Supernatural Review - Ep 8.01 We Need To Talk About Kevin

We need to talk about Supernatural! Happy 150th birthday!

The most anticipated hug.

I woke up on Thursday morning, tried so hard to get distracted from spoilers and Twitter feeds. I had coffee and crumpets for breakfast, I attempted to bake a cake but the butter and egg mix for my cake split, so I freaked a little and ended up doing it again. I tried to prepare for the dinner party, and recounted the ingredients. And then there it was! The wait was over -- the food for my soul! I consumed and it wasn't pickle chips.

Thank you Jeremy Carver!!

We Need To Talk About Kevin (WNTTAK) is the season eight premiere of Supernatural, it is written by the new co-showrunner Jeremy Carver, and directed by Robert Singer. It is the 150th episode of this amazing TV drama.

I don't even know where to begin and I am a little overwhelmed because I am so happy my favourite show is back in style and it has everything I need from a season opener. I am well fed, in fact, I am quite full. Thank you Jeremy Caver and welcome back! Now that the Supernatural writing team is a 100% boys team, what will happen? Awesome happens! 

Dean is a happy Vegemite.

I love recaps. I am a nerd, I know! But this is one of many things I love about Supernatural, the RECAPS! The opening montage with Locomotive Breath by Jethro Tull is a bit of a wake up call for me. IT IS BACK! SUPERNATURAL IS BACK! After almost six months, we are back in business! A new chapter has begun and we are in for one hell of a ride.

Following the awesome recaps, we see a pair of camping couple who surprisingly survive, because they usually get killed by monsters. The new showrunner is generous and lets them live. And then, a bright light appeared in the bush -- 'the White Wizard approaches'. And a few moments later, he appeared -- the Dean Winchester. 

"Do not let him lay his eyes on us, for he will put a spell on us!" Last time someone looked at me like that, I got…

God made the perfect human being.

I am sorry…what?

So hot!

Can you blame me?

*Sign* I will try to stay on track.

Burger is a treasure.

Man in the Wilderness by Styx is a very fitting song for Dean Winchester, as he walks the earth once again. There has been many songs that describe the emotional state of minds of Dean over the years, and Man in the Wilderness is no exception.

"Another year has passed me by. Still I look a myself and cry. What kind of man have I become? All of the years I've spent in search of myself. And I'm still in the dark 'Cause I can't seem to find the light alone. Sometimes I feel like a man in the wilderness. I'm a lonely soldier off to war. Sent away to die -- never quite knowing why..." ~~ Man in the Wilderness by Styx

Wait Dean, you hug the wrong dude! And I see arm!! ARM!

Dean Winchester is back from Purgatory and he brought someone with him. As Jeremy Carver stated in Comic Con back in July, "Purgatory make strange bedfellows." No kidding! This is a great starting point to the Dean and Benny relationship and what it represents or symbolise. I am very intrigued after seeing Dean and Benny hugged it out! Dean doesn't hug another person willingly very often. The whole idea of Dean dealing with Benny and accepting him as an 'ally' during his journey in Purgatory is a very interesting one. Dean and Benny obviously bonded in Purgatory. Dean has never formed any 'friendship' with a monster before, so it is interesting to see the backstory, how it will develop in future episodes and the impact it will have on the brothers' relationship. Most importantly, how Sam will deal with the fact that Benny and Dean are like 'friends'. I hope Benny is not excepting to be invited to birthdays and Christmas, because Sam will not like it. 

I am your new BFF.

Despite Benny's 'good' relationship with Dean, what if he gets into trouble and starts killing people again? Will Dean kill him and send him back to Purgatory? Perhaps that's why Dean keeps reminding him to get his nose clean, because Benny knows too well that Dean will send his ass back to Purgatory. I wonder if we will see Benny's backstory as well -- how he became a vampire and all that. I think Ty Olsson's performance and his character bring something fresh to the show. For once, the show is not introducing another hunter ally, humans are vulnerable, but monsters are different because they have supernatural tricks up their sleeves. From what I can see from this episode alone, Benny's character is neither a good guy or bad guy, he is in the gray area. I actually like this kind of character a lot, because he is not vanilla and he is not a cliche good guy either. I'd be interesting in getting to know Benny more for sure! Overall, a great addition to the show.
 

