Difference between revisions of "5.22 Swan Song"
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|motw= [[Lucifer]] | |motw= [[Lucifer]] | ||
|timeline= Within six months after the events of [[5.10 Abandon All Hope...]]. | |timeline= Within six months after the events of [[5.10 Abandon All Hope...]]. | ||
− | |location= Detroit, Michigan<br>Lawrence, Kansas<br>Kripke's Hollow, Ohio | + | |location= Sioux Falls, South Dakota<br>Detroit, Michigan<br>[[Lawrence, Kansas]]<br>Kripke's Hollow, Ohio |
|map= | |map= | ||
{{EpisodeMap | {{EpisodeMap | ||
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[[Chuck]] is writing about the history of the [[Impala]] for a manuscript entitled "Swan Song." He writes that it is the most important object in the history of the universe. | [[Chuck]] is writing about the history of the [[Impala]] for a manuscript entitled "Swan Song." He writes that it is the most important object in the history of the universe. | ||
− | The boys share a beer in the junkyard at [[Bobby]]'s. [[Dean]] tells [[Sam]] that, if it is what Sam really wants, then he will support his plan to let himself become [[Lucifer]]'s [[vessel]] in order to trap him in [[Lucifer's Cage]]. Dean asks if this is really what Sam wants and Sam tells him that since he released Lucifer, it's his responsibility to lock him back up again. They prepare by killing demons and harvesting a huge amount of [[demon blood]], which [[Castiel]] has said Sam will need to drink to contain Lucifer. | + | The boys share a beer in the junkyard at [[Bobby]]'s. [[Dean]] tells [[Sam]] that, if it is what Sam really wants, then he will support his plan to let himself become [[Lucifer]]'s [[vessel]] in order to trap him in [[Lucifer's Cage]]. Dean asks if this is really what Sam wants and Sam tells him that since he released Lucifer, it's his responsibility to lock him back up again. They prepare by killing demons and harvesting a huge amount of [[demon blood]], which [[Castiel]] has said Sam will need to drink in order to contain Lucifer. |
Omens lead Sam, Dean, Bobby and Castiel to Detroit, where Lucifer has always predicted Sam will say "Yes" to him. As they drive, Castiel sleeps, alerting Sam and Dean that his angelic energy is already gone and he is now almost completely human. Sam tells Dean that if the plan actually works, Sam won't be returning from [[Hell]] and he tells Dean not to find a way to bring him back. Sam makes Dean promise that when everything is over, Dean will go find [[Lisa Braeden]] and live a normal life. | Omens lead Sam, Dean, Bobby and Castiel to Detroit, where Lucifer has always predicted Sam will say "Yes" to him. As they drive, Castiel sleeps, alerting Sam and Dean that his angelic energy is already gone and he is now almost completely human. Sam tells Dean that if the plan actually works, Sam won't be returning from [[Hell]] and he tells Dean not to find a way to bring him back. Sam makes Dean promise that when everything is over, Dean will go find [[Lisa Braeden]] and live a normal life. | ||
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Chuck continues telling the story of the Impala. He says the Impala has the same things most other cars have and a lot of things other cars don't have (e.g. the weapons cache) but none of that is important. Chuck says the important things are the things that the Winchesters put into the car along the years; the army man Sam stuffed into the ashtray in the back, the Lego Dean stuffed into the heating vents and the carvings of their initials. Chuck says that Lucifer doesn't care about the car, but he should. | Chuck continues telling the story of the Impala. He says the Impala has the same things most other cars have and a lot of things other cars don't have (e.g. the weapons cache) but none of that is important. Chuck says the important things are the things that the Winchesters put into the car along the years; the army man Sam stuffed into the ashtray in the back, the Lego Dean stuffed into the heating vents and the carvings of their initials. Chuck says that Lucifer doesn't care about the car, but he should. | ||
− | Sam tells Lucifer that he wants to say "Yes" to him in return for his family's safety, but Lucifer reveals that he knows that they have the [[Horsemen's | + | Sam tells Lucifer that he wants to say "Yes" to him in return for his family's safety, but Lucifer reveals that he knows that they have the [[Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse#The Rings|Horsemen's rings]] and plan to trap him. Sam says this doesn't change anything and says "Yes" anyway. As Lucifer takes over Sam's body, Dean uses the rings and with an incantation opens [[Lucifer's Cage]]. Lucifer, however, is in full control of Sam, and closes the cage, taking the rings and disappearing. |
− | Lucifer and Sam have a talk in which Lucifer tells Sam that he should embrace their union as it was always meant to be this way. He tells Sam that they're two halves of the same whole, that they were literally made for each other and that the Winchesters were at best a surrogate family as Lucifer is Sam's real family. Lucifer gathers all the remaining minions of [[Azazel]], who have been keeping watch over Sam his entire life (including a grade school teacher and Sam's prom date, Rachel Nave) and tells Sam that it's time the two of them "blow off a little steam". He proceeds to slaughter these demons and asks if Sam is "having fun yet". | + | Lucifer and Sam have a talk in which Lucifer tells Sam that he should embrace their union as it was always meant to be this way. He tells Sam that they're two halves of the same whole, that they were literally made for each other and that the Winchesters were at best a surrogate family as Lucifer is Sam's real family. Lucifer gathers all the remaining minions of [[Azazel]], who have been keeping watch over Sam his entire life (including a grade school teacher and Sam's prom date, [[Rachel Nave (Demon)|Rachel Nave]]) and tells Sam that it's time the two of them "blow off a little steam". He proceeds to slaughter these demons and asks if Sam is "having fun yet". |
