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agt_spookyHey folks! I'm back online! Well, we here in Chicago saw Lazarus Rising finally get over here at 12:30 am this morning. Ugh. But DAMN that was worth the wait! My show is back!!
As always, my favorite fangirl, Tina Charles, over at tvguide.com has her great review of last night's season premiere, so I'll let her do the talking for me...
Oh, and I'll be back later today with the ratings, which are going to blow when the finals come out, because Chicago won't be counted. Grrr....
Supernatural
by Bettina Charles
Episode Recap: "Lazarus Rising"
"Why’d you do it?" "Because God commanded it. Because we have work for you."
That’s how "Lazarus Rising" ended. And I just couldn’t believe it. The show went there. It went there! God ordered this "Angel of the Lord" to pull Dean out of hell, because there was work to be done. Wow. Now I can tell you about the "object" that the Warner Bros. publicists sent out with the first two episodes of Supernatural’s Season 4. It was a copy of the Bible. Seeing that gave me the first inclination as to where this season was going. And after I watched the episode for the first time, it all made sense. I do have to say that I’m so glad I hadn’t really paid attention to many of the spoilers out there, because I never saw the whole Castiel and his "job offer" coming.
And as for Sammy, well, he’s had a very busy four months, hasn’t he? He freakin’ exorcised a demon with his mind, no Latin or holy water necessary. That was also a really huge development in this Supernatural universe. I’ve been hoping the show would allow him to tap into his powers. They were dormant for so long, I thought maybe they were gone forever. There certainly haven’t been any visions in forever. The only time he really ever moved anything with his mind was to save his brother in Season 1’s "Nightmare." But after Dean sold his soul to bring Sam back, he never really seemed to come back 100 percent. Now that I’ve seen what he’s capable of, his powers just seemed to be brewing underneath for all of Season 3. Now he’s accepted them. Again, wow.
The Resurrection
We saw flashes of hell and then we saw darkness. All of a sudden we heard Dean breathe back into existence. He was conveniently (too conveniently) buried with a lighter. I guess Sammy was thinking ahead. And Dean quickly dug his way out of the pine box Sam and Bobby buried him in after he died. I was worried about how Buffy Dean’s resurrection and then his escape from his grave was going to get. Any fan of the vampire slayer show knows Buffy was pulled out of what we later learned was some heaven-like place. But her escape was pretty brutal as she clawed her way out of her grave. As for Dean, other than his raspy voice and some smudges on his face and arms, he really wasn’t that bad off; a fact which was scary in its own right, since we know the guy was in hell for four months probably being continuously tortured. At the gas station, Dean gathered supplies and wondered why he didn’t have any scars from those vicious hellhounds that tore him apart. However, he did have a mysterious hand print on his arm.
The Reunions
How great was Dean’s reunion with Bobby? I have always loved any scene we get that involves those two – they’re unexpectedly emotional. When Bobby finally realized he wasn’t talking to a Dean shapeshifter or revenant, that this was the real deal, it was just awesome. When Bobby doused Dean with the holy water was cool too. But as great as this reunion was, I was waiting for the one between Sam and Dean. After Sam got over his doubts about who turned up at his hotel room door in Pontiac, Illinois, the two brothers hugged. My top three Sam and Dean moments during "Lazarus Rising" were:
1) The hug. Duh.
2) Sam gave Dean his amulet back.
3) Sam and Dean ogled Pamela Barnes (the psychic) together. I liked this scene because Sam and Dean both appreciated Pamela’s "assets." Sam wasn’t just about the case; it was a lighthearted moment between the brothers.
The Brothers’ Relationship
Even though Sam and Dean shared some touching moments, all was not right in their world. They’ve always kept a secret or two from each other. After all Dean still hasn’t found out about Mary recognizing the demon that killed her. But what transpired in this episode has really set the brothers on two different paths. Sam told Dean that Ruby was dead. We know that she never died. She just switched bodies (more on that in a little bit). He was pretty vague about what he did during his four months without Dean. And he certainly lied about using his powers. Dean told Sam he couldn’t remember anything about hell. We know he’s been getting some flashes (not much, but it was still something). He also lied about going to summon the thing that pulled him out of hell. We’ve got lies, half-truths, omissions and differing agendas threatening to separate the Winchesters. Plus, Sam has been working with a demon (Ruby) and tapping into the dark side in order to do some good: save people and rid the world of demons. Dean, on the other hand, may end up working for an angel who has shown to be more than just a halo and fluffy wings. In this episode, he was fierce but also destructive. Just ask Pamela. In the past I’ve always been wary about anything that splits up the brothers. I haven’t changed my opinion on that subject, but I have to say I don’t mind the brothers keeping secrets from each other this season.
