So for the most part this wasn't the best episode. Charlie dying does seem a bit forced to me but whatever it is what it is and this episode came out literally five years ago. The main reason I'm here is because I see a lot of reviews talking about how Cass could've saved Charlie because he can fly and would've gotten there right away. That's not true. During The Fall all the angels "lost" their wings, including Cass so none of them can fly anymore. Just because he got his grace back a few episodes ago doesn't mean his wings are back. He still has to drive everywhere. Like a person. Even in season 15 he's still driving around everywhere. So even if she had prayed to him he still would've had to take a car to get there and The Stynes were literally at her door. Okay that's all I wanted to say😂
31 Reviews
I'm not saying this episode is good , but a lot of people got it all wrong
exlana8 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I like charlie. She's probably the only interesting female cast from the entire season ( at least until rowena came on season 10 ). And also the story is pretty forced , there's a lot of plot holes like , why did charlie leave to the motel in the first place , how come dean can't notice that sam is hiding something which is pretty freakin clear , and about the styne family at the very end of the season. that was really low , and the way the writer "killed" charlie off screen. Really ? Charlie was pretty fudging interesting and important character , she deserve a proper dramatic , intense and heroic death scene.
and for some people that said castiel could hear charlie and zap or "fly" immediately to charlie , he can't. because of the all the angels ( except lucifer ) lost their wings due to the spell that metatron did ( season 8 finale ) , so the all the angels lost the ability to zap. Although ,Metatron took his grace but but castiel didn't got cast out from heaven. So i guess he should still have wings :-/ , i'm not sure tho. I kinda hope charlie back to the series somehow.
and for some people that said castiel could hear charlie and zap or "fly" immediately to charlie , he can't. because of the all the angels ( except lucifer ) lost their wings due to the spell that metatron did ( season 8 finale ) , so the all the angels lost the ability to zap. Although ,Metatron took his grace but but castiel didn't got cast out from heaven. So i guess he should still have wings :-/ , i'm not sure tho. I kinda hope charlie back to the series somehow.
Just proves that people don't pay attention
WhoTendsTheFire16 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Seeing a lot of reviews mentioning that "angels can fly" or whatnot only proves that some of the most vocal "fans" aren't actually paying attention to what they're watching. Probably only there for their "shipping" fantasies. They've only mentioned that angels no longer have wings like a 100 times before.
Anyway, the episode was average. If Charlie hadn't been killed off, it probably would have averaged an 8. There were some interesting moments, and I like when the world is fleshed out more. Stuff like a family of Frankensteins is what I've always wanted more of from the show. We've had season after season mainly focusing on angels and demons, when there are so many other myths, legends and folk tales to explore. And it started with such promise with things like a "woman in white", a wendigo, Bloody Mary, etc., before it just became all angels and demons with the occasional "sidequest" MOTW, but I digress.
Anyway, the episode was average. If Charlie hadn't been killed off, it probably would have averaged an 8. There were some interesting moments, and I like when the world is fleshed out more. Stuff like a family of Frankensteins is what I've always wanted more of from the show. We've had season after season mainly focusing on angels and demons, when there are so many other myths, legends and folk tales to explore. And it started with such promise with things like a "woman in white", a wendigo, Bloody Mary, etc., before it just became all angels and demons with the occasional "sidequest" MOTW, but I digress.
Harrowing and upsetting.
sucrimgible25 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This episode has a lot of hate- unjustified, I think. Yes, they killed Charlie, and it was devastating, but I agree with Misha on this one- the show can't have sacred cows, because we watch in the knowledge that characters we love are at stake, and it can't avoid killing characters just to be PC. As for the execution of the death scene, people seem to be offended that Charlie wasn't shown fighting. Guys, it's called suspense. If you seriously don't think she fought for her life, clearly it's you who has no understanding of the character.
Cinematography-wise, the final scenes were stunning, so I'm not complaining. (Also, the Blackbird Motel is now one of my favourite sets.) It was sordid, and intentionally so. Would people prefer that her death hadn't been disturbing and ugly, and that it had been glamorised instead? Because that would have been horrible.
As for the rest of the episode, I loved the triple-zoom onto the severed arm. So silly and so disgusting. Dean's behaviour was brilliantly written and played; he was incredibly predatory in the scene where he accused Sam of keeping the book.
This was not a nice episode. This is not a nice show. I'm not sure what anyone else expected.
Cinematography-wise, the final scenes were stunning, so I'm not complaining. (Also, the Blackbird Motel is now one of my favourite sets.) It was sordid, and intentionally so. Would people prefer that her death hadn't been disturbing and ugly, and that it had been glamorised instead? Because that would have been horrible.
As for the rest of the episode, I loved the triple-zoom onto the severed arm. So silly and so disgusting. Dean's behaviour was brilliantly written and played; he was incredibly predatory in the scene where he accused Sam of keeping the book.
This was not a nice episode. This is not a nice show. I'm not sure what anyone else expected.
Very rushed, but not nearly as bad as all the reviews are saying.
heshfresh19 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
As sad as the ending to this episode was, it was no where near as bad as all the hardcore SPN fans are complaining about.
Charlie was one of my favorite characters and her death is the only reason this episode is trashed so badly. Don't get me wrong, this episode was nothing to write home about, but it's very unjustly been torn to shreds.
The story was on par with everything else season 10 has had to offer. I wish I hadn't looked at the user reviews before seeing the episode (You can blame "Bloodlines", "Bitten" & "Paint it Black" for me even needing to check, as to save myself slogging through 40 something minutes of trash again), but trust me, this wasn't a bad episode.
