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Article by Sylvia Bond
Sylvia Bond is a ten-year technical writing veteran with too many degrees under her belt to count. She lives in Colorado, but does not ski, preferring instead to spend her money and time at the annual Great American Beer Festival, taking road trips across the United States, and reading historical fiction from the comfort of her fluffy green arm chair. She has been involved in fandom since 1993 and been writing fanfic since approximately 1993. What she finds most amazing about fandom (besides the open heartedness of fans and the sheer amount of creativity) is how visible fandom has become. "In my day," she says, "we had to hide behind P.O. boxes to get fanfic. But nowadays, people wear t-shirts that shout their affiliation and share their shiny toys on the internet." It's a wonderful world. 76 Comments
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[...] review of the Supernatural episode “Hammer of the Gods” is up at pinkraygun.com. [...]
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[...] Supernatural: Hammer of the Gods Another great episode review from Sylvia Bond at Pink Ray Gun. Did you like the episode? Did you recognize all of the gods in the episode? Did you understand the significance of the ones they chose to include in the little confab? [...]
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I have to say, Sylvia, that I'm very relieved to see that I wasn't alone in my thoughts on this one. After two weeks out in the cold, I was starting to lose heart. And as always, I enjoyed the review.
I'm pretty much with you 100% on this one. It was clunky, and cliched, and Sam and Dean really might as well have taken the week off entirely. They served no purpose here, and the entire episode could have functioned pretty much exactly as it did without them even being present. If that isn't the definition of FAIL for an episode of Show, I don't know what is. Apparently the writers for this week's episode also write some, or possibly all, of the Supernatural comic books, and looking back on it, the dialogue, the framing, even the coloring of the episode, it all seemed a little comic bookish. Which isn't a good look for a TV show, particularly one that isn't based on a comic book.
So many things grated about this one. Since when is Kali a damsel in distress who needs an archangel and two humans to rescue her? I'm not usually touchy about Show's sexist tendencies, but that one really irritated me. Just because she's a woman, she needs to be rescued? Never mind that she's a fearsomely powerful goddess. She's female, therefore she's incompetent. I have to wonder sometimes, where Sera Gamble is on this stuff, and why she doesn't, or can't, rein in some of the rampant testosterone poisoning. I choose to believe in this case that the writers wrote this script without watching any of the preceding episodes that have aired since hiatus, and executed some sort of trickery to get it filmed, because otherwise, what the hell? How did this make the cut? Surely there were better scripts out there that could have gotten us to what seemed to be the main point of the episode.
I think both of the guys were acting a little, well, bipolar this go around. Last week Dean was suicidally depressed and at his wit's end; this week it's all about the pie and hitting on the hot chick who turns out to be a goddess. He's bouncy, he's smiley, he's happy. Not that I don't like seeing him that way. But to go from the lowest of lows, to the highest of highs from one episode to the next is ridiculous. The same kind of goes for Sam. Last week he was firm and convinced they would find a way, and he held it together while things around him were falling apart. This week he's gloomy and seems awfully pessimistic. It's called middle ground, writers, try finding some. And look for some subtlety and originality while you're at it.
Another sticking point was, as you mentioned, the gods deaths. How is that possible? Even pushing aside the actual physical side of how is that possible, on a destiny scale, how is that possible. I don't know a ton about mythology of all the cultures represented, but I do know that some of those gods have ends, often bloody ones, foretold for them. Then again, maybe they were supposed to have already met those ends; like I said, I don't claim to know that much about it. But Odin touched on his destined end in the episode. According to Norse legend (as I could find it) it was foretold that Odin would be killed by Fenrir (who is ironically one of Loki's sons, according to the same legend) during Ragnarok (which seems to literally translate as 'final destiny of the Gods'). Now, according to the angels and demons, if it's foretold, it WILL happen, no bones about it. Does that only apply to their own religious structure? In which case, it seems that if another structure came to dominance, that the Judeo-Christian destinies would be brushed aside in favor of the successor. Or is it that they've all been lying to Sam and Dean all along, and destiny is just as flexible as anything else that hasn't actually happened yet, in the stream of time. Third option; the writers didn't think that bit about Odin (or any of the other gods that might have destined/foretold ends) through all the way and don't know or care what it says about Show's perception of destiny. I'm gonna go with the third option, because frankly, at the moment, they've not done anything to prove to me that they're deep enough to have put that much meaning into things.
