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Supernatural "99 Problems" thoughts
Apr. 10th, 2010 01:00 pm I am not sure what I want to say yet about the "99 Problems" episode. But I have some reactions based in part on other reviews I have read. I always get a bit nervous when I have a seemingly different take on things. I am also attempting to do the cut thing, but am not sure I am doing it correctly...
<lj-cut text="99 Problems ramblings">
I thought that the end was really, really sad. I don't totally buy the "real love" with Lisa, but I don't think that was the point. The writers have been good enough about using her and Ben periodically as something Dean wishes for when he thinks about what would make him happy that I did not find it unrealistic. My take has always been that she and Ben were more symbolic than that she was "the one" for Dean. I thought that worked with the point the writers were making; Dean letting go of something he always wanted. (part of a test?)
I actually never doubted that Dean could use the stake to kill the Whore of Babylon. Maybe I am just too stubborn or something but I never believed that Dean lost all faith. He was hurting too bad to not care. I struggle with what his faith is, but I always believe he has faith. I think maybe he has faith in the idea that he can make a difference, that people are worth saving. I think maybe this has always centered on Sam-and I also don't think he has ever lost all faith in Sam (or that Sam could be saved, or that he could save Sam).
I think that the angels are manipulating things to try and break Dean the same way the demons did to break Sam. Sam was relatively easy to break because his anchor was always Dean. When he lost Dean he had nothing else he cared about and nothing to lose. Dean is feeling lost and powerless and everything that magnifies those feelings (like the young man killed as he was drinking with Dean and Sam last episode) makes him easier to manipulate. But unlike when Sam fell under Ruby's spell, Dean still has Sam. Somehow I think that has to make a difference.
I also think that Dean has always been a "good servant." (I struggle with how his breaking in hell fits here, but still believe it) He could use the stake because he has always done what is "right." He saves people and makes hard choices and does not take the easy way out. He puts others first. He sacrifices so that others can have better lives. And for me the really important thing is that he keeps doing it when he doubts and questions and feels personally hopeless.
I am not sure how I feel about Michael. Clearly the set-up is that the brothers will say yes. I don't like that outcome (I do try and have faith in the writers though) because I feel like it is so not true to the seasons before and the absoluteness of free will that has so far been presented. I still don't think it is a done deal that they will agree to be vessels. I do like the idea of this being a test, just not sure what is being tested? Dean's faith? Sam's ability to redeem? Sam's role as a redemptive character for Dean? I guess I will have to be patient and keep up my own faith in the show. </lj-cut>
<lj-cut text="99 Problems ramblings">
I thought that the end was really, really sad. I don't totally buy the "real love" with Lisa, but I don't think that was the point. The writers have been good enough about using her and Ben periodically as something Dean wishes for when he thinks about what would make him happy that I did not find it unrealistic. My take has always been that she and Ben were more symbolic than that she was "the one" for Dean. I thought that worked with the point the writers were making; Dean letting go of something he always wanted. (part of a test?)
I actually never doubted that Dean could use the stake to kill the Whore of Babylon. Maybe I am just too stubborn or something but I never believed that Dean lost all faith. He was hurting too bad to not care. I struggle with what his faith is, but I always believe he has faith. I think maybe he has faith in the idea that he can make a difference, that people are worth saving. I think maybe this has always centered on Sam-and I also don't think he has ever lost all faith in Sam (or that Sam could be saved, or that he could save Sam).
I think that the angels are manipulating things to try and break Dean the same way the demons did to break Sam. Sam was relatively easy to break because his anchor was always Dean. When he lost Dean he had nothing else he cared about and nothing to lose. Dean is feeling lost and powerless and everything that magnifies those feelings (like the young man killed as he was drinking with Dean and Sam last episode) makes him easier to manipulate. But unlike when Sam fell under Ruby's spell, Dean still has Sam. Somehow I think that has to make a difference.
I also think that Dean has always been a "good servant." (I struggle with how his breaking in hell fits here, but still believe it) He could use the stake because he has always done what is "right." He saves people and makes hard choices and does not take the easy way out. He puts others first. He sacrifices so that others can have better lives. And for me the really important thing is that he keeps doing it when he doubts and questions and feels personally hopeless.
I am not sure how I feel about Michael. Clearly the set-up is that the brothers will say yes. I don't like that outcome (I do try and have faith in the writers though) because I feel like it is so not true to the seasons before and the absoluteness of free will that has so far been presented. I still don't think it is a done deal that they will agree to be vessels. I do like the idea of this being a test, just not sure what is being tested? Dean's faith? Sam's ability to redeem? Sam's role as a redemptive character for Dean? I guess I will have to be patient and keep up my own faith in the show. </lj-cut>
