Supernatural: Back from the Dead, and Back in Fine Form
Holy hell, but Supernatural likes to throw us a curveball, doesn't it? So much gets changed in this season premiere, and the tension just keeps ratcheting up. Where will it end? We have no idea -- but we can't wait to find out!
As promised, Dean makes it out of hell -- but how? And why? No one knows. All he knows is that something weird keeps happening when he's alone -- a shrieking whine incapacitates him and windows shatter. THAT'S not good. All of his Hellhound-inflicted wounds are healed -- and he's not a rotting corpse, which is nice -- but handprints are burned into his shoulders. Hmmm.
Still, Dean manages to make his way to Bobby's, where he is greeted in true Winchester fashion -- Bobby attacks him with a silver knife. When Dean convinces him he's neither a shapeshifter nor a revenant, Bobby seems mollified -- but he still splashes Dean with holy water. Hee!
Sam is just as surprised to see Dean, and goes through the same routine. And it looks like Sammy has changed a bit since Dean died -- there's a half-naked girl in the room! And Sam can't remember her name! Sam, you dog! Dean accuses Sam of using his psychic powers to bring Dean back, but Sam denies it. He's spent the four months that Dean has been dead hunting Lilith and shutting out everything else, even Bobby -- which leads Bobby to accuse him of acting like his dad.
The boys and Bobby decide to consult a psychic, which may have seemed like a good idea at the time... but it doesn't end well. Pam, the psychic, calls upon whatever burned Dean, but it tells her to back off. When she persists, her eyes are burned out of her head. The guys go to a nearby diner to regroup, and Sam suggests hunting demons for answers. Unfortunately, they picked a demon diner for dinner. Bummer. The demon waitress sneers and snarls -- why is Dean so special to get out of hell? She should drag him back there herself! But Dean calls her bluff. He realizes whatever got him out, it's a lot more powerful than your standard demonic overlord. He even smacks the demon waitress around a bit to prove the point.
That night, Sam sneaks out while Dean is sleeping. He goes back to the demon diner, where he finds the cook with his eyes burned out, just like Pam. The demon waitress jumps him, and they fight -- and Sam doesn't hold back. Then he realizes that her eyes are burned out, too. She threatens him, and then Sam shocks the hell out of us by using his demon-controlling psychic powers to draw the demon out of the waitress's body and send it back to hell. Sam! You told Dean you didn't use your powers while he was dead! You liar!
But there's more -- Christy, the girl who was in Sam's hotel room, comes in, and reveals she's actually Ruby! That's the second thing Sam lied to Dean about! She offers to make herself scarce, but Sam says he wants to keep using his powers to fight demons. He'll even tell Dean about it... eventually.
But Dean has his own secrets on his mind. He and Bobby summon Castiel, the thing that's burning out eyeballs all around town. He appears, looking like a mild-mannered (but still hot) guy in a suit. But he's no normal hot guy-- he withstands bullets, rock salt, and even the demon-killing knife. Then Castiel puts Bobby to sleep and talks to Dean. "I'm the one who gripped you tight and raised you from perdition," he says. Then he reveals that he's an angel of the Lord, and he brought Dean back because God commanded it. They have work for him.
We have to admit -- we're still not sure what we think about the angel plot twist. On the one hand, they did some great stuff with it -- the voice of the angel shattering windows, the sight of him burning eyes, Castiel's calm demeanor and his line delivery, the way he cocked his head when he asked Dean "Don't you think you deserve to be saved?" -- and the idea is intriguing. On the other hand, it seems like one heck of a left turn. Angels, now? After all this time? How are they going to navigate all the landmines of religion? And what does this mean for Sam and Dean -- will they end up being pitted against each other? But we have great faith in Kripke and Co. -- if anyone can pull of this sort of storyline, they can. But what do you think? Talk about it in the comments!
Comments
I absolutely loved the Pilot. The new story arcs promise to be truly fascinating. I'm concerned however. Kripke and team appear to be deliberately writing themselves into a corner. After Demons, Angels and the Winchesters battle for the future, there's not gonna be much more to say. It'll be incredibly hard to introduce another story arc afterward that isn't anticlimactic. It seems that Kripke isn't looking much farther than the 5 year plan he initially set. It'll be heartbreaking to see the boys ride off into the sunset.
