Review for 5x02 'Good God, Y'all'

[galathea]

While the season opener dealt with the immediate consequences of the S4 finale, Good God, Y’all follows up with some urgently needed character work. Since I always prefer the more character driven episodes, it’s no surprise that I loved Sera Gamble’s latest instalment in the series more than its predecessor. I liked especially that the episode not only heavily featured Sam and Dean, but also returned some long lost recurring characters from the earlier seasons to us, which gave the episode a nice 'back to the roots' feeling, without compromising the tone of the current season. Well done, Sera – oh, and by the way, thanks for, you know - ripping my heart out! Again! *g*



The basic plot of Good God, Y’all is very reminiscent of Croatoan - a supernatural force suddenly turns peaceful townspeople against each other, and Sam and Dean find themselves in the middle of a siege, their attention torn between protecting innocent lives and their personal problems. However, Good God, Y'all works infinitely better in creating an atmosphere of danger and chaos, and it supports the character development perfectly. So, while the plot in itself isn’t overly original material for a Supernatural episode, and even feels a bit underwhelming, considering that we are talking about one of the four horsemen here and not just some random demon, I don’t really mind, because ultimately the plot simply serves as a believable back-drop for the slow realisation process Sam and Dean are going through.

Structurally, the episode holds together really well, as almost all brotherly scenes are one long preparation for the heartbreaking finale, which for once doesn't just feel tacked on at the end, but like the logical conclusion to the events that precede it. Also, it’s interesting to note that the show is on a very tight timeframe at the moment. Barely a week passed by in between the ending of The Rapture and Good God, Y’all and that’s important to keep in mind, in order to understand why the characters’ emotions are so raw and the wounds are still so open at the moment.

Sam: "I’m in no shape to be hunting. I need to step back, ‘cause I’m dangerous. Maybe it’s best, we just go our separate ways."
Dean: "Well, I think you’re right."
Sam: "I was expecting a fight."
Dean: "Truth is, I spent more time worrying about you, than about doing the job right. I can’t afford that, you know? Not now."

At the end of Sympathy For The Devil Dean told his brother that he isn’t able to forgive him his betrayal of their brotherly bond and that he cannot trust Sam anymore, and in Good God, Y’all we get to see the very consequences of that lack of trust between them. Sam feels that Dean calls his every action as a hunter into question. He sees an accusation in Dean’s every look and every gesture and understandably reacts with frustration and anger. Dean, on the other hand, is preoccupied with worry and constantly dreads a relapse on Sam’s side, so he has a hard time focussing on the job. They are both trying very hard to get past their issues, but it's of no avail, their usually smooth working routine is disrupted by doubt (Dean) and anger (Sam). Even when Dean tries to fall back on his big brother role and gently coaxes a brooding Sam into expressing his sorrow over not being able to save people anymore, Dean can't help himself and turns to sarcasm, thus driving Sam into the defence position, and it becomes glaringly obvious that at the moment both brothers are unable to help each other through this crisis. That's especially emphasised by the fact that Sam and Dean work more relaxed and confident with someone else - in this case mostly Ellen - at their side than with their respective brother.

So, Sam's suggestion to part ways, after all is said and done, felt inevitable and necessary. I love how completely self-aware and honest Sam is in their quiet conversation, he lays himself bare in front of Dean, implores him to listen and understand. Sam can’t trust himself anymore, the addiction interferes with his ability to do his job and on top of it he needs time to come to terms with what he has done. I think it is important to Sam that Dean understands that he doesn’t abandon him - as he did so often in the past - but that by leaving he takes responsibility for what happened between them and tries to put it right. And still, his forlorn expression when Dean agrees with him shows that part of Sam wanted for Dean to comfort him, expected Dean to fight for Sam to stay with him, but Dean just can’t do that at the moment, because he himself also needs to put things right, by fighting the apocalypse. Both brothers are barely able to look each other in the eye during their conversation and the sorrow they both feel is palpable.

