15x09 The Trap

The plot each episode gets weirder and weirder up to the point of saying "what the actual fuck". I still remain unsure of what's going on with Chuck and what route they're going for.

SPN has never shied away from darkness, depression, loss of hope and a general feeling of emptiness but this episode, and the season in general, is giving me very depressing vibes. Maybe it has to do with the whole "God's evil". That's a very dark path to go.

Enough babbling. Let's get down to business. Despite its plot holes, the episode managed to be pivotal in terms of character development (probably the only good thing to come out). Some scenes were really amazing and others left me utterly confused.

I have more questions than answers. For instance, why didn't Chuck even flinch when Eileen was torturing Sam if they're wound connected and we've seen it previously? Was he just putting on a brave face? Was it just a big-ass plot hole?
Why would Leviathans have a giant angel trap in Purgatory when angels never go there? Unless, of course, Chuck told them. Also, why did Cas just walk into a visible trap? And why wasn't Dean's first reaction to just mess it so Cas could escape? Like I said, lots of questions.

The whole gunshot wound vanishing because Sam lost hope seems kinda far-fetched. I don't believe it was Sam losing hope, but Sam beginning to have doubts. Still unsure how lost hope can cure the wound, though. I get Sam's reasoning behind saving Chuck, too rushed, yes, but sort of believable. To be honest, I'd do the same. Whether you like it or not, Chuck's the balance between good an evil so without him to bring the light, the world basically turns to shit. I've gotta say that I, for once, believe that the visions he showed Sam are true.

Now, purgatory. Was anyone else bothered by the coloring? It was way too off. It's supposed to be a very dark, black-and-white-ish place and now it felt so damn bright. It's also supposed to be full of monsters and yet, just a couple leviathans. That part could've been so much more fleshed out. Literally all the action happened off-screen and it was resolved by seemingless explanation. The only way I'll accept it is if there's a later reveal that Cas isn't really Cas. I feel like the purgatory plot was nothing but a pretext to get Dean to admit he was wrong.

Another thing I hated was the name drop. You CANNOT drop names and pretend like nothing's happened. We were robbed of an Eve appearance. And what a depressing ending for Benny. Being torn apart by vamps. I would've loved to see him. But then again, if seeing him meant watching him die, pass. I'm getting PTSD just by thinking about it.

If there's one thing I love this season is Cas. I love how he calls Dean on his bullshit, is able to stand up for himself and is starting to become the baddass angel he once was. "Dean, stop being stupid" or "I left but you didn't stop me" were amazing quotes.
Jensen never ceases to amaze me. That prayer-confession was outstanding. He has some of the most beautiful tears in the world. Somehow, his acting always manages to be the highlight of any episode to me. Also, he standing down to Chuck was pretty badass.

So, Chuck can't be killed or locked up... They're clearly setting it for Jack to be the one to replace him, which is an idea that I'm not sold on, tbh. But I do love my sweet Jack making an appearance, even if it's for 5 seconds of confusing looks.

I loved Sam saying "The Dean who raised me" but it shocked me how in a rush he went from that to not be able to stop God. Speaking of, Rob Benedict is amazing at playing evil, although I miss how excited I was when I knew he was in an episode. Now, I'm just pissed at him and that excitement is sort of vanishing away.

All in all, a very strange and somehow weak episode at parts. I love Sam and Chuck's but purgatory felt like a cheap excuse to get Dean to apologize. There was a lot to unpack, and I think it would've benefited from a second part. I feel like it would've been better overall if there was more time given to explore purgatory.