Supernatural Review: Jack Is A “Rising Son”

We’re now in week 2 of Season 13 of Supernatural, and we’ve now closed most of the loose ends (I say most because…still no Cas!) and “The Rising Son” has established the new status quo. Now that fans have a good idea what this season (or at least this arc) will look like, the mythology can settle in, fan-favorite characters can return, and new, interesting dynamics can be set up.

I find the dynamic of Sam and Dean as two parents with opposite viewpoints really interesting, mostly because it’s so true to character. Dean has always been a “kill it and ask questions later” type, and Sam has always desperately tried to see the good in people. Mostly, the back and forth between the two has felt balanced. But, Dean pushed his side of things a little hard. Maybe it just felt that way because I knew, inevitably, that Dean would reluctantly go along with Sam’s plan first. Still, that’s a minor quibble. Jared and Jensen have easily taken Alexander Calvert (who is excellent so far) into Team Free Will and created a deeper, compelling dynamic.

I’m not sure how to feel about the new Crowley yet. I like that he has an agenda that’s deeper than “rule hell”, but he’s definitely an out there character. He reminded me of a southern preacher. You know, except the demon part. The character itself aside, he brings a new layer of evil to the larger world, and I do believe he has a chance to “Make Hell Great Again”. I do miss the biting, ambivalent sarcasm of Crowley, but the new dynamic is definitely more compelling than ever before.

Let’s chat about the Mary and Lucifer dynamic in the new world, too. Even though Dean is pretty convinced that Lucifer would have killed her immediately, what actually happened is much more fun. This show has given us a lot of great odd couple pairings throughout the years (given, most of them involved Crowley) but Lucifer and Mary have the potential to become my favorite. Both of them have off the charts sass, first of all, and Lucifer needing anyone at all (besides Sam) presents an interesting conundrum. Samantha Smith has been phenomenal in the role of Mary over the years, but even better since we have gotten to know her over the last year. Of course, my actual favorite part about this is that Mark Pellegrino on is back on the show. I’ve seen him in lots of other stuff, but this might be his best role. There is definitely no better Lucifer.

Here are a few other thoughts:

• I’m intrigued by the new Michael, but I’d still like to get some closure on the Adam Milligan chapter of the Lucifer/Michael saga.
• What a great time to bring Donatello back on the show. We’re knee deep in biblical mythology, so we could use a prophet of the lord. I hope he sticks around a bit longer this time. #WhatWouldMrRogersDo?
• Anyone catch that short little Scooby Doo reference? I think I understand how they’re going to make this crossover happen, now.
• According to reports, Lucifer and Mary will be in the alternate world long enough to meet different iterations of a few beloved characters. We know Kevin Tran for sure. Any guesses on the others?

“The Rising Son” was an exercise in stretching and altering the family dynamic, whether that family be the Winchesters, the demons of hell, or Lucifer and Michael. Either way, the purpose of this episode was to get fans excited about what’s to come in Season 13 of Supernatural. Well. It worked on me!

What did you guys think? Did you enjoy the episode? Let us know!

Supernatural airs Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW