Supernatural Review: Lebanon (Season 14 Episode 13)
When your show runs for 14 years, sometimes it will take almost that long to get a long-awaited emotional payoff.
On Supernatural Season 14 Episode 13, “Lebanon,” the brothers Winchester (and Mary) get a surprise visit from their long-lost patriarch, John. What follows may be one of the most cathartic, emotional episodes that Supernatural has ever done.
“Lebanon,” at its core, is still a regular episode of Supernatural. There’s a ghost, new characters, supernatural problem solving, and a tie-in to their season-long story arc.
But what makes it different, of course, is the return of Jeffrey Dean Morgan as fan-favorite John Winchester.
Sam and Dean encounter a magical object that is supposed to grant one’s heart’s desire. Which of course it does, but said desire is not Michael removed from Dean.
Understandably so, Dean’s deepest wish is to have his father back. His wish is granted, and John, Mary, Sam, and Dean are able to have another family dinner.
John’s return gives “Lebanon” some serious emotional clout. In some scenes, dialogue isn’t even necessary. Mere mention of Mary right before she enters the room, and the non-verbal work by Samantha Smith and Jeffrey Dean Morgan is enough to move long-time fans to tears.
But wait, there’s more!
A tear-filled reunion between John and Mary is just the beginning. Both Sam and Dean get the opportunity to address some issues with their emotionally closed off (and long deceased) father, and each interaction they have is more cathartic than the last.
I can’t say enough about the depth of emotion displayed by all parties on “Lebanon.” Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki displayed maybe their best work on the show yet, which just goes to show you that Supernatural (and its actors) is aging like a fine wine.
But Jeffrey Dean Morgan deserves equal praise. He steps back into John Winchester’s shoes like no time has passed at all and presents a grateful father. JDM is the catalyst that makes this entire episode work, and it’s a seamless process.
John Winchester: I’m so proud of you boys
Unfortunately, we all knew that having John back wouldn’t last. Since John is plucked from 2003, it creates a “temporal paradox,” which slowly begins to undo all the work Sam and Dean have done in saving the world. So John must go back from whence he came.
However cathartic John’s brief return may have been for the rest of the Winchesters, Dean’s revelation may have been more so.
Dean recognizing that their experiences have shaped who they are and that their experiences have had a direct impact on the world they live in suggests some serious growth for the character. I can only imagine this will play a huge role going forward.
Not only was “Lebanon” a cathartic experience for the Winchesters, it was for fans as well. It’s such a helpful reminder that our experiences, good and bad, shape who we are.
A few stray thoughts:
- A side effect of the temporal paradox was the return of Kurt Fuller’s Zachariah, another long-dead character. Really fun to revisit some of the show’s best years this way.
- Soldier Cas also returns, and his pop culture knowledge is much worse thanks to the paradox.
- Though a much smaller part of the episode, the random people of Lebanon and their view of Sam and Dean presents an interesting perspective. Makes one wonder how that would look in their own hometown.
- I don’t think I could’ve conceived a better 300th episode for Supernatural. Kudos are deserved all-around.
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.