What in the name of God is happening with the Winchester boys? After Supernatural’s doozy of a cliff-hanger — Dean cast into the pit — I settled in last night for the CW series’ fourth-season kickoff*, primed to see Dean restored, some brotherly badinage, demon slayage. Instead, we got a grand mishegoss of secrets, lies, and a concluding theological debate-puzzle that would tax Locke/Jeremy Bentham over on Lost. Perhaps the ep’s title, “Lazarus Rising," should have clued me in that things were going biblical.
Let me try to recap. Dean (Jensen Ackles) claws his way out of a coffin and wanders into a gas station deserted but conveniently stocked with bottled water, porn, and a newspaper bearing today’s date. Realizing four months have passed, he hotwires a car and tracks down Bobby (Jim Beaver) and then Sam (Jared Padalecki)… who welcome him with less than open arms. After knife fighting and holy-water dousing, the three set off to uncover Dean’s mystery liberator, enlisting the help of a hot, tattooed, Ramones-shirted psychic (Traci Dinwiddie). Following a disastrous séance — Ms. Clairvoyant loses both her Dean-fixated eyeballs — and a greasy-spoon tête-à-tête with a demon waitress, Sam and Dean sneak off separately: Sam to wallop the waitress-from-hell and confer with erstwhile helpmate Ruby; Dean and Bobby to summon the eye-melting angel Castiel.
So at least one mystery is cleared up, sorta. We now know who/whatbusted Dean out, disguised as a stubbled "holy tax accountant," as Deanput it. We even have a hint as to why he — or the Almighty — did it.What remains, however, are secrets and deception. Dean is not beingtruthful in telling Sam that he’s blacked out all memory of his staydown below. Sam, for his part, is straightfacedly lying to Dean aboutthe fate of Lilith, the whereabouts of Ruby, and his own use ofextranormal powers.
What do you make of this infernal/celestial tangle, Supernaturalloyalists? Is Castiel for real, or part of an unholy con? Is DeanjustifiabIy going Christopher Hitchens on the divine emissary? If theLord moves in mysterious ways, where do Sam’s demon-vanquishing handmoves fit in? What is with Dean’s hatred of things Apple… productplacement? Lastly, what did you think of the episode as a whole? Do youagree with my estimable colleague Alynda Wheat that "more demonic ass-kicking would’ve been nice"? Or do you think that Eric Kripke and Co. smoothly set up a promising story arc with breathing room for EWwy nominee Jensen Ackles‘ one-liners in lieu of beatdowns?
* Which showed a strong 33 percent audience growth over the third-season premiere back in September 2007.
Comments (1-30) of 109 Add your comment
Loved it, loved it, loved it. It set itself up for some interesting story arcs to come and great character development…which is what makes this show so great. I’d be bored if it was just a demon-of-the-week show (cough*Reaper*cough). There’s plenty of time for demonic ass-kicking later on.
A friend of mine talked me into staying tuned to the CW after Smallville’s premiere to check out Supernatural. I had not seen the show before. And the whole episode all I kept thinking was “I have no idea what’s going on, but it’s really really cool.” So now I have a Netflix date with several seasons of Supernatural, because this is a show I can see myself digging.
Loved it!!! I wonder if there will be a show down between Sam and Dean at some point?!? Since an Angel dug Dean back out and we’re still not sure why the Yellow Eyed demon or Lilith was so afraid of Sam?!? Is Sam good or evil?!?
Liked it better then Smallville. While I didn’t miss Lana at all, I really missed Lex and I hate Tess!
Holy crap that episode was amazing. I don’t know what the deal was with wanting more demon butt kicking, because quite frankly, who cares about that when there’s a lot more on the line – more and bigger? This delivered a payload of plot to kick off the season. It was suspenseful and intriguing. It was what I normally expect from crime procedurals (which the crime procedurals haven’t delivered thus far this year).
Apparently, frequent bloody eyeball melting, exploding glass, psychic exorcisms, attempted stabbings and a beat-down demonic brawl in a diner are “subdued” to Ms. Wheat. I thought the episode had a lot more action than I was expecting. But my favorite moment was when Dean flicks the pod jack into the back seat. It was a great opening.
Loved it – I’m all in for this season’s “Supernatural.” The trust issues between brother, the introductions of angels (finally), and the great homage to John Constantine, Hellblazer in Castiel.
This was a great episode. There’s plenty of time for demon ass-kicking action so I’m not broken up about that at all. This episode did it all. Revealed big secrets, asked new questions, and set up the whole season for possible greatness. I’m really impressed with Kripke and Co. and of course Jensen and Jared. The only thing I’m not sure about is the new actress who plays Ruby. Not feeling her yet.
I want to use the word “finally” but he will see it through. Even in the internal fire he has risen. Now the fight on earth is going to get interesting!
I thought the episode was great. And throwing God and his angels into the mix? Loved it. it’s about time they introduced God and all into the show, b/c there can’t be evil without good. As for Ruby (or Kris from Wildfire)–not really feeling her yet either. Somehow, she doesn’t seem right as Ruby. Hopefully, she’ll grow on me. Loved her in Wildfire, though. Sam looks like he’s been working out, I rather him looking like he did last season. and what is really going on w/ him and the psychic stuff? I think he may be dipping into the bad stuff. But I am so happy Dean is back, apparently sans any demonic-ness! Oh, and I loved the way he b&^%*-slapped that demon! I laughed out loud!
oh, and please let there be a tv watch on this show now!!?? Don’t make me beg!
Great season opener. I had to watch it 2X. Didn’t see the hole “God have plan” for you coming.
It was a great premiere.
Two brothers on the same mission, but one using the dark for good (at least in his mind) and one being recruited by the Good to join them in the fight.
And it’s a good touch that the non-believer is the one who is approached.
