Reichenbach (Supernatural)

Last updated
"Reichenbach"
Supernatural episode
Episode no.Season 10
Episode 2
Directed by Thomas J. Wright
Written by Andrew Dabb
Production code4X5803
Original air dateOctober 14, 2014 (2014-10-14)
Running time41 minutes
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
 Previous
"Black"
Next 
"Soul Survivor"
Supernatural season 10
List of episodes

"Reichenbach" is the second episode of the paranormal drama television series Supernatural 's season 10, and the 197th overall. The episode was written by Andrew Dabb and directed by Thomas J. Wright. It was first broadcast on October 14, 2014 on The CW. In the episode, Sam escapes from his captor, Cole Trenton, who is holding a vendetta against Dean for something that happened 12 years ago while Crowley begins to lose control of Dean. Meanwhile, Hannah notices Castiel's health and decides to ask Metatron for help.

Contents

Plot

Sam (Jared Padalecki) is told by Cole (Travis Aaron Wade) that on June 21, 2003, Cole woke up in the night to see Dean (Jensen Ackles) kill his father, the reason why he wants to kill Dean. He begins torturing Sam to reveal Dean's location but Sam tries to talk him down about the monsters he and Dean hunt but Cole doesn't believe him. While Cole speaks through the phone, Sam escapes.

Crowley (Mark A. Sheppard) has Dean kill a man's wife after the man sold his soul. However, Dean instead kills the man, making Crowley furious as he has lost a soul. Meanwhile, Castiel (Misha Collins) is beginning to deteriorate his health, causing a car crash, wounding him and Hannah (Erica Carroll). Hannah decides to go to the dungeons in Heaven to talk to Metatron (Curtis Armstrong). Metatron offers Castiel's remaining grace if he's freed but Castiel arrives to refuse the deal, while Metatron states that he will somehow get out and kill everyone.

Realizing Dean is out of control, Crowley gives Sam his whereabouts. Dean refuses to go with Sam but the bar is attacked by Cole, who knocks down Sam. Cole reveals that he allowed Sam to escape and then follow him as he would go with Dean. Cole tries to attack Dean but he is no match for him and is brutally wounded. Dean leaves him alive so that he will have to live with the shame of having been unable to avenge his father. Sam then spreads holy water on Dean so he can handcuff him and take him to the car. Cole leaves but goes to a library to start researching on demons as a way to kill Dean. Sam then gives Crowley the First Blade and while driving, Dean begins to taunt him, stating he will have no mercy on him.

Reception

Viewers

The episode was watched by 2.13 million viewers with a 0.9/3 share among adults aged 18 to 49. [1] This was a 15% decrease in viewership from the previous episode, which was watched by 2.50 million viewers. [2] This means that 0.9 percent of all households with televisions watched the episode, while 3 percent of all households watching television at that time watched it. Supernatural ranked as the second most watched program on The CW in the day, behind The Flash .

Critical reviews

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
IGN 8.7 [3]
TV FanaticStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [4]
Den of Geek Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [5]

"Reichenbach" received critical acclaim. Amy Ratcliffe of IGN gave the episode a "great" 8.7 out of 10 and wrote in her verdict, "Tonight's Supernatural jumped forward in unexpected ways but seeing Sam and Dean confront each other so soon cemented what Dean said in the premiere: Dean doesn't care. This episode drove it home, and Dean's behavior felt like a punch in the gut – in a satisfying sort of way." [3]

Hunter Bishop of TV Overmind, wrote, "Castiel, though, seems like he made peace with his death; that is new, at worst, and cool, at best. I'm willing to watch this play out. I think it could have potential. Some real conflict between the Winchesters outside of the basic crap we've been trundling through for the last nine years is just so appealing. I hope Demon-Dean stays Demon-Dean or at least become Self-Confident-Dean. I hope that Sam gets something to do besides look incredibly sick and chase his brother around. I hope Castiel... does something interesting. Perhaps my hopes are up. But anyways. I liked this episode. It's nice to have Supernatural back; as busy as I am, it's a nice and comfortable hour-long spot for me to enjoy. Hope it's the same for you guys." [6]

