Review - Supernatural 10x02 "Reichenbach" - Pick a Side.

You know I love Supernatural, I always love it, it’s always fantastic fun to watch, even when it’s breaking my heart. I love it. But you know that. 

Then every so often an episode comes along that reinforces for me exactly why I love this show so much. An episode that makes my heart keep racing for long after its finished. That makes me yell stuff at my TV. Talk in caps on Twitter. Clap my hands and yell out “OH MY GOD!” randomly to my empty lounge room. Yep, you know those episodes? Reichenbach was one of those episodes. Reichenbach was our show at the top of its game.

Last week, I mentioned how I didn’t feel engaged with the angel arc that was introduced in episode one of the season. Well scratch that. This week I damn well loved it. 

I love Hannah and the lessons she’s learning as she watches Castiel and how he so affectionately deals with humanity. As my friend said to me, she’s like season four Cas, baffled by the surprise in three-bean surprise, taken aback by the kindness of a stranger, touched by the interaction of someone fast becoming a friend and a hilariously precocious child. She stuck with Cas because she likes him, he’s in trouble and she wants to make sure he’s okay. As Cas said, it was a very human thing to do. Last week she was exposed to what humanity meant to some angels, this week she was slowly starting down a path of understanding. I loved every second of it. 

Just as I loved every second with Cas. Misha Collins has such a way of making me care deeply for his character. Cas has made monumental mistakes in the past. He’s made deals to serve his own best interests under the misconception of the greater good. He’s seen what such foolish deals can do, the devastation they can cause to his life and those around him. He doesn’t want to go down that path again. He doesn’t want to trade his survival on a bad decision. Just as he won’t let another angel die so he can live. He’s sad and tired and running out of time. But the options are not options for Cas, and I liked how steadfast he was in that decision. Of course, part of it is about him thinking he must pay pennants for his past digressions. He, like his friends the Winchesters, carries an incredible amount of guilt. I don’t see him as being a martyr, I see him as understanding that the paths open to him that would fix his problem, are paths that he’s no longer willing to take. Once he may have, but he has learnt that nothing good would come of it. He’s come a long way. I’m liking the hell out of this Cas.

Castiel’s interaction with the little girl was a delight. Very special snot maybe one of my favourite things he’s every said! And having Hannah watch him, having the helpful stranger point out to Hannah what a great guy he is, was lovely. Both these angels are on a path of discovery and I’m already enjoying their journey. I wonder where this will go? What will their relationship become? How will Castiel be saved? I’m interested. For the first time in a long time, I’m genuinely interested in the angel arc.

Seeing Metatron was a joy too. As much as I detest him for killing Dean, he is so fun to watch and Curtis Armstrong obviously has a blast portraying him. I’m glad that Cas managed to stop Hannah before she took Metatron at his very doubtful word. The fact that she was willing to go to such lengths was a clear indication of how much she cares for Cas. And now we know there is some of Cas’ Grace left around somewhere. Do you think Grace regenerates? Like if there’s only a little of Cas’ Grace, but when it gets inside him it repairs itself? Like how Salamander can grow back a leg! Somehow someone is going to have to come up with a plan to find that Grace and get it back into our fading angel. I love how Metatron was in a straight jacket by the way!

We found out more about Cole’s story. He’s a vet who has not only been damaged by what he went through at war, but also by what he went through as a child when Dean Winchester killed his father. Ever since he was 13 he dreamed of hunting Dean down. He took Sam in the hope he would lead him to Dean. Sam tried to connect with him, tried to tell him the truth about what’s out there in the dark…well now he knows, because he met it and had his ass kicked by it. 

I think the actor portraying Cole, Travis Aaron Wade, is doing a bang up job with this character. I’m interested in him. I want to know why Dean killed Cole's dad. Was he a monster and Cole didn’t know? How will this whole scenario work itself out? I mean, surely Dean won’t kill the son too…down the track somewhere. I can’t imagine that happening. Cole’s studying up on demons now, but somehow I feel like next time he meets Dean, that information may no longer be relevant to the problem at hand.

