Dean: "I couldn't let him die, Bobby. I couldn't. He's my brother."
Bobby: "How is your brother gonna feel when he knows you're goin' to hell? How'd you feel when you knew your dad went for you?"
Dean: "You can't tell him.You take a shot at me, whatever you got to do, but please don't tell him."
Man, they're just killing me here. Again, whenever Jensen's voice breaks I just crumble. So much angst! I love the angst! Love how Bobby gets on Dean's case for being so down on himself. I felt like grabbing onto Dean myself in this scene and trying to talk some sense into him. He still believes he's supposed to be dead and that his life doesn't have any meaning. That's just so sad. I think all the talking the demon's have been doing to Dean have finally done their work. He's giving up. He believes that Sam is the only one worth saving. His life doesn't matter. The Crossroad Demon told him he was supposed to be dead and that he killed his family. Seems Dean truly believes that. I can almost hear the metas being written about Dean's state of mind right now. All these layers of Dean that are coming out....so dark, so self-sacrificing, so tortured by his own guilt.
* Ellen!!!! It's so good to see her again. Always liked her. Love how Dean is so happy that he gives her a big hug. Awwww! All I could think is that Bobby and Ellen are becoming like substitute parents for the boys. They really are forming a family-type of bond. Of course, they need that now more than ever with so many other friends and contacts being killed off. Like Ellen said in Simon Said, "all we have is us."
* So Ellen was spared from the fire because they ran out of pretzels. Wow! Talk about random. I like Dean's reaction when she says "lucky me". That, of course, is the same thing Dean said about fighting his way free of the Jinn's dreamworld.
* I like this story plot about Samuel Colt creating a giant Devil's Trap with railroad lines. Too cool. Something unique and unexpected, and yet entirely plausible. Kinda cool that in the center there's an old cowboy cemetary, which we'll learn in a little bit, just happens to have a doorway to Hell in
it. Nice.
* Ah Jake...a total pawn for the YED. If only he'd pulled that trigger on the Colt when he had the chance. You gotta admit, the YED took an awful chance. But maybe he realized how weak Jake was and that he'd give in and do what he wanted anyway.
* It's funny, all I kept thinking during these cemetary scenes was that when people got to visit the set a month or so ago they commented on how awful that set smelled. It was because they used a ton of manure to keep the grass growing inside. Must've been a fun set to work on. Heh.
* Excuse my filmmaking geekiness here, but I loved that cool camera move as Jake walked into the cemetary and Dean was revealed hiding behind a headstone. That was just awesome! You gotta love those steadicams!
* "Howdy, Jake." Who thought it was just a tad creepy that Sam would say this when the YED's been saying it everytime he shows up? Another sign that maybe Sam isn't quite the Sam he was before? Hmmmm. But Sam's already showing a different side here. Edgier and angier than we've seen him in some time. He's going to kill Jake, no question, and as we'll soon see, no hesitation. Gone is the Sam that just a few days ago held a metal bar over Jake's unconscious body and yet hesitated and didn't finish the job.
Jake: "What? You a tough guy all of a sudden? What are you gonna do -- kill me?"
Sam: "It's a thought."
Jake: "You had your chance. You couldn't."
Sam: "I won't make that mistake twice."
* Jake makes Ellen put her own gun to her head. Suddenly the guy has - as he called them "new jedi mind tricks". I'd like to know when and how he developed these new powers? He's out there all alone except for the visits from the YED. Who did he practice on? How did he know he even had this ability?
* Sam killing Jake so coldly was kind of unsettling. Four shots in the back (excessive, much?) and then three in the head as Jake pleaded for his life. Yeah, a little scary. Nice callback to Bloodlust here with not only the violence and brutality of the killing, but with the small bit of blood splatter on Sam's cheek. You can see the shock on Bobby's face as he passes by and then in Dean's. Great acting here by Jared, btw. We haven't seen this much darkness from him since BUABS. He does it so well, too. Notice how easily he changes from showing concern over Ellen and then switches into cold-blooded killer when he shoots Jake. Great stuff. Wonder if we'll see more of this in Season Three?
