Supernatural Review: Gimme Shelter (Season 15 Episode 15)

Supernatural is making sure to have plenty of fun on its final run of episodes. Maybe too much fun. 

Supernatural Season 15 Episode 15, “Gimme Shelter,” sends Sam and Dean on a trip to find Amara and enlist her help in defeating Chuck. Simultaneously, a case arises for Jack and Castiel to take on. 

“Gimme Shelter” strikes a strong balance between the case of the week for Castiel and Jack, but at the same time works well to build toward the show’s endgame showdown with God/Chuck. 

The Jack and Castiel side quest is (I don’t believe there’s a better word for it)…FUN. There are some fun homages to Castiel’s first hunt and some hilarious quips along the way.

Jack: I just graduated from the CSI

Better yet, “Gimme Shelter” as a hunting story is fun, but it also brings back a few former Supernatural actors in different roles. For instance: Steve Bacic plays Pastor Joe on “Gimme Shelter, and also plays “Dr. Sexy” on Supernatural Season 5 Episode 8, “Changing Channels,” which is among many fans all-time favorite episodes. 

Even further, though, is “Gimme Shelter” and its subtle take on people of faith not being who they claim to be. Each member of Pastor Joe’s “church” has underlying issues and wants to be better, but struggles. Joe and his daughter Sylvia (another returning guest star – Nicole Munoz) become different sides of the same faith. “Gimme Shelter” makes a strong commentary, but it doesn’t condemn religious views — it toes the line well. 

It’s also really interesting to put angelic beings like Castiel and Jack in the middle of a faith-based group. It’s thought provoking, and makes you think about everything that’s happening on the series as a whole while watching.

Emily Swallow also returns as Amara on “Gimme Shelter,” which provides some forward motion for the show’s over-arching plot and simultaneously some closure and answers for Dean. It’s good to see her back again, but the scene in the diner with Dean is all kinds of emotional as they revisit the resurrection and second death of Mary (since as you may recall, Amara is the one who resurrected her). 

“Gimme Shelter” is a fun yet emotional ride through both the season arc and the individual story, with lots of fun callbacks to previous seasons and episodes. It’s definitely worth a watch or two!

A few stray thoughts:

• I love that Sam and Dean have always used FBI names from classic rock icons, but I love Castiel’s “Agent Swift” EVEN MORE.
• Jack’s exclamation at the talking teddy is GOLD. “I have one! For my step-son….Ronald.” Alex Calvert is a treasure.
• Am I the only one who is a little worried that Jack made a Facebook? Can’t God find him that way? He needs to turn location services off.
• “A saint is a sinner who keeps trying” really sums up the softer, emotional side of “Gimme Shelter.” Really well done all around.

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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