I give the writers credit for making Dean such a complicated, tragic figure. They could have taken the easy way out and made him the stereotypic tough guy with a heart of gold. But instead, there are many, many suggestions that although Dean "plays" a rogue, he is far from actually being one. I was initially suprised that young!Dean in "Somthing Wicked" seemed so, well, soft. I had imagined, based on early canon, that he be more like Michael. But now, in retrospect, I think the dichotomy between the two was deliberate. Dean's true nature is very sweet, not streetwise (not that there is anything wrong with streetwise, I loved Michael's character!) Left to his own devices, I suspect that Dean would have probably grown up into this very kind, loving person without artifice or bravado, intensely faithful to his significant other, etc. Instead, perhaps because Dean knew John wanted a tough soldier and would probably despise Dean's true nature as "weak", he developed this false persona to gain his father's respect. But still, Dean's real self leaks out in his attempts to be the peacemaker in his family, his kindness to children, his desire to help the innocents they save, his honesty to Cassie, etc.
And in my mind, that is the real tragedy: that Dean gave up EVERYTHING. His childhood, his own needs, his dreams and his very self for his father's expectations. And now, for Dean to feel it was all for nothing....*whimpers*
As long as Dean continues to live for his father's approval, he is doomed to unhappiness. But it is interesting that there have been some chinks in the armor: Dean admitting that he envies Sam for standing up to John, Dean challenging his father in the last three episodes. Spending the last year together has changed both the brothers for the better. And considering that Sam is the most well adjusted of the bunch (which, granted, isn't always saying much!), perhaps Sam's affection and influence might give Dean at least some sense of value that he so desperately needs. But to do that, Dean has the find the strength to fully recongnize and accept his father's limitations. In a way, Dean is mimicking his father: he loves his father but in overlooking John's shortcomings, he too loves the symbol rather than the whole, complete person. Maybe it's based on upbringing and maybe partially on fear. But Dean took a huge step in admitting his father's "fallibility" by pleading with Sam in DT to ignore John's order to shoot. Can't get more mutinous than that.(hey, another interesting thing to wonder...how John-assuming he survives-will deal with Dean's part in Sam's decision.)
My gosh, a psychologist would have a field day with this family.
I give the writers credit for making Dean such a complicated, tragic figure. They could have taken the easy way out and made him the stereotypic tough guy with a heart of gold. But instead, there are many, many suggestions that although Dean "plays" a rogue, he is far from actually being one. I was initially suprised that young!Dean in "Somthing Wicked" seemed so, well, soft. I had imagined, based on early canon, that he be more like Michael. But now, in retrospect, I think the dichotomy between the two was deliberate. Dean's true nature is very sweet, not streetwise (not that there is anything wrong with streetwise, I loved Michael's character!) Left to his own devices, I suspect that Dean would have probably grown up into this very kind, loving person without artifice or bravado, intensely faithful to his significant other, etc. Instead, perhaps because Dean knew John wanted a tough soldier and would probably despise Dean's true nature as "weak", he developed this false persona to gain his father's respect. But still, Dean's real self leaks out in his attempts to be the peacemaker in his family, his kindness to children, his desire to help the innocents they save, his honesty to Cassie, etc.
And in my mind, that is the real tragedy: that Dean gave up EVERYTHING. His childhood, his own needs, his dreams and his very self for his father's expectations. And now, for Dean to feel it was all for nothing....*whimpers*
As long as Dean continues to live for his father's approval, he is doomed to unhappiness. But it is interesting that there have been some chinks in the armor: Dean admitting that he envies Sam for standing up to John, Dean challenging his father in the last three episodes. Spending the last year together has changed both the brothers for the better. And considering that Sam is the most well adjusted of the bunch (which, granted, isn't always saying much!), perhaps Sam's affection and influence might give Dean at least some sense of value that he so desperately needs. But to do that, Dean has the find the strength to fully recongnize and accept his father's limitations. In a way, Dean is mimicking his father: he loves his father but in overlooking John's shortcomings, he too loves the symbol rather than the whole, complete person. Maybe it's based on upbringing and maybe partially on fear. But Dean took a huge step in admitting his father's "fallibility" by pleading with Sam in DT to ignore John's order to shoot. Can't get more mutinous than that.(hey, another interesting thing to wonder...how John-assuming he survives-will deal with Dean's part in Sam's decision.)
My gosh, a psychologist would have a field day with this family.
Reply
Leave a comment