Review: Supernatural 'Goodbye Stranger'

"We are family. We need you. I need you."

Dean Winchester

Thank goodness Supernatural is back and my life is back to some sort of order. I have been so looking forward to watching Goodbye Stranger. Part of me was excited, but part of me was scared. I was excited because I knew this episode would be epic and intense, I was very much looking forward to the development of the story and the return of Megstiel. Shut up! I was scared because I knew Dean and Cas would have some sort of confrontation that was bloody. If my favourite musical taught me anything, Cas has been changed for good because he knew Dean. Dean has re-written Cas' life by being his friend. This is something Naomi would never understand, no matter how many times Cas has killed Dean during his training session. The last time we saw Cas causing a catastrophic annihilation was when he killed the angels in Meet the New Boss. The opening scene of Goodbye Stranger certainly has the same effect. But you and I both knew, Cas would never kill Dean, but it was the 'how' that intrigued me the most. 

There are so many things to talk about. Let me start by talking about the confrontation between Dean and Cas a bit more. The opening scene certainly set the tone for the episode extremely well. Ever since A Slice of Kevin, I have been asking myself, what would happen when Dean found out about Naomi who had been controlling Cas? I was wondering if Dean would go all 'I can't believe you are lying to me again', but I prefer him not to, otherwise it'd be season six all over again. I was wondering if Cas would continue to be controlled and lie to Dean, but I prefer not to as I don't want this to drag longer than it should. I wanted an ending to this particular part of the story. 

I think Jeremy Carver is doing really good with the structure of the overall story, he has been giving us small arcs, solving them, and then giving us enough to move forward to the next arc. It's very Kripke like. Turned out, Naomi needed her best soldier to be re-programed and trained to do his job. Angels were soldiers, as Cas had told us in Are You There God, It's Me, Dean Winchester. I like the progression of this part of the story, it was a nice call back to the previous seasons and the angel mytho. It also moved things along to the next phase of the story. I think Robbie Thompson put his heart and soul into writing this episode and I love that. There wasn't a dull moment from the moment the episodes started. This episodes have plenty of great lines and pop culture references.

The way Cas and Dean confronted each other was epic. I am really proud of Cas, he resisted and defied Naomi the same way he responded to Zachariah in Lucifer Rising when Cas chose Dean over heaven. That scene, to me, was life-changing for Cas because of Dean. After everything that had happened since season six, after everything Cas had experienced emotionally, this was what these friends had come to -- they are family, they need each other. Yes, Cas had made Dean very angry with all the betrayals and lies, but I think Dean was pissed because Cas could've come to Dean for help -- 'why didn't you talk to me if you were confused?' 'why did you not ask for my help when you needed it the most?' -- it wasn't the case of the simple 'oh you bastard, you lie to me' like a ten year old. I think Cas wanted to experience his humanity independently without anyone telling him how to think and what to do, and he thought he was doing the right thing. But he didn't realise how complicated human emotions were and he screwed up. What saved Cas was Dean's persistence as a friend. Dean never gave up on Cas, he saved his friend from darkness, Purgatory and confusion. Naomi had underestimated the depth of BFF! 

Life won't be the same again for Cas now that the angel tablet is in his possession. Cas still feels incredible guilty but he will have time to process his feelings. Cas continues to intrigue me because he brings different perspectives and dynamic to the show. I can't wait to see the next chapter and how Cas' role will progress with the highly valuable angel tablet. The closing scene with Supertramp's Goodbye Stranger symbolised the very human side of Cas. It was somewhat very poetic too. The song was about a guy not wanting a relationship. You and I know, this won't the last time we see this angel of the lord.

So, what do you think about Naomi? One thing for sure, she doesn't take crap from Crowley. I like that she just walked away when Crowley was about to propose a deal. Working with demons were unclean. What role will she play when Metatron makes his appearance before the season ends? This isn't be the last time we see Naomi, she will return in 8.19 Taxi Driver. I don't think she will give up on finding Cas and the angel tablet. She is going to keep an eye on Dean and Sam, because they are her only link for finding Cas and the angel tablet. I like Naomi as a character on the show, I think she is a mystery box and she is the kind of character the writers want to keep in the side pocket. I like the balance between the leaders of Angel (Naomi) and Demon (Crowley), and Dean, Sam and Cas are smack in the middle of it.

