Quick Reaction: 8x15 Man's Best Friend With Benefits

[hells_half_acre]

Okay, fess up Supernatural Writers.... which one of you has been stalking the kinkmeme?

An old-school MOTW this week... let's get into it...

NOTE: Just for those who don't remember, my cut-text is always the most apt lyric that I heard on my iPod on the walk home from my friend's place... and well, this was seriously the most apt lyric tonight.

So, we begin with... a murder. As always. I think it was girl-in-alley. Poor girl-in-alley, first she has to wear ridiculously high heels and walk down an alley, and then she gets murdered for her trouble. Then the murderer wakes up in bed from a nightmare... premonition? MYSTERY ESTABLISHED.

Next we have Sam and Dean, who seem to be fresh off the Hell Hound kill, because Dean's concerned about whether Sam is okay and he still wants to tag Sam out of the match and dive in himself. (Uh, Dean... not sure heavenly quests work like the WWE, just saying.) Sam and Dean are in town because a friend called them though, a friend named James, who is a cop who saved their life... which I'll just assume happened in the broad expanse of time in S3 that we never got to see. I'm actually THANKFUL that they didn't give us a flashback or a date because I can't actually add anything to my S1-S5 timeline without deleting something of equal length from it - that post is at it's limit. And odds are it happened back then, rather than during the madness that was S6-S7, and James is too young to have met them pre-series.

Anyway, Dean goes out for beers and CUTE DOG shows up. Sam loves dogs. It's actually kind of adorable, because ordinarily I'd think it kind of out of character for Sam... mainly because the dog-people I know tend to be more outgoing...like, well, DOGS. But I suppose that's a stereotype. You can probably be an introvert and a dog person.

I loved Sam's reaction when he heard the Impala pull up. Like, no matter how old Sam gets, he's got this rule ingrained in his head "no dogs allowed" and he's like "I'mma be in trouble!"

I also loved how Sam doesn't actually say the word "dog" and just says "she" and then opens the door and the dog is a lady. Hehehe, very well done. But seriously, Dean's "she can stay the night" upon seeing a hot woman in the room just confirmed like 3,000 wincest-y fics where the boys...share. (*cough* Not that I read those of course *cough*)

I also loved how Sam's immediately to business though. He's not caught off guard or dumbfounded. He's just "she was a dog a second ago" and it's out with the knife.

Anyway, doggie is Portia, James' familiar. James the Cop is now James the Cop-Witch. (As opposed to the Witch-Cop, who I'm thinking would only arrest witches?). Dean is not impressed. James = friend, but Dean HATES witches. Ironically, he's always hated them mostly for what they do to animals.

Portia contacted Hunters BEHIND James's back... you have to wonder about the logic on that one. Though, I guess she's right... he can't get help from the police and it's most likely an inside witch-community job, so getting their help is out too. Still though, asking Hunters to help your witch boyfriend is playing with fire.

I did like the lines where Portia gave Dean a piece of her mind, and his response was "that was hot" and then she looked at Sam for a little help, and he just deadpanned confirmed "it was kinda hot." Oh, boys... I love how much you both love women who refuse to take any crap from you.

James meanwhile is at a club chatting with someone who looks a lot like Michael Fassbender... so much so that I was distracted. Also, he does not seem trustworthy.

Then it's awkward waiting in the living room while a couple fights in the bedroom like you can't hear every word they are saying... but perhaps first James kills another dude? Yes. That's right. Poor blind dude.

The plan is simple: Tie James up so that he can't kill anyone and then go investigating.

Sam talks to the cops - who then threw me off the sent of Michael Fassbender, because the cop dude seemed shady... most of the time the local cops are always wanting to help the FBI, but this one didn't... SHADY.

Meanwhile, Dean goes to the club to interview witches? Was this the plan? Couldn't Portia do this? I guess this was one aspect of the episode that I didn't really get... I wasn't sure what Sam and Dean really brought to the table, besides maybe forcing James and Portia to talk to each other again so they could solve these shenanigans.

Dean meets Philippe LeChat, and let's us know that for all Dean's knowledge of Latin, Enochian, and a little bit of Japanese, he obviously does not know a lick of French. I will say that Philippe was well cast. We decided that the only thing that would make that scene better would be if Philippe looked Dean dead in the eye and knocked over his glass of beer right before he changed into the cat. (see cat-friend vs dog-friend)

Now, that being said, asking the MOST LIKELY CANDIDATE FOR EVIL about the existence of evil spells is probably not the wisest detective move Dean.

