Supernatural: Thin Lizzie (11x05)

Surprise A-plot episode! No way! In some ways I wish this had just been a standard ghost episode, but in other ways I'm thrilled that we're pushing the main story forward with such alacrity. Let's get started.

Cons:

Not much utilization of the Lizzie Borden idea. I really loved what this episode ended up being about, but I can't help but be slightly disappointed in all we didn't get to see. I think this show might have done some cool things with Lizzie Borden, and all the mystery and horror surrounding that. But we barely got any of it before the Amara plot line swept in and took over. Like I said - I enjoyed the plot line that we did get, but still think I might have liked a Borden-based ghost story as well.

Pros:

The plot of this episode is very simple - Sam and Dean go to investigate killings at a Lizzie Borden B&B that used to be the Borden family home. They quickly realize the place isn't haunted - it's all rigged. But something is afoot... Amara is in the area, and she's sucking souls. One of her victims is Sidney, a woman who worships Amara for taking away her pain. She's the one whose been axing people to death. Another newly soulless character is Len, who reacts atypically to having no soul, trying to remain a good person despite not caring about anything anymore. Sam and Dean are almost killed by Sidney, but Len saves them by killing Sidney. He then decides to turn himself in before he can hurt anybody else. Sam and Dean are concerned that Amara seems to be growing stronger by the day. Unbeknownst to them, Amara watches close by, saying that she'll see Dean soon.

I love all the interesting things this plot thread is setting up. In particular, I love the idea of people reacting differently to having no soul. Sam, back in Season Six, was just totally indifferent to everything, while Sidney feels a zealous love for Amara, and relishes her pain being taken away. Len still seems to have a spark of conscience, and wants to go back to being the way he was. It makes sense that people would react differently being soulless, and I think it's so awesome that they've decided to explore it here.

This episode also had a good amount of brotherly bonding and humor. The only reason Sam wanted to go check out this case in the first place is because of his "fetish," as Dean would put it, for serial killers. Sam is adorably enthusiastic about the Lizzie Borden B&B, and comically disappointed when they realize the whole thing is a hoax. I loved this. There's also a fantastic exchange when Sam and Dean argue about who's going to tell Len that he's soulless. Dean insists that Sam should do it, because he's been soulless before and knows how to talk about it. Also, he's better at being sensitive. Sam replies: "There is no sensitive way to tell somebody their soul's been sucked out by a prehistoric tween!" I loved that! Jared's delivery was extra funny.

Cas got a brief mention this week, confirming that he's still safely ensconced in the bunker, binge-watching The Wire. I'm so happy that this season, finally, we're getting some responsible treatment of Cas' character in regards to his relationship with the Winchesters. It makes sense that he'd be in the bunker right now. Why would he be anywhere else? And they've managed to keep Misha out of this episode with just a quick mention of Cas' whereabouts. That's all we need. I'm totally satisfied. And Cas will be back for real next week! Yay!

Then there's Amara. One of the things that I think might have been interesting in this episode is the possible comparisons between Amara and Lizzie. Both are young girls with creepy murderous vibes. Their youth and seeming sweetness is what intensifies the evil. With Amara, it's interesting to see that she doesn't seem to care much about killing people. I'm sure she's not broken up over Sidney murdering people, but it wasn't what she necessarily wanted to happen either. She's undeniable curious about human nature, and seems fascinated by the processes in which humans turn to Darkness. It'll be interesting to see how her evil influence continues to fester over the season.

That's all I've got! This season has been so remarkably strong. I'm very, very happy with how everything is going.

8/10