Let It Bleed

"Let It Bleed," the penultimate episode of Supernatural's sixth season, directed by John F. Showalter and written by Sera Gamble, is a harrowing and emotionally charged installment that raises the stakes as the season barrels toward its conclusion. With a plot that intertwines personal loss, betrayal, and the looming threat of Purgatory's opening, the episode masterfully balances action and character-driven drama. Anchored by strong performances, particularly from Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester, "Let It Bleed" delivers a devastating exploration of sacrifice and the cost of living a hunter's life.

The episode begins with Crowley (Mark Sheppard) kidnapping Lisa Braeden (Cindy Sampson) and her son Ben (Nicholas Elia) as leverage to force Dean to back off his plans to stop the opening of Purgatory. This sets Dean on a desperate mission to rescue them, despite his strained relationship with Castiel (Misha Collins), who has been revealed to be working with Crowley. Meanwhile, Bobby Singer (Jim Beaver) investigates an H. P. Lovecraft connection to Purgatory, uncovering that Eleanor Visyak (Kim Johnston Ulrich), a creature from Purgatory, holds vital information. The dual narrative structure allows the episode to balance high-stakes action with mythological intrigue.

John F. Showalter's direction effectively captures the urgency and emotional weight of the story. The cinematography alternates between dimly lit interiors that emphasize the claustrophobia of Lisa and Ben's captivity and brighter yet somber tones during Bobby's investigation. The action sequences are intense and visceral, particularly Dean's infiltration of the demon hideout where Lisa and Ben are held. However, some critics have noted that the pacing feels uneven at times, with Bobby's subplot occasionally overshadowed by Dean's more immediate and personal storyline.

Jensen Ackles delivers one of his most powerful performances as Dean, portraying his guilt, desperation, and heartbreak with remarkable nuance. His scenes with Lisa and Ben are particularly gut-wrenching, especially when Lisa is possessed by a demon and stabs herself in an attempt to manipulate Dean emotionally. Jared Padalecki provides strong support as Sam, whose pragmatic approach contrasts with Dean's emotional turmoil. Misha Collins continues to excel as Castiel, whose moral ambiguity deepens as his alliance with Crowley begins to unravel. Mark Sheppard brings his usual charisma to Crowley while adding layers of menace that heighten the tension.

Thematically, "Let It Bleed" explores sacrifice and the impossibility of balancing a normal life with the dangers of hunting. Dean's decision to have Castiel erase Lisa and Ben's memories of him underscores his belief that he cannot protect them while remaining in their lives-a choice that reflects his ongoing struggle with guilt and self-worth. The episode also delves into betrayal through Castiel's actions, which strain his relationships with both Dean and Sam. These themes resonate deeply within Supernatural's broader narrative about family, loyalty, and the consequences of living in a world fraught with supernatural threats.

One of the episode's standout moments occurs when Dean performs an exorcism on Lisa while she is gravely injured. The scene is both tense and emotionally devastating as Dean struggles to save her without losing himself in his own rage and despair. Another memorable sequence involves Bobby confronting Eleanor Visyak about her knowledge of Purgatory-a conversation that adds depth to her character while advancing the season's mythology.

"Let It Bleed" is a gripping and emotionally resonant episode that sets the stage for the season finale while delivering powerful character moments and high-stakes drama. Its exploration of sacrifice and betrayal adds depth to Supernatural's overarching themes while providing closure to Dean's storyline with Lisa and Ben in a way that is both heartbreaking and inevitable. While some pacing issues detract slightly from its impact, strong performances and compelling storytelling make this installment one of Season 6's most memorable entries. By intertwining personal loss with cosmic stakes, "Let It Bleed" challenges viewers to reflect on what it truly means to protect those you love-and at what cost.

Very good episode - emotional, very well acted (especially by Ackles), well written. Many scenes that live on the strength of the pent up emotions - the fractured friendship between Cas and Dean, the hopless love between Dean and Lisa, Deans fatherly feelings towards Ben.

An then there is Crowley - witty and crude, and Castiel in his most loveable position - the feeling, torn, but strong and dedicated warrior.

The episode moves fast and gets more story into the 41 minutes then one could imagine possible.

The final scenes are beautifully done and acted, and really seal the Ben and Lisa saga the right way.

First off Ben and Lisa could've been great characters, if only they were given actual depth. Like they had so much episode that are just fillers, why not just make those episodes for Dean, Lisa, and Ben to bond or at least for the viewers to relate to Deans struggle and weigh the decisions he needs to do in order to keep them from harm's way. It felt like they were just there as character development for Dean not to spoil but it is VERY OBVIOUS that they are only there to support Deans new side of family man. Overall, it wasn't the actors fault but the writing of their character. Wasted material imo..

This episode makes me angry every single time I watch it from the first time it aired to August 16, 2023, I am watching it again and all I wanted to do is find the people responsible and tell them off. Fans are responsible for the removal of Lisa and Ben because they felt threatened by any fictional character. Lisa and Ben had a lot of potential and became hunters themselves or at least being able to be trained and how to deal with life. The whole point of Supernatural is about family and to Dean, Lisa and Ben was his family to take them away from him was absolutely the worst thing that has been done on this show. Everyone responsible for the decision making I see nothing but just disappointment and there's so much that could have been done with the story. Just nobody wants Dean to ever be happy or have any actual real love in his life. Saying how after 15 years both Sam and Dean end up completely alone still is one of the worst outcomes of the entire show that neither one of them could have found a good proper female hunter to marry or at least have a committed relationship with. Lisa was definitely someone that should have stayed! If for some reason the show ever does get picked up again I hope it's something that can be corrected.

I might be alone in this regard but the Lisa-Ben story in season 6 is my favorite aspect of the season. It is Dean at his most different and uncomfortable, i.e. interesting. Overall, I think this storyline is worth telling. There is just something to seeing Dean trying to be a father and partner. (The writers clearly picked up on this given that they expand upon the father idea with Jack) But I don't like the ending of this story. The finality of the resolution is exceptionally harsh and while Ackles sells it well enough it feels like a regression of Dean's character. Moreover, this episode has a vibe of just going through the motions to wrap up a storyline that writers OR fans lost interest in. It is the big disappointment in the season.