3x07 Fresh Blood

[Ehlwyen]

Ah yes, badass, Supernatural be thy name.

Oh I hoped and dared to believe that this episode might be the one to turn things around from the long sinking depression. I really had just hoped that it might tie up loose ends with Gordon...*squishybloodysquee*. But not only that, we eliminated another maniacal hunter, and, hopefully put Bela on notice that she ain't as untouchable as she believes.

And best of all, Dean realizes that he's been acting wrong and hurting his brother with his attitude. Oooh, whip cream on top, Sam is the one who made Dean realize this by finally connecting verbally with him. I was starting to believe that only a traumatic event like Sam disappearing or going evil could be the thing to draw Dean back. So it was a relief that Dean still had some reason and logic to finally hear what Sam had been saying.

The final scene with Dean opening up metaphorically by letting Sam look under the hood and learn how the heart of the Impala worked was perfect. Especially when Dean told Sam to fix the Impala and therefore him. I see better days ahead of us.

But the writing is on the wall. Literally. 183 days. Least Dean gets the extra day since its a leap year. (...... ) It's hard to believe that we're already 6 months gone. I love how we see Dean knocked down but finally getting up as if he reached rock bottom and now the tide has turned. Dean can't see the time left but Sam has a clear view.

All I've ever wanted is to see Dean fight. It's been very frustrating seeing him so bogged down with inaction. Though now I guess it makes enough sense that it took exactly half his time to turn things around. The hand can only go down halfway on the clock and the rest is uphill. It kills me that the show slipped in such a subtle reference to Dean's ticking clock and let us at home know how much time is left in the one year.

Though in truth, all of the entire climatic fight scene segment blew me away with the metaphors, parallels and glimpses to what the future might hold. Here is Sam all alone in the dark, uncertain as to what his destiny holds, only reacting to things when they come very close. He's been seemingly safe cloaked in the dark believing he had choices. I loved the portrayal of innocence, ignorance, and denial as dark while knowledge as bright. We naturally associate light with safe (particularly in the case with nocturnal creatures as vampires). Yet here it is associated with chaos and Sam's ultimate evil.

And the kicker is that Gordon in an effort to permanently subdue Sam is ironically the one who breaks through and forces Sam into the light and onto the course to meet up with his destiny. The camerawork was excellent since I couldn't help but feel awakened when they broke on through to the otherside. Sam's defeat of Gordon was brutal. The steel wire had to be slicing through Sam's hand and making his grip weaker by the second yet he still displayed such force. *shivers*

I guess I could ramble all evening, but I'll leave some stuff for others to squee about. Though, omg, YAY, Harmony!!! I had to double take because I had just seconds before specifically chosen to watch the opening credits and had not seen her name listed. So though my heart said yes, my brain was saying can't be. I love that the show was secretive enough to hide her name in the end credits and not be gimmicky like they did with Amber Benson.

Oh Dean, ninja?! Stealth is not exactly the first word that comes to mind when listing your qualities.

Loved when Dean told Bela he was going to kill her and was able to share his murder face THROUGH the phone. Ooooh, watch out Bela, the last time Dean had that face, he was pissed about a child murderer and most definitely followed through on the promise. I was disappointed that Bela sucked up to Dean later and probably got off his To Do list (both lists (Sorry I can't help myself with the naughty puns)).

For me, probably the best episode since BUABS.

[galathea]

I just watched the episode and had to make a totally uncoherent SQUEE post because I don't think I'll be able to write up a proper review of this any time soon! But OMG ... my show is back and with full force!

This is the episode I was waiting for all S3 so far, it made me cry, laugh and excited, excellent acting, writing, pacing. I am absolutely stunned at the moment! Sam'n'Dean killed me dead *squishes both boys ... hard*, Gordon was terrifying and yet made me feel for him, Dean threatening to kill Bela for good made my day. YAY!!!

The end scene with with Sam, Dean and the Impala was such a thing of beauty that I am still shaking! Man, I LOVE my show!

Sorry I had to let that out! Extensive review ('cause boy did that episode have material to analyse) following somewhen this weekend! I am just so happy at the moment! Kim Manners and Sera Gamble are such a winning team, it's fantastic. /sigh Over and out!

[KingofCretins]

Certainly the best episode I've seen in the short time I've been watching. I found it viscerally satisfying to see Gordon turned into a vampire -- all his sanctimony brought to ruin in an instant.