So, Dean does the next best thing to reassure his brother, he offers Sam to take the Impala. ♥ It’s beautiful how such a simple gesture can hold such a powerful meaning. The car is not only Dean’s most valuable possession, but also represents home and safety and shelter all in on package. In many ways the car is part of Dean himself and giving it to Sam is Dean’s way of saying that their separation will not be forever, that he wants Sam to be safe, protected and comforted. It’s as close to an 'I love you' as Dean will ever be able to say to his brother, and when Sam gently touches the Impala one last time to say goodbye, it's a gesture that encompasses Dean as well. God, these boys! ♥

As much as the end scene breaks my heart, and how much Sam walking away may look like an ending, in reality it is the beginning of their healing process. In order to get together again, they need to separate first, and it’s important that they do it for the right reasons for once. Not because they hate each other or are disappointed or had a fight, but because they both need different things at the moment, things their brother cannot provide for them, and the realisation and acceptance of that fact, allows them for the first time to let each other go in peace and with love, even if it visibly pains them. They can’t build a new relationship on the debris of their old one, it would never have a stable foundation, but once they worked their way through the rubble and the smoking remains, they will base their new brotherhood on the same solid ground as before, love.

And the love is so very much still there: It’s in Dean’s reluctance to part with his amulet and in his willingness to give away the Impala. It’s in Sam’s honesty and in the way Dean still calls Sam Sammy. But for years the brothers have been stuck in the same unhealthy patterns of self-sacrifice and co-dependency, and in the end that is the very reason why they ended up on this bench in the middle of nowhere, the apocalypse on their heels. The pain they went through these last couple of years would have been for nothing, if they didn’t learn from it! And when they come together again, it will be their own choice. Not because of family obligations or because Dean wants to protect Sam or Sam needs to save Dean, it will be because they choose to be together as brothers, as equal partners and friends. And that will make their relationship not only more meaningful, but also healthier!

It’s no secret that I usually don’t cope well with a separation between the brothers, and I find myself surprised at how right the current development between Sam and Dean feels. Right, in a way that the messed-up situation between them in S4 never felt, even when they were together. Their separation is difficult and painful, but at least they are honest with each other now. I am very happy that the writers not only treat the estrangement between the boys so seriously, but also seem to use the momentum to actually move their relationship to a new place, instead of just letting it fall back into a comforting, but ultimately damaging, pattern. This is the opportunity for real growth for both of these characters, as Sam can find the strength within him to defeat his inner demons and Dean can discover that he isn’t afraid anymore to be without his family. I find that thrilling. Mostly because I am utterly convinced that the new Sam'n'Dean unit that will emerge from this separation will be even stronger and closer than before. ♥

Sam: "The problem is me. How far I'll go. There's something in me – it scares the hell out of me, Dean."

Like I hoped last week, the writers 'only' cheated out of the physical symptoms of a withdrawal for Sam, in order to avoid another detox plotline close on the heels of When The Levee Breaks, while still dealing with the psychological aftermath of Sam’s addiction. Sam wants so desperately to leave his failures of the past behind and just return to normal, but in the end he can’t deny that he is far from having a grip on his need for blood and the power rush it gives him. The fact that he feels miserable, helpless and guilty, makes him crave the blood even more - to counter these feelings and escape into the illusion of control and strength. It’s the steep decline between the 'sober' cold reality and the warm glow of being 'high' that most addicts find hard to deal with and that often results in a relapse. When Sam finally admits to himself that his addiction will not just go away, he takes the first steps every recovering addict needs to take, namely openly acknowledging that he has a problem and showing the will to make a change, even if that means to retreat from his life with Dean. And that’s the most responsible decision he can make at the moment. It’s not running away from the fight against the apocalypse, it’s facing up to the fact that as long as he doesn’t overcome his problems first, he will endanger that very fight.