Posted by: Kelly Morris | October 9, 2008 2:00 AM
This episode was absolutely AWESOME! Funny, surprising, and absolutely awe inspiring. The angel's entrance was amazing.
Posted by: Zaragoza Guerra | September 26, 2008 1:52 PM
This was my favorite episode EVER!!!!! Dean as God warrior is awesome and I can't wait to see where this goes. The actor who plays Castiel rocks...we need more from angel boy!!! lol
I loved Ruby last season, and I think that was mostly thanks to Katie Cassidy and her awesome bitchiness. She was so snarky and spunky, I didn't see ANY of that from the new Ruby...like since when does she care about getting in between the brothers? wtf? But I don't know if thats because of the writing or the actress...I'll have to see.
Awesome!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Rosalinda | September 23, 2008 11:50 PM
like someone said up.... here thank god for the internet!!!!(I would go nuts if I had to wait like two whole months to see supernatural)
Now about the season premiere...angels huh I haven't come up with an opinion yet I'm still in shock, they always said about the HUMANS fight no god and heavens involved (and yes I agree with dean in this plot) but I've trust Kripke and co so far and they've never disaponting so yeh, I'm looking foward to see this all!!
about sam...holy shit, what was that???o.O
Is not like I wasn't expecting this but it's creep out of my mind, I'm really concerned about how their relaitionship is goingo whit all this lies (but this cocern is in a good way - It'll be good to see how they go trought this)
happy supernatural is back
Posted by: heloisa | September 23, 2008 6:30 AM
if you have demons than you have to have angels.You really can't have one without the other.(for very long)It was about time.Great show.I loved it.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
Posted by: gill | September 22, 2008 6:03 PM
Bardzo dobre otwarcie sezonu oby tak dalej!!! Pozdrowienia ale wszystkich fanów Supernatural z Polski ;)
Posted by: Tomek | September 22, 2008 9:13 AM
Holy crap!!!it was truly da best premiere ever!way to start da season!!!Dean was saved by God!!!who knew!!i dint think he was literally "Lazarus"in "Lazarus rising"!!i had a quick flashback of Roy's statement from "Faith"!i guess,he is destined for greatness after all!!& Sam sure is getting bigger than his body!&i was shockd to see how far along he has gone with his powers!& they r lyin to each other already!!
but gotta say!da new ruby business isnt dat convincing!atleast her acting part& i dont get how Ruby has mellowed down all of a sudden! she used to be pretty fiesty!i hope the actress steps up!but everything else abut da episode was spectacular!loved da way Dean completely dominated over Diner demon!she didnt stand a chance!!
This season is shaping up to be pretty amazing!cant wait to see waht happens next!
Posted by: richa | September 21, 2008 1:24 PM
An excellent episode. I have watched it twice already. Thank God for the internet, I couldn't wait for this season to air in here where I live.
Loved AC/DC, a cool new SN opening (imo better than the season 3's opening) and the burned eyes were awesome, so creepy. It was good to see three Js working together and Dean's reunion with Bobby and Sam (and the Impala of course).
I liked Pamela, she was sharp, witty, attractive and well acted. Also the guy who played Castiel was wonderful and made the character very intriguing. I wasn't too happy about Ruby's comeback or that new actress but I'm not judging her yet.
The episode made me laugh out loud (Bobby splashing holy water on Dean while the boy was talking and Dean spitting it out with "I'm not a demon either you know." PRICELESS). Sam using his powers after flat out lying to Dean was a huge *jaw drop*! I hope Kripke & co won't screw with the brothers' relationship too much with all those secrets between Sam and Dean. This episode had some drama by brilliant actors as well and I could feel the tension building up.
Supernatural simply is the best series on TV.
The whole angels and God storyline was well introduced and I believe that Kripke & co can handle this. To me it sounds strange when someone says he can't enjoy that storyline because he don't believe in angels. Doesn't that same person enjoy demons storyline either or does he believe in demons? What about all the other creatures? I like to think it's only televison, not necessarily even meant to be real. It's called entertainment. I agree on Andy's comment.
I look forward to the next episode. I'm excited. Bring it on SN's awesome cast&crew!!
Posted by: WarriorGirl | September 21, 2008 12:11 PM
Loved it! Best Premiere ever!
Eric Kripke you are AWESOME!!! TIMES A BILLION!
Posted by: Lesley | September 21, 2008 8:57 AM
I think this year's season premiere was better than last year's. And isn't it great that the ratings for it were up 33% over last year? Yeah for them/us!!!
