Review for 5x21 'Two Minutes To Midnight'

[galathea]

Sera Gamble’s Two Minutes To Midnight is a fast paced episode that covers a lot of ground, plot-wise, which makes it entertaining to watch. However, the fact that it covers a lot of ground also results in the fact that a good part of the plot feels rushed. There simply wasn’t enough time to tap the full potential of all the storylines featured in the episode and I find that regrettable. In the end though my feelings towards Two Minutes To Midnight are as usual defined by the state of the brotherly relationship and on that front I don't have any complaints. Not to mention that the brilliant introduction of Death makes the episode worthwhile in any case. So, overall I enjoyed the episode, even though I think it would have worked better as a two-parter.



Let’s get the negative out of the way first: These last couple of episodes it has been apparent that the finale arc of S5 will inevitably suffer from the awful pacing of the season. After the brothers’ reconciliation in Point Of No Return the writers had only four episodes left to wrap up the apocalypse plot, which gave them barely any time for a proper built-up to the resolution of the story. Unfortunately Two Minutes To Midnight bears the brunt of these pacing problems, even if Sera Gamble surely tries her level best to work around the time constraints and address all plot points in a reasonable manner. Still, she not only had to cover Sam and Dean’s confrontation with the remaining two horsemen, but also the destruction of the Croatoan virus, Castiel’s surprising return and Bobby’s fateful deal with Crowley. Most importantly though, the episode had to move Dean and Bobby into a position where they would agree to Sam’s plan to say yes to Lucifer. At the beginning of Two Minutes To Midnight both men are in fierce opposition to that plan, so the following events had to provide the motivation for the characters to change their minds on the subject, and I think that development alone was difficult to achieve within the span of one episode, at least not in a way that was entirely satisfying and/or convincing.

In terms of the plot, it’s especially the confrontation with Pestilence that receives the short end of the stick. There was simply no time to build an elaborate plot around Sam and Dean defeating Pestilence, and as a result the brothers come off as rather incompetent. It is unfathomable that the two experienced hunters go after something as powerful as a horseman in a direct confrontation, with no back-up plan or precautions. When Sam and Dean confronted War, they had at least the element of surprise on their side, and they were only able to take down Famine, because Sam was hopped up on demon blood. So, what could they possibly hope to achieve with a straightforward frontal attack? The fact that everyone in the nursing home starts to drop dead as soon as they spot the horseman clearly shows that he is alerted to their presence, and with no means to protect themselves against his spell, they are hopelessly outmatched before they even start. While at least the fact that Sam and Dean almost instantly succumb to Pestilence’s assault is very realistic – they are only human, after all – it’s rather dissatisfying that the dire situation is resolved by Castiel showing up at the last minute and conveniently having just enough angel powers left to successfully strike out against Pestilence.

Similarly, Sam, Bobby and Castiel’s attack on the Niveus storage facilities in order to stop the distribution of the Croatoan virus is way too easily accomplished. There is barely any security in place, which is incomprehensible given that Lucifer’s apocalypse plan hinges on the success of that very operation, and he has every reason to believe that the Winchesters and their allies will try to thwart his efforts. Furthermore, it’s awfully convenient that the distribution of the vaccine is conducted from one single central location. Given the size of the US, a decentralised organisation would make a lot more sense for a simultaneous, countrywide distribution. Not to mention that it is naive to think that blowing up the storage units takes care of the problem. Surely there are samples of the virus/vaccine left at the laboratories. All in all, the resolution to the Pestilence/Croatoan storyline feels incredibly rushed and doesn’t really reflect the magnitude of the events unfolding here. It’s just disappointing to see such an interesting premise wasted, because the writers failed to pace their season properly.

Death: "I’m old, Dean. Very old. So, I invite you to contemplate how insignificant I find you."