The only major negative is that her death felt very rushed. It did feel like her character warranted something better. Something bigger. More of a fight. But honestly, ignore all the 1/10 reviews saying "Worst. Episode. Ever.", because it simply wasn't. The story with the Steins was fine, not great, but very reasonable.
Very sad to see Charlie go, but if this show has taught me anything "In this line of work, death isn't always goodbye"
8/10
Charlie was one of my favorite characters and her death is the only reason this episode is trashed so badly. Don't get me wrong, this episode was nothing to write home about, but it's very unjustly been torn to shreds.
The story was on par with everything else season 10 has had to offer. I wish I hadn't looked at the user reviews before seeing the episode (You can blame "Bloodlines", "Bitten" & "Paint it Black" for me even needing to check, as to save myself slogging through 40 something minutes of trash again), but trust me, this wasn't a bad episode.
The only major negative is that her death felt very rushed. It did feel like her character warranted something better. Something bigger. More of a fight. But honestly, ignore all the 1/10 reviews saying "Worst. Episode. Ever.", because it simply wasn't. The story with the Steins was fine, not great, but very reasonable.
Very sad to see Charlie go, but if this show has taught me anything "In this line of work, death isn't always goodbye"
8/10
Not Too Bad...
ricky_coles7 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This episode didn't really seem to have much of a plot to it other than everything that was obvious with the return of Charlie to an episode she didn't need to be in. Charlie has been my favorite introduced character in a long time, if not in the history of the show, excluding Castiel. I am just praying that next week the episode does something to rectify this or at least give her death some meaning to the brothers on a new level, rather than just being another death to keep suspense (Bobby).
Outside of this though, I loved Dean's turn when he finds out about Sam and I like the introduction of the Stine's, especially since they are technically human/zombie (which reminded me of Doc Benton from Season 3). I also like the idea of Crowley being killed. I think he has become a bit too in the way of demons being evil, which they haven't been since Kripke times.
Overall, the episode was decent and had some good moments with Rowena and hopefully more of the Grand Coven. Just hope this death finally changes things in the show.
PS, angels can't fly anymore.
Outside of this though, I loved Dean's turn when he finds out about Sam and I like the introduction of the Stine's, especially since they are technically human/zombie (which reminded me of Doc Benton from Season 3). I also like the idea of Crowley being killed. I think he has become a bit too in the way of demons being evil, which they haven't been since Kripke times.
Overall, the episode was decent and had some good moments with Rowena and hopefully more of the Grand Coven. Just hope this death finally changes things in the show.
PS, angels can't fly anymore.
Not sure what everyone is complaining about
ihyousf7 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I am not sure what everybody is complaining about. I thought this episode was one of the better episodes this season so far, one I could finally watch with interest again. Finally, a darker and more bloody episode with some interesting bad guys, great opening scene and Dean finally a bit more back in control, ready to go back into bad guy torture mode.
Compare that to many of the soft and weak episodes so far in season 10 with B characters getting the main part, creatieve singing and dancing school girl episodes, whining teenage girls in their puberty episodes and Sam and Dean constantly getting their asses kicked by some weak monster or getting saved miracously by weak characters. This episode finally had the feel again of the earlier seasons where they would go out, in control, ready to kick ass. Sam had finally stopped crying over Dean and Dean finally seemed like the cool guy in control again. This was a major improvement to the overall feel of season so far in my opinion.
I do agree that the ending was a bit of a shock and unnecessary. However, I already lost my interest in Charlie some time ago. I think she was great and funny in her first introduction episode, I believe it was in S7, but I've lost interest in her afterwards. I wouldn't be surprised If she is brought back to life by Cas or Crowly in the next episode anyway.
Still the worst season so far, but it might finally become a little more interesting again near the end of this season. I'll surely be watching the last two episodes with higher expectations than before.
Compare that to many of the soft and weak episodes so far in season 10 with B characters getting the main part, creatieve singing and dancing school girl episodes, whining teenage girls in their puberty episodes and Sam and Dean constantly getting their asses kicked by some weak monster or getting saved miracously by weak characters. This episode finally had the feel again of the earlier seasons where they would go out, in control, ready to kick ass. Sam had finally stopped crying over Dean and Dean finally seemed like the cool guy in control again. This was a major improvement to the overall feel of season so far in my opinion.
I do agree that the ending was a bit of a shock and unnecessary. However, I already lost my interest in Charlie some time ago. I think she was great and funny in her first introduction episode, I believe it was in S7, but I've lost interest in her afterwards. I wouldn't be surprised If she is brought back to life by Cas or Crowly in the next episode anyway.
Still the worst season so far, but it might finally become a little more interesting again near the end of this season. I'll surely be watching the last two episodes with higher expectations than before.
The stines and forced death
shwetafabm3 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The death was forced, it could have been done in a better way if they wanted that, but it wasn't too bad.
Charlie was pretty sweet and all and they could have probably done more with the character but it was ok storywise i suppose.
They fridge her bad tho.
Also the repitition, this is exactly what happened with Kevin, a seceret then a sweet decoder dies.
Though the nerfing of Cas is actually useful because it raises stakes why would Cass not be able to bring her back to life? Gadreel could.
It is compelling but enough with certain tropes
CubsandCulture5 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I can't talk about this episode without a big spoiler. Charlie gets killed (fridged) in this episode. The show has repeatedly killed off women characters to help move the Winchester storyline along. This death is handled about as well as can be expected-add in Charlie is one of the better drawn woman characters and the plot point works. I am objecting more to the show's reliance on this trope than on this particular use of it. It is really too bad because much of this episode is classic.
