Supernatural Review: Moriah (Season 14 Episode 20)
Every Supernatural fan gets both really excited and filled with dread when they hear “Carry On My Wayward Son” by Kansas at the beginning of yet another season finale. This one feels especially bittersweet, though, because after this there’s only one more finale. Soak it up now, fellow fans!
On Supernatural Season 14 Episode 20, “Moriah,” the Winchesters turn to God while trying to stop Jack, but it doesn’t turn out the way they thought. What follows defies expectations, but is both a satisfying finale and set up what should be a fantastic final season.
Yes, you read that right. The Season 14 finale brings back Chuck/God, who is several episodes late in answering Castiel’s prayer. Chuck, though, isn’t playing games and wants Jack out of the picture. So “Moriah” really puts the Winchesters and Castiel in-between Chuck and Jack and they’re forced to make a choice.
Initially, I wasn’t impressed with depicting God as someone who just watches the Winchesters suffering for entertainment value. Prior to “Moriah,” God seemed more like a benevolent watchover who occasionally rewarded the Winchesters (like with Mary’s resurrection) for fighting the good fight.
Now I’m more comfortable calling him “Chuck” because of the way his character has changed. He cares more about the drama and entertainment value of the world than anything else, which is why he defers to the Winchesters on putting Jack down.
The best part of Chuck’s reappearance and character is how on-the-nose the meta references are. It’s been suggested that Chuck is Eric Kripke’s character, who disappeared for the first time when Kripke left the show. Chuck’s references to stories from past seasons, like Leviathans and the British Men of Letters really emphasize the meta feel to his return.
Chuck: You guys are my favorite show!
Even further, when Chuck and Team Free Will turn against each other and Chuck tells them it’s the end, it feels like a reference to Jensen, Jared, and Misha deciding it’s best not to continue the show. So the showrunner (Chuck) pulls out all the stops for the impending final season.
As finales go, “Moriah” hits the two most important checkpoints: it concludes an emotional story and it sets up what comes next.
Jack’s saga doesn’t go the way I had been expecting, but provides an emotional payoff. Jack’s final moments are raw and emotional, and perhaps the best part is his waking up in the void, implying that there’s parts of Jack’s story still to be told. Maybe they’re setting him up to rule Heaven at the end?
A few stray thoughts:
- Alexander Calvert’s performance has been great all season, but he really sticks the landing here.
- Okay, so no Earth-1 Michael or Adam Milligan. Though, the release of so many creatures immediately upon Jack’s death could easily bring that about in Season 15, right?
- Depiction of God on Supernatural sometimes makes me confront uncomfortable truths about my faith and the world we live in. I always come out stronger in my faith, though.
- Several moments on “Moriah” feel like a love letter to Supernatural fans. Like the ghost from the first episode making an appearance, and Chuck’s references to past seasons like preferring the “old Death.”
- “Moriah” provides ample table-setting for the final season to feature lots of returning characters, callbacks, and just general moments of Sam and Dean fighting the good fight. I’m here for it.
What did you think of this episode of Supernatural? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Supernatural Season 14 comes to Netflix on May 3rd.
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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.