AHBL Part 2 - SPOILERS WITHIN - Full rambly review and wandering thoughts...
All Hell Breaks Loose Part 2
In which Dream seems to be against the flow…and rambles…a lot…looks down - Christ, 9 pages? Oh and pinching Refur’s name for YED- Stan is so much better...Hope you don’t mind Refur! I pretty much comment and quote most of this episode. God this show OWNS me…
Might as well say now that I loved this episode…
Carry On My Wayward Son… Maybe they could have chosen differently but nice for continuity…and lots of shots of our boys pointing guns…awesome! How shallow am I…you’ll find that I am pretty damned shallow lol!
Poor Andy and Ava - I’ll miss you!
“You’re tough, you’re smart, you’re well trained. Sam, you’re my favourite”…Have to agree with Stan there Sam. also you’re not a backstabbing bastard, bad Jake! Always a bonus…And we get to see it (and hear it urgh) in all its glory. And the noooo!
Hands up anyone who watched the end of AHBL part 1 a gazillion times? That many huh…I’m not surprised…
Sam on the bed...meeps and look Refur, Forearms! Lol... and where exactly did Bobby get the food? Stan thought of everything, huh…
Dean is so broken and lost here…and not wanting food, what the hell, Dean? And he is turning to drink already…
Not the best time to bring this up Bobby…Dean is not ready to lay his brother to rest - but don’t you just love that Bobby doesn’t want to leave Dean alone; he knows that this is a very dangerous time for him.
“Let it end”. Oh Dean, it has for you hasn’t it…smishes…and Hell yes he does mean that Bobby...
“You don’t think I’ve given enough? And the way Bobby looks away…”You don’t think I’ve paid enough?” And the way Dean’s eyes flicker towards Sam - it’s the subtleties like this that make this show and illustrate the quality of acting JP and JA give us week after week. “I’m done with it, all of it.” And then Dean physically and emotionally pushing Bobby away…
Bobby, Bobby (pinches Refur’s seal of disapproval icon)…even I could tell that Dean was trying to get shot of you for a reason, look he’s standing behind the chair and can hardly look at you……do not leave!.Dammit - you did…
Am sorry Jake but I just don’t like you - you stabbed my boy in the back!
“Howdy Jake.” Looking back that phrase worries me… “Genius on my hands,” Stan isn’t impressed either! ”You weren’t the horse I was betting on,” So Stan does indeed like Sam more, good taste, deeeemon boy! “Laundry list of tasty things for you”…God I love his lines - in fact I want him to come back…but ew! chewy intestines? Not cool Stan!
Ah Dean’s monologue broke my heart, and so sad it was Dean who was asked all the questions...man “you don’t want to know”, even a 9 he understood that Sam needed to be a kid...But you get the impression that Dean loved it and is missing that he will no longer be incessantly asked questions by his pain in the ass lil brother…
“I always tried to protect you, keep you safe.” Nice shout out to BUABS…my lips are trembling already…bugger. “Dad didn’t even have to tell me. It was just always my responsibility you know? It’s like I had one job.” And loved that Dean is reiterating how Sam isn’t a burden, a responsibility he takes only seriously because of his father but that this is something he wants to do, needs to do and in doing so, is complete. *Hugs Dean and never wants to let go…*
“And I screwed it up. I blew it.” Small tugging of the lips. “And for that I’m sorry” ooooh Dean…”I guess it’s what I do. I let down the people I love. (We get the L word…you are ripping my heart out and shredding it you bastards…sobs…) “I let Dad down, now I guess I’m just supposed to let you down too? How can I? How am I supposed to live with that?” What am I supposed to do? Sammy? What am I supposed to do? WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO!” Yeah, so I typed the whole speech and it wasn’t easy, what with the tears and the flailing…And the way Jensen’s voice broke and the desolation in the word ‘Sammy’? He so needs his brother to tell him what to do, he is lost and bereft and fuck my computer is waterlogged…
Cue determined driving...loving the wheel spinning action and music…perfect.
