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'Supernatural' Silent Night
Supernatural returned this week with the most ingenious show opener ever - at least for my money. Better for them, it probably cost no money. It was the "Special Presentation" opener that used to be run in the late 70s, early 80s, complete with bongos and horrific color scheme, and I loved it. They also replaced the usual Supernatural opening screen with a "A Very Special Supernatural Christmas", which was also beyond awesome.
The episode took off right away, with a kindly old grandpa coming to visit his grandson and later in the evening dressing up as Santa Claus to put the gifts under the tree. He makes enough noise to be sure the kid comes to investigate, but a few moments later there is a noise on the roof. As the kid whispers "reindeer" with the sort of awe only a kid can muster, grandpa looks nervously at the fireplace which has a decent amount of ash coming down. He moves in to take a closer look and is promptly grabbed and yanked, screaming up the chimney. The kid watches wide eyed as a bloody boot tumbles down onto the living room floor and there go my good feelings about St. Nick.
It's not long before Sam and Dean are in their best suits and asking questions of another family who just lost the daddy in a startlingly similar way. Sam does the research and finds enough lore depicting an Anti Claus (who limps and smells like candy) to catch his interest. Dean has taken a more logical approach to the investigation and found that all the snatched visited the same Christmas Village. They go to visit the village and Dean tries to talk Sam into having a Christmas celebration of their own. Sam wants no part of it and I want no part of the incredibly creepy, leering Santa that inhabits the village. We get a flashback of the boys as kids, with Sam wrapping a gift for their father in a hotel room, using the comics page from the newspaper. It's clear that Sam has no idea what their dad does and Dean is trying to keep it that way. When Sam asks why they never talk about mom, Dean flies off the handle, storming out of the room and Sam wakes back up in reality with a most likely drunk Santa limping away. When they catch a whiff of sweetness (candy or alcohol?) they decide to keep an eye on him. Unfortunately, when later that night he closes his shades and they hear a scream, they burst in on a less then holiday scene. It's worse than you think. No blood or gore but enough drug paraphernalia, alcohol and porn to make you never want to let your kid sit on Santa's lap ever again. The boys sheepishly play off like they are carolers and sneak back out, leaving the inebriated elf to his own soiled devices.
In another house, however, the most angelically adorable little boy comes down stairs toward a fireplace that is showing some activity. He stands dumbstruck in the middle of the room as a figure wearing a red leather, bloody and matted fur trimmed outfit comes from the chimney and heads up the stairs. A woman screams and there are sounds of a struggle before the figure (whose face we never see, thank goodness) comes down the steps again, this time dragging a sack that is emitting muffled screams and struggling as well as it can. The hulking mass moves towards the little cherubic child, only to reach past, snatch a cookie off a plate and go back from whence it came, dragging daddy with it. That kid will never be the same again. When Sam and Dean come to ask their questions, mom can't tell them much but Sam recognizes her wreath. It seems the previous family had one just like it. A little more research, and a call to Bobby (who tells Sam they are morons for thinking it was the Anti Claus - but given they fought the seven deadly sins not that long ago, the line of distinction is pretty thin), and Sam figures the meadow sweet in the wreaths symbolizes pagan practices. When he points out that most Christmas traditions are pagan in origin, I applaud the show for speaking the truth, but also fear for the amount of mail from the religious right that will bring in. Especially when Sam goes on to say that Jesus was most likely born in the fall and the Christians just co-opted the existing winter solstice holiday as their own. Hopefully the truly wacky stick to The View, where Christ came first!
The boys go on a search to find out where the wreaths were bought, which brings them to the Carrigans, a picturesque couple who have loads of holiday spirit and are a little too chipper. It doesn't take our intrepid heroes long to figure out that they are really Mr. and Mrs. Displaced Evil Pagan God, who are conducting their own sacrifices in place of all those they lost since that king of Jews hit the scene. They begin carving evergreen stakes and go back to the cheerful residence under cover of night. Once they break in, they head to the basement, that place where all bad things are. It's no surprise, really, when they are met with the sight of bloody bones strewn around, saws and other devices of torture and one ominous looking red leather sack hanging from a meat hook. When Sam touches it and suddenly it jerks around, I figure that was the big scare. Oh no, far more terrifying is the calm Mrs. Evil Pagan God who promptly picks him up by the throat and pins him against the wall with a kindly scolding while her husband trounces Dean into unconsciousness, a place Sam soon follows.
