The New Castiel
First, let’s address Misha Collins’performance on this week’s Supernatural, because I thought he was wonderful. We’ve seen so many different versions of Castiel over the years and he’s always played them with subtle differences. This is probably the version that many Cas fans never wanted to see: one who doesn’t seem all that eager to help the Winchesters. When Castiel took Sam’s Hellucinations, seeing Lucifer was merely an echo. What they seemed to do is give him a far better understanding of the universe in general. Granted, he’s slightly crazy, but he’s more indifferent to the things around him than truly insane. This is clearly a dangerous state of mind for the Winchesters, who need their former ally in this fight.
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that Dean clearly feels conflicted by Castiel. On the one hand, he misses his friend. On the other, Castiel committed some sins that Dean is not ready to forgive…at least, not yet. Faced with Cas’disinterested new attitude, his frustration grows until he takes out his anger on a game of Sorry that Cas had them play. For his part, Castiel seems apologetic for his former actions, but while the feeling seems genuine, it also seems muted. He cares, but not enough for it to matter to Dean.
I found it interesting that two different characters addressed a theme I saw throughout the episode: that angels and humans are not truly meant to interact. Hester was clearly angry that Castiel had been led astray by his interaction with the Winchesters and humans in general: ‘The very touch of you corrupts. When Castiel first laid a hand on you in Hell…he was lost.’Meanwhile, Dean’s comment to Kevin was that he shouldn’t ask ‘why me?’about his current lot in life, because the angels simply don’t care: ‘When they try, it breaks them apart.’Both sides seem to acknowledge the fact that the close friendship between Castiel and the Winchesters has resulted in catastrophe (although it’s also resulted in good things, as well). Should angels and humans really interact on the level that Castiel and the Winchesters have interacted? Castiel’s current state of mind certainly doesn’t advocate for that position at the present moment, but it will be interesting to see what comes of this situation.
As for fans who may be upset about Dean’s anger…I think it’s completely understandable. During the recent JIB convention, Jensen confirmed that it’s clear Dean hasn’t forgiven Castiel yet. Even more than being reckless with the fate of the world, Castiel committed Dean’s most unforgivable crime: hurting Sam. I think, given the lasting anger of Dean towards Sam in season 5, it would be dishonest to his character if Dean suddenly forgave Castiel. Although, I do think that forgiveness will come in time. Dean always needs time to forgive those he cares about, but if Castiel manages to make an effort (ie. be less crazy), I think Dean will accept him back into the fold, although the trust may be a bit more slow-coming.
I also loved the addition of Kevin Tran to Supernatural this week. I thought the young actor who played him was alternately funny and sympathetic and I look forward to seeing him as the season finale approaches. If we can’t have Chuck, Kevin is most definitely a welcome substitute.
Then there’s Meg. The longest-running demon in Supernatural has alternated between reluctant ally and mortal enemy throughout the years. Like Crowley, she picks her allies based on necessity. In some respects, she is likely the Winchesters’strongest ally because she is fighting for her very survival, but only for so long as her objectives align with theirs. I, for one, enjoy Meg’s presence. Although, I have to admit I’m not entirely certain where this camaraderie between Castiel and Meg is leading and whether I like it. But I suspect I’ll have to see what comes of it – if anything – before deciding.
I’ve always enjoyed the angels’presence on Supernatural. The religious overtones of certain storylines fascinate the repressed Catholic side of me and seem to lend the stories a larger aura. There’s clearly something bigger about the Word of God versus fighting the monster of the week, although both are certainly enjoyable to watch for their differences. I suspect some fans who weren’t fond of seasons 4 and 5 may be unhappy that the angels have reappeared, but I don’t see how the brothers can defeat the Leviathans without their assistance. If God banished them from the earth in the first place, then clearly God’s assistance (or those of his “children”) is needed to do so again.
‘Reading is Fundamental’wasn’t necessarily the most typical Ben Edlund episode, but it did have the right mix of humor (crazy Cas and Kevin) and drama. I think the interactions between the characters rang true given the present set of circumstances. Knowing that Sam and Dean must find the blood of two more fallen creatures, I’m eager to see if the Leviathan storyline will be wrapped up by the end of the season or whether it will be held over until season 8 of Supernatural (which has been officially picked up).
The penultimate episode of Supernatural will air on May 11. Watch a preview here.
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