− | Later, Dean, Castiel and Bobby watch the news, as unprecedented disasters occur across the world – the [[Apocalypse]] is beginning. Both Castiel and Bobby seem without hope. Dean calls Chuck, who tells Dean the confrontation between [[Michael]] and Lucifer will take place at [[Stull Cemetery]] near Lawrence | + | Later, Dean, Castiel and Bobby watch the news, as unprecedented disasters occur across the world – the [[Apocalypse]] is beginning. Both Castiel and Bobby seem without hope. Dean calls Chuck, who tells Dean the confrontation between [[Michael]] and Lucifer will take place at [[Stull Cemetery]] near [[Lawrence, Kansas]], where the boys first lived. Castiel tells Dean that there’s nothing he can do and that all that Dean will see is his brother being killed by Michael to which Dean responds that he won't let Sam die alone. |
In Stull Cemetery, Lucifer faces Michael, who appears using [[Adam]] as a vessel. Lucifer tries to dissuade Michael from the fight, blaming their conflict on [[God]], and suggesting they walk away. Michael counters that Lucifer is still blaming everyone but himself and that he hasn't grown at all. Michael says he must carry out God's orders and that it's his destiny to kill Lucifer. Just then, Dean arrives in the Impala, Def Leppard's “Rock of Ages” blaring. | In Stull Cemetery, Lucifer faces Michael, who appears using [[Adam]] as a vessel. Lucifer tries to dissuade Michael from the fight, blaming their conflict on [[God]], and suggesting they walk away. Michael counters that Lucifer is still blaming everyone but himself and that he hasn't grown at all. Michael says he must carry out God's orders and that it's his destiny to kill Lucifer. Just then, Dean arrives in the Impala, Def Leppard's “Rock of Ages” blaring. | ||
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Chuck says that he believes this was a test for Sam and Dean from God and he believes they passed that test because in the end, in the fight between good and evil, angels and devils, destiny and God himself, they chose family. Chuck, now dressed all in white, says that endings are hard, and never perfect, and that nothing really ends anyway. He types "The End" and vanishes for reasons unknown, leaving many to wonder whether he was really a prophet at all the entire time, or if he was the physical manifestation of God Himself. | Chuck says that he believes this was a test for Sam and Dean from God and he believes they passed that test because in the end, in the fight between good and evil, angels and devils, destiny and God himself, they chose family. Chuck, now dressed all in white, says that endings are hard, and never perfect, and that nothing really ends anyway. He types "The End" and vanishes for reasons unknown, leaving many to wonder whether he was really a prophet at all the entire time, or if he was the physical manifestation of God Himself. | ||
− | Sometime later, Dean is having dinner with Lisa and Ben. Lisa asks if Dean is okay, to which he quietly responds that he is before settling himself into the dinner and, in turn, a normal life without hunting and without his brother. | + | Sometime later, Dean is having dinner with Lisa and [[Ben Braeden|Ben]]. Lisa asks if Dean is okay, to which he quietly responds that he is before settling himself into the dinner and, in turn, a normal life without hunting and without his brother. |
Outside Lisa's house, a street light goes out. Underneath it, watching them through the window, stands Sam... | Outside Lisa's house, a street light goes out. Underneath it, watching them through the window, stands Sam... | ||
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|Pad_of_Definitions= | |Pad_of_Definitions= | ||
+ | <div style="-moz-column-count:2; -webkit-column-count:2; column-count:2;"> | ||
* [[Alcohol]] | * [[Alcohol]] | ||
* [[Angel Lore]] | * [[Angel Lore]] | ||
+ | * [[Apocalypse]] | ||
* [[Archangel]] | * [[Archangel]] | ||
* [[Ass-butt]] | * [[Ass-butt]] | ||
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* [[Dean's Movie & TV references]] | * [[Dean's Movie & TV references]] | ||
* [[Demon Blood]] | * [[Demon Blood]] | ||
+ | * [[Demon-Killing Knife]] | ||
+ | * [[Devil's trap (symbol)|Devil's Trap]] | ||
* [[Devil's Trident]] | * [[Devil's Trident]] | ||
* [[Fights]] | * [[Fights]] | ||
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* [[Resurrection]] | * [[Resurrection]] | ||
* [[Sam and Dean's Initials]] | * [[Sam and Dean's Initials]] | ||
+ | * [[Sam's Height]] | ||
+ | * [[Samifer]] | ||
* [[Sammy]] | * [[Sammy]] | ||
− | * [[ | + | * [[Singer Salvage Yard]] |
+ | * [[Smiting]] | ||
* [[Star Wars]] | * [[Star Wars]] | ||
* [[Stull Cemetery]] | * [[Stull Cemetery]] | ||
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* [[Unconscious]] | * [[Unconscious]] | ||
* [[Vessel]] | * [[Vessel]] | ||
+ | </div> | ||
| Music= | | Music= | ||
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}} | }} | ||
{{TriviaQuote |Text= | {{TriviaQuote |Text= | ||
− | '''Chuck:''' On April 21, 1967, the 100 millionth GM vehicle rolled off the line at the plant in Janesville – a blue two-door Caprice. | + | '''Chuck:''' On April 21, 1967, the 100 millionth GM vehicle rolled off the line at the plant in Janesville – a blue two-door Caprice. There was a big ceremony, speeches. The lieutenant governor even showed up. Three days later, another car rolled off that same line. No one gave two craps about her. But they should have, because this 1967 Chevrolet Impala would turn out to be the most important car – no, the most important object – in pretty much the whole universe. |