* Super great visual effects! You can tell they saved up extra money for the budget on this one. What a cool effect with the fire along the railroad lines and the aerial view. Reminded me of some of the stuff from LOTR:The Two Towers ('cause of it being night and all grey looking I guess). Great way to cut to commercial too!
* So let me get this straight. Demons or spirits or whatever they are that escaped from Hell can break the iron railroad lines, but the YED can't? What makes these things so special? If they have that kind of power, the boys might have quite a battle in trying to destroy them.
* Dean grabbed the gun from the door and makes the connection that the YED is there, just in time to have the Colt snatched away and be thrown a few feet by 'ol yellow eyes himself. "A boy shouldn't play with daddy's guns." Heh. Did you get the Star Wars reference there? How he pulled the gun to him just like Vader did from Han in Cloud City from Empire Strikes Back? Yes, I'm a Star Wars geek. Ow! Poor Dean! Like he needed another hit on the head.
* Yay for Sammy rushing to his brother's aide! Even if the YED stopped him, he did try. And of course, the YED's happy about Sam killing Jake. "I'm proud of you -- knew you had it in you." And then he asks Dean the question we're all going to be wondering about into Season Three "How certain are you that what you brought back is 100% pure Sam?". You can see Dean looking a little pained as he looks over to where Sam is pressed against a tree. He's not sure, especially not in light of what he just witnessed.
The YED then rubs more salt on the wound...
You of all people should know that what's dead should stay dead.
Anyway...thanks a bunch.
I knew I kept you alive for some reason.
Until now, anyway.
I couldn't have done it without your pathetic, self-loathing, self-destructive desire to sacrifice yourself for your family.
* Just as the YED's about to kill Dean, Papa Winchester makes a reappearance! He pulls the Demon out of his human form (how cool is that?) which gives Dean a chance to grab the Colt without the YED even noticing as he puts himself back together. I'm so glad Dean got to be the one to take the YED out. Sure, Sam could've done it for Jessica and in a way his Mom, but Dean's life was far more impacted by the YED's actions. More super cool effects work! They really pulled out all the stops for this eppy.
* That final moment between John and his boys is special. No words are spoken (and some fans have complained about this), but to me they aren't needed. John saved Dean (again) and even from beyond the grave he was able to be a part of the fight he and his boys have spent most of their lives pursuing. This scene looks a little weird visually. I suspect it's because JDM couldn't go to Vancouver to film his scenes and instead shot them against greenscreen and he was composited in later. There's a shot of Jared moving towards the camera that I suspect was also done on greenscreen. Despite that, the scene still works because the weird look of John could be because he's a spirit. His exit is interesting. We don't get the heavenly light from Roadkill, but instead some flickering, a bright body glow, and then some little white lights as he sort of disintigrates into smoke and air. Some have surmised that John is now in heaven with Mary. I'm not so sure about that myself. Why would helping to take out the YED neccessarily mean a ticket to heaven? He's at least out of Hell, that's for sure. Maybe the boys will encounter him again. Who knows? Meanwhile, more tears from our boys. *wibble*
Lots of caps of this scene!
* "Well, check that off the to-do list." I'd laugh at that Dean line, but I'm too caught up in emotion to do anything but smile slightly. It's over at last. I'm glad Kripke decided to end the YED storyline. I don't think it would have benefitted the show to keep dragging it out throughout the show's run. Let the brothers move on to new challenges. Sam's a bit overwhelmed. They're whole lives have been leading to this moment and he's at a loss for words now that it's finally here. Dean, however, does have something to say and hearing it just broke my heart.
That was for our Mom, you son of a bitch.
I don't know if it was the feeling behind it or Jensen's delivery or a combination of things, but that line brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. *tearing up right now* Tissues please.
* The last scene covers Sam finding out the truth about his death and Dean's deal. I'm so glad Sam learned about it now, rather than dragging it out into the next season. I was sure early on in the episode that that would happen.
Again, I've quoted the entire scene...
Sam: "You know, when Jake saw me, it was like he saw a ghost. I mean, hell, you heard him, Dean. He said he killed me."
Dean: "I'm glad he was wrong."
Sam: "I don't think he was, Dean. What happened...after I was stabbed?"
