Supernatural Season 4 Episode 19 - Jump the shark

There were a lot of speculations about how this episode would turn out. Speculations turned into suspicions and it morphed into discussions and finally rested on fears. The fans fear the "Cousin Oliver" syndrome (at least the fans who love the plot, the mythos and the storyline of the Winchesters) as well as the addition of another Winchester boy into the mix. (On that note, why couldn't it have been a girl? I have no complaints about the hotness of the Winchesters but it would've been a hoot to throw a loop with some estrogen in it) I personally think it's amusing that some fans think of John as a loyal dedicated husband to that extreme. Heh, the conversation between the brothers regarding their father's sex life is classic. I don't think anybody would be comfortable talking about their parents having sex.

Speaking of Cousin Oliver, how hilarious is it that the diner's name is Cousin Oliver. Oh, the irony kills me!

Alright, on to the good stuff: I honestly felt for Dean here. I swear, sometimes I think Kripke is stalking me and my life! (wishful thinking, but I digress). To find out that you have a half sibling will always be a shocker, whether you're 8, 28 or 38. It comes as a bigger blow especially if you've idolized said shared parent of the newly acquainted sibling. It's a betrayal of epic proportions. It's jealousy and anger and hope all rolled into one. You're jealous because they've got memories and experiences that only you're supposed to have with said shared parent. At the same time though, you hope that this sibling's life can be better, that he/she can experience a different childhood (that is, if your childhood with said shared parent was not quite palatable) I think Jensen showed us another facet of Dean's character here. This was a betrayal on John's part, sure; it was something he was jealous of (birthdays, camping and fishing trips), positively; but it was also a second chance at giving ONE sibling a normal life. Some people may argue that Dean was just being selfish and didn't want Adam to be part of the tight partnership he and Sam had, but I object. It wasn't that he didn't want Adam to be part of it because he was being a selfish and jealous brother. He didn't want Adam to be part of it because he was being a responsible and protective big brother.

I think this episode is a good lead in to the great Winchester vs. Winchester face off. At least they got on with the tradition that one Winchester dies per season - it's just a half Winchester this time though.