‘Supernatural’ Episode 10.2 – “Reichenbach” – Written by Andrew Dabb; Directed by Thomas J. Wright; Starring Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Misha Collins, and Mark A. Sheppard.
Tonight’s episode opened with a sprinkling of back story for young Cole, and then erupted into a flawlessly executed montage of violence. Sam took his licks and didn’t flip on his brother, while miles away Dean punishes a bouncer because he wasn’t allowed to touch a stripper. True, it was no Baptism of Fire, but it was a great juxtaposition of fortitude: Sam would take a hammer to the knee for something that might not even be his brother anymore and Dean threw a tanty because he didn’t get his pie. We learn that Cole watched Dean “murder” his father and has spent his life learning killing stuff in order to hunt and end Dean Winchester. Hannah and Cas are still waxing philosophical on their road trip, and everyone in the world blames Dean’s mega douchery on the Mark of Cain. Also Sam’s alias this week was Lemmy Kilmister and that pleases me to no end, but Dean referred to Baby as “just a car” so the world is dark and everything hurts.
Though I do have some quibbles, I think episode two ran laps around the premiere. Let’s start with the –
Awesome, Jaw-Droppingly Good Stuff:
- I fully recognize that sometimes I sound like the Grand Poobah of the Jensen Ackles Worship Society, but that’s not without good reason. With every year that Dean Winchester exists, Ackles improves his skills. I ask you to recall my numerous rants from last season that called forth all the things I don’t like in villainous performances; smirks, weird enunciation, posturing, acting like you’re acting. Because Ackles does none of those things. Demon!Dean is chilly, ruthless, and void of empathy as an extension of his being, not because he needs to show you how eeeeeville he is. Ackles has been doing this for nine years, so I can’t even imagine how much fun he is having as the Big Bad for a change.
- I’m greatly enjoying the showcase of Crowley’s code. Frankenstein can no longer control the monster so he is severing ties. The King of Hell knows how delicate the balance of his kingdom is. He has meetings and entertains proposals, he put forth rules to ensure growth and not only does he follow them without exception, he demotes those without the same vision. But along comes a mouthy former Hunter who jeopardizes all that Crowley rules and it’s time to turn tail. Crowley rats Dean out to Sam and scurries off with the Blade. Do any of you really think he’ll destroy it? I don’t – true, he told Sam he would and I just raved about the moral code of a Demon, but Crowley’s means always serve Hell, and his own place within it, first and foremost. Sadly it would appear that the Underworld Odd Couple is at an end, but I appreciate the writers not milking a gimmick if it doesn’t serve to further the arch. But I wonder if Demon!Dean is still afraid of Hell Hounds.
- Oooh, dat fight choreography! The show was book ended by some great action. The aforementioned montage threw matching punches in seamless cuts, and Cole’s showdown with Dean was executed with skill and comfort. TV action can often come across as hokey when compared to its cinematic kin, but Supernatural always manages to set a high curve when it comes to the brawl.
The “I Can’t Believe it Took Five Years to Make That Joke:”
- “Asstiel.” *snicker*
The “How Much Do You Think My Head Weighs:”
- Ugh, The Adventures of Mooney Eyes and the Broken Angel. I get so bored during the Castiel/Hannah scenes. I know that this happens almost every season for me: I bitch about a subplot that seems wildly out of place and forced, and it almost always comes full circle and works out by the end of the season. Maybe I need to be more patient, or maybe the show needs to find its way just a smidge faster. Either way, I turn in to Jack Black during these scenes and literally yell “ah GAH take FUREVER” at my television. Cas needs his grace, Hannah is a catalyst with an unknown purpose, and Metatron may or may not still be a formidable foe. I see the point of Hannah witnessing the beauty of humanity, but beyond that these events are wildly “yada yada” for me.
- The Cole subplot seemed to be a catalyst as well, one that would serve to unite Sam and Dean under a common battle. I still think this is true, but I’m starting to suspect that he might be much more important. Raise your hand if you think Cole’s going to read all those Demon books, do something incredibly stupid, and become the season’s Big Bad. *raises hand*
The “Suspension of Disbelief Max Capacity Claxon Alarm:”
- I can overlook a lot of stuff that would make other viewers cry foul, friends and neighbors. Like, a lot. I am not the person who looks for plot holes in fantasy stories, and you know what? Usually if I find one, provided I’m enjoying the ride, I don’t give a shit. But I’m supposed to believe that Cole has stalked and studied Dean Winchester for eleven years, knows his name, reputation, and infamy, yet has absolutely no knowledge of supernatural phenomena? Ah-oooga, y’all. Ah-oooga.
I’m honestly still trying to find the Reichenbach connection. It’s been a couple decades since I last read “The Final Problem,” but I am not ashamed to admit I’m struggling. If I remember, Holmes dodged death three times before sending Watson on a goose chase and faking his own death (no, you don’t get a spoiler alert for a century old story). Cas and Dean each have a Watson and a Moriarty, but does that make Crowley the innkeeper? What? No, but, like, Dean dodged death, no OK just the once, kind of, but Crowley’s faking Blade destruction… Cas… with the Metatron stuff… yeah no I got nothin’. If you see the connections I’m totally missing, leave them in the comments below.
Next week looks to be nice and sinister, with high probability of angst and heartbreak. In other words, “Supernatural” at its best.