11.21 All in the Family

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SPN-1121.jpg
Title All in the Family
Episode # Season 11, Episode 21
First aired May 11, 2016
Directed by Thomas J. Wright
Written by Eugenie Ross-Leming
Brad Buckner
On IMDB All in the Family
Outline After Chuck reveals Himself to the Winchesters, Amara begins reaching out to Dean through visions. With the help of Metatron and a new prophet, Donatello Redfield, Sam and Dean devise a plan to rescue Lucifer before Amara kills him.
Monster Amara
Timeline Immediately after 11.20 Don't Call Me Shurley
Location(s) Hope Springs, Idaho
Lebanon, Kansas
Lewis, Oklahoma
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Synopsis

Sam and Dean are standing in the middle of Main Street in Hope Springs, Idaho. Dean is holding the Samulet as they confront Chuck. Dean demands to know what's going on. Chuck says they need to talk. Dean refuses to go anywhere with Chuck, and even questions if Chuck is actually Chuck and not a manifestation. As Dean is talking, Chuck transports them to the war room in the Bunker. As Sam and Dean realize what’s happened, Kevin Tran steps out from behind Chuck. He tells Sam and Dean that they looked "stressed" and that they should do whatever Chuck asks them to do. Chuck then tells Kevin that he has been in the Veil long enough and deserves an upgrade. Kevin transforms into a bright white light, ascends upwards, and disappears.

Sam is visibly excited to be talking to Chuck, while Dean is more reticent. When Chuck calls him on it, Dean becomes emotional, asking where Chuck has been and why He did nothing while all sorts of terrible things happened throughout history. Chuck explains that He was hands-on for a very long time, thinking that if He continued to offer support things would get better. But they didn’t, so He stepped away to let His baby find its way. When Dean counters that things haven’t gotten any better, Chuck disagrees, saying that from where He sits, they have. Dean accuses Him of leaving them, and now trying to justify it. Chuck tells him not to confuse Chuck with his father.

As they continue talking, Sam and Dean question Chuck about Amara, asking if He knows where she is and that she has Lucifer. When they mention that last time He defeated Amara He needed Lucifer’s help, Chuck becomes angry. He says He does not need or trust Lucifer. Nor does He need Lucifer's help in defeating Amara, especially since he may have formed an alliance with her by now. He leaves them to find the "guest room".

Meanwhile, Amara is torturing Lucifer. He continues to taunt her by comparing her to Chuck, pointing out the ways she doesn’t compare and reminding her that, while she may beat Him, she will never be Him. Amara complains that Chuck stuffed her in a hole for eons, with Lucifer’s help. Frustrated by his taunting, she gestures angrily at him and he passes out. After Lucifer loses consciousness, Amara approaches his inert body. Curious, she hovers her hand over his chest.

As Dean is sitting at the table in the war room using his laptop to look for Amara, she appears to him. She tells him that she knows her brother has surfaced and to let her know if He reaches out to Dean. She also says that Lucifer is not doing well, and neither is his vessel, Castiel. She shows Dean a vision of Castiel's battered form.

The fog is rolling through Lewis, Oklahoma. People are running down the street, clutching at their throats. An older man with white hair comes out of his home to see what is happening.

In the war room, Dean tells Sam about Amara appearing to him. Chuck enters the room and Sam tells them about the fog appearing in Lewis and that everyone in the town died, except for one man. Metatron is sitting in a bar when he sees a news story about the fog in Lewis. The story is accompanied by a picture of Sam and Dean standing in the street in Hope Springs with Chuck. He calls Dean and tells him he must with them in person to give them some information they need to know.

Before meeting with Metatron, Sam and Dean go to see the man who survived the fog in Lewis. The man recounts the night and says that, when he went outside, he felt like his head would explode—not with pain, but with knowledge. Sam and Dean surmise that being touched by Amara's power is akin to being touched by the power of God and therefore the man, Donatello Redfield, must be a prophet. While Sam confers with Donatello, Amara appears to Dean again and says that he must meet with her in person, alone. As they drive back to the bunker, Sam and Dean brief Donatello on being a prophet, the looming battle between God and Amara, and how they hope he can help them find Amara.

Sam and Dean meet Metatron at the bar. He tells them that Chuck will not take Amara down, that He plans to sacrifice Himself, let Amara do whatever she wants with Him. Sam and Dean do not believe him, so Metatron shows them the manuscript—God's autobiography. Metatron says that it's more of a suicide note.

Dean meets with Chuck in a park, watching children play. Dean confronts Him about not dealing with Amara. Chuck says He will offer her a deal: put Him in a cage and leave the world as it is. And if that doesn't work, humans will step up—Sam, Dean, and others who are chosen. He tells Dean that He saved him so many years ago because he is the firewall between light and darkness. Dean balks and tells Chuck that He is the one that has to take Amara out.

Metatron has been pestering Dean to let him into the bunker. They concede, and Metatron tells them that his past relationship with Chuck as the Scribe of God gives him valuable insight he can use to help save Chuck. Sam and Dean tell Metatron their plan to free Lucifer from Amara and then convince Chuck to use Lucifer to fight Amara.

