Don't Call Me Shurley

"Don't Call Me Shurley," the twentieth episode of Supernatural's eleventh season, directed by Robert Singer and penned by Robbie Thompson, is widely celebrated as one of the series' most daring and emotionally resonant hours. The episode is a watershed moment in Supernatural's mythology, finally confirming the long-suspected identity of Chuck Shurley as God and using this revelation to explore themes of creation, abandonment, and the nature of storytelling itself. By focusing largely on the philosophical and emotional dialogue between Chuck and Metatron, the episode delivers a chamber-piece drama that is as profound as it is entertaining, while the parallel plot involving Sam and Dean serves as a stark reminder of the apocalyptic stakes at play.

The episode opens with Metatron, now a fallen and destitute human, scavenging for food and sharing scraps with a stray dog-a striking image that underscores his fall from grace. He is suddenly transported to a mysterious bar by Chuck, who reveals himself with a wry smile and requests Metatron's help editing his memoir. This deceptively simple setup quickly unfolds into a layered conversation about God's motivations, regrets, and the meaning of his absence from the world. The script cleverly draws on the show's history, referencing Chuck's earlier appearances and the fan theories that have swirled since his disappearance at the end of season five. The dialogue between Chuck and Metatron is both combative and collaborative, with Metatron challenging Chuck's self-pity and indifference, ultimately forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions and inactions.

Rob Benedict delivers a standout performance as Chuck, imbuing the character with a blend of wit, weariness, and vulnerability. His portrayal of God as an author-one who delights in creation but is also burdened by the pain it causes-adds a meta-textual layer to the episode, inviting viewers to reflect on the nature of storytelling itself. Curtis Armstrong's Metatron, long one of the show's most reviled antagonists, is given new depth and humanity here. His impassioned defense of humanity, urging Chuck not to give up on his creation, is one of the episode's emotional high points and marks a turning point for the character, who moves from self-serving scribe to unlikely advocate for the world he once tried to control.

Parallel to this metaphysical debate, Sam and Dean investigate a murder-suicide in a small town, only to discover that Amara's fog is spreading, infecting the townspeople and stripping them of their souls. The horror escalates as the brothers and a handful of survivors barricade themselves in the police station, desperately trying to ward off the fog with tape and salt. The tension is palpable, especially as Sam succumbs to the infection and Dean is forced to watch helplessly as those around him fall. The sense of powerlessness is heightened by the episode's direction, which uses claustrophobic shots and a muted color palette to evoke a sense of impending doom.

The episode's structure is particularly effective, with the Chuck-Metatron storyline dominating the runtime and the Winchesters' struggle serving as a grim counterpoint. This balance allows the episode to explore both the cosmic and the personal stakes of the season's conflict. The writing is sharp, with moments of humor-such as Chuck's complaints about bad reviews and his offhand reference to "Bugs," the series' most maligned episode-offsetting the weightier philosophical discussions. The pacing is deliberate, giving space for the emotional beats to land without sacrificing momentum.

Visually, "Don't Call Me Shurley" is understated but evocative. The bar where Chuck and Metatron converse is bathed in warm, golden light, contrasting with the cold, sterile environment of the police station. The use of music is particularly noteworthy, especially in the final montage set to Chuck's rendition of "Fare Thee Well." As Chuck restores the town, resurrects the dead, and returns the glowing amulet to Dean, the sequence achieves a sense of awe and catharsis that few episodes in the series have matched.

One of the episode's boldest choices is its willingness to interrogate the character of God. Chuck is not portrayed as an infallible or omnibenevolent figure; instead, he is depicted as flawed, petulant, and even cowardly at times. His abandonment of creation is framed as both a personal failing and a narrative necessity, and the episode does not shy away from questioning whether such a being deserves forgiveness. This complexity is mirrored in Metatron's arc, as he moves from sycophant to critic to, ultimately, a kind of redeemer-at least in the eyes of the audience.

While the Winchesters' subplot is less central, it serves an important function in illustrating the stakes of Chuck's decisions. The fog's inexorable advance, the mounting body count, and Sam's infection all underscore the urgency of divine intervention. Some critics have argued that the resolution-a literal deus ex machina, with Chuck reversing the destruction at the last moment-feels a bit too convenient. However, others have noted that this choice is thematically appropriate, highlighting both the limitations of the protagonists and the overwhelming power of the adversary they face.

In the broader context of television and genre storytelling, "Don't Call Me Shurley" stands as a meditation on the relationship between creator and creation, faith and doubt, and the enduring power of narrative. The episode's willingness to break from formula, foreground philosophical debate, and deliver long-awaited answers to series-spanning mysteries marks it as a high point not only for Supernatural, but for genre television as a whole. Its blend of humor, pathos, and theological inquiry invites viewers to reflect on the stories we tell and the gods we create-both on screen and in our own lives.

In conclusion, "Don't Call Me Shurley" is a masterful episode that balances mythological revelation, character development, and existential inquiry. Through its standout performances, thoughtful writing, and emotionally charged direction, it elevates Supernatural's eleventh season and leaves a lasting impact on the series' legacy. By finally bringing God into the narrative and forcing both characters and viewers to confront the implications of his presence, the episode redefines the stakes of the show and sets the stage for an epic confrontation with the Darkness. It is an episode that lingers in the mind, not just for what it reveals, but for the questions it dares to ask.

