Review for 5x22 'Swan Song'

[galathea]

So, my review for Swan Song has been a long time coming, but that’s not the result of a lack of enthusiasm for the episode on my part, quite the contrary, actually. It’s an episode that moves me immensely, and it sure holds a special place in my heart. However, severe time constraints in the first couple of months after the episode aired prevented me from writing a review and then the new season started up, demanding all of my attention, so the review for Swan Song was postponed time and again – until I finally had the time to address myself to the task. I admit, I (almost) found it too difficult to write about the episode, not only because I had a rather intimidating amount of notes for it, but also because I felt that I would never be able to do the episode justice or adequately express why it elated me the way it did.

But well, here we are anyway. Better late than never, right? Unsurprisingly, this is the longest review I have ever written for a single episode. In fact, it’s the longest meta I have ever written about Supernatural. Period. I tried to be concise, but I still ended up with almost 10.000 words, which is why it took me so long to actually finish it. So, in case anyone is interested enough to read their way through this monster: Please make yourself comfortable – and maybe bring provisions. Also, I apologise for the fact that this turned out a tad more sentimental than usual. I just couldn’t help it. Anyway, this review is based on the notes I took right after the episode aired, so S6 hindsight does not play into it. Enjoy!

Swan Song, by courtesy of Eric Kripke, concludes the five year arc of Supernatural, and while it is the end of the season and probably the most important milestone in Sam and Dean’s story, it’s luckily not the end of the show. The episode is intensely focussed on the brothers – which is always a plus in my book – and even though the plot may not be perfect in every sense possible, where Sam and Dean’s storyline is concerned, the episode hits all the right notes for me. And, ultimately, that’s all I ever wanted from the S5 finale. Moreover though, the episode connects beautifully to what came before, echoing crucial episodes of the past five seasons and circling back to the beginning of the show, bringing closure to some of the main themes for the characters in the process. Overall, I can honestly say that Swan Song is one of my favourite episodes of the show. ♥



Swan Song is a subject of great controversy in fandom. One part of fandom loathes it with fiery passion, while the other part loves it with equal fervour. Now, it’s a truth universally acknowledged that we all watch the show through different lenses and that those lenses not only determine how we interpret the text given to us by the writers, but also shape our expectations towards the show. I mean, five years ago we all may have started to watch a story about two estranged brothers who hit the road to pursue the family business – saving people, hunting things – but as the mythology expanded and the characters changed, so did the preferences of the viewers. In short, fandom diversified. It diversified to such a degree that it was pretty much impossible for the finale to meet the expectations of fandom at large. I mean, fans who have become invested in the epic conflict between Michael and Lucifer will inevitably be disappointed about the small-scale focus of Swan Song and the lack of the promised price fight between the angels. Fans who have put their hearts into Dean being The One to bring Lucifer down will probably perceive his role in the finale as not important enough. Fans who have subscribed to the idea of 'Team Free Will' and expected Castiel and/or Bobby to be an integral part of the resolution will be disappointed that their part was minimal.

I guess that I am lucky, because my expectations in regard to the finale have not only been met, but exceeded. It’s no secret that my main focus in the show is Sam and Dean and their brotherly bond. The status of their relationship, the way it progresses or, at times, regresses and the way Sam and Dean develop as individuals are always my main, if not only concern when I go into an episode – and Swan Song is no exception to that rule. So, for me it has always been imperative that the resolution to the infamous five year arc revolves around Sam and Dean, exclusively, and that it is rooted in what I perceive as Supernatural’s main emotional core: the brotherly love. And Swan Song delivers just that. ♥ In the end, angelic prophecies and demonic schemes prove to be meaningless in the face of Sam and Dean’s profound human bond, and that’s where the story has been heading from day one in my opinion – so this resolution rings true to me. Moreover, the episode stays true to the characters and picks up important themes that have been part of Sam and Dean’s story from the beginning of the show.

As I already pointed out in previous reviews, both brothers started the show with very distinct individual motifs/themes. Dean’s central motif throughout the show has been familial love and loyalty. From his desire to meet John’s expectations, to his fierce and unwavering devotion to Sam, Dean has always defined himself through the needs of the people he loves. In addition, Dean has also been defined by his humanity. He is not only a decent human being, who stands against evil with nothing but a good heart and courage, but he also holds his own (and Sam’s) humanity in the highest regard, not least because it separates him from the very things he hunts. He may have been willing to sacrifice his life for his beliefs, but never his humanity. In contrast to Dean’s main motifs of family and humanity, Sam’s central themes have always been choice and control. From his rebellion against John’s regime, to his fight against his supposed destiny as Lucifer’s vessel, Sam has been driven by the need to escape the confines of a heteronomous life and establish an identity of his own. The feeling that his path in life has already been mapped out for him by others, motivated Sam to fight for his right to make his own choices and take the control over his life back. The culmination of Sam and Dean’s arcs in Swan Song reinforces these individual motifs for the characters beautifully, as Sam makes the ultimate choice to sacrifice himself, and Dean makes the ultimate stand against evil out of love for his brother – and thus they save the world, together.

