Supernatural Review: Peace of Mind (Season 14 Episode 15)
Supernatural has lots of strong elements, but some of its best work is done when the boys are out hunting. Sure, they can connect it to their season-long arcs, but it’s fun to get lost in the one off stories for a little bit.
Supernatural Season 14 Episode 15, “Peace of Mind,” presents a perfect example of that, but flips their standard formula on its head a little. Normally, you’d see Sam and Dean go on a hunt to blow off steam or distract themselves, but this time it’s Sam and Castiel, while Dean hangs back with Jack.
One of the best things about Supernatural as a whole is that it doesn’t shy away from using humor. “Peace of Mind” is the funniest episode I’ve seen in a long time.
Yet “Peace of Mind” is still scary and exciting and furthers the larger story arc. It really just captures the essence of everything that Supernatural is.
Sending Sam (who is escaping some PTSD from Michael’s bunker massacre) and Castiel to Charming Acres, Arkansas makes for a strange yet satisfying tale. The random bits of modern convenience and technology stuffed into a mostly old-fashioned place makes for a real treat for those who are paying attention.
Things like headphones, cars, and the Scooby-Doo movie are just out of place enough to make viewers do a double take when they realize it isn’t a time-travel tale.
Being in Charming Acres also allows for an abnormally high number of incorrect references or funny quips from Castiel. The more of those per episode, the better. Simple as that.
Misha Collins gives a remarkable deadpan delivery. He doesn’t get enough credit for that.
Castiel: Oh no, his head exploded…like a ripe melon on the sun
Mayor Mind-Control is a compelling villain, which makes the Charming Acres story as a whole both fun and exciting.
However, the real story is between Jack and Dean when they take a road trip to visit Donatello.
Jack’s use of excessive force to destroy Michael and get his mojo back comes with an unusually high toll on his soul. Dean wants to know how much, so the other guy they know without a soul, Donatello, gives Jack some guidance.
Really, what this story alludes to is that Jack may be chief problem causer for the remainder of the season. Originally he seems OK, but exhibits sociopathic tendencies regarding the snake he “saved.” This is definitely going to cause some problems for Team Free Will.
A few stray thoughts:
- Thoroughly enjoyed hypnotized Sam battling with Castiel.
- “We’ve met God.” “He has a beard.”
- It’s cute and admirable that Jack is using Sam and Dean as his moral compass, but maybe not the best idea.
- Here’s my prediction on how the rest of the season will go: Jack’s fading soul will cause problems for the brothers until season’s end, and will strike the final blow by resurrecting Adam/Earth-One Michael at the end of the season. Thoughts?
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.