Supernatural 8.23
So I wrote this reaction the night of the show, but LJ was having issues. I thought it deleted my post for a moment, but thankfully when I went back it was still there. So here it is almost 24 hours later:
When it ended, I was still waiting for more. But I think every SPN season finale leaves me (us?) with that longing to see even just a bit more.
I KNEW Metatron was lying to Castiel. His helpful turnaround was just too convenient, and having to kill a nephilim for the first trial just seemed completely wrong. Plus there was no fancy glowing like what happened to Sam. The second trial was to get a cupid's bow--from what Naomi said it was cutting off a cupid's bow (hand), so I thought maybe Cas didn't complete that component of the spell because the cupid just gave it to him, but it worked...so do we assume he did cut off her hand (off screen)?
Though it seems like in essence the trouble with Heaven has been fixed without having to close it. All the angels have fallen. I image they will be like Anna was--reborn. Hopefully most will learn about humanity this way. Though Castiel wasn't reborn--because he was part of the spell, he had a vessel at the time, or Metatron chose not to do it to him? But Cas is human now. Whether the other angels are reborn or just human I think most will learn. Though I imagine some will die pretty quickly. And if they return to Heaven like Metatron told Cas he will, then they will be back in power--unless they never get their grace back even in death? But if they are reborn I don't see them causing problems next season, so maybe they all will be like Cas to cause conflict?
I have no idea what Cas will be doing next season (since Misha will be a regular(?) cast member--I hope it's something more like Bobby's appearances rather than taking up Sam and Dean's screen time).
Cas just doesn't learn (I don't care about intentions. I care about what happens and learning from it!) He keeps trusting the wrong people, not listening to Dean, and running away...
I did love that scene with Sam and Dean looking up at the angels falling and separating from their grace. Huddling together against the car. The MOL bunker going crazy was cool footage to split that scene with.
I really LOVED the final scenes with Sam and Dean. They were finally talking about deep-seated issues! It was making my heart clench. Sam had been harboring those issues of guilt and self-hatred (not that Dean doesn't also have those issues) since he failed to save Dean from Hell, and they just got worse and worse as more troubles occurred and mistakes were made. That was the most intense moment of the show for me.
I was surprised but also not surprised by how blase Sam was about dying once Dean told him. It was a little sad, but I could see where he was coming from--they've died before, and this was an important mission. But Dean's emotional pleading broke me down like it did Sam. They belong together. I don't think either of them could ever 'let' the other die if they knew about it. I can only see them going together--otherwise they will try to stop each other from sacrificing themselves alone.
I really wanted to see what Sam confessed to, but hearing Dean's 'suggestions' and later Sam's heartfelt outburst to Dean that it was letting down/disappointed Dean that Sam most regretted made up for not hearing what exactly he said.
We got another Sam and Dean hug! I think that was the 4th(?) this season!
It seemed like there was too much going on in the episode. There were moments I liked, but it felt a bit rushed.
I hated it when Cas showed up and then took off with Dean! I wanted Sam and Dean to stick together! But the end was worth it. And there were some funny moments with Dean when he saw those two men fall in love, and with Kevin, and the little confrontation with Naomi. And Dean did learn important things from her.
I was also a little upset that Dean wasn't angry at Cas anymore--but I understand how he can look past that to deal with important issues. Plus he was really worried about Sam, and couldn't spare much time for drama with Cas.
I was sad to see Cas be mean to Kevin. Some of what he said was true, but it was harsh. Osric does a great job as Kevin.
I liked Crowley bring out the long contract again and Dean determined to read every inch. I wasn't expecting the handcuffs--though I was expecting Dean to say something to Crowley's taunt about getting to him through people they've saved by saying "I can count on you to monologue" or something and then trap him. But he did trap him even if he didn't make a quip. The thrown punches were a nice touch.
Crowley did a good job slowly gaining 'humanity.' His little speech to Sam about being in the foxhole together and then going off on a rant about war movies and bonding and love was hilarious and then turned slightly sad--and surprising as I realized the ritual was showing signs of working in Crowley. Calling him "Moose" and then starting to call him Sam to get through to him was a nice move. But the ritual stopped and Crowley is back to himself.
Did Crowley call Dean "squirrel"? Moose and squirrel=Rocky and Bullwinkle reference?