Insert excuse for using this pic.

I think WNTTAK deals with Dean's emotion pretty well and very up front about his feelings. I am glad the brothers had the conversation in the motel room. And since when Dean is not on edge, not shaky and not having that look on his face? Dude, your brother just came back from Purgatory, how about you? I think Dean is in a better shape now than he was when he returned from hell or when he returned from his gap year with Lisa and Ben. To Dean, Hell represents guilt because Dean gave in and tortured souls. His gap year was weird for him because it was way too Stepford for him. But Purgatory represents purity, it's a 'free wild land', you kill monsters or get killed by monsters. There is no debate about right or wrong. It feels right for Dean. During his time in Purgatory, Dean was hunting non-stop and keeping fit! In his mind, or perhaps it is a fact that, Dean wasn't 'dead' and he was very much alive. There is no doubt that it was also exhausting too. It is established that Dean never lets his guard down. Everyday was like a 360 degree combat but he kept on fighting every hour to stay alive and to look for Cas, who was noticeably missing from the season premiere.

What about Sam? He had a gap year. He saved a dog, got a girlfriend, grew his hair longer. He quitted hunting. He realised it wasn't up to him to save people. I know it's unfair to say, "Oh Sammy why didn't you look for Dean?" The brothers always promise each other not to look for each other but they always ignore that. I guess back in season six, Dean didn't look for Sam because he made a promise and Dean kept that promise. He could've looked for a way to get Sam out of hell and away from Lucifer, but that would have been an extremely complicated task. And when Dean went to hell, Sam did look for Dean but he was just unsuccessful. And this time Sam just didn't look at all, he just left his hunting life behind. Sam didn't even know Dean was in Purgatory. I think he should have found out where his brother disappeared to. Sam should have looked for Cas and Kevin too. But he didn't. Is it wrong? Sam said it wasn't up to him to save people. But Sam is not ordinary person, he is one of the best hunters in the world. But it's for the plot. It'll be interesting to see how the brother relationship will continue to develop in future episodes. 

Every time I do something right, I do something wrong. Did I do something wrong again?

The Sam in this episode reminds me of the Sam in Dark Side of the Moon. And both episodes, WNTTAK and Dark Side of the Moon remind me of one thing -- if Dean has the big brother syndrome, Sam has the little brother syndrome. Little Sammy watched TV while Dean cooked for him; Sam chose a dog over his family; Sam had Thanksgiving dinner with another family; Sam left his family and went to Stanford; and the "Ok, I was wrong, sorry, anything else?" Sam…all these are very 'little brother-y' things. Sam has this 'every time I do something right, I do something wrong' thing going on.

Sam, this it not an iPhone.

I don't think Dean was pissed because Sam simply quitted hunting or ditched the phones. I think he was pissed because Sam didn't think this through and he was careless. He had completely forgotten about Kevin who was their responsibility. Responsibility! Dean is more than capable of taking care of himself, great! But Kevin is a civilian and could be in danger. That's carelessness. But Sam is a human, he kinda had a moment where he went "I ain't doing this shit no more. I am going to get myself a life." And obviously there is something about Amelia that influences Sam's attitude about life and stuff.
 

Kevin happens when you don't pay attention!

That's right! Kevin happens when you don't pay attention! He could be one of the most well developed characters since Castiel. Good thing Kevin learnt to take care of himself. For a young guy like Kevin who didn't give in to Crowley and realised his role to fight evil, that's bravery! If Sam answered his calls and helped, Kevin would never have become a hunter. I think Kevin is one of the highlights of this episode. I dig his character. I like the fact that Kevin is involved now, more than Chuck before, who was always reluctant. The direction of the character Kevin is refreshing -- he wants to do this, he knows it's up to him to save the world. He may not like it but he knows this is what he needs to do. Kevin will continue to grow as a man, as a hunter and as a prophet. He is one smart kid. He even tricked Mr Crowley, not once but twice! I wonder who is Kevin's angel? If he is ever in danger, which angel will rain down from heaven on that threat? And, are there many more iPads with the words of God? Tablets.. sorry.. tablets!
 