Now, in light of the Pestilence subplot falling flat, it is a pleasant surprise that Sera Gamble manages to brilliantly wrap-up the Death subplot in only two major scenes. The entrance of the horseman – filmed in slow-motion and set to Jen Titus’ 'O Death' – is a truly iconic moment in the show. Seriously, the scene gave me the chills. It’s probably the single most effective moment of the apocalypse plotline since The End. Dean’s subsequent confrontation with Death is definitely the highlight of the episode for me, and I don’t say that very often about scenes that are not between Sam and Dean. As with so many plots/characters in the apocalypse storyline of Supernatural, the horseman seems to be inspired by Neil Gaiman’s work, this time by his version of Death in the Sandman series – not in terms of physical representation, as Death is a woman in the comic series, but in terms of mythology. Especially the fact that Death is possibly older than God and in the end will reap Him as well, leaving Death as the last man standing at the end of all things, has a lot of parallels to the Sandman universe.

Anyway, the conversation between Dean and Death is extremely gripping. Death’s calm demeanour and his aloof perspective are fascinating and build an interesting contrast to his very earthly appreciation of the pizza in the diner. Dean is visibly terrified, I don’t think we have ever seen him this intimidated by a supernatural being before. Even though he tries to conjure up his usual bravado, it’s far from convincing. It’s nothing like the defiance he showed in the face of Lucifer in The End for example. But then, Death isn’t evil per se. Death is a natural constant and as such he is neither evil nor good, he has nothing to gain from Lucifer’s game. So, I think it is an interesting twist in the tale that Lucifer has Death bound by a spell and forces him to do his dirty work for him – it actually reminds me of Faith, where Sue-Ann binds a reaper to do her bidding, just on a much larger scale, obviously. Death’s offer to help Dean, so he will eventually be free from Lucifer’s hold over him, works really well as a believable and effective resolution to this subplot. If Dean had been able to just somehow beat Death or cheat him out of his ring, it would have felt wrong to me. I just think that there are some creatures the brothers shouldn’t be able to touch. Although it’s actually really ironic that Death tells Dean that he can’t cheat death, given how often Dean did exactly that. ;)

Sam: "You think I am too weak to take on Lucifer? So do I. Believe me, I know exactly how screwed up I am. You, Bobby, Cas, I’m the least of any of you."
Dean: "Oh, Sam."
Sam: "It’s true, it is. But I’m also all we got."

The opening scene between the brothers puts us right in the middle of their argument about Sam’s plan to say yes to Lucifer in order to trick him back into his cage. As was to be expected Dean is angry and upset at Sam’s suggestion, and his frustration unloads in a harsh reproach towards his brother. However, I don’t think Dean’s objections to Sam's plan are rooted in a lack of faith or trust on his side. I think they are past that ever since their reconciliation in Point Of No Return. It’s Bobby who in the end points out the real reason for Dean’s angry reaction, Dean is simply afraid to lose his brother in a suicide mission. And let’s face it, as long as they have no way to de-possess Sam before he is irreversibly trapped in Lucifer’s cage, his plan is exactly that. How could Dean, who looked after Sam all his life, possibly agree to a plan that subjects his little brother to an eternity of torment at the hands of the devil?

As for Sam, the confidence he displayed when he first laid out his plan to Bobby in The Devil You Know is gone and replaced by doubts and humility, which suggests to me that said confidence has mostly been fuelled by alcohol and anger. I think he tried to convince himself just as much as Bobby and when Bobby confronted him about the fatal flaw in his plan, namely the weaknesses in his own character, his false courage collapsed like a house of cards. Consequentially, Sam looks tired and defeated in the opening argument with Dean and barely objects to Dean yelling at him. And when Dean closes his reproach with the statement that Sam can't do it, Sam clearly concludes that Dean means he is too weak to take on Lucifer, rather than seeing his brother’s concern behind his upset words. I think in between his own doubt and self-reproach, Bobby’s harsh, but true lecture and Dean’s angry reaction, Sam lost what little faith he had in himself. So, I can understand why Sam is downbeat and thinks of himself as a lesser man than Dean, Bobby or Castiel – although I feel that the particular wording of that sentiment comes off as a tad too over the top.