In terms of seasonal structure, I think Swan Song is the perfect companion episode to Point Of No Return. Together those episodes bring the storyline about the brothers’ destinies as Lucifer and Michael’s respective vessels to a head and resolve it true to the show’s central message that, in the end, Sam and Dean’s bond will save them. In Point Of No Return Sam puts his unconditional faith in his brother, convinced that Dean has the strength and moral integrity to make the right decision and say no to Michael. And even though Dean feels that he is at the end of his rope, Sam’s faith gives him the strength to withstand the temptation of giving into Michael. Similarly, in Swan Song Dean puts his unconditional faith in Sam, convinced that his brother has the internal strength to fight off Lucifer’s possession long enough to trap him in the cage. And even though Sam succumbs to Lucifer at first, it only needs Dean’s love to give Sam the strength to break free of Lucifer’s hold on him. The remarkable thing here is that, ultimately, both Sam and Dean save themselves, but it is their respective brother who enables them to do so. ♥ The parallels between these crucial episodes of the season make me incredibly happy, and whatever the shortcomings of S5 as a whole, in my opinion Swan Song and Point Of No Return build a worthy legacy for this season.

Swan Song is a somewhat unique season finale, because it had to finish the story that started five years ago in a satisfying manner and still leave enough room for Sam and Dean’s story to continue, without diminishing what came before – and I think the episode accomplishes that. Now, it’s undeniable that Swan Song has a sense of finality – not least because of the nostalgic tone of the voiceovers – and it is clear that, the last two minutes of the episode notwithstanding, Swan Song has been constructed as a possible series finale as well. However, the episode works so well for me exactly because it is not the series finale. If the show had ended with Sam in the cage, doomed to eternal torture at Lucifer’s hands, and with Dean as the sole survivor of the Winchester family, a broken wreck, condemned to live the rest of his life in misery, I am not sure if I had been able to accept that. It would have been an ending so devoid of hope and comfort, that it would have called core aspects of the show – like love, faith and salvation – into question for me. Even Sam and Dean dying at the end of the show would be preferable to such an ending. At least they would be together, and maybe they would even be able to find some measure of peace in the after-life. So, overall I am glad that we are spared such a bleak conclusion to Sam and Dean’s heroic journey, for now at least.

Chuck: "They could go anywhere and do anything. They drove a thousand miles for an Ozzy show; two days for a Jayhawks game. And when it was clear, they’d park her in the middle of nowhere. Sit on the hood and watch the stars – for hours, without saying a word."

After the customary 'The Road So Far' recap set to Kansas’ Carry On My Wayward Son, the episode starts with a rather unusual intro sequence; it shows old film footage of an Impala assembly line, while Chuck narrates the origins of the brothers’ car in a voiceover. I admit, for a moment I felt completely disoriented, because that was not at all what I had been expecting as a prelude to the season finale. However, after that first moment of surprise, I soon came to appreciate the sense of continuity and inevitability the opening montage – and all the other flashbacks/voiceovers that followed – provided. I just love the way the Impala’s story and Sam and Dean’s story intertwine and then culminate at Stull cemetery. It conveys a sense of destiny, one that feels truer to the Winchesters than the 'epic' storyline about angelic prophecies ever did. Furthermore, the voiceover/flashback montages create an excellent narrative frame for the episode and their sentimental tone supports the wistful mood of the episode perfectly. And to use Chuck as the narrator works especially well, because he has been established as a character with divine insight into Sam and Dean’s story and as such he is believable as an in-canon commentator on the brothers’ shared history.

Anyway, all general narrative aspects of the flashback/voiceover sequences aside, I love the content of each and every one of them to an unhealthy degree. They not only provide us with some new backstory details of Sam and Dean’s childhood, but also fill in the blanks where their time in between hunting gigs is concerned – something I wanted to see for a long while now. I love especially that the flashbacks put such an emphasis on the fact that Sam and Dean are not only brothers and hunting partners, but also friends, who genuinely like spending time together – like, for example, visiting football games and concerts or simply sitting side by side, silently enjoying each other’s company. ♥ Now, there has never been a doubt that, even when things have been severely strained between them, Sam and Dean always loved each other. Their friendship, however, suffered damage these last two seasons – a point explicitly made in Sex and Violence, Free To Be You And Me and Swap Meat – so the flashbacks are a welcomed reminder of this important aspect of their relationship. Not to mention that, given their increasingly difficult and desolate lives, I find the thought of Sam and Dean sharing these moments of joy and contentment immensely comforting.

Other details in the flashbacks that stand out to me are young Sam and Dean carving their names into the Impala’s wooden panelling, for example, or Sammy playing with a green toy soldier in the backseat of the car. The latter in particular is interesting, because I don’t think it is just a random last minute retcon to justify the crucial moments of the episode, where the very same toy soldier triggers Sam’s memories of Dean, thus allowing him to wrestle the control over his body back from Lucifer. On the contrary, I think that flashback moment deliberately refers back to Dead In The Water, where Dean told the traumatised boy Lucas that he used to play with these green army men as a child as well. The obvious assumption is that at some point young Dean gave his toy soldiers to his little brother – and, knowing Dean, Sam probably just looked at him pleadingly with his big puppy dog eyes and Dean gave them up without a second thought – so the connection from the toy soldier to Dean in Sam’s mind would make sense. I may have put way too much thought into this, but I am really excited about this link between the episodes; it makes me appreciate Dead In The Water – the episode that got me hooked on Supernatural in the first place – even more. That being said, I will readily admit that I mourn the fact that the writers did not use Dean's amulet as a trigger for Sam's memories. It would not only have been the one perfect item connecting Sam to Dean, but its return at this point in the season would also have had a profound emotional impact.

Dean: "Truth is, watching out for you? It’s kinda been my job, you know. But more than that, it’s kinda who I am. You’re not a kid anymore, Sam. And I can’t keep treating you like one. And maybe I gotta grow up a little, too. I don’t know if we have a snowball’s chance, but if anybody can do it, it’s you."

