I really enjoy the episodes where Jensen gets to demonstrate his comedic side and this episode is a prime example. It is packed full of his wonderfully placed micro-expressions and brilliant subtle physical nuances. But the episode also contains one of the most poignant moments I have seen in a long time, as Dean battles to hold on to who he is. The shear loss in his face is heartbreaking and you can't help but feel for anyone who might have to go through such a situation in real life for reasons such as Alzheimers. That's one of the brilliant things about the show, that they can set very real human problems in this crazy mythical world, and make you feel the emotion of the issues while still enjoying the fantastical story. The storyline is also brilliantly delivered in this episode. We only find out the basic outline of the original case in second-hand information after the event. We deal almost entirely with the fallout. The baddies are finally dispatched almost negligently and we don't mind at all because they are secondary to the real story that is being told, and that technique works beautifully. The montage at the end tugs on your heart strings because you can see the change that Jensen puts into Dean's face and whole demeanour as he has changed back from a carefree young man to our world-wearied hero. Technically it's a 'filler' episode, as there is no advance to the main story arcs, but this is a beautiful little story that will win places in our hearts for emotional value.
11 Reviews
Rowena Dean chemistry
blackmagpie-623682 June 2018
The Rowena / Dean chemistry really works in this one although Dean has good chemistry with everyone. Sam is adorable in this episode looking after his older brother and taking charge. This episode has a bit of everything, sentiment, emotion, action, humor and a monster all wrapped up in one. Some great scenes whilst tracing Dean's steps, a cute bunny and a fun waitress. The scene where Dean saves the day based on post it notes is really great.
Outstanding episode!
teresafallis3 June 2018
I loved this episode! It's been a long time since we've been able to see Jensen's acting range. From comedy, to the poignant scene in the bathroom, Jensen shines! This is definitely in my top 5 favorite episodes of all time!
wow
hannahisaacs-6177515 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This genuinely has to be one of the most beautiful and emotional episodes of all time. The acting was amazing, the lines that were delivered were great. Rowena and Dean had amazing chemistry in their scenes. There were moments of pure happiness and moments that showed Dean's humor but there was also those emotional moments where it really hits you. I mean seeing a person go from happily watching Scooby-Doo to being so upset and on the verge of crying because they can't remember the simple things like their name. Jensen's acting was phenomenal. The whole episode was just beautiful.
Beautifully done episode
jackiehedstrom22 August 2022
I liked this episode so much that I just had to write a review! It is light, and deep, entertaining and emotional. Especially Jensen shines in this one, showing all his range as an actor - a natural in comedic scenes, while academy award level brilliant in the scene where he is starting to lose who he is. In a way this episode is like a mini-movie on its own, and the montage at the end - which I loved - really ties a bow on this excellent "filler" episode. If filler episodes were all like this, we wouldnt dare call them filler episodes...
I find it so strange that some of the best actors live in the world of these type of sci-fi/fantasy shows, and they just fly under the radar never getting recognition for their talent outside of the fanbase. They wonder why Supernatural has so many diehard fans - it is because we get to see some of the best actors and some of the most fun writing out there. We get Al Pacino (just better looking !) and Shane Black for 41 minutes many times over in the year. Though they get no awards, and they dont get all that fame, but they get undying love and appreciation from the fans.
I find it so strange that some of the best actors live in the world of these type of sci-fi/fantasy shows, and they just fly under the radar never getting recognition for their talent outside of the fanbase. They wonder why Supernatural has so many diehard fans - it is because we get to see some of the best actors and some of the most fun writing out there. We get Al Pacino (just better looking !) and Shane Black for 41 minutes many times over in the year. Though they get no awards, and they dont get all that fame, but they get undying love and appreciation from the fans.
This is a tragicomedy that really works; It is even better in context of this weak season
CubsandCulture28 June 2021
On its own this is a really strong monster of the week episode. It uses magic/witches to tell a compelling story that can act as a metaphor (i.e. Dementia) and it brings the brotherly melodrama home. The procedural elements are shuffled enough to seem fresh. Ackles manages to turn in one of his funniest *and* saddest performances of the show's run. Indeed, I most appreciate how the episode is able to use the central conceit equally for laughs and tears.
The episode is so much better than the brutal stretch of lackluster episodes it is in the middle of. It might not come across quite so well as among the best episodes.
The episode is so much better than the brutal stretch of lackluster episodes it is in the middle of. It might not come across quite so well as among the best episodes.
My name -- my name is... My...
hamidullahgenc16 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Our beloved characters must suffer in order for us to care more. You all remember what it was like to feel that Sam, Dean or even Castiel is going to die for good.
To watch Dean as reverse-Benjamin Button was both funny and painful simultaneously. Yeah, we were reminded of the first three seasons and we wished it would be for good... We still do...
But to remember is a big part to this show as well as to our world. We cannot escape what we did wrong and we only can try compensate for them and be a better person. And for this, Dean and Sam must remember. Hard, but truth...
Okay, they are protected by God (of the show) and that may be the reason why the most powerful enemies seem to get sloppy when facing Dean, Sam or / and Cass.
So, in this episode, we see the dark, mighty witches that had clear shot at both Dean and Sam, and they even neutralized Rowena who is too very powerful a witch, but they really muffed the chance. Yeah, after being a viewer of this show for nearly 9 years, I certainly think they are protected during hardships.
So, if Dean were to die in this one, we'd see him back up. At least it'd continuously happened that way until God has gone away at the end of the 11th season. Yeah. Still, I think this explains the lumpishness / lubberliness of the witches here.