Can we talk about Megstiel? Do you think she is really dead? May be Cas went back and heal her? I have sent a few tweets about this -- is it weird that I love Meg and Cas together? It's so totally wrong but it's so intriguing and…cute! I love how flirtatious Cas and Meg had been since Caged Heat. The pizza man reference was hilarious! But there is more to this relationship and this is how I interpret it. Meg has been, and I quote my friends on Twitter, the most consistent female character on the show. I add, she is one of the most underrated characters on the show. She has been around since season one, she has been super bad. She was doing all sorts of bad things to survive. She chose the right leaders to follow to ensure her own survival. But they were all defeated by the same people -- Dean and Sam.

So Meg considered herself 'good'. It's complicated, like she said. Meg turned to the fighting with the 'good side' -- the Winchesters and the angel -- because she wanted to be free. This has been a recurring theme for awhile -- putting humanity into monsters and see what happened. I won't say fans would now all forgive what Meg did to Ellen and Jo in Abandon All Hope. But she wasn't Ruby and she wasn't pretentious like Ruby. She was the second in charge for many big bads including Lucifer and Yellow Eyed, and they lost. I think Cas changed her way of thinking. May be part of her believed that she can be saved by the angel. This is weird, but this is her way being in love with Cas and the idea of being free. She did refer Cas as 'my unicorn'. After Sam told her his story, she connected her own emotional experience and it was very Cas influenced.

Rachel is tiny.

Rachel Miner's Meg is my favourite Meg. I didn't think much of Meg nor the actresses who played her. But she had been growing on me since Caged Heat. I think the Megstiel thing really got me and it's fascinating. And she was really changing. During Goodbye Stranger, I was like, OK, she is going to betray the boys now! Now! Oh wait! What about now? Ah.. now? But she never! It's a very strange 'love story' between her and Cas, one I did not see coming until season seven. I need a rewatch of their episodes.

Let's talk about Sam. I was half expected Dean will go super angry on Sam when he found out about Sam coughing out blood and didn't tell him. Not super angry anyway, I think Dean understood why Sam lied to him. Dean knew all along this won't be easy and Dean knew Sam wasn't doing great, he just didn't know what. Dean just came straight out and said no more lies. And Sam was honest about his condition. He just didn't want his big brother to worry.

One moment please...

But oh was Dean worried? At the end of the day, LOTRs saved the day, "I may not be able to carry the burden that comes with these trials, but I can carry you." Adorable! Dean was the over protected big brother but he had every reason to be. And I think that's why Sam didn't tell him half the stuff he did in the past, because he knew how Dean would react. But let's move on! And that's what this episode did… everyone moved on.

Crowley was super Crowley in this episode. Mark Sheppard was just so good to watch on screen. His one-liners were awesome and you have to be stoned to write his lines! I really like that fact that Crowley isn't like Lucifer or Yellow Eyed Demon or Lillith. Crowley is a businessman and an opportunist, and he knows how to do business. He is smart and he loves to talk. He is a lover. Yeah right! But seriously he is good. He is really good! What will he do now?

I think Goodbye Stranger was a very important and super solid episode. This wrapped the middle act I think. And now, with six episodes to go before season eight ends, I think we are going into the final act with some really materials. It's going to be seriously epic. 

Konnichiwa

Next week, Madison McLaughlin returns as Krissy in Freaks and Geeks. It looks like a filler episode on paper, but what do I know?!

8.18 Freaks and Geeks  

SAM AND DEAN RUN ACROSS A NEW AND UNUSUAL TEAM OF HUNTERS — Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) investigate some recent vampire kills and are surprised to learn Krissy Chambers (guest star Madison McLaughlin) is involved. They find Krissy and learn her father was killed and she’s been taken in by a man named Victor (guest star Adrian Hough), who has taken in a group of orphan kids to teach them how to hunt. Victor is helping the teenagers find the vampires who took their parents so they can get revenge. Sam is intrigued by Victor’s method of giving the teenagers a home life as well as a hunting life, but Dean is suspicious of Victor’s motives. John F. Showalter directed the episode written by Adam Glass.

Supernatural Returns - Goodbye Stranger

Oh hey.. Supernatural returns tonight (March 20) on the CW with Goodbye Stranger.

TV Fanatic has done a great preview interview with Misha Collins. Check it out here. It's not too spoilery. As expected Misha would never give us.. well.. anything! I really can't wait to watch this episode. It has epic and game-changing written all over it. I am looking forward some kick-ass performance from the cast, I am looking forward to brilliant dialogues and I am looking forward to how the story progresses from this point onwards.