Other thoughts:
The classic rock recap was back: AC/DC’s "Shook Me All Night Long" started Season 4 off with a bang.
Loved Dean at the empty gas station. He quickly went for candy, water and a copy of his favorite porn mag. By the way, I loved the continuity with the Busty Asian Beauties magazine and Dean paying for the pie later in the diner. Those were both references that started in Season 2 (I think).
Wedge Antilles is a Star Wars reference.
Sam drove the Impala!
The new Ruby: the jury’s out for me. To me, she felt like a whole new character. Katie Cassidy’s Ruby was as sarcastic as Dean, could give as good as she got, and was pretty questionable morally even if she was doing something good. While I watched and liked Genevieve Cortese on ABC Family’s Wildfire, her Ruby seemed pretty tame. She also seemed too nice. Ruby offered to step back, although I do think it has something to do with who pulled Dean out of hell. But it was weird to hear her say she didn’t want to come between the brothers. So I’ve decided to reserve my judgment, because who knows what will happen in the future with this character.
Castiel: I liked this guy immediately. Misha Collins is definitely a keeper. And mighty sexy too. Sorry, I just had to go there. But I can’t wait to see how things develop between Castiel and Dean in the future. I loved that shot of Castiel's wings, by the way.
Pamela Barnes: Shades of Ellen, that girl is. I loved the job Traci Dinwiddle did. Her scenes with Bobby, Sam and Dean were great. Hope we get to see her again.
Dean couldn’t see Castiel in his pure form. I wonder if we’ll ever meet anyone who has the power to see him.
Sam’s turned into a much better liar. Remember Season 3’s "The Kids Are Alright?"
Dean finding the Impala equipped with an iPod dock and playing Sam’s emo music was classic. What was that song anyway? Loved when he threw the iPod in the back seat.
Final Thought on "Lazarus Rising"
It felt like we’ve been building up to everything that happened in this episode for years. A lot of the dialogue had its roots in seasons past. Castiel calling Dean out on not having any faith, not feeling deserving of being saved; our first inkling of that happened during Season 1 in "Faith." And since the beginning we’ve seen Sam evolve from this kid who just wanted to be normal to a guy who wanted to avenge his girlfriend’s death and then get out of the fight; to a man who has accepted his fate. He’s gone from abhorring his psychic ability and for better or worse has now accepted them to fight the good fight. I’m definitely interested in how long Sam and Dean will be able to exist together when there are so many obstacles that could tear them apart. Yes, it's good to have Supernatural back on the air.
~~~~~
WOW! Man, I haven't sat there so transfixed, not moving a muscle watching a Supernatural episode in a long, long time.
It was simply AMAZING.
Once again, Tina summed up my thoughts wonderfully so I won't repeat too many things here.
I really, really liked Pamela and was horrified that she's been blinded. I was hoping to see more of her this season, but now I'm not so sure that we will. :-(
Now let's talk about Ruby. All of you know that I hated Katie Cassidy and her portrayal of Ruby. But I was willing to give Genevieve a chance. Um...that chance is pretty much gone. [sigh] She's just so...blah. And I can't get past her LIPS! They're freaking HUGE and just distracted me the entire time she was on the screen.
But it's more than that. I'm DISGUSTED by the implication that Sam is sleeping with Ruby. He might not be, but they were trying pretty hard to make it seem that way. And if they are, it's RAPE on Ruby's part. Because she's possessing this Kristy chick, making her body do things that she normally wouldn't, and that includes sex. So I'm really, really hoping I'm wrong about this and it becomes clear that there is no physical relationship between Sam and Ruby.
Ok, moving on. I do have to say that I absolutely LOVED Castiel. He really blew me away and I hope that we'll see much more of him this season. And yeah, he's smokin' hot! LOL!
The biggest "awww" moment for me was when Sam gave Dean back the amulet. It made me want to cry!
Oh, here's a question for you guys - WHY did Sam bury Dean in the middle of a field in Illinois? That was never brought up! I can't believe that Dean didn't ask! I mean, he "died" in Indiana. Why bury him in a random place in Illinois? I was honestly expecting him to be buried next to Mary. Any of you have a thought on this?
I just...wow. The words really do fail me on how much I loved this. Eric is shaking up the mythology in a BIG way and I like that, but I'm afraid already of the rift it's creating between Sam and Dean. I don't want them on opposing sides! I want them working together! I guess only time, and 22 episodes will tell, eh? :-)
Ok guys, now's YOUR time to tell me what you thought of Lazarus Rising!
