This is it. We've waited all year to find out Sam's role in the Demon War, and now the truth has finally been revealed - since his infancy, Sam Winchester has been destined to be the leader of the Demon Army. In "All Hell Breaks Loose, Part 1", Sam's destiny finally seems to be minutes from being fulfilled. After a seemingly innocent stop at a diner, Sam mysteriously disappears, leaving Dean frantic. When Sam comes to, he finds himself in a ghost town, with no way out; and he is trapped with his fellow psychics, as well as a few newcomers, including a soldier named Jake. As time progresses, it is revealed that only one man is supposed to remain alive at the end of Yellow Eyes' little game; and that man is ultimately the leader of Satan's army. As we find out at the end of the episode, sometimes even the best laid plans fall short.
Meanwhile, as Sam and co. try to escape, Dean and Bobby search for the missing Winchester. It is soon revealed that the Roadhouse has burnt to the ground, and Ash is dead. What of Ellen and Jo? Despite the devastating setback, Sam manages to use his powers to communicate with Dean, who has visions of where is brother is being held. They rush to the scene, in time to see Jake go attack Sam from behind.
"All Hell Breaks Loose 1" was an absolutely phenomenal episode of Supernatural, written quite well by Sera Gamble (who seems to be taking a lot of crap from fans now that Kripke is out of the picture. Sure, it's not quite the same without him, but I think fans should lay off a bit. That, however, is another story and so we will leave it at that). Again, I was blown away by Jensen Ackles' performance, namely that final few minutes after Sam has been stabbed. He holds his dying brother in his arms, repeating to him that everything will be fine, more to convince himself than to reassure Sam. The pain in his eyes when Sam goes limp is so genuine, so heart-wrenching. This man has lost everything; his mother, father, and now the only one he has left: Sammy. Ackles is brilliant at nailing the subtle gestures in his acting, from the tender touch of Sam's cheek to the gentle kiss on his shoulder. I have always found that Ackles performs better as the grief stricken brother than Padalecki (though I thought Jared was great at the end of "No Rest for the Wicked", I always found Jensen's performance at Sam's death to be more emotional and effective than Jared's at the end of season 3).
In all, it was a great episode, ten stars.
Meanwhile, as Sam and co. try to escape, Dean and Bobby search for the missing Winchester. It is soon revealed that the Roadhouse has burnt to the ground, and Ash is dead. What of Ellen and Jo? Despite the devastating setback, Sam manages to use his powers to communicate with Dean, who has visions of where is brother is being held. They rush to the scene, in time to see Jake go attack Sam from behind.
"All Hell Breaks Loose 1" was an absolutely phenomenal episode of Supernatural, written quite well by Sera Gamble (who seems to be taking a lot of crap from fans now that Kripke is out of the picture. Sure, it's not quite the same without him, but I think fans should lay off a bit. That, however, is another story and so we will leave it at that). Again, I was blown away by Jensen Ackles' performance, namely that final few minutes after Sam has been stabbed. He holds his dying brother in his arms, repeating to him that everything will be fine, more to convince himself than to reassure Sam. The pain in his eyes when Sam goes limp is so genuine, so heart-wrenching. This man has lost everything; his mother, father, and now the only one he has left: Sammy. Ackles is brilliant at nailing the subtle gestures in his acting, from the tender touch of Sam's cheek to the gentle kiss on his shoulder. I have always found that Ackles performs better as the grief stricken brother than Padalecki (though I thought Jared was great at the end of "No Rest for the Wicked", I always found Jensen's performance at Sam's death to be more emotional and effective than Jared's at the end of season 3).
In all, it was a great episode, ten stars.