Dean: "I already told you."
Sam: "Not everything."
Dean: "Sam, we just killed the Demon. Can we celebrate for a minute?"
Sam: "Did I die?"
Dean: "Oh, come on."
Sam: "Did you sell your soul for me, like Dad did for you?"
Dean: "Oh, come on! No!"
Sam: "Tell me the truth....Dean, tell me the truth."
Dean: "Sam..."
Sam: "How long do you get?"
Dean: "One year. I got one year."
Sam: "You shouldn't have done that. How could you do that?"
Dean: "Don't get mad at me. Don't you do that. I had to. I had to look out for you. That's my job!"
Sam: "And what do you think my job is?"
Dean: "What?"
Sam: "You saved my life over and over. I mean, you sacrifice everything for me. Don't you think I'd do the same for you? You're my big brother. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you. And I don't care what it takes. I'm gonna get you out of this. Guess I got to save your ass for a change."
Dean: "Yeah."
That's the end of the brotherly part of the scene so I'm cutting it off there. Excellent work by Jared & Jensen. Jared showing Sam's fear for what Dean's done to save him. Love it when he gives his little speech, telling Dean he's going to save him this time. And the big brother, "there's nothing I wouldn't do for you" line just made me all warm and fuzzy inside. *hugs boys* Even Dean got a little emotional at that. You could see his eyes getting wet. Awwww! I love scenes like this. Saying they care and love each other without actually saying the words. Beautiful!
* So, as Bobby says the war is just beginning and with an excellent callback to the end of the Pilot, we see Dean place the Colt in the trunk and say "We got work to do." Happily, with the show getting renewed for a third season we'll all get to see that played out. Yay!
I'm happy there was no cliffhanger this time around. Kripke was true to his word. I don't think I could've taken another summer break like last years', with the lives of the Winchesters hanging in the balance. It was so stressful! Plus, they wrecked our beloved Impala! It was a long, painful summer to wait and see what would happen. This time, we get a resolution to the YED plot and the boys are off to face the army that emerged from Hell. There'll also be Sam trying to find a way to save Dean from his demon deal. And we mustn't forget what's going to happen to Sam. Is he a little more evil now? Not quite himself? Will he start to exhibit more violent powers like Ava and Jake did? Should make for an interesting start of the next season, since we have no clue as to where or what they're going to tackle first. I can't wait!
I want to take one more minute of your time to thank all of you who have commented on my reviews all season long. Your comments of praise and encouragement, along with your enthusiasm for the show and wanting to discuss it have kept me going. I also want to thank you again for your patience as it took me longer and longer to post these reviews. With more caps comes more time spent fixing them, uploading them, and adding them to the review itself. It's always so nice to hear from all of you and that you truly enjoy my ramblings about the episodes. I hope to contine these reviews once Season 3 begins in September.
This season finale was no exception. With excellent acting by Jensen, Jared, Jim Beaver, and Fredric Lane under the careful eye of director, Kim Manners, it turned into a very dramatic hour of television.
*** Included in the review are 132 caps from my DVD recording of the episode as it aired. I'm actually quite proud of the quality of them this time. Did some major tweaking of the controls in Irfanview and was able to make them look fairly good. The usual rules apply, if you want to use any of these caps for graphics or whatever, I just ask that you please give me a credit. ***
Most of the caps are presented as clickable thumbnails, but 10 of the caps are seen here in their full 500 x 261 size.
I had also intended to include downloads of MP3 files of the key scenes. However, the seven files topped out at a whopping 32mb file size even in a zipped folder. Too big for me to upload to SendSpace on my puny dialup connection at home. Instead, you'll have to wait until Wednesday when I'll be going to the college and I'll upload them then. I'll make a special post to give you the links (I'm breaking it up into 2 zipped folders).
So grab a bag of peanut M&Ms, a box of tissues ('cause, to quote a certain animated bat "This can only end in tears!"), have a seat, and enjoy the review....
