‘Supernatural’ season 9, episode 1 review: Jared Padalecki’s performance rules strong premiere

“Supernatural” is back, and there is a pretty good reason to be excited after what we saw tonight. “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here” was the best premiere for the show in years, and we’re willing to even say that it is the best start of the show since the Eric Kripke days. Not only was there a great story, but Jared Padalecki continued his recent trend of giving an out-of-this-world performance that make Sam such a complicated, interesting character.

This was in some ways the “Supernatural” version of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” but instead of Sam seeing the world without him, he basically spent some time with people who are already among the dead. Jim Beaver returned in a lengthy vision as Bobby, and even Death itself turned up for a cameo.

“There ain’t no me if there ain’t no you.” That’s probably the line that had the diehard fans tearing up. Dean was so willing to do whatever it took to save his brother, including making a very risky move. Basically, Sam is a vessel that Ezekiel is living inside of, and helping to keep him alive. The twist? Dean has to find a way to make him better before Sam rejects the angel within; otherwise, he could die. Are those stakes high enough for you? Then add to it that Castiel knows now that a good majority of angels want his head on a pole, and he is almost incapable of doing anything about it. He has no powers, and no way to protect himself.

In between everything that was so heavy on this episode, there was also the sight of Castiel doing laundry. Pure hilarity, and we’re sure that there are probably thousands of people out there who appreciated him standing in his underwear in a very public place.

Sometimes “Supernatural” can become a little mired in its own madness, but what this episode did that was so effective was keep the story simple, and easy to understand while still rooted in history. There were flashbacks galore, and it was entertaining through and through. If the writers continues to come up with great ways to push this story forward, we will be looking back at season 9 fondly whenever the series does say goodbye.

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Photo: The CW