Pelligrino was awesome, and you're very right, we could have used a lot more of him, and less stunt casting and Bobby. I would LOVE to see Jared take a role, movie or TV, where he played a real, non-supernatural bad guy. He could do it so well.

Exactly! We've seen Dean grieve before, and what he did here doesn't fit with his normal reaction. It just wasn't enough for me. He reacted more to Bobby's death than he did to Sam's at the time. I didn't want a whole lot from Dean, just a more typical, for him, grieving reaction. Some tears and such. Other than when he got angry at Castiel in the car, he didn't even mention Sam or what happened.

Actually if you'll go back and look at that scene, and the screencaps, again, Dean did not have tears in his eyes. There are some particularly clear caps of his good eye as he looked up when Castiel appeared and nary a tear in sight. Nowhere in anything I wrote did I say that Dean wasn't suffering. All I said was that I would have preferred to see that suffering shown in a more literal, or dramatic way, as has been Dean's method of grieving in the past, rather than what we got. And that's the point here.

"I didn't need to hear Dean cry "Sammy" in that moment… I felt it was evident how Dean felt. "

YOU didn't need it. I did. That doesn't make me wrong and you right. It's called a difference of opinion.

I never said Dean should have brought Sam back. Though I think it would have been nice if Dean had at least ASKED Castiel if he could bring Sam back, after Castiel resurrected Bobby. But what I meant by saying Dean wanted to be there was that it wasn't Sam's ideal of the apple pie life being forced onto an unwilling Dean. He wanted that normal life too, Dean did. Not at the price it came at, sure, but he wanted it. He never would have gone back to Lisa before if he didn't have a desire for that life.

I really wish Show had given us a time frame too, on how much time passed between Sam's death and Dean's sitting down for that family dinner with Lisa and Ben. We finally saw how wrecked Sam was after Dean died, and I honestly couldn't have seen him being capable of anything like that for a very long time after Dean died even if he promised, not as destroyed as he was. It could have been months before Dean made his way to Lisa's, but Show made it seem like he went there straight from Bobby's. That seems a little fast to me, but again, since Show didn't tell us how long it was, we can't say for sure.

As you rather condescendingly said yourself, I have a right to believe what I want. And what I believe at the moment is that Dean didn't show his grief the way he has before, or in a satisfying way for me.

Dean had tears as he knelt on the ground after Sam disappeared into the hole. Bloody and beaten to a pulp. He looks up at Cas and asks (hopes) that he's God. I mean, I hope you're not suggesting that Dean was other than completely devastated in that moment because then I'd have to think we're watching entirely different shows. I didn't need to hear Dean cry "Sammy" in that moment… I felt it was evident how Dean felt.

"As you pointed out, Dean didn't promise to do what Sam asked. So what was he doing at Lisa's? I think he was there because he wanted to be there"

Well you certainly have the right to believe what you want, but the show's actual *canon* tells us otherwise:

As our narrator informed us —

"Dean didn't want Cas to save him. Every part of him, every fiber he's got, wants to die or find a way to bring Sam back. But he isn't gonna do either, because he made a PROMISE."

Dean looks absolutely devastated as he appears on Lisa's doorstep. He can barely speak. Why? Has he been crying so hard he lost his voice? And the show tells us, Dean just wants to die. But he's honoring his promise to Sam because it's the only thing he can do. He's going to attempt "normal" because that's what Sam wanted him to do.

Both brothers sacrificed their life in this episode. And for Dean, his life was Sam. And he made a promise.

“But here’s an idea…if Sam is playing Lucky and Adam is Mike (even if it was supposed to be Dean), doesn’t that make The Dad the ideal candidate to represent The Heavenly Father?”

Oh yes, it would have been wonderful to get JDM back … I like that idea! Of course Dean is still the odd man out, with Sam as Lucifer and Adam taking his place as Michael. And of course Michael makes it clear to Dean – “You’re not part of this story.” Heh. Yeah, we get it Kripke.

“Lucky goes at Dean and starts talking about snapping bones, and keeps pounding on Dean, and all the while Dean is telling Sam (in horribly well-done broken tones) that he’s not leaving, he’s not going. Frankly, it’s horrible to watch because soon Dean’s face goes from attractively bleeding to a bloody, pulpy mess.”

Oh man, Ackles KILLED me the way he delivered that line! Oh my. Yeah, that beat-down was brutal. But again, what would we expect. Dean is in way over his head and he knows it. And you know, while I do like the idea that the Impala played such a significant role in the lives of the boys and in this episode, I would have enjoyed it even more if it was DEAN himself that Sam responded to. Looking into Dean’s eyes and seeing how broken and beaten Dean was, yet still pleading with Sam that he wouldn’t leave him. I would have thought THAT is what would have moved Sam to gain control. Or maybe even if the amulet was laying in the backseat instead of Sam’s toy soldier? I don’t know. It was a bit of a letdown for me. The montage was very effective though. And poor Sam (and Adam too) now trapped in the cage. *sniff*

I really would have preferred it if MB stayed dead (sorry Jim!). Oh well. And Cas coming back was kind of a surprise because I thought he would have stayed dead as well. Probably the most effective scene for me personally was when Dean knelt on the ground in shock and sadness (praying to God?) over Sam. My heart broke for him. He was gutted. But then when he asked Cas, through teary eyes and with a broken yet hopeful voice, “are you God?” my heart shattered into a million pieces. Oh, Dean. And you’re right Dean, Cas does suck at goodbyes!

