caranfindel

I have probably been spoiled by the (IMHO) four outstanding episodes we’ve had this season. 10.06 wasn’t bad at all, and its biggest failing was simply that it had the misfortune to follow 10.05. But it had many nice moments!

The “Then” sequence reminds us that Dean may not be happy about losing his demon status, by showing us this face again.

And also reminds us that Sam is concerned about Dean: “If things go sideways, you gotta give me the heads up.” And then gives us a list of greatest MotW hits, from fairies (“nipples?”) to tulpas to fish tacos. This was a nice touch, since it didn’t give away the MotW.

When we meet Bunny’s family, it becomes clear that this is going to be a comedic episode, which means there’s going to be either some angst, or a big reveal, or both, at the end (rubbing my hands together in anticipation).

Dean announces the underlying theme of this episode by referring to “Miss Peacock and Colonel Mustard.” And in case you missed that reference, they drop another hint (or, um, Clue) here.

So, at some point, someone’s got to pick up a candlestick.

Thank you, Dean. There you have it... Dean Winchester, in the billiard room, with the candlestick. I’ve never seen the movie Clue, but it would be interesting to see if this episode has references to it.

And honestly, the episode is more cute than funny, but there are some nice moments:

“Sam and Dean Winchester of the Westchester Winchesters?”

Beverly’s giant wineglass

“Clown college Colette?”

The way Sam is always completely discombobulated when a woman is interested in him

Dean peeking into the suit of armor

“We know which one the shrimp fork is. Kind of.”

Sam playing cards with the cougars

Sam surreptitiously touching the cougars with silver

“We’re in love.” “We’re sleeping together.”

We get pretty far into the episode before discovering the monster is a shapeshifter. In hindsight, I like that Olivia gives the boys stainless flatware instead of the silver they asked for – either because she knows what they’re up to, or because she just doesn’t want to touch the silver (which, let’s face it, is an awkward problem for a maid in a house full of silver candlesticks and whatnot). I think it has to be one of those, rather than the Winchester’s assumption that she just didn’t have actual silverware. (Also, when we saw the surveillance monitors, I thought they’d pinpoint the shifter by seeing the eyes flash on screen.)

We finally get our moment of drama when Olivia corners Sam in the kitchen, gives the expositional villain monologue, and makes Sam look like this (for which I am eternally grateful):

And then gets killed – overkilled, in fact. This time it’s Dean Winchester in the kitchen with the silver bullet. As Dean empties his gun into the dead shifter, we all know something isn’t right. Dean, of course, refuses to discuss it in the car later.

I find it interesting that they used Bob Seger’s Travelin’ Man at the end. Or, that they used those particular lyrics. Because the lyrics they didn’t use seem extremely relevant.

Leaving my home, leaving my friends
Running when things get too crazy
Travelin’ man, love when I can
Turn loose my hand cause I’m going
Travelin’ man, love when I can
But sooner or later I’m going

Sooner or later, Sam. Turn loose his hand, cause he’s going. (ETA... Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. Oh, Show.)

And, as always, there are a few things that made me scratch my head:

A housekeeper is told to select her wealthy employer’s burial outfit?

The exposition about Bobby’s cell phone was awkward. Why couldn’t they just have the boys get something in the mail, because they’ve had all of Bobby’s mail forwarded to a PO Box in Lebanon?

We’re using real names now, boys? Seriously?

After being locked in the attic by Phillip, Olivia continues serving the guests. Wouldn’t Dean expect her to be too upset to do that?

When Dean tests Dash and Amber, he should notice they only touch the blades of the knives, which aren’t silver even on actual silverware.

The Bunny/Bobby story makes no sense. Bunny was devoted to Bobby because he killed her lover – and the father of her child – and then threatened to kill the child as well unless Bunny kept her locked in the attic forever? And Bobby ends up promising to care for the child – the one he threatened to kill – and yet Bunny doesn’t stay in contact with him? Doesn’t even know he’s dead?

I’m unspoiled as always, including the previews. Please help me stay that way.