Michael’s set on reshaping the world, Jack’s set on trying to find his place, and Sam’s set on a path of self-destruction and self-sacrifice. With a family in shambles and a future that is uncertain, we kicked off Season 14 with a bang. And I can’t wait to see where we go next!
Note: This recap may contain spoilers!
Sam’s barely keeping it together, which is understandable considering where he is mentally and physically. It’s been three weeks since Michael took over Dean’s body and Sam’s been trying to find his brother ever since. Hasn’t had much luck thus far, but it doesn’t stop him from tracking down every lead he can find. Sam is depressed and determined to see the case through until he finds Dean, but he’s also realistic. Even though Mary’s focusing on the positive, the hope that they will find Dean alive and get him back, Sam’s not able to hang onto that. I guess it’s better to think the worse, since anything above that will be good news, but I’m sad to see Sam in this mental state at the moment.
Not only does he have his brother’s fate to worry about, he has to stay strong and pretend he can handle everything because there are so many others depending on him now. It’s not just finding Dean, but also having to be a teacher to the bunker’s new inhabitants, organize hunts and track down information, and just be an an all-around leader. It’s a lot for Sam to handle, especially when he’s coming apart at the seams. I hope he can see this through without completely falling apart, but I can already see the struggles weighing him down. If this search stretches into more weeks or months, Sam may lose his spark entirely.
The bunker’s inhabitants have their own things going on. We got to see Bobby and Mary getting closer, and I suspect we’ll see romance blossom between those two. I would fully support that turn of events, if it happened, and I hope that both the boys would as well. But with the hunt for Dean going on right now, I don’t think it’ll take center stage just yet.
We also saw Jack struggling with his place in the world, considering he lost his powers and his grace. I understand that he feels like he’s useless now, since he can’t just utilize his power and help those in need, but I’m happy that Cas keeps emphasizing family to him. Whether he’s the powered-up child of Lucifer or just a human kid, Jack will always be family to them and they will always have his back.
And there’s also the issue of Nick, which I did not see coming. Lucifer may be dead, but his vessel’s still alive. And I know we can’t blame Nick for what Lucifer did, but it’s hard to look upon his image without remembering the death and destruction Lucifer caused. What place does Nick have in the world now? I get the feeling that Jack may seek him out at some point, just to try and get a touchstone, but how much does Nick really remember? And what is his destiny now?
Speaking of destiny, I had a bit of a problem with Kipling. He kept saying he had all this power, yet he tried to put on a facade as a cheap Crowley knock-off. Don’t be sassy and stylish like it’s going to get you the throne in Hell or earn you a deal with a Winchester. Be yourself, gain the throne on your own, and make a real effort. But instead of that, we get a half-attempt that ended in Sam once again proving he’s not someone you want to reckon with, and perhaps a warning to all the other demons that Hell isn’t going to be getting another leader anytime soon. Sam doesn’t have time to deal with any of that, he’s got a possessed brother to find.
Michael!Dean has certainly been making the world his own the past three weeks. He’s been passing his own brand of judgment and killing those he sees fit to dispose of. Very stylish and very vengeful. And considering he has no qualms joining forces with anyone he finds worthy, monsters included, it’s going to be interesting to see how that all plays out. I was very relieved and happy to see Sister Jo pop up again. And while she’s always after the best deal for herself, I get the feeling we might see an alliance between her and Sam before it’s all over. Yes, she’s been a rebel angel for a long time, but she’s also been touched by the human desires of love, a home, and a family. In Michael!Dean’s eyes, that makes her weak and likely someone he would want to dispose of. If she has any hope of living, I think Sam’s her best bet in an ally.
And there’s certainly a need to join forces as much as possible if they have any hope of ending Michael’s destruction while also saving Dean from his grasp. Yes, I think we will see Dean again, but how much damage will Michael cause before then? And how much will Dean remember of it all? There’s certainly a good set-up for an interesting season to come. Bring on Season 14!
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
Screencaps by SupernaturalWiki