Glad to see Dean finally show some level of empathy for his brother's feelings about this whole deal. Although the reasoning for letting him fix the Impala didn't exactly make Sam's day -- it was still, essentially, a resignation to the deal, even if it was in a "let me be your big brother" kind of way.

So, was the message that Sam does, in fact, have some sort of rather disturbing preternaturally strength since he was basically able to "Showtime" Turok-Gordon there at the end? If so, I found it puzzling that Dean was curious but mostly ambivalent. Sam not seeming to be bothered by it could be an indication that he is slightly corrupted by it already.

Loved seeing Mercedes McNab in anything, but was disappointed they killed her off so early. But, I suppose they had already given us a full hour of Buffy-alum-as-conflicted-vampire with Amber Benson, so there wasn't new ground to cover there.

Really, that was a great hour of television.

[Ehlwyen]

Gordon Walker has been a thorn in my side every since we first saw him. Blade the daywalker he is not. So I was extremely happy to see his end rather than him finally learning the point of things. It is rather funny that the vampires on this show have all been waaaaaay more sane, reasonable, and human than him.

Seriously how great was it to see Gordon peeking at his reflection with the fangs descending? Nice contrast to when the Winchesters first checked him in Bloodlust pressed up against the building wall. And this was perhaps a quick commentary on how you can put on outward mask to others but when you turn inwards it's a lot harder to deny the ugliness of yourself. That what was a brick wall to the Winchesters was instead to Gordon a mirror to his soul.

Although the reasoning for letting him fix the Impala didn't exactly make Sam's day -- it was still, essentially, a resignation to the deal, even if it was in a "let me be your big brother" kind of way.

Being open is not Dean's normal attitude. I think it took all his courage to say he was doing this for "later" even though Dean was doing it for the other reasons. I think Sam eventually realized that Dean was trying his best to be open and share with Sam. So Sam let it go while letting Dean keep a little of his own armor intact.

As far as Sam's strength. Avoidance of the issue has always been popular with the two of them. Dean especially. Dean knows Sam's going to go evil so he doesn't bring it up because he has the "we'll cross that bridge when we get to it attitude." Sam knows that Dean is just going to blow his concerns off and therefore has kinda stopped bringing the issue up.

I know a lot of people think Sam has or is being taken over by something. I haven't felt that way at all though. It just feels like Sam's done worrying about himself, and is instead focusing on himself. I still feel like we have all Sammy onscreen.

I was so impressed with Harmony...Lucy's convincing tale of woe and innocence, she persuaded me way more than Madison last season. I really wanted them to let Lucy go. However, she had pretty much told them she was junkie and therefore lacking in the willpower to not look for her next hit if Sam&Dean let her go. So there was really no way to let her go unless they wanted to come and track her down AGAIN after she killed MORE people.

[KingofCretins]

I watched Amber's episode, but I can't remember if she walked away from it now or not.

Is Sam's stupendous evilocity tied to the deal and the Season 2 finale, or was it earlier than that? I'm not someone who has a big problem watching stuff out of order, and I'm getting curious. I want to go back and see where they opened the hellmou... devil's gate and try to figure out exactly how they got to where they are.

[galathea]

As far as Sam's strength. Avoidance of the issue has always been popular with the two of them. Dean especially. Dean knows Sam's going to go evil so he doesn't bring it up because he has the "we'll cross that bridge when we get to it attitude." Sam knows that Dean is just going to blow his concerns off and therefore has kinda stopped bringing the issue up.

Huh?! How would Dean 'know' that Sam is going to go evil? He may have had that fear last season, but if anything the S2 finale showed that it is completely within Sam's control and that it is anything but pre-destined. As far as Sam's 'strength' goes, I think I faintly remember from the Mr. Ripley novels that it is absolutely possible to sever a head with a piano string, with a rush of adrenalin it might have been not inhuman to do that.

On the other hand, Sam was fighting for his' and Dean's life, fuelled by Gordon's attack on Dean and since I assume that Sam may still have his powers and would theoretically be able to unlock Jake-like superstrength in a rush of anger and desperation, like he did with the telekinesis incident in Nightmare. Just a theory!

I know a lot of people think Sam has or is being taken over by something. I haven't felt that way at all though. It just feels like Sam's done worrying about himself, and is instead focusing on himself. I still feel like we have all Sammy onscreen.

