Supernatural Review: Don’t Go In The Woods (Season 14 Episode 16)
After watching 14 seasons of Supernatural, I have no idea why people still go into creepy bathrooms in the middle of nowhere. And yet, here we are.
Supernatural Season 14 Episode 16, “Don’t Go In The Woods,” is FILLED with characters who cannot seem to avoid creepy situations. Don’t they watch Supernatural?
In all seriousness, watching Sam and Dean go on a hunt by themselves is still the essence of Supernatural. The chemistry between Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles has always been great, and that’s how we’ve gotten 14 seasons.
But sometimes, the stupidity of other characters can be unreasonable. When a girl gets mauled in the woods and the sheriff tries to sweep it under the rug, which causes more people to go into the woods before something is done? Ridiculous.
Sure, the opportunity to discover a new, Native American monster is pretty cool. The fact that the Kahunta is a man-made monster is a strong metaphor for psychopathy in society.
And as always, the show’s direction and cinematography is excellent, which always makes for a scary good time on a standalone basis.
This particular time, though, it’s tough to suspend our disbelief so far as the idiotic human behavior here.
But the idiotic behavior in “Don’t Go In The Woods” doesn’t limit itself to just humans, either. Jack, our adult-passing two year old, decides to teach some of the Lebanon residents all about monsters.
Jack making friends starts off sweet, but then you see his power demonstration go horribly wrong and injure someone. This further proves my Jack-becomes-the-antagonist theory, as his whole story on “Don’t Go In The Woods” feels like the origin story of a misunderstood anti-hero or villain.
It’s obvious to me that Jack is going to burn off his soul in one way or another, making him increasingly more dangerous. Then he will quickly become the most powerful, dangerous force they’ve ever faced.
Both of these two stories had one interesting trait in common: the urge to go public about monsters and demons. Jack tells the Lebanon kids about everything and it was cool at first but went south fast. Sam and Dean are urged by the sheriff to go public, but refuse.
Since two mostly unrelated stories share this subject, it feels like foreshadowing. Perhaps Jack’s naivete will create some publicity for the world of monsters and demons? It could also mark the beginning of the end of Supernatural, should the world find out about monsters.
A few stray thoughts:
- Perhaps my favorite part of the episode was when Eliot mentioned that he watches the Ghostfacers. I miss those guys.
- At least Supernatural is still the same after all these years. The Kahunta’s death was definitely “straight up Raiders.” Thanks, Dean.
- But what I’m not sure of yet is how Lucifer and/or Earth-1 Michael will play into all of this. I know they’re going to, but I don’t know how yet. My guess? Either Sam and Dean will have to get them to help stop Jack, or Jack will let them out.
- Next week’s preview indicates that they’re trying to reach God. Could we get a Chuck appearance?
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.