Supernatural Review: Byzantium (Season 14 Episode 8)
When a character on Supernatural dies, especially a main character, a pretty specific formula is followed. Namely, other characters (varies by season) get upset and find a foolhardy solution to bring the dead character back.
Supernatural Season 14 Episode 8, “Byzantium,” is hardly an exception to that formula. Though he has battled losing-grace-related illness for a long time, we finally lose Jack.
Briefly.
But it’s only a few scenes of drinking and celebrating the life of our favorite nephilim before Lily Sunder, who has aged considerably since the last time we saw her, shows up to assist with the foolhardy (but not foolhardy enough to not do it) plan to bring Jack back.
I’m not here to recap so I’m sure you can figure out how it went.
Though Supernatural has been down the resurrection road many, many, MANY times before, “Byzantium” felt different for several reasons.
One, there’s no internalizing or guilting between Sam, Dean, and Castiel. They deal with their grief in a healthy way, and then logically approach a possible solution (you know, as logically as possible in this universe).
Two, it’s emotional. When this has happened before, viewers know in their heart of hearts that the show is never going to kill off Sam, Dean, or Castiel. But with Jack…the possibility remains.
So there are higher stakes, and the result is an emotional weight. It’s so easy to grieve with the boys. It’s happy and sad at the same time when Jack finds Kelly in Heaven.
The viewers are treated to some excellent, simple scenes when Alexander Calvert and Courtney Ford share the screen. They share such a powerful connection.
So needless to say, “Byzantium” is far more emotional than it has any business being.
Really, it’s a milestone of sorts. For the most part, both of the Winchester brothers deal with their emotions in a healthy way, and they still get Jack back at the end. Weird, right?
Of course, we can’t say the same for Castiel. But I guess they couldn’t make it too easy, right?
A few stray thoughts:
- Was anyone else moved when finding out that Jack’s version of heaven is hunting with Sam, Dean, and Castiel? ALL THE FEELS
- So good to see Courtney Ford back on the show.
- One of the episode’s most interesting facets is the 11th hour redemption of Lily Sunder, who got enough good place points after all!
- Last episode, when Nick prays for Lucifer to come back, is that what awakens the void? Or is Lucifer now awake IN the void? This is all very confusing.
- The void makes for an intriguing presence, and it really adds stakes to the show that it could snatch Castiel at any moment.
- I don’t know if we should be more afraid of Michael, the void, or Lucifer’s possible return. Either way, I’m here for it.
- Saving the best stray thought for last: Garth is in the trailer for next week! Woohoo!!
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.