As always, my favorite fangirl, Tina Charles, over at tvguide.com has her great review of last night's season premiere, so I'll let her do the talking for me...
Oh, and I'll be back later today with the ratings, which are going to blow when the finals come out, because Chicago won't be counted. Grrr....
Supernatural
by Bettina Charles
Episode Recap: "Lazarus Rising"
"Why’d you do it?" "Because God commanded it. Because we have work for you."
That’s how "Lazarus Rising" ended. And I just couldn’t believe it. The show went there. It went there! God ordered this "Angel of the Lord" to pull Dean out of hell, because there was work to be done. Wow. Now I can tell you about the "object" that the Warner Bros. publicists sent out with the first two episodes of Supernatural’s Season 4. It was a copy of the Bible. Seeing that gave me the first inclination as to where this season was going. And after I watched the episode for the first time, it all made sense. I do have to say that I’m so glad I hadn’t really paid attention to many of the spoilers out there, because I never saw the whole Castiel and his "job offer" coming.
And as for Sammy, well, he’s had a very busy four months, hasn’t he? He freakin’ exorcised a demon with his mind, no Latin or holy water necessary. That was also a really huge development in this Supernatural universe. I’ve been hoping the show would allow him to tap into his powers. They were dormant for so long, I thought maybe they were gone forever. There certainly haven’t been any visions in forever. The only time he really ever moved anything with his mind was to save his brother in Season 1’s "Nightmare." But after Dean sold his soul to bring Sam back, he never really seemed to come back 100 percent. Now that I’ve seen what he’s capable of, his powers just seemed to be brewing underneath for all of Season 3. Now he’s accepted them. Again, wow.
The Resurrection
We saw flashes of hell and then we saw darkness. All of a sudden we heard Dean breathe back into existence. He was conveniently (too conveniently) buried with a lighter. I guess Sammy was thinking ahead. And Dean quickly dug his way out of the pine box Sam and Bobby buried him in after he died. I was worried about how Buffy Dean’s resurrection and then his escape from his grave was going to get. Any fan of the vampire slayer show knows Buffy was pulled out of what we later learned was some heaven-like place. But her escape was pretty brutal as she clawed her way out of her grave. As for Dean, other than his raspy voice and some smudges on his face and arms, he really wasn’t that bad off; a fact which was scary in its own right, since we know the guy was in hell for four months probably being continuously tortured. At the gas station, Dean gathered supplies and wondered why he didn’t have any scars from those vicious hellhounds that tore him apart. However, he did have a mysterious hand print on his arm.
The Reunions
How great was Dean’s reunion with Bobby? I have always loved any scene we get that involves those two – they’re unexpectedly emotional. When Bobby finally realized he wasn’t talking to a Dean shapeshifter or revenant, that this was the real deal, it was just awesome. When Bobby doused Dean with the holy water was cool too. But as great as this reunion was, I was waiting for the one between Sam and Dean. After Sam got over his doubts about who turned up at his hotel room door in Pontiac, Illinois, the two brothers hugged. My top three Sam and Dean moments during "Lazarus Rising" were:
1) The hug. Duh.
2) Sam gave Dean his amulet back.
3) Sam and Dean ogled Pamela Barnes (the psychic) together. I liked this scene because Sam and Dean both appreciated Pamela’s "assets." Sam wasn’t just about the case; it was a lighthearted moment between the brothers.
The Brothers’ Relationship
Even though Sam and Dean shared some touching moments, all was not right in their world. They’ve always kept a secret or two from each other. After all Dean still hasn’t found out about Mary recognizing the demon that killed her. But what transpired in this episode has really set the brothers on two different paths. Sam told Dean that Ruby was dead. We know that she never died. She just switched bodies (more on that in a little bit). He was pretty vague about what he did during his four months without Dean. And he certainly lied about using his powers. Dean told Sam he couldn’t remember anything about hell. We know he’s been getting some flashes (not much, but it was still something). He also lied about going to summon the thing that pulled him out of hell. We’ve got lies, half-truths, omissions and differing agendas threatening to separate the Winchesters. Plus, Sam has been working with a demon (Ruby) and tapping into the dark side in order to do some good: save people and rid the world of demons. Dean, on the other hand, may end up working for an angel who has shown to be more than just a halo and fluffy wings. In this episode, he was fierce but also destructive. Just ask Pamela. In the past I’ve always been wary about anything that splits up the brothers. I haven’t changed my opinion on that subject, but I have to say I don’t mind the brothers keeping secrets from each other this season.
Other thoughts:
The classic rock recap was back: AC/DC’s "Shook Me All Night Long" started Season 4 off with a bang.
