Supernatural – Future giants, magic bricks, and a phoenix

I believe this is what you would call the calm before the storm. Not that “Frontierland” didn’t bring a certain excitement. But at the end of the day, it was a long way to go to get an ingredient that might work against Eve (Julia Maxwell), and one more hint that something strange is going on with Castiel’s war. With the TV calendar telling us that there are only four more episodes before season six is in the books, this was a fun way to get everyone set up for the big showdown.

We’ll talk about that showdown next week, when Eve and the boys have a little face-to-face. For now, it’s all about Sunrise, Wyoming circa 1861. I’ve always been a sucker for the bizarro-world episodes. Time travel, other dimensions, the trickster … all of it. It’s just something that works so well in the Supernatural universe. The old west is no different.

The realization of the phoenix was a very cool idea, but far and away my favorite part of the adventure was Samuel Colt (Sam Hennings). He’s been a huge part of the show without ever actually appearing, so it was nice that they finally found a way to work the actual man into a story. Even if the reality was somewhat underwhelming. I guess it’s true what they say about never meeting your idols.

Of course, if it’s a bizarro episode, there has to be room for some gags and one-liners. This one was chock full. A few of my favorites —

• Clint Eastwood and Walker, Texas Ranger.
• “We’ll Star Trek 4 this bitch.” – Dean revealing his plan.
• “When you’ve done this job as long as I have, a giant from the future with some magic brick doesn’t exactly give you the vapors.” – Colt, having no trouble with the idea that Sam is from 2011.
• Bobby’s, or rather Jim Beaver’s, reference to Deadwood.
• Dean and his zarape.

Along with the yuks, the boys did get the phoenix ashes that should give them a leg up on Eve. While that’s important going forward, the more interesting part of our bigger picture story came from Rachel, Castiel’s lieutenant. As has become the norm, this one left us asking more questions. Is what true? What is the dirty little secret? I’ve been a big fan of season six, but if I did have a complaint, it would be the way Castiel’s war has been handled. It seems like we should know a lot more than we do after 80% of the season.  All in due time, I’m sure. With time now running short, those answers should be right around the corner.

Clacked by Brett Love
on Apr 23, 2011 @ 08:00 EST5EDT