by Catherine Wignall
Well, The Werther Project was certainly . . . delicious, to quote Rowena, and a hell of a lot more enjoyable than The Sorrows of Young Werther (which, frankly, is a book that should be burnt). Not only was this episode a shining example of what Supernatural can do when it really puts its mind to it, but it also continued to push all the pieces on the chessboard into position in preparation for this season’s grand finale. Whatever happens, it’s sure to be dark.
Well, The Werther Project was certainly . . . delicious, to quote Rowena, and a hell of a lot more enjoyable than The Sorrows of Young Werther (which, frankly, is a book that should be burnt). Not only was this episode a shining example of what Supernatural can do when it really puts its mind to it, but it also continued to push all the pieces on the chessboard into position in preparation for this season’s grand finale. Whatever happens, it’s sure to be dark.
Suzie’s braids were cute as hell and the episode quickly passed the Bechdel Test, so we were off to a flying start. However, what was with the fourth-wall breaking? Sure, sexism sucks and we’ve all experienced eye-popping rage when faced with it, but taking a sledgehammer to the wall seemed a little outside the bounds of a reasonable reaction (though perfectly understandable, admittedly). Either way, poor Suzie discovers The Werther Project, a cursed vault behind the wall, and ends up unleashing a curse that causes her entire family to commit suicide. Thank goodness that doesn’t really happen each time someone encounters sexism, or there’d be no one left by now.
Hallucinations have always been an enjoyable trip on Supernatural, and The Werther Project continues this tradition, all while trying to convince the Winchesters to commit suicide. Our resident diseased killer puppy continued to BAMF his way through the episode, taking six vampires out solo and generally causing Sam to go grey with worry. However, keeping the Mark satisfied is a very real concern for Dean and, while under the Werther curse, we get to see him grapple with his current fate. It’s a compelling performance from Ackles, and Dean’s assurance that he could end it all if it came to it is all the more satisfactory for this. Additionally, it’s great to see Ty Olsson back as Benny, and his easy chemistry and camaraderie with Ackles makes them fun to watch in the familiar Purgatory landscape.
Hallucinations have always been an enjoyable trip on Supernatural, and The Werther Project continues this tradition, all while trying to convince the Winchesters to commit suicide. Our resident diseased killer puppy continued to BAMF his way through the episode, taking six vampires out solo and generally causing Sam to go grey with worry. However, keeping the Mark satisfied is a very real concern for Dean and, while under the Werther curse, we get to see him grapple with his current fate. It’s a compelling performance from Ackles, and Dean’s assurance that he could end it all if it came to it is all the more satisfactory for this. Additionally, it’s great to see Ty Olsson back as Benny, and his easy chemistry and camaraderie with Ackles makes them fun to watch in the familiar Purgatory landscape.
The Winchester brothers have long been accused of suffering from an unhealthy co-dependency and Suzie’s Werther-ghost clearly seems to be of the same mind as Sam grapples with his own hallucinations. No matter how many die when caught in the crossfire, as long as the brothers both make it out alive the Winchesters are happy. As Suzie asks, who else will have to die this time? Well, this time Sam’s willing to cut his wrists and die for his brother on the off chance that Rowena will keep her word and use the Codex to help lift the Mark from Dean. What a numpty. It’s hardly a new play for the show, but it works under the circumstances. Sam’s been MIA from a lot of the action this season, but his hallucination and willingness to unquestioningly die for Dean shows how desperate he’s been growing and perhaps makes up for seeking help from Rowena so quickly.
Speaking of Rowena. That accent. That hair. Those dresses. Surely everyone’s fallen under her spell by now. Poor thing’s locked up in chains by the end of the episode, but it’s reassuring to see Sam’s not underestimating the devil he’s climbed in bed with. It’s a shame she wants to see Crowley dead, but the chances of that ever happening are pretty slim and will lead to some juicy drama in the meantime.
Next week sees us back with Claire Novak as she enlists Team Free Will to help track down and save her mother.
Speaking of Rowena. That accent. That hair. Those dresses. Surely everyone’s fallen under her spell by now. Poor thing’s locked up in chains by the end of the episode, but it’s reassuring to see Sam’s not underestimating the devil he’s climbed in bed with. It’s a shame she wants to see Crowley dead, but the chances of that ever happening are pretty slim and will lead to some juicy drama in the meantime.
Next week sees us back with Claire Novak as she enlists Team Free Will to help track down and save her mother.
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