Supernatural (TV Series) When the Levee Breaks (2009) User Reviews

Padalecki Awesomeness.

[midgetgirl69 · 9/10 · 18 June 2009]

This was an excellent episode all around. The writing was strong, the effects (what few there were) added punch to the story, and the actors broke your heart.

I respect Jensen Ackles as an actor and love his portrayal of Dean. I also ADORE the character of Bobby and am thankful to have Jim Beaver on this show. That being said, this episode, for me, was all about the Padalecki. In the scenes dealing with his hallucinations, he pulls out all the stops, letting every emotion show and holding nothing back. He uses what he is given to give his character more depth, and despite Sam's actions, Padalecki makes you sympathize, if not almost agree with the character's decisions.

And in the episode's final showdown, through the tension between the brothers, Padalecki still exhibits Sam's humanity in many subtle ways. When Supernatural ends, I expect to see a lot of Padalecki (and Ackles as well), because his talent deserves recognition.

Breaking Bonds

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 20 June 2010]

Dean and Bobby lure Sam and lock him up in the demon proof panic room. Sam misses the demon blood and has hallucinations and delusions. However, Castiel surprisingly helps Sam to escape and he meets with Ruby that has a clue that might lead to Lilith; meanwhile Dean hunts Sam.

In this episode, Sam seems to be addicted and has dreadful hallucinations due to absence of demon blood. The great question is if Dean is right or wrong with his attitude. Further is Ruby really loyal to Sam or is she luring him? My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Quando se Rompe a Represa" ("When the Dam Breaks")

One Foul Step from the Abyss

[ttapola · 9/10 · 30 August 2011]

"Then": Ruby got Sam addicted to demon blood after Dean went to Hell, and when Dean finally found out, he and Bobby locked Sam in Bobby's iron shelter for some de-tox at the end of the previous episode. Also, Castiel wanted to tell Dean something *very* important, but vanished. Anna, the rebellious "free willed" angel paid the brothers a visit and revealed that Castiel got "dragged back" to Heaven and disciplined by his superiors. After returning at the end of the previous episode, Castiel no longer was willing to share his secrets with Dean. The Angels' have told Dean they need him to stop the Apocalypse, but what are they *not* telling him?

This slow-burn episode has a lower User Rating than the previous "The Rapture", probably because it is less action-centric, but if not immediately, then after repeated viewings it becomes clear that this is the superior episode. What Sam goes through is extremely dramatic stuff, and Jared Padalecki rises to the challenge, delivering in every scene. Also, as we can see from the opening credits, Jim Beaver, Genevieve Cortese, Misha Collins and Julie McNiven are all here, preparing for the big season finale.

At this point, all the actors really have to be complemented, not only for their nuanced work in this episode, but all the way back to each one's first appearance. When the Apocalypse is indeed upon the characters, it is up to the actors to have made the viewers to feel for the characters, to invest in them. All the special effects in the world will mean nothing (like several End-of-the-World movies have proved) unless the viewer cares what happens to the characters. And we care. We care about Sam, Dean, Bobby, Castiel, Anna and possibly even Ruby, at least out of interest in her secrets. We cared about Pamela's death and we fear she won't be the last of the supporting cast to go. Actually, when this first aired, Supernatural was supposed to finish at the end of season 5, which meant that even Sam and Dean might not make it.

Lots of brilliant insight into the minds of Sam, Dean and Bobby here, but the angels and Ruby remain pleasingly ambiguous. It's not like in Lost, where characters who *knew* things did not share their knowledge, or worse yet, were not even asked what they know. Here, we know - or at least think we know - what the angels want, but not *how*. Ruby, on the other hand, has been seducing Sam to the dark side all season, Genevieve Cortese's performance greatly benefiting from the real-life chemistry she has with Padalecki. Anna, the only angel whose actions the audience can understand, has had very brief appearances except when she was introduced, but Julie McNiven has made the most out of them. Every time Anna appears, we get more and more convinced that what the angels are not telling, is something we should be very terrified of. Zachariah and Chuck's scene three episodes back confirmed it.

With a devastating final scene, this episode soars into the 9/10 Classic club, marking the point-of-no-return, paving the way for the season finale. And just like the best penultimate episodes of a season, it leaves us *needing* to see the big finale.

It seems that Sam and Dean have reached an impasse,,,,,,,......