Episode synopsis -- Goodbye Stranger:

SAM, DEAN, CASTIEL AND MEG TEAM UP AGAINST CROWLEY AND HIS DEMONS — Castiel (Misha Collins) reappears in Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean’s (Jensen Ackles) life and tells them Crowley (guest star Mark Sheppard) has unleashed several demons into a small town. The demons are looking for Lucifer’s Crypt, which holds a valuable asset, but Castiel lies to Sam and Dean about what it is. While interrogating a demon, the three discover Crowley has been torturing Meg (guest star Rachel Miner), who knows the exact location of the crypt. Sam and Meg fight to hold Crowley off while Dean and Castiel go in search of the crypt. Thomas J. Wright directed the episode written by Robbie Thompson.


The extended promo:




The preview:

ChiCon 2012: A Very Supernatural Convention Experience - Part One

What a weekend that was! The Creation Entertainment -- Salute to Supernatural was truly over two weeks ago in Chicago. But I don't want to close this chapter and move on, not yet. Instead, I am revisiting the highlight and re-living the excitement. You have already seen my photos on Flickr. And I am sure you have watched clips on YouTube, read tweets and summaries from other fans. Me, myself and I have been watching the J2 main panel every night! And every night I remind myself, I was squeezed between the two men who are the best things since Shack Stack! 

For those who have been to a Supernatural convention, you know how I am feeling right now -- a little sad and may be depressed, but happy, very happy. Strange things do happen to your body and your soul, my friends. If you haven't been to a Supernatural convention, the following may help you to understand the magnitude of it. If you have been to a Supernatural convention, this may remind you of your own experience. 

Fan conventions are a strange territory, separating from the reality. Fan conventions reside in some intergalactic distance. It's not Tatooine and you cannot travel via a Stargate. But you may want to change your ringtone from R2D2 to a classic rock tune like Carry On Wayward Son. A Supernatural convention puts you under a spell -- it makes you forget who you are, what you do and where you are from; it makes you forget your definition of sanity and insanity; and it changes the way you think, speak and do things. But for some reasons, you feel pure because you are more than a number on the Neilson TV rating system. You are a dedicated fan. You know what you are watching and why you are watching it. You know crap TV and you don't accept crap TV. You are passionate enough to travel from afar to see your favourite celebrities live on stage. You get to sing with them, hug them and talk to them. As you travel to the convention, you keep asking yourself "Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" And then BOOM! It hits you! Before you know it, your transport is here to pick you up. And you ask yourself "Why can't I have super power to stop time?" It's a very surreal experience.

You may find yourself surprisingly organised months before the convention, even you can't believe it -- from the moment you purchase your tickets for seating, photo ops and autograph, to the moment you book your accommodation and travel. You receive all your PDF confirmations, you look at them, you pinch yourself -- you are not dreaming. You may have a check list for a check list. You don't want to miss anything and you have to make sure you read every word on the program. You highlight stuff and make notes. You may or may not bother to get a good camera to take awesome photos. You're a fan, it's your obligation! Know your settings! Practice! Practice! Practice! You may even allocate all ten of your SD cards to sessions. Number each card if you can. One or two weeks before you travel, you pick your outfits and you go to your hair dresser. You pack and repack your bags for three days and nights. Don't forget your toothbrush! 
 

The cast of Supernatural is 99 kinds of awesome! They are talented, funny, polite, professional, friendly, kind, sweet, unpredictable, accommodating, smart, articulate, well spoken, hot, sexy and exceptional good looking. They are here for a good time. We are here for a good time. Fans ask great questions and you'll be surprised how well the cast answer them. Each panel is so entertaining you have not yawned once! Is that even possible? Is that healthy?

You try to concentrate during each panel. You try to not to cry and do embarrassing things when you stand in front of Jensen, Jared and friends at photo ops and autograph sessions. Your heart stops as the MC says their names. You gasp as they appear from behind the curtain. You scream and may even cry when you see them on stage live in person. You appreciate how beautiful the world can be now that Jensen and Jared are here. And then you remind yourself, "I get to hug them."

Even the Westin O'Hare turns into Planet Supernatural. Fans occupy the hotel lobby, restaurant, bathroom and Starbucks, Supernatural fans are on every floor. Those mathematicians at the conference next door are out-numbered and out-dressed by us. You flash your convention Pass, you get 20% off your total bill at the restaurant. Staff may even remember you and give you the same comfy booth three times you eat there. There is nothing better than seeing a Supernatural marathon on TV during a Supernatural convention. (Thank you TNT!) One minute you see them on TV and then you see them live in person. Jensen shared this story -- he was at the gym in the morning and he turned on the TV, and BOOM -- his face! The woman in the gym was confused!

