‘Supernatural’ season 8, episode 10 review: Is Castiel a puppet?
Over the course of his time on “Supernatural” Castiel has become a man of many forms: he has been a kind-hearted angel, a power-hungry creature taken over by Leviathan; and now, he almost seems to be a marionette controlled by one of the strangest angels we’ve ever seen. The story of Naomi was made especially interesting this week with a number of key scenes, with of course the most jarring one being her order Misha Collins’ character to do away with the angel Samandriel, who had been captured by Crowley.
Long-term, the story that is more significant here is that like with the world of demons, there is effectively a tablet that can lock away all angels from the world. Considering that we are looking at both yin and yang here, it does make sense that one would exist; however, it gives Crowley a great deal more power, and it raises the stakes for Kevin, Sam, Dean, and just about everyone else.
On the subject of the Winchester brothers, we see this episode almost as a response to some of the criticism that the brothers’ fractured relationship is not nearly as interesting as when they are working together; and therefore, it was almost like the writers devised a way to hit a giant reset button. Sam made the predictable decision to let Amelia go, mostly because he realized where his heart was and he could not both be with her and continue to do his proper duties as a hunter. Meanwhile, Dean realized the same thing about his friendship with Benny, knowing that the troublesome vampire would continue to compromise things between him and his brother.
What “Torn and Frayed” did, it did very well: it cut back on some of the excess and the controversial storylines, and created a strong sense of mythology that will likely carry over to future episodes. Granted, we still see next week’s “LARP and the Real Girl” as largely filler … but it’s fun filler, and it’s hard to argue against that.
What did you think about this episode? If you want to read more news about Felicia Day’s appearance next week, you can do so here.
Photo: The CW
de
January 18, 2013 @ 8:15 pm
I loved and hated this episode hated the torture scenes they went on too long and i liked Samandriel for him to go through all that pain only for him to dieby poor Castiel who was forced to do that deed. Castiel who is trying to repent for his sins and the writers keep on screwing with him. Amelia i dont give a rats arse about hope shes gone for good . Benny i like and felt sorry for him when Dean said food bye. I hope we get back to the brothers being friends and find out away they can help Castiel he needs them badly and what did they do they do angel proof the cabin as if hewas the enemey help him you wankers dont push him away
annabela
January 18, 2013 @ 3:05 pm
This season has been great so far but this episode really disappointed me. It went back to same repetitive storyline of “every single character must die” and “everyone loses everything” and oh of course let’s give Cas more pain by killing an innocent brother. This episode was exhausting. I was hoping that after seeing Samandriel being tortured over and over again, Cas would at least save him and bring something good. But wow it ended the worst way possible. And if you think the fact that the brothers ended up together in the end is good, think again. They were miserable, it felt wrong. I get that this is Supernatural and this is what happens, pain all around, but can we have something good on this show for a change? It gets REALLY exhausting to watch otherwise.
adrian
January 18, 2013 @ 10:20 am
i hope they show how and why they pulled cas out of purgatory and not just let ppl forget about it. i mean if its cause naomi needed more angels to control then it was pointless cause she lost some trying to save cas and does anyone have any theorys where there parents and bobbys soul’s are?
Elle
January 17, 2013 @ 2:08 pm
Dean and Sam chose the job, not each other. There was still a palpable layer of tension between them and they had not resolved all their issues. It will be interesting to see how the show proceeds, but I’m a little disappointed at the show once again getting rid of supporting characters. I would have liked to see more of Samandriel. I’m not a fan of Benny so I was happy to see him go, but I was warming up to Amelia (finally!) so I hope she returns in the end. Lastly, I’m definitely worried about Castiel’s fate. I want him included more in the show, but this season I have been disappointed that even in the few episodes Castiel is in (with exception to one or two) he’s hardly been given much screentime. I feel I’ve seen more of Benny and Amelia than Castiel and I don’t see the point in that.
Ally
January 17, 2013 @ 12:52 pm
I liked this episode. I think what happened to Benny and Amelia pretty unfair, but I understand Sam’s and Dean’s reason, they have the saving the world and helping Cas in first place and they want to concentrate on it, but I have a feeling this won’t be the last we see of Amelia and Benny. I was so sad because of Samandriel, I take longer to like characters this much, but Samandriel was a exception, he was good and sweet and there weren’t wings(I’m in denial), maybe he’s still alive! I din’t had a full opinion in Naomi, but my opinion now is clear, she needs to die, she made Cas kill Samandriel against his will and Cas is already feeling so guilty, how will this leave him? I loved the destiel moments in the episode, on a other note and I hope the boys don’t forget Cas in the episodes he’s gone.
Shereile
January 17, 2013 @ 12:42 pm
I guess people really didn’t get the message the show was trying to send here. Mainly that it’s not okay to choose each other at the expense of other people who genuinely like them. Dean and Sam didn’t choose each other at all. They chose the job. And that means the brother bond is far from being restored. That last scene was isolation and misery.
I also hope Castiel will be okay and Dean will hopefully meet Benny again and not kill him.
Jessikaaah
January 17, 2013 @ 12:40 pm
Ugh I cannot believe we have to wait so long to figure out what is wrong with Cas!!!
And Dean and Sam looked so sad at the end of this episode. I hope things get a little brighter for them and that they can find/save Castiel soon!
Pili
January 17, 2013 @ 12:20 pm
I liked the episode, but i haven´t enjoyed it. I feel ambivalent about this episode and im not sure whats road Spn is going this season anymore. I like how they´re addressing Dean and Sam´s conflict in their relationship. We knew they had to talk, we knew there was so many things that need to be solved…but its really their way to solve things choose each other again and not letting anyone in? I understand Sam´s giving up a lot..so Dean had to. Im sorry he said good bye to Benny (great scene) and im sorry Sam didn´t choose Amelia. Usually it feels great to see Dean and Sam together again, and im glad, don´t get me wrong, that our boys are back in the family business…but at what cost?
And Castiel. He has became a character as importand as Dean and Sam for me. I care deeply about him, and this episode was actually terrible to see his character so broken and manipulated. Never an episode title was so accurate. I really had hopes for Samandriel and his dead was such powerful scene (great acting). I need to know more about Castiel´s future, Naomi´s intentions..and im starting to desperately need some good things happening to Castiel. Its been a long wait to see him again..and it´ll be worse now to wait Cas to come back.
Still, i think this season is going strong. Looking for more episodes and more Castiel!
Maria
January 17, 2013 @ 12:18 pm
I agree! Since Dean and Sam are back together, and rebuilding their relationship, i guess we´re ready to know about the arc mithology of this season, which its really intriguing. I have no idea who´s Naomi, or whats she doing with Castiel. Samandriel only gave us a brief glimpse of whats happening. I hope we´ll know more about whats going on (though next episode sounds fun and im looking forward it!). Enjoying this season so far!