And he uses the US wildlife Service badge for Agent Dean Ford…Ford as in Harrison, a nice echo to Star Wars feel that just emanates from this epi…he is soo Han Solo to Sam’s Luke…and as Tyranusfan I think mentioned, this second season is much like the tone of The Empire Strikes Back. Luke had to face the darkness, and he lost his first battle when he fought what he thought to be Darth Vader in the cave. He gave in to his anger and killed Vader, which turned out to be himself. And Sam killing Jake echoes this as Jake represents what Sam could be if he gives in. One mistake does not a monster make IMO. So is Stan, Vader - if so where’s the Emperor?
Back to the epi…
Dean’s desperation and impatience when he waits for the CRD - this is his only chance and he knows it. Ah, the CRD so has the hots for Dean - who can blame her. Though I did feel the chemistry with the original was stronger, she was still a fantastic character. All the Demons call Sam, Sammy don’t they? Hey, only Dean gets to call him that - did none of you Demons watch Bloodlust?
“You aren't everybody else”...so true...”keep your gutter soul it’s too tarnished anyway”…harsh, way to strike below the belt girly…
What a bitch…
1 year...oh Dean you are so worth more than that but god your desperation…Friendly word of advice, do not play poker when Sam is dead…seriously…she is playing you so well…
I have rambled on about the trade at the end…
“Sam drops dead. He’s back to rotting meat in no time…” Heck, I kinda like this girl, well, if it wasn’t Sammy she was referring to anyways…
And damn that kiss. Hell, I’d change sides if he kissed me like that…
Ohhh hell of a scar Sam and he is still in pain. Continuity yey! Wonder if he’ll keep that scar - Kripke as a favour too your fans who watch for this kind of detail you need to strip the lad at lest once an episode ok? Though I only really picked up on the scar the second time since the first time I was enraptured with the sight of Sammy skin and Sammy back and the curve down to his...sighs...ahem...sorry. Where was I?
And when Dean walks in...Meep…his face and “Sammy, thank god”…AND THE HUG!!! He hugged Sam…yey...but Sam surely you had to realise that something is seriously amiss here...your expression certainly suggests it...
Side note…I just melt whenever Sam says that soft Hey of his…
And Dean is so concerned…and all Sammy saw was Dean running at him? Makes me go awww…”Tear that son of a bitch apart” - Dayum Sam you wake up cranky…
Dean wants to eat now aah, and look Sam is actually eating...lookee! About time - I’m amazed he hasn’t keeled over…
You LYING LIAR WHO LIES Sam, secrets are bad, you know this. Slaps him across the head.
But I genuinely believe that he is trying to protect Dean here. Dean worships Mary and the last thing Sam wants to do is take that away from his brother who has lost pretty much everything else. And also, fearing you might turn evil, and knowing you have Demon Blood in you is entirely different. Sam probably doesn’t know how to handle this himself and also would fear how Dean would react? And to be fair Dean keeps secrets too…you Dean, you too are a LYING LIARS WHO LIES…
Dean is so protective of Sam…And Sam wells up a little at the news of the roadhouse…he is so compassionate and sweet and… *coughs*
“You almost died in there. What would I have?” Oh Dean! I seem to be saying that a lot…” Can you just take care of your self for a little bit? Just a little bit? “ Dean just wants to keep his brother safe now that he has him back, and Sam saying sorry…this scene reinforces their whole relationship in a nutshell. Dean wanting to keep his family safe, Sam regretfully wanting to do the right thing. Dean now the reluctant hunter, Sam resolute in his belief that they must finish this…oh boys…
Man, Bobby’s face when he sees Sam...Lol. And a case of c’mon Dean let me have a word in your shell like! Loved how upset Bobby became over the deal and how quickly he understood what Dean had done - he really has adopted the boys hasn’t he? And if Bobby Singer is almost reduced to tears, then you KNOW it’s a shitty deal!
“My life can mean something?” Dean you are so screwed up my love! Nods sagely - see Bobby agrees. And about time someone gave Dean what for in regards to his low self worth - way to go Bobby! “Please don’t tell him…”Still trying to protect Sam even though he is the one in trouble…
Ellen! Wow, Dean’s in a huggy mood today…Do not trust you sweetie - sorry she just looked a bit shifty when you said “just dumb luck”. Personally I’m thinking she may be another generation child. The holy water wouldn’t have an effect, let’s face it Sammy’s been handling it for years and it only had an effect when he was possessed by Meg. Something does not ring true…
And the abandoned frontier churches at the points of the pentagram and iron railroad linking them in a form of a giant Devil’s Trap? How cool is that!