I am totally convinced so far that Sam is absolutely himself. All his recklessness and ruthlessness is easily explained with the pressure he is under. He is acting like Dean under stress at the moment, especially in violent situations. Apart from that he is every inch the caring and gentle character we know from the first two seasons. He is just hardening himself up ever since Madison and who could blame him, considering what happened to him over the last couple of months.

[Ehlwyen]

I watched Amber's episode, but I can't remember if she walked away from it now or not.

Is Sam's stupendous evilocity tied to the deal and the Season 2 finale, or was it earlier than that? I'm not someone who has a big problem watching stuff out of order, and I'm getting curious. I want to go back and see where they opened the hellmou... devil's gate and try to figure out exactly how they got to where they are.

Amber lived to tell another tale! Harmony was the first Buffy alum to actually die in an episode.

Sam's evil orgins are scattered all over the place. And I think a lot of us will argue on where it originates. I suggest starting at the beginning. But the S2 finale is really late in the game on Sam's destiny.

That is the fun of watching stuff out of order, all the curiousity and intrigue.

[KingofCretins]

Ooh, maybe Amber will come back at some point. From what I remember, her character was to, I dunno, thoughtful to ever be used as an everything-but-vampires hunter, but I liked her performance.

As a naive observer, *I'm* not convinced that Sam is entirely Sam. First of all, he utterly failed to rebuke Ruby's promise to be a guiding influence over him. But in this episode, when he killed Gordon -- Gordon looked surprised at what he was doing. Dean looked surprised. Sam... didn't look all that surprised. And I'm assuming he hasn't always had Slayer strength

Incidentally, there is never too many times to show a vampire get garotted with razor wire, seriously. <3 Showtime, <3 Fresh Blood.

[Ehlwyen]

Huh?! How would Dean 'know' that Sam is going to go evil? He may have had that fear last season, but if anything the S2 finale showed that it is completely within Sam's control and that it is anything but pre-destined.

I apologize. I meant that Dean knows the possibility of Sam going evil. I absolutely and utterly agree that Sam has a choice and ability to do something about all this. But just because YED is dead doesn't mean Sam's living destiny free these days.

As far as Sam's 'strength' goes, I think I faintly remember from the Mr. Ripley novels that it is absolutely possible to sever a head with a piano string, with a rush of adrenalin it might have been not inhuman to do that.

I agree it wasn't SO out of the ordinary for him to be able to pop Gordon's head off.

On the other hand, Sam was fighting for his' and Dean's life, fuelled by Gordon's attack on Dean and since I assume that Sam may still have his powers and would theoretically be able to unlock Jake-like superstrength in a rush of anger and desperation, like he did with the telekinesis incident in Nightmare. Just a theory!

Good one!!!

I am totally convinced so far that Sam is absolutely himself. All his recklessness and ruthlessness is easily explained with the pressure he is under. He is acting like Dean under stress at the moment, especially in violent situations. Apart from that he is every inch the caring and gentle character we know from the first two seasons. He is just hardening himself up ever since Madison and who could blame him, considering what happened to him over the last couple of months.

OMG we agree on something! *wuggles Sam* Ditto it all!

[galathea]

As a naive observer, *I'm* not convinced that Sam is entirely Sam. First of all, he utterly failed to rebuke Ruby's promise to be a guiding influence over him. But in this episode, when he killed Gordon -- Gordon looked surprised at what he was doing. Dean looked surprised. Sam... didn't look all that surprised. And I'm assuming he hasn't always had Slayer strength

The only reason Sam didn't kill Ruby yet is because she is holding the promise of helping out with Dean's deal as bait in front of him. Saving Dean is Sam's priority at the moment and he is absolutely willing to make deals with demons if that's necessary. Just like Dean or John did in order to keep their family alive. That's absolutely no indication that there has to be something wrong with him.

When it comes to Gordon: They have a history with that character, they tried to reason with him, they went the way of law enforcement, still, he tried three times to kill Sam now and every action against him is pure self-defense. I think Gordon was simply surprised that Sam got the better of him, after all he was convinced that Sam is the anti-Christ, so why would he be surprised that Sam would kill him?

Dean was surprised because Sam pleaded last time to let Gordon live when his brother wanted to kill him, so he expected the same response from him this time. But Sam is done being pushed around by people who hold stuff against him on no grounds other than prejudice and fear. I guess he made up his mind about Gordon since Bad Day At Black Rock, he wasn't surprised about what he is capable of, if push comes to shove.