* "Carry On Wayward Son"!!!!!! I grinned from ear to ear the second I heard it. I know some fans have complained about them reusing a song, but come on! It's the unofficial theme song of the show. I think Kripke understands that. Imo, it was an excellent choice. Did it have the great impact it did when it was first used last season? No, but that's okay. Just hearing that song again along with the recap was enough of a gift.
* Oh boy. *wibble* Sammy really is dead. Of course, I always knew he was. I wasn't one of those who was hoping it was all some kind of vision from Andy or maybe there was a clone of Sam. And Dean's just standing there, watching over him. Jensen just makes Dean look almost dead himself here. It's all in his eyes. It's almost scary how he can just make his eyes look so empty and dark. *shudders* Dean's not eating. Yeah, you're definitly not fine. Btw, it took me my second viewing to realize that they're still in Cold Oak, SD here.
Bobby: "Dean, I hate to bring this up, I really do. But don't you think maybe it's time, we bury Sam?"
Dean: "No." (btw, the look on Jensen's face here....so dead, so lifeless it hurts)
Bobby: "We could *sigh* maybe.."
Dean: "What? Torch is corpse? Not yet."
Bobby: "I want you to come with me."
Dean: "I'm not going anywhere."
Bobby: "Dean, please."
Dean: "Why don't you cut me some slack?"
Bobby: "I just don't think you should be alone, that's all. I got to admit - I could use your help. Something big is going down - end-of-the-world big."
Dean: "Well, then let it end!"
Bobby: "You don't mean that."
Dean: "You don't think so? Huh? You don't think I've given enough? You don't think I've paid enough? I'm done with it. All of it. And if you know what's good for you you'll turn around and get the hell out of here. Go!!!!" (pause) "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Please just go."
Bobby: "You know where I'll be."
*sniffle* Get used to that, there's going to be a lot of sniffling in this review. What a great opening scene that just gives us a taste of some of the even better scenes to come! Such intensity from Jensen! It just moves me beyond words. The way his eyes are so piercing and the way his voice broke when he said "Please just go". Oh, and that one, single tear, yet again. Jensen is the master.
* I'd also like to give a big thank you to Kim Manners. The guy gives us the best closeups of any director on the show. They are works of art! And they're a screencapper's dream, I might add! So beautiful!
* Fredric Lane is great! He was quite menacing as the Federal Marshal on Lost, but that was nothing compared to what he's done as the YED. I love the evil humor he brings to the character while still making him, dare I say it, likeable. We know how cruel the YED can be, but he's written with such great lines. I gotta say, the American Idol line just cracks me up!
* Got your tissues handy? This is my favorite scene and it's the angstiest. I hope this is the scene that's used for Jensen's Emmy nomination, because it's just...unbelievably great. His facial expressions (again with the dead eyes), the wavering in his voice, the tears....it's just so much to take in. I honestly don't get emotional over this scene. I'm so wrapped up in Jensen's performance. I feel the sadness...I'm just paying so much attention to what he's doing. My emotional break happens much later (I'll let you know). This scene is just so touching. The way he starts off with a memory about Sam always asking questions when he was little and how Dean just wanted him to stay a little kid for as long as possible. In my mind I was flashing back to the end of Something Wicked when Sam lamented that he wished he could have had innocence as a child and Dean answered that he wished Sam could've had that too. Anyway, the music is just perfect here as well.
I'm gonna include my comments along with the quotes from this scene:
You know, when we were little - I mean, you couldn't have been more than five - you just started asking questions.
How come we didn't have a mom?
Why do we always have to move around?
Where'd dad go when he'd take off for days at a time?
I remember I begged you - "Quit asking, Sammy. Man, you don't wanna know."
I just wanted you to be a kid, just for a little while longer.
(wibble - I love big-brother Dean!)
I always tried to protect you ...keep you safe.
Dad didn't even have to tell me.
It was just always my responsibility, you know?
(I love how we now learn this was something Dean just took upon himself to do - protect Sam.)
It's like I had one job...I had one job...and I screwed it up.
(Oh man, when his voice breaks here - I break.)
I blew it.
And for that, I'm sorry.
I guess that's what I do. I let down the people I love.
(At this point I was thinking "No, no Dean. That's not true! You can't think that way about yourself!)
I let Dad down. And now I guess I'm just supposed to let you down, too.
