Scarecrow Review

It’s been a long time since a new episode aired, and absence definitely makes the heart grow fonder. Dean was even more enjoyable of a scoundrel this time around, and Sam managed to intrigue me with his choices. Both brothers continue to demonstrate a complex psychology of pain and regret, which gives this series an emotional depth. Considering that this is another episode with a relatively standard approach to a horror film staple, it really was all about the characters.

That includes John Winchester and Meg. As these two characters step into the picture, the series’ premise complicates in some interesting and unexpected ways. The executive procedures have the pedigree to make it work, and by establishing a credible and stylized basis for things that would otherwise seem cliché, the writers make the idea of warring generations of good and evil a fun prospect.

There’s a “sins of the father” mystique inherent to the show’s premise, so I’m not surprised that Dean and Sam will find themselves at war with the children of their demonic tormentor. Is this an indication that Meg’s father was a human at one point, and that he struck back at the Winchesters as a spirit after death? Or was Meg’s father always demonic?

Nearly all of the indications thus far suggest that the entity that killed Dean and Sam’s mother targeted the Winchesters specifically. Just the fact that they are a family with a “hunting” tradition could have explained that, but the conflict appears to be more personal. If it is all about a generational conflict playing itself out, then the problem isn’t solved by eliminating the entity that killed their mother. It also becomes a question of convincing the current generation, Meg and her likely siblings, to lay down arms and stop fighting someone else’s fight.

That appears to be what Meg was ordered to do: find a way to break up the brothers and stop them from being an effective team, thus making them more vulnerable. Meg was clearly raised to hate the Winchester brothers, even if she’s very good at hiding it through charm (though the writers did make her true intentions a little too obvious). There’s still much to learn about Meg and her parentage, but if the writers keep their feet on the ground, it should be very interesting.

It’s good that Sam’s solo adventure had more going for it, because it helped the character explore new ground. Dean’s solo adventure, while fun at times (complete with gorgeous young woman to rescue!), also felt rather mundane. The overall idea of an older generation sacrificing the younger generation to preserve their own status quo did seem to resonate with the revelation at the very end, but it certainly wasn’t a strong metaphor.

Casting was also a mixed bag. Meg seems to have the charm and presence to play the distaff opposition to the Winchesters, and Emily was just plain gorgeous. But I wasn’t at all pleased with the one scene with William B. Davis. Why bring in such a credible guest star for a scene that could have utilized anyone with equal effectiveness? Contrast that to his appearance on “Stargate: SG-1”, and there’s no contest. But that’s a minor complain for an episode that had plenty going for it.