Supernatural: King of the Damned, Review

Supernatural gets into the thick of it in King of the Damned.

We finally see the subplot with Abaddon come to a bloodcurdling end while Cas and Gad start meeting in secret. It’s an episode that brings viewers back into the thick of things after last week’s filler/hopeful backdoor pilot episode.

From the “Then” intro in the beginning we could tell this was going to be a big one. It included all the relevant plot twists while referencing game changers like the hellhounds of season three and John Winchester’s devil’s trap bullet.

Although this episode was integral to the overarching season plot, it also influenced character development. Dean’s new-ish obsession with the First Blade is brought back in full force. He has become a broody, near-emotionless individual. The Blade coaxes bloodlust and deep mistrust from him (although he claims he led Sam down the wrong path to keep him safe.) Dean has become a junkie of sorts, and we know things are going to get worse before they get better. It all culminates in the cliffhanger when Sam urges Dean to hide the Blade far away, and Dean coldly responds: “No.” This is not going to end well.

Crowley, in his own parallel obsession with human blood, has gained emotion he never expected. Abaddon travels back to the 1700s to scoop up Gavin, Crowley’s son. Gavin appeared momentarily in an earlier episode post mortem, a vengeful ghost. The Crowley of Then claimed he hated the kid. The Crowley of Now found himself dismayed over Abaddon torturing Gavin. He finds himself compelled to impress the lad, and keen on warning him away from the ship disaster that will take his life. Crowley takes Gavin out of the Winchester’s reach. It’s an open ending that suggests Gavin may play a minor part later on, possibly in the finale.

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Abaddon, as usual, was a scene stealer. Her presence, so casual and evil at the same time, was underscored by production design that matched her flaming red hair. It was an interesting choice, especially when she’s talking with Crowley, for there to be blood-red curtains framing her in the background.

This episode won’t be remembered without flashes of a barbaric Dean stabbing and then pulverizing Abaddon with the First Blade. His image was reminiscent of an enraged caveman, striking away at an enemy both feared and hated. The sudden telekinesis to bring the Blade to his hand also speaks volumes of how much more powerful he is now. It was a scene reminiscent of the log cabin in Season 1, when Papa Winchester was possessed by Old Yellow Eyes. We expected Psychic Sam at that point to float the Colt to his hand, but it never did happen.

It was a well put together episode with great glimpses at character. Let’s hope next week can live up to it.

Den of Geek Rating: 5 Out of 5 Stars

 

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Rating:

5 out of 5