I wonder if Sam can never do this ritual to 'save' any other demon (instead of killing it or an exorcism) because he has completed the first 2 trials and the power is still inside him? Though I imagine the show will just forget about all of these side-effects like they did with all of Sam's Hell/Lucifer/Wall side-effects. :(
Sam and Dean should have taken the chance to kill Crowley if they weren't going to use him, but they had other things to worry about. I wonder if he'll go back to killing their friends/past rescue victims? I'm sure he'll want revenge or to be sure they won't try this again...
That cross with just the hands and feet attached was creepy. I'm sure some more thought would let me come up with meaning behind it pertaining to the "sacrifice" reference of the episode's title.
I also noticed the tv at the bar had a guy with a hunting bow while Dean and Cas waited for cupid. Nice touch.
So Abbadan showed up. I thought she'd challenge Crowley for the throne. Her current host body was destroyed, so we'll see a different actress, but Abaddon will be back I'm sure.
I was happy to see Jody, but I'm a little upset they brought her back just to get used by Crowley--at least she's still alive... I thought at first she might be in on some plan to trap Crowley. Then I thought Crowley might say what they had in common was kissing Bobby Singer, then he's kidnap her! Or she'd get away! I think that would have been cooler, but they were just using her as a plot device and not for her character.
Naomi is most likely dead. We didn't see wing-marks, but I can't remember if we saw a good angle and they were missing. She was stabbed with her mind reading/control device and not an angel blade so maybe she survived?
I found Naomi's turnaround very strange. I guess she saw the error of her ways and she was very afraid of Metatron's plans coming to fruition through Castiel. She also could have still been acting and saying what she thought she had to to try and ensure Cas didn't go through with the fake 'trials.' She's very good at manipulation--and using the truth to manipulate is one of the best tools...
I was actually completely unspoiled for the finale, but then just before it began there was a commercial for the preview of the episode! I looked away and didn't listen as quickly as I could but still saw Crowley chained up. Other than that I just had my own ideas of where it would go. Though some things disappointed me I enjoyed the twists (even though I saw some coming) and I liked the episode. Sam and Dean were just awesome! When they were reunited until the end of the episode I was tense and on the edge my seat!
I could go on. I'm sure there is much more to say, but this is the quick sum up of my thoughts just after the episode.
Looking forward to next season. I have pretty much no idea what to expect! While this season did disappoint me sometimes, I still love the show and Sam and Dean despite the occasional letdowns. At least we didn't get pregnant!Amelia! Though there is next season...
When it ended, I was still waiting for more. But I think every SPN season finale leaves me (us?) with that longing to see even just a bit more.
I KNEW Metatron was lying to Castiel. His helpful turnaround was just too convenient, and having to kill a nephilim for the first trial just seemed completely wrong. Plus there was no fancy glowing like what happened to Sam. The second trial was to get a cupid's bow--from what Naomi said it was cutting off a cupid's bow (hand), so I thought maybe Cas didn't complete that component of the spell because the cupid just gave it to him, but it worked...so do we assume he did cut off her hand (off screen)?
Though it seems like in essence the trouble with Heaven has been fixed without having to close it. All the angels have fallen. I image they will be like Anna was--reborn. Hopefully most will learn about humanity this way. Though Castiel wasn't reborn--because he was part of the spell, he had a vessel at the time, or Metatron chose not to do it to him? But Cas is human now. Whether the other angels are reborn or just human I think most will learn. Though I imagine some will die pretty quickly. And if they return to Heaven like Metatron told Cas he will, then they will be back in power--unless they never get their grace back even in death? But if they are reborn I don't see them causing problems next season, so maybe they all will be like Cas to cause conflict?
I have no idea what Cas will be doing next season (since Misha will be a regular(?) cast member--I hope it's something more like Bobby's appearances rather than taking up Sam and Dean's screen time).
Cas just doesn't learn (I don't care about intentions. I care about what happens and learning from it!) He keeps trusting the wrong people, not listening to Dean, and running away...
I did love that scene with Sam and Dean looking up at the angels falling and separating from their grace. Huddling together against the car. The MOL bunker going crazy was cool footage to split that scene with.
I really LOVED the final scenes with Sam and Dean. They were finally talking about deep-seated issues! It was making my heart clench. Sam had been harboring those issues of guilt and self-hatred (not that Dean doesn't also have those issues) since he failed to save Dean from Hell, and they just got worse and worse as more troubles occurred and mistakes were made. That was the most intense moment of the show for me.
