SPN: "Two Minutes to Midnight" Episode Review + Meta

[rogueslayer452]

So I've had time to really think about that thing that had me worried from the episode, since I had such strong feelings about what occurred, so I discuss at length about that here. Mostly to calm my still-nervous nerves and also just to get my opinion about, especially about the show and where it's been heading this season and what I am hoping will be resolved.

Supernatural 5.21 "Two Minutes to Midnight"

The Winchesters track down the location of Pestilence to gather the third ring, but are caught and are infected by his powers until Castiel, who had previously contacted Dean to tell him of his whereabouts and his current condition, comes to their aide in getting Pestilence's ring. With only one more to go, the boys learn about Bobby's deal with Crowley on finding the location of Death along with the transportation of the Croatoan virus. Sam, Bobby and Castiel deal with the virus while Dean goes with Crowley to find Death and get his ring. When confronting Death, Dean is taken aback at the proposition Death offers him -- giving the ring to him, in exchange for the promise that they must stop Lucifer no matter what it takes. Leading us to what Sam had been planning; jumping into the pit and defeating Lucifer himself. With now all four rings, and the instructions on how to use them, all they need to do is find the Devil himself and seal this deal once and for all.

This episode was interesting, although seemed rushed and really brought up something that should have been dealt with prior to these last remaining episodes of the season. How will the show wrap everything up concerning the Apocalyptic arc? The involvement of the angels, demons, the Heaven versus Hell conflict, and moreover the issue about Dean's destiny versus Sam's destiny, will those be resolved within an hour span? What about Castiel, is he going to become human now, and if so what does this mean for his character?


The Great Debate: Angel!Castiel versus Human!Castiel



I have to say, my initial reaction to the reveal of the condition Castiel is currently in was a pretty knee-jerk one, since I've been having kind of pessimistic and worrisome thoughts about how the show is going to handle and deal with everything with one episode left, especially with Castiel's journey this season. However, thankfully, after calming down and being reassured by alexwhitman25 (ty bb!) and a few others and reading on other people's opinions and thoughts countering my own, I've relaxed on the thought about Castiel not having all of his angel mojo that he appeared with at the beginning of the season. My fear was having Castiel turn into what future!Cas was "The End" because over the course of the season we've seen subtle hints to him heading in that direction, lost his faith in God, he starting binge drinking, he even lost his faith in Dean for a moment. However, we know that the Apocalyptic arc will be ending this season, everything will be dealt with, and that in this episode we're shown that Castiel has regained his faith in Dean and still believes in their mission, believes in the brothers and what they can accomplish. Something that future!Castiel didn't have. So even with certain things being similar, scarily similar to the pathway that lead to his future!self which prompted my fears in the first place, it's safe to say that Castiel won't turn into that version we saw in the 2014 future, which definitely reassured me somewhat.

But it does bring us right back to square one on where this leaves Castiel in terms of the show and how his character arc is going to be handled, if done correctly that is.

Some think that by making him human, or something close to resembling human by angel standards, this ensures us that Castiel might be back next season. Although I find that odd that although the apocalypse/angel storyline will be done after this season that means that Castiel can't be what he has been already since the season began, which is still an angel but with limited abilities due to being cut off from Heaven. I've always thought that, even if Castiel cannot go back home or might not want to, that shouldn't mean he still can't remain something of an angel. Which I still think he will be, because no matter what he still is an angel just without the abilities angels are accustomed to, hence why I would prefer him staying the way he was after he returned; him still being cut off but maintaining his strength/powers/zapping abilities or what-have-you. I don't know, I think in my head I kinda figured that Castiel, with his dedication to the greater cause especially to the Winchesters that in the end of everything, would be granted him some kind of reward for all his troubles and sacrifices (because why else would God resurrect him for anyway if not believing he had some greater purpose to serve?) I mean come on, he's been the only angel, next to Gabriel that is, that has had any sort of faith and hope and optimism and not trying to destroy the world and humanity, one of the things I have admired and adored about his character for these last two seasons. You'd think that would give some hope in giving him something of leverage for his good deeds, right? If not well, that's greatly unfair and I don't want God to be unjustly or a deadbeat father type, since there's too much of that on this show already there needs to be that silver lining of father-figures, especially where God is concerned because there are those who are religious or deeply spiritual that don't like seeing that underneath it all, with all these trials and tribulations, that God is just gonna not do something towards the end after everything is set and down, particularly to those who have proven their faith and courageousness like Castiel has done time and again.

However, this brings me to my next point about the pros on having Castiel going in that direction. I think that, if treated respectfully and true to his character, it can be an interesting development for him. I can accept Castiel having less powers and understanding how to go amongst humanity and learning out ways of living if it's his own choice and decision after all of this. By this episode it seems like he completely drained himself from using the banishment sigil -- once again, a sacrifice he made for Dean -- which it's unclear whether he's gradually recharging his strength from it or that him remaining unconscious between then and now was that recovery time and he's just drained permanently from the counteraction of the sigil itself.

Anyway, the point I'm making is that by the end of everything, if Castiel is to choose to go back to Heaven and become a full-powered angel again or stay on Earth still as an angel just with limited to nothing of powers, I definitely think that Castiel would choose to remain on Earth with the Winchesters. Because after everything I think he would feel pretty ostracized by his family because he relentlessly killed many of them by the numbers when he turned rogue against them so, yeah. It would be an awkward family reunion, that's for sure. It's kind of sad when you think about it, Heaven has been his home since the beginning of time, but I think after realizing the right and wrong of the situation laid before him he chooses humanity over Heaven, which he kinda already set after rebelling against them so, you know. Kind of following through with that. So that way, with that setup, he can be part of Team Free Will and know it was for the best because that's where he truly belongs. With those who don't give up, who despite their flaws continue on, which is essentially the definition of humanity as a whole and what Castiel has been believing/fighting for since the beginning really, so it would make sense.

I mean, just picturing Castiel trying to do everyday mundane human things like riding in the Impala without, eating breakfast, figuring out the mechanics of hunting alongside the boys with shotguns and all of that, figuring out how to operate things like modern technology and such, having to go places without appearing and disappearing at random and being mildly frustrated with it, moreover having to interact with other human beings....that's kind of endearing to imagine, honestly. And from this episode although he was kind of mourning what he used to be before, with his abilities and powers and such, those advantages that angels were always accustomed to having at their convenience, he's been adjusting rather well to having being "grounded" so to speak. Granted, he's gone through that before after being resurrected and understanding he's been cut off from Heaven, but to having lost whatever was left of his former self must be kind of devastating to him. So it's understandable that he would feel useless without those advantages, but that doesn't weaken or lessen his amount of fighting skills. Oh no, he's definitely useful since he kicked ass despite those losses in this episode.

And if there's anything we've learned about Castiel this season, the lesser abilities he has the more he has to deal with such as improvising and being resourceful. He's a bigger BAMF when he's fighting hard and dirty and in it for the survival instead of relying on such powers, and we like that side of him, don't we? ♥

With concluding this long-winded meta on the subject, I still have to say I'm torn between this. On one hand I still want Castiel to remain how he was when the season premiered, still cut off but having some of his powers therefore validating that he's still an angel. However, I definitely see the potential and opportunity of having a human!Castiel returning for next season (and even if it would only be a phase for his character development and such), as such a concept has been contemplated about amongst fandom for some time now. But it's a matter of how the show and the writers are going to handle it -- and I have to be brutally honest here you guys, I have kind of wary about their writing abilities since they kind of let me down somewhat with Castiel's journey this season and what we got and what we didn't. I don't want them fucking up his character. Just saying, because it's on everyone's minds right now.


The Winchester Saga: All About Sammy?

