I was interested in how much the Sam detox scenes emphasized Sam's self-hatred (or self-disappointment, to put it less strongly), but anyway something we haven't seen much of this season
No, nor, as you add, Sam's continuing need for Dean's approval and support.
That final scene in DT is like a Texas-accent competition between all three Js
Heh. But yes, I also picked up on that emphasis. I think it was very deliberate, that Sam could bear that term from anyone but Dean.
Sam's unconscious can't confront the fact that Dean loves him that much, and he has to conjure up Mary as the figure of unconditional love
Hmm, I hadn't realized that had been people's take on that scene. I thought it was more to do with a childhood habit. I think Sam has felt himself largely misunderstood most of his life (he wasn't such a perfect fit in the family during his younger years, and for some time couldn't understand what was going on), and I saw Mary as the figure of constant comfort for him. Our imaginations always tend to be more understanding than the people in our lives!
It feels a little contrived, since rivalry hasn't really characterized the Bros. Winchesters' relationship up until this season, maybe not before the reveal in 4.16 about Dean's role.
Really? I certainly wouldn't have said rivalry was the most prominent characteristic of their relationship, but maybe because I don't have siblings it always stood out to me in their relationship. I think the way they'd argue about who was right on a case, or what should be done was always laced with it, past a matter of professional disagreement. Similarly, the thing about Dean's bossiness -- I was a little startled when Sam voiced it back in S2, because I never saw it that way, but it wasn't difficult to understand why Sam would. And once he pointed it out, it was easier for me to notice it.
Dean doesn't (can't) leave--and while that keeps him true to canon, I thought after finding his "line" about Sam, he might be able to. At least he didn't follow Sam, and Sam's plan, despite the pleading, which may be new.
no subject
No, nor, as you add, Sam's continuing need for Dean's approval and support.
That final scene in DT is like a Texas-accent competition between all three Js
Heh. But yes, I also picked up on that emphasis. I think it was very deliberate, that Sam could bear that term from anyone but Dean.
Sam's unconscious can't confront the fact that Dean loves him that much, and he has to conjure up Mary as the figure of unconditional love
Hmm, I hadn't realized that had been people's take on that scene. I thought it was more to do with a childhood habit. I think Sam has felt himself largely misunderstood most of his life (he wasn't such a perfect fit in the family during his younger years, and for some time couldn't understand what was going on), and I saw Mary as the figure of constant comfort for him. Our imaginations always tend to be more understanding than the people in our lives!
It feels a little contrived, since rivalry hasn't really characterized the Bros. Winchesters' relationship up until this season, maybe not before the reveal in 4.16 about Dean's role.
Really? I certainly wouldn't have said rivalry was the most prominent characteristic of their relationship, but maybe because I don't have siblings it always stood out to me in their relationship. I think the way they'd argue about who was right on a case, or what should be done was always laced with it, past a matter of professional disagreement. Similarly, the thing about Dean's bossiness -- I was a little startled when Sam voiced it back in S2, because I never saw it that way, but it wasn't difficult to understand why Sam would. And once he pointed it out, it was easier for me to notice it.
Dean doesn't (can't) leave--and while that keeps him true to canon, I thought after finding his "line" about Sam, he might be able to. At least he didn't follow Sam, and Sam's plan, despite the pleading, which may be new.
Yes, that's true.