− | :'' | + | :''The [[Impala]] has the same birthday as series creator [[Eric Kripke]] - April 24th.'' |
}} | }} | ||
{{TriviaQuote |Text= | {{TriviaQuote |Text= | ||
'''Chuck:''' She was first owned by Sal Moriarty, an alcoholic with two ex-wives and three blocked arteries. | '''Chuck:''' She was first owned by Sal Moriarty, an alcoholic with two ex-wives and three blocked arteries. | ||
− | :''The name of the Impala's first owner, Sal Moriarty, is a reference to Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty, the main characters in the novel [[On the Road]].'' | + | :''The name of the Impala's first owner, Sal Moriarty, is a reference to Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty, the main characters in the novel [[On the Road]]. [[Kripke]] initially intended to call Sam and Dean "Dean and Sal".<sup>[https://archive.fo/6SGNF (source)]</sup>'' |
}} | }} | ||
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'''Dean:''' As always, Yoda. Two stunt demons inside, just like you said. | '''Dean:''' As always, Yoda. Two stunt demons inside, just like you said. | ||
− | :''Reference to the wise [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoda Jedi Master], a role that could be compared to Bobby's on ''Supernatural''. | + | :''Reference to the wise [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoda Jedi Master] from [[Star Wars]], a role that could be compared to Bobby's on ''Supernatural''. |
}} | }} | ||
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'''Sam:''' This thing goes our way and I...Triple Lindy into that box... y-you know I'm not coming back. | '''Sam:''' This thing goes our way and I...Triple Lindy into that box... y-you know I'm not coming back. | ||
− | :''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDMMYT3vkTk The Triple Lindy] was a ridiculous high dive done by Rodney Dangerfield in the movie Back to School.'' | + | :''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDMMYT3vkTk The Triple Lindy] was a ridiculous high dive done by Rodney Dangerfield in the 1986 movie [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090685/ Back to School].'' |
}} | }} | ||
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'''Lucifer:''' Sorry if it's a bit chilly. Most people think I burn hot. It's actually quite the opposite. | '''Lucifer:''' Sorry if it's a bit chilly. Most people think I burn hot. It's actually quite the opposite. | ||
:''In the fourteenth century, Italian poet [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dante_Alighieri Dante Alighieri] wrote the epic poem [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divine_Comedy Divine Comedy], which chronicles the poet's fictional tour of the various levels of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. In the first part, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferno_%28Dante%29 Inferno] (sometimes known as "Dante's Inferno"), Dante descends into the center of Hell, which is in the middle of the 9th Circle, the eternal punishment for betrayal, the most heinous of sins. There, Dante finds Satan trapped in a lake of ice with many other betrayers for all eternity. This is in stark contrast to the popular view of Hell as the "lake of fire."'' | :''In the fourteenth century, Italian poet [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dante_Alighieri Dante Alighieri] wrote the epic poem [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divine_Comedy Divine Comedy], which chronicles the poet's fictional tour of the various levels of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. In the first part, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferno_%28Dante%29 Inferno] (sometimes known as "Dante's Inferno"), Dante descends into the center of Hell, which is in the middle of the 9th Circle, the eternal punishment for betrayal, the most heinous of sins. There, Dante finds Satan trapped in a lake of ice with many other betrayers for all eternity. This is in stark contrast to the popular view of Hell as the "lake of fire."'' | ||
− | :''Also, according to the Christian Bible, at the end of time, Satan will be sent from Hell to the Lake of Fire for his eternal punishment. Hell and the Lake of Fire being two separate places.'' | + | :''Also, [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+20%3A10&version=ESV according to Revelation 20:10] in the Christian Bible, at the end of time, Satan will be sent from Hell to the Lake of Fire for his eternal punishment. Hell and the Lake of Fire being two separate places.'' |
}} | }} | ||
{{TriviaQuote |Text= | {{TriviaQuote |Text= | ||
'''Lucifer:''' Chock-full of Ovaltine, are we? | '''Lucifer:''' Chock-full of Ovaltine, are we? | ||
− | :''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovaltine Ovaltine] is a powder flavoring mixed with milk, but in this context, Lucifer is referring to the [[demon blood]] Sam drank before coming up. In [[4.03 In the Beginning]], [[Azazel]] | + | :''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovaltine Ovaltine] is a nutritious powder flavoring mixed with milk, but in this context, Lucifer is referring to the [[demon blood]] Sam drank before coming up. In [[4.03 In the Beginning]], [[Azazel]] also compares demon blood to Ovaltine, "Demon blood is better than Ovaltine, vitamins, minerals. It makes you big and strong."'' |
}} | }} | ||
{{TriviaQuote |Text= | {{TriviaQuote |Text= | ||
'''Lucifer:''' Okay, can we please drop the telenovela? I know you have the rings, Sam. | '''Lucifer:''' Okay, can we please drop the telenovela? I know you have the rings, Sam. | ||