Oh! We also learn that Dean is allergic to cats! You and me both, Dean... though he's more allergic than me. I guess Portia also tells us that Dean isn't a dog person, but we kinda already knew that, I think. We've seen Dean interact with dogs in a friendly manner before (Mystery Spot!) but my hypothesis is that he's kinda like me... I don't HATE dogs. I just don't want to own one myself. I'm happy petting other people's dogs in other people's houses, but I don't like the idea of a dog in my own house. Also, maybe being torn apart by hell hounds sours a man on a species. :P

Then I kind of forget what happens. Sam gets the results back on James' shit.. the one witch Dean asks doesn't know of a spell that can control other witches, so they decide that James has got to go down.

Oh, I have a question: Who even monograms their shirts anymore?! What century is James living in?

I kind of think that the decision to kill James was PRETTY rushed. I mean, in my opinion, they kind of barely investigated. That being said, they are kind of biased against him given how much Dean hates witches.

I guess I'm also skipping over the whole Kate&Benny argument. I know most of you will grown when I bring up the Amy storyline from last year, but that was where my mind flew - as I asked myself why Dean was willing to cut Kate and Benny slack (because they had no choice) and not Amy, who also had no choice... but then it occurred to me that Kate and Benny weren't killing people, and that's always the bottom line with Dean. He's learned to forgive being a monster (especially if it's against your will) but he doesn't forgive killings very easy. Also, Amy had the unfortunate timing of killing right after Cas had gone on a murder spree while thinking himself a god.

I'm also skipping the whole "You don't trust me" drama... which, you know, I don't think we actually NEED in the story at this point. Though, personally, I kind of see where Dean is coming from - If you want something done right, your only choice is to do it yourself. But then, I DO have trust/control issues... so, the fact that I can totally understand where Dean is coming from, probably isn't actually a point in his favour.

Another note here... I don't know who directed this episode, but those extreme zoom-ins while Sam and Dean were arguing gave me claustrophobia.

Anyway, back to murdering James!

Oh, but before we get to that, James and Portia have kinky sex with chains.... seriously, what doesn't this episode have? Bestiality, bondage, soul-bonds... we just needed some magic healing cock and gratuitous emotional hurt/comfort, and we'd have everything.

Also, can I just say... worse orgasm ever? I mean, that IS when she had the murder visions right? Anyway....

BACK TO MURDERING JAMES!

It's a good thing the boys didn't come in earlier... but Portia stops them from murdering her man, and explains that from what she saw there was no possible way that James did the murdering, because there was no preparation, aftermath, or any emotion attached to them whatsoever.

Okay, just a note here, when Portia is talking about how "Familiars aren't supposed to have sex with their witches" or whatever the line was... I seriously thought she said "their bitches" and well... I kind of preferred that line, because it was even kinkier. :P

So, it's back to investigating....

Sam goes back to the police station, but discovers that the cop won't co-operate, and also sees that they've got a file on James. Dean goes with Portia to meet up with a Witch-Snitch... Snitch-Witch?... Switch?... either way, sounds like the beginnings of a good tongue-twister. The Switch drives a Gremlin...

Before he arrives though, Dean tries to find out if Portia was a dog first or a human, and which one she considers her true self... because he's got to figure out if James is gross or a lucky man, I guess. Portia's not telling... which I kind of like.

Anyway, Switch tells them that there's rumours going around about James in the community...that he's killing folk. So, they know it's an inside job. They head back to James' place.

I love how Sam congratulates Dean on not making any bestiality jokes, and Dean actually looks PROUD of himself. Hahaha... never change.

Sam tells James about the evidence room at the precinct, and they decide to do some Astral Projection. I thought that's what they did back in 4x15 when they walked around outside of their bodies... but this was a little different... or so directed that we didn't get to see them spiritually manifest. They see that the police have quite the case built up around James and it all hinges on a witness account... PHILIPPE LECHAT.

