Supernatural: In the Beginning Explains It All
September 29, 2008 by Cynthia
Hey, I’ve only got a few minutes because I have to go back and finish building my shrine for Eric Kripke. You see, I just watched next week’s episode of Supernatural, “In the Beginning” and now I have to apologize for any time I may have suggested that Kripke didn’t know what he was doing. Like the other day when I said I’d rather have monster-of-the-week instead of mythology. I was wrong. I admit it.
Fangirls, get your squee warmed up because you’re gonna need it.
Warning, some spoilers ahead, but only if you haven’t seen the promo or read the synopsis. I’ll have bigger spoilers later, but I’ll warn you again before I get there.
In the Beginning. . .
There was Mary Winchester.
You know how I’m always saying that Supernatural can’t rock a decent blonde? They did it. Mary Winchester rocks like Hendrix at Woodstock. There’s a scene between her and Dean. . . .geez, he was crying, I was crying, all god’s children are gonna be crying.
Which brings me to Jensen Ackles.
That scene I just mentioned, he has very little to say but between the tears in his eyes and the lump in his throat and the clenching of his jaw – he steals the scene. But you know what’s even better? We get to see Dean smile. We get to see him happy. And that blows me away as much as the tears.
Which brings me to Mitch Pileggi, aka Grandpa Samuel.
What a great role for this sci fi staple. He is subtle and powerful and perfect and when he. . . .let’s just say, there’s a scene between him and Jensen that is so reminiscent of a scene between Jensen and Jeffrey Dean. . . (Cyn bites her fingers to keep from saying more.) Suffice to say, Mitch has two scenes in this episode that should have the fans talking for a good long while.
And speaking of fan titillation. . . .BIGGER SPOILERS AHEAD
Here are a few notes that should have the fangirls squealing with delight.
– Dean waking up in bed with Castiel beside him.
– Impala origins
– Priest garb
– Sniffing
– “What was he like?”
– A whole encyclopedia of Supernatural winks and references
And best line ever:
Dean: Mom’s a babe! (Realizes what he just said) I’m going to hell. . . . again.
No problem sweetie, we’ve got room for you on the special bus.
Now for the bad news.
Sammy fans, get ready to rumble. Jared’s entire contribution to this episode is about 40 seconds of screen time. I assume that this is because he was working on the next episode which is Sam heavy and thus the trade off. . . but I don’t know that for sure. The comment box is open, feel free to leave your “Sam is a lamp” comments as you go.
In the end. . . “In the Beginning” is a lockbox full of payoff for anyone who has watched the show since day one. I never thought it could all fit together so beautifully, but it does.
Watch Supernatural every Thursday night at 9:00 on The CW.
Photo credit: The CW
God, you’re all like children. I’m a Dean!girl, but I love Sam with all my heart, and I enjoyed the mithology in which he was involved the same way I’m going to enjoy Dean’s. And if you stop watching the show just because of something so stupid like this, you’re not true fans. So don’t let the door hits you in the ass in your way out.
Strangeworld, Elise never really leaves. She pops up on every single blog and message board, crying about how she’s done with the show… but the thing is, she’s been doing it for months now. She ain’t leaving. I wish she would, for the repetitiveness alone, but I think we’re stuck with her.
<<<<I feel kinda bad for people of only devote themselves to just Dean or just Sam.
its so much more enjoyable if u genuinely like/care about both characters.<<<<<<
Sam&Dean!Girl, exactly! I couldn’t imagine Supernatural without one of the both brothers, they are one character to me. *lol*
As a Sam fan how can I not feel for Dean and the way he cares for his brother?! He loves him just like I do! That alone is reason enough to adore him as well…
1973? Don’t know the exact year, but it’s definitely in the 70s. Like myself Dean’s born in 1979 (;D) so the episode has to be set a few years before…
Wow, this is…wow. Okay, prepare for some bitchiness, it’s coming on full throttle.
This seems like a really great way to weed out why people watch the show. For the story? Or for the pretty boys?
Seriously? How the hell can someone be such an avid fan of one of the brothers but not the other? I admit, I tend to laugh more (or cry more) in scenes that revolve around Dean, but that doesn’t make Sam any less important.