:''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telenovela Telenovelas] are (usually) Latin American TV soap operas.'' | :''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telenovela Telenovelas] are (usually) Latin American TV soap operas.'' | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{TriviaQuote |Text= | ||
+ | '''Lucifer:''' The Horsemen's rings? The magic keys to my Cage? Ring a bell? Come on, Sam. I've never lied to you. You could at least pay me the same respect. It's okay. I'm not mad. A wrestling match inside your noggin... I like the idea. Just you and me, one round, no tricks. You win, you jump in the hole. I win... Well, then I win. What do you say, Sam? A fiddle of gold against your soul says I'm better than you. | ||
+ | :''Lucifer quotes the lyrics to the Charlie Daniel's song [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Devil_Went_Down_to_Georgia "Devil Went Down to Georgia"] specifically referencing the line, "I'll bet a fiddle of gold against your soul 'cause I think I'm better than you."'' | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{TriviaQuote |Text= | {{TriviaQuote |Text= | ||
'''Lucifer:''' Such anger... Young Skywalker. Who are you really angry with? Me? Or that face in the mirror? | '''Lucifer:''' Such anger... Young Skywalker. Who are you really angry with? Me? Or that face in the mirror? | ||
− | :''[[Eric Kripke]] originally pitched the show as “Star Wars in truck Stop America” with Sam representing Luke Skywalker and Dean representing Han Solo. | + | :''[[Eric Kripke]] originally pitched the show as “Star Wars in truck Stop America” with Sam representing Luke Skywalker and Dean representing Han Solo.<sup>[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U8ltRBJvC_FCSLipXtRoN_KQYp82sTmt/view (source)]</sup> |
}} | }} | ||
{{TriviaQuote |Text= | {{TriviaQuote |Text= | ||
'''Lucifer:''' The exhilaration. And you know why that is? Because we're two halves made whole. M.F.E.O. Literally. | '''Lucifer:''' The exhilaration. And you know why that is? Because we're two halves made whole. M.F.E.O. Literally. | ||
:''MFEO = Made For Each Other.'' | :''MFEO = Made For Each Other.'' | ||
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}} | }} | ||
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'''Dean:''' Yeah, swell. Thank you, Bukowski. I-I mean, how do we stop it? | '''Dean:''' Yeah, swell. Thank you, Bukowski. I-I mean, how do we stop it? | ||
:''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bukowski Charles Bukowski] was famous for writing novels and stories featuring alcoholic protagonists.'' | :''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bukowski Charles Bukowski] was famous for writing novels and stories featuring alcoholic protagonists.'' | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{TriviaQuote |Text= | ||
+ | '''Chuck:''' They drove a thousand miles for an Ozzy show, two days for a Jawhawks game. | ||
+ | :''Ozzy refers to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozzy_Osbourne Ozzy Osbourne].'' | ||
+ | :''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas_Jayhawks The Kansas Jayhawks] are the athletic teams that represent the University of Kansas. So, the game they went to could be basketball, baseball, softball, or football.'' | ||
}} | }} | ||
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'''Dean:''' Boy, you really got a whole virgin/hooker thing going on, don't you? | '''Dean:''' Boy, you really got a whole virgin/hooker thing going on, don't you? | ||
:''Dean accuses Chuck of having a "thing" for virgins and sex workers (hookers), possibly a hint towards Chuck's true identity as God. Specifically, a reference to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_mary the Virgin Mary], who supposedly gave birth to God's son, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus Jesus].''<br> | :''Dean accuses Chuck of having a "thing" for virgins and sex workers (hookers), possibly a hint towards Chuck's true identity as God. Specifically, a reference to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_mary the Virgin Mary], who supposedly gave birth to God's son, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus Jesus].''<br> | ||
− | :''When Dean calls Chuck, Chuck answers the phone "Mistress Magda," and we briefly see a newspaper/magazine ad for a blonde bombshell in a bikini named "Miss Magda" on Chuck's desk before he puts his glass on it. | + | :''When Dean calls Chuck, Chuck answers the phone "Mistress Magda," and we briefly see a newspaper/magazine ad for a blonde bombshell in a bikini named "Miss Magda" on Chuck's desk before he puts his glass on it. Jesus also loved a woman named [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Magdalene Mary Magdalene] described as a sex worker. There are many who believe Jesus actually married Mary Magdalene, though this idea, as well as Mary's status as a sex worker, are both matters widely debated by historians the world over.'' |
}} | }} | ||
{{TriviaQuote |Text= | {{TriviaQuote |Text= | ||
− | [[Stull Cemetery]] is a real cemetery near [[Lawrence, Kansas]], where Sam and Dean were born. It has a lot of lore associated with it, including that it may be [ | + | [[Stull Cemetery]] is a real cemetery near [[Lawrence, Kansas]], where Sam and Dean were born. It has a lot of lore associated with it, including that it may be [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stull%2C_Kansas#Legend_of_Stull_Cemetery a gate to Hell.] |
}} | }} | ||
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− | [[Image:KickItInTheAsstape.png|250px|right|thumb|Dean's | + | [[Image:KickItInTheAsstape.png|250px|right|thumb|Dean's "kick it in the ass" mix tape.]] |