Rowena and Charlie bickering? Classic. The Styne Family? Classic. Sam and Dean fighting over a lie? Classic.
But it it is all saddled to rote storytelling.
Rowena and Charlie bickering? Classic. The Styne Family? Classic. Sam and Dean fighting over a lie? Classic.
But it it is all saddled to rote storytelling.
Seriously?
wolfordcheyenne25 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This episode could've been good, but they KILLED Charlie. Wtf would they do that? Why kill off one of your most beloved characters? It was basically used as a plot point to push Dean over the edge in the next episode and I hated it. Also Sam going behind Dean's back is getting old. I don't know why Dean would automatically assume Sam burned the Book of the Damned, when he knows how desperate Sam is to save him. Everyone in this episode made incredibly stupid decisions. Last thing, in season 9 Sam said he wouldn't save Dean and yet that's what this whole season has been about. 🙃
A truly horrible episode
Shane31826 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
As this season is wrapping up, it seems like it would be smart and even clever of the writers to begin grabbing the loose ends and weaving it into a reasonable and interesting plot. However, as we near the end it becomes more apparent that this isn't happening. And this episode is an example of that.
Rather than fix problems that have been dragging on since the start of the season, the writers feel that it is more important to dig deeper holes for the brothers to find themselves stuck in.
More enemies arise, more conflicts come to light before any previous plot points are resolved. Whether or not the writers were going for exciting or dramatic or something similar, all I can gather from this is that the writers have no clue what they are doing and are just throwing more and more "twists" into the mix in a desperate attempt to keep the audience on their toes.
This episode is, surprise surprise, all about Sam lying to Dean and working behind his back to save him. Sound familiar? Ah yes, it's the same plot we've been dragging out for a few months now, and is also identical to the plot we had in season nine when their positions were reversed and Dean was lying to Sam in an attempt to save him. After countless attempts of bringing the brothers together, it is apparent that the brothers truly can not be honest with each other and that the writers will take one step forward only to fall four steps back.
This episode was a mess. Definitely a contender for worst Buckner and Leming episode of all time.
Rather than fix problems that have been dragging on since the start of the season, the writers feel that it is more important to dig deeper holes for the brothers to find themselves stuck in.
More enemies arise, more conflicts come to light before any previous plot points are resolved. Whether or not the writers were going for exciting or dramatic or something similar, all I can gather from this is that the writers have no clue what they are doing and are just throwing more and more "twists" into the mix in a desperate attempt to keep the audience on their toes.
This episode is, surprise surprise, all about Sam lying to Dean and working behind his back to save him. Sound familiar? Ah yes, it's the same plot we've been dragging out for a few months now, and is also identical to the plot we had in season nine when their positions were reversed and Dean was lying to Sam in an attempt to save him. After countless attempts of bringing the brothers together, it is apparent that the brothers truly can not be honest with each other and that the writers will take one step forward only to fall four steps back.
This episode was a mess. Definitely a contender for worst Buckner and Leming episode of all time.
Terrible, written poorly and OOC
aerowlan6 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
There were so many plot holes and inconsistencies in this episode it made me sick. The worst part wasn't that the person Jared Padalecki was playing wasn't Sam Winchester but some weird messed-up OOC version of him, the worst part wasn't that they reduced Cas to a bumbling babysitter unable to make his own decisions and left him to take care of a chained up Rowena (who had been left alone previously for a time) while he could have been saving Charlie. No the worst part was the mangling of Charlie herself and everything she's stood for. They left her broken in bath tub. Dead. They didn't show the fight, the struggle, they showed her broken and defeated for no other purpose than to cause man pain. Her death was heartbreaking and pointless. This is the worst episode of Supernatural that has ever been written. They've gotten rid of an openly queer, strong woman on a show that's got misogynistic tendencies at best and they've alienated many fans- including this one. Terrible episode. I advise skipping it entirely.
What the fudge was this episode?
anniegarg7 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
First of all I want to let you know that Charlie is(was) a character who's impossible to hate. When you see she's going to be an episode, you get really excited and start hoping for some light and funny moments as well as some bad-assary. But it seemed that this whole episode was written with the sole purpose to kill Charlie. They just tried to make a story according to that.
I mean why else would the writers make Sam and Dean chain the Styne guy with one hand only? They've never done that before. Why would Charlie who is so smart, leave without telling anyone even though she knows she might get in danger and hey Cas did move Rowena elsewhere to give her the quiet she was asking for so it was stupid really. OUT OF CHARACTER! Also why can't Cas trace her? She doesn't have anti- angel sigil etched in her ribs.. And when she told the brothers about her location, they could have told cas and he could have zapped there and saved her. Don't tell me, he's weak and stuff. Also when she died, they didn't even try calling Cas to bring her back. Cas getting back his grace is basically useless, you mean?
Another thing, Charlie has always been such a strong character, you know? If she had to die, if it was that important to the writers, she could have died in such a better way. They should have shown how their fight went down. How she gave him a tough fight bcs let's not forget that she has hunted monsters on her own before this and was in Oz with everything crazy so this was soooo unfair to her!
Charlie was the last family member they had next to each other and Cas. She was like their sister and now the writers have just showed that no one will survive this show other than the boys and Cas (actually not sure about Cas either). She was the light in this otherwise dark life they are living. PLEASE JUST BRING BACK CHARLIE!
