My Heart Will Go On

"My Heart Will Go On," the seventeenth episode of Supernatural's sixth season, directed by Philip Sgriccia and written by Eric Charmelo and Nicole Snyder, is a clever and emotionally resonant exploration of alternate history and its consequences. By asking the question, "What if the Titanic never sank?" the episode weaves humor, suspense, and tragedy into a narrative that challenges the characters' understanding of fate, free will, and sacrifice. Though not without minor flaws, this installment stands out for its inventive premise and its ability to balance the absurd with the poignant.

The episode begins with Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) investigating a series of bizarre deaths in Chester, Pennsylvania. They soon discover that all the victims are descendants of passengers who should have perished on the Titanic. This revelation leads to Balthazar (Sebastian Roché), who admits to having stopped the ship from sinking-not for noble reasons but because he hated James Cameron's Titanic and its iconic theme song. However, his actions have angered Atropos (Katie Walder), one of the Fates, who begins killing those whose lives were spared by the altered timeline. The stakes are further raised when it's revealed that in this alternate reality, Ellen Harvelle (Samantha Ferris) and Jo Harvelle are alive, complicating the brothers' decision to restore history.

Philip Sgriccia's direction is both dynamic and subtle, effectively capturing the tonal shifts between humor and drama. The cinematography emphasizes the eerie inevitability of Fate's interventions, with death scenes reminiscent of Final Destination. The lighting in these sequences creates a stark contrast between mundane settings and sudden bursts of violence, heightening their impact. Meanwhile, quieter moments-such as Ellen's interactions with Bobby Singer (Jim Beaver)-are framed with warmth and intimacy, grounding the fantastical premise in emotional reality. The pacing is brisk but allows enough time for each subplot to develop meaningfully.

The performances are uniformly strong. Jensen Ackles delivers a nuanced portrayal of Dean as he grapples with the moral dilemma of undoing a timeline where Ellen is alive. Jared Padalecki balances Sam's pragmatic approach with moments of genuine empathy, particularly when confronting Atropos about her vendetta. Samantha Ferris shines as Ellen, bringing depth to her character's maternal instincts and her bond with Bobby. Katie Walder imbues Atropos with a chilling blend of menace and righteousness, making her both a formidable antagonist and a tragic figure.

"My Heart Will Go On" delves into the tension between destiny and free will. By altering history for seemingly trivial reasons, Balthazar sets off a chain reaction that forces Sam and Dean to confront their own complicity in defying Fate. The episode also explores grief and loss through Bobby's reluctance to let go of Ellen, raising questions about whether preserving personal happiness justifies disrupting the natural order. These themes resonate deeply within Supernatural's broader narrative about sacrifice and moral ambiguity.

One standout moment occurs when Atropos confronts Castiel (Misha Collins), accusing him of manipulating events to gather more souls for his war in Heaven. This scene not only reveals Castiel's growing desperation but also adds layers to his character by highlighting his willingness to compromise ethical boundaries for what he perceives as a greater good. Another memorable sequence is Dean's final conversation with Ellen before reality resets-a bittersweet reminder of what could have been.

"My Heart Will Go On" is an inventive and emotionally charged episode that exemplifies Supernatural's ability to blend humor with high-stakes drama. Its exploration of alternate history serves as both an engaging standalone story and a meaningful addition to the season's overarching themes. While some elements-such as Castiel's motivations-could have been explored further, strong performances and sharp writing make this episode a standout entry in Season 6. By intertwining personal loss with cosmic consequences, "My Heart Will Go On" invites viewers to reflect on how even small changes can ripple through lives in profound ways.

The procedural elements are just goofy enough to be fun. The episode has a few classic lines, especially the punches at Titanic (1997). Unfortunately the episode does not really fit in with the show overall. Several episodes largely establish that changing the past is impossible within this universe and this episode is built on that idea. More annoying the show grafts Greek myth onto Christian cosmology and it doesn't work. The show's weak as it went along is just how convoluted the over mythology has gotten and episodes like this are a good example of why that is. The Fates cannot be Angels if Zeus is a monster.

Balthazar is definitely modeled after the trickster, he's fun. I liked the dilemma. Ofcourse the mythology is tough to swallow but they do well with what they do. I think the next episode itself is a time travel one...hmm.