The tape Dean loads into the cassette deck in the [[Impala]] as he drives into [[Stull Cemetery]] to face [[Lucifer]] and help [[Sam]], is labeled with [[Kim Manners]]' signature line [[Kick it in the ass!]] | The tape Dean loads into the cassette deck in the [[Impala]] as he drives into [[Stull Cemetery]] to face [[Lucifer]] and help [[Sam]], is labeled with [[Kim Manners]]' signature line [[Kick it in the ass!]] | ||
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− | [ | + | '''Filming Locations:''' [https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1mvXFxzo9-OAYkr-k0N8d_CCyYGqIwDyh&usp=sharing Map of known filming locations.] |
}} | }} | ||
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− | + | [https://web.archive.org/web/20100130212432/http://www.bcfilmcommission.com/about_us/film_list.htm?film_type=series Filming finished on March 29, 2010.] | |
}} | }} | ||
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− | + | As of February 2023, this episode is the highest-rated episode of ''Supernatural'' on IMDB with over 11,000 votes, averaging at a 9.7/10 rating.<sup>[https://www.imdb.com/search/title/?series=tt0460681&view=simple&count=250&sort=user_rating,desc (source)]</sup> | |
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− | + | This was [[Eric Kripke]]'s last episode as showrunner, though he would remain with the show for [[:Category:Season 6|season six]], and help craft the story-arc for [[:Category:Season 7|season 7]], before moving on to ''[[Revolution]]''. | |
− | + | }} | |
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− | The possible omens [[Bobby]] | + | The possible omens [[Bobby]] mentions to [[Dean]]: |
* Cyclone in Tampa. | * Cyclone in Tampa. | ||
* Temperature drops in Detroit (20 degrees in a five-block radius in downtown Motown). | * Temperature drops in Detroit (20 degrees in a five-block radius in downtown Motown). | ||
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− | [[ | + | Lucifer has referred twice before to Sam saying “Yes” in Detroit – in [[5.04 The End]] and [[5.10 Abandon All Hope...]].<br> |
+ | In [[5.04 The End|The End]], Future Dean tells Dean that Sam gave "the big yes" to Lucifer in Detroit. In [[5.10 Abandon All Hope...]], Lucifer predicts this future to Sam, telling him "I don't know Sam, I think it will. I think it'll happen soon, within six months. And I think it'll happen in Detroit." The episode first aired on November 19, 2009. If you look at a calendar for 2010, six months from this date is the third week of May (the week of May 17th). 5.22 Swan Song aired on May 13, neatly within Lucifer's six-month projection. | ||
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− | + | [[Lucifer]] uses his finger to draw a [[Devil's Trident|pitchfork]] in the frozen window. | |
− | |||
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− | + | Lucifer shows Sam some people in his life who were really agents of [[Azazel]] watching over him: | |
+ | * Mr. Bensman (one of Sam's grade-school teachers) | ||
+ | * Doug (a friend Sam made in East Lansing) | ||
+ | * [[Rachel Nave (Demon)|Rachel Nave]] (Sam's prom date. In the [[Wish-verse]] in [[2.20 What Is and What Should Never Be]], Dean is said to have slept with Sam's prom date on prom night) | ||
}} | }} | ||
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− | + | The disasters reported on the news: | |
− | + | * A magnitude 7.6 earthquake in Portland | |
+ | * A magnitude 8.1 earthquake in Boston | ||
+ | * More in Hong Kong, Berlin and Tehran | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{TriviaQuote |Text= | ||
+ | The First Tree which appeared in [[1.11 Scarecrow]] as the source of power for [[The Vanir]] appears behind Castiel in Stull Cemetery.<br> | ||
+ | [[File:The_First_Tree_5x22_1x11.png|left|800px]] | ||
+ | <br clear="all"> | ||
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− | [[Chuck]] | + | [[Chuck]] foreshadowed his possible divinity/real identity in [[4.18 The Monster at the End of This Book]], the first episode in which he appeared: |
<blockquote>'''Chuck:''' Well, there's only one explanation. Obviously I'm a god.<br> | <blockquote>'''Chuck:''' Well, there's only one explanation. Obviously I'm a god.<br> | ||
'''Sam:''' You're not a god.<br> | '''Sam:''' You're not a god.<br> | ||
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− | + | After the episode aired, fans placed an ad in ''The Hollywood Reporter'' to mark Eric Kripke stepping down as showrunner. For details, see [[Thank You Kripke]]. | |
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|Sides_Scripts_Transcripts= | |Sides_Scripts_Transcripts= | ||
* [[5.22 Swan Song (Transcript)]] | * [[5.22 Swan Song (Transcript)]] | ||
− | * [https:// | + | * [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NNFX6eSzhU1yaerW7gxk8sF3nVZRhZPG/view Swan Song Script] (Production Draft) |
|Promotion= | |Promotion= | ||
− | * [http://io9.com/5543025/supernaturals-showrunner-sera-gamble-talks-about-god-and-endings | + | * [http://io9.com/5543025/supernaturals-showrunner-sera-gamble-talks-about-god-and-endings Interview with Sera Gamble] |
* [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/05/12/supernaturals-mark-pellegrino-fans-satisfied-finale-343307544/ Interview with Mark Pellegrino] | * [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/05/12/supernaturals-mark-pellegrino-fans-satisfied-finale-343307544/ Interview with Mark Pellegrino] | ||
− | * [ | + | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3unMd6hc734 Interview with Julie McNiven & Rob Benedict] |
− | * [http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/04/21/ask-ausiello-spoilers-house-csi-more/ Finale Spoilers] from Ask Ausiello | + | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20100425022736/http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/04/21/ask-ausiello-spoilers-house-csi-more/ Finale Spoilers] from Ask Ausiello |
