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Supernatural 3.16: "No Rest for the Wicked"
This season of “Supernatural” has struggled against a number of impediments, not the least of which was the writers’ strike that cut nearly a third of the story out of the season arc. The entire production did everything possible to make up for the loss, but only so much can be done. A lot of the subtlety and depth of previous seasons, especially the run-up to the season finales, simply didn’t exist.
Because the writers had to jump to the end of the intended story, the careful foreshadowing felt like predictability. There’s a fine line between the two in any given story, but my personal rule of thumb is very simple. Foreshadowing is done correctly if the plot elements over the course of a season all point towards a conclusion, but the ground work is layered into the story in an organic manner, making it inherently particular to that single story. Predictability is the lethal application of cliché, usually in such a brash and obvious manner that the story could have been stolen from any production.
I could say that I predicted much of what happens in this episode, at least in terms of the only viable solution for Dean’s survival, but I think it’s closer to the truth to say that I anticipated it. The writers simply did everything necessary to take every other option off the table. The only way to save Dean, in the end, was for Sam to take on the mantle of Antichrist Superstar (now destined to become his nickname) and lead Ruby’s demonic faction against Lilith.
The big shock is not that Ruby brings up that particular solution, but that Sam doesn’t do it before the hellhounds come calling and Dean descends into hell. I never saw that coming, because who honestly thought they would pull that particular trigger? On the other hand, I respect Kripke all the more for it. It’s similar to the end of the second season of “Twin Peaks”, except in this case, we’ll get to see how the surprisingly dark cliffhanger is resolved.
That said, I still think Sam’s solution to the problem will be embracing his Antichrist Superstar potential and taking on Lilith on her own field. The end of this episode strongly suggested that Lilith cannot touch Sam, and now that he knows it, it’s a question of whether or not his darker impulses will take hold. All season long, Dean was shown as the one holding Sam in check, especially in the second half of the season, and “Mystery Spot” provided a solid look at how far Sam could fall into inhumanity.
Of course, the best thing about this episode is that it tells the audience not to expect the obvious direction. It looked like Sam would turn in this finale, but he didn’t, and the consequences were horrific. The next logical step would be Sam’s decision to lead the demonic horde to release Dean from hell, but that may not be the direction taken. After all, the rules regarding Dean only applied before his descent; new rules may apply now that he is technically dead. The key would be making a new solution work within established continuity.
Frankly, I hope Sam does go dark side, because I want to see more out of Ruby. Others have been less than complementary to Katie Cassidy (in fact, some have been outright obnoxious and cruel), but I thought she pulled off the duel role in this episode beautifully. Yes, it helps that I find the actress attractive, but I also recognize the inherent aspects of the character. Ruby is a demon who has chosen to take over a hot young woman as a lure to Sam’s base instincts, and that has always made since to me as portrayed. The writers certainly had a more capable grasp of Ruby than they ever had of Bela.
Every season of “Supernatural” has managed to escalate the story to a new level, and this is certainly true in this case. It’s going to be very interesting to see how the writers manage to tell the story of the anticipated war between Sam and Lilith (the only real way to quantify the war at this point) with yet another reduction in budget. Then again, I personally believe it all comes down to the story, and with this finale, the writers have confirmed that story is still king on “Supernatural”.
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May 16, 2008 8:34 PM
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Hey Entil!
I have to say, Katie Cassidy has certainly stepped up her game over the course of this abbreviated season. I also thought she did quite well with the duality required in this episode.
The writers certainly had a more capable grasp of Ruby than they ever had of Bela. Agreed! Bela had wonderful potential, but I think they lost sight of who she was in relation to the boys. I'm sure the writer's strike bears some of the blame for this. I feel bad for Lauren Cohan because I think she is a fine actress.
The CW continues to slash Supernatural's budget, yet they continue to turn out one of the most engaging hours of television every week.
Then again, I personally believe it all comes down to the story, and with this finale, the writers have confirmed that story is still king on “Supernatural”. Hear, hear!
Is it September yet?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
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May 16, 2008 10:55 PM
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Hi Entil,
Thanks for your usual insightful recap. I'll be bookmarking this one for next season.
I agree with your opinion of Ruby and Katie Cassidy's portrayal of her; she has really grown in that role and did a great job with the dual role of Ruby and Lilith.
I also agree that the storytelling is at the heart of the series. And this staff of writers is nothing if not master storytellers, even without all of the special effects they would have had at their disposal with a larger budget.
Thank you for all of your great recaps this past season. I look forward to your reviews for Season 4.
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May 17, 2008 1:35 AM
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My biggest fear is the CW will fold before fall and I won't get the resolution I need with Supernatural. With the news yesterday that it is possible I began to worry. I am hoping if it happens Sci Fi or someone picks up the show. It's too good to let it go. But then again, so is Moonlight.
I am not convinced Dean has descended all the way to hell. To me, it looked like he was maybe half way there, a reverse pergatory or limbo? I am thinking if he isn't all the way perhaps he can be pulled back. Bobby wasn't in the room and Ruby was unconscious. I'm hoping the return in the fall (crossing my fingers) brings us a twist like that.
I like Ruby in as much as you can. I think Katie Cassidy is playing her well - especially in this episode.
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May 17, 2008 9:35 AM
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Hi Entil-
It looks like you guessed right concerning Sam. Even if he didn't go completely "Antichrist Superstar" (I can't stop giggling when I write that)in this episode, it looks pretty clear that's where he's going next season.
Although, what if his ability is simply to neutralize demonic energy/power/forces. Would he have to go darkside to do that? I think there's the possibility he can do his thing and not go bad to do it. But then again, it wouldn't be nearly as suspenseful a storyline if going darkside wasn't a factor.
Katie Cassidy stepped up bigtime in this episode. Up until now, it's been fairly obvious that she's still learning the acting ropes. I've never been able to watch her and just see Ruby and not "Katie Cassidy an actress playing Ruby". This ep was the first time I forgot I was watching an actress, and just saw the character. She did great portraying Lilith inside of Ruby. Her body language was perfect.
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May 18, 2008 12:14 AM
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Hi Entil:
I thought Katie did a great job on this episode, too. Kudos to her, and I hope she knows that not all of the fans are anti-Ruby.
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May 18, 2008 6:04 PM
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