Samantha Highfill of EW stated: "Supernatural lives and dies on the relationship between the Winchester brothers. That's not to say that they need to be on good terms for the show to be good. In fact, some of the show's greatest moments have come out of disagreements or one brother trying to save the other from himself. And despite a slow start to the hour, the Demon Dean story line seems to be building to yet another epic moment of brotherly love. No, it didn't happen in this hour, which felt more like setup for what's to come than anything else, but by the end of it, the Winchester brothers were back in the same room, and of course, back in the Impala. From here, things can only get darker and more interesting." [7]

Sean McKenna from TV Fanatic, gave a 4.6 star rating out of 5, stating: "Overall, this was an intense hour providing a mesmerizing and freighting Dean right until the last moments. There's something terrifying (and I can only imagine for Sam) in listening to the elder Winchester brother talk so coldly about what he's going to do to Sam. And as much as I want Sam to save him, I can't help but be pleased at Supernatural's success with exploring a story that involves a demon Dean." [4]

MaryAnn Sleasman of TV.com wrote, "'Reichenbach' kicked up the momentum that was set in motion by 'Black' and left me wanting MORE. NOW. Which is all it really needed to do. After the goofiness of 'Black,' this crazy train to angstville was just want I needed to get my giddy on." [8]

Bridget LaMonica from Den of Geek gave the episode a perfect 5 star rating out of 5, stating "Dean doing the demon eye-flick is creepy. His mild enjoyment later when he's gut-stabbing Lester is even more unsettling. Demon Dean is an unusual sort of character. He's not a good guy, and he's not exactly the demon friend that Crowley had hoped for. The Mark converted Dean into a demon, sure, but he's not one to be controlled by the King of Hell. There's no other being like Dean in the world, which is probably what a lot of his one night stands would say. Did I go there? I think I did." [5]

Related Research Articles

Supernatural is an American television series created by Eric Kripke. It was first broadcast on September 13, 2005, on The WB, and subsequently became part of successor network The CW's lineup. Starring Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester and Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester, the series follows the two brothers as they hunt demons, ghosts, monsters, and other supernatural beings. The series was produced by Warner Bros. Television, in association with Wonderland Sound and Vision. Along with Kripke, executive producers have been McG, Robert Singer, Phil Sgriccia, Sera Gamble, Jeremy Carver, John Shiban, Ben Edlund, and Adam Glass. Former executive producer and director Kim Manners died during production of the fourth season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dean Winchester</span> Fictional character

Dean Winchester is one of the two protagonists from the American drama television series Supernatural, along with his younger brother Sam. He is portrayed primarily by Jensen Ackles. Other versions of the character having been portrayed by Hunter Brochu (toddler), Ridge Canipe (child), Nicolai Lawton-Giustra (pre-teen), Brock Kelly and Dylan Everett (teen), and Chad Everett (elderly).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sam Winchester</span> Fictional character

Samuel "Sam" Winchester is a fictional character and one of the two protagonists of the American drama television series Supernatural along with his older brother, Dean. He is portrayed primarily by Jared Padalecki. Other versions of the character have been portrayed by Alex Ferris and Dylan Kingwell (child), Colin Ford (teenager), and Colton James.

Castiel (<i>Supernatural</i>) Character from American TV series Supernatural

Castiel is a fictional character portrayed by Misha Collins on The CW's American fantasy television series Supernatural. An Angel of the Lord, he first appears in the fourth season and is used to introduce the theme of Christian theology to the series. In the series, Castiel brings Dean Winchester back from Hell and frequently helps him and his brother, Sam, in their battles with various demons and angels along the way. During his travels with the Winchesters, Castiel develops friendships with both men. As an angel, he possesses a number of supernatural abilities, including the ability to kill demons. Initially, the character demonstrates complete devotion to God and little emotion. However, his interactions and experiences with Dean and Sam, as well as certain revelations about God and his fellow angels, have a humanizing effect on him. This, despite the stress and harm it causes his character, allows him to develop an independent will as the series progresses and helps the show address topics related to free will.

