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'Supernatural': Angels and airwaves
You know how Supernatural does it. After a light and fluffy episode like last week, they always come back with a sucker-punch to the kidneys.
Spoilers - skip to the Assorted Bits & Pieces for just my thoughts and whatnot
A girl named Anna Milton is at a mental disorder treatment facility after a hysterical outburst she had to be restrained for. She talks to a therapist and says that she was trying to warn people but understands why people thinks she's nuts. "The end is coming," she says. "The Apocalypse." She knows about Lilith and the 66 seals and Lucifer...oh, and she hears voices. Oh crap. There are really like 600 seals and no one knows which 66 Lilith's going to break. That's why, she says, the angels are losing and we're all gonna die. Well %#&$. Later on, an orderly comes to bring her meds while she draws something feverishly in a notebook. The orderly is a demon and she can see what he really looks like. She telekineticly pushes a giant filing cabinet into him, pushing him against the door and knocking him out, then escapes.
Sam and Dean are hustling a dude at a pool hall. Sam's about to take the guy's cash until he sees Ruby and abandons the game. They go off to talk to her and she tells them about Anna who the demons are after with orders to capture alive. They're off to check out the potential case, which Dean isn't too happy about. They argue in the car about how Sam's all buddy-buddy with Ruby while Sam asks Dean to share memories of hell. No dice.
Cut to six months prior where a drunk Sam tries to make a deal with a Crossroads Demon. What he wants to do is trade places with Dean. CD refuses and says things are exactly how they want them. It's implied that Sam kills him.
At the facility, Sam and Dean talk to the therapist and find out about Anna, her superhuman escape, her accurate "ravings," the fact that her father was a church deacon, and is given her sketchbook which contains drawings of things including the rising of Samhain. Going to speak with her parents, the Brothers Winchester find them dead, killed by demons naturally.
Looking about for clues, they find a picture of her and her family in front of a church with a stain glass window she drew in her sketchbook. That's the logical place to find her. Going in with guns drawn, at first, they see a figure hiding behind a freestanding stain glass window. Putting their guns away, Sam says they won't hurt her and tells her their first names. She asks if their last name is Winchester, and steps into view. Anna says the angels talk about Dean and that some feel he can save "us" (read: everyone), though they don't like Sam too much. She that she can overhear what the angels say but doesn't actually talk to them.
She started hearing the angels the day Dean was sprung - the very first words she heard were "Dean Winchester is saved." Suddenly, Ruby shows up (which freaks Anna out because, hello, demon face) and tells them they have to escape. Some big bad demon is on his way to get her. Oh wait, too late, he's already here. And he's powerful enough to make a Virgin Mary statue "cry" blood. Sam tries to exorcise him but...um...nope. Homey dude is too powerful. He throws Sam across the room and commences beating up Dean, asking if he recognizes him. His name is Alastair and he was one of Dean's chief torturers in The Pit. Ruby grabs Anna and gets her out of there while Sam pops up and plunges the demon killing knife in Alistair's chest. Too bad that doesn't kill him either. Sam and Dean look at each other then take a running leap out of the window to escape, leaving Alastair with the knife.
They patch themselves up at the hotel room. Sam is doing his own sutures on his arm while Dean's shoulder is relocated, which Sam pops back in. YARGH! Dean is unsure whether Anna is safe with Ruby but Sam says she's trustworthy. Dean presses to know exactly why Sam trusts her so much. He says it's because she saved his life.
Flashback to six months ago again. Drunk and stumbling back to his hotel room, he's jumped by a male and female demon. One is Ruby (in a different body), who's been sprung by Lilith to get the knife back and kill Sam. He tells her to do it but she kills the dude demon instead, ordering Sam to get the car. In a tense ride, Ruby is trying to help and says she's a fugitive for him but Sam could give a crap. Since she can't help get Dean out, he doesn't want to hear it. Pulling the car over, he tells Ruby to let the body she's inhabiting go or he'll kill her himself. Cut to a hospital where her current body has just been pulled off a respirator and pronounced dead...until Ruby jumps in and reanimates her, much to the doctor's surprise.
There's a knock at the door of the dump drunken Sam is inhabiting. He answers with a shotgun and finds Ruby, complete with paperwork to prove she's in an unoccupied body. She tells him that, though she can't rescue Dean, she can help him get Lilith. He's all about it now but her only demands are patience and sobriety. Pulling demons out of bodies didn't go so well at first. After an initial unsuccessful run at it, Ruby tries to talk to Sam about Dean but he doesn't want to. Then she tries kissing him and, well, he didn't react favorably. At first. So it's therapy via angry nookie. And apparently demons don't need to wear bras. Cut to present day and Dean telling Sam that's waaaaaaaaay too much info for him.
