Regarding Dean

The Dean moments were great, hilarious and cute. I wasn't a big fan of the witch family or the convenient weapon they always manage to have. Sam's plan was too stupid to believe he went with it and Rowena just gives the book? Still fun, i haven't watched the last few seasons just wanted to see a fun new one and it's definitely spn still. Also why does Dean's voice get this deep? Man it just gets deeper and Deeper,i am concerned for this guy's throat.

On its own this is a really strong monster of the week episode. It uses magic/witches to tell a compelling story that can act as a metaphor (i.e. Dementia) and it brings the brotherly melodrama home. The procedural elements are shuffled enough to seem fresh. Ackles manages to turn in one of his funniest *and* saddest performances of the show's run. Indeed, I most appreciate how the episode is able to use the central conceit equally for laughs and tears.

The episode is so much better than the brutal stretch of lackluster episodes it is in the middle of. It might not come across quite so well as among the best episodes.

"Regarding Dean," the eleventh episode of Supernatural's twelfth season, directed by John Badham and written by Meredith Glynn, is a standout installment that skillfully blends dark comedy, poignant drama, and supernatural suspense. The episode opens with Dean Winchester in the midst of a hunt gone wrong: after chasing a man through the woods and confronting him near a tree marked with mysterious glyphs, Dean is struck by a spell that leaves him unconscious. When he wakes, he is disoriented and suffering from a severe case of amnesia, unable to recall where he is or what happened the night before. This sets the stage for a narrative that is at once playful and deeply affecting, as Dean's memory loss gradually worsens, threatening not just his identity but his very survival.

The premise of "Regarding Dean" draws clear inspiration from films like "Memento," using Dean's deteriorating memory as both a source of humor and a vehicle for exploring the fragility of self. Early scenes mine comedy from Dean's confusion-he forgets the word for "lamp," can't remember how to drive the Impala, and is bewildered by a woman who slaps him for standing her up. Jensen Ackles delivers a masterful performance, capturing both the comedic beats and the growing terror as Dean realizes he is losing himself. The episode's tonal shifts are deftly handled, with director John Badham balancing moments of levity with an escalating sense of dread as Dean's condition worsens.

Sam quickly realizes that the memory loss is supernatural in origin and enlists the help of Rowena, the ever-resourceful witch played by Ruth Connell. Rowena identifies the curse as the work of the Loughlin family, a powerful clan of witches who possess a "black grimoire" of Druidic magic. The brothers, with Rowena's reluctant assistance, must track down the surviving Loughlins and recover the spellbook to reverse the curse. The plot unfolds as a race against time, with Dean's memory fading so rapidly that he soon forgets not only the case at hand but also the most fundamental aspects of his life, including his own name and the people he loves.

One of the episode's most devastating and memorable scenes occurs when Dean, left alone in the bathroom, desperately repeats to himself the details of his life: "My name is Dean Winchester. Sam is my brother. Mary Winchester is my mom. And Cass is my best friend." As he struggles to hold onto these facts, they slip away, leaving him frightened and adrift. This moment, widely cited by critics and fans as one of the most heartbreaking in the series, is a testament to Ackles' acting and the show's ability to evoke deep emotion without resorting to character death. Sam's anguish is palpable as he confides to Rowena that watching Dean become "not him" is, in some ways, worse than seeing him die.

The episode's structure is tightly woven, with the investigation into the witches running parallel to Dean's cognitive decline. Rowena's motives remain ambiguous-she admits to wanting the grimoire for herself but is also moved by the brothers' plight. The dynamic between Rowena, Sam, and Dean adds both tension and humor, particularly as Rowena tries to keep the increasingly childlike Dean entertained with cartoons while Sam pursues the remaining witches. The action culminates in a tense showdown at the Loughlin house, where Dean, guided by notes and instinct, manages to save Rowena and Sam despite barely knowing who they are. The final confrontation, with Rowena casting the reversal spell as Dean's memory reaches its nadir, is suspenseful and cathartic.

Visually, the episode is marked by sharp, purposeful cinematography and editing that reflect Dean's disorientation and the story's shifting tone. The use of close-ups and blurred focus during Dean's moments of confusion draws the viewer into his experience, while the brisk pacing maintains narrative momentum. The script is peppered with clever callbacks and references, including Dean's mechanical bull ride and his penchant for burgers, which serve to ground the episode in the show's established character lore.

Thematically, "Regarding Dean" explores questions of identity, memory, and the burden of trauma. The episode asks what remains when a person's memories-the sum of their experiences, pain, and relationships-are stripped away. Dean's journey from comic confusion to existential terror is mirrored by Sam's helplessness and Rowena's pragmatic compassion. The conclusion, in which Dean regains his memories and reflects with Sam on the value of even painful experiences, is both uplifting and bittersweet. Dean's assertion that he would rather keep all his memories, good and bad, than lose himself, encapsulates the episode's central message about the importance of embracing one's past.

The performances are uniformly strong. Jensen Ackles anchors the episode with a nuanced portrayal that moves seamlessly from comedy to tragedy. Jared Padalecki's Sam is the emotional anchor, his concern and desperation grounding the supernatural stakes in real human feeling. Ruth Connell's Rowena provides both comic relief and genuine pathos, her shifting loyalties and sharp wit adding complexity to the narrative. The guest cast, particularly the actors playing the Loughlin witches, bring menace and eccentricity to their roles, enhancing the episode's blend of horror and dark humor.

While "Regarding Dean" is widely praised for its emotional depth and inventive structure, some critics have noted that the witch-of-the-week plot is relatively conventional, serving primarily as a backdrop for the character-driven drama. The resolution-Rowena's spell reversing the curse just in time-follows a familiar formula, but the strength of the performances and the episode's willingness to linger on the psychological toll of memory loss elevate it above standard procedural fare. The episode's balance of humor, suspense, and genuine pathos exemplifies Supernatural at its best, showcasing the series' versatility and emotional range.

In summary, "Regarding Dean" is a standout episode that uses a supernatural affliction to explore profound questions of selfhood, memory, and the ties that bind. Through its deft direction, sharp writing, and exceptional performances-particularly from Jensen Ackles-the episode delivers both laughter and heartbreak, culminating in a meditation on the value of memory and the resilience of identity. It is an episode that lingers long after viewing, reminding audiences that even in a world of monsters and magic, the most terrifying loss can be the loss of oneself.

My favorite episode of season 12

Dean's beginning to forget himself because of the spell, his speech in the bathroom and his acting leave a dramatic and deep impact. Sam shows concern for his older brother. It should be noted that there are also tragicomic moments, such as Dean comparing himself to Dory. Rowena gives another great performance. Every sentence the powerful and sympathetic witch says and every scene she appears in is enjoyable.

As I always say, the realistic and harmonious chemistry of the Winchester brothers is combined with Rowena's ability to adapt to the situation quite well.

The Rowena / Dean chemistry really works in this one although Dean has good chemistry with everyone. Sam is adorable in this episode looking after his older brother and taking charge. This episode has a bit of everything, sentiment, emotion, action, humor and a monster all wrapped up in one. Some great scenes whilst tracing Dean's steps, a cute bunny and a fun waitress. The scene where Dean saves the day based on post it notes is really great.