SUPERNATURAL: The End
October 2, 2009 by Kath Skerry
Well, if the notion of “President Palin” isn’t a sign of the Apocalypse, I don’t know what is. In the awesome fourth episode of the season, Zachariah was Doc to Dean’s Marty McFly in a disturbing Back to the Future-style escapade where Dean encountered life five years into the future, as it will supposedly be if he refuses to give up his V-card to Michael. V, meaning vessel, obviously – what did you think I meant?
As a major fan of zombie movies, I love, love, loved the scenes when Dean first arrived in 2014 and encountered some fast-moving, genuinely scary undead. I also loved the juxtaposition of watching some soldiers blow the zombies away while blasting “Do You Love Me?” Nothing like a fun song as the soundtrack to extreme violence! In the future, Bobby is gone, and (future) Dean, Chuck, Cas and an assortment of hunters/survivors are holed up at a summer camp, trying to defend their lives against those that have been infected with the Croatoan virus. We first learned about it back in season 2 (mini-recap: The virus took over a town in Oregon, was demonic in nature, and was unleashed as a test to see if Sam was immune to it or not. He was.). I suppose that the test was one of the steps Lucifer took to ensure that Sam was truly his vessel? Or maybe it was Azazel seeing if Sam was one of the “special children? Anyhow, we now know what Sam’s deal is, and the point is that by 2014 Lucifer has taken over and unleashed the virus in an attempt to rid the world of the “hairless apes” that his father valued over him.
We know that Jensen Ackles has great chemistry with Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins, but who knew he’d also find such a great scene partner in…himself? I found myself totally buying the “two Deans” idea, because he sold it so well. Considering he was shooting each half of the scenes individually, they really gelled together well. I couldn’t help but think he must have been TIRED that week – poor guy must have been on set 24-7.
Misha Collins was also great playing a completely different version of Cas than we’re used to seeing. Apparently in the future, the angels have vanished, and Cas has become essentially mortal. He has also become a raging pothead and hippie (or at least he’s pretending to be one, in order to keep his harem of admirers hanging on his every word). Cas had some great lines last night and had me in hysterics, but I’m looking forward to a return to regular, socially-awkward Cas. Not that I didn’t appreciate him here, I just love the Dean/Cas dynamic when Cas is a bit clueless about the rules of society, like we got to see last week. Stoner Cas was essentially the Dean in this ep (not taking things too seriously, tossing out smartass remarks at every opportunity) while future Dean was busy dealing with trying to kill Lucifer. Oh, and Lucifer was being hosted by none other than Sam.
When Sam appeared as Lucifer, I loved it – Saturday Night Fever getup and all. Obviously, I hate the idea of Sam hosting the devil, but I do love when Jared Padalecki gets to play evil. How upsetting was it to watch him break future Dean’s neck? But I loved his line that killing past Dean would be redundant. Say what you will about Lucifer, but he’s sure as hell charming when he wants to be. While Jared was reveling in the dark side, Jensen was once again making me cry. I don’t even need to tell you how amazing he was in that scene, do I? Talking to the devil with the face of his baby brother…watching him kill the future version of himself. Heartbreaking.
Things I really wish we were told last night: what did Lucifer do to finally convince Sam to say yes? Was it the fact that he and Dean hadn’t spoken in five years that caused him to get to the place where he consented? How long had Lucifer been using Sam as a vessel at the moment past Dean arrived? Of course, all that really matters is that, returning back to 2009, Dean put the lesson he learned in the future into action. Not saying yes to Michael, the lesson Zachariah had intended Dean to learn, but calling Sam and pairing up again. As Dean said, they keep each other human.
So the boys are finally back together! Is it wrong that I wanted way more emotional heft to the big S & D reunion? Don’t get me wrong, I’m very happy that the brothers are the dynamic duo again, but c’mon! Couldn’t they toss in some patented Sammy tears, or a hug, or something? I’ve been building this moment up in my mind and I guess I just wanted more of an emotional release. Or am I just being too much of a girl about it all?
What did you think of The End? Will Sam and Dean reuniting be enough to prevent the future we saw last night? Do you think at this point that Sam and/or Dean will ever end up acting as vessel? How about slutty stoner Cas – are you pro or con? Let’s discuss in the comments! I probably won’t be able to respond to anything until tomorrow, but please start the discussion and I’ll join in asap – in the meantime, I know that Kath will have something to say, since she’s watching the show live now!
Lines of the night:
Cas: This isn’t funny Dean! The voice says I’m almost out of minutes.
Dean: Are you stoned?
Cas: Generally.
Cas: (laughing) What? I like past you.
Dean: I’m not gonna lie to you…me and him? It’s a pretty messed up situation we’ve got going.
Cas: That’s just how I roll.
Dean: Hey…uh…me. Can I talk to you for a second?
As promised, below is the promo for next week’s episode “Fallen Idols”, which appears to be a return to the “monster of the week” type of episode that we haven’t seen in a while. Frankly, I’m happy for the change of pace given the intensity of the season to date. Even if it does mean tolerating the presence of Paris “that’s hot” Hilton in one of my favourite shows. Although I may have to close my eyes when she’s on screen.
