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Episode Recap: "Time is on My Side"
So, this is an episode I think I'm still processing. First things first: the way Bela was written off was well done. And if any of you hadn't heard, or couldn't tell from the way "Time is on My Side" ended, Ms. Talbot won't be back in Season 4. The way Sera Gamble wrote her out, I didn't see coming. She made a deal with a demon to kill her parents when she was young. Lilith held her contract and even though Bela stole the Colt for Lilith, it wasn't enough to extend her deal. Lilith even tried to get Bela to kill Sam, but the boys finally got one up on her and that was all she wrote. Dean said it right. All she had to do was ask them for help and they would have been there for her. It was as simple as that. But in the end, there was nothing they could do. I understand why she made the deal; her father did awful things to her. But things didn't have to end this way for her. It's too bad. I'm actually someone who really liked Bela, especially in the beginning. Selling Sam and Dean out in "Jus in Bello" was just too much. But I think Lauren Cohan did one hell of a job as Bela and I especially loved the way the character was introduced in "Bad Day at Black Rock." That is, up until she shot Sam. I think that was another mistake the show made with this character. She could have been antagonistic and badass without having to shoot Sam.
Now on to Sam and Dean: their differences led to another separation for these brothers. Sam knew Dean couldn't resist this hunt if zombies were the MOTW. But really, it was a creepy doc who was immortal. The guy literally stitched himself together using body parts from the people he kidnapped and sometimes killed. Apparently, BDW had "taken" care of the guy a long time ago, cut his heart out. Guess that didn't work since he was back stealing livers and kidneys and eyes. Guess cutting off his head wouldn't have worked either like it did in Highlander. He'd probably just walk around all headless until he ripped off someone else's head. Anyway, Sam knew he had to lie to Dean because there was no way his older brother would react favorably to Sam's real reason for taking on this hunt. Sam wanted to find Doc Benton's secret to immortality in order to help save Dean. He should have known Dean wouldn't go for that. Dean doesn't want to become a demon, why would he even entertain the thought of having to replenish his organs once they gave out in order to stay "alive?" Sure, Sam said this move would just buy them some time, but it was a crazy idea. Although, I loved how he said he would take the magic pill too. Could you imagine two immortal demon hunting brothers? Hope the guys wouldn't end up lookin' all patchy and stitched up like Doc Benton there. That definitely would not be a hot look on anyone, not even Jensen and Jared. Now, let's say the shoe was on the other foot. Do you think Dean would have gone after this solution if it were Sam's life hanging in the balance? It just seems like Dean would do anything for his brother, but not for himself. Those differences popped up again when it was time to take care of Doc Benton. Sam was all about learning the formula for immortality, Dean was about getting rid of the evil thing. Dean won.
Two guest stars drew my attention: Billy Drago, the perennial bad guy, of course. Much like Jeff Kober in "Folsom Prison Blues," it was just a matter of time before Billy Drago ended up on Supernatural. He was freakin' creepy. His presence really upped the scare factor. The other guest star was a total surprise – it was Steven Williams, the captain from 21 Jump Street. I loved that he played a worn out demon hunter into Johnny Walker Blue and knowing everything about everything including Dean's little predicament. He gave Dean the 411 on Bela "I used to be Abby" Talbot. Hope he turns up again in Season 4. He could prove to be a quirky but really interesting ally to the boys next season. Hope I'm not getting my hopes up too much, since most of the guest stars I really like, their characters end up dead for one reason or another.
Steven Williams-talk brings me to the conversation between Rufus and Dean. Rufus told the Winchester the Colt wasn't going to save him; he also told Dean that even if he lived through this particular situation, there's just going to be something else down the road. Now, was he just bitter and talking about all hunters in general? Or does he know something about Dean? Is Dean doomed? That just makes me think of something one of the Supernatural blog posters (racestaffer) said about how this show might end with Dean no longer being part of this world. I told her that thought depressed me, but it's certainly something I have thought of before. I can always envision a future for Sammy, even with the target on his head and his abilities. I can never envision a future for Dean. Rufus said: "Folks like us? There ain't no happy ending." Is Eric Kripke preparing us for something here or what?