“Definitely” And my boy is a genius…figuring that it is still working
“How do you know?” Are we a little nervous Deany?
And this scene when Sam is talking about the demons circling and trying to get in? How freaking gorgeous can one man look, I could drown quite happily in those eyes of his and he is just so fucking pretty! Not bad for someone who has just risen from the dead!
And Dean’s a genius too - figuring that it is something being kept in…our boys are pretty and smart! Not to mention cool and kick ass, and just awesome really...ha take that Grey’s…
And ‘full blood demon’ was a careful choice of words... Sam’s face when he realises, when he knows who could get across. And you can see Dean’s minds ticking too - he suspects, I’m sure of it.
Wow, Jake you were easily seduced to the dark side mind weren’t you?
Yey Stan! “Howdy Jake!” No, that phrase again…”Shocked at this unforeseen turn of events”...god I adore his lines…
Who woulda thought they could hide that well - especially our resident sasquatch…
Crap - “Howdy Jake!” Now that’s freaking me out! Sam said it, and I cannot remember him saying ‘howdy’ before his resurrection. I am beginning to wonder if Sam is now a hybrid or something, or like a ‘sleeper agent’ programmed to change at a certain point, with some traits ingrained.
I liked how they all fanned out, just seemed very professional. He cut clean through his spinal cord? So that’s what you were doing - explains Sam’s collapse. Man that’s nasty! Not to mention that’s screwed your secret Dean! And it was all done so well in the eyes here. Kudos to Jared and Jensen…Sam’s realisation, the quick flick over to Dean for the denial or confirmation, the way Dean’s eyes slide away. Words just weren’t needed -powerful stuff!
Sam is on the edge…
Oh and Jake has mind control now - so really it was always going to be Sam who killed him, everyone else could be controlled. That and the whole Star Wars reference too…
Gun as the key - I like that its dual purpose - locked the demons in and kills them…
OMFG…
Sam
You…
Breathes
You shot him 4 times! In a nice grouping I have to say- he was dying but still you shot him thrice more when he begged you not to. And the look on your face, that was a sneer! SAM! It was all so very reminiscent of Meg. So lacking compassion, which is just not Sam. Not Sam at all…What I thought was interesting was that it was Dean and Bobby who rescued Ellen (normally that is Sam’s role) and even though they were closer I do feel it is somewhat symbolic and meaningful that Sam killed…and a bit enthusiastically too…
Bobby and Dean’s faces also scream WTF? They are hocked and more than a little concerned about how Sam is a little scary here…
Sam flinched a little though with each shot and his teeth were gritted and when he wipes the blood from his face he can hardly look Dean in the eye…he is ashamed I think of the bloodlust that took over here, and if he is, then he is not lost…He is not evil dammit, I won’t accept it…I won’t!
But…
I am thinking that Jake’s words made him realise that he was dead and what must have been done to bring him back, what the cost to Dean will be. IMO he kills Jake not just for revenge, or because he has turned and is set to release hell, but also for what he has done to Dean.
In the final of S1 we saw just how far Dean would go for his family, I think we are seeing an echo here of just how far Sam will go too…
So many shout outs to different epis…the blood on the face in Bloodlust, IMTOD, DT, Salvation…it is wonderful continuation and a nod of appreciation to all the fans who have remained loyal to the show…
Back to the epi - oh the lock when opened is a pentagram too...awesome...love these little details…and Bobby just knows everything doesn’t he...Dean had the foresight to grab the gun,…good boy!
Nice dive over the gravestone Dean! Sniggers, that gravestone is not big enough for you JPad! And although the black form effects weren’t the best, liked how the railroads kind of lit up with the released energy so you could see them lead to the churches and the storm - cool!
And was that Mary or Jess? There was an image of a blond woman walking out amongst the demons…oooooh….