How can I?
How am I supposed to live with that?
What am I supposed to do?
Sammy. God.
What am I supposed to do?
What am I supposed to do?!
Okay, I'm actually tearing up a bit now. Dammit. Jensen finally broke me. *sniffle* I had to watch the scene twice (pausing a lot, too) to get all the quotes. I really want him to win an Emmy for this. It's so well acted. Dean's finally reached his breaking point. He's lost everyone he loves. Without his family he has no direction. He's lost, broken. Life no longer has any meaning. Why not let the world end? It's painful how much he blames himself for not only Sam's death, but John's as well. He was supposed to keep his family (or what was left of it) together. That's all that mattered to him after protecting his brother. I could go on and on. Just an amazing scene with excellent acting. I'm sure it took quite a toll on Jensen, based on what he's stated at Asylum Con about filming it. Whatever he has to do to get himself to that level of emotion, I'm thankful that he can give that much of himself.
* We all had a feeling he was going to make a deal with the Crossroad Demon, didn't we? Btw, notice the ID he puts in the box for his photo? It's the U.S. Wildlife Service ID for Agent Ford. Remember that from Dead In The Water? Clearly a shoutout to director, Kim Manners, who directed that S1 episode. Very nice.
* At first I didn't like this actress's portrayal of the Crossroad Demon, but on repeat viewings it's grown on me. I guess I so identified the character with the previous actress (who did an outstanding job) that I couldn't get past the new actress. I love the way she keeps torturing and taunting him. She gets so close, close enough to kiss him and seal the deal and then backs away. So cruel! She has some great lines, too "Keep your gutter soul, it's too tarnished anyway." Ouch! That hurt. Then she won't make the deal with him! When he mentioned 5 years I thought that was bad enough, but she wouldn't even take that! I couldn't believe it when she dropped it down to only one year! And I knew Dean would take it, because he was so desperate. However, I was shocked that the show would do this. What kind of series are you going to have if you kill off one of your series leads? I was in shock! Of course, by the end of the hour there's some hope that the boys will somehow find a way, but it'll sure be interesting to see how they get around this deal come season 3. Oh, and to be a little fangirly for a moment...mmmmm Jensen kissing again! That just never gets old. :D
* Sammy's alive!!!! He's in quite a bit of pain, too. Ouch! The second Dean walked in I was saying in my mind "Go hug your brother. Go on!" And he did!!!! We finally got our hug!!!! I'm so happy! Granted, we couldn't see if Sam returned the hug, but you know he did. We'll say he did, anyway. *melts* What a wonderful moment. *tears of joy* *grabs tissue*
* Again I must say on repeat viewings I'm seeing the darker nuances of Sam. His sudden and unexplainable revenge towards Jake is a bit shocking. He speaks with more venom in his voice just saying how he's going to tear him apart than he did before with the YED. Dean doesn't notice, of course, he's just so happy to have his little brother back. Sam's all ready to go hunt Jake down, but Dean makes him take it easy and eat something. Now we know Dean's happy - he's eating again.
* This next scene of them eating and talking really bothered me on the first viewing. I didn't like them keeping secrets from each other. Dean about his deal with the demon and Sam about what he learned about their mom and that night she died. I just kept thinking "well that's not healthy." But I love how Dean just wants Sam to rest and recover (I love him in big-brother-protective-mode), but Sam is determined to track Jake down.
* The look that Bobby gives Dean upon seeing Sam....like shooting daggers. Dean could barely look him in the eye at first. So yeah, yeah, yeah, demonic omens, southern Wyoming...let's get to the next stand-out scene....
* I wanna take back all the bad thoughts I ever had about Bobby. In the past there were moments where I questioned which side he was on. I wasn't sure about his loyalty to the boys. I can now see that I never should have doubted how much he cares about Sam & Dean. They're almost like his own children. It's sad that we don't know his history with the Winchesters, but it's kind of evident now that he's known them for a long time. There feels like there's a lot of history. Bobby cares about the brothers deeply. He tears into Dean with as much anger as I'm sure John would've done had he been there. His emotions are very strong as he voices his anger over Dean's decision. But when Dean pleads with him to not tell Sam about it, you feel that he'd keep the secret. A great scene, full of emotion and tears. When he put his hand against Dean's cheek....it was just beautiful. It was something I never would've expected from Bobby. But then he sees Dean following in John's footsteps - sacrificing himself. Great acting from both Jensen and Jim Beaver. Who knew he had that in him? Wow!