Crowley, as usual was delicious to watch and if it weren’t for Jensen Ackles’ masterful performance as Demon Dean, he would have stolen every scene. I don’t trust Crowley. Not one little bit. Has he really been put on the back foot by Dean’s unabashed disregard for the King of Hell? I had to wonder if this using Dean as his personal assassin was really what Crowley was keeping Dean around for…or was there more. Well, he obviously likes Dean a hell of a lot. I think he was more hurt/angry than angry/angry when Dean failed his first mission for his supposed King/buddy. But I can’t help but feel that maybe the landing on his ass and whatnot was all part of some elaborate ruse. Remember how he faked scared in front of Cain? Yeah, I don’t trust him.

Crowley now has the First Blade. I’m glad it’s out of Dean’s hands…but we know that man is going to be jonesing for it something shocking, and Crowley has it. I wonder if he’ll make a play with it to try and get Dean in line? Because with Dean retaining the Mark, the Blade will always be a threat to his humanity. I feel like it all went down way to easy. Way too easy. I feel like everything here was some kind of manipulation for another one of Crowley’s nefarious plans. He was keeping tabs on Sam. He knew he was close. Yeah, I don’t trust the bastard. Seriously though, “Lonely Girl” was the perfect music cue for a heartbroken Crowley! I laughed out loud. I’m laughing as I write this! Crowley gazing longingly at his old bestie and him having a grand old time, wearing cowboy hats…man, so funny. What this demon has up his sleeve will make me lose sleep…and what was the “something else” he needed to share with Dean? What was that? Troubling.

Which brings me to Dean. 

Where do I start! Let’s start with; I think this may have been some of Jensen Ackles’ best work. Simply outstanding. Out. Standing. His Demon Dean is everything I want and don’t want him to be. If we had any doubt as to how far down the demon track Dean has gone, we don’t anymore. He was calculating and cruel. Every little half smile, every smirk, every hollow laugh hammered home how twisted inside Dean is. He was magnificent in the best and worst possible way. I’m in love with him, and I absolutely do not want him to stay. Because the more damage Dean does now, the more he has to live with down the track.

But I’m so torn! Because everything about Demon Dean is so compelling I could watch him tearing up the place for hours. He toys with everyone like a kitten with a moth. Seeing how he was with the ill-fated Lester. Seeing him kill him like that, with that slight smile. It was chilling and wonderful all in one! That sounds so wrong, but it was such an amazing scene with such brilliant dialogue. Gosh. Tip for new comers…never call Dean Winchester a freak, whether he’s human or demon he will give you a beat down…or you know, stab you! Demon Dean smiles a lot more than Dean, but there’s nothing behind it but brutality. 

I loved when Dean turned on Crowley. Just pushed that bit too far. As he slowly spun around…his face! Dear Lord, that face. And then BAM! Crowley’s on his butt. Once again, Jensen…so good. Crowley was spot on with his assessment of Dean not knowing where he fits. Jensen did another fabulous job of making us not sure where Dean ends and Demon Dean begins. You can see Dean in there, even if it’s only in the way he talks. He is after all, still Dean. But he’s not wholly Dean, and he’s not wholly Demon. At least he wasn’t. But I definitely got the feeling that by the end, Dean did what Crowley suggested and picked a side. “I’m a demon.” That’s the first time we’ve heard him say it out loud. 

His face off with Sam may go down as one of my favourite scenes ever. Dean ice cold laughing at Sam passionate telling Dean that he will save him, that they will fix it. And Dean making fun of the puppy eyes! Stop! I can’t even imagine how hard that would’ve been for Sam to hear. I know how hard it was for me to hear. And then to learn that this was all Dean's choice. He wasn’t forced into the demon life by Crowley. He chose to go. He chose to embrace it. Ouch all around. And Jared's face. He killed it in this scene. Like Jensen, he's rocking it so hard this season. Every one of Sam's emotions dance elegantly on Jared's face. No words need. We understand the pain through his silence.

But the kicker was in the car, when Dean told Sam about how letting Cole live was the worst thing that he could’ve done to Cole. Icy. And then…just to make sure none of us could sleep that night, he said the Impala is “just a car” and implied at the horrors he will inflict on Sam. He will show Sam no mercy. I can’t help it, I love every single moment Demon Dean's on screen. Jensen Ackles is a master. He’s plays bad so good.

And Sam…I love this Sam so much. He will not give up on his brother and I love him for it. Passionately. He looks broken and tired and a physical wreck (helped in part by Jared’s actual injury and resulting weight loss), but he will not give up. And he stands toe to toe with his demon brother and comes out on the winning side…for now, because he’s got a bomb riding in the backseat of the car that's primed to go off as soon as it can slip the cuffs! It’s so scary. Way scarier than monsters of the week. This is downright terrifying! 