Okay, so another debate or constant argument around fandom is whether or not they're focusing primarily on Sam's destiny rather than Dean's destiny instead of incorporating both their destinies which have been intertwined since the fourth season. And with this episode saying that Michael is now using Adam as his vessel instead of Dean, I'm kind of am worried how they're going to handle both of their character storylines to be wrapped this season along with everything else.

Because honestly? We've already known it's been about Sam. "It always had to be you," that's the line that keeps being repeated to him throughout the show, and we've known about Sam and his anger issues and all the things that have been kind have made redundant at this point, and while I understand this is part of his redemption and making amends and proving himself from the mistakes he's made there's still Dean to consider with this apocalypse, too. Because he's had a huge vital role to play since the fourth season, he underwent through a major emotional arc and development from there and it's been made abundantly clear about Dean's destiny. What about what happened with the Whore of Babylon, or the killing of Zachariah when he looked directly at Zachariah's burning grace? It couldn't have all just been for nothing, esp with the whole "oh Michael is using Adam now" spiel. I'm sure they're aware of this, but it seems like they're trying to make it all about Sam again which shouldn't be the case. Sam didn't start the apocalypse, they both did, it should be about the Winchesters defeating this thing together and not just one brother having to save the other from their own destiny. Team Free Will, right? Lucifer wants Sam, Michael wants Dean, that's their supposed destiny and they have to find a way together to fight it. Because that's the strength they'll need to defeat Lucifer in the end, not just the strength and love of humanity itself but the strength in brotherhood and family, and you can't do that with just one Winchester. That is my firm belief anyway.

I think my main gripe is generally with how they've handled this season overall, particularly with the apocalypse and how they didn't seem to take things as seriously, or with such consistency, as I would have expected them to. In these last several episodes there have been revealed information that could have been drawn out more earlier. Had they introduced and dealt with these things earlier in the season, you know balanced out the boys and their destiny and issues, I wouldn't have minded. But it doesn't feel that way to me.

I do know that somehow it will involve both the boys in the end, but that doesn't stop everything from feeling a bit rushed with solving this entire arc all next Thursday. It seems too sudden, too soon with not enough explanations in between.


Memorable Moments of the Episode:

++ I will say, in addition to all I mentioned above, I find the supporting characters much more interesting than our main characters these days. I still love them but, quite frankly, the constant redundancy of repeating their unresolved issues with each other has been going on for some while now that it gets rather boring, which is why I love the sidelines with Crowley and Castiel and Bobby and Gabriel and Zachariah and all the rest of them because they have something more rich, more textured that we haven't had a chance to really fully explore. Which is why I say, spin-off. Fuck S6, let's have like a prequel with the angels and Crowley or something.

++ One of the issues I had though with this episode was the editing, the beginning scene with Pestilence was supposed to be a follow-up scene to something we'd be seeing later in the episode, however they timed it wrong. Usually those scenes are something big that happens midway through but instead it happens like minutes after the title card opens. I don't know, that kind of bugged me because I sat there thinking "....didn't we just see this scene play out in the beginning?" Yeah. I would have preferred seeing Dean sitting down talking with Death than that, but you know. Whatever.

++ CASTIEL IN A HOSPITAL GOWN WAS TOO CUTE. <3 I admit doing a double-take seeing Castiel in a hospital bed. In a hospital gown. It's just so strange seeing Castiel outside of his normal suit/trench coat attire because that is his signature, that's how he is.

++ CASTIEL APOLOGIZING TO DEAN, D'AWWWW. BOYFRIENDS MAKING UP. <333 Even though apologies go both ways, I love how Dean didn't think Castiel needed to apologize for anything -- and I think Dean's still a bit surprised that Castiel would apologize to him like that after everything, like he's still not used to being told that someone else was sorry for something that wasn't his brother saying it. So I found that entire scene very endearing and touching and just, omg OTP 4EVAH! *hugs them* WHERE IS MY REUNION HUG, DAMMIT? SRLY!

++ So happy we got more of Matt Frewer as Pestilence. I thought we were gonna be cheated out of seeing him, and I'd wished there could have been more, like an entire episode dedicated to him like we saw with War and with Famine, but whatever. Matt Frewer was awesome.

++ The hospital Pestilence is at is called: Serenity Valley. I SEE WHUT YOU DID THAR, SHOW! LOL

++ CASTIEL SAVES THE DAY! WHOO-HOO! Whumped, and kinda human, but still a BAMF. \o/

++

I love how deadpan and dry Castiel says the line, and then Dean raises his head agreeing with his angel boyfriend that Bobby's definition of "good news" wasn't all that great. lol I also find it sad, but slightly endearing, how both Dean and Castiel have the same kind of body language in that scene. Tired, worn out, beat, etc. I THINK I JUST MISSED THEM TOGETHER AFTER LIKE A TWO EPISODES WITHOUT EACH OTHER SO ANYTHING WITH THEM IS FINE BY ME, OKAY?

++ CROWLEY IS STILL A SNARKY BITCH, LOL! SO HAPPY HE DIDN'T DIE. *crossing fingers, knocking on wood* I just wished we could have gotten some Castiel/Crowley interaction because I betcha the snark would have been marvelous, other than the "hello, King of the Crossroads" which, FUCK YEAH HE IS. :D Mark Sheppard, never leave my fandoms ever. You are just one fantastic man playing a snarkalicious character. A snarky GAY DEMON at that. I kinda ship Crowley/Bobby, ngl. He totally was sold when Bobby slipped him the tongue with that sealing-the-deal kiss. Which is why he healed his legs, and Bobby looked so amazed and genuinely happy about that. Awwww. <333 And of course, Crowley and Dean. I love those two and their frenemy relationship.

CROWLEY, I FUCKING LOVE YOU NEVER LEAVE ME, YOU FABULOUSLY SNARKY DEMON BITCH. ♥ ♥



++ I'm wondering why Castiel couldn't have talked to Dean about his insecure problems about having been drained of his abilities, at least he would have been more sympathetic or understood (and we would have probably had more chance at a hug or something, idk). But I guess Bobby offers the tough love, even though I kind of get the feeling that Bobby doesn't favor Castiel all that much. Which makes me sad, but that's kind of hilarious considering how Misha and Jim are like BFFS in real life, lol!

++ Death is fucking terrifying and intimidating, but I find it interesting how not only the angels but everyone else is against Lucifer taking reign over Earth (sans the demons that worship him, that is). I should really do more meta about that, the concept about family and children with "temper tantrums" and how even otherworldly beings like angels can have those too. But those tantrums create an entire massacre of an entire planet and of an entire human race (i.e. Cylons much?)

++ The fact that "O Death" played during Death's intro was just so fucking badass. I think that song is the shit, for reals. It should be the anthem for both S4 and S5 (at least the relevant episodes)

++ ONE RING TO RULE THEM ALLLLLLLL!!!!



I admit, this scene was very cool. I didn't expect the rings to do that when they were together, but I'm wondering how those rings are going to open the portal to Lucifer's prison in the pit.

++ "Are you scared about losing, or about losing your brother?" The story of the Winchesters since 2005, ladies and gentlemen.


Overall: I'm still mixed on how I feel about this episode, being the second to last of the season with still nothing to really go on. I feel like last season was much better with balancing out the drama with the brothers and their separate storylines going on. It really had a better pacing of how they went about things then how they've been handling the Apocalypse. There really hasn't been any built-up momentum to anything suspenseful, it's just a matter of wondering how the fuck they are going to wrap all this up in one freaking hour since there is shitloads they have yet to even address once bringing it up this season. There's Sam and his anger, but also Dean and his destiny too; there's the angels including Raphael and all these different elements being thrown at us left and right, and what about Michael? What about God? Had they dealt with this season better, like treating it as if it really was their last instead of just rushing through things this quickly, I would feel much better but since they didn't I don't know what to feel. I just know that I'm mainly concerned over Castiel right now. Castiel and Bobby and Crowley; again, the supporting characters are more interesting than the Winchesters because we know how the outcome for them is going to be. But supporting characters? Not so much, and it makes me worry because you know something is going to happen to one, if not all of them. D: D: D: D:

I AM JUST PRAYING THAT MY BB CAS IS OKAY OR ELSE I WILL CUT THE SHOW INTO TINY PIECES AND FEED THEM TO THE WOLVES!