In Faith, Dean was told God has a plan for you – so maybe it wasn’t to vanquish the YED, but to lead this fight. To save Sam from his misguided use of his powers. Save Sam before his powers become too much for him to handle.
It can’t be easy to tap into something dark and not be corrupted at some point. Will Sam be strong enough.
In Houses of the Holy — the description of Michael the archangel was made while the camera was on Dean. No, he’s not Michael – but we could see that Dean does fit the fighting warrior of good. Dean’s motives have always been pretty basic. He kills evil sonofbi***es — simple!
Sam’s motives have always been more complex so why wouldn’t his arsenal be complex as well-using dark powers
I thought the whole angel thing was a bit over the top and think their maybe more. The intro talks about all the different religions and their belief in a final battle. So, I think there will be more to the story of Castiel.
I absolutely loved the season premiere, I can’t wait to see where this season takes us!
I loved it! It was so awesome and intriguing. I’m not sure about the new Ruby yet either, but other then that, it was by far the best premiere I’ve seen this season. I love the introduction of an Angel, which I’ve always thought was missing in the show. And I loved that all the demons were terrified of him. I’ve always loved this show, but this season they have kicked it up another awesome notch. Now I just wish the CW would actually promote this show so I don’t have to live in fear every year for its cancellation. Instead I constantly see GG or 90210 promos and no one knows about the best supernatural/horror show on t.v.. Its a real shame. Shame on you CW for ignoring your best show!
I agree with the person who said this one had more action than expected. I expected a more subdued “reunion” kind of episode- it would have been really weird if it was like, “Oh, Dean’s back… back to hunting as usual.”
AFA the angel-angle- LOVED. IT. It’s about time the boys get reminded that there’s another side to everything they do (even if it is a con). It was pretty obvious once they started burning people’s eyes out what they were dealing with. The Prophecy-esque angel… classic!
The chick playing Ruby… not so much. Maybe she gets better, but that was pretty lackluster.
i hate the idea of “angel”
coz just like Dean, i don’t believe it.
and it sounds tacky,
and it’s kind of a deny of other religion.
still, i love the show~
i’ll see how it goes.
KEEP UP!
I thought it was great. I’m the biggest Supernatural fan anyway but it was nice to see something OTHER than demon ass-kicking!! not that i’m against that i’m all for it!! however it was sure nice to see Dean in one piece and we all knew Sam was bound to break out his powers sometime!! And Castiel, an angel of the Lord — now THAT’S a twist!! i thought it was all in all an awesome premiere i’ve missed the boys!!
ps. this is the first time i’ve seen Dean at least halfway shirtless — anyone else think it was long overdue???
I loved the season opener, this has turned into one of my favorite shows. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is setting up a battle, good vs evil, Dean vs Sam! Was Dean brought back so he could defeat Sam?!? Love where this story line could go!
Excellent episode as always…Great set up for what looks to be a crazy end of the world/and series type season.
At some point don’t you think they have to bring God into the story? After all if you believe in one that automatically means the other exists and He has some impact and influence in their world.
It was outstanding. “Lazarus Rising” was truly wonderful. *exhales*
I’ve been a longtime fan of the show, and I’m glad to see that they’re finally deeply exploring the good side of the spirit world. They’ve hinted around about heaven and angels in other episodes, so it seems like a good fit. The episode as a whole though, seemed really short and kind of slow-paced, but the rest of the season looks promising. I’ll be watching next week.
I love it. It’s beautiful and full of such possibilites and it fits the story that has been building since Season One.
Even in Season One Dean was told by a Reverend that the Lord guided himto Dean because he had a purpose, work to do and it wasn’t finished yet.
In Season Two we find that the mother — who hopefully soon we’ll find more about — not only knew the demon that killed her but always told Dean that Angel’s were watching over him.
Dean will probably remain cynical for a long while about an Angel getting him out of Hell, but what Castiel wants from him and what’s going on with Sam. It’s awesome.
This is one VERY happy SPN fan.
All I can say is, “It’s about time.” It took four seasons to finally bring in an angel into the series, or more than that, that God ordered that Dean be released from Hell.
I thought it was friggin’ awesome. Yes, I just said friggin’ awesome. From the moment the show started I did not leave my room, even on a commercial. I didn’t want to miss anything! I can’t wait to see where this season goes!
I absolutely loved it and have done nothing but think about it since I finished watching it last night.I want to watch it again too. I agree that the new Ruby seems…well…no good. She isn’t up to the caliber that Katie Cassidy was. I’m sure she is a great actress, but I’m not seeing Ruby in her. I loved the Angel/God angle and I love that this Season is setting off a great end to the series. I just hope it goes the full five seasons as planned. I really love this show. Everytime it comes on I am reminded of that. There is always so much going on and so much to look forward to. This season is going to be amazing!! Jensen and Jared are incredible. Eric and the rest of the Supernatural team are geniuses as far as I am concerned. I am looking forward to the rest of the season and glad there is still a show around that can make me feel this way.
that was awesome!I am so glad dean is back!and that they finally brought god into the picture.this season is going to be awesome.
What did you expect? Dean to pop out of Hell and the brothers go, okay, let’s go kill something. Of course they need to figure out what happened and we need to know what’s been happening over the past few months. It was a set up to the season, not a wrap up of last season. That’s what I like about the show. There’s a continual story line with demon of the week thrown in. And Jensen Ackles is just so f*in hot!
The premiere was just outstanding!! It blew my mind and pretty much changed everything we knew about the show. Castiel was awesome, and I just loved everything about this episode and where the season seems to be going. Gutsy and brilliant!!
I thought it was awesome. Wow, truly mind blowing stuff. Though, its unfortunate that the poor girl lost her eyes for sneaking on a demon.