VERY VERY COOL!

Speaking of the words of God, I LOVE THE NEW OPENING TITLE.. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Supernatural has one of the best titles and it is one of those things I most look forward to each season.

I think I am at the Easter Show.

We need to talk about Crowley! I think this is probably one of the things this episode couldn't elaborate, otherwise it would be too much. Crowley is after something, that's why he asked Kevin to translate the tablet. What could Crowley be possibly looking for? Does he even know what he is looking for specifically? Also, remember what I say about Crowley may not be a demon because his eyes never change colour? Well, I am having a second thought, because the holy water seemed to have a (minor) effect on him when he walked into Kevin's trap. Damn! I was so close! Crowley trusts Kevin because he thinks he is innocent and doesn't know how to con him? That's too cute! 

BABY BABY BABY OH!

Who have I missed? Yes, BABY is.. oh BABY.. I am so sorry about the dog! Dean knows it! I wish Dean can take care of me, like he takes care of BABY! 

Guys, this is not funny.. I am still here.

Who else? I am sure I miss someone… Oh yes, Castiel! Where is our nerdy fluffy winged angel? Dean didn't 'see' him dead. He can't be dead. What exactly did Dean mean when he said 'he saw enough?" Is Cas still in Purgatory? Is Cas stuck between portals? There is so little information about Cas in this episode, which is extremely cryptic. Dean never stopped looking for him in Purgatory, how long were they apart? What the hell happened to Cas? Obviously they tried to get out of Purgatory together as Team-Free-Themselves. Very intrigued! Castiel will appear in next week's episode, but not as Tiger Mama. 

You like that?

A few other not so random things that I love:

Hairdo #1 -- Dean Dean Dean! I have no idea you just came back from Purgatory. Purgatory must have a good salon.

Hairdo #2 -- Sam.. surely you can do something, anything, to your hair. And what kind of girlfriend you are, Amelia, if you can't even take Sam to a salon? But then again, may be she finds it hot.

Hairdo #3 -- Thank you Crowley, who has a good taste in tailor and I assume a hairdresser too, for cutting Kev's hair!

The brotherly hug and reunion -- this is gotta be one of the best reunion ever on the series!!! This is one of my favourite scenes in the episode. Dean was making sure Sam wasn't a demon or anything supernatural; and Dean put salt and holy water on himself, and cut himself.. that was adorable!

The hug -- Of course, give your brother a hug!!

The burger -- It's a treasure! Oh Dean!

Coffee -- As someone pointed out on Twitter, it's GREAT to see Dean holding a coffee rather than a beer in his hand.

Sam Weeson -- He is back with all that IT talk! *nerd*

So, fans, what do you think of We Need To Talk About Kevin?

Here is next week's episode is What's Up, Tiger Mommy? Here is the promo and description if you missed them.



MRS. TRAN JOINS SAM AND DEAN ON THE ROAD — Kevin (guest star Osric Chau) talks Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) into checking in on his mother (guest star Lauren Tom). When they arrive, they see that Crowley (guest star Mark Sheppard) has surrounded her with demons so they rescue her and take her along on their quest to find the tablet. However, they soon discover Kevin wasn’t kidding when he said his mother was a strong-willed woman after she tries to take on Crowley. John Showalter directed the episode written by Andrew Dabb and Daniel Loflin. 

Supernatural Promo & Pic - 525600 minutes, 8760 hours, 365 days, 52 weeks, 1 year later

Spoilers alert!