[Willow's Tara]

Actually Mercedes's character wasn't the first to die techinally, Julie Benz's character would have died probably before even season 2 aired, even thought it was not seen techinally she died. If you think about it Amy and Amber's character lived from the Buffy alum and Mercedes and Julie's did.

But yeah, I hope Amber's character appears sometime into the future (As long as she isn't killed off). Maybe we will see all the other characters as well I(Welll Lenore/Amber wasn't the only one I liked, there were a couple of more who aren't dead that I would like to see).

Anyways, can't wait to see this episode the week after next week (We are up to Red morning at dawn, is that title right?)

[Ehlwyen]

Actually Mercedes's character wasn't the first to die techinally, Julie Benz's character would have died probably before even season 2 aired, even thought it was not seen techinally she died. If you think about it Amy and Amber's character lived from the Buffy alum and Mercedes and Julie's did.

Well, we have no idea if Layla died. And that's what I saying. She didn't die on the show. And technically may still be alive by either a miracle or found her own dark way to stay alive. Eep!

Anyways, can't wait to see this episode the week after next week (We are up to Red morning at dawn, is that title right?)

You will love Fresh Blood, I'm sure! "Red sky at morning" is the title you are looking for. It's a sailor's rhyme, "Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning."

[Willow's Tara]

Ah I see good point, she could have survived and be walking around Earth right now, people have survived dieases without the help of the death reaper taking someone's else's life.

Hmm well with all the reviews here, I am guessing I will love it, and not to be mean but it's nice to see Gordon getting what he deserved (Tried killing Sam?Dead just because they saw the grey in the middle with Lenore, hw was already unstable), I understand about his sister but I didn't see Gunn trying to kill Angel when he stopped him.

And thanks for the correction, I forgot what it was called

[Llywela]

As a naive observer, *I'm* not convinced that Sam is entirely Sam. First of all, he utterly failed to rebuke Ruby's promise to be a guiding influence over him. But in this episode, when he killed Gordon -- Gordon looked surprised at what he was doing. Dean looked surprised. Sam... didn't look all that surprised. And I'm assuming he hasn't always had Slayer strength

I'm with Chris. I don't believe there is anything wrong with Sam at all. One of the big themes of this season so far has been misdirection - the damage that can be caused by the whispering of lies and half-truths.

Sam has always been one to hesitate and hold back in the past, and at times it has cost him dear. You don't have to look any further than Cold Oak. He spared Jake's life, let his guard down and turned his back on an opponent, and Sam's death and Dean's death sentence came as a direct result. Now there is an entire army of demons on the loose he knows that he can't afford such squeamishness any more, for his own sake and for Dean's, can't afford to keep letting Dean take the hits for him and shield him from the uglier aspects of the job. The Madison situation taught him that he can do what's necessary, and he's been determined this season to stand on his own two feet rather than let Dean protect him in the way he always has up till now. He's got a harder edge, and is more ruthless, but it stems perfectly naturally from his character development.

Sam's great fear last season was that the YED would flip some kind of switch in his head and turn him into something evil - which is what Gordon also believed - but that has been proved to be false. There was no switch. Becoming evil was a choice they each had to make, to cross a line and keep walking. Sam chose otherwise; he's still himself.

And having said all that, I now haven't left myself any time or brain power to comment on the actual episode, which was amazing. God love him, Sam finally found the right words to get through Dean's wall of denial via the door, rather than continuing to hammer uselessly at it. *squishes both boys*

I'll have to come back and say more later.

[LRae12]

Ok....Gordon was turned by the vampire cutting himself and Gordon and mixing their blood...continuity issue, here...Sam was bleeding all over the place - using razor wire to kill Gordon, which was sure to have cut Sam's hands...the blood would have come in contact with Sam's cuts....

Just had to get THAT out.

So I finally watched the eppy today...I was so excited to see Harmony! Her acting was very well done in that scene...

I found Gordon's transformation from hunter to vampire rather predictable in some ways and fascinating in others. First for the predictable - it's a very been there done that concept for a vampire to turn it's hunter. Plus, I was a bit disappointed that the boys didn't have to make the hard decision to kill Gordon, the man...it kind of gave them and easy way out by killing a vampire as far as the moral questions go. Though I was glad that they touched on the subject in the hotel room and had pretty much agreed that Gordon the man must be killed.