Who's gonna be holding a prayer circle next Thursday? I know I will. *bites nails*

Comments

[angi-is-altered.livejournal.com]

Good review!

p.s. I'm stealing all your gifs!

p.p.s. Who's gonna be holding a prayer circle next Thursday? MEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Thank you! :D

**CLUTCHES CROSS AND PRAYS LIKE WHOA** IT WILL BE A PRAYER CIRCLE PARTY BETWEEN NOW AND THURSDAY.

[silverusagi]

I do agree that we're probably not headed toward The End!Cas. However, I still don't want him human.

I know they're wrapping up the Apocalypse/angel storyline this season. But I don't automatically understand why that means they have to get rid of all the angels (killing them off--Gabriel--why couldn't they just go back to Heaven?). So I don't understand why they have to make Cas not an angel to keep him around. He can't heal people and he can't exorcise demons. So if he was helping the boys, he'd have to use a weapon anyway. And he can't magically pop in and rescue them at the last second unless he knew where they were ahead of time, anyway. He can transport himself around, and he doesn't get hurt easily, but that's it. I don't see why he has to be human to stick around.

I also wondered if Cas was going to get some sort of choice or reward at the end of this season, but as God has left the building, so to speak, and I don't see Michael overhauling or reordering Heaven, I don't see that happening at this point. Which sucks that Cas basically ends up grounded for doing the right thing. And it wasn't exactly a choice, but a consequence of doing what he did (and I still wish it had been explained, or that there was something else he could have done that we knew would drain an angel or something, though I still don't see how Grace can just be used up). I liked him being cut off from Heaven, and I could have seen him remaining on Earth like that.

Mainly, though, I'm worried. I'm worried about how even a human Cas fits into this reset and back to the basics. I doubt it will play out like fanfic, with a human Cas joining the boys on the road full time. So think about this. Think about how in many of Cas' episodes this season, he was only on screen for a few minutes, one scene. 5.01, 02, 06, 08, 13, 16. Others, he had more time in. 5.03, 04, 14, 17, 18. BUT if they're only planning on using Misha here and there next season, I so do not want human Cas. I don't want to just catch glimpses of his story and his adjusting. But that's what I fear will happen, because this isn't his story, it's the Winchesters'. Even though I don't want human Cas, I can see how it could be developed beautifully. But I'm afraid it won't be. And that's worse than just using him here and there as an angel. I do find the idea of him learning his way around the human world to be endearing, but on the whole, I find it sad. I'd like for him to learn more about humans without being one. I just find the idea of this eternal, old as Creation, otherworldly being of light and energy, a thing who could bend time and space, fly into Hell, who was absolute--I find the idea of that ending up human as sad. No matter how they do it, it's just a personal block I can't get around. My ideal situation is that Cas spends time as a human, but powers back up somehow, sometime.

I'd like to be optimistic and think he'll get his powers back, but I don't know. I doubt he's just recharching from this. I think we're supposed to think that they're gone for good. And ack, what happens to a human Cas if he dies? Does he go where angels go (whether that's someplace or into nothing) or does he go to Heaven like a human? His soul isn't really human. I'd rather have the idea of him being exiled from Heaven on Earth as a powered down angel than thinking that he'll just blink out like an angel after he dies. (since he is still an angel and not a human soul)

I do have thoughts about the whole "Is it all about Sam/Dean's Righteous Man arc," but I've typed enough, and they'll either be moot after next week, or they won't be and I can gripe then, LOL.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I just want to say that between the episode airing and now I've been really thinking about what this could mean for Castiel's character, about whether becoming something human-like but still maintaining his angel-self just without his powers....and the more I think about it, the more it doesn't really seem that much of a difference. The only difference would be him not transporting himself conveniently like he has been many times, because we were always reassured that if Castiel wasn't in an episode he was off somewhere in the world on his mission to find God (which I still think they should have had more of this season, but I digress). Since the powers don't make Castiel who he is, it's just an advantage he's had and has dealt with having less than his normal weight since the beginning of the season, and I think him mourning his former life from Heaven makes him realize that no matter what goes down he'll never be able to return to Heaven with his siblings. He understands that with or without powers he's not considered a comrade with his brothers anymore, but nevertheless he's still an angel. He may still have some "juice" left inside of him, if he recovers from this or not that's what I believe.

But this begs the question on how they'll fit him into the story setting of next season, whatever that may be. How would that work? Will be tag along with the boys, or shack up at Bobby's? It's something that really needs to be worked out if they go this route. Though overall, the more I think about it the more I realize it wouldn't be that bad of an exploration. It's just how they'll manage exploring his character in such a manner when they couldn't do that much on his personal mission this season, or as much as I would have liked them to anyway?

I just find the idea of this eternal, old as Creation, otherworldly being of light and energy, a thing who could bend time and space, fly into Hell, who was absolute--I find the idea of that ending up human as sad. No matter how they do it, it's just a personal block I can't get around. My ideal situation is that Cas spends time as a human, but powers back up somehow, sometime.

I agree with you on this, generally because Castiel has been the ONLY angel in Heaven, next to Gabriel's final sacrifice that is, that's kept the faith and belief and loves humanity and fights alongside them and whatnot. And I find that if he's not acknowledged or rewarded for his efforts of sacrificing everything for that cause than that's truly fucking unfair for him and all that have sacrificed trying to undone the wrongs the corrupted Heaven had set out to do. If Castiel is to be something like human for a little while next season, but somehow manages to get his powers back, for whatever reason, that would be okay with me. Since like I stated, I don't believe God brought him back just because. He probably knew that Castiel wasn't like other angels, that he would fight alongside Dean and Sam and for humanity no matter what, and this would be a great learning opportunity that other angels don't get to experience.

So yeah, that would also be my ideal situation.

It's just this very notion is all over the place for me, I understand why and how it can be done, it's just a matter of it being done correctly and respecting his character arc along the way. Something I don't trust with certain writers and members of the team (see: Sera Gamble who fucks up every characterization she touches)

[silverusagi]

I agree that even without his powers, Castiel will still be Castiel. He'll adapt and adjust and do what he has to do, because that's who he is. And obviously he's still going to be BAMF. I do wonder how they're going to work him into S6, though. Without the teleporting, that means he can't just show up for a few minutes and then leave. So he's either with the boys...or he's like Bobby, talking to them on the phone and maybe coming out for a case now and then? IDK. I could get on board with fallen Cas (even though I don't like it) if I thought it was going to be like fanfic, with him joining the boys on the road, but I don't see them doing that. But what are they going to have him do? Hang out at Bobby's? Bobby doesn't seem to like him. Get a job? Plus, even though everyone's saying that making him human is the way to keep him around during S6, I still wonder where he fits in with all the reset talk. But basically, it boils down to the fact that this is just a direction I never wanted his character to go in. And while I see that it could be done well, I'm afraid it won't be, which means I'll have double disappointment.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Crowley is just a delicious treat for us, I just love his snarky self. <3

[http://users.livejournal.com/radon_/]

I'm just flailing all over at your post and if I were to quote it your entire entry would be in the comment box so I'll just go THIS. THIS SO MUCH.

The hospital Pestilence is at is called: Serenity Valley.
OMG GREAT CATCH! eeee!