Since when do characters become more important than the story? It is being told through them, but it is not them. It’s bigger than Sam and Dean. It’s bigger than Azazel and Castiel and Ruby and Lilith.
Why don’t you (as in everyone who is bitching about screen time for either character) try watching the show for the story for once rather than the eye candy?
And me thinks I know what this big secret is about Sam. This is going purely off speculation and theories from over the years. No spoilers have tainted this. Let me guess…Sam is supposed to be the host for Lucifer once he is released? Big shocker…
I love this show to death. I breath it, sweat it, and crave more with each passing episode. So Kripke, my God whom I bow down to, I have full faith in you. So may I just be so humble to beg, please don’t let all the big twists be so predictable that we’ve already come up with them on forums and in our minds. Be more original than that!
I’ve approved all the comments so far, but things are starting to lean toward the nasty. Debate the merits of Sam and Dean, but please don’t bring personalities or acting talents into the mix.
Jared and Jensen are both fabulous at what they do and they each bring something exciting to the table. Actors are people, too and I know they are both very nice guys who work hard to make a lot of people happy. I won’t tolerate bashing of either of them.
As for being a rabble rouser, well, the commenters started that way back when I posted the first comic con posts, so I knew when I saw that Sam wasn’t in this episode it was going to cause a firestorm. Storm now, or storm after the episode airs, people are still going to be angry.
And again I say, you’re all focused on the wrong thing! This episode is about John and Mary and you should be wondering what we’ll learn about them that we never knew before.
If you’re a fan and you don’t watch this one – you’ll be missing a lot.
Wow, thanks SO much for this! The spoilers you give are always so perfect, because they tell just enough to assure us that the episode’s going to be AMAZING, but not enough that we feel cheated out of a(n emotional) scene reaction or anything.
‘Cause yeah, everything you just told us (especially that certain scene with Dean and Mary) has me more excited than EVER about this episode; I just know it’s going to blow us all away now!
Um, I don’t really feel like reading the above comments now, judging by what I read in the comments for the clips, but I just wanted to say that whatever negative feedback you got for this episode review, I hope it doesn’t change how you continue to review future episodes. Seriously, stuff like what you did above is SO helpful for (I’m gonna go ahead and say) most of us, and the people who tend to freak out about stuff are going to do so no matter what they find out ahead of time.
Also, thanks very much for telling us about how little screen time Sam will have. I already assumed that would happen based on the episode description, but it’s always good to know things for sure to avoid any potential disappointment. : )
Anyway, thanks so much for this review! Knowing even this much makes waiting for Thursday a lot easier!
I’m taking this episode as a way for Castiel to show Dean, the reason for the choices he may have to make..
I had the pleasure of meeting Jared this weekend, he’s a great guy.
I’ve said from the very beginning,that although we love seeing them on the screne together the story has to come first. And each of them deserves some time off the set.
Why is everyone acting like Prepubescent little brats?
Bickering like twelve-year-olds fighting over a crush. Pathetic.
Elise, go ahead, stop watching the show. But why do you feel the need to tell us you are going to stop watching the show. No one really cares that much, you know that right.
Don’t go away angry, just go away.
This fanbase is slowly running the fandom one “Where’s Sams ignored, Dean sucks, this show sucks blah blah blah blah.”
YAY! Lets give Dawn Ostroff one more reason to cancel Supernatural. I wanna drive this show into the ground, spit on it, and then throw dirt in its face. YAY!
People, I urge you, stop talking out of you asses! Anyone consider watching the episode before you start saying the show is going downhill?
I know the idea it absurd.
And this comment barely matters because no matter what you are all still going to fight. YAY! Lets make every person that has anything to do with this shows life a living hell! WOOT WOOT!
And then we can all punch babies!
Me neither, I’m not very disappointed for Sam’s lack of appearance… Ah well, he can spend his time away from Dean with Ruby without fearing being caught… I know, I’m mean.
Back to the episode, I love Eric Kripke for that, he gave so much back to the fans, the one who’s been following since the beginning and the new one. Unlike other shows, like Lost being the best example, we’re not waiting years to have answers and they’re not new mysteries, they actually explain something!