Sam’s willingness to keep his word and only act on his plan if they all agree that it is the only viable option is encouraging though. Several times this season Sam consciously decided to take a different route than before, he learned from his past mistakes and tried to do better. His decision here - to only act if they reach a consensus in the matter - falls into the same pattern. After all, the last time he carried out a plan without Dean and Bobby backing him up on the decision, he brought on the apocalypse. We know that Sam lost the faith in his ability to make the right choices, so his need for Bobby and Dean to support him is understandable.

Lastly, I have to say that despite Sam and Dean’s disagreement over Sam’s 'suicide plan', the brothers generally feel at ease around each other throughout the episode. I enjoyed a lot of the little moments between them, like for example their relaxed stake-out/surveillance at the nursery home. Or Sam’s attempt to help Dean to stay upright under the onslaught of Pestilence’s spell, only for them to lose balance and tumble to the ground together. Or Sam’s fond smile when Dean fake-complains about the fact that Sam obviously wants to have a talk. Or the wistful moment before they head to their respective 'battlefields', where Sam remembers the times they used to just hunt Wendigos, but Dean can’t muster up any enthusiasm for the sentiment. By the way, that moment was a really nice link back to The Rapture, where it was Dean who tried to remind Sam of the easier days, when their job was all about helping people. Let's just hope that when all this is over, they can return to those easier days. Anyway, overall I feel good at watching Sam and Dean together in this episode and that makes me pretty forgiving for the messier parts of the plot.

Bobby: "Look, Sam’s got a darkness in him. I’m not saying he don’t. But he’s got a hell of a lot of good in him, too."
Dean: "I know."
Bobby: "Then you know Sam will beat the devil, or die trying. That’s the best we could ask for. So, I gotta ask Dean, what exactly are you afraid of? Losing or losing your brother?"

I really liked the end conversation between Bobby and Dean, where Bobby makes a case for Sam’s decision to say yes to Lucifer by pointing out Sam’s goodness to Dean. Now, at first glance it might seem odd that Bobby of all people would find Sam’s selfless actions at the Niveus facilities particularly noteworthy. After all, he has known Sam all his life and it’s hardly the first time that he fought alongside him and saw him act courageously or put the welfare of others before his own. However, I think that it had been easy to lose perspective on Sam’s virtues over these last couple of years, where Bobby and Dean have been increasingly worried about Sam’s slow slide into darkness. "You think something is wrong with my brother?" Dean asked Bobby back in Sin City after Sam killed two demons without giving a second thought to their innocent hosts, and even though Bobby tried to reassure Dean, his doubtful expression belied his optimistic words. In the years that followed, the changes in Sam only deepened, and I think those changes didn’t only leave Dean with the occasional feeling that he doesn’t really know Sam anymore, but Bobby as well.

Now, while I don’t think that Bobby – or Dean for that matter – ever really doubted that Sam is very capable of goodness, it is at least plausible that seeing Sam in action, fighting for the lives of those innocent people at the Niveus facility, has been a vivid reminder of the Sam he used to know. The Sam who threw himself into harm's way without regard to his own well-being most of his life. It simply allowed Bobby to readjust his perspective on Sam and focus on the positives instead of the negatives, because the latter is not helpful in the end. Especially not for Sam, who needs all the support and faith Dean and Bobby have to offer, if he actually goes through with his plan. Overconfidence is a dangerous attitude in his situation, but so are doubt and despondency. Sam needs to believe that he has the chance to overcome Lucifer or his endeavour is doomed to fail right from the start.

That all being said, however, I think that readjusting his perspective on Sam is not enough to satisfyingly explain Bobby’s change of heart in regard to Sam’s plan to say yes to Lucifer. It’s a necessary first step, given that just last episode Bobby was only able to see Sam’s many character flaws when he proposed his solution to the Lucifer dilemma, but for a complete turn-around on Bobby’s part, I think it is too flimsy a motivation. I just wished there had been time for Sam, Dean and Bobby to actually talk Sam’s plan through, weigh its pros and cons and reach some kind of joint decision on the matter. As it is, I feel that this particular development wasn’t handled quite as well as it should have been, but again, I blame the pacing issues of the season for that problem.

