10 straight seasons dealing with spirits, angels, demons and other 'supernatural' elements is no mean task and this episode, simply put, shows the reason why viewers tune into the show week after week. A top notch script that tugs at your heartstrings, stellar acting and direction makes this one of my favorite episodes of the show. It is filled to the brim with nuanced, poignant moments that draw you in, with separate story lines for Dean, Castiel and Crowley that all merge together beautifully, all staying true to the central theme. You will laugh, cry, reach for the tissues and rest assured, the end will leave you devastated.
Now for the spoiler-y bits: I knew that Demon Dean wasn't fully cured, and this episodes follows through with that sense of foreboding, as Sam steals worried looks over his brother who's.. well, stuffing his mouth full of diner fare pretending to be fine. It was also so refreshing to see Castiel together with the boys, suffering from 'mid-life crisis' as Dean puts it, and it clearly shows in the bags under his eyes and the forehead lines. There are some really wonderful moments of Castiel with his vessel's troubled daughter Claire. Her story will leave you with a broken heart. Another of my favorite scenes was the boys reminiscing about John's parenting skills. The highlight for me however, was was Mark Sheppard's Crowley and his mother, the witch Rowena. I hope Rowena gets to play a bigger role in the remaining half of this season because she is brilliant! All that being said, go watch this episode, whether you are a casual viewer or a die-hard fan. You won't be disappointed.
Now for the spoiler-y bits: I knew that Demon Dean wasn't fully cured, and this episodes follows through with that sense of foreboding, as Sam steals worried looks over his brother who's.. well, stuffing his mouth full of diner fare pretending to be fine. It was also so refreshing to see Castiel together with the boys, suffering from 'mid-life crisis' as Dean puts it, and it clearly shows in the bags under his eyes and the forehead lines. There are some really wonderful moments of Castiel with his vessel's troubled daughter Claire. Her story will leave you with a broken heart. Another of my favorite scenes was the boys reminiscing about John's parenting skills. The highlight for me however, was was Mark Sheppard's Crowley and his mother, the witch Rowena. I hope Rowena gets to play a bigger role in the remaining half of this season because she is brilliant! All that being said, go watch this episode, whether you are a casual viewer or a die-hard fan. You won't be disappointed.
