Wow - Swan Song (Supernatural 5.22)
Before we get started, let me be clear--
HERE BE SPOILERS
Okay, first off? I called it! I so, so called it!!! callistosh65 and debbiel can vouch for that. No, I didn't call the undos that gave this finale its slightly upbeat ending (I realize this could be up for debate, but I view the ending as hopeful). But I said this to my two partners in Supernatural crime: I predicted Sam would say yes to Lucifer (I'd thought he'd drive the Impala into the pit, so I was off on that), Dean would be there and have an active part. In the end, Sam would manage to seize control long enough to jump into the pit, Dean would be left behind, devastated. Broken by his brother's sacrifice, Dean takes himself out of hunting and goes back to Lisa (thus justifying her being reintroduced--though I didn't get that his returning to her would be a promise Dean would make to Sam). The season would end on a cliffhanger with Sam in hell and Dean living the life he'd said he always wanted--with a loving family around him. Only he's miserable. I called it! I even said I thought Cas would die!!
IN YOUR FACE, KRIPKE!!!
And no, I didn't get all the backtracking (Cas alive, Sam seemingly out of hell again, etc.). But I was pointing in the right direction.
So what did I think?
It wasn't perfect--where did Crowley go? What about Bobby's soul? There was a lot of standing around and talking between combatants, when they probably should have just started fighting already. Where is the freakin' amulet? Is Chuck God?
BUT I LOVED IT!!!
Why?
Because it was ALL about the epic love of Sam and Dean.
I loved all the mini-flashbacks to previous episodes, all the narration that either told us something new about the guys or confirmed something that had long been a given in fanon. I loved how Dean wouldn't leave Sam, how even when Lucifer was in Sam's skin beating the crap out of poor Dean, Dean kept reminding Sam he wasn't alone. I love that with Sam gone, all Dean wanted to do was die or try to get him back (Yes, I like my boys dysfunctional and codependent. Why do you ask?). I'm thrilled Sam got to be a hero, that he was able to accomplish what no one (including himself) had really believed possible (because Dean was there to remind him who he was and what was important) and was therefore finally redeemed. I loved the performances. I thought both guys hit the ball into the stratosphere. Dean's face when Sam vanished (with Lucifer inside) and Sam's reflection when he was sitting there, housing Lucifer and surrounded by dead demons, gave me goosebumps.
I know some people had issues with the ending--Dean is playing house with Lisa, while his brother is in hell. But I loved it. Dean goes to Lisa, not because he wants to, but because he promised Sam that was what he would do. Look at his face. He doesn't want to be there. He's clearly miserable and even drinking in front of Ben in that last scene. He doesn't care what happens to him anymore now that Sam is gone. So he does what his brother has asked him to do. He keeps his promise. Gah. I get misty-eyed just thinking about it. And that's before I even allow myself to think about Sam outside looking in at Dean living the life Dean has always wanted. You know Sam is going to walk away and let him have that. And you know Dean is going to discover Sam is alive and go after him. We're going to get a reunion--and a hug!
I watched the ep twice, back to back, and both times I gasped with delight and horror, and cried like an idiot. I'm very, very happy with our cliffhanger.
I can almost taste the fic that will come of it.
Now let's try to get through hellatus together.
HERE BE SPOILERS
Okay, first off? I called it! I so, so called it!!! callistosh65 and debbiel can vouch for that. No, I didn't call the undos that gave this finale its slightly upbeat ending (I realize this could be up for debate, but I view the ending as hopeful). But I said this to my two partners in Supernatural crime: I predicted Sam would say yes to Lucifer (I'd thought he'd drive the Impala into the pit, so I was off on that), Dean would be there and have an active part. In the end, Sam would manage to seize control long enough to jump into the pit, Dean would be left behind, devastated. Broken by his brother's sacrifice, Dean takes himself out of hunting and goes back to Lisa (thus justifying her being reintroduced--though I didn't get that his returning to her would be a promise Dean would make to Sam). The season would end on a cliffhanger with Sam in hell and Dean living the life he'd said he always wanted--with a loving family around him. Only he's miserable. I called it! I even said I thought Cas would die!!
IN YOUR FACE, KRIPKE!!!
And no, I didn't get all the backtracking (Cas alive, Sam seemingly out of hell again, etc.). But I was pointing in the right direction.
So what did I think?
It wasn't perfect--where did Crowley go? What about Bobby's soul? There was a lot of standing around and talking between combatants, when they probably should have just started fighting already. Where is the freakin' amulet? Is Chuck God?
BUT I LOVED IT!!!
Why?
Because it was ALL about the epic love of Sam and Dean.
I loved all the mini-flashbacks to previous episodes, all the narration that either told us something new about the guys or confirmed something that had long been a given in fanon. I loved how Dean wouldn't leave Sam, how even when Lucifer was in Sam's skin beating the crap out of poor Dean, Dean kept reminding Sam he wasn't alone. I love that with Sam gone, all Dean wanted to do was die or try to get him back (Yes, I like my boys dysfunctional and codependent. Why do you ask?). I'm thrilled Sam got to be a hero, that he was able to accomplish what no one (including himself) had really believed possible (because Dean was there to remind him who he was and what was important) and was therefore finally redeemed. I loved the performances. I thought both guys hit the ball into the stratosphere. Dean's face when Sam vanished (with Lucifer inside) and Sam's reflection when he was sitting there, housing Lucifer and surrounded by dead demons, gave me goosebumps.
I know some people had issues with the ending--Dean is playing house with Lisa, while his brother is in hell. But I loved it. Dean goes to Lisa, not because he wants to, but because he promised Sam that was what he would do. Look at his face. He doesn't want to be there. He's clearly miserable and even drinking in front of Ben in that last scene. He doesn't care what happens to him anymore now that Sam is gone. So he does what his brother has asked him to do. He keeps his promise. Gah. I get misty-eyed just thinking about it. And that's before I even allow myself to think about Sam outside looking in at Dean living the life Dean has always wanted. You know Sam is going to walk away and let him have that. And you know Dean is going to discover Sam is alive and go after him. We're going to get a reunion--and a hug!
I watched the ep twice, back to back, and both times I gasped with delight and horror, and cried like an idiot. I'm very, very happy with our cliffhanger.
I can almost taste the fic that will come of it.
Now let's try to get through hellatus together.