Castiel: "There’s also the demon blood. To take in Lucifer. It will be more than you’ve ever drunk."
Sam: "But why?"
Castiel: "It strengthens the vessel. Keeps it from exploding."

Castiel’s statement that Sam would have to drink several gallons of demon blood in order to take Lucifer in and sustain his body during the possession is an incredibly questionable plot point. While it appears to make sense in some regards, it also clashes with a variety of already established facts. Let’s see, on the one hand, we know that Sam’s function as Lucifer’s vessel is determined by the fact that he not only comes from an angel vessel bloodline, but also has Azazel’s blood in his veins. So the demon blood indeed seems to be an essential part of the physical make-up of Lucifer’s vessels. In In The Beginning Azazel explicitly told Dean that the demon blood physically enhances his special kids, which coincides with Castiel’s statement that the blood strengthens the vessel. Furthermore, the fact that Lucifer’s vessel needs to 'overdose' on demon blood in order to withstand the possession explains why Ruby urged Sam to ingest an unusually high amount of blood before they entered the convent in Lucifer Rising – she obviously wanted him to be perfectly prepared to host Lucifer as soon as he escapes from his prison.

However, as far as we know, Nick, Lucifer’s current vessel, didn’t have any demon blood in him at all when the devil took him over – let alone drink gallons of it beforehand – so that directly contradicts the notion that the blood is a prerequisite for the possession. Hence it is incomprehensible why Castiel claims that Sam would need to drink blood before the possession has even come to pass. And given that Sam has no intention whatsoever to actually stay Lucifer’s vessel for any extended period of time, there is no necessity for him to 'strengthen' his body during the possession either. I mean, Nick's body only started to show signs of deterioration months after the possession took place, so, surely, Sam would be able to hold out for a couple of minutes (as he intended) or even some hours/days without 'exploding'. More importantly though, we have been told that Sam is Lucifer’s one perfect vessel, but how can he be perfect, if he isn’t even able to take Lucifer in and withstand the possession without further extensive preparation? What's the point in singling Sam out, if he needs to go through the same 'blood drinking' routine as Nick, the minor vessel? Besides, Lucifer is an archangel and no other angel vessel we have seen so far needed any kind of physical sustenance before or during their possession, blood or otherwise. So this rule only seems to apply to Lucifer for some inexplicable reason. What makes him so special in that regard? That’s never really expanded upon.

And while we are talking about things that were never really expanded upon: Back in When The Levee Breaks Castiel claimed that drinking the amount of blood necessary to kill Lilith will permanently change Sam and turn him into a monster himself. It was one of the major selling points to convince Dean to swear allegiance to the angels. Now Castiel makes no mention of this fact, although apparently Sam needs to drink even more blood to take Lucifer in. Is he just trying to not upset Sam and Bobby any further? Or did he lie last year, deliberately using false information to push Dean into his oath? Did he already know back then that Lucifer will possess Sam as soon as the last seal is broken? And, by the way, why exactly does Castiel think that Sam needs to drink even more blood now, when Ruby obviously deemed it enough for Sam to drink the blood of one demon in preparation for Lucifer's possession? Also, in Lucifer Rising Sam himself also stated that he feels that the blood changed him and when he killed Lilith, his eyes turned demon black. Afterwards there was no hint though that Sam was anything but his old self – his remorse and devastation were instantaneous and clearly genuine. In My Bloody Valentine Sam even drained two demons, and still, there have been no after-effects on his personality. Have Sam and Castiel simply been wrong all along? All these points remain annoyingly unexplained.