Loved Dean at the empty gas station. He quickly went for candy, water and a copy of his favorite porn mag. By the way, I loved the continuity with the Busty Asian Beauties magazine and Dean paying for the pie later in the diner. Those were both references that started in Season 2 (I think).
Wedge Antilles is a Star Wars reference.
Sam drove the Impala!
The new Ruby: the jury’s out for me. To me, she felt like a whole new character. Katie Cassidy’s Ruby was as sarcastic as Dean, could give as good as she got, and was pretty questionable morally even if she was doing something good. While I watched and liked Genevieve Cortese on ABC Family’s Wildfire, her Ruby seemed pretty tame. She also seemed too nice. Ruby offered to step back, although I do think it has something to do with who pulled Dean out of hell. But it was weird to hear her say she didn’t want to come between the brothers. So I’ve decided to reserve my judgment, because who knows what will happen in the future with this character.
Castiel: I liked this guy immediately. Misha Collins is definitely a keeper. And mighty sexy too. Sorry, I just had to go there. But I can’t wait to see how things develop between Castiel and Dean in the future. I loved that shot of Castiel's wings, by the way.
Pamela Barnes: Shades of Ellen, that girl is. I loved the job Traci Dinwiddle did. Her scenes with Bobby, Sam and Dean were great. Hope we get to see her again.
Dean couldn’t see Castiel in his pure form. I wonder if we’ll ever meet anyone who has the power to see him.
Sam’s turned into a much better liar. Remember Season 3’s "The Kids Are Alright?"
Dean finding the Impala equipped with an iPod dock and playing Sam’s emo music was classic. What was that song anyway? Loved when he threw the iPod in the back seat.
Final Thought on "Lazarus Rising"
It felt like we’ve been building up to everything that happened in this episode for years. A lot of the dialogue had its roots in seasons past. Castiel calling Dean out on not having any faith, not feeling deserving of being saved; our first inkling of that happened during Season 1 in "Faith." And since the beginning we’ve seen Sam evolve from this kid who just wanted to be normal to a guy who wanted to avenge his girlfriend’s death and then get out of the fight; to a man who has accepted his fate. He’s gone from abhorring his psychic ability and for better or worse has now accepted them to fight the good fight. I’m definitely interested in how long Sam and Dean will be able to exist together when there are so many obstacles that could tear them apart. Yes, it's good to have Supernatural back on the air.
~~~~~
WOW! Man, I haven't sat there so transfixed, not moving a muscle watching a Supernatural episode in a long, long time.
It was simply AMAZING.
Once again, Tina summed up my thoughts wonderfully so I won't repeat too many things here.
I really, really liked Pamela and was horrified that she's been blinded. I was hoping to see more of her this season, but now I'm not so sure that we will. :-(
Now let's talk about Ruby. All of you know that I hated Katie Cassidy and her portrayal of Ruby. But I was willing to give Genevieve a chance. Um...that chance is pretty much gone. [sigh] She's just so...blah. And I can't get past her LIPS! They're freaking HUGE and just distracted me the entire time she was on the screen.
But it's more than that. I'm DISGUSTED by the implication that Sam is sleeping with Ruby. He might not be, but they were trying pretty hard to make it seem that way. And if they are, it's RAPE on Ruby's part. Because she's possessing this Kristy chick, making her body do things that she normally wouldn't, and that includes sex. So I'm really, really hoping I'm wrong about this and it becomes clear that there is no physical relationship between Sam and Ruby.
Ok, moving on. I do have to say that I absolutely LOVED Castiel. He really blew me away and I hope that we'll see much more of him this season. And yeah, he's smokin' hot! LOL!
The biggest "awww" moment for me was when Sam gave Dean back the amulet. It made me want to cry!
Oh, here's a question for you guys - WHY did Sam bury Dean in the middle of a field in Illinois? That was never brought up! I can't believe that Dean didn't ask! I mean, he "died" in Indiana. Why bury him in a random place in Illinois? I was honestly expecting him to be buried next to Mary. Any of you have a thought on this?
I just...wow. The words really do fail me on how much I loved this. Eric is shaking up the mythology in a BIG way and I like that, but I'm afraid already of the rift it's creating between Sam and Dean. I don't want them on opposing sides! I want them working together! I guess only time, and 22 episodes will tell, eh? :-)
Ok guys, now's YOUR time to tell me what you thought of Lazarus Rising!