For the fascinating - I think the writers did a good job showing Gordon's true nature through his vampyrism. As a human he was a ruthless murderer, using his 'hunting' as a mask to cover his inner rage and brutality. Once he was turned he fully became the monster that he had tried to bury within. He didn't HAVE to kill those people...look at Amber's character...she was a vampire that CHOSE not to kill humans...he could have done the same. But I liked how the writers brought that full circle showing that just because you are technically a monster (Amber) you can be of the good, while you are technically of the good (Gordon the man) you can be a monster. Really nice subtle tie up of that previous episode's storyline.

oh, oh, oh...the last scene....what can I said that hasn't all ready been said above...but that scene so had me tearing up... I loved the metaphorical letting go of denial that Dean did in this scene by passing on his 'baby' to his brother... That was the sweetest and most moving scene since the baseball bat to the car...both of which included my 3rd favorite character...the Impala!

[galathea]

Okay, so full review :

Sera Gamble and Kim Manners for the win!! This week's episode Fresh Blood was an exhilarating and utterly satisfying ride, a bright reminder of why I love this show so damn much! It made me cry and laugh and shudder, all within the short range of 40 minutes and can easily hold its ground beside other outstanding SN episodes.

Every now and then Supernatural creates these episodes that are damn near perfect: the character dynamics are spot on, the writing is concise, has depth and is rooted in previous events, the episode plot and the story between the Winchester brothers are perfectly interwoven with each other, the acting is even more remarkable than usual, the cinematography is beautiful and on top of it all we get a cool song that reflects on the characters and their situation, before we fade out into black. Fresh Blood pretty much is one of those episodes for me and while I liked most S3 episodes so far and loved and cherished a lot of the character and plot developments, this one was the first that had me fully invested and left me with incoherent glee.

In comparison to most other episodes this season Fresh Blood benefits from being embedded into the background context of Supernatural, hence it didn't need a lot of expositional scenes and could just jump right into the story. The vampire lore was established in Dead Man's Blood and Bloodlust, the history with Gordon a recurring theme since the beginning of S2. The MotW characters were moved to the sidelines and only used for moving the plot around Gordon and the Winchesters, but still maintained enough depth to tell a story of their own. Perfect!

Choosing a vampire themed episode for the final confrontation with Gordon was the logical choice, coming full circle for the character, who got started in his life as a hunter by a vampire attack and was obsessed with them ever since and who in the end found his nemesis in the very creatures that he hunted. It's the kind of poetic justice that can appear clichéd, if not handled with care, but Sterlin K. Brown's acting and Gamble's writing made this plot twist believable and interesting. Gordon became a hunter out of revenge for his baby sister's death at the hand of vampires and found his end at the hand of a vampire, seeking out revenge for the death of his daughter at the hands of a hunter. It's a vicious circle between the hunter and the hunted and it refers back to Lenore's belief that vampires and hunters need to change in order to find a peaceful co-existence, the truce between her group and the Winchesters being a first step into the right direction.

Gordon never believed in shades of grey, his actions and convictions firmly rooted in the belief that supernatural creatures have no other choice but being evil and consequently applies that belief to himself when he gets turned. He instantly succumbs to the vampire instincts without trying to fight it, when he kills the first person he meets to still his hunger. It's established in this episode that a newly turned vampire goes through a phase of adaptation, keeping its lucidity and connection to its human persona, so Gordon logically comes to the conclusion that he has to die, his hunter's instincts still firmly in place.

What works so beautifully in this turn of events is that Gordon, the vampire is practically indistinguishable from Gordon, the vampire hunter. A ruthless, dangerous, narrow-minded, obsessed man, blinded by misdirected convictions, who uses whatever means necessary to achieve his goals. He lost perspective on goodness and humanity long before he became a vampire, hence his being turned into one works as a perfect externalisation of his inner ?monster'.

Gordon's end confrontation with Sam was awesome in its execution, visually as well as storytelling-wise. Gordon always used his own darkness for hunting, admitting to Dean that the darkness inside him keeps him hungry and sharp for the hunt, so it was entirely appropriate to externalise that metaphor as well by plunging the room into darkness and using it as an advantage over Sam, cutting him off of his natural environment and his support system (Dean). Where Sam struggles with the darkness, firmly believing in his choices and the ability to control it, Gordon moves in it with sure steps, his vision is ?clear', where Sam's is obstructed. So it's wonderfully ironical that with his final attack on Sam, Gordon moves them both back into the light, not only reuniting Sam with Dean, giving him the added motivation to fight for his brother's life, but also depriving himself of his main advantage. The metaphors of light versus dark, choice versus destiny, innocent versus monster just worked beautifully in this scene.

