***

The last episode has left us in a place where we were happy the brothers are back together yet, it also put us in a position wherein we are left wondering if it will ever be the same. Certain changes to a particularly strained relationship cannot render a relationship good as new or "Fresh" as Dean would've said. Again, good intentions but the motives behind it were a little skewy.

The episode in itself is a wonderful breather from the impending doom brought on by the apocalypse. Let it be said now, that Rachael expresses her dislike of the episode simple because it did not have any Castiel appearance in it. (I've done as you've asked, can I get on with my review now? lol!)

Like in any kind of strained relationship on the mend, the brothers find themselves tiptoeing around each other, trying to find the rhythm to dance to. Dean easily falls into the alpha role as he is bound to do so, to which Sam feels a certain distaste to. (All will be explained in good time as the episode progresses)

I just have a quick question though - what was up with the shaky camera movement during the confrontation between the brothers? I'm sure they can afford a steady cam - as we've seen in previous episodes, especially a lot during season 3 (what, with the chase scenes between Dean and the Hellhounds and all?). But I feel like they just hand held the cams here - and those cameras are heavy. Were they going for the "reality tv" feel? There was some emotion in that mise en scene, a bothersome emotion. Perhaps that's what the director wanted us to feel - like everything was on shaky ground again between Sam and Dean; like anything can trigger another break in the already fragile and fractured fraternal relationship. It's cool and all but for someone who has vertigo - it isn't fun.

Oh...and I have to take a moment to rewind a particular scene in the episode over and over again...you guessed it - Sammy with the shotgun. Just seeing those beautiful fingers load the gun gives me the shivers *huge grin and gutter thoughts* Sigh...Kripke loves me...

We all had our apprehensions with Paris Hilton guesting in the show. Inasmuch as I hate to say this - she actually did a good job. Of course, the fight scenes were shot in extreme close up because I highly doubt it can look that good when shot from a different angle but still, she did like, totally awesome.

On an existential standpoint, what the "god" said hit close to home. At least in the olden days we worshipped gods - celestial beings that brought forth such magnanimous power of destruction and creation. Now, we worship fellow human beings whose only claim to being close to a deity is having a sex video and is a hotel heiress. It seems like it truly is the end of days.

I like the ending - there was a resolution and there was closure. It made a lot of sense for the brothers to end the past and start with the present this way. It's time and it's appropriate - especially if they're going to focus on the task of killing Lucifer.

Loved the preview for the next episode as well. Hilarious!!! Jared did a wonderful impression of Horatio Caine.

Supernatural - Thursdays 9pm/8ct only on the CW.

Click here to watch the season Premiere of Supernatural Season 5

I'm typing a review as I watch along so bear with me...

Opening montage/recap of season 4 - music by ACDC (Thunderstruck). I know a lot of people were probably expecting Kansas' "Carry on Wayward Son" which in essence has become the show's theme song, but I appreciate the symbolism of the song used for the montage. It was a very good choice and a great way to foster in the season's mood.

We start where we left off last time which was pretty much Lucifer's grand returning entrance into the world. Great opening sequence and I'm loving the new OBB! This is pretty much "the aftermath" sequence where, Kripke (genuflects) allows us to let go of a fracking long breath that we've been holding since Season 4 ended. I so love how Zachariah uses the word "synergy" - like this is one big corporate takeover instead of the apocalypse. Christ (no pun intended) I've heard that word being tossed around in the office like it was supposed to mean something. Trust me, Dean - I have the same sentiment. Just a quick question though on continuity - when did Dean make the symbol?

Dean has made breaking hearts while looking good possible. (I think Tammy and the other Dean GGs would agree) The internal conflict was too impalpable that you can almost touch it. On one side, he's relieved that their relationship is "back to normal" so to speak - with Sam rightfully by his side. I guess that's why he's trying to ignore the whole slip up Sam did. Well, it's kind of a HUGE slip up - letting the Devil out and all... But in true Dean fashion - he focuses on the job and not the "chick flick" moment.