JAMES ANGRY! JAMES SMASH! Seriously, that's no way to treat your friends, James... and don't yell at your dog when they've done nothing wrong. It hurts their feelings. James storms out and goes to the club and attacked Lechat, while all the other patrons clear out... and Lechat tells him that it was all his master and he had no choice! And then his master KILLS HIM!

And at this point my reaction was "He killed his cat!! THAT MAN MUST DIE!"

Thankfully, James, the Winchesters, and I were all on the same page. James is losing the fight, but then the Winchesters run in... and promptly get thrown into a wall. Seriously boys, you have got to figure out a counter measure for that move. Then they get up - but MIND TRICKS! At first, I thought that maybe Fassbender would see what he was putting in their minds too, and THAT would kill him... because wouldn't that be cool? If he's like "I will paralyze you with your worst memories!" and then he's like "OH GOD! THE HORROR!" when he sees them for himself, and the Winchesters are like "that was just Tuesday, man, that was nothing."

But no, instead... actually, I can't really remember what happened... Portia ran in and saved the day? Yes, that sounds right. Anyway, dude loses breaks control of the spell and the Winchesters, now very adept at suppressing their traumatic memories, quickly deal him the death blow using Bobby's witch-killing spell. And James and Portia headbutt affectionately.

Then it's goodbye time... and sure enough, James still has to leave town, because the police have a pretty good case, and it's a little suspicious that their key witness is dead. So, James and Portia take off. I really do love how Portia looks at Sam with a great deal of affection...telling him that she'll miss him, even though she spent most of her time with Dean. Sam doesn't have many friendships, but the man does love dogs - and I like that that's all Portia needs to know to decide that Sam's an awesome guy.

And then it's time for the Winchesters to have an emotional talk in the Impala... where Dean tells Sam that he DOES trust him, and that as long as Sam's good, Dean's good... and we're all good.... except that Sam's come down with tuberculous!

Seriously though, Sam coughing up blood makes me wonder if there is a time limit on these trials... like, maybe they really should have translated all three of them before Sam started on this journey. I also have a sneaking suspicion that the fact that they only have half the tablet will bite them in the ass at some point, because it'd be way too convenient if they only needed the half that they happened to have.

All in all, another solid MOTW, not as grand and epic as the previous three, but still solid... plot reflects Winchester issues, funny lines, grey moral areas... and Sam not wanting to worry Dean with possible health issues for fear that he'll lose his adult status and get kicked back down to baby-brother status.

Next week looks awesome! But then, I'm a huge fan of both Prometheus and archery, so I'm probably biased.


So, as always, let me know what I missed! And please remember that I like liking things.

Comments

[raloria.livejournal.com]

Then they get up - but MIND TRICKS! At first, I thought that maybe Fassbender would see what he was putting in their minds too, and THAT would kill him... because wouldn't that be cool? If he's like "I will paralyze you with your worst memories!" and then he's like "OH GOD! THE HORROR!" when he sees them for himself, and the Winchesters are like "that was just Tuesday, man, that was nothing."

LMAO I was wondering about that myself, but I guess it was just a replay for the boys. Pretty sure it would kill any normal person. Love your dialog here, though. Heehee! :P

Sam doesn't have many friendships, but the man does love dogs - and I like that that's all Portia needs to know to decide that Sam's an awesome guy.

Well, he DID rub her belly. ;)

You were far kinder to this ep than I was. Afraid I found it to be a weak entry this season. The writing seemed to be really lacking and I disliked them dumbing Dean down again after they just built him up.

[hells-half-acre.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I agree it was the weakest of the MOTWs so far - but it's still better than some of their previous episodes, IMHO, so I decided to enjoy it for what it was.

Well, he DID rub her belly. ;)

Heheh. What more could a girl need, really! ;)

Glad you liked my dialogue. :)

Hopefully next week is more to your liking. The preview looked pretty cool. I'm a fan of the greek myths, so I'm crossing my fingers that they do something fun with them.

[raloria.livejournal.com]

Sneaky you! Leaving a comment on my review when I was doing the same to yours! :P

Yeah, it was horrible, and since the boys were in it more, better than the season's other dud for me, "Bitten".

Earned him big points, I'm sure! ;)

I love Greek myths as well. It definitely looks better (and there's been more stills for it compared to tonight's ep). Guess we'll know more when we see the preview clip.