When they come to, we get the worst torture scene I've watched in some time. Granted, I stopped going to horror movies a few years ago - but that was largely because horror movies stopped having plots and became little more than torture porn. Thus, when Mr. Evil Pagan God pulls out the pliers and pries off Sam's fingernail, I watched through my fingers. There is also blood letting and talk about the old days, when they would receive a hundred human sacrifices a year, interspersed with Mrs. Evil Pagan God scolding Dean on his language. I get ready to feel queasy when they mention needing to extract a tooth and pick up another pair of rusty pliers and force them into Dean mouth - but they are thankfully interrupted by the door bell and a neighbor dropping off a fruitcake. Given the knowledge that so many people dislike fruitcake (and indeed, the Evil Pagan Gods show it the same disdain most people do), why don't people give cheesecake instead? Who doesn't love cheesecake?
When the Evil Pagan Gods return to their dining room of horror, the boys are gone. Next thing they know, the doors are closing and the boys are taking down their Christmas tree, pulling and stripping branches and going in for the kill. Sam takes out the Mrs. while Dean stabs the Mr. twice - just in case - before Sam finally looks over at his brother and wishes him a heart felt "Merry Christmas". And tidings of comfort and joy?
Running throughout the episode was a continuation of Sam's original flashback, which revealed a lot about each of the brothers. It seems Sam found their fathers journal that year and revealed to Dean that he knew why they moved around so much. Dean decided to spill the beans and told Sam their dad was a superhero who fought monsters and promised that he would be back in time for Christmas. Sam remains unconvinced and worried that if a monster killed their mom, then one could just as easily kill their dad or them and he cries himself to sleep. Dean wakes him up later on and tells him that their father did return, just as promised, and brought gifts, but had to leave again. When Sam opens a Barbie doll and a sparkly baton, Dean admits he stole the gifts from a house not far away. Sam decides to give his older brother the gift he had for their dad, a charm strung on a leather strand that Dean still wears today. Simple and touching and totally effective in explaining their relationship - how much Sam looks up to Dean and how much Dean wants to protect Sam.
The final scene reveals Dean returning to their hotel room, back in the present day, to find that Sam had decorated a tree and made egg nog, having finally changed his mind about celebrating the holiday that might very well be Dean's last. The gifts they exchange, bought at the gas station on the corner, may not be the most personal (can skin mags and motor oil be personal?), but given the slight nuances we learned about the characters, the fact that they are given at all speaks volumes. Personally, I also loved that this episode focused entirely on the boys, without any secondary characters.
The Good: Having the show back, of course - in all it's quippy, creepy glory.
The Bad: The fingernail! Oh, and egg nog - never cared for the stuff myself. I like my green tea, though - it's what happiness tastes like!
The Funny: Dean telling Mrs. Evil Pagan God "You fudging touch me and I'll fudging kill you"!
What were your thoughts on this episode? Did you miss Bela and Ruby and Bobby (oh my!)?
I was with you on the nail and (almost)tooth- that &$#$3 had to hurt.
The episode seemed a little obvious in the flashbacks, but the necklace was a loving moment between two pretty macho guys.
And that "special" intro was outrageous! I felt like a kid again!
How could Bobby be missed when he was sprinkled in references throughout? Makes you wonder why he stopped being "Uncle" Bobby when he continues to be more present in the boys' lives than the father was.
Fundamentally, this show is about two brothers who take it upon themselves to, in the model of the bros. Grimm, roam the countryside and take out urban legends. With so much mythology and guest stars lately, this was a return to top form. It was one of the grisliest, yet sensitive and darkly humorous episodes of the season.
Casper | Dec 13, 2007 9:51:43 PM | #I LOVE that this episode was back to the way it used to be with just the Winchester brothers without any Bella or Ruby and a creepy case. Supernatural's version of a Christmas episode would probably be something more like Halloween to any other series. Perfect! Dean and Sam are still the best brothers on television.