If vessels for angels were chosen from a certain criteria. I wonder what makes Nick so special...
And I guess we all know what makes Becky so "special". *chuckles and sighs* Fangirls...gotta love 'em. Although, Becky better have great reflexes when the Sammy Girls pounce on her for pawing Sam like that and she's gotta watch out for the Dean ladies wanting to pounce on her for scoffing at Dean like that, that's all I'm saying...

So, I'm guessing that this season's "Colt" is the sword of Michael the Archangel. I think I wrote this down previously - about Dean being pegged as THE Saint Michael. Biblical mythology states that it was Michael who grappled and battled with Lucifer ergo, Dean being the Michael needs his trusty weapon. So, there's Sammy with a shotgun and Dean with the swordplay....I like. And I think I'll have my FB status changed to "That's Michael? He looks like Cate Blanchett!"

In true Sam fashion as well, he chooses to ignore the subtexts that Dean was sending out. But Sam is Sam and if there's something that Sam does just as well as his brother does, it's self-punishment. He wants to be punished for what he's done and he knew that Bobby would be the one to dish out the hurting once he pushed all the right buttons. Bobby seems to be so quick on the draw to play the part! Didn't he want to save Sam? Wasn't it he who tried to tell Dean that Sam must be saved no matter what? It breaks my heart...

And there's the "What the...?!" moment. Bobby?? Possessed?? Didn't he take precautions for this NOT happening?? *facepalms* Oh, and hey Meg...I liked you better as a blonde, but I gotta give props for this 2.0 version. She's got the brains to actually study the character the way Nicki Aycox left her. (note to self - make sure to get an agent in LA, bring the jackets - one for Helena and one for me...on to our regularly scheduled program)

Noooo!!!! BOBBY!!!!!

Okay...this is where I'll be all incoherent and undecipherable. So, lemme get this straight...Dean's an angel condom, also a symbolism for the sword and....WTH?!

And cue my squeal please as Castiel makes an entrance. (Rachael's squeal is also heard from a thousand miles away) Although I'd rather have Enochian symbols on my skin rather than on my ribs, thank you.

HA! Ha! and double HA! What did I tell you about Lucifer being a woman? Huh? Huh? HUH?! *gloats and does the dance of joy* Okay...so maybe just for this time, she's a woman...but thank you, Kripke - you DO love me. *bats eyelashes*

Here's where I get the whole idea of Sam ignoring Dean's subtexts - it's because he really does know what those subtexts are. Dean ignoring the situation about sam bringing on the apocalypse is really Dean ignoring the fact that he might not be able to forgive Sam - not this time. I guess that's why Sam wanted Bobby to punish him and not Dean; because he can take Bobby's punsihment but he can't take his own brother's... *holds heart* Ugh....Damn you, Kripke...

All in all - this season looks pretty amazing...

Ruby 2.0

Original Ruby (The one that really rocks)

The Original Meg

Meg 2.0

*grins*

Seriously though, look at all the bad girls on Supernatural - They've got to have a leather bomber jacket. It's like a staple!

I just want to let Eric Kripke know that I own two of these babies. I mean, if that's a requirement, I just want you to know I've got it.

Click here to watch the season finale of Supernatural.

Sonuvabitch. Sonuvabitch!!!!

That has got to be the best season finale yet! The clifhanger-y air of it! ( I know there's no such word but bear with me. My vocabulary has left my brain)

Okay...on with the review:

Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett wrote a book titled "Good Omens" where the Anti-Christ was misplaced and was taught to be a decent human being instead. Kinda like what happened here, huh? Plus, I think the name of the convent/orphanage was St. Mary's. Very Gaiman-ish. I highly approve.

I think the set designers had a blast with this episode's set. The whole European hotel room was both impressive and tongue in cheek. The details they put in the room was creepily impressive. (The gilded frames, the little statuettes and the harp! Oh the harp! That floored me!)

I also loved the camera shots and techniques. The unfocused slide to clarity ECU (Extreme Close Up) shot deserved a little applause and a quiet "whoa" from me. It makes the emotions from both Winchesters more focused (ironic, isn't it) and more powerful. It conveys confusion, internal conflict and then disambiguated clarity. Visceral shots for visceral emotions. Applause, applause.