Did you catch the previews for next week's season finale? OMG was the only thing that came to mind after I watched it. I'm on vacation right now so I watched it with my sister, she screamed after the preview was over too. Of course I rewound and watched the preview four times. And I'll probably go back again and watch it a few more hundred times before next Thursday. If you're not into watching the end-of-the-episode sneak peeks, please skip over the next paragraph. I'm basing some of my speculation on what we saw in the preview:
I'm still wondering why Lilith wants Sam out of the picture so much. Sam doesn't want to go dark side, but she probably feels he has the potential to go dark side at any time should he have a reason. Maybe, and this is just speculation based on next week's preview, she wanted Sam dead before Dean's deal was up. Let's say Dean goes to hell. That event may trigger Sam's powers or abilities and he may go dark side just to get his brother back. He could end up ridding hell of Lilith, I believe Sam has the power to do it. If she gets rid of him first, then he's taken care of. Dean goes to hell and she wins. There are probably a lot of holes in that theory, but I'm anxious to see how everything pans out next week.
Other thoughts:
• I love Dean and his fixation with food.
• Was anybody's audio slightly off when Sam and Dean were talking to cranky kidney guy? The audio seemed to be a tad wacky during the last line of the scene. Don't know if it was just my TV.
• Sam's having some bad luck with the MOTWs as of late. In "Ghostfacers" he was kidnapped by the lonely guy spirit. In "Long-Distance Call" he was nabbed by the phone company baddie; and now Billy Drago almost gouged his eyes out. Poor Sammy.
• Not only does Lilith hold Dean's contract, she holds everyone's contract. What do you guys think about that?
• Dean went all "Devil's Trap" for that exorcism in the beginning of "Time is on My Side." Didn't he look all rageriffic like he did facing Meg at Bobby's house? Sam had no problem exorcising the demon this time around.
• Dean's really looking freaked out now. Anybody would in his situation. When the demon getting exorcised said a bunch of his pals were waiting to meet up with Dean, I got really scared for him.
• Dean did bring up the welching clause. I really would like this to be spelled out for me. Exactly how involved does Dean have to get in order to violate this demon policy? Torturing a demon with holy water in order to find out who holds Dean's contract is OK?
• Sam drove a rental two weeks in a row. I don't know why I'm pointing that out, I just am.
• I can't believe Bela burned her fingerprints off. Did anyone know about the ear thing? I was totally clueless about that.
• They wrote the Winchesters smarter this time around. I wondered what Dean had spied in Bela's hotel room. Devil's shoestring did he say? Whatever it was, it was to ward off the hell hounds. Wonder if Dean's thinking he may have to pick up some soon.
• How far was Dean from Erie, Pennsylvania on the way back from Vermont? I never know how much time lapses on this show. One second Dean's in the car, the next he's at Doc Benton's lair of doom saving Sam. Again, so glad Sam's eyes were not touched.
• Speaking of the dastardly immortal doctor, I don't know about you, but I can't watch any graphic scene that involves operating on a patient. When I used to watch Nip/Tuck, I had to skip over all the surgeries. I watched Dr. 90210 today and I couldn't handle watching those surgeries. Doc Benton's TV surgeries didn't get too awful, but I was still grossed out.
• Doc Benton's buried alive forever. Kind of what Connor wanted to do to his vampire dad on Angel.
I liked this episode, but I always get impatient when it's time to set things up for the season finale – I just want the action amped up from beginning to end. But the penultimate episodes always set up Supernatural's finales and out of "Salvation," "All Hell Breaks Loose Part 1" and "Time is on My Side," I think I like this one the best. Although the scenes at the end of Salvation and AHBL 1 were awesome and some of my favorite scenes of the entire series.
I've gone on way too long, so I'm going to use my first post for my favorite lines. What did you guys think? Did you like it or love it? Something else?
For more Supernatural stuff, check out our Online Video Guide.
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May 9, 2008 3:13 AM
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Favorite Lines:
"Go ahead, send me back to hell. But when you get there I'll be waiting for you…with a few pals who are dying for a nice little meet and greet with Dean Winchester."
"Zombies do like the other other white meat."
"Fine. So you're cops and morons." "Excuse me? No, no, we're very smart."
"A zombie with skills, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Zombie." (It's great how Dean always cracks himself up.)
"Dude, I'm eating."
"Lost your appetite yet?" "Baby, I can't stay mad at you."
"Let me? How are you going to stop me?"
"Sammy, be careful."
"You've got three weeks left. Why are you wasting your time chasing after that skinny stuck-up English girl?"
"I know ain't no pea shooter gonna save you." (Then what will? Does Rufus know?)
"Even if you managed to scrape out of this one, there's just going to be something else down the road. Folks like us? There ain't no happy ending. We all got it coming."
"I'm what you got to look forward to if you survive."
"Don't move."
"Wakey wakey eggs and bakey!"
"Sweetheart, we are weeks past help."
"Why are you telling me this?" "Because just maybe you can kill the bitch."
"I'll see you in hell."
Did you guys have any other favorite lines?
