This is my new resolution: I shall work on my writing skills by writing reviews of the newest episodes of TV shows (starting with Supernatural, and possibly expanding my horizons if I discover that I actually like this). I'm not going for an official sounding review though - what you're going to get is my unfiltered reactions to the episode, which may oftentimes include more than a little fannish squee. You've been warned, so if you proceed, you do so at your own risk.
Supernatural Season 8, Episode 18 - Freaks and Geeks
I have to admit to not really being terribly excited by the premise for this episode when I first read it a little while back. While I did like the character of Krissy when she showed up a season ago, the idea of a "hunter's school" sounded like sort of a lame idea - too much like an X-Men ripoff, and not enough like Supernatural.
That being said, I wound up really enjoying the episode. After watching for eight seasons, I've learned to sit back and enjoy each episode for what it is on its own, as well as in relation to the greater myth-arc, which basically means I can enjoy a good standalone episode just as much as one that's mythology-heavy. And while this was not at the top of my list for standalones (Yellow Fever, anyone?), it definitely had its moments. So let's start from the beginning, shall we?
Finding out from the opening that we were returning to classic monster lore actually made me really happy. I was just thinking the other day that we're most of the way through this season, and we've encountered only one ghost this whole time, a few werewolves (and even that didn't really feel like your classic monster), and our only interaction with vamps has been through Benny's story. Of course, this vamp story didn't end up playing out quite like a classic vamp tale, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it. It's been way too long since we've seen anyone behead a vamp, and the idea of the cure has sort of sat around going to waste for a couple seasons now, so it was nice to see that pulled back in, however briefly. Side note: I think the chance to cure the girl who'd been turned also fit very well with how Dean has progressed this season - giving him on opportunity to save a monster rather than just kill it. He's come a long way, and it's really good to see that.