++ "Are you scared about losing, or about losing your brother?" The story of the Winchesters since 2005, ladies and gentlemen.
5 seasons summed into 1 line. How very succinct, and true.

I love how Crowley and Cas are actually getting along. IT'S SO WONDERFUL. Maybe we'll find that Cas' middle name is Aziraphale

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

AWWW BB YOU ARE TOO NICE. ♥

I totally wouldn't have caught it if I wasn't looking at captures, and I literally did a double-take. I think I kinda geeked out for a moment, lol.

Castiel and Crowley were definitely civil than you'd think, and that's actually something I wanted to see more of in this episode. Perhaps we might get more into that in the finale? Perhaps? Wasted opportunities show, seriously. BUT OMG YES I CAN TOTALLY BE BEHIND HIS MIDDLE NAME BEING AZIRAPHALE. CASTIEL AZIRAPHALE. LOL LOVE IT! XD XD XD

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Thank you. ♥ I had a lot of time thinking about the episode.

Mark Sheppard is just golden. Perfectly golden, I am ecstatic that they got him to play such a fabulous character. He just makes the role even more worthwhile to watch onscreen. :D

[alexwhitman25.livejournal.com]

OMGZ I got a shoutout! WHEE!!!

Since we've pretty much discussed most of this to death already I'll just say AGREED, AGREED. AGREED!!!!!

And I swear if Dean's destiny is only a "yellow crayon" speech you will hear me bellowing on Thursday.

[alexwhitman25.livejournal.com]

One other thing I just recalled. Misha made a big point at the JIB con about the huge sacrifice Cas made in 518. At the time of airing, one doesn't see it but now I get why he said that.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think I recall that as well. There are certain things that he says which I contemplate whether it becomes relevant to what we'll be seeing with the character in the show, so after all that we've seen and what he revealed then yeah, I definitely understand why he said it now, too. It's like, it's not a spoiler but rather hinting at the direction things will be taking.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Hee, of course bb! :D It was your comment that really made me stop and think, which I went around and looked at others and it really grounded me from going off on my knee-jerk reaction. :)

And I swear if Dean's destiny is only a "yellow crayon" speech you will hear me bellowing on Thursday.

If that happens, I'll be bellowing right along with you!

[alexwhitman25.livejournal.com]

Did you see aesc has updated her Casifesto with stuff from 521? She does a good job of pointing out why BAMF!Cas was never such a BAMF strictly because he was an angel, but just because he is Cas. Who Cas himself is and the way he sees things and thinks is what always made him a BAMF. Now please just let him live, people!

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

She really does a great job pinpointing exactly who Castiel is and that he doesn't need his angelical powers and abilities to be a BAMF. Because really, the less convenience he has with those abilities the more resourceful and a badass he really is, which is what I love about him. He doesn't need powers to be who he is now. ♥

I can't believe I had forgotten about the Casifesto! *facepalm* I really should retreat to that whenever I'm feeling anxious about his character like that, seriously.

[mulder200.livejournal.com]

I think my main gripe is generally with how they've handled this season overall, particularly with the apocalypse and how they didn't seem to take things as seriously, or with such consistency, as I would have expected them to. In these last several episodes there have been revealed information that could have been drawn out more earlier. Had they introduced and dealt with these things earlier in the season, you know balanced out the boys and their destiny and issues, I wouldn't have minded. But it doesn't feel that way to me.

You and me both. Like I said in SPN_Castiel, this entire season has been a disappointment. I mean there were a few good eps. I really liked but for the most part, it's just been boring as hell. I can't shake the feeling that the writers had no clue what they were doing and just made shit up on the fly. Which quite frankly is pathetic.

However, this brings me to my next point about the pros on having Castiel going in that direction. I think that, if treated respectfully and true to his character, it can be an interesting development for him.

The keyword here is respectfully. Think about how Castiel was treated in S4. Now compare that to S5. Now imagine what the writers would in S6. I'm not feeling the love here. At all.



++ "Are you scared about losing, or about losing your brother?" The story of the Winchesters since 2005, ladies and gentlemen.

The answer to that question is so obvious I don't even know why Bobby said it! Ugh!

LOL! I hate to sound all bitter and squash people's mellow and all but I just feel cheated that I got hooked into this show and this what I get. Whatever. Maybe I had my expectations set too high.

++ CASTIEL APOLOGIZING TO DEAN, D'AWWWW. BOYFRIENDS MAKING UP. <333 Even though apologies go both ways, I love how Dean didn't think Castiel needed to apologize for anything -- and I think Dean's still a bit surprised that Castiel would apologize to him like that after everything, like he's still not used to being told that someone else was sorry for something that wasn't his brother saying it. So I found that entire scene very endearing and touching and just, omg OTP 4EVAH! *hugs them* WHERE IS MY REUNION HUG, DAMMIT? SRLY!

Ah! I knew right. It was short and sweet and awkward as hell but I really thought it fit the characters we have been shown on screen.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I can't shake the feeling that the writers had no clue what they were doing and just made shit up on the fly. Which quite frankly is pathetic.

I think there was a plan of action on what they wanted to do for finishing the apocalyptic arc, but somewhere along the way things weren't executed well as they had thought. Which is a common flaw that this show often has with certain ideas, which is the sad truth every now and then. I honestly don't know whether this was because of the announcement of the sixth season or whatever, because if this was honest-to-God the last season I think Kripke would have taken full control in wanting to end things the way he wanted to, like right up to the end giving us something explosive because this is his baby, his show. But with the way things have been going, rushing too fast with all of this and adding in unnecessary information that is kind of irrelevant now to even bring up, it makes it seem like they have just been dragging their heels so they can have a sixth season.

But even with that, you'd think regardless of what you have scheduled shouldn't you treat all seasons like it could be their last? A lot of shows I know have done that to ensure that whatever happens a season can have a beginning, middle and end but still maintain that level of "stay tuned!" at the end, you know? Just thinking about S1 and S2 how their story wrapped up with the YED you'd think they'd do the same with S4 and S5 with the apocalypse arc, which does wrap up everything we've learned over the course of the show.

So yeah, I have sketchy feelings about it and whether or not Kripke was kind of pressured by the network into continuing into another season.

The keyword here is respectfully. Think about how Castiel was treated in S4. Now compare that to S5. Now imagine what the writers would in S6. I'm not feeling the love here. At all.

I honestly don't think Castiel has been mishandled, not like other characters I've seen from other fandoms, and I do think his character journey has been successful. But I think they messed up by not having enough screen time with him to really show exactly how his journey and mission was going. He's a vital character too, and when they made him a regular and introduced his mission to find God earlier in the season I thought awesome! That's fantastic! And we've had him questioning and doubting further of his own faith which I appreciate....but they didn't follow through for adding more into that. Like, I liked what we were shown just, they could have done more, you know?

Which is why I say give us a spin-off, goddammit. I'd watch a Castiel spin-off over a sixth season any day.

The answer to that question is so obvious I don't even know why Bobby said it! Ugh!

To add to the ~suspense~ of the situation that is barely there

LOL! I hate to sound all bitter and squash people's mellow and all but I just feel cheated that I got hooked into this show and this what I get. Whatever. Maybe I had my expectations set too high.

Awww, you're not alone. I had my expectations set higher than normal because I really thought this was going to be the last season and wanted Kripke to do this huge Big Bang of a final season of his show. But it seems like the more the season went on the more I'm like, uh, where is this going? Are they gonna deal with the Apocalypse soon? What is going on? I mean yeah, I had episodes I loved and thought were brilliant, but as a whole the season didn't really stay consistent enough. I think when I think Apocalypse I think on a grander scale, like BSG-type scale. So yeah, definitely setting the bar just a tad too high for SPN. I think that's my major disappointment. lol

Ah! I knew right. It was short and sweet and awkward as hell but I really thought it fit the characters we have been shown on screen.

