Hibbing 911

The vampire story itself is a little weak-it is a pretty rote monster of the week. But it barely matters as the show finally had the idea to pair two actresses together that work perfectly as foils and just fit. Donna and Jody are easily the best reoccurring women characters on the show and this introduction of them as a buddy dramedy fits in. They feel as complementary as Rufus and Bobby. And I love seeing how characters in the know expand out from Hunters. I even like the melodrama with Donna's jerk of an ex-husband.

The show struggles with keeping women involved and even alive. But at least after 10 years they gave us this.

Since when do vampires actually eat human flesh and organs? What is that about? Aside from that, everything that other review said about Jody and Donna is exactly what I thought as well. Not a good episode.

Hibbing 911 is entertaining in an off-center way. The Script writers for Supernatural are running out of ideas so they have to inject new plot devices for the series. This time the new plot devices worked; the two opposite female cops add comic twist which was hilarious. One police officer is an introvert while the other character is an extrovert; Similar to Sam and Dead but different. There is a Fargo movie influence with the director's style and feel for Hibbing 911, which blends perfectly into the story. The story unfolds as a monster hunt with liberal doses of humor and a bizarre ending. A memorable character plot twist. Well acted and executed Hibbing hits the mid- season target. The viewer gets comic relief and change for the main story line. A good mid season episode provides a break for the audience from over saturation of the concurring season 10 story line. Seven out of ten.

Sheriff Jody Mills is forced to attend a sheriff's retreat, and rather reluctantly pairs up with Sheriff Donna Hanscum (who you might remember from The Purge back in season 9) when the two of them catch wind of a suspicious murder. Sam and Dean, of course, arrive on scene to aid them in their hunt.

Seeing as how this episode was (partially) made by Jenny Klein, I feared the worst. This isn't to say that Jenny Klein is a bad writer, however, as of late, I have not been too impressed with her episodes, such as the trainwreck known as Rock and a Hard Place back in season 9. However, Klein was not alone in creating this episode, the story was written by both her and Phil Sgriccia. Odd, since - to my knowledge - Sgriccia has been solely a director in Supernatural up until this point. It's unclear how much of a hand he had in the creation of the script, but whatever did happen between the two of them, it worked. Putting "Rock and a Hard Place" back to back with this episode and I wouldn't for a moment believe that it was by the same person, because this episode was actually really good.

If you wanted an episode about the brothers, you aren't going to get a whole lot of that here. The majority of the plot is focused on Jody and Donna, and I actually found myself invested in their stories and entertained by their screen time together, much more than I ever thought I would.

Donna is an absolute joy to watch. Last season, the Purge was not my favourite, but I do distinctly remember loving Donna's character in that episode. She had an energy and light to her that is extremely rare to see in a show about brooding men. Not only did she bring that same energy into this episode, but it was even better and more enjoyable than before. With more time on screen, we were able to see her character more in depth and expand upon some of the ideas that were introduced with her back in season 9.

Jody Mills returns this episode and, as always, she was wonderful. Both Kim Rhodes and Briana Buckmaster were phenomenal. Their chemistry on screen felt very natural; those two bounced off each other perfectly. Anytime they were on screen together at the same time, it held my attention.

This episode, in sum, was a Monster of the Week episode, but focused a great deal on the characters and development rather than fighting a creature, which does eventually happen. And this is where I feel the episode took a bit of a dip. The characters are great, the actors are great, the setting and pacing were all great, but the monster aspect of the episode is where things went downhill. The build up toward the 'big bad' was much stronger and greater than the actual reveal. I don't want to give anything away, but I'll just say that I was not too impressed with the monster.

Even so, my disinterest in the actual case did not take over the other great parts of the episode. It was lighthearted for the most part, it was funny and enjoyable, and gave spotlight to some minor characters that are probably the most unique and interesting female characters we've ever had in Supernatural. All in all, the episode was well written and definitely worth watching.

"Hibbing 911," the eighth episode of Supernatural's tenth season, directed by Tim Andrew and written by Jenny Klein, stands out as a character-driven "monster of the week" entry that gracefully balances humor, horror, and emotional resonance. The episode centers on a sheriff's retreat in Hibbing, Minnesota, where two of the show's fan-favorite supporting characters-Sheriff Jody Mills and Sheriff Donna Hanscum-find themselves at the heart of a gruesome murder investigation that soon reveals a nest of vampires. This narrative choice not only offers a refreshing change of pace from the Winchesters' usual exploits but also deepens the lore by exploring the perspectives of those who operate on the periphery of the supernatural world.