[claudiapriscus.livejournal.com]

I think I may give this episode a pass. The reviews for it aren't bad, and it's not any one thing I can specifically point to and say, "no, I'm not having anything to do with that" but just reading the the reviews leaves me feeling kind of unsettled, so I think it's going into the skip pile for me. I think possibly it is the kink meme thing.

[hells-half-acre.livejournal.com]

Knowing what I know about your usual likes and dislikes... I'd recommend you give this one a pass too. Nothing new happens in it, so you wouldn't be missing anything, and some parts of it might piss you off.

So yeah, I fully support you skipping over this one. ;)

[claudiapriscus.livejournal.com]

Hahaha. Having just read Bellatemple's reaction post, I think you're right. I'm getting a whole "that thing with meg in season 6" vibe (at least in how I think I'd feel about it). There would probably be some ranting. It's better this way. :)

[hells-half-acre.livejournal.com]

My thoughts exactly. ;)

[cookiemom6067.livejournal.com]

Just had to pop in and compliment you on your icon. Yay! HAWKGUY!!!!

[claudiapriscus.livejournal.com]

Heck yeah! :-D

[fannishliss.livejournal.com]

I liked the story and I really liked Portia but I thought the writing was very weak. The dialogue made me groan more than once, and there were several places where the storytelling had big holes in it. I kept saying "weak!" and my son was like "why was that weak?" and I was all curmudgeon like "you know weak when you hear it!!" :P

Also, what is the difference between casting spells makes you a witch, but casting spells if you're a hunter doesn't make you a witch????? In Malleus Maleficarum, they hinted that witches were given their power by demons. They seem to have changed that definition to Witches are powerful because of their spells. Also, now a witch is what you ARE, a kind of monster, which makes no sense to me whatsoever.

I was sorry to see Sam cough blood while simultaneously telling Dean he was good. :(

If you have ideas I'd be very grateful! :D

[hells-half-acre.livejournal.com]

I being a witch is a path you go down, and there are a couple of ways to go down that path. If you want a lot of power quickly, you get that power from a demon. The other method is to study witchcraft and slowly just become more and more powerful (which is what James did). Hunters don't become witches, because they only use a handful of simple utilitarian spells.

It's sort of like the difference between someone who took physics in high school and Albert Einstein - one of those two people is a physicist, the other is not.

That's the way I see it anyway.

[fannishliss.livejournal.com]

That actually makes a lot of sense. They don't make it very clear on Show... but I've read other fiction, like witches might charge objects with power that they can use later -- useful if you want to throw bolts of lightning. I guess I just wonder where, in terms of the SPN universe, the power comes from when they throw Sam and Dean against the wall. Hexbags I get -- gestures less so. :)

[hells-half-acre.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think it's just a build up of skill, and not so much that the power HAS to be demonic. I think the demon-route is just the short-cut for people who a)don't know any better and b)don't want to put in the time to learn how to manipulate the environment themselves.

[missyjack.livejournal.com]

i found myself really like this as a MOTW ep - i think because 1) i really liked bought the Portia/James relationship 2)thought the witch as cop idea and how that played int he witch community was intriguing

unlike Dean i can't go 15 hours without making a bestiality joke. Also i am now going to become a witch in the hopes my dog turns into a hot chick.

[hells-half-acre.livejournal.com]

I really liked the Portia/James relationship too. :) And it was really interesting to see a witch that used their powers for good, but yet seemed to be very powerful.

Also i am now going to become a witch in the hopes my dog turns into a hot chick.

Hahaha, I wish you all the best. ;)

[borgmama1of5.livejournal.com]

A 'meh' episode is always harder to watch after a really good one...

[hells-half-acre.livejournal.com]

'tis true. ;)

[ellecc.livejournal.com]

It made me so happy they were having a discussion about something completely inconsequential at the start of the episode, like they used to :)

The one thing I had a question about--Dean was drinking liquor. Aside from the ep in which the guys both have a drink in the Batcave, have we seen Dean drinking anything other than beer since he got back from Purgatory? I was thinking we hadn't and that maybe him drinking last night is a nice, subtle (but meaningful) sign of how stressed he's feeling about the trials (slippery slope, Dean!). But maybe I was just paying better attention last night than previously and he's had more than beer other times, too, this season. Hmm. I'm hoping someone else can confirm/deny so I don't have to go back and watch the better part of 14 episodes :)

[hells-half-acre.livejournal.com]

Yes, I loved that too! Forgot to mention it in my reaction, but it was great. :) (Even though Jared once again did his 'we are having a funny conversation' tic that drives me nuts... I really have to become immune to that.)

