I started watching this show about halfway through the first season (coincidentally, at a very difficult time in my life), and I was instantly hooked. Since then, I haven't missed a new show, I've bought the DVD sets, and I've often watched the primetime reruns "just because." Over these past 5 years, my great satisfaction with the series has remained constant; granted, a few episodes here and there have been a bit weaker than the standard, but what accounts for a "poor" episode of "Supernatural" would be one of the "very good" efforts from 99.9% of TV-series history. And when "Supernatural" hits one of its (many) peaks, as it does with this 5th-season finale, I really, really, REALLY just want to stand up in front of these guys and applaud their work!
Yeah, I'm gushing, but anyone who has as much admiration and affection for "Supernatural" as myself would understand my enthusiasm; one could only be as enthusiastic if you've been with these guys since the beginning. In many ways, "Swan Song" _could_ have been a VERY satisfying series finale, had "Supernatural" not been renewed for its 6th season. This episode actually manages to neatly summarize the past 5 years' worth of shows (read: Sam's & Dean's lives) beautifully while also plunging headlong into the expected, inevitable outcome. And where the finales for seasons 3 and 4 proved to be edge-of-your-set cliffhangers, "Swan Song" accomplishes the dual feat of leaving me totally satisfied story-wise whilst whetting my appetite for some incredible events yet to surely unfold. So, in essence, this season finale is both a cliffhanger AND the most significant turning point yet in the series' story arc.
None of this would be possible without both the top-notch creative writing (Eric Kripke, did you REALLY pen this by yourself? -- outstanding!!!), with dialogue that only the best playwrights could produce, and the great group of people who bring the writing into the realm of flesh and blood. Jared & Jensen are two of the best young actors currently working, and their chemistry with each other is unsurpassable. No less important are Misha and JimB, who have really proved themselves to be "star"-quality support for our two leads. (The great emotions in this series resonate all the more deeply because of their support.) In all, these gentlemen give this show plenty of heart to match its smarts. (I almost forgot: Mark Pellegrino has been a standout as Lucifer this season. Hats off to you, sir!!!)
I laughed, I cried, and then I cried a little more (the episode features a few shocking developments, as you'd surely expect), and I'm only sorry that we have to wait several more months before we can do it all again! The "Winchester Chronicles" just keep getting better and better.
(For those playing along at home, please pay close attention to Chuck.)