P.S.: Some of us might wonder why they would not let Castiel know about the situation. You know what Dean wanted; and you know the boys! They mostly work alone.
I give this episode a "9,01" points. Yes!
Here is a Verse from the Book my culture roots in on death:
"Every soul must taste of death and We try you with evil and good for a testing, and to Us you shall be brought back."
The 35th Verse of the 21st Chapter called The Prophets, in the Gracious Koran. Amen.
To watch Dean as reverse-Benjamin Button was both funny and painful simultaneously. Yeah, we were reminded of the first three seasons and we wished it would be for good... We still do...
But to remember is a big part to this show as well as to our world. We cannot escape what we did wrong and we only can try compensate for them and be a better person. And for this, Dean and Sam must remember. Hard, but truth...
Okay, they are protected by God (of the show) and that may be the reason why the most powerful enemies seem to get sloppy when facing Dean, Sam or / and Cass.
So, in this episode, we see the dark, mighty witches that had clear shot at both Dean and Sam, and they even neutralized Rowena who is too very powerful a witch, but they really muffed the chance. Yeah, after being a viewer of this show for nearly 9 years, I certainly think they are protected during hardships.
So, if Dean were to die in this one, we'd see him back up. At least it'd continuously happened that way until God has gone away at the end of the 11th season. Yeah. Still, I think this explains the lumpishness / lubberliness of the witches here.
P.S.: Some of us might wonder why they would not let Castiel know about the situation. You know what Dean wanted; and you know the boys! They mostly work alone.
I give this episode a "9,01" points. Yes!
Here is a Verse from the Book my culture roots in on death:
"Every soul must taste of death and We try you with evil and good for a testing, and to Us you shall be brought back."
The 35th Verse of the 21st Chapter called The Prophets, in the Gracious Koran. Amen.
Swap Meat 2.0
alex-dinniz10 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Makes you feel like watching the good old monster of the week episodes you know,i've been missing good "filler" episodes like this,this is a must watch,it's worth it
Not gonna tell you what happened in the episode,but how i've felt,it was very,very similar to Swap Meat,back in season 5,but with Dean in this case,both were very funny and well written,with both having their dark sides,in this case,it was weird watching Dean having some kinda of Alzheimer,it's always a sensitive and dark subject and having a beloved character suffering those effects..."Not Cool"
Anyways,8.5/10 for this one,good job.
Not gonna tell you what happened in the episode,but how i've felt,it was very,very similar to Swap Meat,back in season 5,but with Dean in this case,both were very funny and well written,with both having their dark sides,in this case,it was weird watching Dean having some kinda of Alzheimer,it's always a sensitive and dark subject and having a beloved character suffering those effects..."Not Cool"
Anyways,8.5/10 for this one,good job.
Fun episode
shwetafabm17 June 2020
The Dean moments were great, hilarious and cute.
I wasn't a big fan of the witch family or the convenient weapon they always manage to have.
Sam's plan was too stupid to believe he went with it and Rowena just gives the book?
Still fun, i haven't watched the last few seasons just wanted to see a fun new one and it's definitely spn still. Also why does Dean's voice get this deep? Man it just gets deeper and Deeper,i am concerned for this guy's throat.
Slicing onions with pleasure
rimailbox22 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I put expectation this episode will be full of fun but it more like I am going to cry seeing Dean, I laughed for a minutes then feel sad, I laugh again then feel sad again. Lol, oh, Dean is Dory. I can feel what Sam's mean. I appreciate Sam's effort, he wrote those notes to Dean, it's funny to see Dean ignore Sam's warning, about Stay! and No! Hahaha.
And Rowena, she brought magical things become interesting vibe. She did everything for her own sake but still care with our boys, like mother like son, I want to know more about her past.
I saw one of reviews said "so much emotion in one little episode". I totally agree! :') Have you know feeling of happiness when you want to cook but you have to go through step of slicing onions? Similiar.
I like this story, how bad memories that we have its memories still important, our past is what we are now.
A funny bad luck that befalls Dean. Nononono! Brother! ... Witch!
And Rowena, she brought magical things become interesting vibe. She did everything for her own sake but still care with our boys, like mother like son, I want to know more about her past.
I saw one of reviews said "so much emotion in one little episode". I totally agree! :') Have you know feeling of happiness when you want to cook but you have to go through step of slicing onions? Similiar.
I like this story, how bad memories that we have its memories still important, our past is what we are now.
A funny bad luck that befalls Dean. Nononono! Brother! ... Witch!
Fun and dramatic at the same time
roadbytheriver25 March 2024
My favorite episode of season 12
Dean's beginning to forget himself because of the spell, his speech in the bathroom and his acting leave a dramatic and deep impact. Sam shows concern for his older brother. It should be noted that there are also tragicomic moments, such as Dean comparing himself to Dory. Rowena gives another great performance. Every sentence the powerful and sympathetic witch says and every scene she appears in is enjoyable.
As I always say, the realistic and harmonious chemistry of the Winchester brothers is combined with Rowena's ability to adapt to the situation quite well.
Dean's beginning to forget himself because of the spell, his speech in the bathroom and his acting leave a dramatic and deep impact. Sam shows concern for his older brother. It should be noted that there are also tragicomic moments, such as Dean comparing himself to Dory. Rowena gives another great performance. Every sentence the powerful and sympathetic witch says and every scene she appears in is enjoyable.
As I always say, the realistic and harmonious chemistry of the Winchester brothers is combined with Rowena's ability to adapt to the situation quite well.
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