“Even though he never promised Sam out loud that he’d do it,”

Oh sure he did, just not on camera (to keep the surprise ending intact). But yeah, Chuck/Kripke/God told us that he did: “… but Dean made a promise.” I really don’t understand why some fans are so reluctant to allow for this? Chuck/Kripke/God told us that Dean wanted to nothing but to find Sam or put a bullet in his head… but Dean made a PROMISE to Sam. And so he’s honoring that promise by doing as Sam told him to do — go to Lisa and live a normal life. Both brothers made the ultimate sacrifice: Sam by choosing to honor his family and take down Lucifer and Dean by choosing to honor his family and following through with his promise to Sam.

I hope that it is really Sam there in that final shot. And Dean didn’t look like he was handling his new family life well at all. And to think, we have another season of angst to look forward to next season! I don't know if my heart can take it but I look forward to it anyway.

Nice review. I did enjoy this episode for the most part. It was quite emotional with a little bit of cheese thrown in for good measure. Hee. I appreciated the focus on the brothers, although I’m not sure why Kripke decided to jettison Dean’s role in the mytharc entirely and replace him with Adam? Oh well. I’ll just have to settle for only one brother as the main player in the show’s mythology while the other plays more of a supporting role. *sigh*

“The conversation is all about them trying to move beyond their familial roles even though that’s impossible. Dean’s making an effort, though, and acknowledges that maybe this time it’s Sam’s turn to save the world.”

I loved this conversation! I’m glad Dean again acknowledged Sam’s independence and once again told him that he had faith in him. Dean has been trying very hard to break out of his family role and I’m glad to see them have this conversation while leaning on the Impala… foreshadowing the big moment! I did enjoy the flashback moments and the inclusion of the Impala as an integral part of their relationship.

“Dean argues that of course he will save Sam, or die trying. He doesn’t promise Sam that he will do what Sam asks about Lisa, however.”

Dean DID promise Sam as Chuck states at the end of the episode. We didn’t see the reveal in this scene because they wanted it to be a surprise at the end. But yeah, Chuck definitely said that, even though Dean wanted to go after Sam with every fiber of his being, he made a promise to Sam. I loved this scene as well and we got another great brother moment in the Impala!

“Sam exchanges a hug with MB, who is entirely too choked up about all this for my tastes. And then Sam turns to the Soap Angel, who is appropriately confused about a goodbye handshake, which should be accompanied by well-wishes and manly comments.”

Yeah, I was not impressed with MB in this episode at all, especially when both he and Cas gave up on TFW after Sam became Lucifer. But I though Cas will kind of cute in his attempt to say goodbye though (and he kept looking to Dean for guidance, LOL!). I really didn’t like Sam having to drink gallons of demon blood though. Ew! I truly hope that was the last time he has to do it.

“Dean is prepared to have Sam say yes, but really, Dean’s in way over his head.”

Yeah, that seems to be the theme with Dean, doesn’t it? It’s especially apparent in this episode. Dean is only human and in way over his head, surrounded by all of these super powered beings. I thought Mark was a fantastic Lucifer. And of course I knew their plan wasn’t going to work at that point since we still have half of the episode left!

“The differences between the two characters, though played by the same actor, are marked. All the while Lucky is talking to Sam via his reflection in the mirror, some clever person decided that Sam’s face would be presented in broken pieces in the cracked, shadowed mirror, while Lucky’s face would be glowy and intact, with some really close close-ups.”

Yes, I thought the direction was very effective in showing us the contrast between Lucifer and Sam in that scene.

[to be continued...]

Observations

The season finale absolutely devastated me. My heart dropped when I heard ‘Carry On My Wayward Son’. I got a lump in my throat when Sam and Dean were discussing his plan in the junkyard. I felt sick to my stomach when Lucifer taunted Sam and Dean in the abandoned house. And I cried several times throughout the episode. I even cried several times after the show aired. Having Chuck narrate the story was fitting and including the Impala was a stroke of genius. We have all felt the Impala was the third major character. Having ‘her’ be a part of the story and having ‘her’ play a role in helping Sam gain control of Lucifer was so unbelievably perfect that I just sat back and smiled through my tears. I loved learning more about the car and how it connected Sam and Dean to their past and helped strengthen their bond as brothers. The flashbacks really impacted me and I noticed the scenes were from Season 1 and Season 2. How fitting it was that the final flashback was Dean hugging Sam in the Season Finale from Season 2. He remembered the sacrifice Dean made for him and he was able to break free of the strangle hold Lucifer had on him. In the end, Dean kept his promise to Sam and we saw Sam!
I don’t know what that really means but I have come to realize that even death can’t break the remarkable connection the Winchester brothers have.

