‘Supernatural’ - Abandon All Hope

Two characters succumb to a battle with Hell hounds and November sweeps

By Dan Compora

This article may contain spoilers.

Coming off a couple weeks of comedy tinged episodes, “Supernatural” shifted gears this week with one of its most gut-wrenching episodes ever: and I mean that literally. When the dust settled, two secondary yet lovable characters were dead, and Lucifer had unearthed the angel of death. In short, it was quite an eventful hour.

Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) meet up with Crowley (Mark Sheppard), who simply gives them the colt and encourages them to kill Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino). The boys find this a bit suspicious, but in the spirit of not looking a gift horse in the mouth, they follow Crowley’s advice and track Lucifer to Carthage, Missouri. Here, reapers are gathering in anticipation of the appearance of Death. Ellen (Samantha Ferris) and Jo (Alona Tal) are on hand to help out, but neither survives the episode. Predictably, the Colt fails to kill Lucifer, and the angel of death emerges.

While this episode was excellent, I do wish the writers could have prepared viewers a bit better. This was a deadly serious episode that followed two lighter ones. Two deaths and the emergence of Death are huge developments. Because it dealt with the angels storyline, “Changing Channels” probably would set up this episode better than “The Real Ghostbusters” did.

“Abandon All Hope” lived up to its title. With the deaths of Ellen and Jo, it appears that “Supernatural” is winding down its run, bringing back the characters viewers have gotten to know and giving them their final appearances. It’s doubtful that many will survive to see the final battle that is brewing. I suspect that Ellen and Jo are just the first deaths we are likely to see as this season builds to its climax.

What Worked

This episode featured nearly everyone who is still alive in the “Supernatual” universe: Bobby, Meg, Lucifer, Ellen, Jo, Castiel. It was an episode that made excellent use of all characters. And it was nice to see Mark Sheppard, formerly Romo Lampkin on “Battlestar Galactica” make an appearance as Crowley. I could have done without the kiss at the beginning though.

Jo uttered the best line of the episode: “Can we be realistic about this, please? My guts are being held in by an ace bandage.” Great line, and excellently delivered.

I liked the title of the episode, which is a reference to Dante’s “Inferno”. “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here” is inscribed at the entrance to Hell.

What Didn’t Work

The deaths of Ellen and Jo. It is inevitable that Sam and Dean will go into the final confrontation with practically no one else alive, but still, saying farewell to these two is tough. Both characters were greatly under-utilized. They are two female characters “Supernatural” fans didn’t mind having around. Ferris played the tough yet kind hearted hunter beautifully. Tol is a stunning young lady who managed to maintain a degree of innocence throughout the series. Nice work ladies; you will be missed.

I do not like the new Meg (Rachel Miner) at all. It is nothing to do with the actress. The problem is, it has been so long since she has been around, this version doesn’t invoke any memories of the original whatsoever. It probably would have been better to just create a new demonic character.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Supernatural" stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles. It airs on The CW Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET. “Abandon All Hope” was written by Ben Edlund. It was directed by Philip Sgriccia.