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May 9, 2008 3:18 AM
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Loved it when Dean referred to the doctor as 'Slicey McHacky'.
"Hey, man. I just got my kidney stolen. I'm tired."
"Let me think about that. Yeah, one thing is coming back to me--getting my kidney cut out of me."
"Hey, man. I'll try anything once, but that sounds uncomfortable."
"You've been killing poor bastards for 150 years and now you got a request? Shut up."
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May 9, 2008 3:32 AM
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Definitely my favourite of the new episodes, and a nice set up for the finale. Wierd but my favourite scenes weren't the scenes with Dr. Baddie and that story line, but the exchange between the brothers, between Dean and Bella, and mostly between Dean and Rufus...funny but also makes you think not just about Dean's deal (or the life) but just life...and death. Would like to see this character again. Liked the tension between Bella and Dean; and between Dean and Sam for that matter. Thought Sam's plan was ridiculous but it made sense in the context of the story. They're getting desperate, grasping at straws, and reaching for the impossible. That's why I found the conversation with Rufus interesting, though Dean's situation is definitely more extreme...they're confronting a truth we all have to at some point...there's no getting around it when your time runs out. Of course, I look forward to seeing their valiant effort to do just that next week. Though the post-writers' strike eps have felt individually entertaining but off-rhythm as a whole, it's still the most addictive thing on television. for me anyway.
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May 9, 2008 3:34 AM
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Another week and two more episodes of Supernatural – at least that’s what it felt like. If last week seemed disjointedly cut-and-paste, this week featured two plotlines that literally collided mid-episode.
First, the good one. I really liked the Doc Benton/alchemy plotline. Finally, they introduce a possible way to save Dean. Why didn’t they do this mid-season? The ‘magic potion’ that would keep Dean alive concept could have been the driving point for several episodes as they struggled to find the right formula, ingredients, etc. As it was, it seemed like a throwaway. The Morton’s fork that Dean faces at the end is a great dilemma though – immortality at the expense of becoming a monster. (I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that Babylon 5 did it too – the Dilgar warlord offered immortality at the cost of innocent lives.) Once again, as in Jus in Bello, we have the uncomfortable situation were Sam appears to be advocating the unthinkable and Dean is the voice of morality. The return of their father’s old enemy is also good (and fits in well with the Brisco County theme). For a while I imagined Doc Benton really was Bly, somehow surviving all those years.
Now for the train wreck. What the hell was Bella even doing in that episode? We’ve seen her shoehorned into other plots, but aside from writing out an unpopular character there was no reason for her to be there. She confirms that Lilith holds Dean’s contract (which we’ve suspected for months) but the rest is muddle. Demons, ear prints, parents’ deaths, 10 year deals that coincidentally come due that very night – it’s a mess. At least now we don’t have to worry about any more Bella episodes.
The inevitable result of running the two plots together is a series of awkward transitions. The Dean’s soul to zombie hunt and Benton/Bella switches are so fast it almost gives you whiplash. We are also left with a sequence of unexplained points that have to happen in order to keep the plot moving along. As a result, we are never really told how Sam finds Doc Benton (there are only 3 places in the state of PA with woods and water?) or how Doc Benton tracks down Sam afterwards, or how Dean locates Sam later (he didn’t mention where he found Doc Benton when he talked to Dean) or how Bella set them up in the first place. By the way, what was her plan? If she’s trying to kill Sam, letting Dean sneak up on her with a gun is hardly the best move.
Much as I liked Doc Benton, there are some problems with his motivations as well. It seems like he would only need a new organ every few years as one wore out. (Like Sam says, a new pancreas after 50 years.) So why the sudden shopping spree? By my count, he lifted a liver, a kidney, a heart and something from the poor woman – and that was even before Sam ran him over. If he really does go through organs that quickly though (he says he’s high maintenance), why didn't they realize he was still around? (A couple dozen organs a year times 150 years is a lot of body parts.) And why does he really need the organs? Even after Dean stabs him through the heart he’s still alive and kicking. Maybe it’s not optimal, but he does seem to be able to get by.
By the way, the elixir of life was a real concept in alchemy – it was a version of the philosopher’s stone that alchemists (including Boyle and Newton) sought for years.
They’re also borrowing another movie plot this week – Jeepers Creepers. The fiend harvesting organs is the same, as is the fixation with the hero’s eyes.