Sam’s admission that he is scared of himself is very reminiscent of Dean’s "The things I’m willing to do or kill – it’s just – it scares me sometimes." from Devil’s Trap. While Dean has been fighting with his own darker impulses for years now, Sam only just now admits to himself to have those impulses as well, most importantly, he admits that these impulses are independent from the demon blood in his veins. Ruby’s blood has been an excuse to allow that darkness free reign, but the choices have always been his own, and Sam finally steps up to take full responsibility for those choices and that is the Sam of old. The Sam who was lead by his conscience and tried to do the right thing. I think that ever since S3 Sam’s sense of self has been slowly eroded. "If I’m gonna make it, if I’m gonna fight this war after you’re gone, then I got to change." Sam stated back in Malleus Maleficarum. He was convinced that who he was, wasn’t good enough, tough enough, decisive enough to survive alone in the world the Winchesters inhabit. So he hardened and deliberately repressed his own conscience, his doubts. He turned himself into the person he thought he needed to be to survive, and now he looks into the mirror and doesn’t like what he sees. He simply doesn’t recognise himself anymore. So, by stepping back he not only gives himself the chance to overcome his addiction, but also the opportunity to rediscover who he really is, and Dean can’t help him with either of that.

Dean: "My instinct? My instinct is to call Bobby and ask for help – or Sam."

Dean continues his journey towards becoming a true leader in this episode, most notably that is shown when Sam is captured and Dean’s first instinct - to head out and get his brother back - collides with his need to protect the townspeople, whom he would leave defenceless and only under supervision of Ellen, who is way less experienced than Dean. The decision to stay and work on a plan, rather than trying to save Sam, visibly tears Dean apart, but he does the responsible and mature thing nonetheless. And that’s a huge step for him, because Sam has always been his priority first and foremost. Dean always put his heart before his head, where Sam in danger was concerned, and while I love Dean’s protective big brother stance like something fierce, it also often denies Sam to be his own man. We have seen plenty of times that he is perfectly capable to take care of himself, when he is captured. I think for Dean to fully accept Sam as an equal he needs to acknowledge that he is a proficient grown-up, and I hope to see that more in their future interaction. It’s like Dean said in No Rest For The Wicked, they will never stop to look out for each other, but they need to stop losing objectivity where the other one is concerned, because the bad guys tend to use that against them.

I see a different, more symbolic, display of Dean’s growth as a person in the way he is willing to part with objects that hold great emotional value to him. Dean doesn’t really have many possessions and the few things he does own, have a meaning beyond their simple practical use. For example, the amulet Castiel asks Dean to hand over to him, in order to aid him in his search for God, has been Dean’s tangible connection to his brother, ever since an eight year old Sam gave it to him as a Christmas present. It’s symbolic for Sam’s love and trust and unless it is taken from him by force, he never takes it off. Dean’s reluctance to give it away, even for an honourable cause, and his urgent emphasis that Castiel better not loses it, is a testament of how much the simple object means to him, but he gives it away nonetheless. Similarly, he is willing to give away the Impala, one of the few things that still connect him to his father, it’s his home, and the only two times he ever gave it away freely, was when he thought he would not survive the day. I just think it is very symbolic that Dean is willing to part with these objects, just as he is ultimately willing to let go of Sam. Dean is moving forward in his life, leaving his past behind and striving towards true independence. Of course that doesn’t mean that the amulet, the car and Sam are not important to him anymore, quite the contrary, but they don’t define anymore who he is either.

As a side note: I really wished the writers would stop to retcon simple plot points, without any real need, like for example turning Dean's amulet into a 'God EMF'. I really liked it better, when it was a simple brotherly token, with nothing but emotional value. Either the writers ask us to simply accept the sheer amount of coincidental events they started to pile up lately or they want to solidify an 'it was all predestined' argument and honestly, I don’t like either of those options all that much.