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(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-19 02:37 pm (UTC)2. Kripke won me over completely by going in this direction. I have been squirming and fussing (as you may recall) over demons and their traditional/Judeo-Christian roles, the (mis-)use of Lilith, the inclusion of Trickster (Coyote -- one of totems and my favorite of Native American spirit-gods), et al...because, y'know, I AM ALLLL ABOUT THIS SHIT! I was skeptical for the longest time because I wanted him to stop skirting the issue and get on with it already. And boy...did he ever.
3. Dean waking up in the grave (one of my BIGGEST fears) and his resurrection. The gas station (yeah -- closed, in the middle of a Thursday? and just happens to be stocked with EVERYTHING HE NEEDS, right down to the fricking PORNO?! can we say "setup?!"). The handprint. I was all, "FUUUUCK!"
4. Calling Bobby. Bobby hanging up.
5. GOING to Bobby. Holy water in the face, FTW!
6. Bobby...Bobby, Bobby. Slipped into a bottle. The raw, paternal emotion in his eyes and voice. I think the hug he gave Dean was better than the one Dean and Sam shared.
7. Sam. Oh, god. What has HAPPENED to you? Buffed up (JP's neck looked thicker), cynical (he became DEAN!). Working with RUBY! LYING to Dean, making it look like he and the "random girl" were getting it on... Frankly, I don't believe he's had sex AT ALL since laying Dean to rest (oh, and btw, did you like that he dressed Dean all in black before burying him? ohh, there's fic in there, as he prepared the body...mmmM!). Wearing Dean's necklace (which I notice RIGHT AWAY -- it wasn't on Dean, so the first thing I look for is that cord on Sam...and there it is!). Oh, but Sammy -- what the FUCK have you BECOME?
8. Castiel. YES! Damn! FINALLY! Love love LOVE the wing effect. Love the acknowlegment that you can't look at an angel in its true form (the burned-out eye thing ROCKS!). Love how his pressence affects electro-magnetic frequencies (in their truest form, angels are pure energy; they can't be destroyed because they were the first "beings" spawned and granted power just below that of the Creator Force). They picked a GREAT actor, too...I could totally buy into him being one of these creatures, just by his eyes and the way he spoke with such calm conviction... YEAH. :)
9. Sam's POWERS! Holy FUCK! And he's been killing demons A LOT over the summer. He's got a taste for it, now. He's being trained by Ruby, prepared for something greater. Coming into his own. I see a parallel to Hellboy, here...
10. Dean chosen by the angels. Yes, this is exactly what I predicted last season, and mentioned to you and Chris at Media -- that it was gonna come down to these forces pitting brother against brother. It's the classic Cain/Abel thing. They're being USED.
And god, there is SOOOO much more, so many little details, I can't begin to list! Suffice to say, I am HOOKED on this season! :D
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-22 02:00 pm (UTC)LOL! I so did!! I love Kripke the Star Wars geek. :-)
2. Kripke won me over completely by going in this direction
Me, too! I've been wanting the whole angel aspect since Houses of the Holy and now it looks like we're finally getting it. Yay!
3. Dean waking up in the grave (one of my BIGGEST fears)
I loved that Sammy thought ahead and buried Dean with a lighter. :-)
The handprint. I was all, "FUUUUCK!"
Me, too! I was like WHOA!!
5. GOING to Bobby. Holy water in the face, FTW!
I laughed so hard when he turned and spit it out! LOL!
6. Bobby...Bobby, Bobby. Slipped into a bottle. The raw, paternal emotion in his eyes and voice. I think the hug he gave Dean was better than the one Dean and Sam shared
I loved everything about that whole scene at Bobby's house, for everything you just mentioned. Bobby is so fantastic that it worries me that Sera will kill him off at some point, just for spite.
7. Sam. Oh, god. What has HAPPENED to you?
I know!! It was just one jaw-dropping thing after another and as the season progresses and we get to see exactly what he was doing in those four months...wow. And yes, I want a flashback showing Sam burying Dean and WHY he chose that random field.
8. Castiel. YES! Damn! FINALLY! Love love LOVE the wing effect.
Castiel ROCKS! Sometimes the writers really hit the nail on the head with characters and they did so in a big way with Castiel.
Coming into his own. I see a parallel to Hellboy, here...
And I see a parallel with Anakin Skywalker, too. Starting off as a good Jedi using those powers, but then became corrupted by them. I just know the same is going to be true for Sam, and only Dean will be able to save him before he goes completely darkside.
10. Dean chosen by the angels.
I can't stop squeeing about this. FINALLY Dean is part of the mythology!! I hate that it's going to come down to brother vs. brother, though. It's going to be heartbreaking and I hope the writers do it justice.
Suffice to say, I am HOOKED on this season! :D
You and me both, babe! :-)