Supernatural Review: Jack in the Box (Season 14 Episode 19)
Sometimes, Supernatural episodes can be hard to review because they’re just set up for the season finale.
Supernatural Season 14 Episode 19, “Jack in the Box,” is no exception. Though there are some interesting developments in the story, it feels predictable and doesn’t provide a ton of substance, just setup.
“Jack in the Box” as a whole doesn’t really feel true to the show. Sam and Dean, still reeling from the loss of Mary, lie to Jack and convince him to get in the warded box Dean built for himself?
After 14 years of this journey, Sam and Dean aren’t that stupid. They have to know that won’t end well.
It’s obvious that the story on “Jack in the Box” centers around setting up Jack as a villain or a weapon, it just doesn’t do a great job with execution.
“Jack in the Box” serves as a way for Jack to change from someone who wants to please the Winchesters to someone that’s dangerous to the whole world. As predictable as “Jack in the Box” is, it’s also necessary to move Jack away from his Winchester loyalty and into a true threat.
Duma, for instance, is quickly and easily able to manipulate Jack into doing her bidding. If nothing else, this at least lends credence to my theory that Jack will be a tide-turning weapon in the inevitable war.
Really, all that remains to be seen is exactly where Jack goes from here.
Does he resurrect Lucifer? Release Michael from the cage? Both?
Or, does Jack do one of these things and the Winchesters do the other in response?
Poor execution aside, “Jack in the Box” sets up a greater, scarier conflict for Team Free Will and the rest of the world because Sam and Dean have stopped the apocalypse before, but Team Apocalypse didn’t have Jack. Clearly he can/will turn the tide.
Since we know that Season 15 is the last, I expect that the season finale will give us something to get excited about.
A few stray thoughts:
- I remain convinced that Earth-One’s Michael will appear in the finale. I’m so convinced that if he doesn’t I’ll be disappointed.
- At this point, I’d take Adam Milligan even without Michael.
- “Jack in the Box” isn’t without its merits, particularly the raw emotion expressed by Dean surrounding Mary’s wake.
- Given how emotional Dean was, I’m surprised they didn’t explore the conflict with Castiel more.
- Unless it’s just an excuse to have him around for the finale, “Jack in the Box” contains and extremely unnecessary use of Bobby.
- Bobby’s only function was to tell they boys they have to kill Jack. But they didn’t even listen. Idjits.
- I expect at least one big character return to come out of the events of “Jack in the Box,” and also a pretty clear indicator where the final season is headed.
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.