Hammer of the Gods

"Hammer of the Gods," the nineteenth episode of Supernatural's fifth season, directed by Rick Bota and written by Andrew Dabb and Daniel Loflin, is an ambitious yet divisive installment that attempts to expand the show's mythological scope. Set in the luxurious yet eerie Elysian Fields Hotel, the episode explores what happens when gods from various pantheons convene to address the Judeo-Christian apocalypse. While the premise is intriguing, the execution has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising its boldness and others criticizing its portrayal of non-Christian deities.

The narrative begins with Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) seeking refuge from a storm at a seemingly ordinary hotel. However, they soon discover that the hotel is a trap set by gods from different mythologies-including Kali (Rekha Sharma), Baldur (Adam Croasdell), and Ganesh-who aim to use Sam and Dean as leverage against Lucifer. The tension escalates when Gabriel (Richard Speight Jr.), disguised as Loki, intervenes to save the brothers. The gods' plan unravels when Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino) arrives, leading to a bloody massacre that underscores his overwhelming power. Gabriel's attempt to confront his brother ends tragically, leaving Sam and Dean with a cryptic message about how to imprison Lucifer once again.

Rick Bota's direction effectively captures the grandeur and menace of the Elysian Fields Hotel, using opulent set design and atmospheric lighting to create a sense of unease. The cinematography highlights the contrast between the gods' divine origins and their human-like flaws, particularly in scenes where they bicker or display pettiness. However, some critics have noted that the pacing feels uneven, with moments of humor and tension clashing awkwardly. The editing struggles to balance the episode's tonal shifts, particularly during transitions between comedic interactions and violent confrontations.

The performances are a mixed bag. Richard Speight Jr. Shines as Gabriel, delivering both humor and pathos in his final moments as he confronts Lucifer. Rekha Sharma brings intensity to Kali, though her character's motivations feel underdeveloped. Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles provide solid performances as Sam and Dean navigate their precarious situation, but their roles are somewhat overshadowed by the ensemble cast of gods. Mark Pellegrino's portrayal of Lucifer is chillingly effective, reinforcing his character's dominance and disdain for humanity.

Thematically, "Hammer of the Gods" explores power dynamics among deities and humanity's place in a world dominated by supernatural forces. The episode raises questions about cultural representation and religious hierarchies, but its portrayal of non-Christian gods has been criticized for being reductive or disrespectful. By depicting these gods as weaker than Lucifer, the narrative inadvertently reinforces a Judeo-Christian-centric worldview that undermines its attempt at inclusivity. Despite this flaw, Gabriel's arc provides a poignant commentary on loyalty and self-sacrifice, adding emotional weight to an otherwise uneven story.

"Hammer of the Gods" is an ambitious but flawed episode that struggles to balance its expansive mythology with coherent storytelling. While it offers compelling moments-such as Gabriel's sacrifice and Lucifer's devastating arrival-it falters in its portrayal of non-Christian deities and its tonal inconsistencies. Nevertheless, the episode advances Supernatural's overarching narrative by introducing critical plot points about Lucifer's imprisonment and setting up future confrontations with Pestilence and Death. For fans willing to overlook its shortcomings, "Hammer of the Gods" serves as a thought-provoking exploration of divine conflict in an apocalyptic world.

Between Dirk Gently and the Long Dark Teatime of the Soul, American Gods, Good Omens, and The Sandman, this episode has almost all of the characters, tropes, and set-pieces that have delighted audiences for decades. Say what you will about Supernatural's soap-opera schtick, but the humour and heart keep rising to the top of the schlock heap. No wonder the show lasted for 15 years. While I'm tempted to think that the production design here has been influential to everything related that has come come after, there are certain sensibilities that are bound to get recycled within the TV series production community. After recently binging Lucifer, and enthralled by the success of Netflix's The Sandman, it's good to visit this solid effort on the mythological procedural sub-genre.

Even in the episode it was mentioned that the Pagangods were weakened because not many people believed in them anymore. But even an atheist would have thoughts about the devil. Everyone knows who he is and that gives him power so the fact that he was able to defeat them so easily doesn't make the gods weak, it just meant that he had more people believing in him that made him stronger. Just think about it though, because before I even watched this I didn't even know who Odin or Kali were. I didn't even know about Loki until I saw this episode and if I didn't know, just think about anyone else who probably watched it and had no clue. But the devil? Everyone could recall who he is even if they hadn't read the bible.

So many hurt religious people criticising this episode. Get a life. All religion is make believe like these episodes.

So funny when Dean asks Kali "How you doin'?".

I have always thought that Dean looks - and acts - a lot like Joey in Friends and I have been waiting for him to say that line - in that voice.

Loved it!