Related Posts
Filed under #1 featured, Posts by Nicole, Supernatural
I’m right there with you about closing my eyes while Paris Hilton is on screen. Ewww.
Future Cas was hilarious but I also want our usual Cas back. He’s so adorable. :o)
Awesome review, thanks!
OMG, what an awesome episode! For certain the best this season.
Great recap as always Nicole. In regards to your Croatoan Virus in season 2 comment, I am pretty sure Azazel already knew Sammy was special, the test may have just been to make sure that the special children were immune, after all this was before the celebrity grudge match season ender.
I am curious as you, as to why Sam said yes. Did he think, like Bobby and John before that he could in some way overcome possession? It was heartbreaking that he and Dean had lost touch for 5 years. I thought white suited Lucifer Sam was super creepy – especially when after snapping future Dean’s neck, he turns to past Dean and Smirk-Smiles. EWWW!
I am still dying to find out why? Why? WHY? Did if have to be Sam!? At first I thought it had something to do with Dean being Michael’s vessel, but if that were the case, wouldn’t the Demons have known that and been gunning for him? Or is Lucifer playing things close to the vest? Then I thought maybe it always had to be Sam, since he ‘defeated’ the other special children. This whole vessel issue is just very irksome to me. Grr 🙁
Stoner Cas rules. I thought Collins portrayed a fallen angel beautifully. Future Dean was chilling, and yet still so DEAN. I agree with you Ackles totally sold this- I’ll be the first online to buy more. Padelecki, from his reaching ou to Dean to his white suited evilness. Holy momoly is all I can say! SIGH.
Quite a few moments got me in this ep:
– Chuck’s suggestion about TP had me rolling on the floor.
– Future Dean’s revelation on Sammy saying YES had me slapping my hand over my mouth and jumping up and down.
– The VOICE says I’m almost out of minutes- giggled like the ijit I am.
– Little girl not talking, freaked me out too- when she attacked I jumped!
– the boys reuniting at the end had me close to tears and completely vehclemped. I disagree with you here. I thought this scene was all it could be – okay minus a hug. You could almost see the pain and confusion and lost hope (Dean) and minimal glimmers of hopefulness (Sam) just rolling off the boys.
Sigh… too many days til next Thursday.
I think Sam & Dean are back togehter but not back together together. I think we’ll get something good later on. There is still some healing that needs to go on before they are back to “normal”.
I kind liked future grumpy Dean. Gun strapped to his bow leg? Hotness.
The absolute best part of “The End” for me was Chuck confiming what I have known for years – TP is the gold of the future so hoard it!
Oh, and evil Sam is still super creepy.
A great review. I totally understand your feelings about the reunion scene. Who doesn’t want tears and hugs? I do. But for the time being it was just what it had to. The boys were understandably awkward given everything that happened between them, but still you could perceive how touched they were. I loved Dean’s facial expression and tone of voice whe he said his brother’s name’. They still have issues to settle. Once it’s done, the reunion will be everything we dream of, I’m sure of that.
I believe the reasons and circumstamces behind Sam’s acceptance to be the vessel will be adressed in future episodes. Just wait and see.
Jensen Ackles was briliant as always and Jared Padalecky was mesmerazing as Lucifer. I love to see him play evil!
OMG! I am so in love with this show! This was my favorite show of season 5.
Here is my list of ‘what i loved most this week’.
1). Sam and Dean are back together again. I was worried though, in the beginning. That phone call broke my heart. But, I was cheering out loud in the end and doing a happy dance. 🙂
2). Misha Collins was spot-on this week. Oh how I adore him. He has been such a great addition to the cast.
3). I love that Dean gave Zachariah the ‘kiss off’ at the end.
4). Ben Edlund…you own my soul
5). Toilet paper is like gold (snort)
6). Sam creeped me out as Lucifer.
7). Dean cried!
8). I have to repeat again… Sam and Dean are back together again!
9). Dean and Castiel have such a intriquing dynamic.
All in all – what a cool episode.
Nicole – awesome review as always. I will be posting regularly.
Take care, Joan
Loved loved loved Jensen in this episode. When you can play the same character in the same scene, only seperated by time, and make the difference so clear between the two without going over the top – you’re one talented boy. It really seemed like two different characters, but with only the most subtle of changes and still remaining Dean. Props to Jensen on this episode. He’s so good at the little things in each show that make all the difference.
Loved Stoner Cas. So fun to see him shown in such a different light. Literally laughed out loud at the “the voice” minutes comment.
I’m totally with you about loving hippie stoner Cas but being happy it was a one off. I do adore Castiel, Angel of the Lord. Actually that one part with Future!Cas and Past!Dean in the car was one of the moments that made my throat tighten up and tears spring to my eyes.
This episode’s been getting a lot of flack from fandom, but I’m in totall agreement with you: I LOVED it.
Someone who really should have gotten a hug is Castiel after he got Dean away from the clutches of Zacharia, but all he got was a shoulder touch.