Penny | Dec 13, 2007 10:12:31 PM | #Honestly Jessica your Xmas spirit is zero! Green Tea instead of egg nog, cheesecake instead of fruitcake - oh bite your tongue!
Even though Sam and Dean really are superheroes, I'd still like to know how they escaped the evil Pagan Gods. Incidentally, having Evil Pagan Gods will likely appease the religious complainers.
I think people sometimes don't realise just how well Jared and Dean play off each other - they really are fantastic as brothers even though they're just acting. Frankly I'd be happy if Ruby and Co don't return. I'm much happier watching the brothers without interlopers. I care what happens to the brothers whereas I couldn't give a flying fudge about the others.
I loved this episode, and I agree with the other posters, that this was like a first- season "Supernatural" where is was just the brothers and no one else. And yes, Jared and Jensen do play well off each other.
But there was no mention of "Rose" from "Everwood" as one of the Pagen Gods! That's just sacriligious! It was too bad that the show couldn't cast the actor who played her husband Harold on that show, too. It would have been a great reunion for those of us who still miss the show, even though they were playing bad guys on this show.
Linda | Dec 14, 2007 4:53:45 AM | #The nail *shudder* I may never recover. Thankfully, we were spared the tooth *whew*
The underlying storyline of the brothers, the emphasis on their closeness spoke volumes as to everything Sam was going through during this holiday. I think it's going to increase his desperation to save Dean, and I can't wait to see how that plays out.
I am so glad that I don't have a fireplace. I already thought chimneys were creepy, and now they may be evil.
As someone who's very religious, I don't see what the problem would be with the pagan god stuff. I've pretty much always known that, even though my family celebrates Christmas because of the birth of Christ, a lot of stuff that we do is more winter solstice (I think). The only thing-I thought Jesus was probably born in the spring? Well, not too important.
A great episode. All the brother stuff made up for being traumatized.
Meredith | Dec 14, 2007 5:13:05 AM | #The young Dean and Sam did an aewsome job. They looked so much like them. I loved this episode like the many others. A really funny part was the caroling, the boys are so smart.
Kyra | Dec 14, 2007 5:51:40 AM | #I think there may still be something more to the necklace/amulet that Dean wears. "Little" Sam mentioned very briefly that Uncle Bobby gave it to him to give to their dad. There may still be more to that necklace than just the great relationship revealing gift. On the whole a lot of creepy (gory) holiday fun. Makes my family get-togethers seem much more cheerful!
Ann | Dec 14, 2007 6:01:17 AM | #I too loved tonight’s episode. How could you not? Sam and Dean together fighting evil. It doesn’t get any better. I do enjoy seeing Bobby from time to time, but please, no more Bella or Ruby. They are ruining this season for me, especially Bella. Hopefully the writers will listen to the fans.
Kathy | Dec 14, 2007 6:45:32 AM | #This was a great episode. From the "And now a Special Presentation" to the very end of the closing scene framing Dean and Sam in the motel room and the Impala outside. It was just golden. The lines were funny, the angst was heartbreaking, and the gore was bloody, but it all worked to make it one of the best episodes ever. Kudos to all and to all a very Happy Holiday.
hermitme | Dec 14, 2007 10:30:40 AM | #I agree that the episode totally had a S1 feel about it. The show is best when focused on the brothers and their dysfunctional upbringing. No need for Ruby or anyone else (other than Bobby). However, I would love to see Ellen and Jo back.
Thank you Linda for reminding me that Mrs. Evil Pagan God was Rose!
Christmas has a whole new meaning for me after watching this episode. Thank God my kids already visited Santa this year!
Elizabeth | Dec 14, 2007 10:32:17 AM | #This episode was Season One fantastic and that is due to the focus being the boys and only the boys. Loved everything about it!
Melanie | Dec 14, 2007 10:38:47 AM | #I loved every part of the episode with the exception of the fingernail part). To be honest i like bobby & kinda like bela,(not a fan of ruby) but i was happy it was all about the guys in the episode.
Dory | Dec 14, 2007 10:54:00 AM | #AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME episode!! One of the best in my opinion. I hope season 3 just gets better from here!!!!!