I love the opening scene between the brothers, with Sam lounging on the Impala and Dean joining him for a beer and a talk. It’s the first of several moments where Swan Song circles back to the beginning of the show and brings closure to a main theme for one or both of the characters. From the Pilot on, the show firmly established Dean as Sam’s caretaker, a role he took on when he was only a child himself and that he held onto even when he and Sam became adults. Dean’s inability to let go of his role as Sam’s caretaker and accept his little brother as an equal in all matters has been frequently addressed over the course of the past five seasons – often as a major source of friction between the brothers. That’s not to say that Dean constantly treats Sam like a child. On the contrary, more often than not Sam and Dean negotiate disagreements as equal adults; they usually accept each other’s opinion/input and try to compromise. However, it’s not uncommon that protecting Sam takes precedence over treating Sam like an equal partner for Dean, especially in dangerous or emotionally distressing situations. For example, when he hides his own vulnerability/insecurity to keep his brother from worrying, or when he lies in order to shelter Sam from harsh realities, or when he denies Sam autonomy because he is concerned for his well-being. Not to mention that, occasionally, Dean simply tries to assume power of decision to coerce Sam into following his lead. Dean always means well, but that doesn’t change the fact that can be patronising at times.

So, Dean coming to terms with the fact that he has grown past his role as Sam’s caretaker and needs to establish a new self-identity is not only a step towards maturity for him, personally, but also for the brothers’ relationship. "To me, you've always been this snot-nosed kid that I've had to keep on the straight and narrow. I think we both know that that's not you anymore," Dean admitted to Sam in Point of No Return and now he is ready to put the sentiment behind these words into action. Dean is ready to accept that he needs to let his brother make his own choices, even if those choices involve Sam putting his life on the line for what he perceives to be the right cause. I love especially that Dean backs Sam up here, even though he does not actually agree with Sam’s choice to say yes to Lucifer. Again, this mirrors Point Of No Return, where Sam did not agree with Dean’s choice to say yes to Michael either, and yet he trusted that his brother would not let him down. Then as now, it’s an act of unconditional faith on Sam and Dean’s part. ♥ I also love the parallels to All Hell Breaks Loose here. I mean, back at Cold Oak Sam made the choice not to yield to Azazel’s plans for him – and said choice cost him his life. Unable to accept Sam’s death, Dean sacrificed himself for his brother’s life, thus setting the wheels of the apocalypse in motion. In Swan Song Sam makes the similar choice to rather sacrifice himself than to yield to Lucifer’s plans for him – and this time Dean respects his brother’s choice and lets him go, a decision that ultimately aborts said apocalypse.

Now, it’s undeniable that Sam’s plan is incredibly risky. After all, if he fails he gives Lucifer exactly what he wants – the absolute advantage over Michael and, ultimately, the victory. But if he succeeds, there is only one more victim in this war: Sam himself. There is no doubt that Dean could stop his brother if he really wanted to, but at what cost? The conflict between Lucifer and Michael endangers the lives of millions of people and the longer it goes on, the more people are bound to get hurt. Personally, I think that Sam’s plan to walk Lucifer into the cage himself is indeed the only viable plan left for the brothers. They have exhausted all other options at this point. I mean, the Colt proved to be useless, pagan gods have been powerless against Lucifer and even the archangel Gabriel has been unable to kill him. The only beings powerful enough to put Lucifer in his place are God himself and Death, but the first refused to interfere in the matter and the latter is spell-bound by Lucifer and already granted the brothers all the help he could give, namely his ring and the ritual to open the cage. Basically, Lucifer has become invincible, the moment Dean turned down the opportunity to become Michael’s vessel. So, Sam’s way it is. I think from Sam’s reluctant answer to Dean’s question if this is really what he wants, it’s abundantly clear that Sam has no death wish. He is terrified, that much is obvious, but he does not let that hold him back. His need to find redemption for letting Lucifer out of the cage clearly overrides any other consideration. Sam accepting eternal damnation to atone for his own personal failures makes me incredibly proud of him, but it also grieves me, because whatever his shortcomings, Sam does not deserve such a cruel fate.

Dean: "So then what am I supposed to do?"
Sam: "You go find Lisa. You pray to God that she’s dumb enough to take you in. You have barbeques and go to football games. You go live some normal, apple pie life, Dean. Promise me."

The brotherly conversation in the car is another one of those moments where the show circles back to its beginning. Five years ago, when we first met the brothers, Sam tried to escape hunting and create a life for himself that made him feel safe, while Dean was completely taken with the wish to follow in his father’s footsteps. These past years, however, Dean’s enthusiasm for the hunt has been severely undermined by loss and depression, and while he always had a secret appreciation for the apple-pie life, the idea of a family of his own and the pursuit of personal happiness have become somewhat of an unattainable ideal in his mind. Sam, on the other hand, started to gradually leave his dreams of normality behind and came to fully accept his life as a hunter. Basically, Sam and Dean flipped positions over the years, and when Sam now asks his brother to leave his burdensome life behind and find peace in a possible future with Lisa, this theme comes full circle. I think it is important to remember here, that the idea of Lisa as a source of comfort and happiness originally comes from Dean himself; it’s not just a random suggestion on Sam’s part. I mean, Sam already witnessed Dean’s dream of a 'white picket fence' life with Lisa in Dream A Little Dream Of Me, and just a couple of weeks back, when Dean had lost all connection to Sam and intended to give himself over to Michael, he turned to Lisa as well to find a measure of closure – an action Sam easily predicted and used to find Dean in Point Of No Return. So it’s not unreasonable for Sam to think that calling on Lisa is the right thing to do for Dean. He simply nudges Dean to pursue a life he always wanted, but never allowed himself to have.