− | * [ | + | * [https://www.ksitetv.com/supernatural/supernatural-season-finale-swan-song-description/1797/ Synopsis] |
− | * [ | + | * [https://www.tvfanatic.com/gallery/shows/supernatural/episodes/swan-song/ Promo Pics] |
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93_a3HLAG4s Promo] | * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93_a3HLAG4s Promo] | ||
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCvFjPW5GBo Space TV Promo] | * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCvFjPW5GBo Space TV Promo] | ||
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fTXxsFlX3Q Sneak Peek] | * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fTXxsFlX3Q Sneak Peek] | ||
}} | }} | ||
+ | |||
==Episode Meta== | ==Episode Meta== | ||
*5.22 Swan Song: I Got Something To Say by bardicvoice (May 2010) | *5.22 Swan Song: I Got Something To Say by bardicvoice (May 2010) |
Latest revision as of 01:48, 14 April 2023
Title | Swan Song |
Episode # | Season 5, Episode 22 |
First aired | May 13, 2010 |
Directed by | Steve Boyum |
Written by | Teleplay: Eric Kripke Story: Eric "Giz" Gerwirtz |
On IMDB | Swan Song |
Outline | With the Apocalypse approaching, and their options getting smaller, Dean agrees to Sam's plan to try and trap Lucifer. |
Monster | Lucifer |
Timeline | Within six months after the events of 5.10 Abandon All Hope.... |
Location(s) | Sioux Falls, South Dakota Detroit, Michigan Lawrence, Kansas Kripke's Hollow, Ohio |
« Previous Episode | Next Episode » |
Contents
Synopsis
Chuck is writing about the history of the Impala for a manuscript entitled "Swan Song." He writes that it is the most important object in the history of the universe.
The boys share a beer in the junkyard at Bobby's. Dean tells Sam that, if it is what Sam really wants, then he will support his plan to let himself become Lucifer's vessel in order to trap him in Lucifer's Cage. Dean asks if this is really what Sam wants and Sam tells him that since he released Lucifer, it's his responsibility to lock him back up again. They prepare by killing demons and harvesting a huge amount of demon blood, which Castiel has said Sam will need to drink in order to contain Lucifer.
Omens lead Sam, Dean, Bobby and Castiel to Detroit, where Lucifer has always predicted Sam will say "Yes" to him. As they drive, Castiel sleeps, alerting Sam and Dean that his angelic energy is already gone and he is now almost completely human. Sam tells Dean that if the plan actually works, Sam won't be returning from Hell and he tells Dean not to find a way to bring him back. Sam makes Dean promise that when everything is over, Dean will go find Lisa Braeden and live a normal life.
They arrive in Detroit and Bobby scouts the perimeter, informing them that Lucifer really is in Detroit. Sam shares emotional goodbyes with both Castiel and Bobby. Bobby tells him to not give an inch and to fight with all his strength against Lucifer whilst Castiel tells him that he will look after Dean and Bobby and that everything will be fine, although he admits he is lying. Sam drinks the demon blood, and he and Dean go to confront Lucifer.
Chuck continues telling the story of the Impala. He says the Impala has the same things most other cars have and a lot of things other cars don't have (e.g. the weapons cache) but none of that is important. Chuck says the important things are the things that the Winchesters put into the car along the years; the army man Sam stuffed into the ashtray in the back, the Lego Dean stuffed into the heating vents and the carvings of their initials. Chuck says that Lucifer doesn't care about the car, but he should.
Sam tells Lucifer that he wants to say "Yes" to him in return for his family's safety, but Lucifer reveals that he knows that they have the Horsemen's rings and plan to trap him. Sam says this doesn't change anything and says "Yes" anyway. As Lucifer takes over Sam's body, Dean uses the rings and with an incantation opens Lucifer's Cage. Lucifer, however, is in full control of Sam, and closes the cage, taking the rings and disappearing.
Lucifer and Sam have a talk in which Lucifer tells Sam that he should embrace their union as it was always meant to be this way. He tells Sam that they're two halves of the same whole, that they were literally made for each other and that the Winchesters were at best a surrogate family as Lucifer is Sam's real family. Lucifer gathers all the remaining minions of Azazel, who have been keeping watch over Sam his entire life (including a grade school teacher and Sam's prom date, Rachel Nave) and tells Sam that it's time the two of them "blow off a little steam". He proceeds to slaughter these demons and asks if Sam is "having fun yet".
Later, Dean, Castiel and Bobby watch the news, as unprecedented disasters occur across the world – the Apocalypse is beginning. Both Castiel and Bobby seem without hope. Dean calls Chuck, who tells Dean the confrontation between Michael and Lucifer will take place at Stull Cemetery near Lawrence, Kansas, where the boys first lived. Castiel tells Dean that there’s nothing he can do and that all that Dean will see is his brother being killed by Michael to which Dean responds that he won't let Sam die alone.
In Stull Cemetery, Lucifer faces Michael, who appears using Adam as a vessel. Lucifer tries to dissuade Michael from the fight, blaming their conflict on God, and suggesting they walk away. Michael counters that Lucifer is still blaming everyone but himself and that he hasn't grown at all. Michael says he must carry out God's orders and that it's his destiny to kill Lucifer. Just then, Dean arrives in the Impala, Def Leppard's “Rock of Ages” blaring.
