There are a lot of things that are monumental to this episode, the first and most obvious is that this episode was directed by Jensen Ackles. I have to commend his directorial debut and it couldn't have happened to a better actor than that of Jim Beaver. I guess I have a biased love towards character actors and under-rated and under-exposed actors, seeing that I am one. (and yes, that was a huge hint Eric Kripke and Sera Gamble.)

We, as an audience, often look at support characters only as that - support characters. We put them in that box wherein the only thing that they are made and/or built to do is to support the lead characters in their success. We don't look at them as a complete and separate character that has a back story, a life, an entire different thing that we are not privy to or we just choose to ignore. The funny thing is, we do this in real life as well. We take a look at our friends or the people that surround us and we look at them and we oftentimes take them for granted and see them only as objects that can aid us in our successes.

We're offered a wonderful gift in this episode - a glimpse into Bobby's life and character. He really does a lot of things for The Life. The research, the phone calls (this was the one that cracked me up the most) and all this while he's working on his own personal stuff.

The episode also gives us a nice perspective on demons. They're just ghosts with a hyperactive ego.

***

Damn you, Eric Kripke...Add to my depression, why won't you?

Told you, the very funny episodes are preparations for the next heavy episodes.

I can't write a review right now as I am emotionally drained...

***

In honor of Halloween, allow me to dedicate the first few sentences of this review to my hormone driven, shallow and girly personality. (makes a hand gesture and out comes "the girl")

I don't know about you but Patrick (Hal Ozsan) is hot! There's something about his accent and his hair and his lips that make me go hmmm... His eyes are so hypnotic as well; like he's undressing you with it. Of course, Jared's hotness is already a given (don't be jealous, baby)

Chad Everett was kind of adorable as well and maybe (yes, maybe) even hot. For a senior citizen, he's still kinda hot. Okay, maybe it's just me. But he is really cute.

Okay...girly moment over. I'm stuffing her back into the bottom of the chest and will not come out until next Halloween.

For me, the episode was all very moving and very poignant. If there's one thing I like about Supernatural is that even if the show's whole theme is fictional - they try to humanize the characters in it - yes, even the supernatural beings in it. I thought this episode was very moving because it dealt with a lot of human emotions and conflicts.

First, there's that struggle between chasing after hope out of desperation. Often, we find ourselves struggling and searching for hope but we search for it in the wrong places. Bobby was searching for hope in that card game, hoping to gain his self respect back by gaining the use of his legs. He was measuring his worth against his capability to hunt, not even considering how important he truly is to the brothers, with or without self mobility.

It's funny that Dean was actually given a gift in this episode. The presumption was that they'll never live to be that age - as hunters. Now, he was given a chance to know how it is to be a hunter AT that age. He has now understood how his "unhealthy eating habits" will affect him in the future. See? Something great came out of the ugly situation. (Of course I couldn't stop laughing with that entire sequence in the motel room: Dean in that robe, the "grumpy old men" comment, the old chicken junk comment, the "you're just like my grandpa" scene...hilarious!!)

Gray areas and perception was also a sub theme in this episode. We have fallen prey to a lot of presumptions and assumptions about people. I've always believed that in this life, it's all about perception management. It's about how people see you, how you want people to see you and the truth about who you really are. We put people in stereotypes and generalizations; we label them and we often can't see beyond that label - rich, poor, kind, evil, slut, flirt, nerd, etc. We often can't see beyond a label we stick anyone. The layering of Patrick's character was amazing - the character was well written and it kind of left me wondering if a lot of other people think about how one person can go beyond a label or a stereotype. Or, do we just fall prey into the stereotype - that people can't change; that once a (insert label of choice here) always a (repeat label here). Can a leopard really change his or her spots? Can we teach an old dog new tricks? If the only things constant in this world are death, taxes and change, why is it so hard for us to accept the concept of change?

Anyway... going back. I love veteran actors. They've got so much tricks and techniques that you just can't help but be amazed by their performances. Chad Everett got Dean down pat - from his little idiosyncrasies and mannerisms (the open arms gesture, the "twinge", the furrowed brows and even the delivery of the lines was down pat Dean. Chad is the man! I wonder what kind of prep work he had to do.