In any case, I really love how smart Dean is in this episode. ♥ He has always been good at putting seemingly random information together, and it's great to watch him bounce off ideas with Ellen, piecing the evidence together and take charge. The fact that he knows his way around the Revelation chapters in the bible pretty well now, also shows that he prepared himself in these last couple of weeks. This is his mess, and he intends to clean it up. You know, I always thought back in S4 that the writers did a good job at translating Dean’s post-hell trauma around midseason into his struggle to perform effectively in his job. Similarly, I think that it is great how Dean’s newly found focus and determination is reflected in his competence as a hunter ever since It’s A Terrible Life. It’s a joy to watch Dean come into a man of his own and I can’t wait for Sam to catch up in that department and join his brother. :)

Castiel: "You and your brother destroyed the world. And I lost everything. For nothing."

Castiel’s demeanour on the surface is still all blazing confidence and determination, but it shows that despite his newly regained faith, he has a hard time coming to terms with being cut off from heaven and killing his brothers, like once the traitor Uriel. His life-long safety net was pulled out from under him and for the first time in his life he is without guidance from his fellow angels, forced to make his own decisions and it scares him, because this kind of self-determination means responsibility and the chance of failure. He isn’t ready to fully face that yet and hence compensates by putting up a confident front. So, it’s no surprise that he reacts angry to Dean’s understandable doubts about the existence/goodness of God. They had a similar conversation before, namely in Are You There God? It’s Me, Dean Winchester, and I think back then Castiel’s indignation at Dean’s scepticism came from a place of self-assuredness, but now he feels too forlorn to be able to deal with Dean’s doubts on top of it and consequently lashes out.

However, while I understand that Castiel is scared and feels lost without his connection to heaven, it still annoys the hell out of me that he has the audacity to lay the blame for the apocalypse so self-righteously at Sam and Dean’s feet, without taking responsibility for his own actions in the matter. He lost everything, not because he trusted in Dean and Dean failed, but because he refused to listen to his own conscience and acted against his better knowledge, when he followed Zachariah. If he hadn’t undermined Dean’s attempts to save Sam in the first place and if he had told the brothers that Lilith's death will break the last seal, it’s very likely that none of this would have happened. I think now more than ever that it is incredibly important that Castiel openly acknowledges his own culpability in the rising of Lucifer, not only to Sam and Dean, but also to himself, because at the moment I am under the impression that he denies his own wrong choices in order to cope with the magnitude of his failure. Which is very human, but it’s also very damaging to a trusting relationship between him and the brothers. Not to mention that it makes it difficult for me as a viewer to connect to him.

Anyway, it's interesting that even while Castiel thinks that Dean isn’t able to defeat Lucifer on his own, he doesn’t question Dean's refusal to become a vessel for the archangel Michael. The fact that he doesn't try to convince Dean to serve Michael - the one fellow angel who apparently matches Lucifer’s strength - makes me wonder just how much Zachariah told Castiel about his plans, when he was still under his thumb. While Zachariah likes to play his cards close to his chest, in order to keep the 'grunts on the ground' quiet, it’s clear that he at least told Castiel about his plans for Dean, Sam, Lilith and the apocalypse last season, so how much more does he know? Castiel has always been a great believer in destiny and prophecy, so maybe his reluctance to push Dean into his role as a vessel indicates that he knows that a) Michael isn’t trustworthy and/or b) that Dean’s destiny lies elsewhere. If so, he would deliberately hide things from Dean at the moment, and while I think that he genuinely cares about Dean and doesn’t want any harm to come to him, I don’t think that keeping secrets would be a good basis for the friendship between them. But maybe I am over-interpreting the situation, we’ll see how it will play out.