And I am thinking the key kept the demons in, but the tracks kept demons out…so once the ones inside were free of the gates they overwhelmed them…someone made an analogy of a dam which I think is appropriate- enough force will break a dam even though it is built to keep the water in place, it is all a question of pressure.
STAN!
“Shouldn’t play with Daddy’s guns” LMAO...oh and I simply melted into a puddle of glue when Sam let go of the doors and ran to his brother once he realised Dean was down. Let the whole world go to hell, he’s not leaving his brother alone to be hurt...oh Sam...I love you more each week…
“I’ll get to you in a minute champ…I’m proud of you. Knew you had it in you…”
So he’s proud of how Sam killed Jake or that he returned from the dead…either way, its worrying…
Dean being thanked - what the? - “Red tape, it'll make you nuts,” I always knew that civil servants went to hell! Or ruled it, friggin paper pushers…
“Thanks to you Sammy is back in rotation, liked him better than Jake anyhow…” He really is a fangirl our Stan isn’t he, and a Sammy girl at that lol…
“Too good to be true”…noooooo…shut up Stan you’re lying. “cold, wasn’t it? How certain are you that what you brought back is 100 pure Sam? You of all people should know what’s dead should stay dead…” I am hoping that this is more being done to create a rift between the brothers Winchester - I do feel that it is their bond that is the threat and that until now Dean has never believed Sam could turn evil. But now, now he knows the dangers of things that are brought back, he probably saw ‘Flatliners’ too…And if he finds out that Sam was perhaps tainted by deeeemonic blood? Hmmm
Still, if the demon was sure then he wouldn’t have tested Sam in Croatoan. This show kills my brain…
“Pathetic, self-loathing, self-destructive desire to sacrifice yourself for your family.” You bastard. Dean will blame himself no matter what now…
JOHN! We missed you!
He saved his boys...shame he didn’t get to speak but again a lot of love and good bye in the looks… And again the echo…he acknowledges Sam but only really interacts and touches Dean. The same as Mary mainly interacted with Sam in Home. Perhaps reinforcing who is the major influence to each son?
And that shot? Awesome…Dean killed Stan and part of me is gutted...he was such a good baddie, so captivating and full of character…mourns Stan…
And in one way I am glad that Dean got to kill the YED - yes the Demon killed their Mom and Jess, destroyed their family and John and their futures…but at least Sam retained his innocence, largely because of Dean I think, but Dean had that taken from him too. So, do not have a problem with it being Dean killing Stan.
And hell yeah John is stubborn enough to climb out of hell once there was a way - especially if someone threatens his family! Smishes John - I forgive you sweetie! And is that him off to heaven then?
And the whole disbelief and surrealism that is over check that off the to do list...Sam sounded so surprised they actually did it.
Dean still isn’t sure of heaven is he...oh Dean…or maybe they are leaving the way open for JDM to keep making reappearances - I can live with that!
The ‘for mom’ - Cheesy line but still kinda appropriate - and also reiterates why Sam cannot tell Dean his secret. Dean is still so strongly affected over their mom and needs the memory of her to remain untainted, a memory of purity and love and innocence to give him the strength to fight, to remind him what he is fighting for and not just for him and Sam’s survival…
And the final scene…
“Did I die?”
“Oh come on…”
“Did you sell your soul for me like dad did for you? “And Jared owns me here. the eyes that don’t want to believe but do, the breaking voice. Perfect in a heartbreaking, soul shredding way. Jared you magnificent bastard...look what you did to me...cries…
“Oh now come on, NO!”
And the puppy dog eyes of doom, his perseverance, his determination that he will not allow Dean to carry this alone, to keep this secret. The need to know the truth no matter how much it hurts s that he can help his brother...oh Sam!
“Tell me the truth. Dean, tell me the truth”
“Sam”...And he doesn’t have to say a word. Sam knows...oh boys…sniffles
“How long did you get?”…Jared oh god Jared you are killing me. And Dean you are killing Sam...He is so devastated...
“One year I got one year.”
“You shouldn’t have done that! How could you have done that?”