Overall, it seems to me that adding the necessity of Sam drinking blood at this point in the story is an attempt to retroactively justify the whole blood addiction plotline from S4. However, the way it is done here, not only doesn’t track back well, but also opens a row of new questions. The blood mythology in the show really lacks a clear and consistent set-up, and I find that frustrating to say the least. Anyway, I am really not keen on seeing any more deliberate human sacrifices in the name of the greater good, especially not from Sam’s hand, as it would undermine the redemptive act of his decision to say yes. Cindy’s sacrifice in Lucifer Rising was one of the darkest moments in the show for me, and I thought that I would never need to live through a similar dark moment in Supernatural again. I just hope that this particular plot point is handled with an appropriate level of tact in the finale.

What else was noteworthy:

(1) I think it is regrettable that the time constraints didn’t allow for a deeper exploration of Bobby’s deal with Crowley and how it affects him, personally. Even though I think that Bobby’s argument that it is futile to worry about one soul in the grander scheme of things makes sense, the deal has to weigh heavily on his mind. Not only did he sell his soul to one of the very creatures that destroyed his life, he also knows exactly what kind of horrors await him in hell, should Crowley go back on his word. While I don’t think that Dean confided in Bobby about the details of his time in hell, I am sure he knows enough to be scared out of his mind about the prospect of going there himself. Anyway, even though it would be easy for Bobby to blame Sam and Dean for his predicament – they started the apocalypse, after all – he never does, and I love that about him. By the way, I think that the drawn-out joke about Bobby and Crowley sharing a kiss to seal the deal was just completely inappropriate in the context of that scene. I also have a hard time believing that Sam’s first thoughts upon hearing about Bobby’s deal would revolve around Bobby and Crowley kissing. It’s a rather insensitive reaction and feels off to me.

(2) So, my little theory about Castiel being banned more permanently proved to be wrong, as he made his return here, bereft of all his powers and almost human. Consequentially, he feels useless to the brothers’ cause, understandably so. However, I liked that Bobby reacts angry to Castiel’s despondency, because it feels very real. They all made sacrifices, they are all at the end of their rope and yet, they fight on. They don’t have the luxury to question themselves at this point. In the end all that matters is that Castiel is there and does his part, however small. It can still make all the difference between failure and success. As a side note: I am glad that Castiel had the decency to apologise to Dean for his lack of faith in Point Of No Return. I think Castiel owed him that much. Also, Dean’s awkward reaction to Castiel’s rather blunt choice of words was quite funny. And, talking about Castiel: I have to wonder how Castiel can possibly know that Michael took Adam as his vessel, if he is completely cut-off from heaven. Is he still able to listen to the heavenly grapevine, like Anna did in I Know What You Did Last Summer and Heaven And Hell? And if he is, shouldn’t he know about Lucifer’s and Death’s whereabouts? Surely that’s something the angels would talk about!

(3) I think it's really interesting how the tables turned these last couple of episodes. I mean, ever since On The Head Of A Pin we have been told that Dean is the only one who can stop Lucifer. But now that killing Lucifer is off the table, it’s suddenly Sam who seems to be the only one who can do it. However, I am still convinced that neither brother can stop Lucifer on his own. I think that in the end it can only be their combined effort that will grant them success in their endeavour.

In conclusion: Despite the strain the pacing issues of the season put on Two Minutes To Midnight, I really enjoyed the episode a lot. I think that is mostly owed to the fact that the brotherly relationship seems strengthened ever since their reconciliation in Point Of No Return, and that came across really well for me here. After such a long period of severe estrangement between Sam and Dean, I draw an immense pleasure just from seeing them more in sync again. Additionally, the introduction of Death was a true highlight of the apocalypse storyline and at least partly compensated for the shortcomings of the Pestilence plot.


Okay, so obviously my review for Swan Song will no be finished any time soon. I have a rather intimidating amount of notes on the episode and I definitely plan on writing them up at some point – not least because Swan Song is one of my favourite S5 episodes – I just don’t know when I will find the time to do it. I am not even sure I’ll find the time to keep up my reviews for S6, even if only in less extensive versions. I’ll try, of course, but I can’t promise anything. Here’s to an awesome 6th season of Supernatural. :)

Comments

[dana-chosenart.livejournal.com]

not least because Swan Song is one of my favourite S5 episodes
Thank you! I was starting to believe I was the only one who liked this episode.