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May 9, 2008 7:17 AM
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Thank heavens Bela is gone. The show used her in the most awful way (making our heros look stupid) and she never had chemistry with either one. It bugs me that they used a serious thing like child abuse to redeem her somewhat - another tired a gazillion times used cliche to explain bad behavior. People have bad childhoods all the time and they don't hurt other people for their own gain. The ones that do are just abusers themselves and no excuse. God gives EVERYONE free will. Duh, or how could you ever have concepts of right and wrong and redemption and punishment.
Whoa, bad slip into realism. Back to the show. I loved that they kept Dean true to his character. When he said I am not going the non-human way - black and white - it was pure Dean. That is what I love about the show. The characters stay mostly true (like real like, they don't make a change all the time to their basic nature).
So, I loved it and no more Bela. I am ready to face the finale. I hope to high heaven they don't do anything that violates the basics. I can see Dean in limbo awhile until Sam saves him and they can tie up the whole epic storyline, blah, blah, blah, just keep the basics while they do it and I will love every minute!!
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May 9, 2008 8:04 AM
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"I know things."
Of course you do! You're Mr. X!!!
Steven Williams will always be the X-Files character to me, and I definitely felt that vibe on the show, since he was Mr. X, Billy Drago did Theef, and there was an auroboros (sp?) on the Doc's creepy book. Also, Bela walking down the dark hallway to the motel room seemed reminiscent of Mulder's apartment complex. BUT I'm well aware I'm probably reaching and making connections in my head that aren't there. 
So who did Bela call after lifting the receipt from Dean's pocket? I thought it was Rufus and he'd told her what to do. So Bela gave the Colt to Lilith? I thought she had it to shoot Lilith or the hellhounds, but I might have missed something.
The ear comment - all I could think about was that 'green cards' often include a picture of your ear (so I'm told). Not sure why; because they're hard to change?
Not sure how I feel about Bela having made a deal too. I didn't expect it, but I see some holes in it. But oh well; the character got on my last nerve. (However, her hair last night was really cute! What can I say, I look at hair and clothes, and she always had great coats.)
A couple of noteworthy moments: Sam deliberately trying to gross Dean out while he's eating (Sam gets that half-guilty smile), and that moment when Sam tells Dean 'No' and Dean realizes Sam is all grown up now and can take care of himself, so he doesn't need Dean's protection anymore. That's what I took from Dean's expression, and it's truly bittersweet.
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May 9, 2008 8:39 AM
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It's been a while since I've commented on an SN show, and this one was so deserving that I couldn't help but jump on here to read your comments and make my own.
I LOVED last night’s episode. LOVED IT! The guy that was Doc Benton was also Barbus, the Demon of Fear, on Charmed. I’d know that voice anywhere. Billy Drago definitely knows how to play these type of roles. Hope to see him come back on the show.
I love how Kripke handled Bella. I think she exited the series with grace. Well in a painful death kind of way, but the way they did that story line was great. I sort of wonder if Bella was hoping that Dean would kill her. I wonder if you die before your 10 years are up, whether or not you are free of the curse to hell.
Either way, my friend and I were lucky enough to attend the Supernatural Convention in LA last March (Jensen, Jared, Kripke, “YED,” “Ash” and more were there) and Kripke said that we’d see Bella once more this season. That we’d learn more about her past. That it would make us understand her but it would not redeem her in ours, or the boys, eyes. I think he did just that. I had no idea he would really get rid of her. But he also said that if it involves his predetermined mythology for the show then he doesn’t care who hates what, he’s keeping it. But he was really good with not going too far with the Bella talk, other than saying she’d be back once more and that he loved the character. In the end, I guess she wasn’t a key in the rest of Kripke’s story. Because of how her story wrapped up, I actually appreciate her character a lot more. I’m not sad to see her go, but I now can watch the season 3 DVDs without feeling how she never fit into the story. She, in some ways, added to the show. I appreciate her in a way I couldn’t truly see until being where I am now—at the end of her cycle looking back.
Very interesting story. I was keener on the Bella/Dean side of the story, than Doc/Sam. I couldn’t believe that Sam would think this was a good idea for Dean, but I guess, like Dean in the “Long Distance Call”, they are getting desperate. I bet I’d be thinking along the same way if it was me in his shoes, in either of their shoes. But I was with Dean all the way. THAT is not a way to live. Funny, I think I said to my husband, “COME ON GO DUNCAN MACLEOD ON HIS A**!” Glad to see someone else went Highlander with last night’s ep.
Oh and my husband said the “ear” thing before Rufus did. He worked with the government so I have to say it’s true.
I’m afraid of next week. If it’s just leaving us hanging to whether or not Dean dies, come ON. We know he has to come back. It may be a painful wait to see how, but that’s not a real cliff hanger. Now if Dean is saved and then Sam keels over and we’re left thinking WTF then maybe that would be a surprise. But to end the season with Dean’s death is too predictable. After the surprises with Bella for yesterday’s ep, I expect more from Kripke. Here’s to a long week of waiting to see if he delivers.