So true. It really stayed true for them and the relationship they share, I only wished we could have had that reunion hug. :(

[fresleyforever.livejournal.com]

Very interesting review indeed. I know what you mean about it feeling a little rushed and having to tie up so many loose ends. I'm hoping the finale will be good.

CROWLEY CROWLEY CROWLEY! Seriously I love him! I was excited when I heard that Mark Sheppard was going to be in the show and he hasn't disappointed me yet. CAN WE GET A CROWLEY SPIN OFF?

CASSSSSSSSSSSSS! POOR BB! He was brilliant in this episode though.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I'm just hoping the finale doesn't wind up being a letdown, but I'm not holding my breath because like I said, there's been no momentum. Unless something really shocking happens within the hour I think it's just going to be like "oh the Winchesters save the day the end" because they really aren't going to have a cliffhanger. I just know they won't. Plus they've been depriving us of many opportunities with supporting characters, like Raphael and Lucifer and even Gabriel and all of them. So, I don't know.

It's strange because I'm usually so optimistic about my shows, but I can't help being worried.

CROWLEY CROWLEY CROWLEY! Seriously I love him! I was excited when I heard that Mark Sheppard was going to be in the show and he hasn't disappointed me yet. CAN WE GET A CROWLEY SPIN OFF?

YES YES YES, TO ALL OF THIS YES! \O/ We were treated so well with Mark Sheppard, he's just a delicious treat for us. Couldn't have gotten a better actor for the role. AND I DO WANT A CROWLEY SPIN-OFF PLZ. OR IN MY MIND, A SPIN-OFF WITH CASTIEL AND THE ANGELS WITH CROWLEY ADDED TO IT BECAUSE THEY JUST ARE MUCH MORE INTERESTING, IMO. WHY WASTE SUCH RICH CHARACTERS LIKE THAT?

[fresleyforever.livejournal.com]

I know where you're coming from! I do think that Lucifer, Raphael, Gabriel and even Michael were severely underused. I mean they were casted brilliantly and it's a detriment to the show.

Season 5 has been weird for me, I mean some of the eps made me :O whereas others I was meh about.

CASTIEL AND CROWLEY WOULD MAKE A GREAT DOUBLE ACT! AND ALL THE ANGELS COULD BE THE SUPPORTING CAST! I FULL ENDORSE THIS IDEA!!

I'm going to see Mark Sheppard at a convention next month and I want to ask him what it was like kissing Jim Beaver!

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

It's just been a mixed-bag, since there's plenty of episodes I loved but overall it wasn't as well-organized plot-wise like S4 had been.

I JUST WANT A SPIN-OFF LIKE THIS BECAUSE I WANT MORE CROWLEY AND CASTIEL INTERACTION TIME. THE SNARK WOULD BE WONDERFUL. ALSO, IMAGINE GABRIEL AND CROWLEY INTERACTING - THAT WOULD BE GLORIOUS AND CASTIEL WOULD BE ALL HUFFING IN THE BACKGROUND WHILE THEY PLAYFULLY TAUNT HIM. IT WOULD BE AWESOME. :DDDD

DUDE! MEETING MARK SHEPPARD = AWESOMENESS. :D Please, do ask him that! Also, ask him if he's going to be attending a SPN convention? Because I really really really want him to, if I'm possibly maybe planning on going to Chicago Con this year, he should join that. *nudgewink*

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

You know, I loved the fact that in these little team meeting scenes from "Point of No Return" and "Two Minutes to Midnight" that Cas IS positioned over/on Dean's shoulder.

His little angel perching on his shoulder, awww lol. But yeah, I really love that placement too. It's kind of endearing seeing how those scenes are shot, with Dean sitting down with Castiel standing/sitting behind him. It puts both of them in the same scene and I loved how they really meshed together with how they were feeling in this episode.

I, too, wondered why that scene with Bobby was not done with Dean. It was a little disappointing, just because Jensen and Misha really haven't had anything particularly heavy this year together, imo. I miss the weight in their scenes, not even from the shippy side of D/C but I think they do the emotional stuff well together.

It's one of the biggest disappointments of the season for me, really. The fact that they've built this level of trust and bond between them I expected more of that this year because Castiel rebelled against Heaven and it would have been great to see more of their dynamic on the screen. I mean, whatever happened to more episodes like "Free To Be You And Me"? Sure, we get some scenes with them here and there but, their friendship and companionship was such an important factor to what shaped them to where they are now, I just feel like we were cheated out from those scenes this season somehow. Just because Dean is Castiel's first and only friend he's ever had outside of his family, and Castiel is Dean's only friend he's ever made outside of his own as well, plus how everything alludes to the other and how they can relate to what is going on in their lives -- you'd think they'd have more scenes together.

Shipping aside, there's a connection and chemistry between them that is undeniable and to not use that whenever you have the chance, particularly since they bring out the best in their scenes together, is just disappointing.

I don't think we needed "more Cas" just better Cas. I still think the best use of Cas was in "Abandon All Hope" and he wasn't even with the boys half the time. I'm sure some people would disagree on finding Cas interesting, but I do and I wanted to see what he was going through.

I completely agree with this. I would prefer having them using Castiel in that kind of a manner of having a consistent way of telling his story rather than just having him there because of his contracts. While yes I love and adore him immensely, I pretty much find any episode with Castiel far more interesting than without, but I want to see more about his story, about his journey and mission regarding his search for God and his faith and trying to find ways of mending things with his family.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I personally feel like the writers could've toned down all the manpain regarding this burden he was carrying all season. Not because I feel like those feelings weren't justified, but it seems a bit like the air is being let out of the tires, when all Dean's really needing to do is let Sam go or whatever it was Bobby was talking about last episode.

I think that's been my main problem throughout this show, actually. The overuse of the angst and manpain overshadowing the developments of the characters. What should be resolving issues they continue to angst and rehash certain issues that it gets old and tired and distracts us from what should be happening. It's one of the major issues I had with season three because it was all about Sam going "Dean I'm gonna find a way to save you" and Dean going "No I'm fine" up until the end, which is why Dean dying and going to Hell didn't surprise me because they kept dancing around that issue all season long. Same with Sam and Dean dancing around their issues now.

Now honestly, between Sam and Dean's journey this season I personally think Dean's journey has been more consistent as it continued from last season, but like you said it was overshadowed by the ~epic mainpain that we just didn't really see such development (also Sam's constant "it's not you it's my fault" lines really irritate me). So, yeah.

I also agree concerning Castiel this season, although he's been seen as a regular the writing seemed to place him more as a guest-starring role, which as you said is odd since last season we had Misha-centric episodes whereas this season we didn't get anything regarding his personal journey. Which, kind of blows really.

I do love this show, but sometimes the messy writing and the way they go about things confuses and pisses me off. Meh.

