Okay, this is it. I'll see you on the other side.
I know I have SPN fans on my flist (whom I have contented with replying to in their own journals - you guys are awesome, by the way), and despite that, I haven't really contributed to the fandom to begin with. But this latest episode really had me spiraling back and forth between disappointment and pride -- Disappointment because well, it feels like it's the end of the line much like how the title of this episode reads, "Abandon All Hope"; but also an insane amount of pride inevitably because my favorite lady went out guns a'blazin' regardless. And doesn't that just say it all? So here is a semi-fail picspam (120+ capped stills, read from left to right) and my thoughts on 5x10. Enjoy. ;)
Notes: As I am an unabashed Dean/Jo fangirl, this picspam does contain partiality; it is centered on Jo, Dean/Jo, and the Harvelle dynamic. I also tend to comment on the most trivial of things - consider it flailing. You have thus been warned.
Okay, to start: I just have to say that I've always thought Jo was gorgeous (Alona Tal even!). I love her face and with the right amount of makeup and lighting, she really comes off sultry and mature. Season 2 introduced her as fresh and blonde and ultimately kickass, rifle gamely cocked against Dean's back (I'm reminiscing!). Season 5 portrays her world-weary and all the more appealing. This scene plays out her charm.
We skip to the next one where before this lineup, Dean and Sam are discussing their plan of action while the Harvelles and Cas keep busy with shots. (Go Ellen!) Jo eases away to grab some beer and the camera follows her as it plays out, I believe, Dean's point of view. Cue a few short seconds of Jo's behind - so bringing sexy back; he's totally checking her out. I was squeeing in delight. And then comes the end-of-the-world speech, quoting Jo. (Someone really needs to compile the lines from this episode. I love their exchanges.)
Jo decides to humor him... to an extent. If this is our last night on earth, I'm going to spend it with a little self-respect. So yes, note the last picture where Dean looks absolutely disappointed. His expressions are so easy to read. And does any other girl pull one on him? I don't remember. :)) This is my favorite scene. They're so playful and we really get a look at what could have been here. Obviously not just a brother-sister dynamic.
To be honest, I wasn't sure why Bobby decided to have a picture taken at first. I found this scene really funny, plus the background music. Everyone's joking around, Cas drops the bomb about it being their last day on earth (cue the camera like a ticking time bomb), and then everyone's expression changes. Jo looks to Dean just before the shot, I'm thinking she's worried about him most of all.
There is a notable difference in Jo's appearance. She comes off darker (the makeup, the hair, the shading) and the set itself is gloomier compared to the previous, and for good reason, of course. Despite that, she really works the windblown look. I also think her interactions with Cas should have been played out more - I imagine they'd have this whole buddy system; he sounds like he has a stick up his ass, and she calls him on it. (Where is the fic?)
The side-glance, their positioning - I've been waiting for this since Season 2, hunters on the prowl. In which case Jo would have made a fine hunter, regardless of what her mother thought. Now the whole concept of having Cas 'conveniently' disappear somewhat irritated me. I knew he would leave them to question the reapers, I knew he wouldn't be around when Jo got hurt. I thought it was such a waste. Also, as I watched the episode again I couldn't help but notice that Sam shot the hound seconds later than he should have, which means he could have saved her. :|
Jo is shaken and scared, and yet there is a scene I remember where her eyes lift to check if everyone's there, if everyone's alright. Of course, it could also have been her trying to gather her bearings. Ellen tries to hold herself together, while the boys discuss what they have to do. Dean does not look happy.
And then he breaks down while he's talking to Bobby. It's Jo. I-I don't think she's going to make it. When else have you seen him react like this? With family? With Sam? Not with any other girl, definitely. He tries to hide it from the others, too. Now if that isn't love, I don't know what is. ;)
Jo knows though. She's frightened but trying to stay strong. She doesn't want to die but she wants them to live. Guys, stops. Can we be realistic about this please? I think we see here how she's grown up; her voice barely shakes and we have to remember she is badly injured. It may not be quite so realistic but yes, she can't move. We gotta get our priorities straight. Number one, I'm not going anywhere. Now, she makes her decision - and I had harbored a teensy bit of hope that it wouldn't have to happen but it did.