Heather | Dec 14, 2007 11:26:08 AM | #This episode was one of my favorites ever. Just perfect. We've saved it to our DVR and plan on watching it at least once more this holiday season, you know, just to get in the spirit of things - LOL.
The idea of being tortured by people in those holiday sweaters just cracks me up, but I'm not a well woman.
Lisa | Dec 14, 2007 12:01:47 PM | #Absolutely LOVED this episode. This is the reason I started watching and continue to watch this show. Not to mention - Jensen Ackles - he is as gorgeous as he is talented. The actors playing young Dean and Sam were pretty amazing too...great casting Eric and crew. The brothers do not need Ruby or Bela. Love me some Bobby though.
Vicki | Dec 14, 2007 12:09:06 PM | #I adored this episode, and consider it Kripke's birthday gift to me--thanks, Eric! It broke my heart to hear the song backgrounding Dean and Sam's little Christmas party--"Through the years we all will be together, if the fates allow, hang a shining star upon the highest bough, and have yourself a merry little Christmas now." I kept thinking perhaps Sam has given up on finding a solution to Dean's deal, that actually coming out and saying he might be dead by next Christmas is what the song was saying--that fate will not allow them to spend another Christmas together. And that would just kill me, because I so love this show, these actors, and the characters they have created!
Robin | Dec 14, 2007 2:03:09 PM | #Unfortunately, I missed the first half of the episode, but even coming on the end it was a still a great episode.
I read somewhere that Dean's necklace is supposed to be an Egyptian (I think) amulet to protect against evil spirits.
Thank you for covering Supernatural on your site.
The gore was top notch (never screamed louder watching this show than the nail part!), the story-telling was compelling with the right mix of humor and tragedy, the flash backs were heart breaking and the present-time brotherly moments were touching as always. Gotta love Sam and Dean Winchester. :)
This episode had every aspect of what makes the series so wonderful.
LindsayW | Dec 15, 2007 8:02:14 AM | #I'm confused as to why most people are so sympathetic toward the so called religious right when Sam brings up the truth about the origin of Christmas traditions. However, nobody seems the least bit concerned about all the pagans out there that basically had their religion degraded. Even though this is fiction I seriously doubt any other religion would stand for having there gods portrayed as evil beings interested only in human sacrifices. In these modern times we live in, I expected more.
Jeff | Dec 15, 2007 8:39:46 AM | #I did crinkle-up my nose at the portrayal of pagan gods in this ep -- it seemed a bit ahistorical, inaccurate and histrionic. My understanding too is that Jesus probably was born in the Spring and the portrayal of Winter Solstice ritual in the show was unlike any I've ever heard of.
But, then, it's t.v. and that's kind of what t.v. is known for. It's just too bad that so many people learn what they know from t.v. when so much of it isn't worth learning from.
Oddly enough, the nail removal scene didn't bother me too much. But, like many people here on this forum, others I've talked to who saw the ep all raved and cringed about it in a way that I didn't.
I don't think I'm heartless, and I certainly wouldn't want anyone to do it to me, but it seemed kind of tame to me. Painful, but not too surprising. Go figure!
I'd have to agree that the flashback sequences were a bit trite. But I kept marveling at how much the child actor playing boy Dean sounded like Jensen. Amazing!
Good episode. Who knows? It may become a new tradition to watch it every Christmas right alongside It's A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story. We could all toast glasses of eggnog (or green tea) and throw another fruitcake on the fire in anticipation of a good old-fashioned Christmas sacrifice.
Good times. Good times.
Berlin | Dec 18, 2007 6:52:22 PM | #My stomach ached from laughing at the 'carolling' scene and my heart ached from the scene where Dean explains why he wants to celebrate X'mas and from the last scene. Seriously....so much love for brothers.
And kudos to the casting of the child actors too. They looked so believably like Jared and Jensen.
Vanita Kaneson | Dec 26, 2007 9:32:31 AM | #This episode really is one of my all-time favorites of the show. I love this review; it does this eppy justice.
JaCaria W. | Jan 4, 2008 10:19:48 PM | #
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