[beckytheelf.livejournal.com]

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE MY SHOW BUT FUCK THAT SHIT, I WILL CUT A BITCH IF BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO MY CAS. UGH.
AND MY PRAYER CIRCLE STARTED SINCE THURSDAY. I BARELY HAD TIME TO REJOICE AT THE RETURN OF MY CAS BECAUSE I WAS TOO BUSY THINKING OF HIS POSSIBLE DEMISE. NOOOOOO MY DARLING CAS NOOOOOOOO.
THIS IS ME RN:


And I totally agree with you bb. My favorite version of Castiel is the one at the beginning of Season 5 and if they're going to bring him back, I want him back like that. I am so against human!Castiel that I don't even have the words. I honestly don't think the writers would do a good job with him like that (OMG!BLASPHEMY!) and I don't want the ridiculous cliche story that they will probably give him if he sticks around for Season 6: i.e becoming human, hauling ass to go off on his own and get 'humanized'.
The whole allure of Castiel for me is that he IS NOT HUMAN. He has some human tendencies because he's obviously shacked up in a human's body and I like that he's learning to develop relationships and feelings and all that jazz but I really don't want him to transition from angel to human.
*sigh*
Well that's my two cents. I'm trying my best not to sound whiny but Castiel is practically my favourite character. Sam and Dean who? =P
ALSO, DEAN AND CASTIEL ARE STILL BOYFRENZZZ. HAVING TEH PHONE SEX ONCE MOAR. LOL.
CROWLEY! CROWLEY! CROWLEY IS OUR KIIIIING. LOL...who wrote that? *glances around*
And I'm missing Satan, wtf is going on here? Where is Lucy? I haven't seen him for like three episodes. I will always love Supernatural no matter what but I'm not really feeling what they're doing with the apocalypse.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

RIGHT THERE WITH YOU, BABE. MY NERVES ARE ALL GOING HAYWIRE RIGHT NOW, LIKE FOR REALS. IT'S LIKE I WANT TO BE REASSURED BUT AT THE SAME TIME I KNOW THAT I'M GONNA BE SHITTING BRICKS AT THE END OF THIS SEASON, NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS. I JUST, YEAH.

JUST PLEASE SHOW, HANDLE MY CAS WITH CARE AND RESPECT. KTHX.

**HOLDS HANDS FOR PRAYER CIRCLE**

The whole allure of Castiel for me is that he IS NOT HUMAN. He has some human tendencies because he's obviously shacked up in a human's body and I like that he's learning to develop relationships and feelings and all that jazz but I really don't want him to transition from angel to human.

I generally think that, if they plan on going that route, that's how they're going to go about it. Because to my recollection from the show's mythology an angel cannot become human unless they are reborn as human, so by this they're making it so Castiel still remains an angel but without the majority of this powers, even the ones he reappeared with in the beginning of the season. Because no matter what Castiel is still an angel no matter how much power he possesses. So I would be perfectly fine if he continued learning the way he has been for the majority of his time on the show about humans and humanity and all of that, but I definitely agree, I don't trust the writers to do something faithful in terms of handling humanizing his character without it becoming a complete cliche of the angel-turning-human scenario (we already went through that shit last season and that was just a horrible mess and so cringe-worthy, let's learn from that mistake show and not go through that again).

It's okay sweetie, Castiel is practically my favoritest on the show as well. I got fully engaged in the show when he appeared and the whole angel arc was introduced so yeah, I completely understand where you're coming from with your worries and such. *hugs*

CROWLEY SHOULD HAVE MADE DEAN AND CASTIEL MAKE OUT. OR COMMENT ABOUT THEM. OR SOMETHING. BECAUSE CROWLEY WOULD SO TOTALLY DO THAT. BECAUSE HE'S MOTHERFUCKING CROWLEY, OR RESIDENT GAY DEMON. XD

I've been missing Lucy too. :( MARKSHA IS BEING SO UNDERUSED THIS SEASON LIKE, WHAT THE FUCK?! D:

[kitsu84.livejournal.com]

The hospital Pestilence is at is called: Serenity Valley. I SEE WHUT YOU DID THAR, SHOW!
I LOL'D IRL, NEGL. Come to think of it, we've also got, Badger. xD

Mark Sheppard, never leave my fandoms ever.
SO MUCH THIS, I CAN'T EVEN. I've loved him since 'Firefly', but I didn't fall head-over-heels in love with him until BSG. And now, he's in SPN as a super BAMFucking demon, who's snarky as hell and OBVIOUSLY gay. SO MUCH LOVE, OMGGGG.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Badger, Serenity Valley, and of course Ben Edlund who is a writer/director on SPN was also the producer of Firefly as well. ;D CONNECTIONS AND SHOUTOUTS, WHEE!

The first time I've ever seen Mark Sheppard was on Firefly, and ever since then he's been in like EVERYTHING IN EXISTENCE and I absolutely love it. From Romo in Battlestar Galactica to his role recurring role in Medium to Leverage and now as an obviously gay snarky BAMF demon who is King of the Crossroads. I JUST FUCKING LOVE HIM SO FUCKING MUCH! We couldn't have asked for a better actor to portray Crowley. Seriously, so much love.

[cheerful-earl.livejournal.com]

Aw, crap, I started to read this then realized my lunch break was over. I'll be back later to finish, but I gotta say this, before I forget:

My fear was having Castiel turn into what future!Cas was "The End" because over the course of the season we've seen subtle hints to him heading in that direction, lost his faith in God, he starting binge drinking, he even lost his faith in Dean for a moment. However, we know that the Apocalyptic arc will be ending this season, everything will be dealt with, and that in this episode we're shown that Castiel has regained his faith in Dean and still believes in their mission, believes in the brothers and what they can accomplish. Something that future!Castiel didn't have. So even with certain things being similar, scarily similar to the pathway that lead to his future!self which prompted my fears in the first place, it's safe to say that Castiel won't turn into that version we saw in the 2014 future, which definitely reassured me somewhat.

Is exactly what happened with me. I freaked out, then chilled out once people pointed out those very things. Ha! :D

ETA: Back! :D

Re: Human!Castiel. Assuming he is back next year and back almost human, I think how they use his character will really depend upon what the story arc is. Honestly, I can't see him traveling around with the Winchesters in the Impala, but the loss of powers means it won't be as convenient for him to just show up. So I imagine he'd have his own storyline. But how much of it will be onscreen? It's baffling. Maybe he'll live with Bobby and we'll get them sniping at each other while Sam and Dean hunt wendigos again.

I agree with your thoughts on his character and the pros and cons of human Cas. It could be handled well or handled badly. We'll have to see.

Because he's had a huge vital role to play since the fourth season, he underwent through a major emotional arc and development from there and it's been made abundantly clear about Dean's destiny. What about what happened with the Whore of Babylon, or the killing of Zachariah when he looked directly at Zachariah's burning grace? It couldn't have all just been for nothing, esp with the whole "oh Michael is using Adam now" spiel. I'm sure they're aware of this, but it seems like they're trying to make it all about Sam again which shouldn't be the case. Sam didn't start the apocalypse, they both did, it should be about the Winchesters defeating this thing together and not just one brother having to save the other from their own destiny. Team Free Will, right?

This is what I'm mainly concerned about going into the finale. Because it should be both of them, it can't all have been for nothing. They have to have something up their sleeves. Right? I mean, Michael actually using Adam is way too easy, and that shot of Dean looking directly at Zachariah's burning grace was *way* too deliberate. So I just don't know what to think. I'm nervous and I don't like being nervous.

I love how deadpan and dry Castiel says the line, and then Dean raises his head agreeing with his angel boyfriend that Bobby's definition of "good news" wasn't all that great.

I am so glad you made a gif of that. As soon as it happened, I said outloud, "I need a GIF!" I agree, I love Dean raising his head in agreement and their matching body language. It's sad, but at the same time endearing and adorable. They're back on the same page, even if it's a slightly depressing one; there's no tension between them in that scene, unlike every single one of their scenes in 5.18. I'm glad the awkward, adorable phone conversation smoothed things out. (But, um, can we have a little more Cas and Dean, please, show?)

I agree about the pacing. It is really the problem with this season. I don't doubt that they'll throw a bunch of stuff at us on Thursday, tie everything up, but I wish there had been more of a build. Last season was so good; I feel it completely spoiled me.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Hee! Good to know I am pretty much a distraction from real life. ;p

Assuming he is back next year and back almost human, I think how they use his character will really depend upon what the story arc is.