I can’t wait to see Sam cure Dean. I hope it’s him that does it. I’m looking forward to that a hell of a lot. I know some people are hoping Demon Dean stays around for a long time. Personally, I think we’ve got 1, maybe 2 episodes left with this character (though of course, I could be totally wrong). And even though I'm enjoying the hell out of Demon Dean, I think that will be okay. Because what do you do with this story? Have Dean as a full-blown demon roaming the country killing and maiming as Sam tries to save his soul? How does either of them live with the aftermath of that? Demon Dean is brilliant and I’m having a blast watching him, but really, the interesting thing is what comes after this. How will Dean deal with what he’s done? But more importantly, how will he live with the Mark of Cain. Will still need that kill? Will it have forever changed him? And how will Sammy deal with what he did to rescue his brother? How will they both deal with that? How will that effect them personally and their relationship? Will this be a fresh start for them as brothers – having now both experienced what it’s like to see the other side of the coin? These are the stories that I’m looking forward to seeing and having Dean being a demon for an ongoing period of time is not going to get us to the really juicy, deep, relationship stuff. So yes, I love the demon, I love every, single second of him, but it’s the story beyond him that’s going to be deeply satisfying.

I wanted to also mention a couple of technical things, beyond the amazing performances by the entire cast. The two fight scenes that bookended this episode were a masterclass in direction, choreography and editing. The way the scene with Dean at the bar and Sam and Cole in the barn were intercut. How the music was used. It was bloody brilliant stuff. The direction of this episode was stellar. The final fight scene between Cole and Dean was more like watching a dance than a brawl, it was so beautiful. And every lingering shot on Demon Dean’s face as his expression subtly shifted revealing his hand sent chills. I was particularly struck by Cole’s scream in frustration – that was a lovely touch from the actor.

The script was beyond delicious, with some of the sharpest dialogue we’ve seen in a while. Whether it was Dean’s cavalier and menacing comments or Crowley’s one liner retorts, it was sassy and packed a punch in all the right places. And it had the best pop culture reference I think the show has ever done… “What did you think was going to happen, huh? You just stroll up here and say, 'My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.' And I'd just roll over?” Quoting The Princess Bride. FOR THE WIN! Andrew Dabb gets all the awards for that one!

Reichenbach was Supernatural at its triumphant best. Everything about it sung. Every moment hammered home the dilemma of all the characters. Every harsh line out of Dean’s mouth cut us to the quick. Everything hurt so good! It packed so much into its 40 something minutes, but never once felt rushed. I think it was one of the best the series has done and for me, became an instant favourite. I couldn’t wait to watch it again…and again…and again. Bravo, Show. Bravo. I am so proud of you and so proud to be your fan.

Now, I can’t leave you on such a serious note…I mean, you must all be wondering…why hasn’t she talked about how hot Demon Dean was! It’s pretty much the talk of the town at the moment, right? People whose allegiance lies with other characters are even wobbling under the steely gaze of Demon Dean’s green/black eyes. Well, I’ll sum it up like this. After the episode, I asked the fandom on twitter if anyone else felt like they needed a cold shower after watching Reichenbach, and I wasn’t even being factious! Seriously, if I smoked, I would have lit one up! Personally I think this may have been the sexiest episode the show has ever done, and there was no sex and everyone was fully layered up! But hot damn! This episode smoked off the screen. Some of the dialogue and the way it was delivered…well, I could see the fan fiction writing itself. (Not by me though). And Demon Dean… Demon Dean. Yeah so, Demon Dean maybe the hottest creature ever to grace this earth. Pretty sure. Pretty damn sure. Yep, just when you think Dean can’t get hotter…Demon Dean comes along *fans self*. Thank you Jensen Ackles, you are a gift.

Next week we get more! We get to see the episode Jensen directed, including the cat and mouse scenes between Sam and Demon Dean in the hallways of bunker. I can’t wait. Whatever the outcome, I can’t wait. I really can’t. I’m wishing my life away for a new episode!

Season 10 has come at us with such power. Season 10. Season. 10. Just… This show.

Let me know your thoughts and as always, thanks for taking the time to read mine.

-sweetondean