Supernatural S07E14: "Plucky Pennywhistle's Magical Menagerie"
Supernatural can be described in a bunch of different ways. It's an anthology. It's has long stories that span multiple seasons. It's scary. It's funny. It's emotional. It's goofy. In truth, it wears all these hats in different capacities all the time. That's why each season is a variety pack of episodes in different flavors, and Supernatural's fan base isn't always on the same page, especially when an episode is so decidedly in favor of a particular tone.
Friday's "Plucky Pennywhistle's Magical Menagerie" was as unapologetic as its goofy title implies, and for this Supernatural fan, exactly where I think this show excels. It's always obvious when Supernatural is having a blast, and it was nothing but good times when Sam and Dean investigated grisly murders surrounding a Chuck E. Cheese rip-off.
Those pizza-and-parlor-games concentration camps for kids are scary enough on their own with their bacteria factory ball pits, snot-crusted joysticks, and over-stimulated and under-potty-trained occupants, but "Plucky Pennywhistle's Magical Menagerie" added murderous children out to exact revenge on aggro parents. The episode reminded me of two of my favorite episodes from Season 4, "Yellow Fever" and "Wishful Thinking," which both handled fun concepts in a twisted manner. "Yellow Fever" featured Dean running from a yip dog and "Wishful Thinking" gave us a porn-addicted giant teddy bear. "Plucky Pennywhistle's" saw Sam running from clowns and Dean investigating a fatal impaling by a unicorn. Awesome, off-the-beaten path stuff.
It didn't matter how obvious it was that the overly exuberant Plucky's employee was the man behind it all, or that his powers were explained only by Dean saying he had some serious "hoodoo" going on. This was an episode where getting there was the fun part. Sam and Dean were just two brothers out on the road, cracking a weird case, instead of one brother an emotional wreck and the other an angry pot of boiling water. Dean's "ball washer" joke and his non-stop laughs at Sam's glitter shower and fear of clowns brought us back to the relationship we see too rarely these days as Supernatural tries to squeeze in long story arcs. After being told he had to fake it and throwing long smirking looks at the camera in previous episodes, Dean genuinely enjoyed himself for the first time in a long time. And that was infectious to Sam, who gifted Dean with the oversized Slinky Dean wanted so badly for a solid "awww" moment that provided a perfect sentimental finish. We really enjoy seeing these two hunt demons, but we also really like seeing them just be brothers.
"Plucky Pennywhistle's Magical Menagerie" wasn't the epic episode that all Supernatural fans can agree on, but its lighthearted and demented blend of blood, brotherhood, and ball pits was right up my alley.
Notes:
– Can we quickly recall all the awesome scenes in the episode? Fat kid cheating at Skeeball. Breaking Bad reference. Sam's ridiculous bad cop routine. "We've got dick on Dick." Dean stealing Skeeball tickets. Sam's Juggalo joke. Ball pit shark. Glitter explosion. "Right Friggin' Now!" And my favorite, captured and reversed in the animated .GIF above. Just solid fun all the way through the episode.
– I love how self-aware Supernatural can be at times. It took so little time for the episode to declare that it would be standalone when Dean announced that there was no news on the Amazons or Dick Roman. Why pretend to be something else?
– People who are scared of clowns are so much fun to make fun of. Are you scared of clowns? If so, please declare as much in the comments so we can make fun of you.
– It was nice to see that Dean isn't totally turned off to kids after his experiences last week. Don't make that sound dirty—you know what I mean.
Supernatural Season 7 Power Rankings
Finally! We can put a new episode at the top of the list! Well, maybe it's just me sick of seeing "Shut Up, Dr. Phil" up there, but "Plucky Pennywhistle's Magical Menagerie" gets the top slot for now.
1. "Plucky Pennywhistle's Magical Menagerie" (Episode 14)
Sam and Dean investigated mysterious deaths around a kid's pizza-and-games party house. Unicorns farting rainbows, ball pit sharks spraying blood, and octo-vamps giving fatal hickeys made this a fun episode.