Very true. It really does depend on what is happening and what they're planning for the season and how they can work Castiel around it in some manner. I'm not sure how that'll work if they do plan on going that route. I think I think on the level of wanting to see more of Castiel's arc rather than dealing with the boys at this moment in time because, let's face it, I love Sam and Dean but their brotherly antics are getting rather old these days. I want something centering around Castiel and his journey, and not just something set in the background (hint: spin-off please!) But I approve of your concept about Castiel staying at Bobby's and them bickering while helping the boys with whatever. Perhaps it can be a two-way thing for each episode, like we have the boys going off on some hunt and a second story with Castiel and Bobby dealing with something back at the house. That would be hilarious, lol!

I just want them to treat his character arc with respect, that's all I want. Plus more Dean/Castiel screentime because, come on. THEY ARE BFFS (best friends forever or boyfriends forever, whichever you choose! ;D)

They have to have something up their sleeves. Right? I mean, Michael actually using Adam is way too easy, and that shot of Dean looking directly at Zachariah's burning grace was *way* too deliberate. So I just don't know what to think. I'm nervous and I don't like being nervous.

I want to believe there's something hidden up their sleeves, because there have been moments where I wasn't expecting something to happen and it turns my thoughts completely around. But with how this season has been going, with what they have to wrap up, I can't help but worried for the show and where it's heading, particularly with handling the boys and their paths and how with these last two episodes, and perhaps three if the finale is what it looks like it is, it'll be all about Sam rather than focusing on Dean's half of his destiny which was a HUGE HUGE point made in S4 and here in S5 (blame Sera Gamble for this, she's all about Sam and it's kind of nauseating honestly).

I agree about the pacing. It is really the problem with this season. I don't doubt that they'll throw a bunch of stuff at us on Thursday, tie everything up, but I wish there had been more of a build. Last season was so good; I feel it completely spoiled me.

I loved season four, there were only minor things I didn't favor, but other than that it was simply glorious. They definitely planned a lot with handling that season, and I think the majority of that went into how lackluster the third season was and they were wanting to have a pick-me-up from it. I had hoped season five would continue that streak and it had moments where it you think okay, it's picking up, but it didn't. I don't know whether it's because of the hiatuses we had in between that is making us feel this way or whatever, but I feel like the drama of last season was more acceptable while this season should have been more about taking action and taking the apocalypse seriously. Not just every other episode or so.

[cheerful-earl.livejournal.com]

You are a distraction! :P It was quite hard to turn away from LJ and go back to work (especially since Saturday at work was a niiiiightmare of crazy).

Perhaps it can be a two-way thing for each episode, like we have the boys going off on some hunt and a second story with Castiel and Bobby dealing with something back at the house. That would be hilarious, lol!

That would be hilarious. I would so watch the Bobby and Cas show. Hee!

I really would like to see Castiel have an arc of his own, independent of the boys. Or not even independent, just something *his*, like in OTHOAP, where Cas was off on his own, or in 5.10, with his scenes with Lucifer and Meg. Those scenes, short though they were in the latter case, show SO much about Cas, while still working into the Winchesters' plotline. If S6 was able to maybe balance out Cas being back up for Sam and Dean and Cas doing his own thing, I would be so happy. I somehow really doubt it though, which makes me sad.

And YES, we need more Dean/Cas BFFery. Some episodes are drenched in it, and others, Dean's like, "Yeah, whatever, angel boyfriend."

I can't help but worried for the show and where it's heading, particularly with handling the boys and their paths and how with these last two episodes, and perhaps three if the finale is what it looks like it is, it'll be all about Sam rather than focusing on Dean's half of his destiny which was a HUGE HUGE point made in S4 and here in S5

Kripke's writing the finale, right? I can't imagine he won't go out without some sort of a bang, and that has to mean dealing with Dean's destiny just as much as Sam's. I want to believe, but like you, I can't help but be worried, especially on this point. The trailer was SO Sam-heavy, though. But they really can't spend the entire episode with him interally wrestling with the Devil. Right? Plus there's still Michael to deal with (and speaking of, how would Adam fit into S6, if he lives?).

I had hoped season five would continue that streak and it had moments where it you think okay, it's picking up, but it didn't. I don't know whether it's because of the hiatuses we had in between that is making us feel this way or whatever, but I feel like the drama of last season was more acceptable while this season should have been more about taking action and taking the apocalypse seriously.

The hiatuses definitely didn't help. Nor did the randomly placed standalone episodes. There were such long breaks between actual plot points that it threw the pacing off, I think. Also, this season has sort of been confusing as to what was part of the main arc and what was standalone. Like, Changing Channels, which for 90% of the episode seemed like a one-off. It actually turned out to be really important, with the Gabriel reveal and Gabriel changing sides later. 5.06, on the other hand, while seemingly Apocalypse related, has had absolutely nothing to do with the plotline. So I feel like that damaged the feel of the season arc also.

PS: I just noticed when scrolling up the page that Dean and Cas have sort of matching expressions when Cas reveals that he's human. They both breathe in and look up, and it's sad but cute.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

If S6 was able to maybe balance out Cas being back up for Sam and Dean and Cas doing his own thing, I would be so happy.

Me too, because it would make sense to really to something like that, you know? I think I'm just having wishful thinking because I really can't picture the show without Misha involved. I just can't. He's become such a vital part of the entire universe, even with the apocalypse ending after the finale he needs to stick around. We still need more of Castiel's story since he's come this far, having grown and matured, sacrificed and died to be resurrected again and undergoing this kind of development of his faith and journey, and if they just don't have him survive, after all of that, and really give Castiel something of his own to deal with especially if he's gonna be dealing with being slightly grounded on a human-level I'd be way beyond angry and into HULK!SMASHING ENRAGED. Seriously.

Kripke's writing the finale, right? I can't imagine he won't go out without some sort of a bang, and that has to mean dealing with Dean's destiny just as much as Sam's.

I don't know, actually. I've been hearing he's been not that involved in these latter half of the episodes, but I could be hearing wrong. I hope he will be because this is his show regardless. He needs to have some say in what's going on.

As for Adam, I don't know. He might be the one to not survive Michael, from what I'm reading. But yeah I don't know.

Like, Changing Channels, which for 90% of the episode seemed like a one-off. It actually turned out to be really important, with the Gabriel reveal and Gabriel changing sides later. 5.06, on the other hand, while seemingly Apocalypse related, has had absolutely nothing to do with the plotline. So I feel like that damaged the feel of the season arc also.

Yeah, that's a good point as well. I kind of wished that Jesse had returned though because I really liked him, and thought that perhaps he could, at some point, appear in this last half or in the finale and just fight alongside them. But apparently that's not what's going to happen, which kind of sucks. I really wished we had more episodes like "Changing Channels", where it started off thinking it would be a filler but it turns out to be something much deeper and connected to the main arc of the season. And I love this episodes, because in combines the comedy with the seriousness of what they're dealing with, and that's a good balance to have. But yeah, it really was kind of all over the place though.

PS: I just noticed when scrolling up the page that Dean and Cas have sort of matching expressions when Cas reveals that he's human. They both breathe in and look up, and it's sad but cute.

Heee, it really is very adorable seeing that. It is sad but I love how we see just how on the same page they both are, it's just that cute. <3

[marissaday.livejournal.com]

My Lord, woman. You and I seem to be on the same thought-train because everything you have just addressed in regards to the fifth season, the characters, and how it all seems like a buttload of rushed writing is exactly what I've been thinking for quite some time now. I thank you kindly for taking the time to bring all of this up.

I totally agree; The fourth season was by far their best season. Maybe they had some new writers that they fired for the fifth? The pacing was phenomenal. It wasn't extremely slow, like the first two seasons; it wasn't off topic a majority of the time like the third season was; most importantly, it wasn't totally too fricking fast like the fifth season is. There first part of the fifth season was done just as well, but then we hit the middle and there was a lull, like the writers didn't know where they wanted to go with the story. All of a sudden they realised they were coming up on the last few episodes and it was like they felt they had to get everything out before the end of the season because they'd forgotten to intermingle it with the middle portion.