I can only imagine how it must feel to watch your daughter saying this, that you have to be strong, that it's time you treat her like an adult (this is your last chance!) and that you have to let her go. Ellen is so beautifully portrayed here in her anguish - she is such a strong character, not just in her personality but in her very presence. The Harvelles are so bonded. No one else can get a word in but we see Dean's face falling by the second.
And yet, these two find the strength to smile.
Sam and Jo lacked interaction, too. Where Dean is all gruff and tough, Sam would have appealed to Jo's more mature persona, silent strength. But I guess one look is enough to say what he wants to. The next scene is where my favorite exchange happens. Okay, this is it. I'll see you on the other side. I know Dean wouldn't have said I love you or anything like that but lol couldn't he have at least said something a little-- I promise, sooner than later. Okay, maybe I take that back. Jo, of course, wants to get the last word in. Make it later. They're perfect for each other, I swear.
Jo starts to break apart a little, realizing the gravity of her actions when Dean kisses her on the forehead. And I think that look on her face is his undoing. That last cap, look at his face! Like he's trying to say, "It's not supposed to be this way!"
He kisses her for real, which is what we'd been waiting for. And all the emotion behind it was so frightening and true. Personally, I can say that from this we can tell that they loved each other, that it was probably the big kind of love. Jo, I think, has come to terms with the fact that she must do this. But she really starts to breakdown here, which is what Ellen finds when it's her turn.
Jo can tell what her mother is thinking with one look alone, which is why she says no brokenly. But Ellen is hellbent on getting this done, and she doesn't want to leave her daughter alone. Someone has to let them in. Ellen really didn't have to die, I figure. It just becomes more dramatic this way.
And Dean, don't miss.
Hellhounds break in. I was starting to tear up here. I will always love you. I don't know why, but it means so much more coming from a mother. Or a father for that matter. And that is probably the last thing Jo hears, too. These two are awesome. After this episode, I hope more people come to realize that.
That's my good little girl. It'll be alright.
Dean's face is so heartbreaking. It's like he has to see it till the end. How do you think it feels like to walk away after all that, and know someone has sacrificed themselves for you yet again?
So, I later found the reason why Bobby had that picture taken. He wanted to believe that they would all come out of it alive. Which again is just so painful. (And incidentally, this got me recalling that episode from Ghost Whisperer where Alona Tal makes a guest appearance. I think her character also died in a fire or something. lol)
Notes: As I am an unabashed Dean/Jo fangirl, this picspam does contain partiality; it is centered on Jo, Dean/Jo, and the Harvelle dynamic. I also tend to comment on the most trivial of things - consider it flailing. You have thus been warned.
Okay, to start: I just have to say that I've always thought Jo was gorgeous (Alona Tal even!). I love her face and with the right amount of makeup and lighting, she really comes off sultry and mature. Season 2 introduced her as fresh and blonde and ultimately kickass, rifle gamely cocked against Dean's back (I'm reminiscing!). Season 5 portrays her world-weary and all the more appealing. This scene plays out her charm.
We skip to the next one where before this lineup, Dean and Sam are discussing their plan of action while the Harvelles and Cas keep busy with shots. (Go Ellen!) Jo eases away to grab some beer and the camera follows her as it plays out, I believe, Dean's point of view. Cue a few short seconds of Jo's behind - so bringing sexy back; he's totally checking her out. I was squeeing in delight. And then comes the end-of-the-world speech, quoting Jo. (Someone really needs to compile the lines from this episode. I love their exchanges.)
Jo decides to humor him... to an extent. If this is our last night on earth, I'm going to spend it with a little self-respect. So yes, note the last picture where Dean looks absolutely disappointed. His expressions are so easy to read. And does any other girl pull one on him? I don't remember. :)) This is my favorite scene. They're so playful and we really get a look at what could have been here. Obviously not just a brother-sister dynamic.
To be honest, I wasn't sure why Bobby decided to have a picture taken at first. I found this scene really funny, plus the background music. Everyone's joking around, Cas drops the bomb about it being their last day on earth (cue the camera like a ticking time bomb), and then everyone's expression changes. Jo looks to Dean just before the shot, I'm thinking she's worried about him most of all.