And lastly, Loki/Gabriel. I actually lost interest in the character after the big "Oooooh, he's an archangel!" reveal. I think Richard Speight Jr is awesome, and he definitely made this character. But I would have enjoyed the character much more if he had remained just Loki. So I was sad to see him go, because I don't want to not see Speight again, but for the character's sake, meh. Also, Odin and Loki were, well not exactly buddies, as I understand it, but they existed in the same realm. Shouldn't Odin have known that wasn't the real Loki? Or was Gabriel always Loki, even in the ancient legends? Can an angel do that? Be an angel in one religion and a demi-god in another? I have no idea. I'm gonna chalk that one up to another instance of "they didn't think it through".
I can't finish this without mentioning my favorite line, possibly ever, and my new come back. "Don't mock my world turtle!"
I have to admit, this was not the most thrilling episode. I had issues with it in a number of ways. Being a person of a pagan/pantheistic eclectic theology, one of my biggest issues with the show in general is that pagan gods are always bad, always wanted sacrifices, etc. Now, clearly some of them were bad, but Mercury/Hermes? Come on. Anyway, I fortunately have created my own explanations of pagan Gods in a Supernatural universe for a fanfic series I write, so, I tend to ignore the writers actual opinions and reconcile things in my own way.
I do, though, like the shout-out to the fact that the Christian theology is not the only one, although it appears currently to be the most powerful, which is something I don't love.
I'm unhappy about the loss of Gabriel, very much so, although at least he went out fighting and pointing out the fact that humans rock and Angels need to get off their high horses. I also like the fact that Team Free Will has an obvious fighting chance.
The end was just a little deus ex machina for the season, I know time is short, but I hate it when they give away bits of information that easily (like Becky with the Colt).
Anyway, you are right, those boys deliver cliches like they own them, and I'll take that! Hoping for better next week.
Great review as always even when the episode doesn't quite get there. Thanks for the picture at the top of the boys all wet from the rain – a good look for them both. At work so will write more later.
I also generally agree about the episode (and especially looking forward to more Matt Frewer, while mourning Richard Spieght Jr), the one borrow that I did love was Dean announcing "Alright you primative screwheads, listen up." If anyone can remotely deliver that line with the similar snide of Bruce Campbell's Ash, well, Jensen had to be given his just props.
Usually I wait for tuesdays so that I can post my praise for the episodes here. This tuesday it's different. I was waiting to rant! This was a very BAD episode.Period. Pestilence…gross gross gross gross and one more time…gross. Gabriel…Somehow he doesn't have the angel vibe this episode and that dilutes the plot for me. He should have been part trickster and funny but also part scary since he is an archangel, not a clown! The whole gods (or like they mentioned pagan gods..)..none of them scared me as much as they scared Dean and Sam. At least that's one part Jensen and Jared got right…they looked as freaked out as they were supposed to be. Usually I am with them in all the episodes feeling it…not this time. Everything fell flat…baldur was so blaaaaah! four rings and luring back Lucifer to his old trap…I suspect show's messing with us again like last time when lilith is the final seal and we know about it 15 min to finale. To my final rant….I am from hindu religion and usually I am not up in arms anytime someone says something because of lack of knowledge…but this time, the show crossed the line. Here's why! Kali–She's the fiercest of all..Most feared woman in hindu scriptures…especially anything demonic…and Lucifer doesn't even blink on seeing her?? At least they tried to show her as someone who put some effort in fighting him but they got it all wrong…and she's not goddess of fire…that looks all superheroish stuff! So wrong…I would have loved to see Kali cause some pain to lucifer. Kali getting all emo about the westerners??? didn't sit well with me….when she meant billions of us? I am assuming it's gods…Ya, we do have a zillion
Although all of them are just incarnations of three main gods. And the sex scene with Gabriel? So wrong again…Do we really need to show her in undies? Again, I know it's just a show…but still it should have considered audience like me and their sensitivies. I know they do equally damaging stuff with angels calling them d**ks and all but I don't know. Wasn't happy at all! …And since when does kali need to ride in a car to get away? Rekha Sharma did well…but she is as petite as a woman can be! Would have preferred a non good looking female, a more well built one…certainly someone Dean wouldn't have tried to hit on 
Ganesh – First off…he's a child god…so a hefty black man, not a good representation at all…and I didn't understand why they cast him at all! Also Ganesha doesn't accept sacrifices, so him killing along with the other pagan gods, not correct…and he's supposed to be the least aggressive of all! Kali though..yeah, people did offer humans to here back in stone age! Killing all the gods…won't even go there! Only things that worked? Lucifer shedding tears for killing his brother…didn't expect that!