Conclusion
This episode was gloomy, cruel, bleak and downright depressing. However, I felt the episode was exactly as it needed to be. I have heard from other people that they were expecting more because this episode was about the Apocalypse. But, you know what? I couldn’t disagree more. I thought it was perfect. Supernatural has never been ‘grandiose’ or ‘overwrought’ or ‘ostentatious’ or ‘flamboyant’. This show has always been the one that ‘flew under the radar’ and it built its foundation on quiet, modest moments. Overall this season has been inconsistent but it delivered many moments of pure beauty and extraordinary character growth. Sam finally understood how much Dean truly loved him and how much family meant to him. He never realized what his leaving did to Dean. Dean has always defined himself by his family and the roles he held within his family. Finally letting go of some of those constraints he was able to mature and ultimately let Sam grow-up. This season we saw the brother’s part ways..heal their rifts….and make peace with themselves which helped reinforce and fortify their relationship which was tested but ultimately ended up being more powerful than before.
This show has always been about family and in the end they chose family. They made their own choices and ultimately saved the world in the process. It honestly doesn’t matter if you are a ‘Sam Girl’ or a “Dean Girl’ or a fan of both. What matters is what this ‘little gem of a show’ means to us. Sam and Dean are two breathtakingly gorgeous men who are flawed, complex and unflinchingly real people who have made us laugh and cry. I welcomed both of them into my ‘little’ world without knowing what to expect and this show just turned my world upside down. I stumbled across this wonderful modest show five years ago, by chance, and my life will never, ever be the same.

Take care.
Joan

PS. I will miss hanging out here this summer! But, I am looking forward to next fall. I hope you have a wonderful summer, Sylvia.

More than one word

1). Letting go
2). Character growth
3). Chevy Impala )
4). Team Free Will
5). Devastating Choices
6). No easy answers
7). No way out
8). Gut Wrenching
9). Family bonds
10). Unwanted Destiny
11). Overgrown Man )
12). Sam Hair
13). Bone Crushing Brutality
14). Character Driven
15). Dual roles

My favorite quotes
“You got what you asked for Dean. No paradise, no hell, just more of the same. I mean it Dean, what would you rather have? Peace or freedom?"
“The only thing you're going to see out there is Michael killing your brother." "Then I'm not going to let him die alone."
"It's OK, it's OK, I'm here. I'm not going to leave you. I'm not going to leave you."
"It's OK Dean. It's going to be OK. I've got him."
“So what’s it all add up to? It’s hard to say, but me, I’d say this WAS a test. For Sam and Dean. And I think they did all right. Up against good, evil, angels, devils, destiny and God Himself. They made their own choice. They chose family”.

cont….

I don’t even know where to begin but here are my lists. Please bear with me…this will take some time.
I am still trying to wrap my head around this one.

One word

1). Brutal
2). Devastating
3). Bloody
4). Astonishing
5). Family
6). Connections
7). Questioning
8). Contemplating
9). Dither
10). Sadness
11). Loneliness
12). Goodbye
13). Brotherhood
14). Broken
15). Narration
16). Bonds
17). Growth
18). Healing
19). History
20). Sacrifice
21). Acceptance

cont.

Joan

There were things I loved about this episode. Sam's transition from our Sam to hulk!Sam after the blood was one of them. Jared's portrayal of Lucifer in the mirror scene was another. I was actually sad to see Pellegrino's Lucifer go; he played that part so well. The tears in Dean's eyes and the look on his face after the first attempt to trap Lucifer went bad were heartbreaking and perfect. I loved the attention the Impala got, though the fact that none of it really mattered in the end, besides the green army man, cheapened that attention somewhat. I loved the way Dean kept telling Sam he was there, that Dean and the Impala are what gave Sam the strength to overpower Lucifer.

I hated the fact that they brought Bobby and Castiel back. Death means nothing on this show any more. I despised the whole possibility of Chuck being God, and all of the complaining that he did about endings and fans. That, to me, was Kripke talking. Suck it, Kripke. If endings are so damned hard don't start writing the story in the first place. And those fans you love to bitch about so much, they're the only reason your show made it this far. How about a little appreciation instead of all the snark?

And above all else I hated the ending. I hated the fact that we didn't see enough of Dean's grief over Sam's death. There were mournful looks, and sure, he looked depressed. But where are the tears? Up to this point in this season, Dean's been a veritable waterworks. He's cried more in the past two seasons than he ever has, but not when Sam voluntarily jumped into Hell? Oooookay. As you pointed out, Dean didn't promise to do what Sam asked. So what was he doing at Lisa's? I think he was there because he wanted to be there, in addition to Sam saying that's what he wanted for Dean. No matter what the reasoning behind it was, I hated it. And no matter what he promised Sam, or how upset he might be on the inside, I'm just…really pissed at Dean for going to Lisa, and for not even giving us a "Sammy" or a little bit of crying or anything.

It also bugs me that Kripke didn't write this one himself, yet spent so much of it having Chuck complain about how hard it is to write things. Really Kripke? Apparently it's so hard you couldn't even do it. The whole thing just seemed like it was a whole hour of Kripke patting himself on the back for all of his hard work, which makes me very, very glad he won't be around next season.