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May 9, 2008 9:15 AM
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There were things I liked about this episode:
Billy Drago! aka John Bly from Brisco County Jr., and many other things. He looked wonderfully creepy but I won't delve into the character too much because I keep finding holes in the plot there.
Steven Williams! aka Mr. X, and many other things.
There was good acting in this one all the way around.
I liked smart Dean. although, I have to say that I kind of rolled my eyes at him pointing out that he felt her hand when she took the receipt. So, he could feel her slip a tiny piece of paper out of his pocket but he couldn't feel her take a mummy hand out and replace it with a bottle in Red Sky? So, uh, yeah writers. Whatever.
Onto the rest of what I didn't like. Well, of course, there's Bela. Glad she's gone but, really guys? A "boo hoo, daddy touched me" sob story. And, yes, Kripke, that was a sob story. Not a "kick ass" backstory. I'm so glad they've decided not to bring her back because with that set up she could have, and I have no doubt would have, been redeemed down the road. What else was that little story for but to make you feel sorry for her? Her daddy abused her and she was lured into making deal when she was no more than a child? I mean, it didn't appear that she summoned the demon. It seemed more like the demon was just there (btw, where was the crossroads?) and offered the deal. That's not supposed to make us empathize with her? Yeah, right, Kripke. I would rather they just went with the story as Dean thought it to be. That she was a cold hearted beeyotch that killed her parents for money and left out the flash back scenes. I couldn't care less about any of that. *That* was the thing they were holding onto all season long to tie her into the story? All I have to say is that they made a good call in scrapping her ass because that "tie in" was weak at best. Ruby has already been kind of tied into Dean's deal that way, with her having made a deal as well. Having Bela join the pack was just more of the same and not interesting to me in the least.
I didn't like the boys splitting up yet again. I get that they're trying to keep their work load lighter but do they have to separate them as often as they do anymore? Especially in the final few episodes. Dean's time is running out and they're always running off on each other. It just doesn't track well for me.
As for Lilith holding the contract, I'm having a bit of a hard time making sense of all of that, too, but I will say that I'm a little disappointed that apparently the feeling I've had all season, that someone had specifically wanted Dean's soul, means nothing. Dean's just another one of the pack,yet again. Lilith holds all the contracts so there's nothing special about Dean. That annoys me. I mean, I like that Dean is a regular guy and there's nothing supernatural about him but that doesn't mean that he can't be a wild card or a threat that could make him stand out and be a target for some higher being. But, apparently, the show doesn't want him to. He means nothing in the grand scheme of things outside of being Sam's brother. Which disappoints me.
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May 9, 2008 9:25 AM
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Tina -- Thanks so much for the fantastic recap and the follow-on "favorite lines." Whee! I know I'm not nearly as streamlined as Hugo or AfleetAlex or, goodness, Racestaffer... but I thought I'd post a ramble...
Um. Holy Crap. Seriously. I think I need a new heart...
First, I have to say now that the previews for next week literally sucked the air out of me. I don't know how I'm going to survive the summer. And I almost want to avoid all forums and boards and whatnot because of the speculation that will be flying around, but I know I'm weak...
One of the freakiest episodes I've experienced. I physically jumped twice, covered my face and peeked through my fingers once, and yelped once. Out loud.
The dude getting tossed in his trunk at the beginning gave me the creeps because I think about that happening and am always gripping my keys in my fingers with the pointy side out when I'm alone in a dark parking lot... y'know, cause THAT'S going to save me... And his stumbling into the ER all bloody?? EWW!!
Okay, so I was big on the facial expressions in this one. Sam looked sad as he started to mumble the exorcism (and notice how Sam ALWAYS seems to do the exorcisms?), but Dean... guh, that pained expression of hopeless frustration as Sam sent the demon to hell... *heart hurts* There is something about this tight pull around the corners of his eye and the way his mouth flinches ever-so-slightly that tugs a whimper out of me no matter what.
Dean's "stripper suffocates dude with thighs" guess when Sam mentions article they read -- HA! Love that guy. But Sam looked... over-eager. He was barely holding back that he was up to something. He wanted his brother to follow along with this hunt so bad he was practically vibrating from it. And of course, Dean did because of the "hot zombie action" and Sam challenging him that he was all gung-ho on hunting.