Hmm... I'm not sure if we've seen Dean drink liquor in this season before this episode. You could be right about it being an indicator of stress. Not to mention the fact that he's dealing with witches, who he hates, and it's a moral grey area, which he also hates. So, he wasn't having a very good week.

Unfortunately, I can't confirm/deny completely, and I don't want to go back and watch the better part of 14 episodes either... at least, not until the DVDs come out. ;)

[fannishliss.livejournal.com]

Dean was drinking nice liquor in the Batcave I'm pretty sure. At least the fanon holds that the place is very well stocked with Scotch etc. :)

[fourtenpm.livejournal.com]

Though, personally, I kind of see where Dean is coming from - If you want something done right, you're only choice is to do it yourself. But then, I DO have trust/control issues... so, the fact that I can totally understand where Dean is coming from, probably isn't actually a point in his favour.

I do too, I think it's the most natural thing to think, which, erh, is a problem of some sort.

and the minute they whipped out a chain I started giggling, there is no way that the writers weren't reading up on those kink communities. NO WAY.

[hells-half-acre.livejournal.com]

Haha, my thoughts exactly...

And man, typos... I did the whole "your/you're" thing... I mean, granted, it WAS late at night and I had two glasses of wine, but still...I am moderately ashamed.

[katsheswims.livejournal.com]

"I kind of think that the decision to kill James was PRETTY rushed. I mean, in my opinion, they kind of barely investigated."--Completely agreed here! I was also unsure why they needed a special potion to kill a witch? They've killed them before--I guess maybe they were hedging their bets because most of the witches they do come across escape or kill each other before Sam and Dean kill them...

It wasn't a great episode overall for me. Though I did enjoy some of it.

[hells-half-acre.livejournal.com]

I was actually thinking of that while I fell asleep last night... and is this the first time they actually successfully killed a witch?

Anyway... yeah, I was wondering about that myself, because is there a rule where witches can't be killed with a bullet to the brain like any other human? I know that the super old witches are probably powerful enough to get around stuff like that - but James isn't 900 years old, he's still relatively new.

So, yeah, possible weird plot-hole there, where the boys go too fancy in their killing method than they need to.

[katsheswims.livejournal.com]

I think the only witch Sam and Dean ever killed was in S4. Don(?) the art teacher guy (though he was centuries old). Sam and Dean both shot him. But then he was resurrected as Samhain...though Sam managed to exorcise him and he stayed dead--so I think that counts in the kill column.

[hells-half-acre.livejournal.com]

Good memory! I'd say that sort of counts...and proves that you can kill even a 900 year old witch with bullets, so why they thought they needed the spell, I don't know. :P

[citizen-ephiny.livejournal.com]

Did anyone else notice that the actor who played James' name was Christian Campbell? I found that endlessly amusing. There's been characters named after crew, but I'm not sure we've had an actor who shared a previous character's name before.

Also, the actress who played Portia is named Mishael, which made my mind go into weird Misha/Michael the archangel places...

[hells-half-acre.livejournal.com]

Haha, I didn't notice that! That's hilarious.

I guess it's a good thing Misha wasn't working in this episode too, or things might have gotten confusing. ;)

[khek.livejournal.com]

I kept watching thinking "huh. Remember when there was some gossip a few weeks ago that the SPN writers were thinking of a spin-off series? I wonder if this is their spin-off episode?" It felt kind of like a pilot for another show--the Adventures of a Witch and his Dog. (Or a Witch and his Bitch, but I don't think the censors would let that one go through...)

I didn't hate it, but I didn't care about James and Portia either. I think I'll go rewatch the last three episodes again. :)

[hells-half-acre.livejournal.com]

Haha, I don't think there was anything behind that gossip - and while I thought they were cool, I didn't think James and Portia were strong enough to carry their own series.

But yeah, didn't hate the episode, didn't like it as much as the last few episodes - pretty much sums up my opinion.