I mean why else would the writers make Sam and Dean chain the Styne guy with one hand only? They've never done that before. Why would Charlie who is so smart, leave without telling anyone even though she knows she might get in danger and hey Cas did move Rowena elsewhere to give her the quiet she was asking for so it was stupid really. OUT OF CHARACTER! Also why can't Cas trace her? She doesn't have anti- angel sigil etched in her ribs.. And when she told the brothers about her location, they could have told cas and he could have zapped there and saved her. Don't tell me, he's weak and stuff. Also when she died, they didn't even try calling Cas to bring her back. Cas getting back his grace is basically useless, you mean?
Another thing, Charlie has always been such a strong character, you know? If she had to die, if it was that important to the writers, she could have died in such a better way. They should have shown how their fight went down. How she gave him a tough fight bcs let's not forget that she has hunted monsters on her own before this and was in Oz with everything crazy so this was soooo unfair to her!
Charlie was the last family member they had next to each other and Cas. She was like their sister and now the writers have just showed that no one will survive this show other than the boys and Cas (actually not sure about Cas either). She was the light in this otherwise dark life they are living. PLEASE JUST BRING BACK CHARLIE!
Tough Love - Season 10 Writing is Forced, Clunky, Silly and Dull - Some Advice
serbian_0076 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
To put it blunt, the writing has gone downhill in season 10 (Only a few episodes were done great, like the one's with Cain). I sincerely hope Supernatural doesn't end soon, but if this kind of writing continues into the next season I'm afraid this spells the end. The plot this season seems too forced, and the overemphasis on dialogue lulls and dulls my mind and interest. The recent episodes just aren't all that exciting to me. There is too much focus on dialogue (a very rookie mistake from the writers), too little focus on action and the main story. Compare Supernatural's early season's to this one and you'll see that dialogue was less, main story was more; season 10 is the opposite. Unless something mind-blowing happens in the finale, I'd say the whole Mark of Cain saga was done in the worst possible way- lots of wasted potential there and too many anti climactic moments to name.
As for tonight's episode, well it was just silly. The Stein family fights to the death to guard their family secrets, yet one gets captured and basically writes a whole book, plot, and review for Dean about the Stein family free of charge; okay, um, forced suspense a tad. Sure it was a nice twist, just would have preferred if Sam and Dean found that part out on their own, as detectives should, with a tad more effort - you know, by doing research or beating the info out of someone. No going back for Charlie. Sam's a moose. We've been here before.
My advice: -Less of Rowena -The return of evil Crowley and evil hell -Bring back the horror -New interesting characters, please, to refresh this mess -For season 11, consider more than one main plot- Mark of Cain was not enough to drive this season because the season wasn't done right -Introduce a new global catastrophe besides the western apocalypse to take away the focus on the brothers -the story shouldn't just be about Sam and Dean (previous seasons were better because they focused not just on Sam and Dean's fate, but the fate of the whole world. - Bring back the focus on "Saving PEOPLE, hunting things. The family business" - lately it's been too much of "Saving Dean, hunting things".
Other seasons had saving Sam/Dean too, don't get me wrong, but in the context of a larger story about the 'end', which was better.
Supernatural, I love you, but just get it together.
As for tonight's episode, well it was just silly. The Stein family fights to the death to guard their family secrets, yet one gets captured and basically writes a whole book, plot, and review for Dean about the Stein family free of charge; okay, um, forced suspense a tad. Sure it was a nice twist, just would have preferred if Sam and Dean found that part out on their own, as detectives should, with a tad more effort - you know, by doing research or beating the info out of someone. No going back for Charlie. Sam's a moose. We've been here before.
My advice: -Less of Rowena -The return of evil Crowley and evil hell -Bring back the horror -New interesting characters, please, to refresh this mess -For season 11, consider more than one main plot- Mark of Cain was not enough to drive this season because the season wasn't done right -Introduce a new global catastrophe besides the western apocalypse to take away the focus on the brothers -the story shouldn't just be about Sam and Dean (previous seasons were better because they focused not just on Sam and Dean's fate, but the fate of the whole world. - Bring back the focus on "Saving PEOPLE, hunting things. The family business" - lately it's been too much of "Saving Dean, hunting things".
Other seasons had saving Sam/Dean too, don't get me wrong, but in the context of a larger story about the 'end', which was better.
Supernatural, I love you, but just get it together.
Worst episode to date
gawa-353097 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Honestly, I'm kinda fed up with this already. The whole Charlie dying thing was 100% completely and utterly unnecessary. It would have been so unbelievably easy for her to have called Castiel and ask for help, and he would have shown up in a heart beat. Because he's an angel. Angels can hear prayers (including informal ones such as longing, etc). They can fly.
Some serious continuity errors happening here.
Also, I agree whole-heartedly with the other reviewers, with Sam being this weird other guy that was so not Sam. He obviously would have gone back to her and stayed.
Before this episode aired, I was a little bit wary of having Charlie in an episode that wasn't written by Robbie Thompson. I wasn't sure if I could trust any other writers with her, as Robbie was the one who created her in the first place. Guess my gut feeling was right.
I've searched my brain for ages, but the only reason why Charlie died that I can think of is to just cause more "man pain" for Sam, Dean, and Cas, which is still completely unnecessary. This is nearing the end of the season, they haven't wrapped up a single thing, and yet they're bringing more in. Not the best move. If they plan on leaving it all to the finale, it's gonna be tacky, with bits and pieces sticking out at random places. I'm kinda scared that the MoC issue won't even be solved in the finale, but I hope to god it is. The story line is actually starting to get really boring, we need something new next season that doesn't involve pushing Castiel's and Sam's problems to the background.