Dean tries to talk to Sam inside Lucifer, but Michael tells him it's not his fight anymore. Castiel and Bobby arrive and Castiel throws a Molotov Cocktail of holy oil on Michael, causing him to burn up and vanish temporarily. Lucifer, furious that Castiel dared to attack Michael, turns and disintegrates Castiel. Bobby shoots him, but Lucifer snaps Bobby's neck.
Lucifer starts to beat Dean, taunting him, saying that he will kill him slowly and make Sam feel every blow. Dean doesn't resist, just telling Sam he won't leave him. As Sam goes to land another blow, he glances at the Impala and sees the toy soldier still in the ashtray in the backseat, and suddenly all his memories of life with Dean rush at him, allowing Sam to take control over Lucifer.
Sam tells Dean everything's going to be alright and that he has Lucifer contained for now. Sam tosses the Horsemen's Rings to the ground and recites the incantation to open Lucifer's Cage. He and Dean look at each other one last time, but as Sam goes to throw himself in, Michael reappears. Michael tries to persuade Sam to step back so he and Lucifer can have their battle, but Sam moves to jump in anyway and when Michael tries to stop him, Sam drags him into the cage too.
A bloody and broken Dean grieves for Sam. Castiel reappears and heals him before reviving Bobby. Castiel tells Dean that God revived him and made him better than before.
Castiel tells Dean he will return to Heaven, where he expects that without Michael, there will be chaos. Dean angrily informs him that if God returns, Dean will be coming for him next for not being there to save Sam from Hell. Castiel says that God helped them in the end and informs Dean that he got what he wanted in the end: no everlasting peace like the angels wanted nor Hell on Earth like the demons wanted; just more of the same.
Dean leaves Bobby. Chuck tells us in voice over that Dean won't see him again for a very long time. Chuck says that all Dean wants to do is either find a way to rescue Sam or die, but he won't do either as he made a promise to Sam that he wouldn't.
Dean arrives at Lisa Braeden's house, distraught, but trying to hold it together. She comforts him and he mourns in her arms for what he's lost.
Chuck says that he believes this was a test for Sam and Dean from God and he believes they passed that test because in the end, in the fight between good and evil, angels and devils, destiny and God himself, they chose family. Chuck, now dressed all in white, says that endings are hard, and never perfect, and that nothing really ends anyway. He types "The End" and vanishes for reasons unknown, leaving many to wonder whether he was really a prophet at all the entire time, or if he was the physical manifestation of God Himself.
Sometime later, Dean is having dinner with Lisa and Ben. Lisa asks if Dean is okay, to which he quietly responds that he is before settling himself into the dinner and, in turn, a normal life without hunting and without his brother.
Outside Lisa's house, a street light goes out. Underneath it, watching them through the window, stands Sam...
Characters
- Sam Winchester
- Dean Winchester
- Castiel
- Bobby Singer
- Chuck Shurley
- Lucifer
- Michael
- Adam Milligan
- Lisa Braeden
- Ben Braeden
- Rachel Nave
Definitions
- Alcohol
- Angel Lore
- Apocalypse
- Archangel
- Ass-butt
- Bobby's Hats
- Dean's Leather Jacket
- Dean's Movie & TV references
- Demon Blood
- Demon-Killing Knife
- Devil's Trap
- Devil's Trident
- Fights
- Green Cooler
- Healing
- Holy Oil
- Horsemen's Rings
- Hugs
- Impala
- Lawrence, Kansas
- Lucifer's Cage
- Resurrection
- Sam and Dean's Initials
- Sam's Height
- Samifer
- Sammy
- Singer Salvage Yard
- Smiting
- Star Wars
- Stull Cemetery
- Table of Death
- Telekinesis
- Unconscious
- Vessel
Music
- "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas
- (plays during "The Road So Far" recap of events; also played in 1.21 Salvation, 2.22 All Hell Breaks Loose: Part Two, 3.16 No Rest for the Wicked, and 4.22 Lucifer Rising)
- "Rock of Ages" by Def Leppard
- (plays when Dean enters Stull Cemetery; also played in 1.05 Bloody Mary and 1.08 Bugs)
Quotes
Dean: No. That's the thing. It's not on me to let you do anything. You're a grown – well, overgrown – man. If this is what you want, I'll back your play.
Sam: That's the last thing I thought you'd ever say.
Dean: Might be. I'm not gonna lie to you, though. It goes against every fiber I got. I mean, truth is... You know, watching out for you... it's kinda been my job, you know? But more than that, it's... it's kinda who I am. You're not a kid anymore, Sam, and I can't keep treating you like one. Maybe I got to grow up a little, too. I don't know if we got a snowball's chance. But... But I do know that if anybody can do it... it's you.
Sam: Yes, sir.
Dean: Yeah, you think, genius?
Dean: 'Ass-butt'?
Trivia & References
- The Impala has the same birthday as series creator Eric Kripke - April 24th.
- The name of the Impala's first owner, Sal Moriarty, is a reference to Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty, the main characters in the novel On the Road. Kripke initially intended to call Sam and Dean "Dean and Sal".(source)
- Reference to the wise Jedi Master from Star Wars, a role that could be compared to Bobby's on Supernatural.
- This line is said many times, by several characters, in the Star Wars movies.
- The Triple Lindy was a ridiculous high dive done by Rodney Dangerfield in the 1986 movie Back to School.
