As these “Road So Far” images flash by, we remember just how much Supernatural there’s been on TV. This is the beginning of the tenth season, a season in which we start out with brothers on the opposite side of the good and evil playing field. We hope our double-digit milestone will prove to be the season to beat all seasons. It’s a tough order to fill. The Mark of Cain needs to be sated, and that’s just what Crowley does when he sends a couple of Abaddon’s remaining supporters after Dean. It’s sort of a training thing, and Crowley advocates that they go back to “work.” Demon Dean, however, is not all about this “work” nonsense. Demon Dean just wants to drink, party, and sleep with random women (and sing really bad Karaoke. What‘s that about a musical episode again?). Really, his demon side isn’t all that evil. In fact, we see a bit of his old heroic side when he beats the crap out of a woman’s abusive boyfriend. If only he knew when it was acceptable to stop. The Mark of Cain still has a malign influence on Dean, and violence is his answer. We get an update on Castiel’s condition, and the scene opening in a crusty apartment lets us know Castiel’s physical condition before his pitiful coughing does. Our collective hearts break when he says he misses Dean. Sam decides to keep Castiel from the task of finding his brother—a decision he assumes will keep Cas out of harms way. Of course Angel Hannah would come to Cas with another job to fill. After a lot of talky-scenes, the premiere picks up momentum again when Sammy’s car stalls, and the new hunter points out the kill switch in Sammy’s car, then the remote in his own hand. After a swift punch out, he gleefully says “Guess you’re a righty,” indicating the sling on Sam’s arm. Now, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with modern cars, but this kind of nonsense wouldn’t have happened if you drove that Impala, Sammy. Go with the classics. Supernatural always has to balance very polarizing tones in an episode. The show is clearly in the horror genre, but has many light moments and episodes, and downright funny lines and characters. This episode was teased as both dramatic and comedic, playing up the funny bar scenes and the funny “Porn Guy” references. The episode didn’t seem to be sure where it wanted to be, emotionally. In fact, it didn’t feel like the most dynamic premiere I’ve seen in a while. I expect better from episode two. Let’s see an epic battle for Deanmon to save his brother (whom he still cares for, somehow) from the crazy new hunter in what looks to be one of the sets from Smallville.
