‘Supernatural’ season 11 episode 21 spoilers and review: Dead prophet reappears, new prophet emerges

Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles as Sam and Dean Winchester in Supernatural cwtv.com/shows/supernatural

“Supernatural” season 11 episode 21 “All in the Family” has a very special surprise guest! The episode picks up from where last week’s has ended, and if it meant to shock viewers, it was resounding success.

Spoilers ahead for ‘All in the Family’

It was an emotional episode right from the start. If it wasn’t common knowledge that the show had been renewed for a 12^th season, one would think this is the last one, with the producers bringing out all the big guns for an explosive finish.

When Chuck Shurley (Rob Benedict) showed himself to Sam and Dean Winchester (Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles) at the end of “Don’t Call Me Shurley” episode last week, he knew he needed something to convince the brothers he was the real deal. He called on Kevin Tran (Osric Chau), the prophet whom the brothers protected until his untimely death in season 9.

Kevin’s appearance was short but very effective. Sam and Dean were stunned to see the young prophet back on Earth. Kevin vouched for Chuck/God, telling the brothers to trust Chuck before he was sent back to heaven.

Dean questions God

Sam, being a believer right from the start, was star-struck and at lost for words in seeing God in the flesh. Dean, however, got to question God immediately. In a rare show of vulnerability, Dean cried, questioning God why he didn’t answer prayers and was never around during times of great despair.

God, who preferred to be called Chuck, told him that he had been very hands-on at the start, but being too involved with his children wouldn’t be parenting them right; it would be enabling them. And so he had stepped away and let his children learn on their own.

“I know you had a complicated upbringing, Dean, but don’t confuse me with your dad,” Chuck said, referring to John Winchester.

Teaming up with Chuck

“I’ve always had faith in you, even if you didn’t return the favour,” Chuck told Sam and Dean while they were discussing on how to defeat Amara (guest star Emily Swallow).

Even if Chuck was all-knowing and all-powerful, he still couldn’t find Amara on his own because his sister warded herself from him specifically. As he told the boys, he and Amara also shared a typical sibling relationship when it comes to one bossing the other one.

Chuck revealed that he couldn’t trust Lucifer, and even telling off the boys for letting Lucifer escape from the cage. He wouldn’t want to get involved with the “drama” surrounding Lucifer. This disturbed Dean, who saw a vision of Amara telling him Lucifer is deteriorating. Lucifer, of course, is using Castiel’s (Misha Collins) vessel. With Lucifer dying, it would also mean Castiel was dying, and Dean couldn’t let that happen.

God’s endgame

Metatron (Curtis Armstrong), upon learning Chuck met with Sam and Dean, called the Winchesters to tell them God’s real plan. The scribe still had God’s autobiography draft, which he called actually a suicide note. Apparently, God would sacrifice himself to defeat his sister.

Dean confronted Chuck with this revelation, not wanting him to go through with his suicide mission. Chuck explained he would not die, just caged, and he needed to sacrifice himself to save all of his creations. Dean reasoned out that Amara would not agree. She would kill her brother and destroy everything he made.

“If my plan doesn’t work, then humans will step up. You, Sam, others that are chosen will have to find a way. That’s why I saved you years ago. You’re the firewall between light and darkness,” he revealed.

Metatron’s sacrifice

An ageing academic named Donatello suddenly became the next prophet. With his help, Dean was able to locate Amara, while Sam and Metatron tried to free Lucifer/Castiel. Nevertheless, with Lucifer temporarily grounded, he couldn’t orbed them out. That’s when Metatron volunteered to stay and try to deter Amara from going after them.

Amara, as expected, wasn’t pleased with Metatron’s futile warding. She appeared to have killed the ex-angel, who begged her to spare God’s creations before he was killed.

God still answers prayers

With Metatron gone, Amara went after Sam, Donatello and Lucifer. She was about to kill them as well, but the guys suddenly found themselves (and the Impala) back in the bunker, thanks to Chuck.

It wasn’t a happy reunion for Lucifer and his father, though. Chuck earlier called his son his “greatest hope and bitterest disappointment,” and by the look Lucifer was giving Chuck, it appeared he wasn’t thrilled to see God as well. Chuck did heal Lucifer, though,

Dean later on revealed to Sam what Amara was planning for him. The Darkness wanted Dean to join her physically for all eternity.

‘All in the Family’ review

As fulfilling as this episode was with all its revelations and surprises, it ended with a fizz and new questions. Chuck was looking to becoming a slob, though perhaps he was just waiting for the big finish. His nonchalance was grating at times, especially when even Metatron, the most hated character in recent years, has stepped up and earned the fans’ forgiveness.

Chau’s surprise appearance was very welcome indeed. It’s necessary for Chuck to bring out Kevin as he knew he would have faster result in convincing the Winchesters who he really was if the young dead prophet was brought back to life even for a few seconds. It’s necessary in the story, but perhaps it’s more of a nod to the fans, who have been begging the show to bring back Chau. And if there’s anything “Supernatural” does often, it’s giving what the fans want.