We already know Jensen is an awesome actor but he’s managing to prove it to us every single new episode, amazing!
Can’t wait for Thursday night!
I have to say, it’s a little bit frustrating to see so many people attacking each other over the whole thing, when we have yet to see the episode. Is it a bit shocking that Sam is only there for about 40 seconds? Sure (particularly because the sides gave me the opposite impression, but that’s beside the point). However, I’m personally not going to worry about it until I’ve seen the episode.
And on top of that, it really shocks me how many people are so focused on just one of the boys. This show is about both of them. Always has been. So every now and then one gets pushed to the forefront for a while. Sometimes that happens. Sometimes it’s necessary. Let’s wait and see before we blow up over the whole thing.
Personally? Not that concerned that Sam’s only going to be there for 40 seconds. Why? Because Jared is wonderful, and if those 40 seconds are as pivotal as I imagine they will be, he is going to blow us all away. Same would be true if it were Jensen in his place. I will admit to being just a little bit more partial to Jensen, but when it comes to the show? I’m just as much a Sam!girl as I am a Dean!girl. So yeah, maybe it’s a bit unsettling to see only one of them at the forefront, but why can’t we at least give it a chance? It’s a story that needs to be told. Maybe it could have been just as effective with Sam right there beside Dean… But let’s not make that assumption simply because we WANT Sam there. Let’s wait to find out exactly WHY Sam isn’t there…
“So, I’m assuming that it’s not so much about Sam as it is Jared. Ok. Got it. Which again, is really too bad because from all indications there is a ton of information revealed ABOUT Sam’s story. Jared certainly didn’t seem upset at Eyecon. On the contrary, he seemed very excited about Sam’s storyline this season and it seems to me that this particular episode is going to move Sam’s storyline forward in a big way.”
Actually I was disappointed with the whole sam being possessed story in one way. Because despite the fact that sam was possessed and the demon used his body to kill someone, and to beat Dean and Jo, we did not see beyond that episode how it affected Sam at all. Which is totally typical with Sam’s characterisation.
And sorry I should have been clearer, meg as sam was hot as hell, I enjoyed Jareds portrayl of Meg!Sam immensely and these things made up to some extent for the lack of Sam. I am hoping something in this episode will do the same. Something as awesome as getting to see Jared stretch his acting chops and seeing how hot Meg!Sam is. I am hoping this hugely pivotal episode is everything it is touted to be. I am looking forward to seeing it.
Rachel:
“Let me guess…Sam is supposed to be the host for Lucifer once he is released? ”
Oooo I really hadn’t thought of this! I thought it might come down to a Sam vs Dean. Since it seems like with Sam boy king and demon powers and Dean maybe being chosen by God it was going to go down the path of Good vs Evil which I suppose it could still go this way, but this is a very interesting idea!
As for the screen time I understand the upset, it’s weird not having your both boys on the screen. But I’m really looking forward to what I think are going to me some major mythology aspects to the show, so it won’t stop me from watching it. Plust I just heart Mitch Pileggi.
I think that the first few episodes are more focousing on Dean because he was pulled out of Hell by an Angel supposetly and that is a major thing that has be be investigated. Doesn’t mean there not going to stumble upon this being about Sam too. Which doesn’t bother me either, because this show has been about the boys since episode one. I am just glad they pulled Dean into the mythology aspect of it ‘cus now both boys have a purpose rather then Dean “protective brother.”
I am stoked about this season.
MissingSam: Did we see how Sam being possessed by Meg (which I agree was very hot. The only time I’ve actually found Sam sexy haha.) affected Dean after the fact? No, we didn’t.
Look, this is just like the argument about which religion is the true religion. Every religion has their heels dug into their beliefs and personal opinions so much that it’s damned near impossible for them to be swayed one way or the other.
Honestly, I get it. I would be pretty pissed if Dean only got forty seconds of screen time. But I sure as hell wouldn’t whine about it like, as Katie said (Heeeey, I know you!!! From tv.com forums!! How come I agree with you here but not there? lmao) like prepubescent girls fighting over a crush. This is pretty nostalgic of my middle school days!
And what’s even more ridiculous is that rather than supporting our show which is very overlooked and under promoted to the point of always being on the cancellation bubble, we act like little brats who can never be satisfied.
