November 2, 2006: No Exit
OK, so here's the thing: I liked "No Exit." It was spooky; plus, I liked the fact that Sam, Dean and Jo were after America's first serial killer. That scene where H.H. Holmes reached into the tomb to stroke Jo like you would a pet was supremely creepy. Some of the lines were funny, too. There was a
Ghostbusters reference. Cheap Trick ("Surrender") and Foreigner ("Cold as Ice") tunes were heard. And we found out a little bit more about the Winchester history. There was just one thing missing - and it's a little glaring since what was missing has been around since the pilot. It's all the brotherly banter. A third (and fourth) party get introduced, and the vibe changes. It's not a bad thing; I like Jo and Ellen, actually. But to me, you need to insert as much Sam and Dean sarcastic banter as you possibly can, especially if the brotherly angsting is briefly on low. The episode needed more banter like this:
"Los Angeles, California."
"What's in L.A.?"
"Young girl has been kidnapped by an evil cult."
"Girl got a name?"
"
Katie Holmes."
"Funny. And for you, so bitchy."
That was hilarious - especially since Jensen once had a recurring role on Katie's claim to fame,
Dawson's Creek. It was understandable that the humor took a backseat for the first part of the season. Last week, we were well on our way back. This week, not so much. We often talk about how the Impala and the music are the third and fourth characters of this show. Well, the brotherly banter has to be the fifth.
Other than that, I loved the way the whole thing ended. I knew there was something up with Ellen's unwillingness to let Jo go track down the serial-killing spirit. Apparently, John used Ellen's late hunter hubby for bait, resulting in his death. When Dean used Jo as bait, it didn't go over so well. Having it all end with Jo telling Dean to go was unexpected, and provided some decent drama. I wasn't sure about the whole Jo factor, but Alona Tal did step things up and kinda won me over. Not as a love interest for Dean, mind you, but more in that sisterly or friendly fellow-ghostbuster way - someone they can count on in a pinch. She did seem to fit into that world, whether she was a little overzealous or not.
Other thoughts:
- Sam got another laptop - all is right with the world. Sure, he had to do research with that huge cast on, but everything seems A-OK as Sam Googles the latest urban legends.
- Loved the part where Ellen called, and Jo had Dean lie to her mom. It was cute. Also, Dean's being afraid of Mama Ellen continues to be funny.
- We're learning more and more about John through Dean. I'd like to hear some of Sammy's memories - scratch that - some of Sammy's
good memories. He had to have had some, and I'm sure he's thinking about every single one of them now that his father's gone.
- However, hearing Dean talk about how Big Daddy Winchester took him shooting when he was six or seven shouldn't have been a really good memory, even though it was for Dean. The man was teaching a toddler how to shoot. It was actually kind of sad that that was one of his favorite memories of his dad.
- When Sam and Dean broke into the apartment to look for signs of paranormal existence, I was half hoping they'd break out another uniform. You know, much like the lab coats from "Bloodlust" or the alarm-company outfits from "Shadow."
- Dean stealing the cement truck rocked.
- How weird was it to see Sam riding in the backseat of the Impala?
Topics to Discuss:
- We probably won't be seeing the Roadhouse gang for a while. How does everyone feel about that?
-
Eric Kripke's latest Q&A.
- What was Dean's ringtone?
- What do you think about John's role in Jo's father's death?
Favorite Lines from "No Exit":
- "It's ectoplasm. Look Sam, I know what we're dealing with here. It's the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man."
- "You love the job." "Yeah, but I'm a little twisted."
- "She's gonna have to call you back. She's taking care of feminine business."
- "That's not the first time I've heard that from a Winchester."
- "So, is this job as glamorous as you thought it'd be?"
- "You ripped off a cement truck?" "I'll give it back."
- "This is going to be a long drive."
