Supernatural’s back, and it’s throwing itself full force into following Dean and Mark of Cain it’s about time too, as the boys’ mostly casual attitude towards the Mark during the previous episodes has left a lot to be desired at times. Dean’s massacre during the mid-season finale forced things to a head, and now it finally feels like the story is getting going.
This line of thought is continued during a discussion with Sam, and it’s pleasing to see the show start to tackle the idea that the Mark may not be the ultimate problem. Maybe it’s Dean. If Cain has managed not to massacre whenever the mood strikes him then why can’t Dean? Hopefully this will see the Winchesters heading towards the river’s source and actually speaking to Cain, who seems a much more likely candidate to help them than Metatron. Really, why did no one think to speak to Cain first?
Castiel and Claire’s interactions remain lost within the wider tableaux of the show, and while their scenes always seem to be leading somewhere important they never quite manage to get there. Claire’s assertion that it’s best she goes it alone was to be expected, but there was undeniable growth in her relationship with both Castiel and herself. Subsequently, the final shot of her in Castiel’s rear view mirror was both beautiful and poignant.
While the show continues to explore the monster in us all, it was refreshing for both Claire and Dean to admit they had a problem near the close of the show. While history has taught us that Claire will probably be much more successful at confronting her demons, Dean’s choice not to kill the couple that ambushed him suggests that all hope is not quite lost. Honestly, it feels as if the story’s finally beginning.