It's going to be a very difficult time writing this review without any spoilers, but this is an episode that ultimately every viewer deserves to experience.

Don't get me wrong, there's some slight room for improvement, but there's a key quality about this episode that makes this episode a UNIQUE experience in the supernatural universe. I think the writers and creative directors are beginning to understand what kept us as viewers around for so long and why exactly viewer ship began to drop off during seasons 6-9.

It's quick and easy to assume that as fans we appreciate the flashy lights and disco balls rather than the substance undergoing beneath it. I mean the cool dramatic soundtrack, shiny Impala dolly shots, blood splatters, stabbings, one-liners, new biblical monsters, sappy bro to bro crybaby arguments, etc. are all cool, but that's not what makes Supernatural, Supernatural. Also, respectfully, that's not why most of us tuned into this show in the first place.

The reason why I'm basing my argument around these facts is because in this episode, whoever led the major creative direction, understood this concept. This episode wasn't filled with heart-pounding action, grindy orchestral music, visual effects out the wazoo, biblical dialogue, the latest and coolest new monster, or whatever filler-type materialistic substance that normally the supernatural team likes to regurgitate when their ideas are running dry.

No no no, THIS episode my friends, based its entirety on honesty, heart, and above all, respect. When watching this episode, you could really feel that Rhobbie Thompson (the writer), Robert Singer (director), and the other respected team-members, editors, etc stopped treating this show like a money-spewing soap opera and more of an actual TV show. This goes for the actors as well. Our characters, our universe, our beloved storyline deserves to be treated with respect. And that is what they did.

Let's start with Rob Benedict (the actor who plays Chuck). There's not much I can say without spoiling the entirety of the episode but ignoring his contribution to this episode would be an absolute betrayal. Because his performance was outstanding, in the acting work and in the singing world (lol right?). He provided a subtle and somber climax in the end that you cannot miss as a supernatural fan. And his new character was believable suited him like a glove. I respect the show for attacking their new character without glitter and glamor and more with a simple yet honest personality.

Curtiss Armstrong, who plays metatron, gave a memorable return as well, especially when his character was written with so much humanity in this episode. One of the most hated characters in the show proves his respectability and that comes from respect for your characters. His change in positivity proves that there is still room for character development and it's good to see that our creators recognize that.

Jared and Jensen gave it their all like always, so kudos to them for being passionate about their characters for so long.

This episode was not complicated, it wasn't an episode with a fancy new monster (like the stupid chitter creature), or Amara calling upon biblical powers to showcase new material, it was literally just two brothers caught in a dangerous situation, helping people, and the arch of a new character. When dialogue was present, especially between Chuck and Metatron, no soundtrack was present either. Emotion came from the actors themselves rather than whatever tonal sounds their composer throws out mid-scene.This, again, shows honesty. It didn't take long for them to show how much Sam and dean mean to each other, as one of their lives become compromised the other reacts. That's it, the simplicity shows respect, and that our characters are not material but displays of emotion. The climax at the end was SO subtle yet SO powerful. And it was accompanied with one of the most peaceful songs I've ever heard. Hopefully you know what I'm getting at with that point.

This episode and "Baby" are by far the show's most impressive episodes. And neither episode was really full with a ton of comical material (Baby was a friggin filler episode!). Both are written by Robbie Thompson, I don't think that's a coincidence.

Long review, sorry (I'm not really sorry).

CONCLUSION: THIS EPISODE WAS SUPERB, WATCH IT.

no spoilers here...

just when i thought they were never going to pull this card out of the supernatural deck... NO YOU DINT GUYS! yes you did! i loved it. fearless.

not the tightest episode by far in terms of storytelling, but a very enjoyable turn/reveal in terms of the overall story arc. and i'm still diggin' metatron very much.

i've felt they were stalling out on the amara storyline and think this episode hearkens a needed plot re-energization and hopefully they will punch it into higher gear the rest of the season.

First of all, I'm a Muslim, a real believer, I read and think and discuss and debate a lot, I have been since I was a child and all I believe has come with wide open eyes, quite perfect sense and sensible reasons. That's why I wasn't offended.

This episode was so great. To me, the greatest of the show. I was so waiting for their god to show up.

I usually don't write reviews but I read some Muslim's review and he was upset and it made me write this.

Dude, this is just a show! Nothing in this show is real. None of the creatures, demons, angels - the real not fictional ones - are the way they are in the real world. Angels are not like this oppressed-by- god restless animals lurking around with no specific purpose the way they show them, demons are not this stupid, even Lucifer is not like this! So why bother?

We worship the real god. His existence, his brilliance, isn't up to how many men believe in him or how many deny him. He's just there and he's more almighty than all the words written about him, no matter what we think about him.

He's greater than a show can belittle him! For god's sake, we're talking about a show in which two humans defeat all the great powers in the universe lol. Let's not take it serious and enjoy a not-real-but-amazingly-fantasy show!

This episode was EXCELLENT.

We've waited 6 years to know the truth. And man, this is what most of us hoped and wanted.

For all the haters out there:

You CANNOT judge what happened based on your religion. God is beyond religions and fundamentalism. God created us in his own image so as Joan Osborne said: What if God was one of us?

This show showed us an alternative outlook of God and I personally LOVED it.

Kudos to the creators. The show is in its 11th season and still giving us GREAT stories and episodes.