Sam cutting off Gordon's head with a wire was gruesome to watch and I shortly wondered if that's believable, but I think I remember faintly from the Mr. Ripley novels that it is entirely possible to sever a head with a piano cord, with an extreme rush of adrenaline it shouldn't necessarily require extra-human strength to achieve that. On the other hand, Sam was fighting for his' and Dean's life, fuelled by Gordon's attack on Dean and since I assume that Sam may still have his powers, it would theoretically be able for him to subconsciously unlock Jake-like super-strength in a rush of anger and desperation, like he did with the telekinesis incident in Nightmare.

Sam looks dazed, amazed and a little lost at his blood-covered hands after the adrenalin rush wears off, as if he just now discovered what he is capable of, not much unlike I would imagine him after he shot Madison, just less emotionally involved. He made a decision earlier that Gordon has to die in order to protect himself and Dean, but actually going through with it, in such a brutal manner nonetheless, obviously shakes him and it's one more hint that Sam's still very much himself. There's no sign of satisfaction in Sam when they walk away from the scene, he did what had to be done, but it doesn't feel like victory.

I have to insert here, that I was immensely happy that they made the decision to kill Gordon before they knew he was turned into a vampire, every other approach would have been a major cop-out of the importance of that decision. This is the first time in the show that Sam and Dean consciously agree beforehand on taking the step to kill a human being. Granted, in a necessary effort to protect themselves and not over the question if it is justified to kill someone in order to keep them from abusing supernatural means, but still it's a huge step for the show. Sam agreeing to that step shows how much he hardened up over the last couple of weeks, he's done with allowing others to push him around on no other grounds than prejudice and fear. He's finally conceding to his brother's stance that sometimes the hard decisions are unavoidable. He doesn't need to like it, but he isn't shying away from it anymore either, taking his share of the consequences, instead of letting Dean take the brunt of it.

I have to say that I am sad to see Gordon go, even if the way it came to pass was completely satisfying. I always loved this character as an extreme example for a hunter who long ago crossed the lines between good and evil without realizing it and he worked well as a dark mirror for tendencies in Dean, showing that where Dean is able to overcome dark impulses in himself because he is grounded in humanity and family, Gordon lost that ability long ago, embracing the darkness as part of his hunter's instincts. I honestly expected the writers to draw out the sub-plot between Gordon and Kubrick and the Winchesters and their possible negative influence on the hunter's community longer in S3, so I was a little surprised at this turn of events, but I guess with all the new plots that popped up this season they eventually had to bring closure to some of the loose ends from previous seasons.

Sam: I wished you would drop the show and be my brother again! ?Cause .. just cause!"

So, having that out of the way, I can finally turn to the brother stuff and boy, did they make me happy this week, as I wasn't really expecting a reconciliation between Sam and Dean any time soon. I had to think back to the beginning of S2, where Sam desperately tried to push Dean into opening up to him about his grief over John's death, but only achieved that Dean was closing up on him. Until he finally found the right words in Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things by making Dean's behaviour about himself, Sam, instead of making it about Dean. The moment he admits that he is afraid to loose Dean, instead of trying to convince his brother that it is necessary for Dean's own sake to open up, Dean's walls break down. He never could deny his little brother the support he needed.

The same mechanics apply in the scene where Sam finally gets Dean to drop the mask he was wearing for his brother's sake as well as for his own. Where in Red Sky At Morning Sam was insisting on Dean needing to care more about himself and only achieved that Dean blocked again, he finally changes his tune in Fresh Blood and openly admits the effect that Dean's behaviour has on him and Dean can't deny him here either.

Sam confessing his life-long hero worship towards his big brother, admitting that he still needs Dean to fill that role for him, visibly breaks through Dean's defences (and very likely melted every single fangirl on the planet into a puddle of mush) and forces him to drop the act of confidence and fearlessness. He knew that Sam was suffering from his detachment but he still genuinely believed that it was better for Sam, preparing him for the time he won't be around anymore and Sam just ripped that blanket of denial from him. There is just no way that he could turn his back to that kind of plea from his little brother after he dedicated his life to protect and guide and comfort him.