2. "Shut Up, Dr. Phil" (Episode 5)
A pair of witches needed some couples counseling in a gory fun-fest that guest-starred Charisma Carpenter and James Marsters.
3. "Death's Door" (Episode 10)
Bobby fought for his life and delved into his past as he tried to deliver a message to Sam and Dean from beyond the plane of the living.
4. "The Mentalists" (Episode 7)
More standalone fun as the brothers investigated murders in a town full of psychics.
5. "Meet the New Boss" (Episode 1)
Castiel got all righteous on those who didn't respect The Good Word, and it was great.
6. "Adventures in Babysitting" (Episode 11)
Sam and Dean coped with Bobby's death and met a fellow hunter's young daughter.
7. "Slash Fiction" (Episode 6)
Two Leviathans disguised themselves as Sam and Dean and took off on a cross-country shootin' spree!
8. "The Slice Girls" (Episode 13)
Dean had a one-night stand with an Amazonian lady, and Sam took Dean's Daddy card away.
9. "Hello, Cruel World" (Episode 2)
The Leviathans set up a buffet at a hospital after spreading into the water supply.
10. "Time After Time" (Episode 12)
Dean traveled back to 1944 and battled the God of Time with Eliot Ness.
11. "How To Win Friends And Influence Monsters" (Episode 9)
Hyperadrenalized cannibals and stoner sandwiches! Dick Roman's plan was sort of unveiled! And Bobby got shot!
12. "The Girl Next Door" (Episode 3)
Via flashback, we saw Sam's first kiss... with a monster! Then Dean killed her.
13. "Defending Your Life" (Episode 4)
Dean went on trial before Osiris because of the guilt he carries. Jo came back to blow him up!
14. "Season 7, Time for a Wedding" (Episode 8)
Too. Much. Becky. Larson.
Follow TV.com writer Tim Surette on Twitter: @TimAtTVDotCom
Actually, "Shut up, Dr. Phil" still pisses me off in connection with the other episodes this season.
Dean kills Sam's friend, why? Because you always kill the monsters.
Sam kills Dean's daughter, why? Because you always kill the monsters.
They let the murderous warlocks live, why? Because the hubby chose not to kill them? Does not apply, see Amy, Sam's friend.
Because they're too powerful?
Hello, they've gone after archangels, pagan gods, elder gods that want to eat the world - would two semi-competent warlocks/witches really stand a chance if the Winchesters regrouped, stocked up and came back?
This episode - or the ending, rather - does NOT COMPUTE!
I was surprised when I saw this...... not what I was expecting. A good show, and I've only seen a few episodes so I realise I am not 'into it'. However, how is this more popular than Fringe? I don't get it.
This episode was good, but completely didn't overwhelm like the first episode I saw of Fringe. It beats Supernatural on premise, way issues are resolved, characters, and storylines.
I'll admit have seen a lot more Fringe than Supernatural, mainly because once I'd seen 1 episode of Fringe, I was hooked. Supernatural just wasn't as compelling.
Anyway, sorry to come here less than 100% positive, I'm just really confused by one show's popularity compared to another sometimes.
I agree with saicr - I love both shows, but it's like comparing apples and oranges. Supernatural had five truly EPIC seasons, while the last two have been a bit more mediocre - a classic pitfall for long-running shows.
But the incredible storyarch, the character portrayals, the pain and tears and sheer heartache we've seen on this show means that it's so much more than what you see in a stand-alone episode like this.
I agree that Fringe is a great show, and I LOVE it, but I honestly couldn't chose between Fringe and season 1-5 of Supernatural for plot and characterization.
Please the whole series, you can't really understand the characters unless you do. Also, the first five seasons were a lot better.
Loved the episode. It was perfect TV stuff. Just sit down and chill out. With a bit of gore and ridiculous evil clowns and some funny as hell lines thrown in. I love how Supernatural does these kinds of episodes.