I myself am particularly worried about Castiel, as well. I think it was his addition in season four that really made the show. The first three seasons were touching in their brotherly aspects, but there's only so much we can tolerate of the "I'd give up my life for my brother!" concept before we need something new. Castiel gripped us tight and raised us fr -- okay, okay. Point is, Castiel grabbed our attention with his enthralling entrance and hasn't let go since, really, so I will be enraged and possibley moved to rampancy directed at the writers if they screw up his character (moreso than maybe they're already doing). I have immeasureable amounts of trust in Kripke, so I'm hoping he doesn't screw that up too.

Castiel gave the show that extra bit of kick that it needed to really take off; the addition of a storyline and the developement of a character that wasn't a Winchester was enthralling. To see such a lovely being collapse (in the way they seem to be taking Castiel) would kill me.

I think we've all been thinking about it, though. With the deaths of most of the major side characters like Ellen, Zachariah, Jo, and even Ruby, aswell as the more minor characters like Gabriel (who has been the longest running guest star unless you put Bobby in that category), Pamela and earlier on, Ash... It just seems that aside from Crowley, Castiel seems like the next to go.

Which, by the way, as much as I hate it: I think Crowley is next on the list. I am almost certain that he won't make it out of this alive, which is a shame because snarky demons bordering on "faggotry" are particularly awesome when portrayed by Mark Sheppard, with his bastard-child of a European accent. I can never tell what it is. My dad says it's got a slight Irish ring to it, although I lean towards British.

Also: Meg needs to just die. Seriously. They never did tell us whether or not the holy fire killed her, but that hellbitch is probably still out there with her pesky pooches.

I digress: Thank you for posting this thoughtful opinion, as I agree with it wholesomely. :)

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Wow, thank you so much for such a thorough comment. :D

Castiel gave the show that extra bit of kick that it needed to really take off; the addition of a storyline and the developement of a character that wasn't a Winchester was enthralling. To see such a lovely being collapse (in the way they seem to be taking Castiel) would kill me.

Definitely. And the thing for me, personally, that it was not just the introduction of Castiel but the introduction of the theological arc mixing with the show's own mythos that really amped up the show from such a lackluster third season. Had they continued with just the Winchesters hunting monsters and their own family issues route it would have been the same-old schtick and I personally would have been bored with it, but adding an interesting, and rich, element to the mythology and deepening the connection the boys (and not just Sam) has to an overall bigger picture was just remarkable. I admit, once realizing that they brought in the angels aspect I was happy, like gleefully happy, because why have all these other paranormal creatures including demons/Hell without having angels/Heaven? It really has been an enthralling addition of the angel arc, and why some people don't find that fascinating to explore completely baffles me. Then again, I love theology and having a deep mythology of anything go into that makes me incredibly happy. So, yeah. ;)

I think the show has dealt with Castiel's arc very well, and I don't think they've been mishandling his character because his journey is still kind of the same. It's just we needed to see more than what was given to us, you know? Like, we had Castiel-centric episodes last season ("On The Head Of A Pin" and "The Rapture" respectfully), but why not this season? I would have preferred spending some time on Castiel's mission to find God than some of the filler episodes they had. That's what has been bugging me.

It just seems that aside from Crowley, Castiel seems like the next to go.

Yeah. I think it didn't really hit me until they killed Gabriel (still in denial, btw, I have to believe somewhat that he's chilling in a jacuzzi in the Bahamas drinking margaritas with God or something idk) and now it seems like anyone else besides the Winchesters is most likely to be next on that list. Which kind of sucks having this feeling because it makes me all nervous about supporting characters and, why can't they just not kill everyone that's not a Winchester? Why can't the boys have more allies that stay alive? That also bugs me, and I get it about the end is nigh and all of that, but seriously. :/ I want none of them to bite it. Crowley and Bobby and Castiel should all live and stay and be Team Free Will with the boys. Or have their own spin-off. Something.

I still maintain that we need a spin-off with Castiel and the angels, with some added Crowley, rather than a sixth season. I'd be watching the shit out of that, for sure.

I digress: Thank you for posting this thoughtful opinion, as I agree with it wholesomely. :)

Thank you for reading and giving an excellent response in your shared opinions, as well. :D I also see you friended me, and that's cool. Going to friend you back, if you don't mind.

[carameltrap.livejournal.com]

Love your review + meta as usual.

You know when Castiel was apologising to Dean, I got a bit teary-eyed. I wish they were face to face for it because then there'll be huuuuugs. Why am I denied of hugs?

I'm excited for the finale but I'm worried for Castiel, Crowley and Bobby. Not too concerned about the boys as it's the Sam'n'Dean show. Like anything's going to happen to them. Pffft. Someone better hold me next Thursday/Friday.

I wish it was well plotted more. Like you said, it's rushed as they're cramming things into the last two episodes when they should have done it episodes ago instead of veering left and right. At least, it isn't like Glee which is all over the place.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Thank you. :)

You know when Castiel was apologising to Dean, I got a bit teary-eyed. I wish they were face to face for it because then there'll be huuuuugs. Why am I denied of hugs?

Not gonna lie, I did as well. More the second time watching the scene than the first, because just hearing the sincerity of his apology and seeing Dean's reaction and God, I wished that could have been in each other's presence rather than over the phone. Not that I don't love their phone sex phone conversations, but this seemed like something that should have happened in person. Since it definitely would have prompted the opportunity for our hug, for sure. We are definitely being denied hugs. :( I swear if we don't get a Dean/Castiel hug in the finale I will be raging with torches and pitchforks at Kripke and Co., mark my words!

I'LL HOLD YOU BB! *clings*

I agree, definitely more concerned over Castiel/Crowley/Bobby than the boys, which is depressing to say that I don't care about the boys, but since we know they'll survive anyhow it's kind of moot to really be concerned over them. I think just after what they did with Gabriel my worries have spiked big time, more than ever before with this show. I want NO ONE to bite it, to be honest. This is Team Free Will right here, and resurrect Gabriel it'll be a party, amirite?

My disappointment lies in with that this was supposed to have been the last season, and I keep questioning to myself whether this season suffered because of the news of a sixth season or if it would have been this way despite it? Because when you think about it, had there not been contemplations about having another season I think we would have gotten a very explosive fifth (and final) season to close the series. But we didn't, and look what happened.

[bold-seer.livejournal.com]

He's a bigger BAMF when he's fighting hard and dirty and in it for the survival instead of relying on such powers, and we like that side of him, don't we?

Yes! I do want angel!Castiel more than anything, but honestly I don't know what I want. Just Castiel - Dean/Castiel! - being awesome.

It's just so strange seeing Castiel outside of his normal suit/trench coat attire because that is his signature, that's how he is.

That was almost unnerving! ;)

I love that Dean didn't think Castiel needed to apologize for anything, because that means Dean understood what Castiel was feeling or at least respects him. Ah, that scene! HUUUUUG.

Season finale!!! And I can't even watch it on Friday. :(

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I'm just so conflicted. I still want angel!Castiel, all badass and powerful and shit, but at the same time I know this won't change anything because he's still the same BAMF as we've known him, he just has to adjust with it (which he's done well so far) and we love him being more resourceful and figuring those things out. It's awesome. I don't know, I can't make up my mind!

I love that Dean didn't think Castiel needed to apologize for anything, because that means Dean understood what Castiel was feeling or at least respects him. Ah, that scene! HUUUUUG.

Exactly, and that's why I wanted there to be a fucking hug because IT WAS JUST THE PERFECT MOMENT!

Awww. :( I hope you'll get a chance too! Just uh, stay away from the internet until you do, because you know people will be all over the finale after it airs for sure.