‘Supernatural’ review: ‘Beyond the Mat’ looks into Sam and Dean’s rare happy childhood; Crowley finally freed from Casifer

“Supernatural” S11E15 titled “Beyond the Mat” is another filler episode that gives fans a peek at the Winchester brothers’ childhood. It revisits a familiar demon plot, which would have been tried if not for Sam and Dean’s (Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles) charming child-like fascination of the wrestling sport.

Spoilers ahead for ‘Beyond the Mat’

After weeks of nonstop research on how to free Castiel (Misha Collins) from Lucifer, the Winchesters decided to pay their last respect to a wrestler who apparently committed suicide. The wrestler did not. In fact, he was killed by a demon who collected souls in exchange for wishes, much like Crowley’s (Mark A. Sheppard) division when the brothers first encountered him. Sam and Dean figured this out after another death in the circuit, and they were able to convince ageing wrestler Gunner Lawless (Alex Paunovic) to help and kill the demon.

Lawless, unfortunately, made the deal twice with the demon 10 years ago. And now it was time to collect his soul. He chose to face the hellhounds in the end, accepting that he deserved his fate. This devastated his long-time fan Dean, who became more determined to save Castiel from Lucifer and kill Amara/The Darkness.

A filler episode with substance

In what would have been another filler episode that does little to advance the plot, “Beyond the Mat” offered more than expected. It’s a delight to watch Dean going berserk over his wrestling heroes and Sam blushing upon seeing his celebrity crush. The episode gave fans another glimpse to their childhood, which, as everyone knows, was dominated by strict hunting lessons and trainings. As Dean said, wrestling-watching was one of the few fun things they did with their dad.

Sam and Dean also made a sad parallel between their wrestling idols, who have been reduced to playing in low-budget shows for a measly pay, and hunters.

“That hardly seems worth it. You think about that, town after town, put you’re a-- on the line to earn next to nothing? No money, no glory,” Dean told Sam after hearing the wrestlers only made US$25 (AU$35) a night.

“You realise you just described our job,” Sam replied.

A young, hot-headed wrestler named Shawn Harley (guest star Mike “the Miz” Mizanin) also made a refreshing last-minute turnaround when he refused the demon’s deal. Self-sacrificing characters in the show aren’t rare (in fact, they are lots of them), but Harley’s short speech about earning a place in heaven was a fresh viewpoint in a show where they repeatedly eschew heaven.

“Beyond the Mat” doesn’t offer anything new to the fans, but it’s still an enjoyable watch, made more so by seeing Sam and Dean smile and cheer, a rare thing to see these days.

The return of Crowley

Everyone’s favourite demon is back to his old self. Crowley, who appeared to have accepted his new role as Lucifer/Castiel’s (a.k.a. Casifer) slave, was actually just waiting for the right time to regain his throne. There’s a reason why Crowley lasted for several seasons: He has the smarts to beat the original king of hell.

When he was freed by a double-crossing demon, who was actually working for Lucifer/Castiel, Crowley took them to his hideout where he has hidden another Hand of God, the Rod of Aaron. Crowley knew exactly when and where to show his cards, whom to trust (no one), and when to strike. Unfortunately, like the Hand of God that Dean retrieve from 1943 in the last episode, the Rod of Aaron also had a one-time use. Nevertheless, he made Casifer bleed with his own blood, allowing him to escape the fallen archangel.

It was a glorious thing to watch Crowley transition from a defeated slave who mopped floors with his tongue to the unflappable debonair about to fight for his rightful place in hell. Crowley has a special place in every “Supernatural” fan’s heart, who can’t really pinpoint why they are supposed to hate him. So his rise from the ashes, even if his official title is villain, is a scene that has fans cheering.

Watch “Supernatural” every Monday on Eleven in Australia.

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