And I'm seriously disappointed with them continuing their usual habits of killing off every single female supporting character. Charlie was the only one who added diversity to the show. She was the only supporting female, the only explicitly canon lgbtqa+ person on the entire show. Getting real tired of having to watch a show that purely revolves around hetero white guys with their manly man problems. Pretty sure I'm not the only one.
Anyway, I'm probably drowning out everyone with my complaining, but hey, it's justified.
Some serious continuity errors happening here.
Also, I agree whole-heartedly with the other reviewers, with Sam being this weird other guy that was so not Sam. He obviously would have gone back to her and stayed.
Before this episode aired, I was a little bit wary of having Charlie in an episode that wasn't written by Robbie Thompson. I wasn't sure if I could trust any other writers with her, as Robbie was the one who created her in the first place. Guess my gut feeling was right.
I've searched my brain for ages, but the only reason why Charlie died that I can think of is to just cause more "man pain" for Sam, Dean, and Cas, which is still completely unnecessary. This is nearing the end of the season, they haven't wrapped up a single thing, and yet they're bringing more in. Not the best move. If they plan on leaving it all to the finale, it's gonna be tacky, with bits and pieces sticking out at random places. I'm kinda scared that the MoC issue won't even be solved in the finale, but I hope to god it is. The story line is actually starting to get really boring, we need something new next season that doesn't involve pushing Castiel's and Sam's problems to the background.
And I'm seriously disappointed with them continuing their usual habits of killing off every single female supporting character. Charlie was the only one who added diversity to the show. She was the only supporting female, the only explicitly canon lgbtqa+ person on the entire show. Getting real tired of having to watch a show that purely revolves around hetero white guys with their manly man problems. Pretty sure I'm not the only one.
Anyway, I'm probably drowning out everyone with my complaining, but hey, it's justified.
One star is too good
keithkost7 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
What a large pile of steaming ....
I am going to paraphrase another fan by saying that my anger comes from liking the characters in general and Charlie in particular and then seeing them treated so poorly. The entire episode was handled badly by the writers, creating caricatures of Sam, Dean, Cas and Charlie herself. Their demonstrated ability to handle situations much worse than this was ignored in lieu of creating an ending that just made no sense. They were idiots and I didn't watch 10 years of of this show to see this kind of out of character, insultingly dumb behavior.
This was the last Supernatural I will watch. You get nothing more from me. They couldn't even Jump the Shark... It was more like watching them trip on their own toenails and die.
Please Stop - Buckner & Ross-Leming
I am going to paraphrase another fan by saying that my anger comes from liking the characters in general and Charlie in particular and then seeing them treated so poorly. The entire episode was handled badly by the writers, creating caricatures of Sam, Dean, Cas and Charlie herself. Their demonstrated ability to handle situations much worse than this was ignored in lieu of creating an ending that just made no sense. They were idiots and I didn't watch 10 years of of this show to see this kind of out of character, insultingly dumb behavior.
This was the last Supernatural I will watch. You get nothing more from me. They couldn't even Jump the Shark... It was more like watching them trip on their own toenails and die.
Please Stop - Buckner & Ross-Leming
I will censor the cursing
.
migdallt-370088 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I think, honestly, that the writers Buckner/Leming should be embarrassed to get paid for that as professional writers.
Seriously, shame on you. How dare you call yourselves professional writers?
This is not random hatred. There is reason behind this rant.
Let's start with basic stupidity and plot holes.
1) They have no idea how to introduce us to character/villain motivation or ability and make logical sense. Example: the Styne at the beginning, who supposedly values secrecy and "not leaving bodies behind" RUNS FROM A FRIKKIN JANITOR. A. Janitor. WHY??!! He not only screws up his secrecy so badly that the Hunters are on his trail, he REVEALS HIS EXTRA ABILITIES FOR NO APPARENT REASON. ON VIDEO. Lazy writing. They had no idea how to introduce the character and his powers without this senseless and illogical display. Amateur hour writing. To further compound the idiocy, the guy goes back and randomly kills another witness. Yeah. That makes sense.
2) The "Hollywood Rant". The guy later, after being captured .oh, about that also stupid and lazy. This Styne family is aware that Dean has the Mark of Cain, and how dangerous that makes him. Yet, they send ONLY TWO GUYS to capture him. And, predictably, one is killed and the other is caught. Yeah. Really competent there, bad-guys. And for the aforementioned so-called 'professional writers'-some advice-when you are trying to illustrate how 'knowledgable' and 'smart' your villains are, try not to do stupid ignorant things like ignoring lore at the same time. Just a thought. Free advice. Ahem. Back to the "Hollywood Rant". For the initiated, that means a character on screen has to go into a long speech or rant to explain the plot to an audience that the writers are assuming are dumb. It's just that way. The entire process can be done well, or poorly. This one was the latter. He reveals EVERYTHING about his family, plans, the Book, for no reason whatsoever, except to advance the plot. Clunky.
3) Castiel. All-powerful angel. Can instantly transport (or fly, depending on the head-canon) anywhere and hear cries for help. He does well he's ignored. He brings snack in this episode. Lazy. Careless. Poorly written. I mean, I'm not just pointing fingers at what's wrong, here's some tips .GIVE CASTIEL SOMETHING TO DO THAT MIGHT HAVE PREVENTED HIM FROM HELPING ummm ANYONE IN THIS EPISODE! Demons? They were hunting for Rowena .maybe one of the minions stumbled onto her and he had to fight off a few of them? Just a suggestion. It's called LEVELS OF STORYTELLING.