- Graceland was Elvis Presley's estate in Memphis, Tennessee and is now a museum.
- In the fourteenth century, Italian poet Dante Alighieri wrote the epic poem Divine Comedy, which chronicles the poet's fictional tour of the various levels of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. In the first part, Inferno (sometimes known as "Dante's Inferno"), Dante descends into the center of Hell, which is in the middle of the 9th Circle, the eternal punishment for betrayal, the most heinous of sins. There, Dante finds Satan trapped in a lake of ice with many other betrayers for all eternity. This is in stark contrast to the popular view of Hell as the "lake of fire."
- Also, according to Revelation 20:10 in the Christian Bible, at the end of time, Satan will be sent from Hell to the Lake of Fire for his eternal punishment. Hell and the Lake of Fire being two separate places.
- Ovaltine is a nutritious powder flavoring mixed with milk, but in this context, Lucifer is referring to the demon blood Sam drank before coming up. In 4.03 In the Beginning, Azazel also compares demon blood to Ovaltine, "Demon blood is better than Ovaltine, vitamins, minerals. It makes you big and strong."
- Telenovelas are (usually) Latin American TV soap operas.
- Lucifer quotes the lyrics to the Charlie Daniel's song "Devil Went Down to Georgia" specifically referencing the line, "I'll bet a fiddle of gold against your soul 'cause I think I'm better than you."
- Eric Kripke originally pitched the show as “Star Wars in truck Stop America” with Sam representing Luke Skywalker and Dean representing Han Solo.(source)
- MFEO = Made For Each Other.
Castiel: I suggest we imbibe copious quantities of alcohol... Just wait for the inevitable blast wave.
Dean: Yeah, swell. Thank you, Bukowski. I-I mean, how do we stop it?
- Charles Bukowski was famous for writing novels and stories featuring alcoholic protagonists.
- Ozzy refers to Ozzy Osbourne.
- The Kansas Jayhawks are the athletic teams that represent the University of Kansas. So, the game they went to could be basketball, baseball, softball, or football.
- Dean accuses Chuck of having a "thing" for virgins and sex workers (hookers), possibly a hint towards Chuck's true identity as God. Specifically, a reference to the Virgin Mary, who supposedly gave birth to God's son, Jesus.
- When Dean calls Chuck, Chuck answers the phone "Mistress Magda," and we briefly see a newspaper/magazine ad for a blonde bombshell in a bikini named "Miss Magda" on Chuck's desk before he puts his glass on it. Jesus also loved a woman named Mary Magdalene described as a sex worker. There are many who believe Jesus actually married Mary Magdalene, though this idea, as well as Mary's status as a sex worker, are both matters widely debated by historians the world over.
The tape Dean loads into the cassette deck in the Impala as he drives into Stull Cemetery to face Lucifer and help Sam, is labeled with Kim Manners' signature line Kick it in the ass!
- A Molotov cocktail is an incendiary weapon in which a flammable liquid is placed in a glass bottle and sealed with a cloth or rag. The cloth is set on fire, and when it is thrown and the bottle breaks, the liquid inside spreads and catches fire. Castiel made his Molotov cocktail using holy oil.
Minutiae
- Cyclone in Tampa.
- Temperature drops in Detroit (20 degrees in a five-block radius in downtown Motown).
- Wildfires in Los Angeles.
In The End, Future Dean tells Dean that Sam gave "the big yes" to Lucifer in Detroit. In 5.10 Abandon All Hope..., Lucifer predicts this future to Sam, telling him "I don't know Sam, I think it will. I think it'll happen soon, within six months. And I think it'll happen in Detroit." The episode first aired on November 19, 2009. If you look at a calendar for 2010, six months from this date is the third week of May (the week of May 17th). 5.22 Swan Song aired on May 13, neatly within Lucifer's six-month projection.
- Mr. Bensman (one of Sam's grade-school teachers)
- Doug (a friend Sam made in East Lansing)
- Rachel Nave (Sam's prom date. In the Wish-verse in 2.20 What Is and What Should Never Be, Dean is said to have slept with Sam's prom date on prom night)
- A magnitude 7.6 earthquake in Portland
- A magnitude 8.1 earthquake in Boston
- More in Hong Kong, Berlin and Tehran
Chuck: Well, there's only one explanation. Obviously I'm a god.
Sam: You're not a god.
Chuck: How else do you explain it? I write things and then they come to life. Yeah, no, I'm definitely a god. A cruel, cruel, capricious god. The things I put you through – The physical beatings alone.
Sides, Scripts & Transcripts
- 5.22 Swan Song (Transcript)
- Swan Song Script (Production Draft)
Promotion
- Interview with Sera Gamble
- Interview with Mark Pellegrino
- Interview with Julie McNiven & Rob Benedict
- Finale Spoilers from Ask Ausiello
- Synopsis
- Promo Pics
- Promo
- Space TV Promo
- Sneak Peek
Episode Meta
- 5.22 Swan Song: I Got Something To Say by bardicvoice (May 2010)
- Bond, Silvia. 2010. My Love is Like a Storybook Story: Swan Song" Season 5, Episode 22. Pink Raygun, May 18; archive link, spn-heavymeta
- Chan, Suzette. 2010. Supernatural Talk: Tarts talk about SPN 5.22: Swan Song. Sequential Tart, June 28; archive link, spn-heavymeta