04x18 The Monster at the End of the Book

     In this episode Sam and Dean find out that there are a series of books named Supernatural that follow their lives exactly. The brothers come to find the author’s name is Chuck Shurley and investigate why or how he knows about their lives. Shurley and the Winchester brothers end up teaming up trying to find out what is next in their lives. Shurley then has a vision about Lilith which leads to Dean doing everything in his power to keep it from coming true.

     This episode of Supernatural is a biblical allusion done in quite a real and crude way, which provides entertainment and intrigue. The writing in this episode was very astutely done. It was interesting to see something different thrown in with Chuck Shurley writing Sam and Dean’s lives. With Chuck being a prophet the whole episode changes, turning it from any supernatural possibility to a higher power controlling everything. Comic relief points in the episode among all of the very serious chaos happening brings entertainment.

            The directing was done in such a way that the drama of the script could be felt through watching. The sets brought the script to life. It was interesting to see the interactions between characters and Chuck being introduced. It brings the idea of a prophet to a very realistic point as they a often perceived as such majestic and Godly people. Chuck is a very unorganized and unsuccessful author, his life is a mess. The Winchester brothers introduce themselves knocking at the door which again is so realistic. All of the whimsical possibilities are swept away.

            The acting in this episode was quite entertaining to watch. Dean had to take a very controlling role, the fact he has to try and change destiny is very powerful and he makes it believable. Sam is fixated on destroying Lilith and that demonstrates just how naive and weak he really is. Chuck does a phenomenal job being lost and not knowing what he is truly doing. I wish that he had more of a backstory or was kept through the show. Castiel had minor screen time in this episode but he brought heavy information, his character adds a sense of seriousness to the show.

            Although I thoroughly enjoyed this episode I do have some questions. Why bring Chuck up now and why not keep him around as a recurring character? He could be so helpful to the brothers. Why not give him more of a backstory? How will Dean find out about Sam drinking demon blood? What we do get to see is that although Chuck can supposedly see everything the brothers do and what is written cannot be unwritten, Dean does take matters into his own hands and keep what was written from happening. This could make us think that that even if we do believe everything is written out in our lives we can still take the reigns and do our best to turn our lives around.