Sam girls feel that the youngest Winchester has gotten the short end of the story stick because Kripke and Co. have failed to explore his emotions and reactions more in-depth.
And Dean girls feel that Dean has gotten the short end of the story stick because other than being Sam’s protector and son of John, he hasn’t really had any real importance to the story.
Well, here are my personal opinions on those facts.
To all you Sam girls, I’ll just have you know that Sam and Dean are both emotionally complex, but in different ways. Sam (at least in the past) wore his heart on his sleeve like a little pansy emo. When he was sad, he said so. When he wanted something, he went and got it, or at least made it known that he wanted it. Sam grew up in the exact same life as Dean, but that doesn’t mean their pain is equal. Only now does he really understand the full burden of sacrifice. Before, he never really gave anything up for the good of someone else. He wanted out of hunting, so he left the family even though he was needed there. He wanted a girlfriend and a somewhat normal life, and he got one. He didn’t get a girlfriend after that because he thought he was cursed. He hunted out of vengeance and also wanted to know what was going on with him and his psychic stuff. Only now has he had to actually give something of himself for another person and not for his own gain.
Dean on the other hand was pushed into being an adult at a very young age because John depended on him to help take care of Sam because he was too consumed with hunting to give them everything they needed. Dean wanted a normal life, but he couldn’t because of Sam. He wanted a long lasting relationship, but couldn’t because he had to stay focused on the fight. And because he felt he couldn’t have these things (or were worthy of them, low self-esteem thanks to dear ol’ Dad) he suppressed, or tried to suppress, his feelings about them because it’s a lot easier to convince yourself you don’t want something to face the fact that you simply can’t have it even if you did want it.
Now about Dean and this whole mess about his story always being tied to Sam. His life has been tied to Sam since he was four years old. It’s a big part of his character and what makes him…well…him. And it really contributes to this absolutely stunningly beautiful love story (take that as you will) between these two brothers who have to set their differences aside to save each other and save the world. Another thing is, if you’ve got too many plots going, then it gets a little too cluttered and sloppy.
I think with this Castiel thing, it’s story enough. He was chosen for whatever reason by God to help save the world. That’s a pretty big thing. That’s not just tied to Sam. Now if my theory about Sam supposed to be the host for Lucifer is correct, than it would surly still be tied to Sam, but think of how much angst and how much more depth that’s going to bring to his character! The one person he loves more than anything in existence, even himself, is going to be the very thing that will help bring on the end of the world. Not only is he going to be conflicted between saving the world by killing his brother or turning a blind eye and protecting him instead, he’s going to have to really dig deep down within himself to find his own personal strength (which hasn’t really played a big role because he’s always had a crutch, i.e. John, Sam…) to decide what’s more important: the world, or *his* world? Very juicy, deep, good stuff right there.
I know, I sound like a Dean!girl. I proudly admit to being partial to him, but what I’m really trying to say here is that…well…a couple of things really:
A) This story is about BOTH brothers. Sam and his struggle (and eventual collapse) to not become evil, and Dean dealing with literally the weight of the world on his shoulders and having to make the right decision which could directly result in either the death of his brother or the death of the world.
B) Just like how I feel about my ladies: the less you cover up, the less mystery, and that makes me less interested in what’s underneath if you go showing it off all the time. But keep those layers on, only occasionally letting me get a peek at what’s underneath, and I’ll be even more interested to get even a mere glimpse into the hidden world under there. So because Sam was always more open with his feelings, it made me personally less interested or intrigued because it was all right there, while we had to really look closely and analyze and guess what was under Dean’s facade, fascinated by every little rare glimpse we got.
And (last one I swear) C) God does exist. His name is Eric Kripke!! *Bows down* I’m not worthy!! I’m not worthy!!
I’m going to die if this doesn’t post…Sorry for the novel, I had to get this out. What can I say, I’m very…um…detail orientated haha. I’m a writer, it’s my job!
ummmm people? CHILL!!
Supernatural is SAM AND DEAN!! do any of you remember this at all?
and have you ever thought that Cynthia has pulled the oldest trick in the book of getting you to watch the right hand so you don’t see what the left is doing?
