We’ve Walked This Road Before
It’s difficult to know where to begin with this episode. In one hour, Ben Edlund essentially ret-conned the entirety of season 6 of Supernatural. Normally, that would make me angry. But it didn’t. Because it made sense. And it was good.
It was a return to all of the things that make us love this show. It’s almost as if they said to Edlund ‘Ben, here’s a box with about 50 million loose ends and mildly-intersecting storylines from the whole of the season. See what you can do with it.’
And Edlund replied ‘Yeah, sure. No problem. Do you want me to make it awesome and heartbreaking while I’m at it?’
Then there’s the question of Castiel and what’s to be made of this angel who has fallen victim to the sins and doubts of mortals. In many respects, Castiel is really no different from Sam. At least Sam of seasons 3, 4 and 5. When Sam chose to try and save Dean from his deal, and later to try and defeat Lilith, he fell victim to various manipulating factors in his life, but also to his own pride. His belief that he was strong enough to achieve a goal that he thought was right (and, nay, was right). But his methods were wrong. His pride strengthened that belief that the ends justified the means and his arrogance led him astray.
That is the story of Sam. And of Castiel. Except what Castiel has done is somewhat less forgivable, because he lived through what happened with Sam and he knew the dangers of choosing a path that – while you have the best of intentions and a desire to protect those closest to you – causes you to lie to the people who love you and do questionable things. Yes, Castiel wanted to protect the earth, prevent another Apocalypse, and ensure that the Winchesters’sacrifices were not in vain. But Sam also had the best of intentions when he walked his own path. In other words, Castiel really should have known better.
Dean may not be infallible, but he tried to guide Sam, and now he tried to guide Castiel. But Cas, like Sam, was too stubborn to listen. In the end, when Dean – cut through, again, with the sting of betrayal from a man he considered his brother – begged Castiel to get off this path that he was on, Castiel rejected him. Told him that there was nothing that Dean – a mere mortal – could do to stop a powerful angel like him.
But there is doubt in him. Despite the bravado he presented to Dean – the bravado that could potentially have convinced us that Castiel is beyond redemption and is traveling a very dark road – Cas begged God for help. When help didn’t come, it’s hard to predict what Cas will do next.
In many respects, I am disappointed that Castiel’s character has fallen so far, pun intended. But the point of Supernatural is to test its characters, on occasion, and to show us what they’re made of. This entire storyline has brought me back into the fold and renewed my faith. This episode in particular did that. Supernatural is at its best when it deals with themes that are familiar: family, love, personal struggles, and the balance of good versus evil. It doesn’t matter if Castiel’s struggles mirror those of Sam’s from a few seasons ago, because these are the struggles that we know and love. That we can relate to.
My frustration is actually directed more at God than anyone else. Where is this being that obviously provided assistance when desperately needed but has once again abandoned his children to strife and doubt? It might be cheating to say “can’t God just come back and fix everything?” It might be cheating, but I’m getting kind of desperate to save our boys right now that I’ll happily accept an easier fix.
I cannot predict now how this will end. I don’t know what Castiel will do and whether the fractured bonds between him and the others can be mended. But I seriously can’t wait to find out.
There will be no new episode of Supernatural next week. Instead, the two hour season finale of Supernatural will air on May 20. You can view a trailer for the season finale here, as well as promo photos for the episode (part 1 and part 2).
In honor of Castiel’s excellent performance in tonight’s episode, go through our slide-show of Castiel’s best lines, which we posted earlier today.
clarissa @ tvovermind.com
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Clarissa, God gave Cas the sign. The Dean Winchester shaped sign. That's why the last part of the episode was heartbreaking. Cas refused/was unable to see the sign because, again, of his pride. He's an angel, after all.
Indeed he did. When all else fails, you can count on Dean Winchester to guide you :)
It's a shame he didn't listen.
My God!! The sign may be the dean and the Cas does not want to see this. And now???? :(
You took the words right out of my mouth, Clasrissa! I don't want to get all deeply religious on anyone, but I believe God uses people to tell us what we need to hear exactly when we need to hear it. Dean answered the question that Cas was asking God at the end of the episode. I was literally screaming at my television, "He did give you a sign! He gave you Dean! Why won't you listen?!"
That comment was directed at PS. Sorry.
Don't lose faith just yet. There's still the finale and season 7 for redemption.
Very true, Eric. It will be interesting to see where they take this. And Sam was eventually redeemed, right? So there is hope for Cas as well.
Is it weird that I cried every five minutes during this episode? I don't even cry. Ever. The Notebook wasn't even sad to me, nor was Titanic. And this just brought out the sobs. B]
Great review, Clarissa! I agree with PS above. The sign was what Dean said to Castiel. Trust those who love you, not yourself alone, even when it seems impossible. That's the same lesson from Lucifer on down. I cut God a break on these struggles, because how else would we ever shine through effort and hope, if the big guy fixes it. God trusts them more than they do him.
Great recap!
I loved the shout-out to Jim Beaver's character on "Deadwood" by naming his demon counterpart Ellsworth. Classic Supernatural.