Supernatural 4x1 "Lazarus Rising" SPOILERS after ep discussion

[Dorian Thompson]

Okay, good people. The season premiere is tonight. Unless you live in Chicago, then it's tonight really late. The advance buzz on this episode has been fantastic. It's a real game changer, but apparently in an excellent way. I can't wait. Even the Chicago Tribune lady liked it, and she's never been one to pay much attention.

[mswood]

Well it is almost over for people who get it on the east coast.

And I am happy to discover that even though tvguide says I don't have the CW this year, I still do (same stupid secondary HD channel, that broadcast in standard definition, go figure). But still better then nothing, though I am still hopeful to have it before it airs.

And with the little I have been spoiled (thanks to yesterdays press) I can't wait.

Dorian you better not get arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, he, he.

[Skywalker]

My my my, what an interesting and awesome twist.

[witchie]

I liked it. Got teary with the reunions. Won't say anymore until mswood gets a chance to watch it.

[mswood]

Well witchie if it helps I do know what brought Dean aback (again thank you reviewers for giving a little too much away), I am really interesting in the new title sequence, the necklace, the sound system oh who am I kidding. I am interested in every damn second of the show.

But I might stay away to let people freely talk if they want.

[Dorian Thompson]

HOLY. SHIT.

That was.....that was......oh the religious groups aren't going to like that if they see it. Which the network would probably kill to have happen.

Now that is going to spin things in a whole new direction. That was bold. When the knife didn't work, my mind said "archangel." Still, what a superb and disjointed way to introduce Castiel. Who is that guy? I've seen him before?

Sam....Sam.....Sam.....what have you been up to? Our boy is in trouble. They're not pussyfooting around with Sam now. He's seriously lying to Dean. I love it, but there are going to be the diehards who scream bloody murder who just want the brother angst fest every week.

Screw 'em. That was fantastic. Except for the actress who plays Ruby now. She sucked. I hope she gets better. I preferred Katie Cassidy.

[witchie]

Well, that twist was absolutely brilliant. Yeah, the religious groups aren't going to like God being brought into a show about the supernatural. Oh, well...screw 'em. I liked it. I guess we know what the burn is on his shoulder. That's some deep shit.

Sam is definitely in trouble. Using his powers. Working with Ruby. Again. Not sure how I feel about the new girl. I guess we'll see.

[Mr. Adventure]

Dean meets John Constantine. I don't know what I was expecting but this didn't seem to be as "sparking" as Supernatural at its best (for me at least).

[Dorian Thompson]

It felt off kilter, but in a jarringly good way to me. I think that's what they were going for. The game's changed. The writers went for it. I like it. They're already fighting at TWOP. Some liked it, some will never accept change. Par for the course. One thing it accomplished--I must find out what happens next. Oh yeah, baby.

[Dorian Thompson]

24!! Castiel was Alexis Drazel on 24. Okay. That's where I've seen him. Mswood, honey, you're gonna like it.

[mswood]

Oh, I like indeed.

Really, really liked. In fact for season openers only In MY Time of Dying was better (but that was so focused, God I love that episode).

Really the only thing I didn't care for were the shadowed wings (just thought the effect was weak), and the new Ruby in the diner scene with Sam. THought she was really weak.

Character wise, the episode was spot on with what I had hoped for. With proper changes in both Bobby and Sam, that I enjoyed. I also loved that they both assumed he made a deal, and I like that Sam actually said he tried (if he didn't I would never have believed it). I love them lying to each other (the boys have done that since early first season when it comes to deeply personal things, so very in character).

Love, Love that the show is finally looking at the elephant in the room. THe show has made no real secret about God being a being that has power (from the Phantom Traveller, which I think was the first time religious weapons were used the power of the word of god) to the open talk in Sin City of Lucifer and being a fallen angel. And lets face it he show is about two brothers on the road confronting urban legends (even if they are more historic then modern) and there is no larger one then god.

Loved the Sam does have abilities and that he is actively trying to use them, and we certainly see the first real look at the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

And I assume that the season is leading to two things. 1. I assume that with Lilith not being a direct threat to Sam, that they will up the ante and that would play into the main big bad of all time, Lucifer. And I expect a looming brother vrs brother, arc.

I seem to recall when Born Under a Bad Sign came out how Degra felt a little cheated by Sam not really being evil, and it being a false conflict between the two. I stated something to the effect that on a 5 year plan having that aspect happen in teh 2nd season was way way to early. That it would be something most likely used in the 4th season something to end on a cliff hanger to the 5th year. God I hope I am right.

I love the fact that Dean the non believer is the chosen instrument of God. I also like that Dean went to hell first. As many who do the bidding of the lord pay a very heavy price. 4 months +a desert trip and being strung up to die....

Dialogue, for the most part was spot on, even the banter was sedate and keeping with the general feeling of the episode (something the show doesn't always achieve).

Kim Manners did some nice camera moves, always nice to see them use a crane to open the show up a little.

Nice to see the contrasting cinematography a thing of the past. I hated that for the most part in season 3.

God, I am watching it again on off the broadcast and I love this episode, almost wish it was two hours.

A-

[Dorian Thompson]

I loved it when Bobby tossed the holy water in Dean's face.

[mswood]

Dorian Thompson wrote:

---

I loved it when Bobby tossed the holy water in Dean's face.

Thats a perfect example of humor that fits the episode and isn't forced.

In fact humor wise the only thing I thought that was forced was the music Sam had first on his playlist (WTF was that).

Loved the flirting with the psychic and the brothers reactions to it (perfectly in character). Loved Dean grabbing a porn magazine again, he's already stocking up on supplies, why wouldn't he (I would have).

And I loved that he forgot about his beloved impala. He has Sam (he's alive and by first looks doing what Dean has always wanted him to do, hunting and actually living a little). Why would he even think of the car. Of course, once he sees her thats a different story and let the brotherly teasing begin begin.

I loved Dean telling Sam he's sorry. Sorry that Sam tried to save him. When that isn't what Sam is sorry for. He was sorry he wasn't the one who saved him, to hell with the cost. He failed him, and you could so read it on Sam's eyes.

Loved the star Wars reference. Wedge gets some respect. And I can't wait to see how Dean is going to react when he realizes how much his brother that he knows everything about has really changed.

God, I can keep going.

Of course, tomorrow the numbers game starts as I freak out on pifeedback like a stalker.....

[Pensive]

Loved:
douching up the Impala
"I like to think it was my perky nipples"
Pamela (WHYY DID THEY BURN HER EYES OUT SHE WAS SO COOL)
The guy's body that Castiel is in = hubba hubba

Didn't love as much:
God element=treading thin ice
nu!Ruby

[Dorian Thompson]

That's part of the reason I liked that Pamela's eyes were burned out, gruesome as it was. That's very old testament, that most cannot look upon the face of God and whatnot. Definitely not a happy, shiny, touchy feely Castiel.