I also have to say that I really love the parallels to No Rest For The Wicked in this scene. Back then it was Dean who faced eternal damnation, and he also urged his brother to go on without him and continue the family business in honour of Dean’s sacrifice. Now Dean has to try and find the strength to do what he himself asked of Sam – and where Sam had ultimately failed – namely to live on in order to honour his brother’s sacrifice. While at first glance Sam and Dean seem selfish for pushing their respective brother towards the very life they used to want, I think that, in fact, they both respond to a deeper need within their brother. Dean knew that Sam, who tends to externalise his feelings, would have to channel his grief and anger after Dean’s death into the hunt, just like Sam knows that his brother needs a purpose once he is gone, preferably something that appeals to Dean’s nature as a caretaker. I just love that they both instinctively know what the other needs to get through the grief of losing his only family. That’s not to say that there isn’t also a selfish element in either brother’s wish for the other to live a happy and meaningful life without them. Obviously it gives Sam and Dean peace of mind to know that the one person they care about the most gets to live a long and fulfilling life. After all, part of Sam's motivation to make his sacrifice in the first place is to give Dean a future, and the same is true for Dean's sacrifice in No Rest For The Wicked as well. So, overall I love this scene and I think that Sam is entirely right to push for Dean’s promise here, especially considering what happened last time he died.

Lucifer!Sam: "Oh, he is in here, alright. And he’s going to feel the snap of your bones. Every single one. We’re going to take our time."
Dean: "Sammy, it’s okay. It’s okay. I’m here. I’m here. I’m not going to leave you."

The final moments between Sam and Dean (and Lucifer!Sam and Dean) are without a doubt the emotional highpoint of the episode for me. Even though Sam’s plan seems to have failed and the situation appears to be hopeless, Dean follows his brother out to Stull cemetery – not because he believes that he can save Sam or turn the situation around somehow, but simply because he cannot bear to let his brother die alone. ♥ And really, that should not come as a surprise, given that this exact situation has already been foreshadowed back in Croatoan, where Dean also refused to save his own life and leave an infected Sam to his fate, willing to rather die with his brother than let Sam spend his final hours alone. Anyway, Dean’s grand entrance at Stull cemetery set to Def Leppard’s Rock Of Ages is just fabulous, and I love that Dean is just as dismissive of Lucifer and Michael as they are of him. To Dean, the angels and their quarrel are just not important at this moment, so he basically ignores Lucifer – he doesn’t even fight back when Lucifer attacks him – in favour of reaching out to his little brother and giving him all the reassurance and comfort his presence can offer Sam. There is nothing but love in Dean’s voice and expression, even though he receives a terrible beating at Lucifer!Sam’s hands, and I think I never admired Dean’s devotion to Sam more than in this moment.

I also love that, just by being his usual loyal self and showing up at the cemetery to be with his brother, Dean sets a sequence of events in motion that changes everything: A sudden sunlight flare on the Impala distracts Lucifer in a crucial moment and his eyes fall on the toy soldier stuck in the ashtray, which instantly triggers a flood of Sam’s memories of Dean and their life together - and those memories build a lifeline for Sam, a lifeline that helps him to overcome Lucifer's stranglehold and take back control of himself. Ultimately, Sam's emotional connection to Dean proves to be stronger than the power Lucifer has over him and the moment that connection snaps fully into place, Sam wins the upper hand in their internal struggle. ♥ I think it is important to note here that this scene is not just about Dean being there, with Sam, at this particular moment at Stull cemetery; it’s about the fact that Dean has been there, with Sam, at every significant moment of Sam’s life. All his life Dean bestowed love and care on his little brother, thus adding layer upon layer to their brotherly bond – a bond that has ultimately become Sam’s tether to his sense of self, to his humanity. This particular theme has been explored in the show before, for example in Mystery Spot or I Know What You Did Last Summer, where Sam completely lost himself without his brother, so it makes sense that the reverse is true as well, i.e. that Dean can help Sam to find back to himself, even when his mind is overpowered by Lucifer. Overall, Sam is the one to make the sacrifice and jump into the cage and, effectively, Dean is the lynchpin to bring the entire story to its conclusion. In the end, neither one of them could have done it alone; they had to achieve it together. ♥

And, by the way, that pivotal flashback sequence of intimate moments between Sam and Dean? That’s all about Sam’s most important memories; memories of being loved and cared for – and giving love and care in return; memories of a love that obviously builds the very foundation of Sam’s internal strength. I think this flashback sequence proves that the small selection of Sam’s memories Dean witnessed in Dark Side Of The Moon has not been a true reflection of his little brother’s happiest or most important memories at all. And I just wished Dean would have been able to witness what was going on in Sam’s head when Lucifer just froze in the middle of his brutal attack on him. I think it would have erased any lingering doubts Dean might still have had about Sam’s love for him. In any case, I think this flashback sequence of memories further supports the theory that the brothers’ heavenly experience in Dark Side Of The Moon has been tempered with. I always thought the episode itself strongly suggests that the memories Sam and Dean relive in heaven have been chosen with the intent to sever Dean’s connection to Sam and/or open Sam’s awareness to his more self-centred choices and how they affect Dean. Those memories have just been way too specific in content to be entirely random happy/important memories.