What else was noteworthy:

(1) I loved to see Ellen and Jo back! ♥ Not that I was the biggest fan of the Roadhouse back in S2, but I always thought that the show robs itself of the opportunity to create a deeper history for itself by dropping recurring characters for no apparent internal reason. While I know that Samantha Ferris has been unavailable and that fandom’s fierce rejection of Jo’s character made it undesirable for the writers to keep her, they could have at least mentioned the characters from time to time. Also, I find it important that the show has a strong human counterpoint to the supernatural characters inhabiting this universe. There has been a notable increase in supernatural characters (Ruby, Alistair, Lilith, Castiel, Uriel, Zachariah, Anna) in the last two seasons, while most of the human characters either died (Gordon, Henriksen, Bela) or vanished from the plot (Jo, Ellen, Rufus). I find that regrettable, because the brothers simply relate differently to humans, and I enjoy the variety they bring to the story.

Anyway, the Harvelles are back, and I really enjoyed the glimpse into their lives. I love that Ellen overcame her own aversion towards hunting in order to protect her daughter and that Jo reined in her need for independence and allowed her mother back into her life. It’s always refreshing to see Sam and Dean with a strong, maternal authority figure like Ellen. Dean relates to her as a parent as much as he chafes against her authority, and that makes their dynamics different from his relationship with Bobby, for example. Sam, on the other hand, is understandably more reserved than usual towards Ellen, as there is just too much she doesn’t know about him at the moment. I would really love to see how Ellen reacts to the revelation of the brothers involvement in bringing on the apocalypse. We also see a more mature and capable version of Jo here and that development follows smoothly from the last time we saw her in Born Under A Bad Sign. I think it is sad that we didn’t get much interaction between the boys and Jo, considering the difficult circumstances under which they parted, but ultimately the reunion of these characters hasn’t been the point of the episode. Hopefully, we see Ellen and Jo later again though.

(2) As already expected, Bobby’s bravado in the face of his injury faded, now that the reality of his situation finally sank in. While it is heartbreaking to see the proud man so despondent, I think it is a good sign that he responds instantly to Castiel’s amulet request, because it shows that the key for Bobby to overcome his depression is to find ways to remain active as a hunter even with his disablement. I love that Sam and Dean were at Bobby’s side these first couple of days, trying to be there for him through the first shock of it all. I am really looking forward to a further exploration of the consequences that Bobby’s handicap will have on the relationship between the brothers and their surrogate father.

As a side note: I think that Bobby’s request for Castiel to heal him is probably misplaced. I mean, Sam asked Castiel to heal Dean back in On The Head Of A Pin and the angel replied that he isn’t able to do so. Castiel also wasn’t able to heal Sam and Dean himself in Sympathy for the Devil, instead he demanded from Zachariah to do it. So, I am under the impression that healing isn’t amongst Castiel’s abilities at all, even if his reply in Good God, Y’All suggests that he would be able to, if he wasn’t cut off from heaven. Maybe he simply alluded to the fact that he is cut off from angelic allies who would be able to fulfil that specific request for him.

(3) And a last word, because I am always worried and impatient: At the moment we see the very subjective positions of both brothers: Sam’s faith in himself is so crushed that he lays all the blame - for the apocalypse as well as for his faltering relationship with Dean - at his own feet. And while I think that Dean at least fleetingly acknowledged the fact that they started the apocalypse together in his statement "we made a mess, we clean it up", he is unable to look objectively at his own share of culpability for the decline of their relationship yet, because he is so incredibly hurt by Sam’s actions. Personally, I think it is extremely important that we have a moment between the brothers, preferably before they completely reconcile, in which that shared responsibility, for both the apocalypse and their relationship issues, is addressed openly. Especially since Sam doesn’t know yet that Dean actually tried to apologise for his hard words, when he left that fateful voicemail to his brother in Lucifer Rising. I really, really hope these issues are addressed within the next couple of episodes, so a better balance between the brothers is achieved.

