Supernatural 6.20 “The Man Who Would Be King” Review

Let me tell you a story. It’s the story of a fish and of biblical times. It’s the story of boys trying to save the world, of fallen angels, cranky hunters and evil demons. It’s the story of how the road to Hell is paved with the best of intentions. Of brothers who lie and betray.

It’s the story of pride and doubt, and all the things that ultimately make people human, even if they’re angels.

Let me tell you the story of Castiel.

Saving Sam

History is the focus of tonight’s episode of Supernatural. Not the history of 2,000 years ago that Castiel started with. No, we’re concerned about the events at the end of episode 5.22 ‘Swan Song’. How it all began was this: Castiel chose to save Sam from Lucifer’s cage, but he clearly didn’t have the power to retrieve Sam’s body and his soul. He delivered Sam to Lisa and Dean’s house and watched – invisibly – while Sam watched his brother through the window. Then Sam chose to walk away, and Castiel chose not to burden Dean with the knowledge that his brother was once again walking the earth.

Instead, Castiel returned to Heaven, and to a group of angels who no longer knew what to do without God’s plan, or Michael’s plan. Or anyone’s plan, really. Castiel offered them freedom and choice. But Raphael didn’t. With Michael out of the picture and God sipping a mojito somewhere, Raphael decided that Heaven was ripe for the picking. He demanded Castiel’s allegiance, and the allegiance of the other angels. And he intended to re-start the apocalypse.

Let’s Make a Deal

Castiel, despondent, went to ask for Dean’s help, but couldn’t bear to pull him back into this life. And so, when Castiel was at his most vulnerable – and no longer surrounded by friends and allies – Crowley approached him with a deal. He suggested that Castiel could collect the power of enough souls to defeat Raphael, and suggested they find Purgatory to power their side. He said that Castiel could ensure that Heaven remained free and Crowley could remain in Hell, as the devil Castiel knew, instead of letting Lucifer free. And if Castiel didn’t want Dean to help Crowley find Purgatory (to leave him retired with a normal life), then Crowley could use Sam and Samuel.

Castiel, who fell victim to the sin of pride, thought that perhaps he could defeat Raphael and ensure that the earth – and the Winchesters – remained safe. So, armed with the power of 50,000 souls, he returned to Heaven and drew his line in the sand against Raphael. From that moment, he and Crowley have been working together to find Purgatory, gather up souls, and defeat Raphael for good.

Oh yes, and Castiel’s been lying to the Winchesters and to Bobby.

Pants on Fire

Which brings us to today, where Sam and Bobby are deeply suspicious of Castiel after what Eve revealed at the end of the last episode. They question a demon on Crowley’s wereabouts and eventually get news of a demon ‘Dispatcher’named Ellsworth (who is the hilarious demon equivalent of Bobby). Unfortunately, Castiel – who has been spying on his friends – knows that finding Ellsworth could reveal his secrets, so he kills him.

Bobby and the Winchesters arrive at Ellsworth’s now-empty house. Dean continues to defend Castiel, despite Bobby and Sam’s objections that Castiel’s actions arouse suspicions. Castiel eventually appears to save the boys, who have been ambushed by some demons. But he slips up, and a phrase alerts Dean and the others. They know that Castiel has been spying on them without being seen.

That’s when they confront Castiel, and trap him in a ring of holy fire. Castiel has no choice but to tell the truth, even if Dean is shocked to hear of his betrayal. He admits he’s working with Crowley and what they’ve done. He tells Sam he pulled him out of Hell (but not deliberately without his soul). And when Crowley sends a hoarde of demons after the Winchesters, Castiel tells them to run.

Later, Cas comes to Dean, to explain why he’s done what he’s done, but Dean makes an excellent point: just because you are free to choose, does not mean you are free to choose certain things. He begs Castiel to stop what he’s doing, that they could work together to find another way. But Cas refuses. And then he leaves.

In a park, Castiel sits on a bench, asking God for a sign. Gone is the confidence he displayed to Dean; the insistence that he was doing ‘the right thing’. This Castiel is unsure and asking for guidance. For a sign.

No sign is forthcoming. God provides no answers.

Concluded on next page…