Kudos to Jensen and Jared for knocking this scene out of the park! Sam's earnest plea on the verge of tearing up and Dean's silent concession to it, hesitantly seeking out eye-contact with his brother after he made his point, really broke me down. There's no need for big words from Dean's side here, it's all in the little gestures and in his soft look at his brother, his voice going from obnoxious to gentle and his posture from aggressive to compliant. God, I love the boys!

And I especially love how this exchange mirrors itself in the end scene with Dean deciding to show Sam how to fix the car, just in case he won't be around anymore in the future, with Sam just as silently accepting that possibility, when he takes the tool from his brother's hand. He doesn't argue it, leaves it alone this time, quietly conceding to his brother. Both brothers give and both receive, finding common ground in all the emotional mess, finding a truce for the sake of their brotherhood. It's just utterly beautiful! Furthermore that final scene gifted us with one of the rare moments of brotherly bonding over domestic activities, a moment of peace and quiet in their turbulent lives and Bad Companie's ?Crazy Circles' is just providing the right background for that moment. *sighs happily*

Dean showing Sam how to work on the car is not only a display of brotherly bonding but also highly symbolic, since the car is the Winchester equivalent for safety, comfort and home and so far taking care of it was always Dean's responsibility, providing these values for himself and his brother and sharing that with Sam is allowing him to take a part in that responsibility and acknowledging him as an equal. They may have returned to the relative comfort of Dean reinstating his big brother role and Sam admitting that despite all his efforts to be self-sufficient this season, he still needs to be able to revert into his little brother role, but the dynamics changed, opened their interaction in a way that allows for both of them to reverse the roles if needed.

It will be interesting to see if now, on basis of their newly found connection, both will be able to also talk about the secrets they keep from each other, mainly Sam's knowledge about Mary and the mysterious deaths of their mother's friends and Dean's fears about Sam's ?wrongness' induced by the words the YED said to him. I am also curious to see if Dean will now take actual measures to support Sam in his efforts to save him, possible consequences be damned. Man, this relationship will never become boring.

Other noteworthy stuff:
I have to admit that I was irritated by Bela's appearance in this episode and found her role a bit contrived. Since when is Gordon not able to find the Winchesters on his own and how convenient is it that he, a man who just broke out of prison, happens to have a priceless supernatural object on him to hand over to her for information?! Uhm, that was a bit stretched to say the least. Also, when did Bela and Dean exchange phone numbers? I mean, I don't exactly see them do a friendly swapping of numbers just in case they want to have a chat! *lol*

Anyway, since her role was minimal I wasn't bothered too much in the end and was outright delighted when Dean threatened to kill her for good, for selling them out to a psychotic killer and managed to convince her of the seriousness of that threat, through the phone nonetheless. Heh! Bela may be cold and self-centered but there is no way that she could just ignore such a threat against her life, so she caved and tried damage control. Still, this is the third time she showed no regard for Sam and Dean's life and I really want them to react to that, should she ever cross their path again.

Btw, despite the money Bela gave to them for saving her life, the boys again opted to squat in an empty, derelict house, so I wondered if they actually lost all that money in Atlantic City or if it's owed to their efforts to stay low profile and leave no traceable trail for the feds and hunters like Gordon and Kubrick.

I also very much enjoyed the side-plot around the vampire Dixon, who simply tried to restore his family, not caring anymore what the costs, if it means to spent an eternity alone. The family oriented aspect of the vampire community was already played as a mirror to Dean's attitude towards family and revenge in Dead Man's Blood, where Luthor took the same defensive stance towards his family like Dean. So paralleling the motivation for Dixon's actions, born out of desperation and loneliness, with Dean's actions after Sam died, worked quite nicely, even if it was emphasized bit blatantly to drive the point home.

Also, the aspect of the new born vampire as a victim rather than a monster, at least until it completed the adaptation process, served once again as a reminder how often Sam and Dean are left with no other option than to do what's necessary, even if they are convinced that the creature doesn't exactly deserve to die. The situation with Lucy was very reminiscent of the Madison situation, she was clearly an innocent victim, but her admission that she wasn't able to control the vampiristic urges, didn't leave Sam and Dean with much of a choice. I am just happy that still both of them are able to feel empathy with the girl.