To create a diversion, Dean reaches out to Amara, meeting with her in a forest. She asks him to give up his humanity and join her for eternity. As they are talking, Amara reaches out to touch Dean's face and realizes that she can't find his thoughts, that he has talked to God and that he is betraying her.

While Dean is with Amara, Sam, Metatron, and Donatello go to the building where Lucifer is being held. Metatron performs a spell to free him from his shackles. They tell Lucifer their plan and he agrees to work with Chuck to defeat Amara. As Lucifer is freed, Donatello feels Amara coming. Lucifer can't 'zap' them away from the tower in his weakened state, so Sam grabs him and tells everyone to run. Metatron tells Sam to go, he will stay behind. He cuts his hand and draws a sigil on a piece of wood. As Amara appears, he places his hand onto the sigil. Bolts of bright white light envelop Amara, but when they stop, she is still standing there. In retaliation, Amara sends out black smoke to surround Metatron. He melts into it and disappears.

As Sam is speeding away in the Impala with Lucifer and Donatello, Amara appears in the middle of the road. Sam tries to pull away, but the tires just squeal and spin. Amara declares, "You really aren't worth sparing. None of you." and spreads her arms out to the sides. Suddenly, the Impala is dropped into a room in the basement of the bunker. They walk upstairs and Chuck meets them, six-pack in hand, stating that "Occasionally, I do answer a prayer." Chuck heals Lucifer.

Sam and Dean see Donatello off in a cab, and Dean tells Sam that Amara wants him with her forever.

Characters

Definitions

Music

  • "Crooked Little Man" by Trini Lopez
(playing in the bar when Sam and Dean meet with Metatron)

Quotes

Sam: Okay. So, wow, um, Chuck-- Well. I guess we don't call you that, huh?

Chuck: I prefer it.
Sam: Okay, uh, 'Chuck' it is. I'm sorry. You're gonna have to, uh, give Dean and me a moment to start to process. We didn't even know you were around. I mean, we knew about Chuck, but we just didn't know about... 'Chuck.' I mean, I-I-I was hoping you were around. I-I-I prayed and I-- But I don't know if they got lost in the spam or if-
Dean: Sam.
Sam: Yeah?
Dean: Babbling.

Sam: Okay.
Dean: Here's the thing, um... Chuck... And I mean no disrespect. Um... I'm guessing you came back to help with the Darkness, and that's great. That's, you know -- It's fantastic. Um, but you've been gone a-- a... long, long time. And there's so much crap that has gone down on the Earth for thousands of years. I mean, plagues and wars, slaughters, and you were, I don't know, writing books, going to fan conventions. Were you even aware o-or did you just tune it out?
Chuck: I was aware, Dean.
Chuck: You're frustrated. I get it. Believe me, I was hands-on -- Real hands-on, for, wow, ages. I was so sure if I kept stepping in, teaching, punishing, that these beautiful creatures that I created... would grow up. But it only stayed the same. And I saw that I needed to step away and let my baby find its way. Being overinvolved is no longer parenting. It's enabling.

Dean: But it didn't get better.
Chuck: Wel,l, I've been mulling it over. And from where I sit, I think it has.
Dean: Well from where I sit, it feels like you left us and you're trying to to justify.

Chuck: I know you had a complicated upbringing, Dean. But don't confuse me with your dad.
Chuck: You have to understand this about the Darkness -- she's relentless, a force beyond human comprehension. It's the only reason I came off the sidelines.

Sam: Must have been great being her brother, huh?

Chuck: It was the worst. Always telling me what to do, making me do what she wanted. I mean, you guys know how that works.
Amara: Spoiled brat. I needed solitude and He needed a fan club, so He made all that. Then when I complained. He stuffed me in a hole for eons -- with your help.
Dean: Is that my computer?
Chuck: I've never seen so much porn. Not in one sitting.
Donatello: Uh... I-I-I guess you know that I was an atheist, until ten minutes ago. Is that an issue?
Chuck: Not for me. I mean, I believe in me. But your skepticism is to be expected. I did include free will in the kit.
Dean: You started this. You started all of this. But does that give you the right to end it? You know, we're not just some toys you throw away. I think you owe us more than that.
Chuck: If my plan doesn't work, then humans will step up. You, Sam, others that are the chosen will have to find a way. It's why I saved you years ago. You're the firewall between light and darkness.
Amara: I missed you. And the... sensations you arouse. I know you feel the same way. So... what do we do?

Dean: There can be no us. We should just walk away.

Amara: Then why don't you?
Amara: This place, this world hasn't been especially easy for you. Why not at least consider my offer?

Dean: This world is flawed. I will give you that. But I am not ready to say goodbye to it just yet.

Amara: But one way or the other, you will. It's inevitable. My brother won't stop me again, because He can't. Dean, give up your... smallness. Your humanity and become boundless within me.
Dean: You're right. I am drawn to you. And it bothers the hell out of me, 'cause I can't control it.
Amara: Then why fight it? What you're feeling is that I am the end of your struggle. Something stops you. Keeps you from having it all.
Amara: You were kidding with that, weren't you?