525600 minutes, 8760 hours, 365 days, 52 weeks, 1 year later...here comes another most anticipated promo of Supernatural! We witness the Winchester brotherly hug; Dean looking like he just stepped out of the set of My Bloody Valentine 3D; Sam manages to keep his hair spoofy; speaking of hair, Kevin has a new hairdo; and Cas is hugging himself by the river. The hero's quest is important, like...'we can shut the gate of hell forever' important!

I cannot be more excited than I am right friggin now. This hellatus has been hell. Every hellatus is hell, but this time is a little different, because like the new co-showrunner Jeremy Carver said, the Winchesters are playing offence for the first time in a long time. This is really refreshing and I simply cannot wait for season eight to begin!


Supernatural usually starts a season with a family-related problem where the Winchester brothers are in the left, right, centre of the story. The "saving people, hunting things, FAMILY BUSINESS" has always been the motivation for the Winchesters. Season one started off with the 'we gotta find dad' quest, involving the brothers' journey in finding the M.I.A. John Winchester who was obsessed in finding the Yellow Eyed Demon (YED) for killing his wife Mary. Season two started off with the death of John Winchester, which set things in motion in ways we did not expect. Season two refocused on the family quest in finding and killing the YED once and for all, and it also revealed to us there was something about Sam as a 'special boy', which strengthened the mythology of the show as well as set the storyline for the next few seasons. 


In retrospect, I always see season one and two as the part one and two of the John and Mary Winchester saga. Season three was served as the catalyst to move the Winchester saga forward, involving the brothers in a bigger picture, in which Dean and Sam both played a bigger role in saving people and the world from the war of heaven and hell, specifically. Season four and five were the paid off seasons, while the show still very much centred around the Winchester family, it was revealed that the family, the bloodline, has been heavily involved in the war of heaven and hell. For the first time, the Winchester was placed in a bigger supernatural landscape as a family, and they were part of angels' grand plan in bringing paradise on earth. Questions were always asked at the beginning of these seasons -- Why did the angels bring Dean back from hell? Will Lucifer break free? Will Dean and Sam say 'yes'? Will Dean and Sam fight each other? Can Dean and Sam prevent the apocalypse from taking place? The brothers didn't always know what to expect or what their goals were until something happened. In season six and seven, the brothers focused on fixing problems, dealing with the aftermaths of the apocalypse, and running and hiding from Leviathans. While dealing with Sam's soul, the brothers were stripped from their tools, friends and other resources, they were taken out of their comfort zone.

While everything is remained to be seen, it seems that in season eight will reset the motion and try something different. It is not a spoiler that, in season eight, the brothers will know what they have to do from the get-go (assuming Kevin's prophecy is not deceiving) and Dean and Sam will play offence. They have clues and hopefully a plan to move forward without being pushed to do something by the demons, angels or Leviathans. They may have a upper hand, so to speak. We may see the brothers in a position where the angels, demons and Leviathans once were -- these villains of the story knew their goal, when to make a move, and how they might be able to reach their goal -- so I think Dean and Sam may find themselves in a similar position and be very smart and careful about their plan of attack, specially when it involves closing the gate of hell once and for all. 
Dean and Sam aside, what I love about this season, based on the promo, is Kevin. It seems that he has grown up, acting almost like a well-seasoned hunter. He looks like a completely different person, different from the kid he once was in season seven. He will remain to be an important recurring character in season eight. I am so intrigued about his character as a prophet and what he's been doing the past year, what Crowley wants, and did he give up on advance placement? 
Jeremy Carver mentioned that he has a three year plan, potentially taking the show to its tenth season. We know whatever the season eight storyline is, not everything will be resolved by the end of the season. It's almost guaranteed that the season eight finale will have a cliffhanger. I will be disappointed if we don't see a cliffhanger! I am excited!! Really excited!!! It will be refreshing to see the show to start off exactly the way Jeremy Carver describes and I think season eight will be epic!!! 
I am in love with the storytelling journey of Supernatural. I am a huge fan, but I am also a student. I really learn a lot by reading the show. Thank you team! Keep up the good work!
Supernatural season eight premiers on October 3rd! DO NOT MISS IT!!!