Who would have guessed that the Apocalypse would have been averted by a '67 Chevy Impala? In "Swan Song", the classic car known affectionately by fans as the Metallicar played the key role in Supernatural it so deserves. I have always thought of the Impala as a character herself, just as beloved as Sam and Dean, and I was thrilled to see it finally shine in the spotlight.
To be brief, "Swan Song" describes how Dean finally agreed (albeit reluctantly) to let Sam become Lucifer's vessel. This takes every ounce of Dean's strength: he has been protecting Sammy since their mother died, and now he must finally let his little brother make his own decisions. After all, if anyone could trap Lucifer, it would be Sam Winchester. The boys, Cass, and Bobby head to Detroit, where the Devil is waiting. Sam is possessed, and Dean, Bobby and Cass try to figure out their next move as the Winchesters' "heavenly" counterparts prepare to fight to the finish. Fittingly, the final battle is to be held in Lawrence, Kansas: the birthplace of Sam and Dean, which brings everything full circle.
In my opinion, "Swan Song" is one of the, if not the, best season finales I have ever seen, and by far one of Supernatural's best. I loved how Chuck narrated the story, sharing the origins of the Impala, the memories shared by the brothers, and how one simple car could end up saving the world. Though the acting was brilliant on all parts (those who have read my previous reviews know that I am a huge Jensen Ackles fan), I particularly adored Jared Padalecki's Gollum/Smeagol performance shortly after Lucifer took over Sam. Though the entire episode was amazing, the final 20 minutes were breathtaking. I shuddered,laughed (Misha Collins' "Hey Assbut!" was a hilarious ice breaker), and cried. I was particularly touched by Jensen's performance. As Lucifer/Sam is beating Dean to a bloody pulp, Dean, full of emotion and love for his brother, manages to say, "It's OK Sammy, I'm not going to leave you." There is no way that he is going to let his brother die alone. Heartbreaking! Just at that moment, images of the Impala, and the brothers' memories they shared from the car, flash before Sam's eyes: he manages to take control long enough to open the gate and plummet to his death, taking Lucifer and Michael/Adam with him. The final ten minutes are also emotional and beautiful. As Chuck narrates, Dean returns to Lisa and Ben. Earlier Sam had made him promise not to come after him, and a grief-stricken and emotionally exhausted Dean returns to his surrogate family, reluctantly fulfilling his promise.
This episode is absolutely beautiful. As much as I love Supernatural, the episodes which followed have not had that same emotional connection (other than season 7's "Death's Door"). "Swan Song" is an epic piece of writing, a wonderful sign off to Eric Kripke (whom I wish would return to the show, he is greatly missed). I miss the "classic" Supernatural, and wish all were as amazing as "Swan Song."
To be brief, "Swan Song" describes how Dean finally agreed (albeit reluctantly) to let Sam become Lucifer's vessel. This takes every ounce of Dean's strength: he has been protecting Sammy since their mother died, and now he must finally let his little brother make his own decisions. After all, if anyone could trap Lucifer, it would be Sam Winchester. The boys, Cass, and Bobby head to Detroit, where the Devil is waiting. Sam is possessed, and Dean, Bobby and Cass try to figure out their next move as the Winchesters' "heavenly" counterparts prepare to fight to the finish. Fittingly, the final battle is to be held in Lawrence, Kansas: the birthplace of Sam and Dean, which brings everything full circle.
In my opinion, "Swan Song" is one of the, if not the, best season finales I have ever seen, and by far one of Supernatural's best. I loved how Chuck narrated the story, sharing the origins of the Impala, the memories shared by the brothers, and how one simple car could end up saving the world. Though the acting was brilliant on all parts (those who have read my previous reviews know that I am a huge Jensen Ackles fan), I particularly adored Jared Padalecki's Gollum/Smeagol performance shortly after Lucifer took over Sam. Though the entire episode was amazing, the final 20 minutes were breathtaking. I shuddered,laughed (Misha Collins' "Hey Assbut!" was a hilarious ice breaker), and cried. I was particularly touched by Jensen's performance. As Lucifer/Sam is beating Dean to a bloody pulp, Dean, full of emotion and love for his brother, manages to say, "It's OK Sammy, I'm not going to leave you." There is no way that he is going to let his brother die alone. Heartbreaking! Just at that moment, images of the Impala, and the brothers' memories they shared from the car, flash before Sam's eyes: he manages to take control long enough to open the gate and plummet to his death, taking Lucifer and Michael/Adam with him. The final ten minutes are also emotional and beautiful. As Chuck narrates, Dean returns to Lisa and Ben. Earlier Sam had made him promise not to come after him, and a grief-stricken and emotionally exhausted Dean returns to his surrogate family, reluctantly fulfilling his promise.
This episode is absolutely beautiful. As much as I love Supernatural, the episodes which followed have not had that same emotional connection (other than season 7's "Death's Door"). "Swan Song" is an epic piece of writing, a wonderful sign off to Eric Kripke (whom I wish would return to the show, he is greatly missed). I miss the "classic" Supernatural, and wish all were as amazing as "Swan Song."