Ask Jeeves

This isn't the most original or serious episode but it has a goofy charm of having the Winchesters rubbing elbows with some WASPs. The fish out of water social satire works and I will never get tired of Sam having to play nice with an older woman. It is also a fun game to spot all the reference to Clue (game, and film). Overall I give this my seal of approval.

This ep clearly had a comedic tone to it but not much comedy. There was good mystery here

"Ask Jeeves," the sixth episode of Supernatural's tenth season, directed by John MacCarthy and written by Eric Charmelo and Nicole Snyder, offers a playful detour from the season's overarching darkness by embracing the classic whodunit format with a supernatural twist. The episode opens with Dean discovering a message on one of Bobby Singer's old phones: Bobby has been named a beneficiary in the will of a recently deceased heiress, Bunny LaCroix. Hoping for a windfall, Dean convinces Sam to accompany him to the stately manor in New Canaan, Connecticut, only to find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery reminiscent of Agatha Christie and the board game Clue, complete with eccentric suspects, hidden keys, and a secret-filled mansion.

From the outset, "Ask Jeeves" distinguishes itself with its tone, blending comedic elements and genre homage. The Winchesters are greeted by Bunny's peculiar family, a collection of WASP caricatures whose greed and vanity are immediately apparent. The butler, Philip, discreetly hands over Bobby's inheritance-a jewel-encrusted pendant that, upon closer inspection, is revealed to be fake and conceals a key. This discovery sets the brothers on a trail that leads to a hidden attic, where Dean finds Olivia, one of the maids, and the body of her colleague Colette. Olivia claims to have been locked away by Philip after Colette's murder, which she attributes to Bunny's ghost, further deepening the mystery and the episode's playful embrace of haunted house tropes.

As the bodies begin to pile up-including Bunny's brother Stanton and the butler Philip-the narrative shifts from ghost story to shapeshifter hunt. The Winchesters, unable to access their usual arsenal, are forced to improvise, using silver-plated butter knives to test the family members for signs of being a shifter. This sequence is both suspenseful and comedic, with Sam enduring the flirtations of the elderly Beverley and Heddy while Dean uncovers more secrets in the manor. The episode's pacing is brisk, with frequent twists and a steady escalation of tension as the suspects dwindle and paranoia mounts among the guests.

John MacCarthy's direction makes effective use of the mansion's labyrinthine layout, employing tight framing and shadowy corridors to evoke a sense of claustrophobia and unease. The cinematography leans into the gothic atmosphere, with dim lighting and ornate set design that reinforce the episode's homage to murder mysteries. The editing is sharp, maintaining the episode's momentum and ensuring that the comedic beats land without undermining the suspense. The musical cues and visual references to Clue-such as the use of candlesticks, pipes, and secret passages-add a layer of intertextual fun for attentive viewers.

The performances in "Ask Jeeves" are lively and self-aware. Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki display strong comedic timing, navigating the absurdity of their situation with deadpan humor and subtle exasperation. The supporting cast, particularly Izabella Miko as Olivia and the ensemble of family members, embrace the episode's campy tone, delivering performances that are both over-the-top and grounded in genuine pathos. The dynamic between Sam and Dean is marked by a tentative return to normalcy, though the episode never loses sight of the lingering effects of Dean's recent trauma, as evidenced by his reaction to the final confrontation.

The episode's climax reveals Olivia as the true killer and the shapeshifter, motivated by her status as Bunny's illegitimate daughter and years of isolation in the attic. Her confession to Sam-detailing her resentment, her accidental killing of Colette, and her knowledge of Bobby's involvement in her family's history-adds a tragic dimension to the story. The final shootout is tense, with Dean ultimately killing Olivia in a moment that is both cathartic and unsettling. Dean's decision to fire multiple shots into her body, even after she is clearly dead, raises questions about his state of mind and the lingering influence of the Mark of Cain, a thread the episode leaves unresolved but pointedly addressed in the closing scene.

"Ask Jeeves" excels in its ability to balance humor, suspense, and character development. The script is peppered with witty dialogue and clever references, from the family's suspicion that Sam and Dean are "like Leopold and Loeb, only hotter" to the running gags about the fake silver and the brothers' discomfort among the upper crust. The episode's structure, with its locked-room mystery and shifting alliances, keeps viewers engaged and guessing until the final reveal. The use of classic murder mystery tropes is both affectionate and subversive, allowing Supernatural to poke fun at itself while delivering a satisfying standalone adventure.

Despite its strengths, the episode is not without flaws. Some critics have noted that the shift to a lighter, more comedic tone feels abrupt following the emotionally charged "Fan Fiction," and that the murder mystery format, while entertaining, does little to advance the season's main narrative. The absence of recurring characters like Castiel and Crowley further isolates the episode from the broader mythology, making it feel somewhat disconnected from the ongoing story arcs. However, for many viewers, this detour is a welcome respite, offering a chance to revisit the show's roots and enjoy the Winchesters in a more playful context.

Culturally, "Ask Jeeves" stands as a testament to Supernatural's versatility and willingness to experiment with genre conventions. The episode's blend of horror, comedy, and mystery pays homage to classic cinema and literature while maintaining the show's distinctive voice. Its exploration of family secrets, hidden identities, and the consequences of isolation resonates beyond the immediate plot, touching on themes that have long defined the series. The episode's self-contained nature allows it to function as both a tribute to and a parody of the murder mystery genre, reinforcing Supernatural's place in the broader landscape of genre television.

In its final moments, "Ask Jeeves" returns to the unresolved tension between Sam and Dean. As they drive away from the manor, Sam questions Dean about his excessive violence in killing Olivia. Dean deflects, attributing his actions to nerves and the fact that it was his first kill since being cured. The episode ends on a note of ambiguity, with Dean drowning out further conversation with loud music-a subtle reminder that, despite the comedic interlude, the brothers' struggles are far from over. This closing scene encapsulates the episode's core achievement: blending levity with lingering darkness, and reminding viewers that even in the midst of farce, the emotional stakes remain real.

Have the makers of this show ever met a real life mature woman who wasn't hornier than a 17 year old catholic school girl? EVERY SINGLE older woman on this show since season 1 has had a major case of midlevel overflow for either Sam, Dean or both! Really, I challenge anyone to name a single supporting mature/elderly female character who is not either blatantly hitting on the brothers, or actually groping them! (recurring characters like Ellen don't count cause they are usually more developed).