Here we also see Sam coming into his own as a man. Although they too, fall prey to the trappings of stereotypes (as seen in one sequence where Bobby asked for help to be wheeled up.) But we see Sam come up as a man of his own - trying to save his family and proving his worth on his own. *sigh* Makes me want to just hold him and make him feel all good about himself...(slaps girly self: "Didn't I stuff you in a chest with locks?!")

Great episode. It's almost cruel to say the cliche: I laughed, I cried, I had a great tme.

Supernatural is seen Thursdays on the CW. 9pm/8CT

This has got to be the freakiest opening sequence ever. Well, the sight of a shirtless Sam will always cause a lot of women trying to get their freaks on, but that's not the reason why I say freaky. (I have a point...) The re-appearance of Jessica opened a torrent of emotions for Sam. It must be very confusing and scary to see your dead ex right next to you in bed, however, this is Supernatural and I'm pretty sure this is how people from that world would handle the situation. If I were in Sam's shoes, I would've already screamed my lungs out or would have ran like a bitch outside the room. If your spidey sense is tingling about the whole Jessica statments, hold on to that thought.

I want to commend the director and the way he handled the parallelism between Sam's "new" life and Dean's solo hunting adventure. They could be in different states, doing different things, but if you look at the camera angles and the treatment, it's like they're doing the same things. (Hello, kaya nga parallelism, di ba? Ano ba?!) To quote "Jess": 'Same song, different verse'. The editor also did a great job with that sequence. I love it!

Castiel fans will love this episode as this may be the start of the "humanization" of Castiel. I'm sure Rachael will agree with me that a badass Castiel is a very attractive Castiel. (Are you sure you're allowed to cuss?) Very cute sequence in the brothel and the police station. He's such an adorable dork! He's ADORKABLE!

A lot of eureka moments for this episode. I don't want to reveal them as I want you to see it and do the same thing I did, which is basically a half jump and a mild attempt at finger stabbing with matching "I knew it! Sunovabitch!"

Great episode. I give it 5 Castiel feathers.

I'd like to think of this episode as a prelude to the bad news. You know how it is when you set a person up when you've got to give him or her the bad news? You start with a check on the current status of said person, you try to convince them to sit down or at the least, find a place where they can faint safely. Then you premise everything as something that's not too big of a deal and then give the death blow - hoping that it wouldn't be too harsh.

All that? That's how I summarize this episode.

This is the starting line, my friends. Apocalypse was given the green flag and the first in line is War. Honestly speaking though, I find this episode as a catalyst for a lot of philosophical discussions. Think about it: we are supposed to be the most intelligent of all God's creatures here on Earth. We're gifted with higher brain functions that allow us to analyze and anticipate actions and situations. This higher brain function, logically speaking, makes us the best candidate for being a vanguard to the planet and all its creatures. But what do we do? We've somehow managed to not only slowly destroy our planet but we've taken it upon ourselves to kill each other as well. What War said was so true - he didn't have to do anything, all he did was plant a few strategic thoughts and it was all about us. Oh and the Mustang? Nice touch - although you gave the twist far too early.

Once again, the tension between the brothers has us fans at the edge of our seats, nibbling on our nails. It's the end of days and it could be the end of the brotherly love between the surviving Winchesters. Although, you could still see the kind of attachment and love Dean has for Sam when Castiel asked for the amulet. The sentimentality that represents that amulet runs deep than just a Christmas present. But you can't help but be rendered hapless seeing them like that. As a parent, I'm very affected by the entire situation.

God, or at least his presence and existence has been introduced. I wonder who they'll cast...

I'd have to say as well that this episode tackled some pretty serious issues. Sam's addiction to demon blood and the way he was acting is pretty much how an alcoholic or a drug addict would act. For those who had some experience in the matter (just like yours truly) it was quite heart wrenching to see all the common reactions and actuation Sam was manifesting. I seriously wanted to just hold him in my arms (for the right reasons, I swear! Sheesh...) Hats off to the researchers and writers who've managed to incorporate that in the story. Kudos to Jared who gave a very realistic and emotional representation.

Damn you, Kripke for making us cry. That ending has probably caused a lot of alcoholic consumption. I heard that tissue sales also went up.

Another great episode. I give it five Castiel feathers.

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...