4) Failing to recognize your audience, and abusing their trust. Charlie was a popular character. There was a TON of subtext built up around her, and you not only ignored all of it, but you KILELD HER OFF SCREEN AND DUMPED HER IN THE TOILET. OK, it was the bathtub, but the reference is not lost on us. An author writes first for themselves, and then the audience, sure. But if you are ONLY writing for yourself, and ignoring your audience, you are lazy and incompetent as a 'professional writer'. That's what happened. They ignored the audience to such a degree it was a direct slap in the face. She doesn't get a heroic fight. She doesn't get final words. She is dumped unceremoniously in a bathroom. You are writing a horror/drama, not daedalist prose (you just googled that, didn't you?) The sub-text here (that's the unwritten message that you are sending to your audience, 'professional writers', JIK) is that Charlie was unimportant, and only her shocking death was important to advance the plot. Uh.uh. Never ever. You ignored people and slapped them in the face.
And you are probably wondering now why there is so much hatred and backlash.
Simple. People don't like getting abused.
Please. Go find another 'profession'. And stop writing giant piles of Brontosaurus $§%!T.
Damn. *censor*
Seriously, shame on you. How dare you call yourselves professional writers?
This is not random hatred. There is reason behind this rant.
Let's start with basic stupidity and plot holes.
1) They have no idea how to introduce us to character/villain motivation or ability and make logical sense. Example: the Styne at the beginning, who supposedly values secrecy and "not leaving bodies behind" RUNS FROM A FRIKKIN JANITOR. A. Janitor. WHY??!! He not only screws up his secrecy so badly that the Hunters are on his trail, he REVEALS HIS EXTRA ABILITIES FOR NO APPARENT REASON. ON VIDEO. Lazy writing. They had no idea how to introduce the character and his powers without this senseless and illogical display. Amateur hour writing. To further compound the idiocy, the guy goes back and randomly kills another witness. Yeah. That makes sense.
2) The "Hollywood Rant". The guy later, after being captured .oh, about that also stupid and lazy. This Styne family is aware that Dean has the Mark of Cain, and how dangerous that makes him. Yet, they send ONLY TWO GUYS to capture him. And, predictably, one is killed and the other is caught. Yeah. Really competent there, bad-guys. And for the aforementioned so-called 'professional writers'-some advice-when you are trying to illustrate how 'knowledgable' and 'smart' your villains are, try not to do stupid ignorant things like ignoring lore at the same time. Just a thought. Free advice. Ahem. Back to the "Hollywood Rant". For the initiated, that means a character on screen has to go into a long speech or rant to explain the plot to an audience that the writers are assuming are dumb. It's just that way. The entire process can be done well, or poorly. This one was the latter. He reveals EVERYTHING about his family, plans, the Book, for no reason whatsoever, except to advance the plot. Clunky.
3) Castiel. All-powerful angel. Can instantly transport (or fly, depending on the head-canon) anywhere and hear cries for help. He does well he's ignored. He brings snack in this episode. Lazy. Careless. Poorly written. I mean, I'm not just pointing fingers at what's wrong, here's some tips .GIVE CASTIEL SOMETHING TO DO THAT MIGHT HAVE PREVENTED HIM FROM HELPING ummm ANYONE IN THIS EPISODE! Demons? They were hunting for Rowena .maybe one of the minions stumbled onto her and he had to fight off a few of them? Just a suggestion. It's called LEVELS OF STORYTELLING.
4) Failing to recognize your audience, and abusing their trust. Charlie was a popular character. There was a TON of subtext built up around her, and you not only ignored all of it, but you KILELD HER OFF SCREEN AND DUMPED HER IN THE TOILET. OK, it was the bathtub, but the reference is not lost on us. An author writes first for themselves, and then the audience, sure. But if you are ONLY writing for yourself, and ignoring your audience, you are lazy and incompetent as a 'professional writer'. That's what happened. They ignored the audience to such a degree it was a direct slap in the face. She doesn't get a heroic fight. She doesn't get final words. She is dumped unceremoniously in a bathroom. You are writing a horror/drama, not daedalist prose (you just googled that, didn't you?) The sub-text here (that's the unwritten message that you are sending to your audience, 'professional writers', JIK) is that Charlie was unimportant, and only her shocking death was important to advance the plot. Uh.uh. Never ever. You ignored people and slapped them in the face.
And you are probably wondering now why there is so much hatred and backlash.
Simple. People don't like getting abused.
Please. Go find another 'profession'. And stop writing giant piles of Brontosaurus $§%!T.
