Good god, y'all, it's Supernatural time!
First of all, I love that the music is back! I feel almost spoiled to get two songs in this episode. Neither of them are quite as awesome as “Thunderstruck” was, but I hope this is a continuing trend.
If Bobby could get out of that wheelchair, I just know he would kick Castiel's ass. I think that would be fun to see. But really, I think it's a bold move to put a main character in a wheelchair on network TV. I can't think of any shows I've watched since Dark Angel that have done this. Maybe Bobby needs to borrow Logan's Super Legs?
Loved Dean talking about seeing God in a tortilla and Castiel saying, "He's not on any flatbread." He doesn't realize how funny he is sometimes.
Oh my God, the amulet is the key! This is so exciting! I have been waiting for this forever. I thought we'd never get an answer as to what it symbolized. I always thought the amulet meant so much to Dean because Sam gave it to him and it was probably the only Christmas present the poor kid ever got, which is why it meant so much to him. But to see that it has a greater significance beyond that is wonderful. I love how Dean hated to remove it and complained that he felt naked without it. Well, he would - he never takes it off. I think the only time he was ever without it was in the hospital. It would be really sad if he never got to wear it again. But it's kind of like, if the amulet is a symbol of his protection of Sam, and that is no longer his sole purpose, maybe he doesn't need it anymore.
This raises an interesting question though: if the amulet was given to Sam by Bobby, and Sam then gave it to Dean, did Bobby know the extent of its powers? Or just that it was special somehow? Where did Bobby find it in the first place? And what would John (the intended recipient) have done with it? Was Bobby expecting Sam to give it to Dean instead, or was he surprised when he saw Dean wearing it? Bobby gave no indication of knowing anything when Castiel asked for it. Hopefully, if he does know, he will say something later on.
I knew Sam was just bluffing about the blood! He hasn't been cleaned up at all. Maybe he's not feeling the physical effects anymore, but he still craves the blood. He misses the feelings of strength and control that it gave him. I suspect this will be an ongoing issue with him. But at least he realizes that he has a problem, so that's the first step towards recovery.
Sooo...the whole thing was a trap, huh? It was pretty clever for it to not actually be demons, but hallucinations brought on by one of the four horseman (which..what kind of beings are they, exactly? Aren't they demons too?). I find it amusing that War was possessing an accountant. That Mustang is a sweet ride, too. Metallicar should be jealous.
Lovely to see Jo and Ellen again. I hope they stick around and this wasn't just a one shot deal. Seems to me they need all the hunters they can get. Though it would have been nice to acknowledge Jo being the one to tie up Sam this time. But, bygones and all that.
Is there any significance to the ring or could War have enchanted anything? There was a total Lord of the Rings tone to that. Next episode: Sam and Dean visit a volcano to destroy the ring! But seriously, what are they going to do with it? What if Sam puts it on and goes all evil? Actually...that could be kind of awesome.
At another ridiculously scenic locale, the boys have one of the heart-to-hearts that are closing just about every episode lately. Which I don't mind at all, because it means a lot of close ups of their pretty, pretty faces angsting all pretty-like. They decide not to see each other for awhile. And here's where everyone goes nuts, because “ZOMG SamNDean broke up!” But you know what, I think this will be good for them. They need the space. At this point, there isn't much else they can do. Maybe once they have some time apart, they'll be able to come back stronger than ever. The road always leads back to each other, so I have no fear about a permanent separation. I am interested to see where they take this. It's like just when you think they've hit rock bottom, you see that they have even further to go.
Plus, notice, Dean offered the car to Sam! His baby, his only transportation, which he hardly ever lets Sam drive (except when he was in hell; that doesn't count), knowing full well it might be a while before he sees it again. That is HUGE, people! Okay, maybe not as huge as selling his soul. But still, it was a great gesture.
Maureen Ryan of the Chicago Tribune is doing recaps of the show each week (which are fascinating, by the way, so stop by) and she noted that as much as the war is external, it's also very internal. It's as much about the struggle within Sam and Dean, separately as well as together, as it is about the forces they face. I think that's a really important point. You know, the show is called Supernatural, but really, it's not about the monsters and demons at all. Those just provide a backdrop to let the brothers' relationship play out. It's been a beautiful ride so far and I, for one, am eager to see how it ends.