But I digress. Now, if we look at this climax to Sam and Dean’s story from the destiny angle, I think it still works, it just comes with a twist for both characters: See, the show started with Sam being chosen for a terrible destiny, and in Swan Song it ends with Sam embracing his destiny in order to subvert it. All season long Sam has been told that his surrender to Lucifer is inevitable, and I love how Sam turns this prediction around and makes it into a weapon against Lucifer. Dean, however, has never bought into the concept of destiny in the first place. The belief that he has the ultimate control over his life is one of Dean’s most fundamental convictions. In the end, Dean stays true to his character by saying no to Michael, and yet he still fulfils his destiny as foretold by angelic prophecy: The righteous man who begins it, is the only one who can finish it. After all, in a sense, that is still true. It just has an entirely different meaning than the angels suggested. Dean is the only one who can finish it, because he is the only one who is able to tether his brother to his humanity. Where Sam subverts his destiny by embracing it, Dean fulfils his destiny by rejecting it, and I think this reverse parallel between the brothers’ arcs is marvellous. Moreover though, throughout the show destiny and free will have always been presented as opposing concepts, but ultimately both become one in Sam and Dean’s respective choices. I mean, Sam does become Lucifer’s vessel (destiny), but he uses it to circumvent the devil’s plans (free will). Dean does finish the apocalypse (destiny), but he achieves it by being Sam’s anchor instead of Michael’s vessel (free will).

So, overall I have to say that I find this resolution to the main character arcs deeply satisfying. These last couple of years the brothers have been manipulated by angels and demons and everything in between; their bond has been tested to its limit and at some point either one of the brothers believed that he is the chosen one – but only by standing together and making their own choices, Sam and Dean saved the world. And that’s exactly how it should be. In the end, there is no time for big goodbyes between Sam and Dean, but the intensity of the last look that passes between them before Sam jumps into the cage kills me every single time. The final shot of Dean kneeling on the ground, rooted to the spot where Sam threw himself into the pit – his defeated figure framed by the Impala and a graveyard cross – is beautiful (in terms of cinematography) and absolutely heartbreaking at the same time. The despair and pain radiating from Dean in that moment is tangible. Basically, he is in the same position as he was three years ago, but this time there is nothing he can do to bring his brother back and, more importantly, he promised that he would do nothing to bring Sam back. This chapter of his life is closed, and now he has to find the strength to open a new one.

Chuck: "Dean didn’t want Cas to save him. Every part of him, every fibre he’s got wants to die or find a way to bring Sam back. But he isn’t gonna do either, because he made a promise."

While I am proud of Sam for making the ultimate sacrifice, I am just as proud of Dean for sticking to the promise he made to Sam. After all, this is not about Dean forgetting his brother and just moving on; it’s about trying to honour Sam’s sacrifice; it’s about accepting comfort and allowing himself to grieve – both of which he refused after Sam’s death in All Hell Breaks Loose I, and we all know how that ended. Personally, I think that making an attempt at a normal life is a much bigger proof of Dean's love for Sam than selling his soul ever was. I mean, making the deal was a desperate impulse born out of grief – with no regard to the consequences for Sam or himself. However, to keep his promise and go on living in an effort to find peace and happiness, knowing that his brother is damned for all eternity, is probably the hardest thing Dean ever had to do for Sam. And that’s not at all meant to diminish the horrors Dean suffered in hell, I just think that it is easier for Dean to accept his own suffering than Sam’s. In any case, Dean is clearly a broken man – he is drinking again and seems distant, bitter even in his final conversation with Castiel – and obviously his road to recovery will be rocky, but at least he will not have to walk it alone. Living with Lisa and Ben will give Dean a reason to pull himself together and keep him from doing something reckless. It will give him a purpose, a family that cares for him and that he can care for in return. Dean has always been a family man at heart, after all. Overall, I think it makes perfect sense for Dean to stop hunting now; remember, he wanted to quit after Sam’s death in All Hell Breaks Loose I as well, only now he gets the chance to actually do it.

Now, even though Dean is an emotional wreck when he shows up at Lisa’s doorstep, I still think it makes sense for her to accept Dean into her home. I mean, when Lisa was introduced back in The Kids Are Alright, she struck me as an independent, strong-willed woman, who is perfectly capable of protecting her own interests and standing up for herself. She had no qualms to put Dean in his place when he crossed a line with Ben, and she turned Dean away when he started to act irrationally in her eyes. So I guess it’s safe to say that, no matter the circumstances, Lisa will not allow herself to be pushed into a situation she deems detrimental to Ben’s well-being or her own. There is no doubt that Lisa deeply cares for Dean. After all, this is the man who saved her son’s life, the man who was willing to bargain with angels to keep her and Ben safe from the apocalypse, so there is really no reason why she would show Dean the door when he seeks her out in Swan Song. In fact, Lisa invited Dean into her life before, namely after he saved Ben from the changelings, and she already knew back then that Dean lives a violent and dangerous life. Presently, all Lisa does is offering a distraught man shelter and comfort; it’s a simple act of compassion. That’s not to say that Lisa and Dean’s relationship will not grow closer and more intimate further down the line, but I doubt that jumping into a romantic relationship is on either of their minds at the moment. I mean, apart from the fact that Dean is in no state to contemplate a relationship, the fact is, Lisa and Dean don’t know each other all that well. But I think there is a lot of affection – and not to mention attraction – already, and that is a good foundation to build upon.

Anyway, I hope the writers will explore the 'domestic' storyline between Dean, Lisa and Ben thoroughly in the upcoming season, because I think there is an enormous potential for Dean’s personal growth in this set-up. Personally, I have always wanted to see Dean in a committed romantic relationship and, as I said before, I think a normal family life has become somewhat of an abstract ideal in Dean’s mind, so it will be interesting to see how he actually copes in a domestic environment as a father to Ben and a partner to Lisa. After all, the fact that living the apple-pie life is a wishful fantasy for Dean does not necessarily mean that he will indeed find happiness when placed in the actual situation, especially given the circumstances that made this life available to him in the first place. However, even if Dean will eventually return to 'saving people, hunting things', this time around it will actually be Dean’s choice – and that choice will have all the more meaning because Dean will know first-hand what he leaves behind. So, overall I have to say that I am truly excited to see how Dean’s arc with Lisa and Ben will play out next season.

