Supernatural Review: Gods and Monsters (Season 14 Episode 2)
Supernatural, at its core, is about the brothers Winchester and the “family business.” Saving people, hunting things, etc. So when the show deviates from that, it’s not hard to see why some people are upset.
Some deviations and changes, though, should be embraced. Supernatural Season 14 Episode 2, “Gods and Monsters,” spends a lot of time focusing on characters who are decidedly not Sam and Dean. But it works.
Under the direction of franchise staple Richard Speight, Jr., “Gods and Monsters” decides to wrestle with some of the less than glamorous consequences of Supernatural‘s exploits.
A particularly strong choice on “Gods and Monsters” is the exploration of some of the emotional fallout of the previous season for Jack and Nick (Lucifer’s ex-vessel).
Alexander Calvert has really come along as a member of the Supernatural family, and his scenes at Kelly’s parents are a perfect example. As Jack tries to figure out who he is outside of his powers, he seeks his family (biological and otherwise) and gave this episode some emotional weight.
Stronger still, though, is the performance of Mark Pellegrino. Supernatural has known Pellegrino exclusively as Lucifer for the better part of 10 years, but his portrayal of Nick brings two new things to the table.
One, it brings some new fodder for Pellegrino, a terrific actor. He’s played Lucifer for so long that you can tell he’s really excited by the chance to sink his teeth somewhere new. So far, he’s killing it.
Two, the backstory of Nick’s wife and son being murdered creates an intriguing mystery that I’m eager to explore. Pellegrino was listed among the main cast on the opening credits, so my hunch is that this doesn’t go away.
Not only are Jack and Nick a compelling, refreshing change of pace for Supernatural, but they also play catalyst to some of the best work Misha Collins has ever done on the show. Collins matches their emotion levels moment by moment, creating exciting layers to the story.
It feels far less important that Sam, Mary, and Bobby are hunting down Michael. But it’s fun. Sam hunting with his mom is a wonderful treat, but even better is seeing Jim Beaver suited back up and calling people idjits.
Despite the circumstances that necessitated it, the Sam/Mary/Bobby mission was a success (in my heart, at minimum).
If you read my last review, you probably figured out that I was surprised to see Dean sans Michael so soon. I guess whether he’s actually sans Michael remains to be seen, but I was expecting longer.
A few stray thoughts:
- Just because I enjoy revisiting material from the show’s glory days, I was beside myself when Castiel mentioned Jimmy Novak
- It seems that Michael is making monsters stronger, which I can only assume will make things more difficult when hunting/will justify the extra bodies staying in the bunker long-term.
- I don’t know Michael’s endgame, either, but I’m compelled and I very much want to know it.
- Any chance that Nick’s family was murdered by a man with yellow eyes? Just spitballing.
What did you think of this episode of Supernatural? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Supernatural airs Thursday at 8/7c on The CW.
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Nick Hogan
Nick Hogan is an experienced podcaster and writer (particularly on media topics), who loves discussion and analysis of TV and is always looking for new shows to watch. He is also a parent who loves buffalo wings, blowing raspberries, and his beloved Cincinnati Reds.