SPN 9x04
Oh joy, my fannish heart. That was a pretty solid MotW episode with a little bit of everything: nods to the mytharc, some back story, opening up the MoL's world, a nice SPN twist on an American fairy tale (how fitting), but most of all joining up details and answering questions that only an ardent SPN fan would know (the MoL chess board from when Sam and Dean first discovered the bunker, the key that Dean was looking at a million episodes ago, Sam's bedroom, finally a home for Baby (OMG motorcycles!), the angel war desk from 8x23, and Sam's very appropriate feelings about work and "home"). I appreciated the details involved in reconciling "The Wizard of Oz" story with SPN's version, esp. the idea of Oz being accessible not only through tornadoes but other sprial-y things like hurricanes and whirlpools, and then the Wicked Witches' smoke form was all spiral-y. I liked the nods to GoT ("the pointy end."), and I wonder if JP saying at Comic-Con that he was going to watch it coincided with filming this episode. But most of all, I loved the idea of Charlie and Dorothy on an all-girls' kick-ass adventure in Oz! Robbie Thompson sent her off in style, soundtrack included. :) And, I think, it was the perfect way to deal with her character; it allowed the possibility of a spectacular return, saved Charlie from the fate of most hunters (I'd really hate to see her have a lonely, bitter, tragic end), but provided her with an adventure of her choosing that strangely made sense with where her character development was going. I can't wait for her to pop back into SPN with tales of her quest, but even if she doesn't make it back onto the screen, strangely Charlie's story feels satisfying and complete to me. This episode felt very much like it was written with a complete respect, fondness, and understanding of the SPN world--or at least the detail-oriented part--such that it felt almost like a tribute to anyone who cares about this show (not to mention the note on the title card). With the departure of Edlund, I was so worried, but it looks like Robbie Thompson might be able to help keep this ship afloat. More please.