So- this is an extremely random question... but I was thinking of it today as I was looking forward to finally seeing supernatural (awesome episode, by the way)
what ever happened to the brothers' parents? we know no one can find them in heaven. so where are they? I don't know why this is bugging me. But it probably has something to do with them loosing Bobby and Cas.
Oh- my favorite part of this episode was when Dean apologized to Sam and when Dean convinced that kid that his mom wasn't so bad. Oh and the hilarious chase seen with that teen in the costume!
they never said that none could find them, just that ash hadn't found them. Heaven is infinite, it makes sense that he couldn't find everyone.
EVIL CLOWNS
They're waiting for you -- everywhere!
With painted faces, purple hair
Hiding in places, unaware
To you, and I, and all who dare
To venture down Life's thoroughfare.
With custard pies raised to the skies
They gather; clustered, dark allies
At every corner to surprise
To frighten, torture, and devise
Some horrid scheme for your demise.
They're in your cellar, on the floor
Beneath your bed, behind each door,
Inside your shower waiting for
A stab at what they most abhor
-- Today -- Tomorrow -- Evermore!
They're waiting for you -- everywhere!
Those Clowns-gone-bad, and so beware!
Beware of those sad eyes that stare
Into your soul. Beware! Beware!
Those evil clowns are everywhere.
I am afraid of clowns. Always was, always will be. But what didn't help is that my grandmother gave me a plushie clown when I was 8. and I put it at the bottom of my toy chest. And when I came back from school it was sitting on my bed. I put it back in the chest only to find it back on my bed the next day. My mom kept putting it there because she never knew when My grandmother would come over (she lived next door) and she didn't want my grandmother's feelings hurt. But it scared me sh*tless
That is enough to traumatize a kid forever! I hate clowns too and if I kept finding on my bed everyday I'd probably try burying it in the back yard. ugh..they give me the heebie-geebies!
one of the best episodes this season................. always a fan
I'm just ecstatic that Shut up Dr. Phil episode is no longer your No.1 episode!!!!!
Completely agree with you on this one. I loved this episode! This is what Supernatural does so well and makes me love it more. Awesome fun all around! Unicorn and Sam with clown sparkles just made my day! LOL. Sam had awesome dialogues and I felt so good to hear Dean laugh for real while Sam just let him savor the moment!! Suicidal teddy bears, girly Dean and unicorns with rainbow farts ftw!!
PS: I FRIGGIN' HATE CLOWNS!!
I love all the flavors of Supernatural! I also love that just when I need to cleanse my palate, it switches flavors. And the "off-the-beaten-path stuff" is indeed awesome! There is no other show on TV that will give me suicidal teddy bears and unicorns farting rainbows!
episode was hysterical... Supernaturals lighter funnier episodes usually are...
Awesome standalone! The guy in the ball pit reminded of Star Wars, where Luke gets pulled under the water in the garbage thing.
Another funny moment: Dean gets Sam a clown doll and it ends up on the road.
Didn't Dean say in another episode about uncicorns shooting rainbows out of its ass? Nice tie-together.
Great standalone, once again Supernatural shows us what it does best right now (since Kripke's departing, long arch stories are not efficient). Yet, best episode of the season by FAAAAAAR is At Death's Door. No doubt.
Guess i'm the only one who didn't love Shut up dr phil? I love charisma and james but still it didn't do it for me. This episode was imo much much better, i still fell asleep by the end but that was more to do with me being really tired than anything....
I actually think Tim should reconsider the placement of that episode and reconsider Death's Door as #1... or really anything else for that matter. Except for the one with Becky Larson. That one deserves to be at the bottom.
naw most people didn't like it. for some reason Tim did.
You're not alone Josh. Awful episode. It should be closer to the other end of the list.
My absolutely favourite episodes are neither the comic nor the dramatic ones but those in which there is a mix of both, as in Mystery Spot or A Very Supernatural Christmas.
However I still thought this was a sweet episode and it didn't have meta, which I dislike intensely.
