I’m trying to find something good to take away from last nights episode. It’s difficult, but I’m trying.
We learned, long before the season started that we were going to see a whole new level of guilt for Dean. Obviously, that is because of what he had to do to save Sam. Nothing new there.
So, what happened in last night’s episode makes a kind of sense to the character arc they have for Dean this season. That doesn’t mean we have to like it though.
His character was making great progress toward losing the self loathing, destructive attitude he’s carried through the entire show. Now, the writers are working very hard at bringing that aspect back to Dean and I find it distasteful.
We saw such growth in Season 8. He almost stopped hating himself, he stopped drinking, he wasn’t self destructive. He had almost forgiven himself for the myriad of things that he feels are his fault or responsibility.
But, the writers have decided to come full circle and bring that Dean back. Why? Is it something that they think the fans want to see? Do they not know how to write anything different for him?
I get that this is a fundamental aspect of Dean’s character. I understand that they believe that this is who he is, and apparently who he will always be. But, if that is the case, what is the sense to showing growth last season?
Dean’s guilt over tricking Sam is slowly destroying him. We’ve seen those fake smiles, heard him stumble over his words, seen the internal struggle he goes through every time he looks at Sam. We see a another piece of him break off every time he has to lie to Sam.
Eventually Sam is going to find out and I have a feeling that the writers aren’t going to allow Sam to forgive him easily, which will destroy Dean. I see that sending him into another spiral of alcoholism and more destructive behaviour.
When are the writers going to start giving that character the respect he deserves? I get what they were going for last night. But, Dean having sex with a retired porn star? That is a Season one joke and not worthy of the character we have all come to love and respect so much.
I seriously hope they don’t plan on continuing on this track for Dean. It’s distasteful and completely out of character now.
My hope is that they have a plan to bring Dean out of this. To allow him to find peace, and forgiveness for himself.
I’m just afraid that is going to be too much to ask of Season 9.