I'm looking forward to seeing where they go with everything they're setting up.
BEST HUG EVER!!!
I got a good laugh out of both Bobby tossing the holy water in Dean's face (perfect timing and expression on Jensen's face), and the whole exchange involving the guys and Pamela regarding a potential threesome.
I agree with whomever said that Pamela (or at least the actress portraying her) is the one to keep vs the Kristy/Ruby one. At least based on the first episode, K/R was just "too" soft .. muted .. fade into the background.
And also a disagreement .. it didn't really bother me so much that Dean slapped the demonic waitress. I saw this not as Dean slapping around a "woman", but as slapping a "demon" .. doesn't matter that IT wasn't physically attacking anyone at the time, IT is still "the bad guy."
Posted by: CandyMaize | September 20, 2008 8:28 PM
AWESOME Episode. It didn't skip a beat. Funny, emotional, scary & the OMG factor was thru the roof!! Brilliant acting, writing, directing, SFX, everything was spot on & BRILIANT.
Posted by: Glyconut (Jo) | September 20, 2008 6:51 PM
Words cannot express how much I loved this episode.
Dean is back and hotter than ever.
I loved Dean, Castiel, and Bobby. Liked Pamela. But I thought Ruby was extra cringeworthy (new actress sucks worse than Cassidy) and my love for Sam is on shaky ground.
After all the lies manipulation and interference from Ruby (they might have succeded in the finale if she hadn't of shown up, getting the demons attention in the process) not to mention her words to Dean about wishing she could see him suffering in hell; Sam actually continues working with her? Really? How quickly did Sam give up on getting Dean back anyway? How long was Dean's corpse cold before Sam claimed the impala as his own and installed the Ipod unit? How long did it take Sam to work on his powers when he promised Dean he wouldn't? These things reek of Sam dishonoring the brother who went to hell for him. He might as well have spit on Dean's grave while he was at it!
Also, the first day Dean is back, Sam acts slightly detached and actually bides his time so he can ditch Dean and the first possible moment. Huh? And is Sam sleeping with Ruby (raping the host in the process) or did Ruby inhabit the body of Kristy after Sam slept with her (then didn't remember her name)? Other than his apology and hug to Dean, Sam did not come off well in this episode.
Anyway despite my numerous issues with Sam (my issues were with Dean in last year's premiere) I adored this episode. I give it an A-.
Posted by: Con | September 20, 2008 12:35 PM
Firstly I have a question. Are Sam and Ruby a couple now? I thought at first that Sam had taking on some Dean traits since he's been gone, but then we find out she is really Ruby! WTF! Anyone else? But as far as the Angel goes-It works for me and it doesn't have anything to do with religion. It's all good vs. evil. If you are able to believe in demons then why not angels? If you can believe there are vampires walking amongst us then why not angels. Just trying to make a point "this is good t.v." and besides this is Kripke we are talking about. Demons are liars they will tell you anything to get what they want. hee hee just another something to think about. Things are not always what they seem.
Posted by: Constance | September 20, 2008 11:27 AM
Dear Eric Kripke: THANK YOU for giving Dean his own storyline in the mythology of the show, FINALLY!!!! Wow. This episode was FANTASTIC. I just LOVE the introduction of angels in our story and I absolutely adored Castiel and the actor who plays him. He and Jensen have great chemistry and that final scene was just ... woah ... SO GOOD! And Jensen Ackles was spot on in this episode. He is truly an outstanding actor. Welcome back, Supernatural!
Posted by: Claire | September 20, 2008 10:52 AM
So far I'm not impressed with the acting done by the new girl playing Ruby. I'm also really hoping that either the girl Sam slept with was possessed by Ruby AFTER than scene (Sam might recognize her in any body due to working with her these past few months) or else that it was all a big pretend fake-out about them sleeping together. Because I don't mind Sam flirting with the dark side but I'd have a problem with him sleeping with a girl who is possessed and not in control of her own body.
Otherwise I really enjoyed this episode. I liked Dean and Bobby's reunion (esp. that last water trick) and especially loved Dean and Sam's reunion and hug. Love Sam wearing the amulet and handing it over. Love the car and IPod scene. Wasn't thrilled about them splitting up and am wary about potential hints of brother vs. brother but we'll see where it goes.