The story opens with a local delinquent vandalizing a building, only to be attacked and killed by a mysterious figure, setting off a chain of events that draws Jody Mills to the small town for a law enforcement conference. There, she is reluctantly paired with the effervescent Donna Hanscum, whose cheerful demeanor and self-deprecating humor initially clash with Jody's no-nonsense attitude. The dynamic between the two sheriffs is a highlight throughout the episode, providing both comedic relief and a nuanced exploration of female friendship and resilience in the face of trauma. Their rapport is further enriched by the script's sharp dialogue and the actors' palpable chemistry, making their partnership both believable and compelling.

As the investigation unfolds, Jody and Donna stumble upon a series of bizarre clues-most notably, bodies drained of blood and suspicious behavior from local law enforcement. The case takes a turn when Donna witnesses Sheriff Cuse, a respected colleague, feeding on a corpse with a mouth full of fangs. This revelation is a pivotal moment for Donna, who is thrust into the reality of the supernatural for the first time. Her shock and subsequent resolve to help are portrayed with authenticity, highlighting her growth from comic relief to a capable ally. The episode deftly uses Donna's journey as a metaphor for confronting harsh truths and finding strength in unexpected places.

The arrival of Sam and Dean Winchester brings the investigation into sharper focus. The brothers, summoned by Jody, quickly deduce that a vampire nest is responsible for the killings. Their presence, however, does not overshadow the sheriffs; instead, the episode allows Jody and Donna to remain central to the action, particularly in the climactic confrontation with the vampires. Dean's decision to arm Donna and treat her as an equal in the ensuing fight is a subtle but meaningful gesture, reinforcing the theme of empowerment and mutual respect. The action sequences are well-choreographed, blending tension and dark humor without undermining the stakes.

Tim Andrew's direction is efficient and attentive to character detail. He makes effective use of the small-town setting, with moody lighting and tight framing that evoke both the claustrophobia of the retreat and the lurking danger of the vampire threat. The episode's pacing is brisk, with well-timed comedic beats-such as Donna's awkward run-ins with her ex-husband and her wide-eyed reactions to the supernatural-balanced by moments of genuine suspense. The editing is clean, ensuring that the narrative remains focused even as it juggles multiple character arcs and tonal shifts.

The performances are a standout feature, particularly those of Kim Rhodes (Jody Mills) and Briana Buckmaster (Donna Hanscum). Rhodes brings a grounded, world-weary gravitas to Jody, while Buckmaster's Donna evolves from comic relief to a character of surprising depth and courage. Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki provide strong support, with Ackles injecting humor and subtle vulnerability into Dean's interactions, and Padalecki's Sam displaying both concern for his brother and a quiet respect for their allies. The ensemble cast's chemistry elevates the episode, making each character's journey feel earned and resonant.

"Hibbing 911" is also notable for its thematic undercurrents. The episode explores the idea of facing one's fears and embracing change, whether it's Donna confronting the existence of monsters or Jody continuing to process her own losses. The vampires themselves serve as a metaphor for hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface of everyday life, and the episode's resolution-where the sheriffs and Winchesters work together to eradicate the nest-underscores the importance of solidarity and trust. The script's wit and attention to character detail ensure that these themes are woven organically into the story, rather than feeling forced or didactic.

While the episode is largely successful, some critics have noted that its lighter tone and comedic elements occasionally verge on caricature, potentially undermining the horror elements. Others have pointed out that the murder mystery is somewhat predictable and that the vampire antagonists lack the complexity of previous monsters. However, these criticisms are mitigated by the episode's strengths: its focus on character development, its celebration of female friendship, and its ability to inject fresh energy into the series' established formula.

In conclusion, "Hibbing 911" is a standout episode that exemplifies Supernatural's ability to blend genre conventions with heartfelt character work. By shifting the spotlight onto Jody Mills and Donna Hanscum, the episode not only expands the show's universe but also offers a nuanced meditation on courage, friendship, and the acceptance of life's darker realities. The result is an installment that is both entertaining and emotionally satisfying, reaffirming the series' enduring appeal and its capacity for reinvention. As the world of Supernatural continues to grow, episodes like "Hibbing 911" remind viewers that its greatest strengths lie not just in its monsters, but in the people who choose to fight them-together.