Supernatural Episode Review: Mint Condition

To tell you the truth, much like Dean Winchester, I'm in a bit of a funk when it comes to this show, to the point it took almost a week to get around to watching this episode with my wife. This is because I feel this series has lost touch with its roots and, while the whole angel, demon and archangel thing was good for a while, I'm kind of burnt out on it.

In fact, Dean actually echoed some of my own comments about the series when he mentioned all the "strangers" in his house in reference to all the new characters the series added this season. I'm glad I'm not the only one who simply does not care about all those other people.

As a result of this, I was actually very happy to see the series, at least for this particular episode, went back to the basics, with the brothers fighting something that wasn't related to Heaven or Hell. And, after finally watching it last night, I have to say it was my favorite season 14 episode so far.

One thing, in particular, I found I really liked about this episode was the way it managed to give us a little more insight into Sam and Dean. You would think, after 14 seasons, we would know everything there is to know about them. But, this episode revealed why Dean is a horror movie fan (despite his life basically being one) and the ridiculous reason Sam hates Halloween. 

I also found I liked how the ghost they were fighting managed to inadvertently re-create scenes from the horror film everyone was watching. It was clever and, at least temporarily, gave us back some of the fun that has largely disappeared from this series.

Probably the only real complaint I have about this episode (other than Dean not mentioning My Bloody Valentine when he was asked what his favorite horror movie was) is I wish it would have had a little more mystery surrounding who they were fighting. It didn't take Sam long to figure out who the ghost was and was practically given the answer about what object it was attached to. But, considering the overall episode was enjoyable to watch, I'll give it a pass.

If this episode proved anything, it was this series really needs to go back to what it does best, have Sam and Dean (minus the dozens of other characters that were added) fighting various supernatural entities and remembering this is supposed to be a fun show. Unfortunately, I'm sure it's going to be one of only a couple bright spots this season.

My Grade: A