[samsaj633-1 · 10/10 · 10 May 2009]

The acting of Jensen(Dean)and Jared(Sam) was fantastic. They portray well as brothers. Even though this shift in the story was expected earlier, it was done perfect without flaws. The script was awesome. I think all the Supernatural fans will be satisfied that the story is taking an interesting line(even me of course).It seems all the episodes lately make you think Dean is the weak one, but this episode clarified a lot for me. Dean is the stronger of the brother, because he knows what it is like to lose yourself to evil. He did in hell, and he was just trying to get Sam not to repeat what he did. Sam's alliance with Ruby is disappointing at best. The Sam of the day would have seen her ruse, but Ruby has Sam exactly where she wants him. He believes everything she says, without hesitation. It would be ironic if the story of Lilith being the only one to break the last seal isn't true and it's actually Ruby. It said the oldest and we know nothing of Ruby except what she tells Sam. Dean knows what Ruby is and what she's capable of, but he has other things to think of now. The fact the angels seem untrustworthy is bothersome at best, but Castiel must have had a good reason to do what he did. It was heartbreaking to see Sam so coldly dismiss Dean. Dean was absolutely right when he asked Sam who was he getting revenge for in trying to kill Lilith because Dean was in front of him fine. Sam has gone to the darkside, but I know Dean will save him in the end. After all DEAN IS THE PROTECTOR OF SAM, AND I HOPE HE DID.In the end there were still so many questions left unanswered and I fear Kripke(Creator,Executive producer) will leave them like that for our own imagination to fester over during the summer. Is Sam really after Lilith or is it a powertrip? Is Sam evil inside? Will Dean and Sam bundle their powers and defeat Lilith in the end? What did Castiel mean by Dean has to finish it because he started it if, according to the Angels and Ruby, Sam could do the job too?.

All we have to do is just wait 4 the SEASON FINALE.... If u people who saw this think this episode was worth a vote (above 6) then pls. select that this comment was useful....

wonderfully well done episode

[dsd1 · 10/10 · 11 May 2009]

I really liked this episode.Sam is becoming stronger and stronger and blood is being provided to him by Lilith. Sam and Dean fought each other and boy it turned out good.Every episode of supernatural has been good so far. Now Sam is making his way to the hospital to fight. Will dean be able to stop the hell from being released on earth? Supernatural is getting to be more and more interesting as the show unfolds the plots. Every plot in the show has been a fantastic ride. Sams strength has increased dramatically. I can hardly wait to see next weeks episode. What will happen next. I want there to be a season six. Don't let the show end after season five please. Eric Kripkie is gifted with great intelligence. Supernatural is a dream ride. Rock on Kripkie.

The Padalecki supremacy.

[zombiehigh18 · 10/10 · 1 December 2011]

When I began watching Supernatural, I used to prefer Dean's character and I still do but Sam is the type of character just grows on and you end up feeling like he is actually your little brother that you care for, worry about and angry with. Jared Padalecki has gone a long way as an actor, looking back at his performance on season's one and two, you will know how much his performance has been improving over the years. On this episode he was given great material to work on and he nailed it. Jared Padalecki got the chance to shine and he rose to the occasion. He conveyed Sam's weakness, anger and cruelty holding nothing back.

This is by far my favourite episode of the whole season. Sad, dark and heart breaking all through it.

But the most heartbreaking scene was when imaginary Dean told Sam he is a monster while the real one was upstairs saying he would die for his brother in a second.

And finally I just wish Dean could get through to Sam, I wish it didn't go that bad between them, but again Supernatural has never failed to shock us. And though we have been anticipating the fight between the brothers, it just hurt to see them tearing each other apart. Dean, you punched Sam so many times before and he just stood there and took it like a man, why didn't you do the same?

Detox

[shwetafabm · 9/10 · 13 June 2020]

I have a problem with S4, it's this weird obsession with torture this season suddenly developed and it is most prevalent here because that Allistair halluciation was totally out of place. The tension between the brothers was well done. And then we want to know why he was let out.

One of the most intense bro fights

[CubsandCulture · 10/10 · 12 March 2020]

I think it is exceedingly likely that one of the Winchesters will kill the other in the series finale. The notion of such was set up at least as far back as this episode (and maybe sooner). Here is some of the most intense and moving brotherly angst in the entire's show run. The opening sequence of Sam in the panic room is still pitch perfect psychological horror.

Classic!

I'm amazed!

[ulrikekalb · 10/10 · 27 January 2020]

Kudos to Jared Padalecki! Fantastic acting in this episode! I love supernatural because of this...the interaction between the brothers...heart-wrenching! Sam's trying to justify his actions, but he's so wrong..I'm always in tears when I watch this episode...