In conclusion: A solid exploration of and forward movement for the brotherly relationship within an action-packed episode, what’s not to like? I think Good God, Y’all set up the next couple of episodes up wonderfully, and while I am sure that it’ll be very painful to watch the brothers alone, it will certainly make their reunion all the more satisfying. Let’s just hope it’s not all too far away in the future. :)

Comments

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

I just think it is very symbolic that Dean is willing to part with these objects, just as he is ultimately willing to let go of Sam. Dean is moving forward in his life, leaving his past behind and striving towards true independence. Of course that doesn’t mean that the amulet, the car and Sam are not important to him anymore, quite the contrary, but they don’t define anymore who he is either.

That's a really lovely insight :)

I really want that false voicemail issue to be resolved as well, but I'm starting to think it never will be - the writers think it is over now, or something. But it's actually a pretty huge misconception to be left hanging between the brothers!

(edit - crap, my typing sucks this afternoon!)

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

Thanks! :) I think both Sam and Dean are on a search of who they are at the moment and I find watching that extremely thrilling. It's completely new ground we enter with these characters, my mind is spinning! *g*

it's actually a pretty huge misconception to be left hanging between the brothers!
Exactly! And if they don't resolve that issue, I need them even more to allow for Dean to admit to Sam that he made mistakes too, you know. Dean knows that Sam is sorry, Sam doesn't know the opposite at all. But I hold out hope that later, when Dean is willing to forgive Sam, he will also be willing to apologise himself. :)

[chiiyo86.livejournal.com]

Hey, thanks for the review! I am very much in love with this episode, and I'm glad you enjoyed it too. The ending broke me (I even cried, which is kind of rare for me), but like you I was left with a satisfied feeling. I was spoiled for the brothers' separation, but I found the way it happened to be the best way for them, for all the reasons you stated.

It’s like Dean said in No Rest For The Wicked, they will never stop to look out for each other, but they need to stop losing objectivity where the other one is concerned, because the bad guys use that against them.

Dean was right, but I think that at the time it was still only words for him. Now he's started to take it into account in his actions.

I see a different, more symbolic, display of Dean’s growth as a person, in the way he is willing to part with objects that hold great emotional value to him.

It's a very good point. It was very hard to watch how difficult it was for him to do give his amulet, but the fact that he could means a lot. As for when he offers the Impala... I have no words for what that moment did to me. Same with when Sam touches the Impala. Those boys.

I probably won't be able to bear seeing them separated for long, but for now, I'm content ^^

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! :) Thanks for taking the time to read! Man, I bawled like a baby throughout that end scene. *g* But I do cry pretty often when it comes to this show, I have to admit. But I don't mind, usually if an episode makes me cry, I feel that the writers did something right, because they managed to touch me and that's always good in my book. :)

Dean was right, but I think that at the time it was still only words for him. Now he's started to take it into account in his actions.
I think he meant the words back then, because he didn't want Sam to become a martyr for his sake, but it's true hat Dean started to actively change his behavioural patterns now (as does Sam btw) and I find that really fascinating to watch. I never really expected the writers to actually let the boys learn their lesson, let them grow and develop into a mature relationship, without weakening the brotherly bond. This episode gives me reason to believe that they might go through with it, and that makes me really excited! :)

I have no words for what that moment did to me. Same with when Sam touches the Impala.
I hear ya! Such small simple gestures and yet they completely melted me into a puddle of tears. You know, I love that sometimes it doesn't need a huge emotional monologue to show what the characters feel, the writers can use these mundane objects and let the characters talk through them. /sigh

I probably won't be able to bear seeing them separated for long, but for now, I'm content
Heh, I will suffer through the next episodes, but for this separation to have meaning, they can't be back together next episode. Also, I really want to see how Sam fights for his self-identity and confidence.