Kripke is doing the same thing. Think about why Sam isn’t there not about the fact he isn’t there. What about the fact we are finding out about John and Mary and the obvious ramifications that these events have on the future…
Think people….
just my honest opinion….
Rachel, your theory may sound Dean centric, but if Dean was only saved from hell because of Sam, then that makes Dean even less important. After all, if Sam wasn’t going to become the vessel for Lucifer, as you suggested, then God would have let Dean burn in hell forever. So the world, heaven and hell move because Sam is so superspecial that Dean’s only reason for being is because of Sam. That makes Dean less important than a man wearing a certain tie to impress his boss.
By the same toke, Sam is reduced to nothing more than an empty chamber for Lucifer and his character is even less important. Sam is important only because he is useful as a vase to be filled once Lucifer is free.
Either way, that theory does nothing for either character but make them less important and only useful for what they can do instead of who they are.
Oh, and another thing. I really, really don’t want another year of Dean emo angstying over Sam. Three years is enough and I was hoping that Dean would be given more of an active role in the mytharc then once again wibble over the fate of poor little Sammy with the big bad destiny. If Kripke can’t do better after three years, then maybe he should hang his quill up.
*Laughs* Thank you for proving my point so poetically.
strangeworld, what you said is a bit ridiculous…
I ask myself if some fans really understand the serial and the meaning it has…It’s about BROTHERS, family, it shows us (added of supernatural events) what a man is able to do to save his brother, a man who has nothing except this brother. Dean is the humour of the show, he is a protective big brother and it’s not “enough” it’s just the most important thing! If you don’t like it… I wonder why you watch the show since the beginning?!
Eric said Dean was the true heroe, not Sam and even if Sam is my favorite,I admit it. Sam has powers… so?! we just saw him dreaming several time during 3 seasons, his powers don’t change the fact that this show is based on family.
Both of them are important, and one can’t exist without the other. I love them and I trust Eric: he is going to make us dreaming…
Alessa, What if Sam was only important because he is Dean’s little brother, there to support Dean when Dean’s life is made difficult because he is the most important person in the world and both heaven and hell want him. If Sam is nothing more than a support beam for his brother, would you be happy for Sam? I doubt it. That’s pretty much what Dean is, as of now. A support beam, ready to hold up his brother should Sam need someone to lean on. I don’t think a Sam fan, whose character has been the central plot of the story for three years really can understand.
But I can tell you that both Kripke and Jensen admitted that Dean had no place in the mytharc and now he does. Granted, it doesn’t seem like things have changed for Dean, seeing as Kripke still has a problem making Dean into someone just as important as Sam without being attached to Sam. But, maybe I’ll give him kudos for thinking about it.
If the story is truly about both brothers, then both should be important because of each other and separate from each other. They are individuals.
As for Sam’s powers, we are being shown that Sam will further his powers. What’s Dean going to do in a war where Sam, demons, and angels have powers and he is a lowly human that will get squashed as soon as someone gives him the wrong look? How is he to help Sam if Sam can just flatten him against the wall?
I really don’t want a Big Yellow Crayon Speech with Dean wibbling his love for Sam and Sam caving in because he loves Dean. Sam’s not Willow and Dean’s not Xander and it’s a stupid insult to both to make them that way.
My goodness! Such upset because Sam’s not in this episode so much! Don’t worry, girls, He’s not going anywhere. Don’t forget, Castiel is tied to Dean (or vice versa) not Sam, just as Ruby is tied to Sam. Castiel has a job for Dean, as payment for his escape from Hell, so he’s not going to include Sam. I heard that the brothers will begin on separate roads but come back together in the end. And isn’t that what’s important? The struggle to remain family?
Keep watching!
My only big concern/sadness about this episode is that Sammy doesn’t get to see his parents when they were young or “meet” his Grandparents. Poor kid.
So? He’s gone his entire life not even meeting Mary and all them. Sure that’s sad, but I’m pretty sure he’s used to not meeting any family. And I’m also pretty sure that whatever Grampy Winchester has to say about Sam wouldn’t go over too well with him. So, there is a reason for this.
