SPN Puzzle pieces
So. I might have specific thoughts on the episode in a day or two. It was enjoyable. George got a HUGE kick out of all the animation references. We paused several times so he could explain why he was laughing.
It reminded me thematically of "I Believe the Children . . . " and structurally of "Changing Channels."
I also noticed quite a few positive references to John. In fact, John seems to be something of a background presence in this ep. Cas reading John's journal and commenting on the beautiful handwriting. Sam talking about his dad being a Marine. Amelia's dad complimenting John's taste in cars.
And the case hinging on one of John's old contacts, who apparently introduced each of the boys to beer.
Now, puzzle pieces.
I've thought since the season opener that Sam's recollections are idealized. They're extremely bright and overly soft in focus. And I figured that the mysterious phone call at the end of this ep would be news that Amelia's husband Don was alive. And let's look at that, shall we?
One of the things Dean mentioned upon return were two rules: Never take a joint from a guy named Don, and no dogs in the car.
Then we find out that Amelia's husband was named Don. (I personally think he was the shadow we saw watching the house in the first ep.) And, just as Sam was about to look through Amelia and Don's wedding album, he was interrupted and never got to.
There's just too much hinkiness going on with "Don." We only have "Amelia's word" that "Don" exists.
And you'll notice how "Don" and "Dean" sound similar.
I'm starting to wonder if perhaps in his grief and running, Sam didn't seek out some supernatural assistance in dealing with his grief. If perhaps he sought someone out (someone named Don?) to give him something to soften the memories of that year of grief and pain. Something to give him "normal."
Which leads me to wonder how much of Sam's recollection is correct. When they discover that "Don" is alive, is that when he decides he needs to stop running, gets in the car, and heads to Rufus's cabin? Does that somehow trigger in his mind that perhaps Dean is alive, and the cabin is the best place to regroup and start looking?
We've talked a lot about running this season: Dean, Benny, and Cas running for their lives, Sam running because he feels lost. We've also touched on perceptions and "mis"perceptions: Dean not realizing that Cas pushed him away (though he said up front that Cas "let go"), the stuff going on with Castiel and Naomi, Sam's flashbacks. I hope that among all of this, Benny at least isn't lying.
And speaking of Benny. "They" told him where the portal was. I'm wondering if it was angels. Of course "they" could be anybody.
Also, how sad was it to have a suicidal Cas? Also also, Dean's "Talk to me." Such a throw-back to S1 Dean trying to draw out Jess-less Sam.
All in all, a pretty good ep. Case-wise it was a little silly, perhaps, but enough to keep me interested. *nod*
Next week, though. Can't wait for next week's ep. And then, of course, they're going to leave it someplace horrible until January. Eek!