Hi Silvia! This episode had its moments, but I can’t say it’s one of my favorites this season. Actually, it was about Gabe and Lucifer (love Mark Pellegrino) with the boys as supporting characters. I’m very jealous regarding my boys and I want EVERYTHING to be about them. Some random thoughts:
Dean is back to his old self, just the way I love him. Wheee!! RIP whiny (sorry deangirls) and defeatist Dean.
For the first time in a very very very long time, the boys’ relationship resembles that of seasons 1 and 2. The coldness and distance between them that has been prevailing since Season 4 seems to be gone. RIP too!
The boys dithering at the dinner table, with very gorgeous closeups of 2 pairs of green eyes. CUTE!!! On a side note, I love it how Dean is being a caring big brother again.
Sylvia!
I can't remember the last time I was able to post on Tuesday!
You know, this was one of those episodes that I really enjoyed, at the time I watched it, but it didn't stay with me.
I did laugh a lot and I was grossed out…many times…but after the awesomeness of 'Point of no Return' this episode was mostly 'fluff' and very little substance. I had so much fun putting my list together last week but I did not enjoy it as much this week. Oh, but there were moments of goodness, though.
1). First and Foremost – Our brothers were together and it felt easy and warm and right. On solid ground. And Sam was worried about his brother getting burned out. Aww!
2). The next horseman was introduced and let me just say 'gross'! But…it is 'MAX HEADROOM". This is going to be good.
3). The 'Trickster' was in the episode. Oh how I love him!! He and the Winchesters have such great chemistry. I was so sorry to see him die. Seriously, I have to stop caring about characters because they always seem to die.
4). Holy Crap! Lucifer killed his brother.
5). “Can't or Won't” Holy Crap again! I really hope this is not foreshadowing.
6). The return of the EMF
7). Dean was acting like a kid again so that means he is feeling better.
8). "Please let this be tomato soup"
9). The Elysian Fields reference
10). The creepy hotel
11). Dean’s excitement over chocolate.
12). And, finally….there was dithering!
I can't believe we are in the home stretch now.. Only three more episodes left in Season 5.
"Carry on my Wayward Son….There will be peace when you are done….lay your weary head to rest…don't you cry no more"
I don't know why but I was thinking about the "Dark Side of the Moon" episode and this thought just popped into my head "God helps those who help themselves". Sam and Dean need and will find it within themselves to end all of this and they will do it their way together. They will find peace when they are done.
Take care
Joan
Ditto, ditto, ditto. How did Sam and Dean particpate in the plot at all? They killed Zao-Shen and took Kali to the busstop, but other than that, they served as sounding boards for the rest of the characters to tell their story. THEIR story, not Sam and Dean's. I don't ever know who the writers are by name, as I don't want to be influenced going in as to what kind of story I'm going to see. It also leaves me free to say what I think, and this time around? It was pretty bad. I will take your word on the comic book style, while I can appreciate people's love for them, comic books seldom translate well to the screen…unless they're translated to the screen as animated cartoons, like the Super Friends and the Justice League!
As for Kali, yeah, the only one to survive, somehow, but being a woman, she is scantily dressed and needs to be escorted away from danger. And this is Kali The Destroyer we're talking about. Dean's snapped command to "Get in the car, princess," was also clunky and very mis-managed; no real man would ever say something like that to a woman, let alone Dean, because usually the last part of this particular phrase is usually the word "bitch," and it's not a nice thing to say.
Exactly. And for all his horndog ways, Dean doesn't usually come across as womanizing. He's always been, to me, a cute, equal opportunity, flirt. He seems to just love women, period. Which makes all of his flirting ways not just tolerable, but cute. But treating Kali that way, even ignoring her being a goddess, doesn't fit his character at all. Not in my opinion anyway.