Supernatural Review: Raising Hell (Season 15 Episode 2)
Supernatural‘s final season is finally underway, for better or for worse.
On Supernatural Season 15 Episode 2, “Raising Hell,” the conflict between Team Free Will and the ghosts escalates and many familiar faces return.
With only 18 episodes left after this, Supernatural could use a little more urgency. Perhaps it’s because we know there are 18 episodes left that there isn’t much urgency.
No characters feel in danger of dying, and instead, “Raising Hell” reads like the showrunners are putting all of the chess pieces on the board.
There are a LOT of returning characters on “Raising Hell.” There’s Rowena, Ketch, God, Amara, and even the man, the myth, the prophet…Kevin Tran.
But a lot of “Raising Hell” feels like its entire purpose is to remind you that these characters exist and are still in play. Rowena and Ketch are still wildcards on the side of free will, while Kevin is a ghost out of hell.
All of the God and Amara stories are fun if you were missing Amara, but are mostly there to set up God’s role in the rest of the series. He and Sam are now bound by their shared injury, for instance, and he’s not at full strength.
It seems to be just setting up dominoes for what’s to come. The mystery is presented in a way that’s intriguing, sure, but being the final season they should do more to pick up the pace.
While setting up pieces, “Raising Hell” also asks the viewer some truly tough questions about God and free will. Dean, for instance, believes that nothing they’ve done has mattered because God was pulling the strings.
Cas, on the other hand, argues that it’s their intentions combined with their actions that creates value from their existence. This is a little more in line with the biblical concepts from which it’s derived, but either way is a compelling existential question.
Castiel: I dropped the puck
Jensen Ackles and Misha Collins give a great performance in this episode, particularly this scene, where they wrestle with questions but don’t necessarily reconcile them (or with each other). It adds a strong emotional layer to the plot-heavy episode.
“Raising Hell” certainly fleshes out the chess board and asks some tough questions, but most importantly it could be the last time that Osric Chau steps into the role of Kevin Tran. Kevin’s reunion with the boys is bittersweet as it’s from the afterlife, but still tugs at the heartstrings as Ghost Kevin helps Sam and Dean out of one more jam.
The sad little wave given by Kevin as he walks beyond the warded area is heartbreaking, but at least fans get to see him one last time.
Supernatural should be spending a little more time moving the story forward instead of little teases while they set up the board, but if every time they do this involves this many older characters…I can live with it.
A few stray thoughts:
- I find Rowena and Ketch’s romantic chemistry a little off-putting. I don’t know if it’s supposed to be cute…but it’s not.
- I’d like to know more about the demon that sent Ketch to kill Belphagor. I’m sure that’s coming.
- If this really is the “end,” why can’t Sam and Dean just tell the townspeople the truth? Too off-putting?
- I desperately hope that Rowena, Ketch, God, Amara, and Kevin are paving the way for a boatload of returning guest stars.
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.