Here's the quotes from the scene:
Bobby: "You stupid ass! What did you do? What did you do?! You made a deal....for Sam, didn't you? How long did they give you?"
Dean: "Bobby."
Bobby: "How long?!"
Dean: "One year."
Bobby: "Damn it Dean!"
Dean: "Which is why we've gotta find this yellow-eyed son of a bitch. That's why I'm gonna kill him myself. I mean, I got nothin' to lose now, right?"
Bobby: "I could throttle you!"
Dean: "What? And send me downstairs ahead of schedule?"
Bobby: "What is it with you Winchesters, huh? You, your dad, you're both just itching to throw yourselves down the pit."
Dean: "That's my point. Dad brought me back, Bobby. I'm not even supposed to be here. At least this way, something good could come out of it, you know? It's like my life can mean something."
Bobby: "What? And it didn't before? Have you got that low an opinion of yourself? Are you that screwed in the head?!"
Dean: "I couldn't let him die, Bobby. I couldn't. He's my brother."
Bobby: "How is your brother gonna feel when he knows you're goin' to hell? How'd you feel when you knew your dad went for you?"
Dean: "You can't tell him.You take a shot at me, whatever you got to do, but please don't tell him."
Man, they're just killing me here. Again, whenever Jensen's voice breaks I just crumble. So much angst! I love the angst! Love how Bobby gets on Dean's case for being so down on himself. I felt like grabbing onto Dean myself in this scene and trying to talk some sense into him. He still believes he's supposed to be dead and that his life doesn't have any meaning. That's just so sad. I think all the talking the demon's have been doing to Dean have finally done their work. He's giving up. He believes that Sam is the only one worth saving. His life doesn't matter. The Crossroad Demon told him he was supposed to be dead and that he killed his family. Seems Dean truly believes that. I can almost hear the metas being written about Dean's state of mind right now. All these layers of Dean that are coming out....so dark, so self-sacrificing, so tortured by his own guilt.
* Ellen!!!! It's so good to see her again. Always liked her. Love how Dean is so happy that he gives her a big hug. Awwww! All I could think is that Bobby and Ellen are becoming like substitute parents for the boys. They really are forming a family-type of bond. Of course, they need that now more than ever with so many other friends and contacts being killed off. Like Ellen said in Simon Said, "all we have is us."
* So Ellen was spared from the fire because they ran out of pretzels. Wow! Talk about random. I like Dean's reaction when she says "lucky me". That, of course, is the same thing Dean said about fighting his way free of the Jinn's dreamworld.
* I like this story plot about Samuel Colt creating a giant Devil's Trap with railroad lines. Too cool. Something unique and unexpected, and yet entirely plausible. Kinda cool that in the center there's an old cowboy cemetary, which we'll learn in a little bit, just happens to have a doorway to Hell in
it. Nice.
* Ah Jake...a total pawn for the YED. If only he'd pulled that trigger on the Colt when he had the chance. You gotta admit, the YED took an awful chance. But maybe he realized how weak Jake was and that he'd give in and do what he wanted anyway.
* It's funny, all I kept thinking during these cemetary scenes was that when people got to visit the set a month or so ago they commented on how awful that set smelled. It was because they used a ton of manure to keep the grass growing inside. Must've been a fun set to work on. Heh.
* Excuse my filmmaking geekiness here, but I loved that cool camera move as Jake walked into the cemetary and Dean was revealed hiding behind a headstone. That was just awesome! You gotta love those steadicams!
* "Howdy, Jake." Who thought it was just a tad creepy that Sam would say this when the YED's been saying it everytime he shows up? Another sign that maybe Sam isn't quite the Sam he was before? Hmmmm. But Sam's already showing a different side here. Edgier and angier than we've seen him in some time. He's going to kill Jake, no question, and as we'll soon see, no hesitation. Gone is the Sam that just a few days ago held a metal bar over Jake's unconscious body and yet hesitated and didn't finish the job.
