My attempt at a review.

[roguem]

Supernatural - 201 - In My Time Of Dying.

I've seen this episode 3 times and it still hasn't fully sunken in. It's hard to explain, but that's usually what happens when I wait this long for something big. It becomes kind of distant, so when it's finally here it's more like I'm actually watching from a far than actually experiencing it. What can I say? I'm weird.

Anyway, about the episode.  I loved that it picked up at the end of the last season. I was so worried that they would fast forward 2 or 3 months or something with them leaving the hospital or something. So yeah, very happy about that part. 

I don't want to go to much into detail about everything right now, I'll leave some things open for discussion. I really enjoyed the episode, it was good, and also gave the guys some challenges acting wise that they handled really well.

The scene where Dean is yelling at John for not doing anything kills me. If you look at John you can kind of see his mind working, and in a quiet way saying 'good bye' to Dean. Knowing what he would have to do.

I did notice a few aspects of it being a new season, and a different network. The show still had it's greyish look, but I felt it looked a bit more glossy than season one, though that might just be the download I got. I didn't mind though. 

Despite what the episode was about, it seemed kind of serene. Don't know if anybody else felt that, or if it was just me, but yeah, serene. 

I don't really know how much else to write, so I'll jump to the punchline.
I refuse to believe that John is dead. I saw it coming the second the Demon told him he had to 'sweeten the pot', but that doesn't mean I'm okay with it. To quote Dean 'He's not dead, he can't be!' I know that's been my reply to most of the reviews I've read so far, but I'm serious. I will not accept that he is dead.
It was the ultimate sacrifice for John, and it had to hurt him to have to go to the Demon to be able to save Dean. If there was ever any doubt, now you finally have proof, he really loves his boys, and that he'd do anything for them.

He made his peace with Sam during the 'let's not fight' speech. I loved what he said to Dean, I could totally picture Dean doing that as a kid. 

I hope Dean will remember these events at some point, that he'll get those memories back in some way, because I think he ultimatly needs to know what happened. 

I can't really write anymore right now, but lets discuss. What do we truly feel?
We finally have our beloved show back.

Comments

[roguem.livejournal.com]

I was afraid that it would start with them leaving the hospital or something. I would have accepted if it started with them being rushed in the hospital doors, but this was the best solution.

It was a great story, and I really did enjoy the episode. My only problem is that John is dead, though I refuse to believe that he is.
The only thing I can think of is if they make the death into some 'ultimate sacrifice' type deal where he gets a break or something. I'm grasping for straws here.
But I agree with you, if he should be brought back it shouldn't take anything away from this episode.

You're welcome, glad you liked it. :)
It was though to get my thoughs down, because I had so many.

[m-agda.livejournal.com]

I think what clung to me the most here is the thought how utterly crushed Dean is going to be when he learns that not only his dad sacrificed everything he had to keep him alive, but also that, as if it wasn't enough, he survived only thanks to the Demon, the vilest monster they ever hunted. Boy, it's going to hit him hard.

It did feel serene. Perhaps because it was ultimately about making peace. Dean making peace with the thought that he's dying. John with his decision to let go of two dozen years of fiery obsession to keep his child alive and with his death. The episode was done with amazing gentleness, I think.

Oh, Bobby, hello again. I love Jim Beaver.

Ok, I have to say it. Dean in hospital clothes prowling the corridors? Rawr.

All in all, a great start. I'm impressed.

[roguem.livejournal.com]

Yes, that's what I've been thinking too. I think it's Kripke's way of giving Dean more depth, and we know Jensen can handle those tormented scenes beautifully. I'm looking forward to those scenes even though I know they'll tear me apart.
We all know the demon is going to tell Dean the truth the first chance it gets. Just to hurt him.

Yes, that's a good point. About why the episode felt so serene. I agree with your assesment. ;)
It felt like an episode that was made with love, and I rarely say that about anything on TV. I think Kripke and everyone involved were so happy to have a new season, and this was their way of showing that.

I haven't seen Jim in anything else, but I like Bobby.