Flashback to five months prior (aka a month later), they found out that Lilith was in town. Sam wanted to strike first but Ruby says if he dies without taking her out, no one will be able to stop her. It's at this point she realizes Sam's got a death wish. Der. She tells him Dean didn't die for him to throw it all away like this but he goes off anyway, holding the knife to Ruby's throat for trying to stop him. Showing up at the house Lilith is supposedly in, Sam sneaks in and gets a few feet away from a little blonde girl...who whips around, crying that she wants to go home. Two burly demon guys pop up and grab Sam, knocking the knife out of his hand. It's a trap. Before they can kill him, Ruby appears and slits one's throat while Sam grabs the girl and gets her out. Ruby fights the remaining big demon dude but he's too strong and ends up choking her. Cue Sam who manages to pull his first demon out of its human vessel.
Back in present day, Sam further explains to Dean that Ruby not only saved his life by following him, she told him stuff that Dean would've said to snap him out of it. Suddenly, a motel maid knocks on the door. Dean tells her to go away but she knocks again, insisting that she has fresh towels. He opens the door and she busts in, shoving the towels at Dean and handing Sam a note. She tells them to go to the address on the paper and to exit through the bathroom door and leave the car because there are demons in the hallway and parking lot. It's Ruby. She's temporarily hijacked the maid.
The Winchesters arrive at the address, a rundown house, and find Anna safe and sound. Dean makes an awkward attempted at thanking Ruby for saving Sam. It's at this point that Sam has to break the news that Anna's parents are dead. She doesn't take it well, wondering what she did to deserve this. But there's no time to mourn because she hears that something's incoming. Taking Anna to the back room, Sam and Dean arm themselves while Ruby finds out the knife is gone. Not a great time to be without it, for sure.
The door flies open and they prepare to fight....but fortunately it's Castiel and Uriel, though neither the angels or Ruby react favorably to each other. They're there for Anna. Did I say it was fortunate that it was the angels? Because I was wrong. They're there for Anna all right, but they're there to kill her. Bum bum buuuuuuummmmm!
Assorted Bits & Pieces:
- I'm not surprised that the angels want Anna dead but that doesn't make it suck less. Obviously Sam and Dean are going to try and save her but I wonder how God will react to Dean actively fighting His will? Yes, it's to preserve life but it once again brings up that whole lives of the few vs. the good of the many issue. I figure, though, that it's part of the reason why Dean is his champion.
- By the way, if instead of flat out saying they're going to kill her, perhaps if the angels said they were there to take her to Heaven, it might go over a little better.
- I'm glad that it's a two-parter because I'm interested to see what the deal with Anna is. Since she has psychic powers and can hear the angels speak, does that means she's part angel? Is she an earth-bound/born entity that got amnesia or was given false memories for protection? Was she supposed to be a prophet until this whole Apocalypse thing started? Inquiring minds want to know.
- So we finally found out how Ruby and Sam got all chummy. It was interesting seeing Sam as an angry, life-hating drunk. Great job, Padalecki. P.S. Get ready for Dean's close-up next week. While I'm not looking forward to seeing him tortured, I'm sure Jensen Ackles will act the hell out of it (no pun intended).
- Even though Ruby's repeatedly proved herself to be acting in the interest of Sam's (and Dean's) welfare, part of me is still suspicious of her. But that's more because I don't trust Eric Kripke. Sort like I don't trust Joss Whedon. They're both sneaky.
- If things weren't hard enough for the Brothers Winchester, now they have to fight uber-demon Alistair. Good grief. What's next, a fire-breathing dragon?
- About Lilith, you've really got to be evil to always want to inhabit children. Tactically it's smart because the less hardened hunters will think twice before offing a child but really, I think she likes creeping people out. Because evil children are mega-creepy, like porcelain dolls and clowns.
- Even though Castiel only appeared for a second, it was nice to see him again. He's a really, really great character. Misha Collins is doing a fantastic job in the role. Ditto for Robert Wisdom in his turn as Uriel, the "bad cop" as it were.
- Since I'm giving out actor shout-outs, Julie McNiven plays Anna and she did a really good job. The wrong actress would make the character totally hateable and then I'd have to actively root for her demise, which just wouldn't be right.
- I also have to take a moment to give it up to Kripke, Sera Gamble, Ben Edlund, and all the writers for delivering such great episodes so far this year. I've yet to be disappointed in one, so thank you very much for that.
- My favorite quote of the night came from Alastair while he was choking Dean out - "Don't you recognize me? Oh wait, I'm wearing a pediatrician."
Your thoughts on tonight's episode? Were you glad to finally see how Ruby and Sam become a demon-fighting duo? Did you respond favorably to Anna? Anything else you want to add?
I admittedly wasn't a huge Supernatural fan the first few seasons, watching it for watching's sake. But I like this season. The storytelling's tighter, there's a focus to it. Sort of like when Lost got it's end line set ... it feels like Supernatural knows how much longer it is going for and they aren't going to waste time.