The whole maggots "Dude, I'm eating" conversation had me giggling. That's such a brother thing to do. Sam's little laugh and grin when he said "lost your appetite?" Hee! Oh, but then the "baby I could never stay mad at you" comeback from Dean... *Gaelic melts into the floor*
The Dean-look alike jogger dude's death was just NASTY. That was the yelp aloud when the Doc CUT OUT HIS HEART. *shiver*
And YAY! We got a tiny little glimpse of Bobby! I hope he's in the finale more because... OMG... *flashes to previews again* Anyway, the mention of Johnny Walker Blue had me thinking I was going to like this Rufus guy.
Then begins what was probably the hardest scene to watch. I was literally rubbing my heart. Dean wanting to go after Bella because she had the Colt -- the only proven, tangible thing to combat demons. Sam wanting to stay and find out the secret of immortality. So desperate to have something to hold onto that could save his brother that he would resort to a supernatural method. Sam broke my heart with that need. Dean broke my heart with his drive to do what he thought was the right thing.
All I could think was that they were separating so close to the end of their time together... it left me gasping... Dean's "Sammy be careful" and the look on his face... *SOB*
Okay, when Dean was talking to the security camera on the porch, I kept thinking I knew the voice on the other end, and when Rufus opened the door I literally called out "Captain Fuller!!!" They've now had Penhall and Fuller from 21 Jump Street. Hee!! Who's next? Johnny Depp?? (BWAH!)
Anyway, the conversation between Dean and Rufus was fantastic. The way he got in with the scotch, finding out that Rufus knows a lot of stuff about a lot of people... That he knew about Dean's deal... that he knew the Colt wouldn't save him... The freaking looks on Dean's face. That boy's eyes killed me dead in that scene. I mean, how is it that they are so full and so empty at the same time?? People just don't do that...
The most telling lines, though, were Rufus' "Even if you get out of this, there will be something else... we all got it coming... what do you have to look forward to if you survive..."
And Dean. Saying. Nothing. *whimper*
I'm worried, people. I won't lie. I know we have a Season 4 and Kripke wants it to be about the brothers and their relationship and how they are dealing with the war and seriously? That's the only thing that keeps me calm when I think of the fate of our favorite boys...
Sam and his rental cars... boy is all about the legal transportation these days. I had to chuckle when he checked the pulse of the first body with the BLOODY CHEST WOUND... and when he found the girl with the *gulp* maggots on her arm I started to kinda pull in on myself and when she woke up--JUMP!! Literally jerked all of my muscles...
Sam saving the girl was good -- but Doc Benton repositioning his head after Sammy ran him down?? GACK.
Okay, I know he hates her and really really wanted to kill her, but Dean slamming Bella against the wall kinda curled my toes a bit. Hush, I know. I'm bad. And when he whipped around like nobody's business and shot a hole in the door to stop her... holy crap. 'Course I had a fleeting thought that there had better not be anyone on the other side of that door... but STILL. Bad. Ass.
I was slightly bummed that the Colt was gone, but then thought it would have been a bit too easy... 'course when we find out the truth later I was amazed that Bella let herself be swayed by the almighty dollar and got rid of the Colt regardless of what the deal she made was in exchange for... she STILL could have used it... sigh.
The fear in Dean's voice when he called Sam, told him he was right, the Colt was gone, and he was screwed... *whimper* It clashed so drastically with the hope and wonder in Sam's voice that a little Weird Science could really save his brother... it wouldn't be supernatural after all... oh, boys.
I used to be sane. I really did. Until I met the Winchesters and now the way one word, one name is spoken my insides go to mush and I get all weepy.
Creepiest. Part. Ever. Was the doc taping Sam's eyes open with the whole "eternal life is high maintenance" line. My eyes were instantly burning. Messing with the eyes makes me SQUIRM. And then when he leaned in with the ice cream scoop thingy... I covered my face and peeked through my fingers. Holy. Crap. That was just... ack.
And then begins heartbreaking conversation number 2. Sammy begging for time... Dean not being willing to do just anything to get himself out of the deal. Black and white. Human or not human. And poor Sam peering back from the shadows of the curtain... you can see him wondering "what about me?" Dean doesn't know about the demon blood, but you know that's where Sam's mind went... and he wants so badly to save his brother -- but Dean's not willing to save his soul at the sacrifice of his humanity. And I gotta say, good. He wouldn't be Dean otherwise.
He may be a rogue and a scoundrel, but of the two, Dean walks a straigher, narrower path than his brother. Sam sees the grays of the world -- lives comfortably in the hues. Dean, not so much. It is what it is for him, and gray is a hard thing to accept. Especially when it comes to how his life is going to play out.
