After School Special

So, an episode where the case of the week takes the Winchesters to one of their old schools? With promises of revelations about their teenage years? A lot of potential there. And the pre-title sequence sets the Monster-of-the-Week as something that seems to be after vengeance against bullies, a subject that many people can relate to. The success of the episode, however, rests on not just how interesting the past and the present story lines are – it depends on how meaningful the connection between them is.

The past gives us rather good insight on why Sam was not in the family business at the start of Season 1 and why Dean is, well, Dean. And the casting of young Sam and young Dean is excellent. Colin Ford and Brock Kelly should not go unemployed as actors. However, the fact that Dean Morgan doesn't appear at all, *even* briefly, whether he was available or not, does really hamper the sequences set in the past.

The present gives us a pretty brutal case and the writers have been creative when coming up with the monster too. Most monsters in Supernatural the viewer cannot relate to, but you may find yourself actually rooting for this monster. Also, the Winchesters' cover roles are funny, and a welcome change to their most common roles as FBI agents with names of rock/hard rock/metal musicians. Finally, there needs to be a reason why the monster has not become active *until* now, and the writers come up with a plausible reason that follows the rules established by the series.

The connection between the past and the present is meaningful in more ways than one. It fleshes out Sam and Dean, but also shows us how one *really* should consider the repercussions of one's actions – they might have a *much* longer and larger effect than one might at first think. The problem is, this is a lesson familiar from so many movies and TV shows that it really does not offer anything new. Also, the pacing of the episode as a whole is not that great and the climax comes too soon. So, this is a good, 7/10, episode but not a great one.

There aren't many things that trigger me to write a review usually, but the casting of (especially) Brock Kelly as a young Dean was a stroke of brilliance by whoever did the casting.

The mannerisms, tone of voice and facial expressions are absolutely spot on. I guess Brock watched every episode up 'till then because he totally embodies Jensen.

Colin Ford as the young Sam did a pretty good job too, though Sam has less obvious mannerisms to copy. Those that he does have - being somewhat shy at first but with a tough core when it comes down to it - are flawlessly translated by Colin though.

I think this episode illustrates well how their dad's absence formed their characters.

Glad to be back to an episode that isn't about the angel/demon story arc.

"After School Special," the thirteenth episode of Supernatural's fourth season, created by Erik Kripke and directed by Adam Kane, is a captivating installment that masterfully blends humor, suspense, and emotional depth. This episode stands out for its exploration of a murder at Truman High School in Fairfax, Indiana, where a girl named April claims to have been possessed when she killed her classmate Taylor. As Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) investigate, they uncover a series of bizarre occurrences linked to ghost possession, which leads them to revisit their own past at the same high school in 1997.

The narrative begins with a haunting scene where April kills Taylor, setting the stage for the brothers' investigation. As they delve deeper, they discover that the possessions are linked to the ghost of Barry Cook, a student who committed suicide in 1998 after being bullied. The episode's use of suspense and mystery keeps viewers engaged as they piece together the events leading to the final confrontation with the ghost. Notable is the use of flashbacks to show young Sam and Dean navigating high school life, highlighting their struggles with identity and belonging.

Adam Kane's direction skillfully captures both the comedic elements of the brothers' high school antics and the suspenseful elements of the ghost possessions. The cinematography enhances the tension, particularly during scenes where Sam and Dean confront the possessed students, creating an atmosphere of desperation and fear. Notable is the use of lighting to highlight the dark nature of the events unfolding, reflecting the twisted reality of the ghost's actions. However, some critics argue that the pacing could be improved, particularly in scenes where the narrative jumps between different plot points.

Jared Padalecki delivers a compelling performance as Sam, showcasing his emotional depth as he grapples with the idea of revisiting his past and confronting the consequences of his actions. Jensen Ackles effectively portrays Dean's humor and vulnerability, particularly in his interactions with Amanda Heckerling and his embarrassment over his past behavior. The chemistry between the brothers remains a highlight, adding emotional depth to their interactions as they navigate the complexities of their family legacy and the supernatural threats they face. The guest cast, particularly the young actors playing Sam and Dean, adds complexity to the narrative by presenting characters who are both relatable and endearing.

Thematically, "After School Special" explores issues of bullying and redemption, raising questions about how individuals cope with their past mistakes and the consequences of their actions. The episode highlights the tension between Sam's desire to make amends for past wrongs and Dean's reluctance to confront their past, mirroring broader cultural debates about the nature of guilt and forgiveness. Barry's ghost serves as a metaphor for the external forces that can disrupt human lives, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding. The narrative also touches on themes of identity and belonging, as Sam and Dean struggle to maintain their sense of self amidst supernatural forces that challenge their worldview.

After School Special" stands out as a memorable episode of Supernatural, effectively combining elements of suspense with meaningful character development and thematic depth. Its exploration of family dynamics and the supernatural makes it a compelling watch, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences with bullying and redemption.

The underlaying message was great, done well. The lives of the guys when young was shown and the casting was impeccable It had its funny moments with Dean too. I love the ghosts in spn, i wasn't completely into this one but it was fine. The only little problem i have with almost all the spn episodes is the fight scene, it just doesn't thrill me at times.