Damn. *censor*
Hands down the worst Supernatural episode of the entire ten seasons. SPOILERS
akdeem15 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This episode was an insult to the fans and worse, it was an insult to the actors. All the actors. Everyone's character was dumbed down, everyone's character was out of character. It was a particular insult to Felicia Day and her character, Charlie. Charlie behaved stupidly, which is not like her at all, suddenly seemed unable to fight, was killed off screen and her body thrown in a bathtub. It was a slap in the face to all involved and TPTB don't even have a good answer for why they did it. The writing has been suffering lately, but the writing on this one was dismal. This ep in the midst of a mediocre season with a tired plot is a low point for this show. The eternal optimist in me is still hoping they'll redeem themselves in season 11.
what were they thinking.
mpace-612-5351227 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Even if the point of this episode was to show there are consequences (like Charlie getting killed) for making decisions the character (Sam) knows is wrong, this was a terrible way to do it. Everyone has had to work with people they don't like or who have terrible distracting mannerisms; adults deal with it until the project is over. Why Charlie would leave knowing there are people looking for her, that she barely escaped the first time, after Rowena was relocated away from her is beyond me. If her death was just so Dean and/or Sam could feel even more guilt, then it was completely pointless. It also seemed ridiculous that Cas felt fine to leave them alone to get snacks, but couldn't leave one of them alone so Rowena would stop annoying Charlie. And why would he need to call Sam for help? He was a leader of a garrison, and millennia old; he should know how to deal with inter-personal conflicts by now, even if they do involve humans and not angels. My final criticism may have to do with Jared's acting choices, but Sam is telegraphing guilt a 5 year old could read. I don't know why Dean had to be told the book wasn't burned, he's really not stupid. He knows his brother, and he should be able to tell Sam was lying about something. It shouldn't be a big leap to question if the book burned or not, or to press Sam a little harder on obviously lying. He shouldn't have needed the Stynes to figure that out. I don't usually pay attention to who writes what episode, but without fail, the ones I've hated the most were written by Lemming and Buckner.
The Worst Episode of the Entire Series - A New Low!
edfor7 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Let's cut to the chase: This episode destroyed one of the most beloved characters in the series in order to "raise the stakes" for the Winchesters and add to their "man pain". It was such a gross decision, that I can now understand why Misha Collins made a comment about a future episode being truly disgusting. I'm not one to listen to PR, whether it be actors or promotion, so I didn't put too much stock into what that could mean. But as soon as this episode was over, and the pit at the bottom of my stomach kept growing, I knew he had been referring to this episode. What a waste of a character.
What a disgusting,misogynistic, hateful thing to do Charlie and to the fans. The problem I see is that this show doesn't have enough creative power in the writer's room to come up with a better way to add tension than "Kill the next person in line that we've set up as a friend or family member of the Winchesters." That's it. It's all you know how to do in order to create buzz. You're too afraid to create buzz with positive story lines such as the canonization of Dean and Castiel's relationship. Either you're sitting on that for the very last season, which is a disservice to their relationship, or you're never going to go through with it out of fear or embarrassment or something else that I'd rather not dwell on. The point is that season 8 had some of the highest ratings because of all the "Dean and Cas buzz". You could have capitalized on that in season 9 and season 10 for a boost. Instead, you fridge this queer relationship, kept the characters apart all season, and in order to get fans talking, you butchered their favorite character!
Wow, well congrats on discarding and murdering yet another female character for Dean and Sam. Are these characters even heroes anymore? I keep seeing fans asking that question, and these are loyal, long-standing fans, and we just don't know. Many people have come to loathe the Winchesters because their bond is so toxic and immature and boring, and all it does is kill characters who are more interesting than they could ever be because you all don't know what to do with them anymore. They are these sad, pathetic middle age white dudes who cling onto each other the way a five month old clings onto his mother's chest. And unless you romanticize that codependency, the average fan is just fed p with it and bored out of their mind.
A lot of fans have remained with this show, hit after hit, but this time the show has gone to far. If I was them, the first thing on my agenda for season 11 would be to bring back Charlie. Unless you want the fans to think bringing back the dead is only afforded to the three white dudes who have been killed hundreds of times yet are still hear stinking up episodes with unoriginal and unimaginative stories?
In many ways Charlie was better than the show. What it has become anyway. She was a breath of fresh air, a ray of sunshine, a flower in the dessert. You had been using her sporadically and it had worked to make fans feel that kind of love even in the bleakest of seasons, but now that's gone. You've made this series so unbearable and unwatched. I'm not sure what the purpose of that was. Maybe you just really want season 11 to be the last season or to get axed because of poor ratings.
I really can't recommend this episode. It was horrendously written, bad pacing, bad acting, a storyline that made no sense and was just boring. A death of a beloved character for no reason that was predicated upon every character acting like an idiot so this one character could be preyed upon. The death wasn't even shown on camera. All we got was an over the top bloody moment in a bathtub, a character discarded like garbage.
What a waste.
This episode does not deserve 1 out of 10.
This episode deserves a 0 and it deserves to be eliminated from DVD sales because this 1 episode will have me make this the first season that I don't purchase on DVD. I don't need trash sitting on my shelves at home.
What a disgusting,misogynistic, hateful thing to do Charlie and to the fans. The problem I see is that this show doesn't have enough creative power in the writer's room to come up with a better way to add tension than "Kill the next person in line that we've set up as a friend or family member of the Winchesters." That's it. It's all you know how to do in order to create buzz. You're too afraid to create buzz with positive story lines such as the canonization of Dean and Castiel's relationship. Either you're sitting on that for the very last season, which is a disservice to their relationship, or you're never going to go through with it out of fear or embarrassment or something else that I'd rather not dwell on. The point is that season 8 had some of the highest ratings because of all the "Dean and Cas buzz". You could have capitalized on that in season 9 and season 10 for a boost. Instead, you fridge this queer relationship, kept the characters apart all season, and in order to get fans talking, you butchered their favorite character!
Wow, well congrats on discarding and murdering yet another female character for Dean and Sam. Are these characters even heroes anymore? I keep seeing fans asking that question, and these are loyal, long-standing fans, and we just don't know. Many people have come to loathe the Winchesters because their bond is so toxic and immature and boring, and all it does is kill characters who are more interesting than they could ever be because you all don't know what to do with them anymore. They are these sad, pathetic middle age white dudes who cling onto each other the way a five month old clings onto his mother's chest. And unless you romanticize that codependency, the average fan is just fed p with it and bored out of their mind.