[yalumesse]

CAT KILLER MUST DIE. Yeah, that was pretty much my reaction too. *cuddles the kitty*

[hells-half-acre.livejournal.com]

Some crimes cannot be forgiven. :P

[cookiemom6067.livejournal.com]

Yes, you can definitely be an introvert and a dog person.

The episodes since the LARPing one have been so good. For a season that started out frankly disappointing, I've ben pleased with the direction it's taken.

[hells-half-acre.livejournal.com]

Totally agree. I wasn't even that disappointed with the first half of the season (except Sam's storyline), but so far the back half of the season is kicking ass. :)

[marlowe78.livejournal.com]

Hey there

Like you, I thought "oh no, oh my god - they are going to include ALL the stuff we get in the fanfics!" and I tried to hide. Then I thought maybe they finally change one of them into an animal (Dean into a sneezing cat? Or Sam into one, and Dean sneezing? Hee...) or something other cool. They don't have to actually go all the way to the kinkmemes (please, seriously...don't!) *blush*

I didn't NOT like the episode, but it didn't rock my world. I loved the one before, and the Golem one, so in comparison, this is flat. I wonder why any familiar would actively cut off their tail and ears, though, but that might be some nasty European thinking, of how animals should keep the stuff they are born with and keep the altering to stuffed toys.

I liked James - seriously, he was yummmy! I also liked LeChat, he was very cat-like in his behaviour and his character seemed interesting - how did he chose this Master if his Master wanted someone else? Why did he stay with him?
James was very interesting too, in the way he dealt with the possibility that he was a killer and might have to be burned (seriously? Ouch! I'd not be cool with that, I'd demand a bullet first!)

I wasn't too happy with the fact that Dean apparently knows much about witches, but has no clue what a familiar is. Sorry, but either Sam was joking about Dean being a smart hunter, or the writers messed up. I tend to think it was the second option.

I'm not even mad that sometimes, Dean does stupid stuff, but he IS smart, he survived a hell of a lot and he must have learned a lot in that time. Why do people like to write him as a stumbling idiot so much? Where is the difference in giving him bad jokes and bad taste and silly ideas but SMART in all aspects hunting - why is there still, in the 8th season, this need to write him as the brainless brawn, why don't they get over that and just find another way to explain familiars to the two watchers who MIGHT NOT KNOW THAT already. If you're really unimaginative, let him say "Dude, I know that!" when Sam starts explaining, or let him finish Sam's sentence.



It just bothered me, especially right in line with the "you're a genius in your own field" that Sam said. It's inconsistent and makes me growl protectively.

Apart from that, I watched it with quiet detachment and I'd put it maybe next to Route 666, if I'd have to rate it against the whole show.
Maybe even less, but at least better than Bugs :-D

[hells-half-acre.livejournal.com]

Yeah... it was an alright episode, but not as good as the ones preceding it. It's not "Swap Meat" horrible, but it's not going to rank up there with any of the greats either.

I'm slightly okay with Dean not being familiar with familiars... they seem to be a pretty rare thing. Especially since they seem to be something associated more with "good" witches (ie: the kind of witches that know how to avoid attracting the attention of the Winchesters), and not the demon-driven witches that Sam and Dean usually deal with (exceptions being the 900 year old witches they've come across...which did not have familiars for some reason.)

And I agree about the mutilation of dogs, btw. They should have had her human form have missing ears or something...

But hey, maybe that speaks to the fact that she WAS actually a dog first - because as you say, I doubt a human would purposefully cut off appendages. Mind you, there are some pretty crazy humans out there that do all sorts of freaky body modifications, so maybe they would!

I think part of the problem is that in NA, doing that kind of thing to a doberman is so commonplace that a lot of people don't even realize they aren't supposed to look that way. Which is absolutely horrible, but the truth. So, feel free to keep your "nasty European thinking" because quite frankly, I think you aren't the "nasty" ones in this situation. :P

Now, that all being said - I agree that it would be better if they wrote Dean's intelligence more consistently. Like you said, there are other ways of getting the information to the audience other than having an audience surrogate. Even if it was just some line about how familiars are so rare, they doubted they'd ever see one in their life. (Which would kill two birds with one stone, and explain why this is the first time we're seeing them too.)

Anyway, yeah, not great, but not the bottom of he barrel.