So, in conclusion this was a brilliant episode, certainly the highlight of S3 so far for me. It had everything I love about the show and then some more! Too bad that we are now facing a 4 week's mini-hiatus again. Let's just hope that in that time the writer's strike will find a satisfying solution, ?cause after this episode the thought of having a premature ending of the show just pains me even more than before!

[Ehlwyen]

Btw, despite the money Bela gave to them for saving her life, the boys again opted to squat in an empty, derelict house, so I wondered if they actually lost all that money in Atlantic City or if it's owed to their efforts to stay low profile and leave no traceable trail for the feds and hunters like Gordon and Kubrick.

I thought they were in a motel room and had turned over the bed springs and mattresses to use as a barricade so they could better defend themselves against intruders. It was just a single room with a bathroom and one of those decorative walls right by the front door. Typical SN motel room.

Ok....Gordon was turned by the vampire cutting himself and Gordon and mixing their blood...continuity issue, here...Sam was bleeding all over the place - using razor wire to kill Gordon, which was sure to have cut Sam's hands...the blood would have come in contact with Sam's cuts....

Just had to get THAT out.

Probably Gordon's blood could have gotten on Sam. Maybe not. *shrug* But I wouldn't call it a goof.

Mixing infected blood with Sam didn't affect him in Croatoan. So it brings up some interesting theories. Most likely once you're infected with one type of monster blood you can't be infected by another. That would prevent a vampire/werewolf/zombie hybridization. Makes enough sense considering how many Vamp Werewolf legends have we ever heard? I'm thinking something similar to "Underworld" movies where vampire and werewolf blood mixing usually was a fatal cocktail. Except in SN, maybe there is just immunity rather than a lethal reaction if you are already infected by something else. Therefore, only uninfected humans are susceptible to an infection changing them.

After all that, what I am trying to say is that since the YED got to Sam first, perhaps Sam is just immune to all other types of infected blood.

[galathea]

I thought they were in a motel room and had turned over the bed springs and mattresses to use as a barricade so they could better defend themselves against intruders. It was just a single room with a bathroom and one of those decorative walls right by the front door. Typical SN motel room.

Huh! Maybe I was just assuming that from the fact that the room already looked like that before they knew that Gordon was after them and there was no reason for them to barricade themselves like that for a simple vampire hunt! *shrugs* I just found it funny!

Btw, I meant to ask you why you conclude from the sign on the wall about the 183 days without an accident that it is an actual count on Dean's days? I mean, we had a similar sign at the wall in Nightshifter and while it is a interesting detail I don't think it is meant as an actual date.

And hey, cool theory about Sam and the virus!

[Ehlwyen]

Huh! Maybe I was just assuming that from the fact that the room already looked like that before they knew that Gordon was after them and there was no reason for them to barricade themselves like that for a simple vampire hunt! *shrugs* I just found it funny!

Btw, I meant to ask you why you conclude from the sign on the wall about the 183 days without an accident that it is an actual count on Dean's days? I mean, we had a similar sign at the wall in Nightshifter and while it is a interesting detail I don't think it is meant as an actual date.

And hey, cool theory about Sam and the virus!

LOL, I was confused the first time when they were interrogating Lucy in there. But later realized it was just a single room like a motel room. I guess Dean wanted to pretend he was "rock star" for once and trash a room!

I just thought the 183 was so clear and bright compared to the rest of the background. My eyes were immediately drawn to it the first time watching the ep. And 183 days is half of 365. The season finale aired May 17 and this episode aired November 15. It was all so close to half a year that it seemed too big a coincidence.

Scary theory more like it! *huggles Sam*

[galathea]

I just thought the 183 was so clear and bright compared to the rest of the background. My eyes were immediately drawn to it the first time watching the ep. And 183 days is half of 365. The season finale aired May 17 and this episode aired November 15. It was all so close to half a year that it seemed too big a coincidence.

Hm, interesting, I wouldn't completely rule it out, since the timeline was kind of majorly screwed up in Bedtime Stories. I mean, in AHBL Pt 1 Sam says that the whole psychic thing started a little over a year ago, which would place the finale into early 2007 at latest. So I see no way how we could be near Halloween (Bedtime Stories) already. With Sin City playing 2 months after they opened the devil's gate, they would've jumped 4 months forward without any good reason. /sigh I guess I just give up on the whole timeline thing and wait til they give us an actual date LOL.