Lucifer: "I’ve been waiting for you. For a long, long time. Come on Sam, you have to admit, you can feel it, right?"
Sam: "What?"
Lucifer: "The exhilaration. And you know why that is? Because we’re two halves made whole."

I really love the confrontation between Lucifer and Sam, and I admit that’s partly owed to the fact that it gives Jared the opportunity to play opposite himself. I enjoyed his performance as Lucifer in The End, and I think his portrayal of the character is consistent in both episodes. Anyway, the mirror conversation between Sam and Lucifer reminds me of Sam’s mirror conversation with his own conscience in Bloody Mary, which incidentally is the episode that began the 'Sam is special' storyline in the first place. I really like the visual parallels between these episodes, and I think it is very befitting that this particular storyline ends in the same manner it began. I think Lucifer’s little motivational speech to Sam falls right into line with all the other conversations he had with Sam throughout the season. His arguments are mainly designed to undermine Sam’s sense of self-determination and self-identity; he plays on Sam’s innate insecurities where his place in his family is concerned, and he twists Sam's innermost thoughts, takes them out of context and tries to sell them as the absolute truth. I do believe though, that it actually matters to Lucifer that Sam agrees with him. I think Sam’s compliance is personal for Lucifer, just like everything else is personal for him, too – like Gabriel turning against him, God abandoning him or Michael betraying him. Theoretically, there is no need for Lucifer to further try and convince Sam that they are destined for each other, he has his vessel now, after all. However, Sam may have said yes, but he still refuses to acknowledge Lucifer’s 'rightful' claim on him or to submit to his power, and I think that is why Lucifer puts so much effort in Sam's conversion.

Now, Lucifer’s penchant for psychological torture has been one of his most consistent character traits throughout the season, so it makes sense that he tries to tear down Sam’s defences by tormenting him, just like he coerced Nick into becoming his willing vessel by breaking him down first. When Lucifer tells Sam that he wants to make him happy, only to force him to live through the slaughter of his former acquaintances just moments later, that is truly sadistic. The same applies to Lucifer’s brutal attack on Dean. I mean, if he had just been annoyed with Dean, he would simply have killed him – like he did with Bobby and Castiel – but he explicitly states that he is going to take his time with Dean, just so Sam will feel his brother suffer. Ultimately, Lucifer’s attack on Dean is all about exerting control and demoralising Sam, rather than about Dean himself. And that’s very reminiscent of Azazel forcing John to watch Dean's suffering in Devil's Trap or Meg keeping Bobby awake during his possession in Sympathy For The Devil, so he has to live through the horror of killing Dean with his own hands. And, just like in those cases, it proves to be Lucifer's crucial mistake to keep Sam conscious while he hurts Dean. After all, if he would not have tried to make Sam suffer in this way, Sam would never have been able to take control back. Overall, as I already pointed out in previous reviews, Lucifer’s seemingly sympathetic demeanour and his 'woe is me' attitude are nothing but a front; in the end he is just as cruel and self-serving as every other monster the brothers encountered.

That all being said, I think Lucifer’s revelation that Sam has been watched by demons all his life is a regrettable plot development, because this information finally retcons Azazel’s arc in S1 and S2 into oblivion. I mean, unless Lucifer is lying to Sam here in order to torment him or all other of Azazel’s special children have been under demonic surveillance as well, the psychic kids storyline makes no sense whatsoever. If the yellow eyed demon knew from the get-go that Sam has always been Lucifer’s intended vessel, why would he bother to create other psychic children or other generations of psychic children even. Why would he go through the trouble of the Cold Oak death match? I mean, even if we take into consideration that he wanted Dean to sacrifice himself, so he could become the first seal (and, yes, I still dismiss John as Azazel's first choice in that matter), he could have achieved that at any time by simply killing Sam and then coercing Dean into a deal, just like he did with Mary in In The Beginning. The way the angel/vessel mythology of last two seasons undermines the mytharc of the first two seasons is really one of my main grievances with the direction the mytharc took in S4. I wished the writers had made more of an effort to logically connect the details of Azazel’s storyline with Lucifer’s. As it is, I will either have to live with the plot inconsistencies or dismiss Lucifer’s revelation in Swan Song as a simple attempt at emotional manipulation.

Chuck: "No doubt, endings are hard. But then again, nothing ever really ends, does it?"

At the end of the episode, Chuck’s voiceover narration about Sam and Dean turns into a meta commentary about writing a satisfying ending to a story, and while I am usually not overly fond of the writers’ attempts at meta, I actually don’t mind this one. Now, I know there is a controversial discussion in fandom regarding the question if Chuck’s all-knowing voiceover and his ominous disappearance at the end of the episode are meant to imply that he has been God all along. Personally, I very much disagree with that assumption. I mean, it’s no secret that the character Chuck and the storyline about the Supernatural book series have been created with a specific purpose in mind, namely for the writers to be able to do an in-canon meta commentary for their own show. Chuck serves as a stand-in for Eric Kripke and his writing staff, and when the character moans about badly written plots or talks about his writing process, it’s obviously just as much a reflection on writing Supernatural, the show, as it is a reflection on writing Supernatural, the book series. I think Swan Song simply expands this particular narrative concept. Chuck not only serves in his usual role as the character here, but also explicitly functions as a meta construct for Kripke’s own role as a storyteller in this episode. Swan Song is Kripke's last episode as show runner, after all, and I think he uses Chuck as a mouthpiece for his own goodbye to the show and fandom. The fact that Chuck wears a completely different set of clothes before he bows out clearly hints at the fact that this is not the character Chuck, but the narrator Kripke.

