Yellow Fever

Even though the ghost story is nothing special really, this is one of the best episodes. It allows for Jensen Ackles to show off some of his comedic skills, which are top notch. I am rewatching the whole series, so now I look closer at the details. The whole speech Dean has about how it is nuts to be pursuing monsters on purpose is really cool to watch when you think about how much of that scene really has to come from the actor, from the delivery of the lines. Imagine that on paper, and consider what gift it takes to nuance that, to merge the comedy with the drama that way.

And then there is the absolutely perfect "Eye Of The Tiger" with Jensen and the Impala at the end. The best ad-lib ever! The fact that they kept filming, put that in the episode, gave it a little cool title credit in beat with the song - that is why this show lasted for so lang; creative talent and intelligence in front and behind the camera.

Episode gets a 10. And I don't even like ghosts...

This is one of the funniest and most tragic and best mystery episode. It's just overall great. Dean has never been cuter.

THEN: #4.1 - A Fantastic season opener and Mytharc super-booster. #4.2 - Good, but uneven follow-up with maybe one too many ingredients. #4.3 - Long overdue detailing of the show's Mythology done with style. #4.4 - Monster-of-the-Week, but a great one. #4.5 - *Another* Monster-of-the-Week, albeit also a Comedy/Weird One, that can't stand repeated viewings.

NOW: Surely the series would get back to the Mytharc after a two-episode digression? Well... this *is* a really funny episode, with none of the pacing problems that plagued the previous one. However, at the time of writing, 721 votes have given this episode an average of 9.0 and 508 voters have even gone as far as given this the full 10/10! Now, the science of statistics says to us that those 508 people are letting the fanboy/girl inside them cloud their judgment. And there are arguments to support support that.

While extremely funny, thanks to Jensen Ackles's considerable comic talents, it does not mean that this is a flawless, ie. a 10/10 episode. There are several problems. The biggest one is that *three* Monster-of-the-Week episodes in a row is too much when there is a *literally* apocalyptic Mytharc running in the background. "But what about the bit where...?" someone may be asking. It. Is. Not. Enough. Again, we can see from the opening credits that neither Misha Collins nor Genevieve Cortese make an appearance, and can draw our conclusions considering this episode's weight in the big picture from there. Also, this is the second overtly comedic episode in a row - something that should *never* be done unless the main category of the show is Comedy. Also, a Comedy Episode should remain a Comedy Episode from start to finish - otherwise it is just *incoherent*.

Viewed as a single episode, this episode works well enough to be a good 7/10 (there really isn't anything truly special here), but when considered as a part of Season 4 - and the episode itself reminds the viewers that it *is* a part of Season 4, just not as meaningful as it should be - the rating goes to 6/10, which is ironic, since this is the 6th episode of the season. The next one, fortunately, is a return to both form and the Mytharc.

Sam and Dean arrive in Rock Ridge, Colorado, pretending to be FBI agents to investigate the death of the marathon runner Frank O'Brien apparently by heart attack despite his good shape. After the autopsy and a couple of interviews, they discover that Frank was lately anxious and jumpy and has died scared to death. Sooner Bob advises Sam that the three victims in Rock Ridge have died of ghost sickness and Sam realizes that Dean has the symptoms of the disease with intense fear and paranoia. Bobby arrives in the town to help Sam to find the ghost of Luther garland that has spread the outbreak but the time to save Dean is running out.

"Yellow Fever" is a funny episode of Supernatural, with Jensen Ackles inspired performing a hilarious role. The conclusion with Bobby and Sam vanquishing the ghost is disappointing and this episode deserved a better ending. Nevertheless in the credits, Dean dubs the Survivor' song "Eye of the Tiger" from "Rocky III" and this attraction is a kind of compensation for the weak conclusion. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Febre Amarela" ("Yellow Fever")

"Yellow Fever," the sixth episode of Supernatural's fourth season, created by Erik Kripke and directed by Philip Sgriccia, is a captivating installment that masterfully blends suspense, horror, and emotional depth. This episode stands out for its exploration of a mysterious illness known as "ghost sickness," which induces fear, paranoia, and ultimately death in its victims.

The narrative begins with a haunting scene where Dean (Jensen Ackles) is seen running for his life, only to be chased by a Yorkshire terrier, a comedic twist that sets the tone for the episode. The story unfolds as Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean investigate a series of bizarre deaths in Rock Ridge, Colorado, where victims die of heart attacks after experiencing intense fear and paranoia. As they delve deeper, they discover that the cause is a supernatural affliction known as ghost sickness, which Dean contracts after touching a corpse. The episode's use of suspense and mystery keeps viewers engaged as they piece together the events leading to the final confrontation with the buruburu, a spirit that infects victims with fear.

Philip Sgriccia'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 Dean experiences hallucinations and fear-induced paranoia, creating an atmosphere of desperation and chaos. Notable is the use of lighting to highlight the dark nature of the events unfolding, reflecting the twisted reality of the buruburu'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 standout performance as Dean, showcasing his comedic timing as he navigates the absurd situations created by his fear-induced hallucinations. Jared Padalecki effectively portrays Sam's concern for Dean's well-being and his frustration with the case's bizarre nature. 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 Sheriff Al Britton, adds complexity to the narrative by presenting a character who is both eccentric and tragic.

Thematically, "Yellow Fever" explores issues of fear and vulnerability, raising questions about how individuals cope with their deepest fears and the consequences of their actions. The episode highlights the tension between Dean's bravado and his vulnerability to fear, mirroring broader cultural debates about the nature of courage and weakness. The buruburu 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.

"Yellow Fever" stands out as a memorable episode of Supernatural, effectively combining elements of suspense with meaningful character development and thematic depth. Its exploration of fear and vulnerability makes it a compelling watch, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences with fear and resilience.