Two Minutes to Midnight

The overall episode is very good. I have to say the pestilence sections land a lot harder at the moment given that I am writing this during the covid-19 lockdown. Anyway this is a perfect example of what a penultimate episode should do. It has a couple a character beats, wraps up loose ends and sets up the finale. But this ends up being a personal favorite because Death in the pizza joint is one of the best written scenes in the entire show. It is chilling and funny.

The second-to-last episode of the fifth season is one that bares all to let us know that the end is almost here, and it does so with some great scenes.

Pestilence, I thought, was way too messy, yet very much what one would expect in the show. The episode transitions from Pestilence to the known arrival of Death, the fourth and final Horsemen to make an appearance. Death's arrival in the city is done in an amazing slow-motion, very carefully edited scene that is perhaps one of the best scenes of the entire show. It is really brilliant, as is Death's conversation with Dean. It brings up a great point, as how death is neutral to everything.

Overall, this is a great episode and one of the best of the season. Much to look forward to.

Dean has an argument with Sam that wants to say "yes" to Lucifer to trap him. However, they go to the Serenity Valley Convalescent Home where Pestilence is and they are defeated by the Horseman. Out of the blue, Castiel appears and gets his ring.

Bobby sells his soul to Crowley to get the information where Death is. Crowley recovers Bobby and makes him walk. Dean, Sam, Bobby, Castiel and Crowley head to Chicago to meet Death. Bobby, Castiel and Sam find that Niveus Pharmaceuticals will supply vaccines with the Croaton virus. When Dean sees Death in a pizzeria, the Horseman surprisingly proposes a deal to Dean; in return, he gives his ring to Dean.

"Two Minutes to Midnight" is a great episode of the Fifth Season. It is intriguing when Pestilence says to Dean, Sam and Castiel that it is too late. The creepy Death and his dark encounter with Dean is the best moment of this show. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil) : "Dois Minutos para a Meia-Noite" ("Two Minutes to Midnight")

"Two Minutes to Midnight," the penultimate episode of Supernatural's fifth season, directed by Philip Sgriccia and written by Sera Gamble, is a tense and multifaceted installment that masterfully balances action, character development, and thematic depth. As the apocalypse looms ever closer, this episode serves as a critical turning point for the Winchester brothers and their allies, advancing the overarching narrative while delivering some of the series' most memorable moments. With Pestilence and Death-the final two Horsemen-taking center stage, the stakes are higher than ever, and the episode does not shy away from exploring the moral complexities of the characters' decisions.

The episode begins with Sam (Jared Padalecki), Dean (Jensen Ackles), and Castiel (Misha Collins) tracking down Pestilence (Matt Frewer), who is spreading a deadly cocktail of diseases in an Iowa hospital. The sequence is both grotesque and suspenseful, as Pestilence infects everyone in his vicinity, including Sam and Dean. The tension peaks when Castiel-now stripped of his angelic powers-heroically intervenes to cut off Pestilence's ring, rendering him powerless. This confrontation highlights the fragility of the team's situation while showcasing Castiel's determination to contribute despite his limitations. Meanwhile, Crowley (Mark Sheppard) strikes a deal with Bobby Singer (Jim Beaver), trading Bobby's soul for information about Death's whereabouts-a subplot that adds layers of complexity to Bobby's character.

Philip Sgriccia's direction excels in creating an atmosphere of impending doom. The cinematography captures both the claustrophobic horror of Pestilence's hospital and the eerie grandeur of Death's introduction in Chicago. One standout moment is Death's slow-motion arrival on a windy street, accompanied by Jen Titus's haunting rendition of "O Death." This scene is a visual and auditory masterpiece, establishing Death (Julian Richings) as a calm yet overwhelmingly powerful force. The editing ensures that the episode maintains a brisk pace despite juggling multiple plotlines, though some critics have noted that certain transitions-particularly between Pestilence's arc and Death's-feel slightly abrupt.

The performances are uniformly strong. Jensen Ackles delivers a nuanced portrayal of Dean as he grapples with his fear of Death and the moral implications of their plan to stop Lucifer. Jared Padalecki brings depth to Sam's quiet resolve, particularly in scenes where he reflects on his willingness to sacrifice himself by becoming Lucifer's vessel. Misha Collins adds humor and pathos as Castiel adjusts to his newfound humanity, while Mark Sheppard infuses Crowley with his signature wit and cunning. Julian Richings steals every scene he is in as Death, embodying an ancient being who exudes both menace and weariness.

Thematically, "Two Minutes to Midnight" delves into sacrifice, mortality, and free will. Bobby's decision to pawn his soul underscores the lengths to which the characters are willing to go to save humanity, while Dean's interaction with Death raises profound questions about power dynamics between humans and cosmic forces. Death's offer to give up his ring in exchange for Dean's promise to stop Lucifer-even if it means killing Sam-forces Dean to confront his deepest fears about loyalty and responsibility. These themes resonate deeply within Supernatural's broader exploration of family bonds and moral ambiguity.

"Two Minutes to Midnight" is a standout episode that combines high-stakes action with introspective character moments. Its exploration of sacrifice and mortality makes it one of Supernatural's most thematically rich chapters, setting the stage for an explosive season finale. While some narrative threads could have been more seamlessly integrated, the episode succeeds in delivering emotional resonance and advancing the plot in meaningful ways. With its unforgettable introduction of Death and its exploration of moral dilemmas, this installment leaves viewers pondering the cost of heroism in a world teetering on the brink of destruction.

That epic entrance to "Oh Death" was just chef's kiss. Julian plays such a complex and rich character. Next to Crowley, he happens to be my fave. If only he had more screen time. That pizza scene was something unexpected for someone who is the Death horseman.