I’m not whining about it. I’m just stating that I happen to think it’s sad and I am aware there is probably a good/interesting reason why Sam doesn’t get to share in the time warp as well. I didn’t expect him to to begin with because this looks like Castiel is the reason Dean even goes back in the first place and seeing as so far Castiel hasn’t had anything to do with the kid brother (and why would he? Because he apparently has his orders which concern Dean partially and protecting the seals overall) then there’s no reason for him to wind up there, nothing to explain or justify sending him there. I get that. So yeah not I’m bitching about it. I’m just stating that I think it’s sad Sam’s never going to know or meet his mother. I can feel sympathy for the character, can’t I? Just like I’m excited/thrilled and equally worried about Dean in this episode. Totally understand there’s a reason for everything and it will probably be amazing, but yeah you know sometimes my heart goes out to the boys. Can’t help that. I love those Winchester Boys.
Okay I admit to being more a Dean girl then Sam, but I don’t understand your argument Strangeworld. Since season one Dean has been established as Sam’s big brother, ‘Protector, father figure,” and that’s been his role since season one. If you are upset about the fact that it might still be the case with Dean being pulled form Hell to save Sam, I’m not sure why you hung around this long in the series? I’m excited that Dean was tied into the mythology ‘cus otherwise he was just sort of floating. But the show since episode one has been about the brothers and honestly there somewhat unhealthy co dependent relationship. This hasn’t bothered you enough since, I don’t know the end of season two, to stop watching? Okay I admit to being more a Dean girl then Sam, but I don’t understand your argument Strangeworld. Since season one Dean has been established as Sam’s big brother, ‘Protector, father figure,” and that’s been his role since season one. If you are upset about the fact that it might still be the case with Dean being pulled form Hell to save Sam, I’m not sure why you hung around this long in the series? I’m excited that Dean was tied into the mythology ‘cus otherwise he was just sort of floating. But the show since episode one has been about the brothers and honestly there somewhat unhealthy co dependent relationship. This hasn’t bothered you enough since, I don’t know the end of season two, to stop watching?
Oops sorry about the double post! :-/
“Since season one Dean has been established as Sam’s big brother, ‘Protector, father figure,” and that’s been his role since season one. If you are upset about the fact that it might still be the case with Dean being pulled form Hell to save Sam, I’m not sure why you hung around this long in the series?”
Not to speak for someone else but in my case it was for the slim hope that he would get to be an individual who is important in and of himself for the story, unrelated to anybody else.
“I’m excited that Dean was tied into the mythology ‘cus otherwise he was just sort of floating.”
But if he plays the exact same role he has always played, how was he tied into the mythology? What has changed that he now no longer is floating? In the end it doesn’t really matter if John or God says “save or kill your brother”. So I’d say nothing whatsoever has changed.
Which probably means it’s time to stop hanging in and hoping it will.
“Okay I admit to being more a Dean girl then Sam, but I don’t understand your argument Strangeworld. Since season one Dean has been established as Sam’s big brother, ‘Protector, father figure,” and that’s been his role since season one”
I believe Sacha answered it perfectly. In the hopes that Dean was important because he is Dean Winchester, not just because he is Sam Winchester’s big brother. There are two characters, two leads. Fro cripes sakes, Desperate Wives has four characters that each have their own story and their own personalities outside of each other, yet all four are tied together, and Kripke still can’t manage to make a story about individual brothers? If Dean is nothing more than just Sam’s big protective brother, then Dean is really nothing more than an extension of Sam. Dean only exists because Sam is so important that he needs a body guard and Dean is it. Pft.
A story of two brothers should make them both equally important. Obviously, Kripke doesn’t agree.
After tonight’s episode, if I hear that Dean was taken from hell because of Sam, which tells me that not even God sees Dean important for himself, but only for what he can do for Sam, then yes, I will be leaving. I’ve seen this story for the past three years, I don’t need the same story for another two. I will watch it once in a while, probably in the Dean/Castiel heavy ones, but frankly, I’m pretty sick of the Sam Winchester and his sidekick brother Dean story.
I’ve noticed a change in this article since I first read it. I wonder if the original description was a mistake or a huge clue? Perhaps Sam’s presence will be felt even without Jared there. (Note: I’m horrible at guessing storylines.)