“Supernatural” Episode 10.12, “About a Boy” starring Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki; Written by Adam Glass; Directed by Serge Ladouceur.
I feel like the general consensus of fan opinion on this episode is one of disappointment – a lot of viewers were wildly excited about the premise. I, on the other hand, was evenly tepid on the idea of Dean being turned into a teen, so I was pleasantly surprised. I do still have some growing qualms about the direction the season is taking, but at least I’m enjoying myself on the way to the finale.
I hope we’re getting a new “Supernatural” tradition. I hope it’s going to be A Thing. The music has always been a large part of the show, with trademark songs and a good ol’ rawk tune thrown into pivotal moments. But already a few times this season the show has opened with a poignant scene set to a deep catalog gem, and tonight featured the James Gang’s “Ashes the Rain and I.” I almost wonder if the choice was made based purely on the weighted pause that introduces a second movement to the song, as it was timed brilliantly with Dean Winchester’s heartbreaking insight into the reality of his condition. Seriously, it was such a simple moment but might make the top five in a list of favorite “Supernatural” moments for me. So powerful.
While the episode started on a pretty heavy tone, that of Dean pouring over tomes and texts, staring woefully into lore instead of porn, the mood shifted nicely when Sam and Dean decided to pursue a case in Oregon.
The brothers investigate the disappearance of a local man after he vanished with a poof, leaving behind only his clothes. While stumped as to the possible villain, the circumstances suggest otherworldly play. Upon further investigation, they deduce that it wasn’t aliens (petition to get Giorgio on the show, please and thank you) and that their only lead for further problem solving is the scent of an unknown flower left in the wake of our missing drunk.
Sam steps out to research further while Dean stays to investigate in the bar. I know, I know, eyeroll, of course he’s gonna Cain out if he’s around the booze – but thankfully the writers took us elsewhere. They took us to a very human conversation with a pretty lady over several glasses of dark and strong liquor. Dean makes a friend, which was another contrition to the mark. But just as Dean resigns himself to not having a Lonely Drifter Christmas, a nefarious looking man follows his new pal out the door.
Dean follows, and is greeted by a flash of white, and then everything goes to commercial.
When we return, Dean is locked in a basement, along with his new pal Tina and the aforementioned Local Man. And they’re all, like, 14. Their abductor is played by Mark Acheson, best known for his role as Mailroom Friend to Buddy the Elf. Also known as the guy I see in shows and immediately think “wait, did the Big Show get wee?”
I digress. Dean heroes up, finds Sam, hijinks, boner jokes, witches, Hansel and Gretyl, day saved. None of that is really important. The main theme of the show was the lengths Dean would go to in order to be free of the Mark, and conversely the boundaries Sam isn’t prepared to cross. Dean would have begrudgingly stayed in his Beiber Form, but Sam wasn’t ready to accept that. So when Dean is restored to his thirtysomethings, the Mark comes back. Which, der, we’re only like half way through the season.
The episode was OK. The child actors, also, we’re just OK (look, I know I’m a dick when it comes to young actors and I can be a little unreasonable, but at least I acknowledge that it’s my problem and not necessarily that of the actors). I enjoy that the writers are showing us the ways Dean can handle the Mark without pointing at them with flashing red “lookie” signs. I like the blending of classic folklore and modern horror being utilized with a twist of humor, as the show can sometimes get a bit heavy handed with that stuff. Mostly I like that the show is finally narrowing to a focus, as evidenced by Hansel and his witch seeking out Rowena on behalf of the Grand Coven.
But what gives me cause for concern is the steady pattern of mediocrity this season. It should be noted that I will enjoy mediocre “Supernatural” more than just about any other “horror” show on television (yes, even that one on AMC, sorry), but a show that just got renewed for an unprecedented 11th season should have a little more… voom. Yup, made that up, still gonna use it. As in “va va.” Dean is in a dangerously bad mood, Crowley is being duped by his mum, and Cas is just doing weird extraneous shit. I feel like something is missing.
BUT. For every complaint I listed there is hope. Dean’s a Big Bad, but he and Sam are having honest conversations whereas they previously had manly, “I’m fine until I’m not fine” BM’s. I still hold hope that Crowley is, in fact, not being played like Johnny’s fiddle and is actually manipulating Rowena. OK the Cas stuff still bothers me, actually. If he’s going to be a regular, give him purpose beyond mediating angelic wars and making amends.
What say you, fellow hunters? Do you like this season, or do you like-like it? Circle yes or no. Do you know what spice is missing from the stew, or am I just being impatient? As always, I look forward to your thoughts!