Metatron: He meant well. Spare the universe.

Amara: Spare this.
Chuck: Occasionally, I do answer a prayer... You've changed.

Lucifer: You've changed.

Chuck: Well, still... I'm really pretty much the same.
Dean: Still twitchy, huh? Well, you met God, Lucifer, and the Darkness. You're gonna need a spa day. That or a pair of hookers.
Sam: So, you wanna tell me about it? I mean, Amara obviously figured out something was going on, and she didn't rip your head off.
Dean: She wants me to be a part of her. Not metaphorically, I'm talking literally -- forever. So in other words, adios.

Trivia & References

All in the Family was a 1970s sitcom about the Bunker family. Written by Norman Lear, it was renowned for dealing with many social issues not previously depicted on TV.
Dean: But you did nothing. And again, I-I'm not trying to piss you off. You know, I don't want to turn into a pillar of salt.

Chuck: I actually -- I didn't do that.
Dean: Okay. People -- People pray to you. People build churches for you. They fight wars in your name, and you did nothing.

In the Book of Genesis, Lot and his wife and children are rescued from Sodom by two angels. They are told not to look behind them, however, Lot's wife does and she turns into a pillar of salt. It's revealed in 11.10 The Devil in the Details that Lot's wife turned into a pillar of salt due to the fallout of the angels smiting Sodom and Gomorrah.
Dean: Does God sleep?

Sam: I know He takes really long showers.
Dean: Right, and sings, too -- like, crappy old folk songs. I had to tell Him to cool it three times.

"Fare Thee Well," the song Chuck sings in 11.20 Don't Call Me Shurley, is an American folk song.
Donatello: Call me Donatello. I'm named after him.

Dean: The Mutant Ninja Turtle?
Donatello: The, uh, Renaissance sculptor.

Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi, known as Donatello, was an Italian sculptor during the early Renaissance. Dean is referring to the comic book/TV series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, whose main characters are four anthropomorphic turtles named after four famous Renaissance artists.
Metatron: So, I uh, notice you've been in touch with Chuck. A.K.A. You Know Who.
Lord Voldemort, the villain in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, is commonly referred to as either "He Who Must Not Be Named" or "You Know Who."
Dean: When you see Amara, you're throwing in the towel?

Chuck: Metatron. Loose lips. But you think I'm a dick. Why do you care?

The phrase "Loose lips sink ships" originated during World War II, advising people not to talk carelessly about sensitive information.
Lucifer: Oh, goody. Larry, Curly, Moe. Search and rescue?
Larry, Curly, and Moe are the first names of the comedy trio The Three Stooges.
Lucifer: Oh, wow. It's one of Dad's favorites. Your ticket finally got punched, huh? It's wacky, isn't it? One minute you're... nobody, and then -- 'Shazam' -- you're Joan of Arc. Let's, uh. Let's hope this ends better than that.
"Shazam" is the word spoken by Billy Batson that causes him to be struck by lighting and turn into the superhero, Captain Marvel.
Joan of Arc was a French heroine during the Hundred Years' War. She was burned at the stake at the age of 19 in 1431. She was declared a saint in the name of the Roman Catholic church.
Sam: You're gonna help us take her down. If you say 'no,' we'll just leave you here in Abu Ghraib.
Abu Ghraib was a prison in Iraq. It was closed down in 2014 after reports leaked showing the torture of prisoners.
Lucifer: Did you grab this from the steno pool?
A "steno pool" is a group of office workers who would take dictation and transcribe notes. In 8.21 The Great Escapist, Metatron reveals to Castiel that he worked in the secretarial pool before being chosen by God to take down the Word.
Lucifer: What happens in Heaven stays in Heaven.
A version of the marketing phrase, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."
Metatron: It's okay, Sam. You go.

Sam: What?! Come on!
Metatron: I'm serious. I got this.

"I got this" were the last words of Harry "Opie" Winston in the show Sons of Anarchy before he sacrifices himself to protect his friends.
The sign for the drive-in that Amara stops the Impala in front of is advertising a showing for the film Apocalypse Now.

Minutiae

Despite this episode occurring right after 11.20 Don't Call Me Shurley, the news article Sam pulls up on the new rabid infection mentions that the Hope Springs infection was weeks earlier. This might have been to show passage of time between Chuck coming to the Bunker, and the rescue operation for Lucifer/Castiel. However, the words of the newscaster just before Metatron pauses the video indicates that it has indeed only been a matter of days.
The news article Sam reads about the new rabid infection confirms that Chuck resurrected everyone killed in the last episode. The article mentions that there were no casualties in Hope Springs despite what was originally expected.
With the activation of Donatello Redfield as a prophet, the prophet line is once again active, having been deactivated by Metatron off-screen in 9.10 Road Trip to prevent any future prophets from taking Kevin Tran's place.
The new prophet, Donatello Redfield, is not one of the future prophets identified and kidnapped by Crowley in 8.07 A Little Slice of Kevin. Sam speculates that Crowley could've missed a couple, though Samandriel claimed that he listed all of the prophets in the current generation when tortured by Crowley.

Sides, Scripts & Transcripts

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