Supernatural Review: Optimism (Season 14 Episode 6)
After 14 years, Supernatural obviously knows what works. If the basis of what they do didn’t work, there’s no way they’d have lasted this long.
That said, they also know when to change things up.
Supernatural Season 14 Episode 6, “Optimism,” is both formulaic and a shake up. It follows a case (two, actually) solved by the brothers Winchester, which is a tale as old as time (er, well…14 years old).
However, “Optimism” puts a spin on things by separating the brothers, putting Sam with Earth-2 Charlie and Dean with Jack, and they work two cases simultaneously.
The best part of the “Earth-2” characters to this point is the excuse to bring back the likes of Charlie and Bobby. If I had to guess, those are two of the top characters that fans had missed most.
Felicia Day really balances the same characteristics fans have always loved about Charlie with her new, darker backstory. Her hunt with Sam reveals how tired she is of hunting and fighting, but is driven by her sense of obligation.
This contrasts well with Dean and Jack’s hunt. Jack is eager to get out in the field and do well, so he earnestly seeks an opportunity that Charlie shies away from.
Putting Sam and Dean with different partners and solving two cases simultaneously works well for the show. It shakes things up for the characters without messing up the formula.
Furthermore, it creates an interesting parallel to the show itself. Some long-time fans are like Charlie, tired and burnt out. Others are like Jack, invigorated by the new.
The real MVP of “Optimism” is Alexander Calvert. Jack’s eagerness to hunt and skill in the field make for one of the best monster-of-the-week episodes of Supernatural in some time.
Jack is firmly on board with all of the plays Dean wants to run, and Jack is smooth as silk running them. For instance: he drops the silver coin, wets his hands with holy water, and smoothly plays it off as nerves while he tests whether she’s a demon or a monster.
Dean: Eat up, pie is important
The hunt teaches Jack about life and love. And he gets to fight a zombie raised by a necromancer. And the necromancer is writing Jack love letters now.
What a fun show.
The contrast between the two cases creates an episode structure that really works well, and that Supernatural should consider using/varying in the future.
A few stray thoughts:
- I really hope there’s a scene dedicated to Dean giving Jack “the talk.”
- I’m sure it’s out of Dean’s playbook, but Dean looks mortified when Jack calls him “old man.”
- Sam playing with a fidget spinner is an underrated scene.
- Growing tired of fighting vampires, werewolves, angels, and demons, Supernatural decided to shake things up this week by fighting a necromancer, her zombie boyfriend, and a muska.
- Maddie Phillips, who plays Harper, is a strong talent. She’s going places.
What did you think of this episode of Supernatural? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Supernatural airs Thursdays 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.