My thoughts on 7.17 - The Born-Again Identity
Ladies and Gentlemen, we have Cas!Jimmy, Cas!Cas, Cas!Leviathan, and now, Cas!Emmanuel, the faith healer. Or I should say, was.
Loved the symmetry to the episode “Faith” as in that episode, Sam went to great lengths to find someone (Roy LeGrange) to heal Dean, and in this episode, it was Dean who went to great lengths to help find someone who could heal Sammy. And interestingly enough, it was Cas, who was resurrected from being melted into a puddle of black Leviathan goo during the second episode this season.
Before delving into that, I was biting my nails for poor Sammy. I felt so bad for him, not being able to rest, then getting hit by the car... oh man! Then he got sent to the mental ward. Needless to say, this episode certainly had me on edge.... especially Hallucifer being just the total knob he is.
Though Jared better get used to the whole lack of sleep with his new baby. Otherwise if this problem should arise with Sam again, Jared could just do a little method acting, lol.
Despite all the problems Sammy was going through, it was really nice that he could help Marin with her ghost problem. It’s a testament to the Winchesters that no matter how bad things get for them, they still push whatever problems they have aside help others.
Going back to Cas, I am glad he felt remorse for what he did to Sam and that he’s “himself” again. I don’t think him transferring Luci's torment from Sam to himself is a cop out on the writers' part, considering the fact that Luci is still around, whether figuratively or realistically. (Should be interesting if he was real, they could just sic him on the Leviathans, lol.) Now hopefully with a clearer head, the boys can focus more on the task at hand, which is figuring out the Leviathan business.
At first, I kept thinking, “Oh, crap. With Cas not in his right mind now and having Meg - of all demons - as a nurse….. Not good.” Now I’m beginning to think that maybe it was the boys who suggested she stay behind and keep watch over Cas. She’s their only… like… ally at the moment who could protect Cas should any supernatural problems arise.
Bringing me to my next comments, I don’t think they’re ditching Cas on purpose, but imagine having to lug around a power yet hallucinating angel who thinks your brother is your evil fallen angel brother. I think they were smart to leave him there, at least until they can find a more permanent fix for this issue. And given that Sam is no longer hallucinating, I would think that being able to leave a mental ward when he is no longer exhibiting signs of illness.
Anyway, just my thoughts. :-)