Jake: "What? You a tough guy all of a sudden? What are you gonna do -- kill me?"
Sam: "It's a thought."
Jake: "You had your chance. You couldn't."
Sam: "I won't make that mistake twice."
* Jake makes Ellen put her own gun to her head. Suddenly the guy has - as he called them "new jedi mind tricks". I'd like to know when and how he developed these new powers? He's out there all alone except for the visits from the YED. Who did he practice on? How did he know he even had this ability?
* Sam killing Jake so coldly was kind of unsettling. Four shots in the back (excessive, much?) and then three in the head as Jake pleaded for his life. Yeah, a little scary. Nice callback to Bloodlust here with not only the violence and brutality of the killing, but with the small bit of blood splatter on Sam's cheek. You can see the shock on Bobby's face as he passes by and then in Dean's. Great acting here by Jared, btw. We haven't seen this much darkness from him since BUABS. He does it so well, too. Notice how easily he changes from showing concern over Ellen and then switches into cold-blooded killer when he shoots Jake. Great stuff. Wonder if we'll see more of this in Season Three?
* Super great visual effects! You can tell they saved up extra money for the budget on this one. What a cool effect with the fire along the railroad lines and the aerial view. Reminded me of some of the stuff from LOTR:The Two Towers ('cause of it being night and all grey looking I guess). Great way to cut to commercial too!
* So let me get this straight. Demons or spirits or whatever they are that escaped from Hell can break the iron railroad lines, but the YED can't? What makes these things so special? If they have that kind of power, the boys might have quite a battle in trying to destroy them.
* Dean grabbed the gun from the door and makes the connection that the YED is there, just in time to have the Colt snatched away and be thrown a few feet by 'ol yellow eyes himself. "A boy shouldn't play with daddy's guns." Heh. Did you get the Star Wars reference there? How he pulled the gun to him just like Vader did from Han in Cloud City from Empire Strikes Back? Yes, I'm a Star Wars geek. Ow! Poor Dean! Like he needed another hit on the head.
* Yay for Sammy rushing to his brother's aide! Even if the YED stopped him, he did try. And of course, the YED's happy about Sam killing Jake. "I'm proud of you -- knew you had it in you." And then he asks Dean the question we're all going to be wondering about into Season Three "How certain are you that what you brought back is 100% pure Sam?". You can see Dean looking a little pained as he looks over to where Sam is pressed against a tree. He's not sure, especially not in light of what he just witnessed.
The YED then rubs more salt on the wound...
You of all people should know that what's dead should stay dead.
Anyway...thanks a bunch.
I knew I kept you alive for some reason.
Until now, anyway.
I couldn't have done it without your pathetic, self-loathing, self-destructive desire to sacrifice yourself for your family.
* Just as the YED's about to kill Dean, Papa Winchester makes a reappearance! He pulls the Demon out of his human form (how cool is that?) which gives Dean a chance to grab the Colt without the YED even noticing as he puts himself back together. I'm so glad Dean got to be the one to take the YED out. Sure, Sam could've done it for Jessica and in a way his Mom, but Dean's life was far more impacted by the YED's actions. More super cool effects work! They really pulled out all the stops for this eppy.
* That final moment between John and his boys is special. No words are spoken (and some fans have complained about this), but to me they aren't needed. John saved Dean (again) and even from beyond the grave he was able to be a part of the fight he and his boys have spent most of their lives pursuing. This scene looks a little weird visually. I suspect it's because JDM couldn't go to Vancouver to film his scenes and instead shot them against greenscreen and he was composited in later. There's a shot of Jared moving towards the camera that I suspect was also done on greenscreen. Despite that, the scene still works because the weird look of John could be because he's a spirit. His exit is interesting. We don't get the heavenly light from Roadkill, but instead some flickering, a bright body glow, and then some little white lights as he sort of disintigrates into smoke and air. Some have surmised that John is now in heaven with Mary. I'm not so sure about that myself. Why would helping to take out the YED neccessarily mean a ticket to heaven? He's at least out of Hell, that's for sure. Maybe the boys will encounter him again. Who knows? Meanwhile, more tears from our boys. *wibble*
Lots of caps of this scene!