Crowley is a fictional character on the American paranormal drama television series Supernatural, portrayed by actor Mark Sheppard, Known as the King of the Crossroads and the King of Hell in Lucifer's absence. Introduced in the fifth season, Sheppard appeared in a recurring role in the next few seasons, and was eventually promoted to series regular in the tenth season. His final appearance was at the end of the twelfth season. His portrayal of Crowley has been met with positive reception from both critics and fans of the series. His name is inspired by Aleister Crowley.

"Hell's Angel" is the eighteenth episode of the paranormal drama television series Supernatural's season 11, and the 236th overall. The episode was written by co-executive producers Brian Buckner & Eugenie Ross-Leming and directed by executive producer Phil Sgriccia. It was first broadcast on April 6, 2016 on The CW. In the episode, Lucifer tries to reach Heaven in an attempt to ascend to power while Crowley states to Sam and Dean that there's a way to lock Amara away.

"Brother's Keeper" is the twenty-third episode and season finale of the paranormal drama television series Supernatural's season 10, and the 218th overall. The episode was written by showrunner Jeremy Carver and directed by executive producer Phil Sgriccia. It was first broadcast on May 20, 2015, on The CW. In the episode, Dean kills a hunter and decides to summon Death to help him with the Mark of Cain as Sam tries to stop him. Meanwhile, Castiel and Crowley meet with Rowena in an attempt to destroy the Mark of Cain.

"Sympathy for the Devil" is the first episode of the fifth season of paranormal drama television series Supernatural and the 83rd overall. The episode was written by showrunner and series creator Eric Kripke and directed by executive producer Robert Singer. It was first broadcast on September 10, 2009 on The CW. In the episode, Sam and Dean watch the aftermath of Lucifer being freed from the Cage while the angels plan a new strategy to stop the Apocalypse.

"Out of the Darkness, Into the Fire" is the first episode of the paranormal drama television series Supernatural's season 11, and the 219th overall. The episode was written by showrunner Jeremy Carver and directed by executive producer Robert Singer. It was first broadcast on October 7, 2015 on The CW. In the episode, Sam and Dean have to deal with the consequence of having freed The Darkness into the world while Crowley recovers after Castiel's attack. With this episode, Supernatural became the longest-running science fiction TV show in North America, surpassing Smallville.

"Black" is the first episode of the paranormal drama television series Supernatural's season 10, and the 196th overall. The episode was written by showrunner Jeremy Carver and directed by executive producer Robert Singer. It was first broadcast on October 7, 2014, on The CW. In the episode, Sam begins looking for Dean and Crowley after discovered Dean returned to life as a demon. Meanwhile, Castiel is dealing with his dying grace while Hannah asks him for help in a mission.

"Form and Void" is the 2nd episode of the paranormal drama television series Supernatural's season 11, and the 220th overall. The episode was written by Andrew Dabb and directed by executive producer Phil Sgriccia. It was first broadcast on October 14, 2015 on The CW. In the episode, Dean takes Jenna to her grandmother's house with the baby Amara, unaware that she is the Darkness, whom Crowley is looking for so he can use her power. Meanwhile, Sam works on a cure for the virus while Castiel is tortured by angels for Metatron's whereabouts.

"Soul Survivor" is the third episode of the paranormal drama television series Supernatural's season 10, and the 198th overall. The episode was written by Brad Buckner & Eugenie Ross-Leming and directed by main cast member Jensen Ackles. It was first broadcast on October 21, 2014 on The CW. In the episode, Sam has now captured Dean and is trying to cure him to become human again. Meanwhile, Castiel and Hannah are attacked by Alina, an angel who wants revenge after they killed her friend, Daniel.

"The Bad Seed" is the 3rd episode of the paranormal drama television series Supernatural's season 11, and the 221st overall. The episode was written by Brad Buckner & Eugenie Ross-Leming and directed by main cast member Jensen Ackles. It was first broadcast on October 21, 2015 on The CW. In the episode, Sam and Dean are looking for Rowena while Crowley begins to take care of Amara so he can use her for his purposes.

