Death Takes a Holiday

"Death Takes a Holiday," the fifteenth episode of Supernatural's fourth season, created by Erik Kripke and directed by Steve Boyum, is a gripping installment that masterfully blends suspense, emotional depth, and supernatural intrigue. This episode stands out for its exploration of a mysterious phenomenon in Greybull, Wyoming, where people stop dying, and the brothers' quest to uncover the reason behind this anomaly.

The narrative begins with a haunting scene where a terminally ill man recovers, and another is shot but walks away unharmed, setting the stage for Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester's (Jensen Ackles) investigation. As they delve deeper, they discover that the cause is linked to the disappearance of reapers, which are being kidnapped by demons to break one of the 66 seals leading to the apocalypse. The episode's use of suspense and mystery keeps viewers engaged as they piece together the events leading to the final confrontation with Alastair.

Steve Boyum's direction skillfully captures both the emotional depth of the characters and the suspenseful elements of the supernatural threats. The cinematography enhances the tension, particularly during scenes where Sam and Dean project onto the astral plane to communicate with Cole Griffith, the last person to die in Greybull, creating an atmosphere of desperation and fear. Notable is the use of lighting to highlight the dark nature of the events unfolding, reflecting the twisted reality of Alastair's actions. However, some critics argue that the pacing could be improved, particularly in scenes where the narrative jumps between different plot points.

Jensen Ackles delivers a compelling performance as Dean, showcasing his emotional depth as he grapples with the idea of being rescued from Hell and his growing distrust of Sam. Jared Padalecki effectively portrays Sam's determination to save the reapers and his frustration with Dean's skepticism about his powers. The chemistry between the brothers remains a highlight, adding emotional depth to their interactions as they navigate the complexities of their family legacy and the supernatural threats they face. The guest cast, particularly Tessa and Cole Griffith, adds complexity to the narrative by presenting characters who are both vulnerable and powerful.

Thematically, "Death Takes a Holiday" explores issues of mortality and deception, raising questions about how individuals perceive death and the consequences of their actions. The episode highlights the tension between Dean's skepticism about divine intervention and Tessa's assertion that there are no miracles, mirroring broader cultural debates about the nature of death and the afterlife. Tessa's character serves as a metaphor for the external forces that can disrupt human lives, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding. The narrative also touches on themes of identity and control, as Sam and Dean struggle to maintain their sense of self amidst supernatural forces that challenge their worldview.

"Death Takes a Holiday" stands out as a memorable episode of Supernatural, effectively combining elements of suspense with meaningful character development and thematic depth. Its exploration of family dynamics and the supernatural makes it a compelling watch, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences with mortality and deception. By intertwining these elements with suspenseful storytelling, "Death Takes a Holiday" enriches the series' ongoing narrative, setting the stage for future conflicts and character growth. The episode's nuanced portrayal of Dean's emotional journey challenges viewers to question their assumptions about right and wrong, making it a thought-provoking addition to the series. However, some viewers might find the handling of Pamela's death to be emotionally impactful but somewhat abrupt, which could detract from the overall impact of the episode.

In the previous episode, words were said that could not be taken back. The Sam–Dean Hunter partnership suffered a wound that would not heal soon, if ever. Yet, the brothers continue, since that is what they do. Of course, getting back into the Myth-Arc is exactly what we need, because at the very core, it is about being brothers. A very clever viewer may have at this point guessed where the arc is *roughly* going, but it is unlikely that anyone could at this point foresee the endgame. Knowing what will happen, this is one of the important episodes – if any hints are placed but the show-runners later change their minds and contradict the hints, the elaborate arc collapses.

Luckily, this episode passes the re-watch test. The plot is like a battle of wits between the Winchesters and Alastair – or is it? The mind-games are brilliant. Pretty much everything has been thought of: how the Mystery-of-the-Week ties into the demons' plans, why the angels' do things the way they do, and what is the brothers' role. Rewatching this after seeing everything to the culmination at the end of Season 5 reveals only one small problem: as was stated by Castiel at the start of this season, the angels have a work for Dean to do. So if Dean is their *asset*, why haven't they protected him appropriately during the past dozen episodes? Well, it will be explained later on, but not in a wholly satisfying way. Meanwhile, bonus points for how cleverly Alastair drops a hint at the future of things to come.

Everyones favorite hot psychic Traci Dinwiddle is back as Pamela, and there is a very special Sexy-Woman-of-the-Week (not that Traci isn't) surprise in store – unless you paid attention during the opening credits and saw her name. And speaking of the opening credits, there is one name that practically jumps at you: the mighty Christopher Heyerdahl. Mark Rolston set the bar *very* high as Alastair, and when Andrew Wheeler doesn't measure up, in comes Heyerdahl, saving the day. It is uncanny how he gets every mannerism Rolston gave Alastair exactly the same, completely convincing us that inside the meat suit is the very same demon. Compared to Heyerdahl, every other actor who's inherited the role of a demon (including Genevieve) just doesn't convince. And Alastair is not the only memorable character Heyerdahl has portrayed – two years earlier he was Zor-El in Smallville, and more importantly, from 2006 to two months before this episode aired, he made what first was just a nameless Wraith into the unforgettable Todd the Wraith in Stargate: Atlantis. (Yes, the name *is* silly, but that is part of the character's coolness - he overcomes it!)

Finally, this episode is dedicated to the late, great Kim Manners, who, during his almost 30-year long career as a director (among other roles), gave us classics like The X Files' (no hyphen!) "Humbug" and "War of the Coprophages", plus Supernatural's "No Rest for the Wicked" and "Lazarus Rising". And this does justice to him by being a great, tense 8/10 episode. It doesn't need to be a 9/10 classic, considering it is just a prelude to the astonishing "On the Head of the Pin", coming up next

Sam and Dean head to Greybull, Wyoming, after reading that a man terminal with cancer and another shot in the heart had not died; further nobody has died for a week and a half. They discover that a demon has kidnapped the local Reaper and intends to kill him to break one of the 66 seals to bring the Apocalypse to Earth. They summon the blind psychic Pamela Barnes to help them to make an astral projection to save The Reaper. While ghosts, they meet the boy Cole Griffith that was the last deceased person in Greybull and knows where Alistair is hidden and Tessa that was sent as the substitute for the local Reaper. When Tessa is also abducted, they find that Alistair is responsible for the abductions and the powerful demon needs two Reapers to break the seal.

"Death Takes a Holiday" is another great episode with the return of the war between demons and angels and Alistair trying to break another seal. The story is very well written, with many pop references (I loved "Feeling like Demi Moore") and alternating dramatic and funny moments. The relationship of the Winchester brothers is really shaken by the lack of trust. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): "A Morte Tira Férias" ("The Death Takes Vacation")

Dean and Sam's view of faith hasn't been much explored prior to s4, houses of the holy and especially faith were indicators of the brothers take on God. The exploration of Dean's faith through him being saved is one of the best mini plots this season has. Something nasty is coming, just a few lines and they set up the tension so well. As for the main plot of the ep, it was fine and had its cool moments. Good classic spn formula for the mythos storyline, a bit of humour, a serious relatble subject, the tension and anticipation and fear for the future.