The overall set showed the extremes which is the foundation of the show: good, evil, angels, demons, light and dark. However, it's what lies beneath that is all gray! There are gray areas! I mean, Lilith in white? The apparent quintessential token sacrifice? Angels who kill other angels, angels who want to break free from their bonds of military obedience. The only constant there is that demons will always be demons. Kinda makes me think in retrospect that Sam should've just jumped Lilith's bones. (Oh by the way Mr. Kripke, I'm still waiting for Dean Winchester hot sexin' action. Sam's up to 3 with Dean's 2. And would there be any chance for us fangirls to see Castiel naked? No? How about half naked? Still a no? A nipple? Okay, OKAY! I'm stopping!)

I loved the mirror scene. It's so simple and yet so freaking poetic! It's the illusion of endlessness, a vicious cycle of creation and destruction. And who are there all the time? Who's the constant? Angels. Damn freakin angels. Of course demons are a given.

On the acting side, it was Jared Padalecki who got the laurels for this one. I was starting to think that Sam was stagnating into a two dimensional character with two major emotions (Sam has two settings: bitchface brooding emo and arrogance). He has given a stunning performance in terms of expressing conflict, desperation for his brother's approval, a sense of duty and doubt in what was truly righteous and downright evil. It was a maelstrom of emotions that he had to show and pull up like a freaking deck of cards so fast that I'm pretty sure he had to detox after each shot. I mean, I've never seen actors come out of that kind of a characterization unscathed. (And believe me, I've seen a lot)

Jim Beaver deserves a Best Supporting Actor award. The pain and frustration was very much felt and it was a personal relief that he did what he did and said what he said. I mean, it was always there like the damn sword of Damocles but he had the guts and the right to let it out like that (About John being a coward and all) Hats off to you, Jim.

I was asked why I'm not reacting to the supposed ill placed humor in the script. Well, honestly, this is how Dean handles stress and tension. His quips, sarcasm and snarkiness is what he's got as the first line of defense. Never mind that we find it funny (seeing that we're on the other side of the fishbowl), if you were in his shoes, you'd be making those quips as well. Besides, the whole episode is dark and heavy enough, you need the Dean Winchester patented defensive humor to lighten the mood a bit. But Dean as Michael de Arcanghel? Badass. I think I read a fanfic about that. It was mostly crack but yeah, I can see how that's possible.

Finally! FINALLY! Ruby is no more. (Please, please let me believe she isn't coming back because I can't stand it if she's resurrected.) I knew she had an ulterior motive to everything. That freaky little skank almost got me believing her. I think the closest I can get to a Winchester threesome is that scene, and truth be told, I think I wet my panties a little. (Okay so maybe it's not exactly how I want my Winchester sandwich to be because I'd like to keep the blood in my body, within my body, but you get the point, right?)

***

I think Kripke et al are into some sick form of Dom and Sub, wherein we fans are the Subs and he's the sadistic Dom. The fact that we know next season is going to be the last season excites and depresses us. We know he's going to make it good, so good for all of us (and for his benefit as well) and the reason why he's going to make is exquisite is because it's the last season. It's like the last night with your lover: You want it to be the best.

So, I'm guessing we'd just have to sustain ourselves with fanfiction while waiting for Season 5.

***

I'm still available for a screen test, by the way. You need an Asian on the show. A FILIPINA.

I'm just saying...

I felt for Dean. I really did. This is going to be good, I can feel it.

Winston Churchill once said "If you're going through hell, keep going." Smart man. Of course, he's dead so we can't really tell if he's in hell and if he's just like a freaking energizer bunny 0n the going part.

***
You know, I've been thinking about it and I realized that there aren't any Asians playing prime roles on Supernatural. There was the possessed Asian girl in "After School Special" but that's just about it. And her moment of acting glory was stabbing Sam and kicking him in the nads?

It is of course, more socially acceptable and politically admired to have an Asian land a good role on the show. I think Mr. Kripke is discounting the number of Asian fans. In the Philippines alone, you'd have quite a number of very loyal fans of the show (of course, you have to chalk it up to the fact that Filipinos as as superstitious as you can imagine and Filipinas objectify hot men on a daily basis it has become a national pastime.)