And then the truth comes out. I knew that when she got that motel receipt Bella would show up at the motel -- and I knew the boys had to have set her up somehow. I just didn't expect the deal. Though, it totally makes sense... and I'm glad it ended like that. Makes me wonder a bit about Sammy, though, that Lillith would change up the trade for the Colt to be killing Sam.
She's REALLY afraid of Sam, or his influence, or his power. Even if that doesn't come into play to somehow save Dean (and I really do wonder if it will), it's going to come into play next season... they wouldn't have set up that whole demon blood and leader of the right winged demon faction and the Big Bad fears Kansas Boy storyline if they weren't going to do something with it.
Dean's point that if Bella had just come to them was so true, and Bella begging for help... after having set them up multiple times for death... *shakes head*
The memory of that little demon girl with the red eyes -- ACK! I wanted to feel sorry for Bella. I really did -- especially when she started to cry. But... nothing. I felt nothing but resignation when we heard the hell hounds howl. I did jump with the metal teeth chomp at the end. I was pulled in, man. So, Bella made a deal, and in her final moments finally told Dean something that he can use -- that Lillith holds Dean's contract.
Only, they don't have the Colt... and they have 3 weeks... and Dean won't go zombie to save himself... and Sam's desperate... and Dean's scared... and Gaelic is having trouble breathing.
One more week, guys. And then will begin a very long, very speculative, very fanfic-rich summer.
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May 9, 2008 9:58 AM
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Time is on My Side ROCKED my world. I absolutely loved it. No time to post extensively now, but,
"Dean realizes Sam is all grown up now and can take care of himself, so he doesn't need Dean's protection anymore. That's what I took from Dean's expression, and it's truly bittersweet."
Thanks for stating it so simply, Alex.
Any one who has raised a child and sent them out into the world remembers the exact moment and this was it for Dean-the letting go-incredible, incredible scene. I caught my breath as Dean looked back from the door at Sammy, who was turned away from him, THAT LOOK! and then the "Be careful, Sammy"-just did me in. I know I always go on and on about him, but I can't help it, JA and his myriad emotions rocked this ep. for me from beginnning to end-the underlying fear through-out; the beginning exorcism, the scene w/ Rufus Turner-loved that character!-he was even somewhat menacing! So much more to say about this... Saving Sam(even after he'd "let him go", because a parent never REALLY does that). Taking care of Bela(I really liked the way this was handled, too, Tina). Taking care of Doc Benton-for good this time!! Loved the MOTW! That FREAKY demon-child w/ Bela on the swings! Oh, but it always comes back to Dean for me...best character on tv-EVER! Oh, and the previews, I've probably re-watched them 10 times already, and yeah, I'm sure I'll re-watch 100 times more before next week, too,Tina!
Great, great ep. All I hoped for from the "penultimate".
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May 9, 2008 10:03 AM
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Tina, thank you for another great blog!
I have a question. Why is it the automatic assumption that Sam will go darkside? I'm sure he could, but I've never understood why everyone thinks it's a forgone conclusion. My take on it is that YED wanted psychic kids - he didn't create them, he just made sure he could keep track of them and tempt them. Sam's power is his own. YED may have tried twisting Sam, in an effort to use him, but Sam has resisted that. I just don't believe that having powers automatically makes Sam bad or evil. Only *Sam* can make that choice for himself. Personally, I think of it more along the lines of Jesus in the desert. If he had accepted Satan's deal, he wouldn't be the Christ, he'd be the Anti-Christ. It was his choice. Just like it's Sam's choice that will determine good or ill. I think that's why Lilith wants him dead - not because he could take over, but because he can destroy her. I mean, if he chose to go darkside, I think he'd be able to destroy her as well, but that doesn't seem to be his personality. He can do stupid, cruel, selfish things, but at core, Sam is a good man.
Enough of that. This episode was good with the tension, although I'm really tired of the boys being separated. It hurts too much! And really, I hate when they make Dean stupid, but I hate it just as much when they make Sam stupid. I know he's desparate, but he really should have known that Dean would *never* be ok with turning into a monster. I mean, really. His solution is to turn Dean into a high-functioning zombie? That's what the Doc was, after all. He's been alive for over 100 years, and he's obviously not learned a thing during all that time. Personally, I think that immortality is overated, unless you actually *do*
something with it.
I liked all of the Dean-Rufus scenes. I, too, wouldn't mind seeing him pop up in an episode every so often. The chemistry between Jensen and Steven Williams was quite nice, and quite different from that of Jensen/Jim Beaver.