A lot of fans have remained with this show, hit after hit, but this time the show has gone to far. If I was them, the first thing on my agenda for season 11 would be to bring back Charlie. Unless you want the fans to think bringing back the dead is only afforded to the three white dudes who have been killed hundreds of times yet are still hear stinking up episodes with unoriginal and unimaginative stories?
In many ways Charlie was better than the show. What it has become anyway. She was a breath of fresh air, a ray of sunshine, a flower in the dessert. You had been using her sporadically and it had worked to make fans feel that kind of love even in the bleakest of seasons, but now that's gone. You've made this series so unbearable and unwatched. I'm not sure what the purpose of that was. Maybe you just really want season 11 to be the last season or to get axed because of poor ratings.
I really can't recommend this episode. It was horrendously written, bad pacing, bad acting, a storyline that made no sense and was just boring. A death of a beloved character for no reason that was predicated upon every character acting like an idiot so this one character could be preyed upon. The death wasn't even shown on camera. All we got was an over the top bloody moment in a bathtub, a character discarded like garbage.
What a waste.
This episode does not deserve 1 out of 10.
This episode deserves a 0 and it deserves to be eliminated from DVD sales because this 1 episode will have me make this the first season that I don't purchase on DVD. I don't need trash sitting on my shelves at home.
Extremely disappointing
zoejcostello19 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This episode is a prime example of how supernatural has slowly began to run downhill. It was like they picked a new, random group of writers to write this episode. Everyone, especially Sam and Charlie, were out of character. Charlie was an intelligent character, there's now way she would've taken off to a motel without telling anyone when she knew that the stynes were after her. And don't even get me started on the way they killed her. They took a character with a complex back-story and strong connection to the boys and dumped her body in a bathtub. No fight scene, no final words, nothing. It made her seem weak and meaningless, which she wasn't. Her death was completely pointless and just an excuse for more man pain. Even when Jeremy carter was asked why he killed off Charlie, he couldn't give an answer besides "it's where the story took us." Really? The story took you to kill off the only diversity on the show by a villain that would too be killed off two episodes later? Hopefully season 11 will turn things around and make up for seasons 9 and 10
How to anger fans and lose your audience in less than 42 minutes 101
cathystead8 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Undoubtedly the worst episode this season, if not the entire series. Yet another supporting character Fridged for the sake of Sam and Deans toxic bro bond codependency. This time, Charlie. A fan favorite, ray of sunshine and breath of fresh air in an otherwise very depressing show for the last 2/3 seasons.
Charlie a strong woman, Woman of Letters, certified geek and honorary Winchester. Plus the only openly LGBT character on show.
It is near impossible to understand the rationale behind killing off Charlie. Not to mention the fact that she was left broken and bleeding in a motel bathtub.
Some may argue Sam is responsible for her death. Actually bad Powers-that-be decisions and poor writing are to blame. Do yourself a favor, make this the last time B-L write an episode for SPN.
Needless to say, many fans are in an uproar about Charlie's death. SPN, you are pissing off and losing fans left and right. Weekly ratings are showing a trend towards stabilized mediocrity. Maybe you are okay with that, being in yr tenth season.
I for one will only watch for Cas. To be honest, I don't care what happens with Dean and Sam anymore. Maybe they just deserve each other.
Charlie a strong woman, Woman of Letters, certified geek and honorary Winchester. Plus the only openly LGBT character on show.
It is near impossible to understand the rationale behind killing off Charlie. Not to mention the fact that she was left broken and bleeding in a motel bathtub.
Some may argue Sam is responsible for her death. Actually bad Powers-that-be decisions and poor writing are to blame. Do yourself a favor, make this the last time B-L write an episode for SPN.
Needless to say, many fans are in an uproar about Charlie's death. SPN, you are pissing off and losing fans left and right. Weekly ratings are showing a trend towards stabilized mediocrity. Maybe you are okay with that, being in yr tenth season.
I for one will only watch for Cas. To be honest, I don't care what happens with Dean and Sam anymore. Maybe they just deserve each other.
Writing Proves Poor
hangingontolife6 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
While I sort of enjoyed the intensity in the episode, the plot was still written poorly, as the general writing continues to suffer. Understanding that the show needed some way of unleashing Dean's dark side, Charlie's death was the wrong way to do it, or at least was written too poorly to execute it in a way that would not push away viewers. A large majority of viewers have grown extremely attached to Charlie Bradbury and the quirkiness and fresh air her character brings to the story; to kill her character adequately would require a well-written and delivered event, and that is not what happened on tonight's episode. One big question has viewers baffled: why would Charlie leave Castiel's protection when she knows, from her own painful experiences being chased and from being attacked while with Sam and Dean, that people are after her (as well as Sam and Dean) and the book of the damned? Charlie is smarter than to risk her life and the information for decoding the book for such a small bit of extra privacy than what Castiel was providing her with when he sealed Rowena away, and viewers are well aware of this. Especially since Charlie was the only openly LGBT frequently recurring character on the show, and she was put to death so poorly, in an episode named "Dark Dynasty" referencing to the show Duck Dynasty, who's stars are known for being anti-LGBT, this episode meant to stir up intensity and spark Dean's darkness, but instead ended up disappointing a large majority of Supernatural's audience.
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