I don't mind the angel thing because it makes sense that they'd be out there if demons are. It's clear that they have their own agendas as well and that even if they're angels, they're already seeming to stick more to the hardcore warrior idea of them. It's another wait and see because it could go really great or really bad depending on where Kripke is going with this.
Posted by: Brian | September 20, 2008 1:22 AM
I think this one shot to the top of my list of favorite episodes. Awesome twist on Dean's "escape" from Hell and Castiel is an intriguing addition to the cast.
Well done gang.
Posted by: DeanFTW | September 19, 2008 8:39 PM
The boys are back in town. *grins hugely*
With regards to the episode: Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Some of the good and some of the bad…
Top 10 good:
1. Circle of trees at grave. *jaw drops*
2. Bobby throwing holy water into Dean’s face. Perfect. Laughed out loud.
3. Dean saying ‘Really?’ on hearing Jason Manns on the Ipod.
4. Actress playing Pamela Barnes. Great combination of sexy and smart.
5. New opening – angel wings are great against the blood of the writing.
6. Sam exorcising with his mind. *jaw drops again*
7. Dean saying ‘Heya Sammy’ and the look on his face when he does.
8. Castiel. Don’t know the guy …a little bit of overkill on the mysterious questioning looks, but inspired casting. Pour yourselves a drink.
9. Castiel wings shot. Beautiful against the hieroglyphics ‘r’ us art project.
10. Neither Dean nor Sam taking the opportunity to tell each other the truth on the phone call. *rubs hands together gleefully*
Top 5 bad:
1. Actress playing Ruby sucks out loud (and is it just me or does she sound like Palin?)
2. Dean slapping waitress. Unnecessary and wrong. Beneath the show’s intelligence and class.
3. New Ruby saying ‘Are you two together?’ That joke is tired. Let it rest.
4. Diner being open for business at past twelve at night?
5. Telegraphing plot points like Sam going back to kill the demons.
But overall, more of the good than the bad.
Request: Switch actresses – Pamela should be long-term not Ruby.
Reserving judgement on: The God Dimension (although the angel rocks)
Last thought: Hands brand on Dean’s shoulders….note to self: religion freaky.
Last, last thought:
The boys are back in town.
*happiness*
Posted by: freefalling | September 19, 2008 7:45 PM
WOW... what an episode! I love that fact that they are exploring God and Angels... I just hope that Sam isn't evil!!!!!!
Posted by: Anneabell | September 19, 2008 3:35 PM
WOW!!!!! All I can say is WOW!!!!!
Ok, maybe that is not all I can say but crikey that was a BRILLIANT episode and I am soooooo thankful for the internet otherwise I would have missed out until maybe next year because I live in Australia. I loved all the little twists and turns this episode threw at us, I figured Sam would have developed his powers a bit but to see something completely new was........., well, really cool! Sorry to sound like a kid in a candy shop but this episode was so good that my stomach was in knots by the end of it and has left me craving for more!
Congratulations to everyone that works on Supernatural for a job well done, I love your work and cannot wait to see more of this season. Thank you for THE best show on television. Sincerely.
Posted by: AmandaF | September 19, 2008 3:06 PM
Loved this episode! Jensen was so spot-on in the entire episde, he really made me feel his anxiety, etc. when he was climbing out of the coffin.
I like the additions of angels, it would be completely depressing to just always have evil, if you have evil (demons), I think you need to have good (angels).
I thought Castiel was a great character and the actor was wonderful. He and Jensen had some great on-screen chemistry.
Posted by: Ana | September 19, 2008 3:05 PM
I was initially wary of introducing a "God Agenda", but there are many other films/series that have introduced it without making it "preachy" (my first thought was Dogma!)
Great episode, all I wanted and more (and I had pretty high expectations!) I like that they brought Ruby back (becuase Ruby is the demon, not the "meat suit", so it's obvious she'd be back in another disguise!)
Thank you, Show. I'm now remembering why I love you ;)
Posted by: Sharon | September 19, 2008 2:58 PM
All of it was awesome! I couldn't pick a favourite part.
But I gotta say, the "perky nipples" comment certainly made my day!
Posted by: Emily | September 19, 2008 2:12 PM
I think Castiel is Lucifer posing as an angel and using Dean to get close to Sam because that's the only way for their side to take Sam down. I think the brothers will ultimately go head to head but I think Dean will think he's fighting on Heavens side when really it will have been Sam all along and Sam will finally get the chance to save Dean in the end.
