Desperate to restore Sam’s soul, Dean has exhausted his supply of demons and angels willing and able to bargain with him. He turns to one of the only beings that may be powerful enough to help him, Death.I love Supernatural’s interpretation of Death. The actor is creepy and calm, yet has a magnificent screen presence. Death does not appear good or evil. He simply is a part of nature, and is one of the only creatures that intimidates Dean. It’s interesting how whenever he appears he helps our heroes. This time he offers to return Sam’s Soul if Dean is able to win a wager with Death. The relationship between Death and Dean actually reminds me of the Q and Picard relationship from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Both Death and Q are virtual gods who despite a certain level of disdain for the lesser beings, and a sense of antagonism, generally seem to like the mortal characters and are trying to push them to learn something about themselves and the larger universe. I hope that in any subsequent appearance Death remains a neutral force, with something of an interest in helping Dean and doesn’t become an antagonist.
While Dean is making a deal with Death to try and save Sam’s soul, Sam (or at least his body) is trying to cast a spell that will prevent the return of his soul. The spell involves patricide, which will has put Bobby Singer squarely in Sam’s cross hairs. If feel like this was a great concept with poor execution. Sam and Bobby are among the best hunters there are.The scenes of them stalking each other could have showcased their talents. What we got seemed more obligatory. Sam and bobby play cat and mouse for a few scenes with a few “Shinning” references, and that’s it. They could have amped up the suspense and horror but obviously the main focus was on Dean’s game with death.
Overall this episode was a great cliff hanger. It closed one chapter and opened another. I think Death may have an agenda, and is like every other supernatural force in existence may be jerking the Winchester brothers around. I can’t wait to see how everything will play out.
On a scale of 1 to Epic, (Epic= 10) I’d give it a 8.0.