What else has Genevieve Cortese been in? I wasn't big on her at first, but I've come around.
Tony | Nov 14, 2008 3:06:24 AM | #another awesome show and i just love how they really seem to have mapped this season out so effectively. I also like the new Ruby better. She's not as hot as the one from last year, but she's not as annoying either. Nothing really groundbreaking about Sam's alone time, but i'm thinking its going to be a different story when we see what happened to Dean next week. Also, WTF happens that gets Dean and Anna in the sack? She doesn't seem like Dean's type at all being so mousy.
steve | Nov 14, 2008 6:13:28 AM | #Ruby's definitely up to something. No way Lillith just lets her walk. Nice to see Sam (Jared) shine as the suicidal wreck he became after Dean died. I totally forgive him for finding some comfort with Ruby. Can't wait to hear Dean's side next week.
Kathy B. | Nov 14, 2008 6:59:49 AM | #I did not read 'us' into the angels saying Dean could save everyone. I took it as saving all the Angels.
Who moved the dresser for Anna? I think it was angels ? The demon was in the doorway, Anna looked at a corner and there was a shadow near the dresser, then the dresser went flying ! So did an angel save her from being taken by the demon ?
Castiel is saying he is there to kill Anna, but he also told Dean that he was on board with wiping out that town. Later he revealed that it had been a test and that he wanted Dean to save the town - so is this another test for Dean ?
MJ | Nov 14, 2008 7:18:56 AM | #Genevieve Cortese is from the show that was recently on ABC Family channel, Wildfire. I really like her.
Tawnya | Nov 14, 2008 7:48:47 AM | #I thought last night's episodes was one of the worst of the entire series - I was looking forward to it all season, and it was a huge disappointemnt! They tried to fit way too much in - Sam's backstory was completely rushed, Sam and Dean STILL had not brotherly moment - not a single word or look from Dean about how he felt about Sam's reveal, the new girl was annoying, Sam sleeping with a demon is disturbing on multiple levels (are they trying to completely ruin Sam's character?), and Dean as the savior of the entire world is just too much, especially after all these years of demons not caring for one second about the status of Dean's soul. Not to mention the fact that next week's preview was ridiculous - "they gave into temptation." And of course Dean is crying yet another pretty emo tear - because when Dean gets a backstory, he gets to have it unfold in the present and cry about it, when Sam has a story to tell, they condense it into a single episode and joke about demon sex. What show am I watching?
Sarah | Nov 14, 2008 8:42:04 AM | #I think that similar to In Jus Bello that the girl is a virgin and Dean needs to deflower her to keep her alive. I am loving the religious overtones this year but I am not sure about how Dean is going to save them all. All I can think is that somehow he is his brother's keeper and by leading Sam to the holy side of the war he will destroy the evil side.
marnamoo | Nov 14, 2008 9:51:57 AM | #Demon sex is no good. Sam should have protested more--I can't imagine it's that hard to find willing bodies to have sex with. Even though it was obvious that they had slept together, I really wanted it not to be true.
Jen | Nov 14, 2008 9:59:19 AM | #I think this was a solid episode with a big payoff (what Sam did last summer) and a great twist (the angels wanting Anna dead). The whole Ruby/Sam dilemma didn't bother me one bit and finally I started to like Genevieve Cortese as Ruby. Great episode!
Rafa | Nov 14, 2008 11:19:26 AM | #MJ - By 'us' I was thinking the angels meant like everyone in danger of being destroyed by the Apocalypse, which probably included humans and angels alike. As for Anna and the cabinet, I didn't notice a shadow so it is quite possible an angel moved it - since she could hear angels talking, I thought it perfectly natural she'd have telekinesis in a time of such extreme stress. It also occurred to me that this was another test but I don't know...it may be more a "if you can't protect her, she's gotta die" situations...
Sarah - This wasn't the story of what Sam was doing the entire 6 months, this was about how Sam & Ruby got buddy-buddy. Was it a lot of story in one ep? Sure, but I still dug it. And honestly, if you were in Hell for 6 months I'd let you cry all you want. They like Dean to get all emotional because the basis of his character the unattached bad ass who buries things deep down and deflects heavy feelings. The opposite action to that is emotional outpourings when he does finally connect to/confess what's boiling under the surface. Plus, like Sarah Michelle Geller, Jensen Ackles is one of the best cryers I've ever seen. Do you know how hard it is to just let tears well up in yours eyes without blinking and letting your face go all twisty? Ish is hard, man.
marnamoo - I'm not sure how Dean is fitting into this whole thing either. My suspicion is that eventually something's going to happen that'll turn Sam evil (or mostly evil) and Dean will have to fight him, each leading a respective army of demons and angels. Seriously, Kripke is twisted enough to do it.
re: Sam/Ruby hooking up - Sam was not at all mentally healthy at that time. He was drunk, angry, desperate, inconsolably sad and had a death wish. If you don't care whether you live or die, having sex with a demon in a human's body isn't going to set off your "bad idea alarm" as much as it should.
