Supernatural Review: Nihilism (Season 14 Episode 10)
You know those episodes that you can’t look away from? They’re exciting and compelling and make you forget about the outside world completely for an hour. You know those?
Supernatural Season 14 Episode 10, “Nihilism,” is exactly that. It’s a thrilling, compelling hour of television. From the first minute of Dean’s fantasy to the last scene, “Nihilism” is really something special.
Though only halfway through the year, Supernatural has easily given us their most exciting installment of the season. Michael’s overtaking of Dean and calling the monsters forth gives “Nihilism” a real sense of urgency that you don’t always get from this show.
When you feel like (know) that Sam and Dean aren’t ever really going to die, it can take you out of the circumstances sometimes. Having the likes of Jack and Castiel helps, but still.
But “Nihilism,” in the hijacking of Dean’s body, makes everything far more personal. All of a sudden, the odds seem insurmountable. Even at the episode’s resolution, nothing feels resolved or even better, really.
Leaning back into the angel and demon lore has really paid dividends for Supernatural, especially lately. Michael from Earth-2 might be the toughest villain that the boys have ever faced. I mean, they technically defeated Lucifer twice.
Michael, on the other hand, has become both a physical and psychological threat.
Before the episode is over, Michael becomes a psychological threat in two different ways. First, he mentally tortures Jack and Castiel by preying on their insecurities, and then he becomes actually locked in Dean’s mind.
At least on Jack, it works. The poor kid gives up another piece of his soul to save Maggie from Michael’s monsters. It will undoubtedly take its toll on the rest of them sooner rather than later, too.
By the end of “Nihilism,” the primary questions become clear. How do they permanently defeat Michael, and what does Dean’s fate book say?
We all know Lucifer is only mostly dead, too, so there’s that. He’s obviously left some remnants behind in Nick, like Michael did with Dean.
The more questions you have the better for a long running series like this. After 14 years, the Winchesters can still keep us guessing. And that’s a GREAT thing.
A few stray thoughts:
- It was really good to see Tracie Dinwiddie return as Pamela. Quite the callback.
- This is not the first distinct reference that’s been made to Earth-1 Michael being in the cage. That has to mean something, right?
- That’s my theory as to what’s written in the book. It says they have to let this Michael out of the cage. Adam Milligan and John Winchester will both return this year, mark my words!
- Did they ever get Garth out of that trunk? Poor guy.
- Adored the Crowley shout out, too. RIP.
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.