“Don’t get mad at me. Don’t you do that…I had to. I had to look out for you.Thats my job.” Dean begging, so vulnerable, needing Sam to understand and not to lose him now, especially to anger.
“What do you think my job is?”
“What?”- The thought obviously hadn’t even occurred to Dean, and that is so sad that he does not even consider that Sam feels the same way. You’ve been listening to the Sammy bashers haven’t you Dean, silly boy…
“You save my life. Over and over. I mean you sacrifice everything for me. Don’t you think I’d do the same for you? You’re my big brother. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”
Both boys faces here tear me apart - Sam’s love and adoration for his brother shines so clearly, his earnest need for Dean to understand how much he means to him. And Dean’s face and it dawns on him as it looks for the first time as though some of what Sam is saying is sinking in…punches air! Finally!
“And I don’t care what it takes; I am going to get you out of this. Guess I gotta save your ass for a change.” And he will…
“Yeah.” And the small smile that accompanies that word
And I love this scene for its lack of masks. The pure love between these too, the pride, devotion and god just the love, I know I said it twice but guh I love this scene!
So how does Sam seem to know approx figures…?
Dean’s grin - so unrestrained, for the moment everything is right in his world. His brother is alive, John is out of hell, the demon dead and he has a purpose once more, has his joy in hunting back. That grin made me smile at my laptop in return. It was irresistible in its zest for life.
And Pilot shout out - ‘We got work to do’ and doesn’t he seem so happy about it!
Lastly two parts that some people seem to have issues with.
Firstly - Dean’s deal being out of character. How?
This entire season has been leading to this. From the deal John made and Dean’s insistence that what’s dead should stay dead. We knew this was coming. He would do anything to keep his brother safe and if that means trading his soul than so be it. As he said to Bobby and this has been reiterated season long, he didn’t think he should be still alive so he would feel he has nothing to lose and everything to gain. And a deal was fitting to the whole consistency, this season has been all about choices and this episode was no exception - and I like the fact that it is at a cost since every action has a consequence and this should be no different. The one year gives a good tension and a deadline gives pace and a goal to aim for.
And if Dean does go to hell? Well I’m sure if John can get out Dean can. And Sam will sure as hell not sit idly by…
And Dean has a plot - it’s called not going to hell and he has a demon after him just a CRD instead of a CD…the same as Sam’s was not going evil and the CD was after him…And they both still have the law chasing them!
And Sam having a bit of dark in him…again I feel that this will be interesting to explore and that we may get to see more of Sam’s feelings, what drives him and emotional growth which were lacking this season. Mary’s secret is still to be explored as well as what the blood meant. And as Sam is the only PK left that makes him special. And if he is special, that makes him a target of other demons who will want to control the army and if Sam is the only one who can, maybe Dean will have to face killing him after all? Also if any remaining hunters find out that could be interesting.
And the CRD only said that Dean couldn’t weasel out of it, not that Sam couldn’t find a way. She should know better making deals like that! Lol…And we have the added fear that if Dean is saved, will Sam die? What will Sam do to try to save his brother - I think there is a lot of wait behind the “there is nothing I wouldn’t do” phrase.
Definite foreshadowing...maybe he will choose to go dark to save Dean, to flip those switches. After all we know Ava could control demons and if Sam gives himself to his powers he may be able to control the CRD...endangering his soul in the process. Maybe that was the plan after all- let’s face it it is the only way he will willingly embrace the dark side…Thinking more this route then another deal in S3...
Dean will not want to be saved if it means risking Sam…so we will have the choices of Sam living, Dean dying or Dean getting out of the deal and Sam dying, or the option above. (plus the million other ways that Kripke will have in that genius noggin of his!)
Oh the angst and brotherly tension aaargh…maybe YED is not dead - why give the gun to Jake if it was a risk to him? Ash’s secret too - I don’t think it was just the location; personally I think there is something else.
I don’t want Sam to go completely evil - I love his compassionate, beautiful soul and I do not want that to change, but you need to have a little darkness to appreciate the light. He would be a stronger character to battle the dark and defeat it. He has only feared the possibility - now there is something more definitive to fight and I don’t know about you but I’m excited!