There is a notable difference in Jo's appearance. She comes off darker (the makeup, the hair, the shading) and the set itself is gloomier compared to the previous, and for good reason, of course. Despite that, she really works the windblown look. I also think her interactions with Cas should have been played out more - I imagine they'd have this whole buddy system; he sounds like he has a stick up his ass, and she calls him on it. (Where is the fic?)
The side-glance, their positioning - I've been waiting for this since Season 2, hunters on the prowl. In which case Jo would have made a fine hunter, regardless of what her mother thought. Now the whole concept of having Cas 'conveniently' disappear somewhat irritated me. I knew he would leave them to question the reapers, I knew he wouldn't be around when Jo got hurt. I thought it was such a waste. Also, as I watched the episode again I couldn't help but notice that Sam shot the hound seconds later than he should have, which means he could have saved her. :|
Jo is shaken and scared, and yet there is a scene I remember where her eyes lift to check if everyone's there, if everyone's alright. Of course, it could also have been her trying to gather her bearings. Ellen tries to hold herself together, while the boys discuss what they have to do. Dean does not look happy.
And then he breaks down while he's talking to Bobby. It's Jo. I-I don't think she's going to make it. When else have you seen him react like this? With family? With Sam? Not with any other girl, definitely. He tries to hide it from the others, too. Now if that isn't love, I don't know what is. ;)
Jo knows though. She's frightened but trying to stay strong. She doesn't want to die but she wants them to live. Guys, stops. Can we be realistic about this please? I think we see here how she's grown up; her voice barely shakes and we have to remember she is badly injured. It may not be quite so realistic but yes, she can't move. We gotta get our priorities straight. Number one, I'm not going anywhere. Now, she makes her decision - and I had harbored a teensy bit of hope that it wouldn't have to happen but it did.
I can only imagine how it must feel to watch your daughter saying this, that you have to be strong, that it's time you treat her like an adult (this is your last chance!) and that you have to let her go. Ellen is so beautifully portrayed here in her anguish - she is such a strong character, not just in her personality but in her very presence. The Harvelles are so bonded. No one else can get a word in but we see Dean's face falling by the second.
And yet, these two find the strength to smile.
Sam and Jo lacked interaction, too. Where Dean is all gruff and tough, Sam would have appealed to Jo's more mature persona, silent strength. But I guess one look is enough to say what he wants to. The next scene is where my favorite exchange happens. Okay, this is it. I'll see you on the other side. I know Dean wouldn't have said I love you or anything like that but lol couldn't he have at least said something a little-- I promise, sooner than later. Okay, maybe I take that back. Jo, of course, wants to get the last word in. Make it later. They're perfect for each other, I swear.
Jo starts to break apart a little, realizing the gravity of her actions when Dean kisses her on the forehead. And I think that look on her face is his undoing. That last cap, look at his face! Like he's trying to say, "It's not supposed to be this way!"
He kisses her for real, which is what we'd been waiting for. And all the emotion behind it was so frightening and true. Personally, I can say that from this we can tell that they loved each other, that it was probably the big kind of love. Jo, I think, has come to terms with the fact that she must do this. But she really starts to breakdown here, which is what Ellen finds when it's her turn.
Jo can tell what her mother is thinking with one look alone, which is why she says no brokenly. But Ellen is hellbent on getting this done, and she doesn't want to leave her daughter alone. Someone has to let them in. Ellen really didn't have to die, I figure. It just becomes more dramatic this way.
And Dean, don't miss.
Hellhounds break in. I was starting to tear up here. I will always love you. I don't know why, but it means so much more coming from a mother. Or a father for that matter. And that is probably the last thing Jo hears, too. These two are awesome. After this episode, I hope more people come to realize that.
That's my good little girl. It'll be alright.
Dean's face is so heartbreaking. It's like he has to see it till the end. How do you think it feels like to walk away after all that, and know someone has sacrificed themselves for you yet again?
So, I later found the reason why Bobby had that picture taken. He wanted to believe that they would all come out of it alive. Which again is just so painful. (And incidentally, this got me recalling that episode from Ghost Whisperer where Alona Tal makes a guest appearance. I think her character also died in a fire or something. lol)