Supernatural Review: Atomic Monsters (Season 15 Episode 4)
Supernatural can sometimes become a delicate balance between a monster-of-the-week story, and whatever serialized villain story Team Free Will is up against.
Supernatural Season 15 Episode 4, “Atomic Monsters,” manages that balance very well. Neither of the episode’s two disconnected stories feel forced or excessive, but rather they balance each other out. Time is spent in equal parts advancing the story and showcasing the brothers Winchester in their element.
“Atomic Monsters” feels like a good old fashioned hunt, which is more valuable than normal. Historically the one-off hunts can be frustrating when you want to know what’s happening next in the larger scheme.
But since the time we have remaining with Sam and Dean is growing increasingly limited, “Atomic Monsters” feels a bit like comfort food.
Supernatural has lasted 15 seasons because of the chemistry between Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki, which is on full display here. The allegory, also often present in monster-of-the-week formats, is an indictment of parents covering for the mistakes of their children.
The case is fun, and it had implications beyond a good ole Supernatural hunt.
But of course, the real story of “Atomic Monsters” is the returning characters sprinkled among the “what’s God been up to?” plot.
Viewers will have to go pretty far back to recall God’s previous life as Chuck Shurley, and his #1 superfan/ex-girlfriend Becky. But Chuck and Becky get a chance to catch up, to give long-time viewers a real treat. Much has been revealed about Chuck since he and Becky were last together, but Becky knows none of it, making for a compelling interaction.
Clearly, this half of “Atomic Monsters” is aimed at long-time fans who have been longing to see fan-favorite characters return. Chuck and Becky have chemistry like they always did, and even though God is a bad guy now, his need to be inspired by his long-time fan has a sweetness to it.
What doesn’t have a sweetness to it? How God snaps Becky and her family out of existence, Thanos style. But it’s still kind of awesome.
But Chuck and Becky’s reunion also brings with it some questions, like what did Chuck’s “dark” ending consist of?
My theory is that the strange dream Sam has at the beginning of the episode (where Sam’s reignited demon blood infection causes him to massacre the bunker including Dean and his somehow-alive vampire friend Benny) is the ending that Chuck writes. It has to be.
Otherwise, how do you justify bringing back Ty Olsson just to die in Dean’s arms in a weird dream of Sam’s?
“Atomic Monsters” recognizes the Winchester’s losses and foreshadows that they will only get worse. The inclusion of Becky and (albeit briefly) Benny suggests that we will see quite a few more fan-favorite characters before the season’s (ok, series’) end.
Thankfully, “Atomic Monsters” balances the compelling monster of the week with intriguing foreshadowing, making for a strong final season installment.
A few stray thoughts:
- Didn’t really need this segment, so I’m just going to list characters I still want to see return this season: Mary, John, Bobby, Charlie, Jack, Crowley, Jo, Ellen, Ash, Gabriel
- Characters confirmed to return: Adam/Michael, The Wayward Sisters crew
- I hope they bring Cas back soon. It’s lonely without him.
- Couldn’t help but giggle at Dean’s interactions with the Beaver mascot.
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.