[ladykikuri.livejournal.com]

Just peeking in to say I really enjoyed this analysis, you explained it all perfectly. And it's very close to the way I felt watching this (overwhelming!) episode. I especially loved this part:
"Dean is moving forward in his life, leaving his past behind and striving towards true independence. Of course that doesn’t mean that the amulet, the car and Sam are not important to him anymore, quite the contrary, but they don’t define anymore who he is either." and what you wrote about the Impala ♥
Beautiful journal :)

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

Thank you, I am glad you found your own thoughts reflected here. :)

Heh, the moments with the amulet and the Impala really moved me, such small gestures laden with so much meaning. ♥

[ladykikuri.livejournal.com]

You're very kind! And I forgot to say the detail of the amulet *accidentally* being a God's EMF bothers me too... It's just a little too much! Besides in "A Very Supernatural Christmas" didn't Sammy get the amulet from Bobby, as a present for John? And he gave to Dean, instead. But now Bobby tells he doesn't know any thing of that kind. He didn't know the powers within that object? Him?

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

Yes, Sam got the amulet from Bobby who told him that it was 'real special'. He got it as a present for John, but gave it to Dean instead. I think it's fair to say that Bobby would have had no idea about its 'properties' simply because angels hadn't been to earth for 2000 years to that point, I don't see how he could have known of such a very specific and unlikely function for the amulet. :) But it's a classical retcon, no doubt about it and it bothers me, because it fires all kinds of speculations about John being the intended target as the 'righteous man' who breaks the first seal etc. I just fnd that notion ridiculous and it doesn't track back very well. I also dislike the whole 'it was all predestined' notion that comes with this retcon. /sigh

[helpspb.livejournal.com]

Lovely review hon! :-)
This time a lot of things that you've written crossed my mind after watching the ep*am so proud of myself,lol*,but you still write it all so clearly ♥

I actually am not at all worried about brothers splitting up,because as you, I think it's the halthiest thing to do at the moment. In previous seasons they were like kamikaze, sacrificing for each other etc.
This could be a good thing. I'm hopeful that when boys reunite they will work like a real team, well balanced :).

About Cas - while I agree he's not really in a position to blame boys for starting the apocalypse, I'm pretty sure that it was Dean being cocky about Castiel's father that made Castiel go all "you destroyed the world...". I think he's been just very frustrated as his world turned upside down. *wink* I also agree that clearing things up between him and boys would be good, but I'm not sure if he even thinks about this like that. He's not a human and it will take time before he "learns" how things work in "our world". I mean, he probably thinks he was only following orders that he didn't do anything wrong. Anyway, we will see how this will work out.

Overall, awesome review as usual hon. It was a joy to read it. I loved episode even more then premiere. ♥ I loved the action, boys, War... can't wait to see other horsemen.

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Helen! *hugs* Yay, for having thinky-thoughts while watching Supernatural! Welcome in the land of the doomed, who can't stop thinking about this damn show. LOL

I actually am not at all worried about brothers splitting up
Me neither and I am really looking forward to see how Sam works his way out of his despondency. You know, part of me always loved that crazily unhealthy co-dependence between the boys, I can't deny that, but I am thrilled to see them develop and am sure that the new and improved Sam'n'Dean will be a wonderful sight to behold. Did I say lately how much I love these boys? ♥

I think he's been just very frustrated as his world turned upside down
Oh yes, I am pretty sure he is and I do understand his dilemma, but that gives him no right to deny his own responsibility. And I disagree, he knew exactly that he did something wrong or he wouldn't have felt so conflicted about his orders in the first place. You know, I don't care as much about Castiel as you do, my first priority are Sam and Dean and every character who does them such a huge injustice has a black mark in my book. *g*

I loved this episode to bits, even when it teared my heart out and stomped on it. I am sure peaked for the rest of the season now. :)

[helpspb.livejournal.com]

Land of the doomed,lol. I'd love to think about SPN all the time and analyze and analyze, but RL sucks and won't let me*sniffle*

Hee!I'm there with you, I love those crazy kids. ♥ Oh, I sure loved their 'unhealthy' relationship, but it's gonna be so awesome to see them grow up and become a real time, just equal relationship. I'm sure they'll be better then ever. :)

