Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid

I have never been able to piece together what Death was doing going after Bobby by raising zombies. If it was about getting Bobby out of the way why not just kill him? This question makes the episode feel in retrospect a waste of time. It is only on the strength of Jim Beaver's performance that this episode is worth watching. It is a handful of episodes that focus on Bobby and on that level it is great. But it doesn't fit in with the season and feels vestigial to the season and the show on the whole.

Pet Sematary is one of my favorite zombie like movies! This episode does the zombie vibe well! Short and sweet! Enjoy!

One good episode in a long time! Not making fun of the series anymore...

Yeah, there is romance, there's love, there's a lot of shooting, but there's one thing: a lot of scenes like those from the game left 4 dead, it seems that Ben Edlund is a fan of the game...

Little of that good old "Dean-ish" humour with lines like: "Great, another horseman. Must be Thursday." got me to rate this episode a 7.

I hope they'll end this season by summer 'cuz I'm tired of waiting, seeing 3 more episodes and then another break...

Not the best supernatural episode, but it's worth watching it :)

"Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid," the fifteenth episode of Supernatural's fifth season, directed by John F. Showalter and written by Jeremy Carver, is a poignant and emotionally charged installment that blends supernatural horror with profound character exploration. The episode takes a unique approach to the zombie genre, presenting the undead not as mindless monsters but as resurrected loved ones attempting to return to their normal lives. This narrative choice sets the stage for a deeply personal story centered on Bobby Singer (Jim Beaver), whose late wife Karen (Carrie Ann Fleming) is among the resurrected.

The episode begins with Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) investigating a small town where the dead have risen from their graves. Unlike typical zombies, these individuals initially appear harmless, reintegrating into their families and communities. However, as the brothers dig deeper, they discover that this phenomenon is tied to Death, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The stakes become personal when they learn that Bobby's wife Karen has also returned. Bobby's joy at having Karen back is tempered by his knowledge of what she will inevitably become, creating a heartbreaking conflict that drives much of the episode's emotional weight.

John F. Showalter's direction excels in balancing moments of quiet introspection with scenes of intense horror. The cinematography effectively captures the eerie atmosphere of the town, particularly during night sequences where the undead begin to turn violent. Notable moments include Karen baking pies for Bobby-a seemingly mundane act that becomes deeply unsettling given her undead state-and the climactic battle against the zombies at Bobby's house. The editing ensures a steady pace, though some critics have noted that the narrative occasionally feels disjointed due to its shift between emotional drama and traditional horror elements.

Jim Beaver delivers an outstanding performance as Bobby, portraying a man torn between his love for his wife and his duty as a hunter. His final moments with Karen are particularly moving, as she reveals that she remembers everything about her death and her possession by a demon. Jensen Ackles brings depth to Dean's pragmatic approach to the situation, highlighting his protective instincts toward Bobby while grappling with his own emotional scars. Jared Padalecki shines in his scenes with Sheriff Jody Mills (Kim Rhodes), whose tragic loss of her son adds another layer of emotional complexity to the story. Rhodes' understated yet powerful performance as Jody establishes her as a compelling character who would go on to play a significant role in later seasons.

Thematically, "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" explores grief, love, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding resurrection. The episode raises questions about whether bringing back loved ones is worth the inevitable pain and consequences. Bobby's struggle to let go of Karen mirrors broader cultural debates about coping with loss and moving forward. The narrative also delves into themes of loyalty and sacrifice, as Sam and Dean must balance their mission to stop Death with their desire to support Bobby during his time of need.

"Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" is a standout episode that combines supernatural horror with deeply personal storytelling. Its exploration of grief and love resonates on an emotional level, making it one of the more poignant entries in Supernatural's fifth season. While some viewers may find the pacing uneven or question certain continuity issues regarding Bobby's backstory, these shortcomings are overshadowed by strong performances and compelling thematic depth. By intertwining personal stakes with apocalyptic consequences, the episode enriches Supernatural's overarching narrative while delivering a haunting meditation on loss and resilience.