By John Keegan
The summer between seasons has been somewhat controversial for “Supernatural”. Fans went from incredibly pleased over the third season pick-up to deeply critical over supposed creative changes to the show, sight unseen. Some passionate fans sent letters to the network and the production staff with a list of demands. Needless to say, this gave the fandom a bit of a black eye, and there are some who consider “Supernatural” fans a bit too devoted for their own good (or the good of the show, for that matter).
The bottom line, however, is how well the show is made. The second season was a massive creative success, despite fan reactions to some of the changes, and this season has just as much of a chance. If nothing else, the writing staff has set up a strong premise for the season arc, leaving any thoughts to anything more to another day. The objective is to take advantage of the season they have.
I don’t know if Dean’s personal situation was meant to be a metaphor for the series or not, but it definitely works. Dean has come to short-term grips with his choice to save Sammy at the cost of his own soul, and he’s living it up as a result. Dean has always been hedonistic and “in the moment”, but this is taking it up a notch. The writers do a great job, however, of keeping it within realistic boundaries. This is Dean on overdrive; all his choices regarding excess are perfectly in keeping with his previously established personality.
Similarly, Sam’s reaction to Dean’s behavior fits his psychology. Sam does his best to keep his disapproval from showing, but his focus is on Dean’s salvation. He’s not going to be good with the situation, regardless of Dean’s stance on the subject, and he’s certainly not going to give up on finding an alternative. Sam carries too much guilt and self-doubt as it is.
Bobby’s presence will no doubt help fill the role held by Ellen in the second season, though it would be good to see her again as well. Bringing in Isaac and Tamara was equally important. Bobby and Isaac represent two opposing viewpoints within the hunter community. Bobby understands what happened with the Brothers Winchester and the gate to Hell, and that there was a lot more to the situation than a “mistake”.
Isaac, on the other hand, speaks for the hunters like Gordon in the second season, those ready to put a bullet in the back of Sam’s head to end the potential threat he represents. It makes sense that many of the hunters (perhaps most of them) would see the Winchesters as a menace to be avoided or eliminated, especially now that the war is upon them. This could be an interesting aspect of the third season, given the brothers’ legal status. As the demonic threat escalates, the Winchesters are more and more isolated. (Which means, of course, that they will eventually uncover the key to winning the war, because that’s how these things work!)
Nothing is cut and dry on “Supernatural”, so subtle but meaningful differences will emerge among the hunters as they are encountered. In the case of Ruby, for example, almost nothing is revealed in this episode. She arrives on the scene, provides enormous assistance in taking down the demons, saving Sam in the process, and leaves without explanation. Just enough to demonstrate her effectiveness, which immediately sets her apart from Jo as a competent and experienced hunter, despite her relative youth. (Compare this to the portrayal of Kara on “Smallville”, and the difference in quality of choice is readily apparent.)
If there is weakness in this episode, it is the choice in “villain”. The living incarnation of the “seven deadly sins” would have been a lot more interesting if they could have been explored in more depth. Take Lust, for example. Given Dean’s current state of mind, she could have been the primary opponent in an episode of her own, and it could have led to an interesting and revealing showdown between Dean and Sam. That’s just the most obvious example, but it illustrates the point. Focusing a total of seven episodes on those demons might have been overkill, but this felt too quick for such a resonant concept.
That said, if nothing else, I’ve learned to trust the writers and producers of “Supernatural” enough to accept their choices and enjoy the ride. There’s still a lot of ground to cover with the fallout from the second season finale, and it may take a little time to grasp the enormity of what the Brothers Winchester face.
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