More importantly though, there are just too many previous story details that would be called into question if Chuck had been God all along. For example, Castiel claimed that Dean’s amulet would burn hot in God’s presence. However, the amulet never showed any reaction to Chuck’s presence. The angel also stated that the names of all prophets are seared into his brain and, according to Castiel, the prophet Chuck seems to be legit, complete with guardian archangel and all. Of course it is possible to invalidate these objections with the argument that God is omnipotent and hence could just mislead Castiel, but there is just no canonical evidence for that. Furthermore, Chuck’s character motivation would suddenly become a problem, like for example in the final moments of The Monster At The End Of This Book, where he wants to warn Sam and Dean about their future. Why would God even consider that? And, if Chuck is God, why would he turn up as a resistance fighter in the survivor’s camp in The End? I mean, God’s presence in the future seems oddly out of place to me. Also, unless you think of Supernatural’s God as an equivalent to the Greek god Zeus, who enjoyed to seduce mortal women, I wonder why Chuck-as-God would take up a romantic relationship with Becky. Overall, the assumption that Chuck is God raises more questions than it answers and, quite frankly, I see no good reason why the writers would complicate the story in this manner.

What else is noteworthy:

(1) If there is one thing in the episode that really bothers me, it’s the fact that Sam needs to drink several gallons of demon blood in preparation for the possession. Now, in my review for Two Minutes To Midnight I already addressed the problems with the blood mythology of the show in general – and with this plot point in particular – at some length, so I will not repeat myself here. I am relieved, however, that at least this time around it is not Sam who decides to sacrifice the lives of two demons (and their innocent hosts) in order to obtain the blood they need. It’s a joint decision of Team Free Will, so the responsibility for the deaths of those two demons falls on all of them, and I like that Castiel, Bobby and Dean don’t leave Sam alone to do the dirty work, but stand at his side and help. After all, Sam drinks the blood because he is told that he needs to do it in order to save the world and not because he craves it or the power it brings. I would have been very upset, had the burden of that sacrifice rested solely on Sam’s shoulders.

(2) I think returning Castiel to his angelic status is a good way to end his storyline in S5. Now, I know that a lot of Castiel fans are disappointed that the angel loses his 'humanity', but as I see it, Castiel never desired to be human. He has been miserable for most of the season, unable to truly cope with the pitfalls of being human – the doubts, the responsibilities, the personal failures, the emotional turmoil, the lack of guidance and the lack of power. Just last episode Castiel felt utterly useless and despondent in the face of his own powerlessness, and The End effectively demonstrated the self-destructive path Castiel would have taken, had he lost his connection to heaven permanently. The angel’s faith has been severely tested over the past two years, to a point even where he gave up completely, but I think his resurrection will restore his faith in God and maybe even his faith in himself. Moreover, I think that living amongst humans has given Castiel a unique perspective, and considering that he will be the new 'sheriff' in heaven, he might even be able to educate his more aloof angelic brothers and sisters about humanity and prevent something like the apocalypse from ever happening again. So, overall I think that Castiel’s story in Swan Song is the only one that actually ends optimistically. That all being said, I think that killing Castiel (and Bobby) for the shock effect, only to resurrect them right away, undermines any emotional impact of these character deaths. I know that Castiel and Bobby would not have survived Swan Song had the episode been the series finale, but still, I wished the writers would have refrained from this kind of cheap emotional manipulation.

(3) I think there is little argument about the fact that the final encounter between Michael and Lucifer is completely anti-climactic and that Adam gives a very lacklustre performance as Michael. However, according to angelic prophecy Adam was never Michael’s intended vessel anyway, so it actually makes sense within the internal logic of the story that he seems a bad fit for the archangel and lacks conviction or charisma. Furthermore, since the price fight between Lucifer and Michael was never meant to be the actual resolution to the apocalypse storyline, it’s only consequential that their encounter falls flat. After all, it’s only a prelude to the real climax. In the end, the story was never about Lucifer and Michael, it was always about Sam and Dean – and that’s why they are the focal point of the showdown at Stull cemetery. And while we are at the topic: I am incredibly pleased with the fact that the final confrontation between the angels takes place at Stull cemetery. Way back in S1, at the first Supernatural Paley festival, Eric Kripke stated that he chose Lawrence, Kansas as Sam and Dean’s hometown because it is situated near Stull cemetery which, according to urban legend, is a gateway to hell. I love that Kripke did not forget about this little detail, because I find it kind of poetic that, basically, the story ends in the same place where it began.

(4) It’s no secret that Eric Kripke is a huge fan of the Impala, so it’s not really surprising that he assigns a crucial role in the finale to the car. I admit, I am not one of those fans who have been enamoured with the brothers’ car right away. I have always appreciated its aesthetics to an extent, but I didn’t really give it more than a fleeting thought throughout the first season. However, my view on the Impala changed at the beginning of the second season, when the writers started to blatantly use the Impala as a representation of Dean himself. The way Sam equates Dean’s physical condition with the state of the Impala in In My Time of Dying – the car and its owner are clearly inextricably connected in Sam’s mind – had a huge impact on my subsequent interpretation of Impala centric scenes. In fact, Impala symbolism soon turned into one of my favourite narrative tools in the show (along with amulet symbolism), not least because it added new layers to the story for me. Dean’s violent outburst against the car in Everybody Loves a Clown, Dean giving the Impala away in Croatoan and No Rest For The Wicked, Dean offering his baby to Sam in Good God, Y’all and Fallen Idols or future!Dean discarding the wrecked Impala in The End – all these moments reveal the state of Dean’s psyche much more effectively than an eloquent speech ever could. Beyond that though, the car grew on me because it represents a connection to the brothers’ past and, most importantly, because it is home. "It never occurred to them that sure, they never had a roof and four walls, but they were never, in fact, homeless." ♥

