User reviews

This is a high point for season 5 in large part because it is such a offbeat episode. It works as an interesting way to contrast the bro's thoughts about what happiness is while providing a fairly well thought out conception of heaven. Add in the Zachariah getting his due and this is all around great episode.

"Dark Side of the Moon," the sixteenth episode of Supernatural's fifth season, directed by Jeff Woolnough and written by Jeremy Carver, is a hauntingly introspective installment that delves into the emotional and metaphysical depths of the Winchester brothers' journey. The episode begins with Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) being ambushed and killed by hunters Walt and Roy, only to awaken in Heaven. What follows is a poignant exploration of their memories, relationships, and the cosmic stakes of their roles in the apocalypse.

The narrative takes a deeply personal turn as Sam and Dean navigate Heaven, which is depicted as a patchwork of individual memories that represent each soul's happiest moments. Dean relives cherished times with his mother, Mary, while Sam revisits moments of independence, such as running away from home. These contrasting memories highlight the brothers' differing emotional landscapes and unresolved tensions. Their journey leads them to Ash (Chad Lindberg) and Pamela Barnes (Traci Dinwiddie), who provide insight into Heaven's structure and its angelic hierarchy. The tension escalates when Zachariah (Kurt Fuller) intervenes, attempting to manipulate the brothers into accepting their roles as vessels for Michael and Lucifer.

Jeff Woolnough's direction masterfully balances the episode's emotional weight with its supernatural elements. The cinematography is particularly striking, using soft lighting and dreamlike visuals to depict Heaven as both serene and unsettling. The transitions between memories are seamless, creating a fluid narrative that immerses viewers in the brothers' experiences. However, some critics have noted that the pacing occasionally falters during expository scenes, slightly detracting from the episode's momentum.

Jensen Ackles delivers a standout performance as Dean, capturing his vulnerability and growing disillusionment with Heaven's manipulation. Jared Padalecki portrays Sam's inner conflict with nuance, particularly in scenes where his memories reveal his longing for autonomy. The chemistry between the brothers remains a central strength, adding emotional depth to their interactions as they confront painful truths about each other's priorities. Guest stars Chad Lindberg and Traci Dinwiddie bring warmth and levity to their roles, providing brief moments of respite amidst the episode's heavier themes.

"Dark Side of the Moon" explores profound questions about faith, free will, and familial bonds. The depiction of Heaven as a fragmented collection of personal memories raises existential questions about happiness and connection. Dean's disillusionment with God's absence reflects broader cultural anxieties about divine justice and human agency. Meanwhile, Sam's memories underscore his desire for self-determination, contrasting sharply with Dean's yearning for family unity. These themes are further amplified by Joshua (Roger Aaron Brown), an angel who reveals that God has abandoned humanity-a revelation that deepens the brothers' despair while reinforcing their resolve to fight against impossible odds.

"Dark Side of the Moon" is a deeply affecting episode that combines emotional resonance with thought-provoking storytelling. Its exploration of memory, faith, and identity adds layers of complexity to Supernatural's overarching narrative while providing significant character development for Sam and Dean. By intertwining personal stakes with cosmic consequences, the episode challenges viewers to reflect on their own beliefs about destiny and free will. While some may find its pacing uneven or its depiction of Heaven unsettlingly bleak, these elements ultimately contribute to its thematic richness. This installment stands as one of the series' most introspective chapters, leaving audiences both heartbroken and inspired by the Winchesters' unyielding determination.

Disappointed there is no actual revenge episode. Very strange episode for this reason.

Come on you expect me to believe Sam and Dean are killed in their hotel beds by hunters we've never met before without even having a change to fight for their lives? It's such a rip off, and they deserve better! It was a plot device to get them to Heaven and meet the annoying Joshua character.