Now that I was finally able to watch, please let me say what a FANTASTIC review you’ve done, Nicole. Bravo!
I’m with you that I thought we’d see a little more emotion at the reunion. When Sam said ‘What do we do know’, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want Dean to throw in a ‘We hug it out, bitch”.
2014 Cas was awesome. But in general Cas is awesome. ‘Go clean yourselves for the orgy’ line was brills.
MAJOR love to Jensen for his incredible portrayal of Dean09 & Dean14. That was some really fantastic acting, which I’m sure couldn’t have been easy. The director also did a fantastic job. The two Deans could have been distracting but it was completely believable.
Jared was also great as Lucifer. As you said Nicole, oh so charming. I know there’s not going back, but I do miss the old Sammy a bit. I liked when he looked to Dean a little more. Sam is so dark now. All the demon blood I guess.
Nicole – remember when I emailed you from LA saying I had seen a scene that I knew you’d love? Yup, it was Dean waking up, seeing the girl, and then being chased by the zombies. I guess I was right…you did love it!
I know I sound so fangirly, but I can’t tell you how happy I am that I started watching SPN. It’s so damn good.
Great episode! Loved the Future Dean bit, and Cas with the orgies, five o’clock shadow, and his harem? Priceless! I love Cas’s lines, especially the “the voice said I’m almost out of minutes”. LOL to an angel using a cellphone! Sam as the devil was chilling, but he did look smashing in that suit! Can’t wait for the return of Lucifer in the poor dude’s body because I watched Dexter S2 this week, and realized where I know the actor from! Sleazebag father of Aster and Cody!
The preview for next week? Looks fantastic! Even with Paris Hilton. Hey, if Nicole Ritchie could rock Chuck, I’m sure Paris can do a number on Supernatural. Especially when she’s playing herself!
What an episode!
2014Cas was awesome, I argee, very much Dean-esk!
Speaking of Dean, we were lucky enough to get two this episode, I thought my tv was going to explode from that much hotness on one scene. This whole episode he was amazing, both as past and future Dean.
Sam as Lucifer was epic, he was quiet, creepy, smooth and very much charming. That whole scene was amazing, I think I’ve watched it aout ten times. Dean letting him he wasn’t buy his crap, OH. MY.GOD. that single tear that fell had me in a puddle on the floor.
Can’t say enough great things about this episode, they keep getting better and better. What a season it is going to be!
As for next week, Paris Hilton might just be the scariest thing I’ve ever seen on Supernatural in four, now going on five, seasons! Eek!
Hey Everyone! Wow – so many responses, and some new names too!
There seems to be a split between people who found Lucifer-Sam creepy and those who found him charming, which is probably exactly the way we should be feeling, so bravo Jared.
Lots of love for Chuck’s tp comment that I neglected to mention – I’m glad you guys did!
Also lots of love for Stoner Cas – I’m sure Misha had a blast finding that new angle on his normally somber and raspy-voiced character. Just seeing him smile and laugh was huge!
Kath – you were so right about that scene! I will pretty much see anything zombie-related (spent the whole weekend bummed that I haven’t been able to see Zombieland yet), so I was hooked. I think you used the word intense to describe it, and you did not lie!
To those of you who think the emotional reunion will come a bit later, I hope you’re right (and I suspect you are). I need to see crying and hugging dammit!
Ben Edlund does not disappoint with the eps he writes – most of his are in my favourites of the series. Thanks guys for all of the comments! I hope you all come back next week to discuss Fallen Idols. Lincoln. Dean. Hilton… oh my. It’s going to be interesting…
Lastly, I had to share this bit of news I heard about an upcoming episode – it doesn’t spoil any storylines, just the ep setup, but be warned in case you don’t like knowing anything in advance. Have you always thought to yourself “I love SPN, but I wish it looked and sounded more like Friends, or HIMYM”? If so, you’re going to get your wish because apparently in an upcoming show, we’ll see SPN in sitcom form, with laughtrack and all! I have no idea how or why, or whether it will last the whole ep or not, but my curiosity is already piqued (C’mon – CAS in a SITCOM??? Please. That can’t NOT be funny).
Oh wow I think that SPN in a sitcom would be really funny-probably a lot of the laughter coming from the awkwardness of Cas. I missed the first 10 minutes of this episode, and I’m still waiting for it to come online…grrrr CW. Join Hulu already!!
Nicole, I heard something about the sitcom over the weekend. I think I know how it happens and I think everyone will be happy. I know I am. I don’t know who it writing it but I hope it is sick and funny at the same time. Oh, the possibilities!
Am I the only guy that watches this show? Oh well, their loss…you can say that Sam’s Lucifer is very well played cause him breaking future Dean’s neck was Extremely disturbing, but I had almost forgotten about it during his revelation of why he was tossed out of heaven. Then present Dean brings everything back home with his sympathy for the devil retort…..These guys are doing some of the finest acting on the best written tv show this season, is what I think…..
Regards for this post, I am a big big fan of this website would like to go on updated.