Out with the Old

I suspect that at one point that this was going to be two episodes. It is pretty terribly disjointed between the cursed object plot and the Leviathan plot development. It is especially sloppy around Scott being really passive about the what is happening. But it overall works because Showalter manages to keep the tone consistent and does his best to hide the seams between the two stories. And Dean liking Black Swan is a fun character beat.

It also helps that George is a great side character and the red herring about the Leviathans helping humanity largely works.

Dean and Sam head to Portland to investigate the mysterious death of the ballerina Irina Koganzon, who danced to death. The Winchester brothers discover that she was wearing a cursed ballet slipper and they go to the antique where Irina bought the shoes. They discover that the owner had just inherited the shop after the mysterious death of his mother and he had sold cursed objects that were kept in a safe. Dean and Sam retrieve the objects but soon they learn that the real estate agent Joyce Bicklebee is buying all the shops in that area, using her assistant George to help her. Dean asks Frank to help him to discover the secret of the real estate agent.

"Out of the Old" is a funny episode, with a great story. Mary Page Keller "steals" the show with her performance. I only do not understand why George was spared. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Out of the Old"

One of the 7th season's exciting and entertaining episodes

It starts off quite effectively.

The addition of cursed objects to the water dragons storyline makes the episode more interesting and powerful.

It's nice that the episode has a winter mood with scenes of Sam and his older brother Dean chatting in the snow.

Sam is having a sleepless time

Dean is worried about his brother

Joyce is the funniest villain of season 7 and a few more episodes would have been hilarious.

Actress fulfills her role successfully.

The Winchester brothers' humorous conversations and mannerisms make the episode very enjoyable.

"Out with the Old," the sixteenth episode of "Supernatural's" seventh season, directed by John F. Showalter and penned by Robert Singer and Jenny Klein, presents a narrative that intertwines the eerie allure of cursed objects with the overarching menace of the Leviathans. The episode commences with the mysterious death of a ballerina who, under the influence of enchanted ballet slippers, dances herself to death-a scene that is both grotesque and captivating, effectively setting a macabre tone. Sam and Dean Winchester, portrayed by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles respectively, delve into this case, uncovering a series of cursed antiques sold from a store liquidating its inventory after the owner's demise. Their investigation leads them to confront lethal items, including a tea kettle compelling its user to ingest boiling water and a gramophone inciting homicidal tendencies.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn as the brothers discover that the real estate acquisitions surrounding the antique store are orchestrated by Leviathans, ancient creatures with nefarious designs. This subplot introduces Joyce Bicklebee, a Leviathan posing as a real estate agent, and her subordinate, George. The revelation that the Leviathans aim to cure cancer adds a perplexing layer to their malevolent agenda, suggesting a desire to alter humanity fundamentally. This twist, while intriguing, raises questions about the coherence of the Leviathans' objectives within the season's broader narrative arc.

The episode's structure, essentially bifurcated into two distinct halves-the cursed objects investigation and the Leviathan conspiracy-results in a somewhat disjointed storytelling experience. The initial half, reminiscent of classic "Supernatural" episodes centered on haunted artifacts, delivers suspense and dark humor. Notably, the scene where a young girl becomes ensnared by the cursed ballet slippers, leading to a frantic rescue by the Winchesters, stands out for its blend of tension and levity. However, the abrupt transition to the Leviathan plotline diminishes the impact of the initial mystery, leaving certain threads underexplored.

In terms of performances, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles maintain their well-established chemistry, with Padalecki effectively portraying Sam's ongoing struggles with Lucifer-induced hallucinations. Dean's weary cynicism, exacerbated by the constant battles against increasingly formidable foes, is conveyed convincingly by Ackles. The guest performances, particularly by John Patrick Jordan as George, provide a touch of unexpected humor, as his character's discontent with his superior subtly humanizes the otherwise monstrous Leviathans.

John F. Showalter's direction balances eerie atmosphere with moments of action, though the tonal shift between the episode's halves feels abrupt. The cinematography effectively highlights the unsettling nature of the cursed objects, particularly in the opening sequence, where dim lighting and tight framing emphasize the dancer's helplessness. The editing, while competent, struggles to weave the two storylines into a seamless whole, making the Leviathan subplot feel like an intrusive afterthought rather than an organic development.

The episode's pacing fluctuates, with the investigation unfolding at an engaging rate before being overshadowed by the Leviathan storyline. While the concept of cursed objects taps into "Supernatural's" earlier monster-of-the-week formula, the transition to a larger, mythology-driven conflict lacks smoothness. The Leviathans, despite being a formidable season-long threat, fail to instill the same level of dread as past antagonists such as demons or angels, largely due to inconsistent characterization and motivations.

From a thematic perspective, "Out with the Old" juxtaposes supernatural horror with corporate expansion, subtly critiquing the loss of individuality in the face of monolithic forces-whether supernatural or corporate. The cursed objects, remnants of the past, symbolize a world being systematically erased by the Leviathans' calculated urban renewal. However, the execution of these ideas remains surface-level, with the episode ultimately prioritizing plot advancement over deeper thematic exploration.

"Out with the Old" is an episode that shines in its horror-driven first half but falters as it attempts to integrate broader mythology. The eerie and suspenseful opening provides a glimpse of classic "Supernatural" storytelling, but the shift towards the Leviathan arc disrupts its flow, making it a less cohesive experience. While the performances and direction uphold the series' standard, the script struggles to balance its narrative elements, resulting in an episode that, while entertaining, lacks the depth and impact of the show's strongest entries.

As much as i like the organisation and the monster talk from seemingly normal people i still feel like this great leviathan thing was a letdown of sorts. I get what they went for and i'm okay with it, i just want more. Funny assistant but really stupid. The first half is typical crazy stuff, i love that but it's getting a bit old i guess, i did like the ballerina shoes