Wait a second...can we go back to the bit where Jensen was in the gym?! It was highly possibly that he was in shorts or at least in a single layer. Sweat! He is so distracting! Quit looking so so hot.. oh wait...actually...don't! I dare you out-hot yourself Jensen Ackles!

"Out-hot myself huh? I'll see what I can do."

The whole time you ask yourself, "Am I dreaming? Am I really here?" You take a moment and listen to the ambient sound in the ballroom. You take a moment to observe people's behaviour and expression. You take a moment to smell the roses, or Jensen. You remind yourself to remember every second you spend at the convention.

Convention days are usually long. There are multiple long queues, so make sure you drink enough water. You sit with strangers while you wait patiently for your row to be called for photo ops and autographs. You sing Dead or Alive together. You don't know what gets into you, but you channel your inner Sammy as you sing the chorus "...want it! Dean or alive.." Wait.. that's a typo..."Dead or alive.. Dead or alive.. Dead or alive.." Bon Jovi rocks on this occasion.

Every second is a photo perfect opportunity, so make sure your camera is charged up and take three extra batteries! You never know who's gonna show up at the lobby, like Richard walks in with Maccas and Rob drops by to say "hi" to the crowd. Oh, did I mention I think Rob's room was on my floor? Misha may hang out with the crowd for a bit after his panel. And don't forget, when someone ask you if you've been hugged by Matt, say no, because you will get one. 

 

The excitement is too overwhelming, some may cry, some may laugh like crazy, some may just squeeze the day light out of the person next to you because Jensen and Jared are a piece of art, like Michelangelo's DAVID. They look exceptional hot on TV, they look exceptional hot live in person. For this reason, I am actually surprised how well behaved fans are at conventions. What's wrong with us? 

Even when you go alone, you are never alone. The person standing in front of you or behind you is always happy to give you fashion or any advice. You trade stories about convention experiences. You discuss Supernatural episodes. You talk about driving in the snow. You realise you are not far from Milwaukee, and all of a sudden you want to go there for no reason. People tell you they too have planned the weekend so that they know when to put on the trenchcoat and transform into Castiel. You may even find out the 'beard' on her face was just mascara. And you reply by saying "That's a genius idea!" You meet your Twitter buddies. You hug and you find out James Patrice Stewart visits The Art Institute of Chicago that morning. You have breakfast and cocktail with strangers, but are they? We are family -- the Supernatural family. 

Photo ops can scare the crap out of you. But you need to be awesome. We need you to be awesome! The queue is supernaturally long but you don't want it to move too fast because one step closer to hugging Jensen is one step walking away from him. People walk out of photo ops crying and shaking because they are just too happy. Jensen's touch and hug can heal your soul. You feel more alive than ever. It costs you $129 for one hug, but the two seconds of heaven is worth it because of this -- if Michelangelo is still alive, he would want to build a JENSEN and you want to touch him. He is hotter in person than you can process. 

After the convention, you find yourself in my position -- the post-convention depression. It takes awhile to recover. The best thing about post-convention is that you get to sort the amazing photos you've taken from the panels, karaoke and breakfast. You get to blog about it and share your experience with others. You take your time to sort out the merchandise, autographs and photo op prints. You may not have the space in your room to put your treasures, but you put your interior designer hat on and redecorate your room. You may even clean your room before you do that, making your parents proud. 

At a Supernatural convention, I feel pure. I forget who I am, I forget my problems, I forget where I come from. I am a Supernatural fan. That is my identity. That's all you need to know. I may have an addiction problem, but I don't care. I can only be healed by returning to another Supernatural convention. So, (super)naturally I will go again. I pray to Chuck Shirley that Creation Entertainment will announce VegasCon 2014. This is my therapy. I need multiple hugs from Jensen. I want to chase UFOs I don't care if they are fake.

This has been A Very Supernatural Convention Experience -- Part One. In coming days, I will post another entry about my photo ops and autograph experience. Can I be dismissed and watch A Little Slice of Kevin the 3rd time today?

The Creation Entertainment -- Salute to Supernatural took place at the Westin O'Hare in Chicago on 26th to 28th of November, 2012 at the Westin O'Hare in Chicago. Guests include Jensen Ackles, Jared Padelecki, Jim Beaver, Misha Collins, Richard Speight Jr, Matt Cohen, Rachel Miner, James Patrick Stewart, Kim Rhodes, Gabriel Tigerman, DJ Qualls, Rob Benedict and Emily Perkins.

Related Posts:
-- My ChiCon Photo Album on Flickr
-- ChiCon 2012 Photo Set -- Misha and Jim
-- ChiCon 2012 Photo Set -- Jensen and Jared