Okay, okay. It's a pathetic attempt at trying to sell myself to act on the show. It was a funny conversation that I had a while back with my hubby. He saw me all serious in writing reviews after reviews of the show's episodes.

"Who reads that?" He asked.

"People who know how." Of course I got a raised eyebrow from him. "People who watch the show and who actually like reading my reviews."

"Like the guys from Supernatural would read that." he playfully scoffed.

"Hey, for all you know Eric Kripke himself might be plurking on my blog and reads these reviews. One of these days, he's going to email me and he's going to ask me to be on the show. I am, after all, an actress before I'm a writer."

He laughed and then he hugged me patronizingly. "You're good. But you're not that good."

"Keep one eye open while you sleep. Besides, stranger things have happened."

Yeah... I know it's never going to happen but I'm not saying that out loud. I might jinx it.

I have a confession to make.

I initially thought that this episode was going to be a little lacking. I had my reservations about it and quite frankly, I was expecting to be disappointed. I thought it's a "breather" episode that would ruin the momentum of the pacing that was set from the previous two episodes. I was wrong, I admit it - Kripke is a god.

Oh it was funny. It's the kind of funny that won't be as much if you didn't know Dean since the pilot. The little nuances of the (anti)Dean is quirky enough to be funny: the way the hair was styled, the constant smoothing of the tie. Then there's the obvious ones, I mean, did you see the amount of milk he put in his coffee? I cocked my brow and shook my head. The kicker though was when he got in his car. I literally screamed "Sacrilege! Adulterer!" (or Car-erer...or something. You guys get my point, right?) He still had Dean in there though: the vanity (please, cleansing diet? No carbs?), the cockiness and the snarkiness. Quite interesting though, it was this anti!Dean that blatantly showed his intelligence. Then again, it could just bias since this entire set up was that angels' doing. And, oh my Jehovah's witness - are his nails manicured?

Was it just me or was there a Filipino pun in there? The "Don't heat your fish here, it stinks" sign is very reminiscent of the bagoong joke about pinoys. I'm pretty sure there's a sign like that in a call center somewhere. Oh, and suspenders, Dean? Red suspenders at that! The Devil approves.

Again, I'm going to spend a couple of inches of space to race about Jensen's acting. The shift of character and idiosyncrasies from Dean Smith to Dean Winchester was both abrupt and subtle. The final sequence where Zacharia and Dean were in confrontation was actually quite witty and humorous. You'd think Dean would know what decoupage is, right? Then again, that's the hilarity of it.

It was also interesting to see the inter and co dependence the Winchester's have of and on each other. If it were up to Dean, he'd really just up and leave. But he needs Sam as his lifeline, as his guide. This is pretty much the same for Sam. Sam is the catalyst, the agitating chemical that creates a reaction from Dean. Even in a world where they're supposed to be total strangers, they still gravitate toward each other. Says a lot about instinct and primal urges.

Now comes the part where I declare my love for Eric Kripke, Sera Gamble et al. I know, the character was a dude but the dude had my name and that's all that freaking matters! WOOT! WOOT! I'm turning those soundbites into message alert tones and ring tones for my phones! Sam and Dean Winchester saying my name. Dean Winchester shouting my name out. I can die now. Never again will I complain about the masculinity of my name. I love my name.

Back to saner things... For someone who declares that he doesn't believe in destiny, he's pretty much wrapped around it. Dean needed this, more than Sam did. Dean needed to be placed in that perspective of "outside, looking in". The harder truth is easier to accept if someone else says it for you. Zacharia (Thank you again, Kripke. That's my oldest son's name.) couldn't have said it better. It's scary to even think about what Dean is really destined for.

My mind did a little back step when Zacharia commented about his vessel being smelly. Wasn't this the same thing Uriel said about humans? I've watched the episode three times and every time, my spidey sense tingles.

The only criticism I'd have would be that change in contrast and colors when the big reveal happened. It's dramatic, yes and I'm pretty sure that it's symbolic as well but it's also cliche-ish. It's like painfully stating the glaring obvious.

All in all, I think it's a wonderful episode - a perfect episode to set the next mood and to transition Dean from a whiney angst addled man into the badass hunter that he truly is.