14x10 Nihilism

"I'm the cage".

Saying that line was pure gold falls even short to describe it. And just like that, my list of most Dean badass moments of all time has another quote.

This season wasn't starting as one of the best, especially since season 13 was almost perfect, but this episode saved everything for me. If there's one thing I'm really enjoying this season is character development. Well, that and insight into the main characters, their motivations and advancement in their relationship, especially Dean and Jack's.

The episode was everything I was expecting and then more. Acting was more than on point, storyline was great, music cues were perfect, lines and dialogue was beyond great and humorous moments were amazing.

Jensen's acting was spectacular. Capital letters. Every moment Michael was on scene I didn't see Dean at all. It was like watching a whole nother person acting. And I enjoyed Jensen smooth-talking moments whenever Michael was on scene. I could actually watch Jensen playing Michael all day long. He really makes a mean villain. And his smooth talk, jesus, he was outstanding. His scene with Cas talking about his motivations and Chuck was the highlight for me.

"Yes, put a chair against the door. That'll help. Nothing's changed. Either my monsters get here or I break these chins. But tonight...everybody dies. And, Sam? The last thing you'll see is this pretty smile as I rip you apart".

In that part in particular, Jensen's acting was beyond exceptional. Seriously, I'm on the verge of believing this guy is flawless. He's so freaking perfect in any character he plays. This Michael's portrayal is absolutely great. His accent is changed, his manners are completely the opposite of Dean's and his smooth way of talking is hypnotic. I remember the first Michael he played felt a tad stiff. But now, it's just a pleasure to watch. I was afraid a bit more of Dean was gonna show up whenever he played Michael but instead, it was like watching a whole nother person playing the character.

And that cliffhanger! I was trying to process everything and then Billie appears in a Doctor Strange kind of moment to tell Dean taht there's no real way of winning, except from one (sounds familiar, huh?). Then I channelled my own Brad Pitt with a subtle "Whaat's in the book?" My first thought was about suicide. I think it's quite obvious, but still possible. Btw, if that's what's written, I don't even want it to be considered an option. No way in hell. Then I thought it would involve killing Sam or being killed by him, or maybe involving John (with Jeffrey Dean Morgan coming back, who knows?). Then I thought, what if the book is black? And then I remembered that wonderful line from the time Sam was possessed by Lucifer in "The End" back in season 5: "Whatever you do, you will always end up here. Whatever choices you make, whatever details you alter, we will always end up...here". So I'm inclined to believe that, since Nick is sort of waking Lucifer in the Empty, we're finally gonna have a full-on Michael-Dean and Lucifer-Sam fight.

I loved how they explained Michael's motivations. I was afraid it was all going to be tied to the easy "he's a big dick with the power to destroy this universe because he wants to and he can". But instead, we got his real motivations loud and clear and also the confirmation that, despite having multuple archangels and reapers, there's still only one God.

Michael's line about Chuck being a writer and drafts was outstanding. Those lines were bone-chilling, especially when he said "Nothing" and "Even God can die".

So, at the end, Lucifer just wanted Chuck's apologies and Michael just wanted his approval and him to answer some questions. Exactly like Sam and Dean. Nothing new here, but now that Jeffrey Dean Morgan is coming abck for an episode (which I couldn't be more excited about. I've got my tissues ready for them to break my heart into shreds) the parallelism gets even more interesting. Daddy issues all over the place.

Also, freaking Pamela! I wasn't expecting her! Not in a million times! And she hasn't aged a day! How the hell did she do that? She looks even better then ten years ago. Watching her reminded me of how she died. Poor thing. I really miss her.

I think I've watched the show way too many times because, when Sam and Cas were inside Dean's mind looking for Dean, I could identify each and every one of the lines from previous episodes and when and how they were uttered. THe line "You can't escape me Dean. You're gonna die. And this---this is what you're gonna become" and that final snap always brings chills to my spone. So many flashback moments to great and amazing seasons. I sometiems can't believe this show started 14 years ago!

Something about the humour in this episode was greater than in others. I loved how Cas defended himself immediately after Dean rememvered Cas burnt Pamela's eyes and when he kept on getting dirty in Dean's bar.

Speaking of the bar. There were so many things. jensen's beer, a moose head on the wall, that squirrel holding a beer, a KAZ 2Y5 license plate and that heart craved in the bar saying "Daphne loves Fred". Also, the bar was named Rocky, as in Rocky and Bullwinkle. I loved how happy Dean was with his bar. His "What can I say? I'm famous" and then that pretty smile was wholesome. I love seeing Dean's smile. It's so rare that I can't help but acknowledge it every time it happens.

Sam: "Get him downstairs, dump him in the trunk of the Impala, and take him back to the bunker".
Jack: "But Garth is in the trunk".
Sam: (dramatic pause. Considers the situation. Sees no alternatives) "It's a big trunk".

Brief as it was, I enjoyed Violet's scene. I cracked up with her "I want you to know you have my full emotional support". I hope we get to see more of her. I liked Jessica, the other reaper, but Violet was great, too.

Then we had that awesome Michael vs Dean fight. I'm looking forward to hearing what Jensen has to say about having to fight himself and act as two different characters.

I'm dying to see the bloopers of Jensen saying "gripped you tight and raise you from perdition" in Cas' voice. That made me laugh so hard.

I loved seeing that the hunters are finally being put to good use. The buddy system never fails! I've never seen Maggie as a real hunter, so seeing her in charge was actually weird. I guess she's the leader of the hunters becasue she has fulfilled one of the most improtant requisites: having died at least once.

After last episode's cliffhanger, I had a million scenarios running in my head about what the snap could actually mean. And it turns out that Michael made them all stand there while he changed his clothes, lol.

Between the snap and the fact that there's only one version of the future in which Michael doesn't break out and destroy the world, someone must have watched Infinity War quite a few times.

The last scene with Billie was so damn good. I'm digging more and more Billie's interactions with Dean. And Iloved seeing Dean so conflicted and worried. You could actually see the desperation in his eyes. he's not gonna be in a good place anytime soon, and less with one of the most powerful archangels locked up in a storeroom inside his mind.

Overall, the best episode this season so far, not only in terms of acting, but also in terms of writing. I wish all episodes were like this. Now I can't wait for the next, and also to know what Nick is up to.