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 know I didn't review for the last episode. Tell you frankly, it was okay for me but it wasn't that impacting. Plus, I was going through a personal existential crisis that I had to deal with first. I love the Winchesters and Castiel but they're of no use to me when I'm just a drooling heap of emotional mess.

You've got to love Bobby here. What he said was so true. Family may bring you joy but they also bring you misery. It's a universal constant and a great big cliche.

I'm still not liking Zachariah. He's got something up his sleeve and I don't think it's a fluffy white bunny.

And Sam! Sammy... why'd you have to go and hurt your brother over and over again? Didn't he go through enough already? Arrogant, selfish and well intentioned (not to mention blindingly hot!) Sammy...

I can't wait. Can you?

I think it's cute how Dean is all protective of "strippers" (Dude, her name's Jasmine!) It's so inappropriately PC sweet. (Oh sorry, exotic dancers and all that she-bang.)

Seriously though, it's kinda hard not to wince since the "stage names" are all Disney princesses that my daughter loves. It's like blasphemy - for me at least. I revere Disney movies. They're the greatest reset button to life.

And Belle kinda looks like Christina Aguilera. Does anyone else find that creepy?

***

(posted this in facebook. cross posting - sue me)

On a technical merit, I'd like to commend the camera shots, which has been great since After School Special. (The track montage of Wee Sam and Giant Sam with the hand through the hair thing...ooohh... gave me shimmies) The confrontation between the brothers, though expected (courtesy of spoilers) was still emotionally powerful and raw. I think what made it more effective was the fact that the camera was jerky. It became so effective as an audience's POV that the camera became a tool; an effective medium to capture the maelstrom of powerful emotions and throw it right at the viewers. It gave depth to an otherwise flat screen. (Although I'd really kill for a flat screen or a plasma. Get it? Get it?...no?...Never mind)

The production designer did a great job as well. I dunno, there's something classy about the motel they were in this time. (Or I just have cheap taste, *shrugs*) I like the black and red colors. Probably to keep with the theme of the episode - it's very...sensual. Were those red satin sheets? *grin*

The story line still kept with this season's arc. We all know that something's got to give between the brothers. I feel for Sam when he said that Dean was weak and that he spent most of his time feeling sorry for himself and with what he had done down south. I love Dean but the entire "humanization" of Dean Winchester was too much. Dean's character lives on the edge and pulls you in so that you can have a look at the view. He'll keep on showing you the view until you've developed vertigo. He'll vise his fingers 'round your wrists until he feels it's okay for him to let you go - it's never your choice, mind you. (I do have a point, bear with me) So, in his self flagellation, you have no choice but to bear it down with him until he feels like he's ready to stop. I dunno about you but I'm only a mere mortal. If Dean were dragging me, I'd have been a corpse right about at 'Metamorphosis'.

Jim Beaver's a great actor to have put such personality in Bobby. I know there's this "thing" in the show that they "kill off" semi-regulars but I pray to all my Diwatas, Anitos, Lamang Lupa and other Deities that Kripke wouldn't even entertain a thought about off-ing Bobby. (Loved the apron and the gruff bureaucratic 'acting'. It's a hilarious tableau! Acting out a character while in another character. It's pretty cool) Still, it must be tough to be Bobby. He's the closest thing the boys will ever get to getting John back and yet, he still can't (or won't) cross the line to actually being a quasi-dad, even though he wants to. That last scene was actually heart wrenching for me. Bobby wanting to be assured that the boys would be okay; Bobby wanting to assure the boys that they would be okay; Sam and Dean wanting things to be okay but they all know that they're about four time zones away from okay. That palpable desire for hope - hope that even after everything, some things will not change - was so thick in the air. Yet, in equal heaviness was the very real possibility that everything will change.

On the shallow end of my world - I laughed out loud when Dean whined about being "c-blocked". Apparently, there are women out there who can give the great DW a brush off. I loved the small character nominalizations (sorry, I was creating a 10 day curriculum on back office training and it felt like the right word to use) Jensen was doing. I don't know if I was the only one who saw the overwhelmed sensation brimming in Dean's eyes when they were "working" the strip club. It was effective and cute. Half naked Sammy is good because half naked Sammy means there'll be a half naked Dean in the future. *crossing fingers, eyes shut tight and praying*