Oh I know, it's not about whether I enjoy Cas or not.;) I agree that he knows that he did something wrong, I meant more like that he's an angel and doesn't necessarily analyze things and think about the things he did/screwed up the way human beings do. I sure hope that he will take a responsibility,but on the other site it seems to me writers aren't gonna do Castiel/Dean honest talk. Maybe later in the season :)

Yay!I loved this epi so much as well. I loved all the action,music,old faces(btw, it'd really be good if they brought more human being),boys,Cas,Bobby,War... what else could you wish for .. Awesome. Sera didn't disappoint me.. ^___^

[helpspb.livejournal.com]

*lol I meant a real team XD

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

Awww poor you! Real life sucks sometimes. :( But hey, at least you have a real life. *g*

I really hope we get some honesty between Sam & Dean and Castiel later in the season, because I know that I cannot trust/like him as much as I did before When The Levee Breaks, if we don't. Yes, he is an angel, but he did show the potential for doubts, rebellion and compassion and that does require to question things and thinking them over. But well, we need to wait and see!

Oh yeah, I was so happy that we got 2 rock songs in one episode, I mean, when was the last time we got that?! The episode was really put together well, character wise and plot wise, and as usual Sera didn't pull any punches with the emotions. I just hope the rest of the season is as good. :)

[helpspb.livejournal.com]

Thanks hon*huggles*Lol,I have but not a good one anyway.I'd rather live in SPN world*gg*

I see your point. Tho,I excuse Castiel as I do for boys,so for me it's quite ok,but it'd be nice if they talked about what was done etc. I just think that Castiel needs some time before he process what he did,bc I still think he doesn't quite know that he's supposed to take some responsibility,lol Overall,yes we need to wait and see what happens.

Yup. Totally awesome episode. I also hope they will keep it up. I kind of know from trailer(Oh,I watched this ep online at the time it was in US,lol) for next ep what is coming, so I think at least for me,the next ep will be cool,too.:) Now they just should ignore how some fans are bit**ing and keep this awesomeness up.

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

Well, I know the basic set-up for the next episode and saw some promo images and I am extremely anxious about it. I am pretty sure I'll hate it for the same reasons Castiel fans will love it. I'll just try to concentrate on Sam's storyline in 5.03 and until it airs, I try to not think about it at all, because it just messes with the rosy glow I have from 5.01. LOL

[helpspb.livejournal.com]

LOL,I think so. Next epi won't be probably Cas-haters friendly,but I saw even some vid and it's not all like it would seem. I'm sure I'm gonna love it,'cause it will be hilarious,but I see why you're anxious when you're interested in brothers. :)

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

LOL well, I don't hate Castiel, but I know that it will feel incredibly wrong to me to see him at Dean's side in the same capacity that Sam always has been. I just .. I can't stand that. I mean, I am okay with the brothers going separate ways for a while, but that scenario looks to much like 'Dean replacing Sam with Castiel' and that raises all my red flags. I know I can't say anything definite before I've seen the episode, maybe it plays out differently, but it really makes me not look forward to the episode. :(

[helpspb.livejournal.com]

I've read a lot of ppl being scared of this scenario, but I think you shouldn't worry too much. I think that although they will be working together(I suppose) it's not ever gonna be like Castiel replacing Sam,because he's just too different. He's an angel and it's not like Dean would find his second brother. Anyway, really hon don't worry. I'm sure it won't be that bad. You shouldn't think about it like replacing Sam. You said it yourself boys "broke up" in peace and I'm sure they'll be back together very soon.^__^

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

ROFL I know, it's not a rational thing, it's an emotional knee-jerk reaction of wrong, wrong, wrong. *g* I know that the notion that Castiel, or anybody for that matter, could ever replace Sam is utterly ridiculous. That's never going to happen. It's really not my head talking here. LOL

[helpspb.livejournal.com]

LMAO! Good I'm glad to hear your 'head' talking again XD
I'm only sorry that a lot of ppl seriously think that Sam is gonna be replaced by Cas. It's ridiculous,but we will wait and see ;)