Oh, yeah. Couldn't agree more. I didn't want to put that in the review because then it'd go on and on. I loved him in those clothes. I hope he steals them with him and wears them again sometime.

Yes, and I can't wait for next week. :D

[m-agda.livejournal.com]

Too true.

Thanks. Gave my best ;)

Yeah, it really feels like Kripke is truly invested in that show and is as much of a fan as we are. There are no words that could express how awesome I think it is.

Oh, he's one of my 'Deadwood' boys. Sorry, I'm not really done with the grieving on that one yet and everytime I see one of those glorious actors somewhere my heart hurts from joy. But, Jim Beaver aside, Boddy is a great character on his own. I hope we'll see him around. He feels so wonderfully, I don't know, grounded.

Good avoidance tactics, I approve. And did you noticed how these clothes made him look kinda younger?

[lizzy-maxia.livejournal.com]

I really loved Dean and that grim reaper girl scenes!
And I find it kind of sad that Jeffrey Dean Morgan was killed in another show.

[roguem.livejournal.com]

Those scenes were lovely done, and also fall under the serene feeling I mentioned. I didn't want Dean to die, but she made good arguments, I liked her. I think if there had been no way to save Dean I'd rather he'd have gone with her than go crazy.

Yes, what's the deal with killing Jeffrey? I know he's getting his own show, but he could still have done guest spots on Supernatural.

[tygerx.livejournal.com]

Just finished watching! But the damn thing stopped recording too early.. it got to the point of John telling Dean goodbye, walking out to the hallway, then *poof**blue screen*.. NOOOO! So what happened??!

It was a really well done ep, I agree. And I thought the look of it was different too, so good to know it wasn't just me. So bittersweet at the end.. I wish I knew exactly what he whispered. I don't want him to die too, not fair! And I don't know if I want him making ghostly appearances.. but I guess it would be helpful for them to have someone fighting on the 'other' side. ;) But still.. NO.

[roguem.livejournal.com]

Yeah, glad I wasn't the only one who noticed the different look either. I don't really want to know what John said. Not yet, at this point I'm more caught up in when Dean will learn the truth about how he survived.

I don't want John to make ghostly appearances either. I'd hate that. The boys need to find Willow, and she'll help them bring John back. :P


Sorry you missed the ending, I uploaded the eppy in case you want to see it. You can download it here: http://up-file.com/download/25bb8a241353/Supernatural---201---In-My-Time-of-Dying.avi.html
If you want to see it for yourself. You missed about a a minuta and a half.

But here's a recap of the final moments:
John walks in to the next empty room and places the Colt on a table, and says okay.
Next shot is of Sam walking down the Hallway holding a cup of coffee, he glances in to a room and sees John lying on the floor. He says 'Dad' drops the coffee, runs to John and kneels by him yelling for help.
Next shot is of John on a bed getting CPR, Sam helping Dean come to the door. One of the nurses tries to make them leave. Dean won't leave saying; 'No, no, no, that's our dad. That's our dad!' They get to stay, and watch as the doctors do what they can.
The doctors tell the others to 'stop compression'. They check his vitals, but there's 'Still no pulse'. The doctor replies; 'Okay, that's it everyone. I'll call it.'
Last shot is of Dean's face before the screen turns black.
'Time of death: 10.41 a.m.'
And that's how it ended, and that's why I'm so sad.

[tygerx.livejournal.com]

Oh man.. I missed alot! Thanks sooo much for the recap. I'll try to download it a bit later, but it's nice to know you can do that. :)

Guess we'll have to tune it to find out what they do with him.. I can't imagine they'll shut his character out completely. And yea poor Dean when he finds out the truth, *sigh*.

Willow from 'Buffy'? I never watched the show, but I know of her. What does she do exactly?

[tygerx.livejournal.com]

I tried to go to that download site but I don't see where to click to download it.. hrm. Do I need to register to do that? All I see are ads for 'hot girls', lol.

[moonlightstorm.livejournal.com]

I am so glad they picked up right at the time of the accident. Picking up a while later would've been a total cop-out.