I always enjoy your reviews, you get at angles I never thought of and dig deeper than my mind wants me to do. Looking forward to the one for Swan Song. Now to read this one! :)

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

Heh, no. There is actually quite a large section of fandom that really loves Swan Song. Fandom is just really torn over this episode and if you hang out in the wrong corners of the internet, you'll be smacked down for loving Swan Song. In my experience the section of fandom that watches SN first and foremost for Sam and Dean and their relationship is generally very happy about the episode. :)

Thanks. I wasn't even aware that you read my reviews. I'll probably finish my Swan Song review during the winter hiatus. I don't think I'll find the time before that. :)

[dana-chosenart.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear that because it was beginning to feel like whereever I went, all that existed was the hate for Swan Song. Made me wonder if I'd missed something..

I'm sneaky like that ;) Look forward to the winter hiatus then. Lack of time? I can understand that ;)

As for your review - interesting as always. I agree on a lot of these points and I too felt that the Perstilence/Niveus storylines felt rushed and they didn't get the room they'd need. It was much too easy and Castiel as the surprise fix for Perstilence didn't fit. As you mentioned, how was he able to do it when it is quite clear that there's nothing angel left in him, which was proven with his surprise return in the hospital.

What worried me through the last few episodes and what came to a definition (not the right word) in this episodes was Castiel turning human. This is a storyline I wasn't happy about. What about Jimmy? Personally I thought that all of this destroyed everything behind Jimmy willingly letting Castiel in again and use him as his vessel for the greater good. What was the point if Castiel goes human, and what happens to Jimmy? Sorry this is a plotpoint that's been nagging at me for a few months.

Something I noticed in this episode and was hoping to see mentioned in your review, but wasn't, was the fact that when Sam, Bobby and Castiel go to the Niveus loading center, Sam was using Dean's gun (the one with a pearl handle). To my recollection I've never seen him use it before, so why now? Was it like when Sam wanted to give Dean the knife but Crowley getting in between. Dean giving Sam his gun because he'd need the best weapon Dean could give him outside the knife? Idk, I just found it interesting and curious. What say you?

As always, I enjoyed this review a lot and you came at things in a new place that I'd forgotten - Sam's character and the brotherly moments. All of which I enjoyed as well when watching but didn't reflect on the why or if it had been absent for a while. (I'm just busy worrying they're gonna die ;))

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

Well, just because Castiel is cut-off from heaven doesn't mean that he is human. He is still an angel possessing a human, however, he lives by the limitations of his human host because he has no powers of his own anymore. Remember, Anna had to fall and rip out her grace to be an actual human. Castiel is simply a depowered angel. :)

Uhm, I didn't actually pay any attention to Sam's weapon. And if he was using Dean's gun, then I don't think it has any deeper meaning. Dean's gun is a normal weapon, Sam was presumably going to face demons and against those the gun is useless anyway. And the infected people he killed with it could have been killed with any other weapon as well. So, no I don't think it means anything. :)

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

Hey, you made it! Good job, hon.

You have reminded me, however, how much I have forgotten/deliberately pushed out of my mind about last season. God, the pacing of the season really was awful, wasn't it, while the inconsistency of through-lines such as the demon blood make your head spin if you think about them too closely! But as you say, we can put up with a lot for the sake of seeing Dean and Sam achieving some kind of peaceful equilibrium with one another again, at long last.

Fingers crossed for the S6 premiere!

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

Thanks! :)

ROFL it certainly wasn't my intention to remind you of the weaknesses of S5. I rewatched the episode in order to write the review and still enjoyed it just as much as first time around, so that's a good thing. My long rant about the inconsistent blood mythology wasn't meant to reflect negatively on this episode in particular, it's more of a general problem anyway. :)

Fingers crossed indeed.