Tamara B. | Nov 14, 2008 11:25:15 AM | #Sarah - Oh, and I forgot to say that I'm sure we'll see more from that 6 months that Sam was alone in the future. He no doubt did some things that are going to pop up again to cause trouble.
Tamara B. | Nov 14, 2008 11:27:31 AM | #I had a slight gross-out issue with Sam/Ruby sex but that's probably because it was supposed to show his desperation and bent-up-ness.
I agree with Cas. I knew he was there (house shaking, lights flickering). Are we going to see him fly? I couldn't tell who was phasing out in the previews.
Heather | Nov 14, 2008 11:28:00 AM | #This entire episode makes me sick to no end.Obviously Show tries to answer the media reaction regarding the Sam/Ruby relationship (through Ruby's mouth to top everything off )! Well, we are mile away from the moral standard code and I feel kind of sad that we even have to discuss the immoral aspect of the whole situation. But at least some of the viewers are happy to see Mr Padalecki perform a beautiful "angry sex scene". Entertainment after all !!!
disappointed | Nov 14, 2008 11:34:03 AM | #I think the key to Dean saving everyone is really Dean saving Sam. I think the reason they saved Dean over say, John or Mary Winchester, was because the only person that can talk sense to Sam is Dean. Which makes me wonder why they didn't just kill Sam in the first place since they seem so willing to kill anyone else. Maybe they think they can use him the find out what Yellow Eyes' ultimate goal was.
Not loving the Sam/Ruby thing. This Ruby seems so different than last year's Ruby. Last year she didn't seem like she would go all soft and want to be Sam's friend with benefits. I liked her better fiesty.
Cooper | Nov 14, 2008 1:08:51 PM | #I liked the episode and so far I don't have a problem with Anna (I usually don't like the girls on the show which brings me to my next point). I'm so not into the whole
Ruby and Sam romance. But I do have to say their sex scene was hot, but its nothing compared to what happens next week. If you've seen the promo for next week you know what I'm talking about.
First off – if it was “God’s will” for Anna to be dead – she would be. I think once again our boy Dean is being tested. Will he take the easy way out? As for Anna, I imagine she is a Prophet, because giving her Angel blood sort of jumps the shark, doesn’t it? I love-love (notice the double love there) Ruby and Sam as a couple. Can demons redeem themselves in the eyes of the Lord … or is Sammy just playing with fire? This season of Supernatural has been astounding and dare I say they owe it all to the introduction of Castiel?
Allara | Nov 14, 2008 9:00:26 PM | #Well, I was a little freaked out by Sam and Ruby making out, but DAMN, that was hot!!!! lol, I mean, who knew Sam was this... ah.. muscly :D Love it! ;)
Myriam | Nov 15, 2008 12:51:30 AM | #But I like Dean a lot better, so take off that shirt, boy! ;)
Seriously though, as someone said it, Jensen Ackles is a great crier, it's never too much (as Jared Padalecki does it IMO), it's just the right amount of crying a tough guy with a soft and chewy center like him can do ;) Sam sometimes used to piss me off with his whining and crying all the time. I was even kind of glad to see him more angry and drunk this ep than in the fetal position on his bed or something :P
Myriam | Nov 15, 2008 12:55:06 AM | #Nice, Myriam. Very nice. Please tell me, when did Sam EVER lay on his bed and cry? Oh, that's right - NEVER. In fact, since when did he ever whine and cry all the time? Are you referring to his painful visions, or his grief over Jessica in seasone one? My God, you're right - how DARE he grieve over the death of his girlfriend. In my opinion, I'm sick of Dean whining about his status as the family martyr and crying and giving us wooby eyes every other episode.
Sarah | Nov 15, 2008 9:51:51 AM | #Wow, interesting how easily offended people get, lol. No, Sam never did lie on his bed in the fetal position and cry. But he does get emotional a lot. Or at least he is the more emotional of the two brothers and some episodes that just bothered me.
Or maybe it's just that I like Dean better... no need to get offended, people!
Myriam | Nov 15, 2008 10:26:53 AM | #I don't watch the show, but I have to say: nice article title.
Billiam | Nov 16, 2008 5:41:24 PM | #I watched the ep again last night, and it was even better. I think Ruby is totally playing Sam.
Jen | Nov 17, 2008 11:22:53 AM | #I have never been so impressed with a show. I think we all should keep an eye on Ruby. I just know she's going to turn out being what gets Sam to be the leader of the demon army. Anyway, thank you for such a thrilling show.
Your number one fan,
Jamie, Spokane WA.
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