I was surprised but also not surprised by how blase Sam was about dying once Dean told him. It was a little sad, but I could see where he was coming from--they've died before, and this was an important mission. But Dean's emotional pleading broke me down like it did Sam. They belong together. I don't think either of them could ever 'let' the other die if they knew about it. I can only see them going together--otherwise they will try to stop each other from sacrificing themselves alone.
I really wanted to see what Sam confessed to, but hearing Dean's 'suggestions' and later Sam's heartfelt outburst to Dean that it was letting down/disappointed Dean that Sam most regretted made up for not hearing what exactly he said.
We got another Sam and Dean hug! I think that was the 4th(?) this season!
It seemed like there was too much going on in the episode. There were moments I liked, but it felt a bit rushed.
I hated it when Cas showed up and then took off with Dean! I wanted Sam and Dean to stick together! But the end was worth it. And there were some funny moments with Dean when he saw those two men fall in love, and with Kevin, and the little confrontation with Naomi. And Dean did learn important things from her.
I was also a little upset that Dean wasn't angry at Cas anymore--but I understand how he can look past that to deal with important issues. Plus he was really worried about Sam, and couldn't spare much time for drama with Cas.
I was sad to see Cas be mean to Kevin. Some of what he said was true, but it was harsh. Osric does a great job as Kevin.
I liked Crowley bring out the long contract again and Dean determined to read every inch. I wasn't expecting the handcuffs--though I was expecting Dean to say something to Crowley's taunt about getting to him through people they've saved by saying "I can count on you to monologue" or something and then trap him. But he did trap him even if he didn't make a quip. The thrown punches were a nice touch.
Crowley did a good job slowly gaining 'humanity.' His little speech to Sam about being in the foxhole together and then going off on a rant about war movies and bonding and love was hilarious and then turned slightly sad--and surprising as I realized the ritual was showing signs of working in Crowley. Calling him "Moose" and then starting to call him Sam to get through to him was a nice move. But the ritual stopped and Crowley is back to himself.
Did Crowley call Dean "squirrel"? Moose and squirrel=Rocky and Bullwinkle reference?
I wonder if Sam can never do this ritual to 'save' any other demon (instead of killing it or an exorcism) because he has completed the first 2 trials and the power is still inside him? Though I imagine the show will just forget about all of these side-effects like they did with all of Sam's Hell/Lucifer/Wall side-effects. :(
Sam and Dean should have taken the chance to kill Crowley if they weren't going to use him, but they had other things to worry about. I wonder if he'll go back to killing their friends/past rescue victims? I'm sure he'll want revenge or to be sure they won't try this again...
That cross with just the hands and feet attached was creepy. I'm sure some more thought would let me come up with meaning behind it pertaining to the "sacrifice" reference of the episode's title.
I also noticed the tv at the bar had a guy with a hunting bow while Dean and Cas waited for cupid. Nice touch.
So Abbadan showed up. I thought she'd challenge Crowley for the throne. Her current host body was destroyed, so we'll see a different actress, but Abaddon will be back I'm sure.
I was happy to see Jody, but I'm a little upset they brought her back just to get used by Crowley--at least she's still alive... I thought at first she might be in on some plan to trap Crowley. Then I thought Crowley might say what they had in common was kissing Bobby Singer, then he's kidnap her! Or she'd get away! I think that would have been cooler, but they were just using her as a plot device and not for her character.
Naomi is most likely dead. We didn't see wing-marks, but I can't remember if we saw a good angle and they were missing. She was stabbed with her mind reading/control device and not an angel blade so maybe she survived?
I found Naomi's turnaround very strange. I guess she saw the error of her ways and she was very afraid of Metatron's plans coming to fruition through Castiel. She also could have still been acting and saying what she thought she had to to try and ensure Cas didn't go through with the fake 'trials.' She's very good at manipulation--and using the truth to manipulate is one of the best tools...
I was actually completely unspoiled for the finale, but then just before it began there was a commercial for the preview of the episode! I looked away and didn't listen as quickly as I could but still saw Crowley chained up. Other than that I just had my own ideas of where it would go. Though some things disappointed me I enjoyed the twists (even though I saw some coming) and I liked the episode. Sam and Dean were just awesome! When they were reunited until the end of the episode I was tense and on the edge my seat!
I could go on. I'm sure there is much more to say, but this is the quick sum up of my thoughts just after the episode.
Looking forward to next season. I have pretty much no idea what to expect! While this season did disappoint me sometimes, I still love the show and Sam and Dean despite the occasional letdowns. At least we didn't get pregnant!Amelia! Though there is next season...