Then a unicorn that blows rainbows out of its ass and killer clowns--how can one resist that! :)
I HATE FREAKIN CLOWNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By the way, I, too, wanted to see the ferocious robot shooting laser from its eyes. But that would've blown up Supernatural's scarce budget. They'll never show anything as elaborate at that, even in cheap CGI.
Choosing episode 14 as the best is a matter of criteria. Supernatural can be goofy or very dramatic. Personally I prefer dramatic, even though I enjoy goofy. To me the best episode is "Meet the New Boss" because I love Castiel and the angels. But I admit that was not a real season 7 episode, it was more like a closure for the season 6 cliffhanger. So my vote goes for Death's Door.
I am SO glad someone else loved the Juggalo line! It wasn't the sort of love the Fam got on Workaholics but it was still frickin' awesome! For a pure standalone, this was an amazing episode. So many people were up in arms for Supernatural to get back to its season one roots of monster-of-the-week episodes but when they finally get it, they complain. Sheesh. Yes, it would be nice for the show to do... ANYTHING with the Leviathans but coming down on an episode because it's a standalone is just dumb. Enjoy the ride, people! We got to see Sam overcompensating for his fear of clowns by being a hardass and Dean doing what he said he was going to do a few weeks back. Fake it and savor the little things. Besides, when else are you gonna see a unicorn with rainbows shooting out its ass?moreless
Why is Supernatural the only show you guys review that comes out THREE DAY LATER? And for such a short review too. If those photo recaps come out next day, then whats taking so long here?
well people should be happy that after the zillionth season it still gets a weekly review.. so little number of shows get that..
Probably because generally, most tv critics don't care about a little show like Supernatural and prefer writing reviews about "bigger and more important" shows first.
You call this the best episode of the season? Eh. I don't think so. Where's the story? I don't know if the writers have realized the Leviathan storyline is crap and are trying to make up for it with standalones, but I've been disappointed by this season. Supernatural does have good standalones, but founding a season on it is just painful. FInish the Leviathan story and move on, because if this drags into the next season (if there is one) that would be reminiscent of the crap that defined the end of Smallville.
"the writers have realized the Leviathan storyline is crap and are trying to make up for it with standalones"
My thought exactly.
This was one of the best episodes this season!
Great character exploration Supernatural Style!
this episode was fantastic. a good choice to take the top spot (so far).
- It wasn't Supernatural's best but it was enjoyable just the same. Definitely better than "Shut Up, Dr. Phil" but not at all better than "Death's Door". I still think Sheriff Jodi Mills needs to be in the picture. Frank is not at all convincing as a credible ally for the boys, so I think she would be a good addition to the cast.
- I was secretly hoping that the Leviathan problem would be dealt with quickly & that there's a deeper storyline involved for this season. If they take too long for the next confrontation between Dean & Dick Roman, the quest to avenge Bobby's death won't seem as hard-hitting as it should be.
- I have a question -- Remember Castiel's quest to find God?? What happened with that?? I mean, God is still out there, right??moreless
I agree with you on all points. And I still think that Chuck was God.
Best episode in a LONG time! I laugh so hard I almost fell off my chair!
Decent episode overall
I'm not scared of clowns but will pretend to be if people want to make fun. It's knife throwers we should really be worried about. Those guys are psychos. And smile waaaaay too much.
Very much enjoyed this episode. Breaking Bad reference was expertly done. "Shut Up, Dr. Phil" is still overrated Tim.
my favorite moment was a subtle one. when Dean an Sam were dressed up as FBI agents and Dean looked at Sam's tie. There was something in Dean's look that said. That is one bad tie, even for us"
agree with number 1 - why wasn't a giant robot with laser from his eyes?
but hell, since the first scene it was too much obvious...this is season 7, not 1-3...
still, good episode for midseason with supernatural's bests - the pizza, dick's dick and so
Was anyone else a little disappointed that they managed to stop the guy before he conjured a GIANT DEATH ROBOT? Definitely a good episode, though.