In conclusion: Swan Song is Eric Kripke’s love letter to Supernatural, to Sam and Dean, to the Impala. He may have taken quite a few detours from his original plans for the show these past five years, but he still ends up in a place that rings true to the characters and their story in my opinion. God, Lucifer, the four horsemen, angels, demons, prophets and other higher powers may have played their part in Sam and Dean’s story, but in the end it all boils down to two brothers and their love for each other. A love that has been powerful enough to bring the world to the brink of destruction, but that also saves it. The intimate and deeply personal perspective of Swan Song resonates beautifully with this conclusion, and it fits my personal vision of the show better than any epic angelic battle ever could have. So, kudos to Eric Kripke for this excellent finale; it’s a worthy exit for him as a show runner. I think there are still plenty of stories to tell about Sam and Dean, and I can’t wait to see where the brothers’ journey takes them next. ♥

One last word: Over the course of the season I bitched and moaned and complained a lot – about the awful pacing, which is without a doubt the worst pacing of any Supernatural season (so far), about the way the season lost its direction and momentum for a while or about the fact that it pretty much collapsed the already erratic mytharc and buried it under inconsistencies and massive retcons. I stand by these assessments, and my appreciation for the season as a whole will always be impaired by these problems. However, when the season was good, it was so good, that it left me reeling from the emotional impact, and there are several S5 episodes that I count amongst my favourite episodes of the show. Now, when the season started it was imperative for me that it achieves at least two goals, namely a believable redemption for Sam and a genuine reconciliation between the brothers, preferably with both brothers not only growing past the limitations and problems in their relationship, but also moving on from their individual issues – and S5 achieved these goals in a somewhat satisfactory manner. The reconciliation between Sam and Dean and their development towards personal growth and self-awareness might only be in its fledgling stages yet, but there will be plenty of time in S6 for the characters to conclude that journey, the ground work at least is done. I guess what I am trying to say is that, ultimately, S5 gave me what I needed the most and as such I am willing to embrace the season, despite its many flaws.

Comments

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

Oh hey, we're back in season five - let's do the time warp again! Good job, hon - and a nice reminder of how well this episode worked (as well as how disappointing the season as a whole was). You must be glad to get this off your WIP list!

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

Hey you braved the monster. *g* Thanks! :) I am so relieved that I finished this review, you have no idea. I was wrestling with it for the longest time - restructuring, rephrasing, adding stuff, deleting stuff - and totally lost perspective on it all at some point because I was just too involved in it. In any case, it always bugged the hell out of me that I don't have a review for this much-beloved episode of mine, and I find it very satisfying to have put this issue to rest. :)

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

I had to read it in instalments!

I know only too well how easy it is to get bogged down in the draft-redraft process...:)

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

It's a miracle you had the time to read it at all, considering how busy you are at work. LOL

Heh, I know you did. When I have to get out a review within a week until the next episode airs, the draft-redraft process is usually cut very short - something I regret often, because I usually have to post before I feel satisfied with the review - but not having this kind of presssure is just as bad, because I fiddle with it forever. /sigh

[frelling-tralk.livejournal.com]

Aww I just love those final moments between Sam and Dean and "I'm here, I'm not gonna leave you" :sighs: Thanks for the review!

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

Thank you for reading. :)

I always bawl my eyes out when I watch this episode. It's so damn emotional. Those scenes between Sam and Dean at Stull cemetery kill me every time. /sigh

[herdrakness.livejournal.com]

Hi, I've just discovered these recaps and have been devouring them the past few days - thanks so much for all the hard work! I have one personal theory on the Azazel issue, which allows me to reconcile all the inconsistent plot points, and I thought I'd share! My theory is that, to start with, Azazel was unsure who exactly would be the ultimate Lucifer vessel (perhaps he was making deals with any and all potentials in the bloodline and would have gotten round to Mary and John eventually). I think it was the events from In The Beginning that tipped him off to it being Sam - the very fact that one of his psychic kid's brother's had traveled back in time on 'Angel express' alerted him to the fact that Sam most probably was the 'one'. This lead to Sammy being his favorite contender for the role, hence having him closely watched, but perhaps he wasn't 100% sure and wanted to hedge his bets by having more potential kids lined up. He could also have been trying to conceal his plans by hiding the 'vessel' in amongst the other psychic kids so no one would know what he was up to or who the chosen one was until it was too late. Just my two cents on the issue!

[galathea-snb.livejournal.com]

Wow, that's dedication! LOL I am glad that you find my reviews worth your while. :)

Thank you for sharing your theory on the Azazel issue. Your theory has a lot of merits. Especially the fact that Azazel would conclude from his encounter with Dean that Sam is most likely the right vessel and consequentially focused his efforts on him makes sense. There are still some remaining problems, however. Firstly, all angels - from Michael to Lucifer - claimed that it has been prophesied millennia ago that it always had to be Sam, heck, they even claimed that John and Mary had been forced together just so Sam could be conceived. So, surely, Lucifer would have advised Azazel accordingly, when he contacted him to give him his mission in the first place. Secondly, we know that Sam's generation has actually been the first one Azazel created, so why bother with another generation over 20 years later, when he Dean had already tipped him off that Sam was right vessel? /sigh So, your theory surely improves my view on the matter, but I doubt it will ever make complete sense. :)