* "Well, check that off the to-do list." I'd laugh at that Dean line, but I'm too caught up in emotion to do anything but smile slightly. It's over at last. I'm glad Kripke decided to end the YED storyline. I don't think it would have benefitted the show to keep dragging it out throughout the show's run. Let the brothers move on to new challenges. Sam's a bit overwhelmed. They're whole lives have been leading to this moment and he's at a loss for words now that it's finally here. Dean, however, does have something to say and hearing it just broke my heart.
That was for our Mom, you son of a bitch.
I don't know if it was the feeling behind it or Jensen's delivery or a combination of things, but that line brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. *tearing up right now* Tissues please.
* The last scene covers Sam finding out the truth about his death and Dean's deal. I'm so glad Sam learned about it now, rather than dragging it out into the next season. I was sure early on in the episode that that would happen.
Again, I've quoted the entire scene...
Sam: "You know, when Jake saw me, it was like he saw a ghost. I mean, hell, you heard him, Dean. He said he killed me."
Dean: "I'm glad he was wrong."
Sam: "I don't think he was, Dean. What happened...after I was stabbed?"
Dean: "I already told you."
Sam: "Not everything."
Dean: "Sam, we just killed the Demon. Can we celebrate for a minute?"
Sam: "Did I die?"
Dean: "Oh, come on."
Sam: "Did you sell your soul for me, like Dad did for you?"
Dean: "Oh, come on! No!"
Sam: "Tell me the truth....Dean, tell me the truth."
Dean: "Sam..."
Sam: "How long do you get?"
Dean: "One year. I got one year."
Sam: "You shouldn't have done that. How could you do that?"
Dean: "Don't get mad at me. Don't you do that. I had to. I had to look out for you. That's my job!"
Sam: "And what do you think my job is?"
Dean: "What?"
Sam: "You saved my life over and over. I mean, you sacrifice everything for me. Don't you think I'd do the same for you? You're my big brother. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you. And I don't care what it takes. I'm gonna get you out of this. Guess I got to save your ass for a change."
Dean: "Yeah."
That's the end of the brotherly part of the scene so I'm cutting it off there. Excellent work by Jared & Jensen. Jared showing Sam's fear for what Dean's done to save him. Love it when he gives his little speech, telling Dean he's going to save him this time. And the big brother, "there's nothing I wouldn't do for you" line just made me all warm and fuzzy inside. *hugs boys* Even Dean got a little emotional at that. You could see his eyes getting wet. Awwww! I love scenes like this. Saying they care and love each other without actually saying the words. Beautiful!
* So, as Bobby says the war is just beginning and with an excellent callback to the end of the Pilot, we see Dean place the Colt in the trunk and say "We got work to do." Happily, with the show getting renewed for a third season we'll all get to see that played out. Yay!
I'm happy there was no cliffhanger this time around. Kripke was true to his word. I don't think I could've taken another summer break like last years', with the lives of the Winchesters hanging in the balance. It was so stressful! Plus, they wrecked our beloved Impala! It was a long, painful summer to wait and see what would happen. This time, we get a resolution to the YED plot and the boys are off to face the army that emerged from Hell. There'll also be Sam trying to find a way to save Dean from his demon deal. And we mustn't forget what's going to happen to Sam. Is he a little more evil now? Not quite himself? Will he start to exhibit more violent powers like Ava and Jake did? Should make for an interesting start of the next season, since we have no clue as to where or what they're going to tackle first. I can't wait!
I want to take one more minute of your time to thank all of you who have commented on my reviews all season long. Your comments of praise and encouragement, along with your enthusiasm for the show and wanting to discuss it have kept me going. I also want to thank you again for your patience as it took me longer and longer to post these reviews. With more caps comes more time spent fixing them, uploading them, and adding them to the review itself. It's always so nice to hear from all of you and that you truly enjoy my ramblings about the episodes. I hope to contine these reviews once Season 3 begins in September.
