Supernatural 2x11 Playthings: more thinky stuff

[krisomniac]

So, after reading a lot of the initial reactions to last night's episode, besides all the squee over antiques and dolls and drunkeness and wetness, a lot of people seem to be talking about the similarities between Sam and John. And I get that, but I've been thinking a little more about other aspects of that scene.

First. Why would Sam drink in the middle of a hunt?

This actually kinda works for me after the initial shock. And the initial shock kinda worked for me because I wasn't the only one; Dean was pretty damn surprised, too. I think Dean's reasction is what the writers knew ours would be: what the hell? I don't, however, think Sam was sitting around, moping while he swilled an entire bottle of Jack. I think he's a lightweight who got a little freaked, had a couple of shots, and got slammed for it. The little freak is understandable, the one-beer-queer has been a part of his character from the beginning, and the shots were right there, already paid for-- so ultimately it didn't seem very out of character at all.

Given that, I love love love (lovelovelovelove) that he called Dean short- and that he sounded so surprised by the revelation. Dean is so much his big brother, that four+ inches is easy to overlook most of the time.

second: Why does he think saving people will earn him soul points?

I got nothin, but I am really curious to see what y'all have to say.

Third: Dean's promise

This, I think, was only a half-truth. I do believe Dean would kill Sam if he thought him past redemption. I don't think Dean will EVER find Sam beyond redemption. He wouldn't be Dean if he did. More than himself, more than anything else EVER, Dean believes in Sam's goodness.

I also thought the phrasing of the question was interesting: (I don't have the direct quote, but it was something like) Promise that if I ever stop being myself...

Because Sammy, dear? As far as Dean's concerned, you NEVER will.

~

In totally unrelated news, the birthday ficlet I intended to whip out today? I'm 2000 words in and the main characters haven't even MET yet. *facepalm*

Comments

[lyra-wing.livejournal.com]

Why does he think saving people will earn him soul points?

I think he's trying to bargain. With who, or what, it doesn't really matter. Going darkside, to him, is like a death sentence. Worse than a death sentence, actually. He's trying to keep himself from going darkside, and it's like bargaining -- "Look, if I save all these people, I can't go evil, right? I'm NOT EVIL."

No? Maybe? That's how I see it. And that's a very human, natural reaction, I think.

[krisomniac.livejournal.com]

n'aww it's one of those totally irrational rationalizations, then, huh.

Poor Sammy needs a hug. from me. :D

[deirdre-c.livejournal.com]

This, I think, was only a half-truth.

Yes. I think perhaps Dean thinks he could do it, and that, added to the fact that he's certain he never have to do it, allows him to make the promise. That, and looking at poor drunken Sam's face, he knows Sam needs that reassurance. That there will be someone who will 'take care of him' (in both senses).

Oh boys. *wibble*

(I can't stop using this icon tonight. I need a face-pawing icon to compensate!)

[krisomniac.livejournal.com]

That there will be someone who will 'take care of him' (in both senses).

GUH. That's exactly it, and yeah it's been said before, a thousand times, but he still needs to hear it... *loves them*

[lacylu42.livejournal.com]

I would like you to know that Brandon and I were watching CSI last night, and we flipped over to SPN during the commercials and saw the bit where the hotel lady accuses them of "being the type" to go antiquing, and we both about died laughing.

Especially considering that most of what we know about this show comes from fandom.

I'm just saying.

And then, when the new guy on CSI kept getting messages from "Frank," Brandon said, "You know, he kind of looks the type to go antiquing..." I can already see it's going to be our new thing.

[krisomniac.livejournal.com]

HEHEE!! ANTIQUING! Couldn't you just DIE?

Eric Kripke (the shows creator) is seriously the biggest fangirl in the history of ever. :D:D:D