Supernatural Review: The Trap (Season 15 Episode 9)
Supernatural is rolling right along, and as such, its endgame is coming into clearer focus.
On Supernatural Season 15 Episode 9, “The Trap,” Dean and Castiel share a cathartic trip to purgatory while Sam and Eileen have a confrontation with God.
Going into “The Trap,” it seemed that the endgame for Supernatural would be to come up with a way to stop God and take the remaining episode count to execute. Instead, all of that happens in this episode, which shifts the endgame into the unknown.
The plot of “The Trap” really shakes things up in an exciting way for the final run of episodes. It seems the purpose is to create some excitement and set some things in motion, and “The Trap” certainly succeeds in doing so.
God truly succeeds in his effort to make Sam lose his hope by showing him “the future,” which sets up plenty of interesting action and heals them both from their injury/connection. Sam’s hope and determination being the main reason for God’s injury works well as a plot device — buying everyone some extra time until the endgame.
Honestly, it’s really great to see one of the brothers get to go back and forth with Rob Benedict again. They’ve largely been separated during this season, so getting some Benedict/Padalecki chemistry is a really essential element to “The Trap” and how well it works. Not to mention there are a few great one-liners within.
Chuck: Come on, Eileen
Even further, though, the use of cameos by other characters in the “future” that God uses is also a very meta device to show what Supernatural would be like if it continues past God’s existence. They’d lose more fan-favorite recurring characters, and it eventually wouldn’t end well for the boys. Most episodes with God are somewhat meta, but “The Trap” especially so.
Aside from all of this, though, is Dean and Castiel’s trip to purgatory. Their relationship has been icy all year long after Mary and Jack’s untimely demises, but they had no choice but to rush off to purgatory together, even when Sam is in trouble.
So what follows is a cathartic healing between Dean and Castiel as their hurts and past mistakes bubble to the surface. Leviathans in purgatory are out for Cas’ blood. Dean believes he got Benny killed.
Jensen Ackles and Misha Collins put forth some of their absolute best work in the purgatory scenes. Dean’s teary prayer, and Castiel acknowledging receipt of it, is one of my favorite scenes on Supernatural this year.
Castiel: You don’t have to say it. I heard your prayer.
All of this culminates in a devastating yet cathartic episode for the Supernatural team. The emotional stakes are high and the plot is exciting.
A few stray thoughts:
- I figured it was only a matter of time before we saw Jack again, but the tease with he and Death is VERY exciting. I’m sure he’s the key to defeating Chuck.
- This is the first mention of leviathans in some time, so I almost forgot Castiel’s role in that storyline.
- Eileen performed a trick at the end called “I’m not a series regular so I have to leave for awhile” that we’ve seen from other characters in the past.
- Time for a revolving door of returning guest stars, yes?
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.