"Our Little World" is the 6th episode of the paranormal drama television series Supernatural's season 11, and the 224th overall. The episode was written by Robert Berens and directed by John Showalter. It was first broadcast on November 11, 2015, on The CW. In the episode, Sam, Dean and Castiel begin looking for Metatron as he may have the key to the answers of The Darkness while Crowley loses control of Amara.

"The Devil in the Details" is the 10th episode and midseason premiere of the paranormal drama television series Supernatural's season 11, and the 228th overall. The episode was written by Andrew Dabb and directed by Thomas J. Wright. It was first broadcast on January 20, 2016 on The CW. In the episode, Lucifer shows Sam his memories in an attempt for him to say yes to be his vessel. The title is a reference to the phrase "The devil is in the detail", meaning a mystery or loop on a detail.

"Beyond the Mat" is the 15th episode of the paranormal drama television series Supernatural's season 11, and the 233rd overall. The episode was written by John Bring and Andrew Dabb and directed by Jerry Wanek. It was first broadcast on February 24, 2016 on The CW. In the episode, Sam and Dean investigate the case of the death of one of their favorite wrestlers, which may involve another wrestler.

"Sacrifice" is the twenty-third and final episode of the paranormal drama television series Supernatural's season 8, and the 172nd overall. The episode was written by Jeremy Carver and directed by Phil Sgriccia. It was first broadcast on May 15, 2013 on The CW. In the episode, Sam makes the ultimate sacrifice in order to complete the trials to lock the demons from Earth with the last trial being Crowley himself. Meanwhile, Dean allies with Castiel and Metatron ordered to finish the Heaven trials but they were ambushed by Naomi and her Angels, finally finding out what will happen when the spells are finished.

"Keep Calm and Carry On" is the first episode and season premiere of the paranormal drama television series Supernatural's season 12, and the 242nd overall. The episode was written by new showrunner Andrew Dabb and directed by executive producer Phil Sgriccia. It was first broadcast on October 13, 2016, on The CW. In the episode, Dean finds that his mom was resurrected by Amara and along with Castiel, discover that Sam has been kidnapped and set off to find him. Meanwhile, Crowley goes with him to find Lucifer, who was exiled from Castiel's vessel and is looking to find a new one.

"The Foundry" is the third episode of the paranormal drama television series Supernatural's season 12, and the 244th overall. The episode was written by Robert Berens and directed by Robert Singer. It was first broadcast on October 27, 2016, on The CW. In the episode, Sam, Dean and Mary Winchester investigate a case where a couple were killed when they heard a baby crying in a house. They soon realize that there are ghosts in the house from the spirits of the dead kids but the spirit of the father of one of the kids possesses Mary. Meanwhile, Castiel is forced to team up with Crowley to find Lucifer, who wants Rowena to help him make him stronger.

References

  1. Baron, Steve (October 15, 2014). "Tuesday Final Ratings: 'The Flash', 'Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.', 'The Voice' & 'The Mindy Project' Adjusted Up; 'About A Boy' & 'Chicago Fire' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 16, 2014. Retrieved June 3, 2016.
  2. Baron, Steve (October 16, 2014). "Revised Tuesday, October 7 Final Ratings: 'Selfie', 'Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' & 'Forever' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 18, 2014. Retrieved June 2, 2016.
  3. 1 2 Ratcliffe, Amy (October 14, 2014). "Supernatural: "Reichenbach" Review". IGN . Retrieved June 3, 2016.
  4. 1 2 "Supernatural Season 10 Episode 2 Review: Reichenbach". TV Fanatic. 14 October 2014.
  5. 1 2 "Supernatural: Reichenbach review". Den of Geek . 15 October 2014.
  6. Bishop, Hunter (October 14, 2014). "Supernatural Season 10 Episode 2 Review: 'Reichenbach'". TV Overmind . Retrieved June 3, 2016.
  7. "'Reichenbach': Cas learns the truth about his grace, Sam captures Dean, and Crowley runs off with the First Blade". Entertainment Weekly . October 14, 2014. Retrieved June 3, 2016.
  8. "Supernatural "Reichenbach" Review: Family Therapy, Winchester Style". TV.com .