I liked Bela when she was first introduced, but her character really had no place to go. I could have done without the sexual abuse storyline, but all-in-all I thought they gave her a good sendoff (although what the CRD was doing in her backyard playground, I have no idea. Sort of destroys the whole CRD mythology, no?). Nice tension during those scenes between her and Dean.
Doc Benton. GROSS!!!! I'm sure that Kripke was wringing his hands and cackling madly during all those scenes. And the maggots! I was yelling at the television when Sammy was tied up. I knew that Dean was going to save the day, but...
Question: Why didn't they just salt and burn the Doc? Why bury him alive? I assume that there's a reason in the mythology that this character is based on, so if anyone knows, I'd appreciate it. That seemed a little OOC to me, because Dean isn't into the cruel, he just wants to put evil things down.
Anyway, the countdown is on for next week. I'm sure that the shrieks all us
fangirls (and boys) utter will be heard 'round the world at episode's end. I can't wait!
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May 9, 2008 11:35 AM
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People disliked Bella?  ">
I've loved her this whole season, and I was shocked last night that she's gone. I kept thinking, "Well, we didn't SEE her hellhounds take her, maybe she's safe!" I thought Ruby and Bella were both great characters, far better than Jo last season.
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May 9, 2008 11:46 AM
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Great writeup, Bettina, as always. I've only very, very recently started watching Supernatural (blogosphere peer pressure), so I don't have any extensive comments to make.
However, although I'm not an expert on earprints, I do know that forensics are starting to look at earprints as another way to identify both victims and criminals. It's still in the early stages, but this article tells a little more about it. (Warning: it's long and technical.) It seems using earprints as identification is far more prevalent in Europe than in North America. It's cheaper than DNA profiling and apparently it's harder to tamper with an ear print at a crime scene so it's believed to be more reliable in legal proceedings.
This is an interesting story from the BBC about the first case in the UK to be solved by earprint evidence.
Lesson over.
My favorite line in the episode was definitely Dean saying, "Baby, I can't stay mad at you." There were others, including some you didn't mention, but I'm getting old now and therefore can't remember any of them. 
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May 9, 2008 11:49 AM
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There a ton of things I loved about this episode. I love it when Dean is smart and competent and observant. I love big brother coming to the rescue (and being smart in the process). And I especially loved that Dean, no matter how much he fears going to Hell, will not sacrifice his humanity--the same thing he said in "Jus in Bello" (also written by Sera Gamble)--and become the kind of monster he hunts, he will not kill others, just to stay out of Hell.
Sera Gamble has written two dynamite characterizations of Dean in a row now.
I'm also concerned about Rufus' line. While I can envision a future for Dean--perhaps moreso than Sam right now, since I see Sam sliding to the dark--I'm not sure Kripke does not intend to kill him off at the end.
I still have a major problem with Lilith as the contract holder. You wrote:
<<"I'm still wondering why Lilith wants Sam out of the picture so much. Sam doesn't want to go dark side, but she probably feels he has the potential to go dark side at any time should he have a reason. Maybe, and this is just speculation based on next week's preview, she wanted Sam dead before Dean's deal was up. Let's say Dean goes to hell. That event may trigger Sam's powers or abilities and he may go dark side just to get his brother back. He could end up ridding hell of Lilith, I believe Sam has the power to do it. If she gets rid of him first, then he's taken care of. Dean goes to hell and she wins. There are probably a lot of holes in that theory, but I'm anxious to see how everything pans out next week.">>
One of the problems with this, is that Sam was already dead. If he represents a potential threat as general to Azazel, then why bring him back in the first place? At this point, Dean is just another soul, of which Lilith appears to have plenty. Why make the deal at all, if you want Sam dead? Just leave him that way.
The only way it makes sense is if Lilith really, truly, deeply wants Dean's soul for a reason other than Sam. Then, it would be worth it to her to make the deal and then bump Sam off. While I would love this scenario, so far we haven't been given any reason why Dean was that important (other than the hint in Crossroad Blues, because the demon was willing to trade John, whom Azazel definitely wanted in Hell, for Dean. Since Lilith is more powerful than Azazel, she could force him to relinquish John to give up Dean.).
I don't think Sam is more powerful than Lilith: Azazel basically created the PsyKids, looking for a general. He would never want a subordinate more powerful than he was, thus Sam has to be less powerful than Azazel. And since Lilith is more powerful than Azazel (confirmed by Kripke), I can't see Sam as a real threat to her. Besides, she's had an entire year to get rid of Sam and has done practically nothing about it (how about having a minion possess a waitress in some town their in, and poison him? She could have taken him out a thousand different ways and yet...nothing.)
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May 9, 2008 11:50 AM
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