And the scene where Dean yells at John is definitely my favorite. ♥ It was so incredibly well done. And it confirmed everything the fandom has been thinking about.

And man. I'm just waiting for the demon to tell them why John died, just to see them suffer. (I may have a tiny thing for the demon.)

[roguem.livejournal.com]

Yes, I think it's the only time a show I've been following started a season exactly the way I wanted them to.

It is a wonderful scene. I disagree with all the people who say that John ought to have heard those words from Dean. I think John knew it himself, and has been asking himself those questions more than once over the years. Which I also think was shown in the scene where he says goodbye to Dean. Both scenes were beautifully done by both Jeffrey and Jensen though.

Yes, I am looking forward to when that happens. I know it will tear me apart, but I also believe it will be a great scene where Jensen will have a chance to shine acting wise.

[fresco-senorita.livejournal.com]

There is going to be even more hurt and thats something I can't wait for. On the other hand I'm totally bummed. :( I miss JDM in both fandoms! He's suppose to have his own TV series soon. I guess I'll watch that. But it won't be the same. :(

I <3 DEAN even more from this episode, if thats possible. :)

[roguem.livejournal.com]

With regards to acting, and what this will bring it will be a joy to watch. But considering how those scenes will affect our boys it will also tear me apart. This show and its actors could be destined for greatness.

I'm still in denial about John. My brain has been working on crazy theories about how he could come back. Much like I did after watching 'Serenity'.

Me too. Jensen made a truly shining performance. Man, I love to watch him work.

[trystan830.livejournal.com]

saw somewhere, and i'm liking this,.. John Winchester as we knew him in S1 is gone. but i think he'll be back. demon maybe? who knows.

i want to know what John told Dean!!!!!

[roguem.livejournal.com]

Interesting. I'm thinking flashbacks though, which would be nice.
However my brain has been coming up with tons of crazy theories on how he could be brought back.

Me too, but not urgently. I can wait. Right now I'm more curious about when Dean will find out the truth about how he was saved, or when he starts remembering stuff from his coma.

[trystan830.livejournal.com]

flashbacks is a possibility.....

i wonder IF Dean will remember stuff from the OBE...

and he'll go ballistic if he does finds out how he was saved...

[lizamarie.livejournal.com]

I was nicely surprised with the beginning too. I just hate it when they f/f in time. About John's death, I expect something to happen, maybe halfway through the season. I just don't believe he's dead, or if he is, I keep thinking he'll be back. The thing that stuck in my mind was what the girl/Reaper said about the angry spirits. Maybe John will become one, maybe for a while? Sorry for the speculation, I always think crazy things like that as part of my denial. =D

[roguem.livejournal.com]

He'll be back. He has to. He can't be dead.
Okay, I feel like I'm channeling Dean here, but John can not be dead!

Speculate as much as you want. I do it too. My brain has already been working on crazy ways that he could come back.
I mean other than flashbacks.

[lizamarie.livejournal.com]

Flashbacks would be a good way. Or dreams? Vivid dreams or apparitions? Hmm, this season is going to get good.

[sebastian-tombs.livejournal.com]

I actually thought that John was going to start offering himself for Dean instead of the gun...since he clearly thought that killing the demon was more important than his own life.

The whole "lets not fight" scene was very sad, since it was obvious (to us) what he had done.

I do believe John is dead, although I am willing to believe the writers might be thinking of a way to bring him back (which is very different from not being dead)

I was very surprised that Dean had lost those memories.

[roguem.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I wonder what the boys will do now to be able to kill it.

I think so too. I knew what was coming, and that just convinced me I was right.

Hehe, I can live with that. I do really want him to be part of the show in one way or another.

Me too, but I'm thinking he'll get them back and that will lead to some torment. Once Dean learns how he was saved it will crush him.

[lizamarie.livejournal.com]

BTW, I wanted to comment on how the word "fight" was used quite a few times. They're always fighting against something, but, maybe this season they'll be fighting something else, or in a different way, In a more personal way, what with John's passing and all.

[roguem.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I got that impression as well from something Jensen said on the CW red carpet.