Posted by: Judi | September 19, 2008 1:51 PM
I have to say I really liked the fact they finally touched on the subject of "good" in the universe. In a past episode the writers toyed with the idea of an Angel that later turned out to be a spirit. In the episode Dean made it clear to Sam that he believed in the evil things in the world but that there is no good, that through all they've seen they'd never seen any evidence of a force for good. I think its going to be cool to see how Dean deals with this now that he's being confronted with it.
I am also curious to see how other fans will react to an Angel. I've already seen some reactions stating that having Angels in the mythology of the show "excludes religions" or that they will now be navigating a "religious minefield."
To those opinions I would like to point out that Angels and stories of angels can be found in the Torah, the Koran and the Bible. In many aspects the Greek, Roman and Norse gods also are much like Angels.
I didn't see anybody freak out about the christmas episode last year that had some Norse gods as the creatures of the week. Maybe thats just because many Vikings don't have hi-speed internet connections.
I think in the universe that Kripke and co have created there is plenty of room for Angels on one side and demons on the other. I think they can write some great stories without ever really bringing religion into it. They can write about angels without ever questioning Jesus, Muhammed or Abraham or stating that one faith is the correct one.
Posted by: Andy | September 19, 2008 1:18 PM
Overall I loved it, really didn't like the new Ruby though. I am seeing a whole load of brother conflict rearing it's ugley head and you don't need to be psychic to see it.
Posted by: erika | September 19, 2008 12:16 PM
Not sure of the "GOD" angle but...we shall see how it goes. I love the show no matter what. The premiere was awesome. THANKS Eric, Kim, Jensen, Jared and Jim for a great ride!!!!
It's gonna be a great season!
Posted by: Heather | September 19, 2008 11:54 AM
Loved the episode, but wish there was more of Sam in it. Loved the hug. Don't like to see the boys splitting up. Very disappointed, but not surprised to see Ruby back (and with an even worse actress) and apparently heading toward some sort of cliche star-crossed love story. Not particularly interested in seeing Castiel taking a huge role in the show. I like to see the brother fighting evil together. But Supernatural is still Supernatural - the best show on television!
Posted by: Barbara | September 19, 2008 11:30 AM
i hate the idea of "angel"
coz just like Dean, i don't believe it.
and it sounds tacky,
and it's kind of a deny of other religion.
still, i love the show~ i'll see how it goes.
KEEP UP!
Posted by: donotexist | September 19, 2008 10:43 AM
I actually really liked Katie Cassidy as Ruby and I think that they made a huge mistake bringing Ruby back with a different actress. I did not like Genevieve's performance at all and though I know Katie was cut for budget reasons, I think that Kripke et al will really regret not hanging onto her, or at the very least, not letting the character go with the actress.
Posted by: Jess | September 19, 2008 10:33 AM
This episode was everything I wished for! the only reason why I like the angel stuff is the fact that Castiel is a really creepy angel!
Posted by: cassi | September 19, 2008 10:06 AM
DEAN IS GOD'S WARRIOR!!! LOL!!!
THis season looks like it's going to be amazing, just judging from the first ep. God I can't wait for next THursday.
Posted by: Heather | September 19, 2008 9:56 AM
I don't have words for how brilliant that episode was - even throw Kripke threw me for a loop with the introduction of the new mythology. I couldn't be happier, though. BRILLIANT. Best episode yet, in my opinion, ranking right up there with WIAWSNB and BUABS and IMTOD.
As for Ruby.
Well, ok. I'm a BIG FAN of Genevieve's, and I'm willing (more than I was with Katie Cassidy, who did manage to finally pull it off in the finale) to give her a chance, simply because I adore her. I thought Katie overdid it, and right now, I have no problems with Genevieve's portrayal. It's hard to get used to, but I can't wait to see how she pulls off such a complex character. I hope she does Ruby justice, because there's a lot one could do with that role.
I can't even explain how excited I am for this season - and hopefully TONS more of Castiel.
Posted by: miss michelle | September 19, 2008 9:46 AM
Great start to the season!Really enjoyed the episode.... Not sure what to make of the angel bit though....could backfire on them,but could be good,we will have to wait and see!
But on my Sam using his pwers... god now that was a shock,it was awesome though,great to see a kick ass Sam... looking forward to more of the same!
Great to have the boys back!
Posted by: magser | September 19, 2008 9:26 AM