SPN 7.01 reaction (SPOILERY)

[growyourwings]

Hello LJ.  It's been awhile.

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I love that the show is back!!!! And I loved this episode. It was the first premier since 4.01 that I've truly enjoyed. I've rewatched it three times already. I haven't rewatched an episode of SPN that many times directly after airing since ... well ... Season 4. 

I started to get excited about 1/3 way through the episode when I realized I was thoroughly engaged and interested in what was happening and, most importantly, what would happen next. And, I have to admit, this is the first kinda Cas-centric episode that I've been interested in quite awhile. 

Sorry, S6, was SO not in anyway my favorite. 

And we had classic rock music! 

And the camera shots. I noticed those right away. I can't recall because I think I've blocked out the trauma of S6 from my memory, but it feels to me like it's been awhile since we've had interesting camera shots. And I kept noticing them in this episode. 

Plus there were a few VERY nice shots of our guys. The Sam-butt shot after Sam wakes up and talks with Dean in the kitchen. And the Dean-leaning against the post shot when they summon Crowley in Bobby's basement. Yum. 

I loved Sam in this episode. And Lucifer was back. I was NOT expecting that. I even missed Mark's name in the credits. I think I was focused on the "OMG Dean is fixing the car again like in ELAC" moment. And was distracted. I'm glad I was. It made the sudden-to-me appearance of Lucifer that much better for me.

I can't wait to see the next episode. I love the idea of the Leviathans being the Big Bad this season. So far it seems so much more promising than the Mother-of-all (*lame*) and war in heaven (*boring*) stifling of last season. And while the hands in Cas's stomach might have been a bit OTT, I thought it was creepy and I had a O.O moment. 

As I said above, this was the first Cas episode in a long time where I found myself interested and caring about what was going on with him. Unlike that kinda weird/lame episode last season where Cas was talking to himself a lot, narrating about what was happening with him to justify his actions. 

I loved the scene in the church. Putting yourself in the stain glass window was a nice touch, Cas. 

I loved the boots-were-made-for-walking Crowley / Cas scene. 

And the Crowley summoning in the basement scene. 

And all the Sam / Lucifer stuff. (But I think I already said that.) 

I am worried about Sam, but as I told Teri last night, to me it's good ole fashion SPN worry and angst. 

I've read some about how folks are upset/worried/put-off by Dean's seemingly lack of angst over what is going on with Sam. But somehow that didn't bother me. I think the one thing that I have adjusted to is the progression of the character growth of Sam and Dean. I still very much felt like Dean and Sam cared about each other. (See: Sam protecting Dean by keeping what was happening to himself.) And I like what others have said about Dean fixing the Impala since he knows he can't help Sam at that moment. I know folks have commented about Dean's focus on Cas at the end, instead of going all "where's SAAAAMMMM"? But I think it goes back to Dean's growth about not letting the bad-guys win by Dean's preoccupation with Sam. He knew he only had a matter of moments to get the blood back to open the door to purgatory. 

And then after Cas collapsed, Dean was very focused on him and appeared to have forgotten about Sam. But that didn't bother me either. As much as I eye-rolled about some of the OTT Dean angsting over Cas in S6, this one felt more right to me. I was okay with it. Plus like in RL, as a relationship becomes more solid and secure, the parties in the relationship start to trust that the other person can take care of themselves. So I choose to view Dean's lack of OTT where's-Sam-angst as showing that the brothers are trusting each other more and are more secure in their relationship. 

Plus, I admit, I've been reading spoilers and am satisifed that there are more Sam n' Dean moments coming that will make me *sigh* with satisfaction. 

Speaking of spoilers... Good on Show! I've been reading everything over hiatus and the reappearance of Lucifer took me totally by surprise! 

OH! Almost forgot. Death is the most fantastic character ever! The actor is perfect. And the character is just so interesting and well done. I love watching Dean interact with him. And I loved seeing all three of our guys tip-toe around Death both when Death was bound and after he was freed. It was like they had a nucleur boom in their midst and they were trying not to do something to set it off. 

I loved Dean's gulp as he "threatened" Death by telling him they were the boss of him. :) 

I am happy with Show. It's been awhile since I've felt I could say that with OTT gushing. I've missed that. And perhaps that has caused me to over-enjoy an episode. But it's been SOOOO LOONGGG. And I was so disappointed with S6 and traumatized by the first half of S6, that the relief is just wonderful. 

Welcome back Show!