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Supernatural Season 5 Episode 18

Point of No Return

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AIRED: Apr 15, 2010

9.5

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Episode Summary

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Dean considers giving up and giving in, but Zachariah comes up with a new strategy against Lucifer that means they no longer need Dean as Micheal's vessel. However, the consequences will cause even greater destruction, and the Winchesters and Castiel must stop Zachariah before it's too late.moreless

FAN RECAP

Fan Episode Reviews (22)

Family is Everything

10

By dea300, Feb 22, 2013

The episode was great - finally getting rid of Zachariah, Cas kicking butt, and some heartfelt moments from Sam and Dean brought the episode to its knees.

Seeing Adam back was nice, but we really got to feel bad for him - he wasn't raised in any of this, he doesn't know what he's dealing with and suddenly he has to make all the right choices when he's being attacked from every angle. We really sympathize with him because he doesn't know who's lying and who's just trying to help.

When Cas finally knocked some sense into Dean (literally), I felt a huge amount of relief. It was about time that someone did that to him. While Cas' strategy was gratifying and somewhat helpful, we know that it was really Sam who got his brother back on the right track (way to go Sammy!)

The final scene in the car with Sam and Dean sealed the "10" rating I gave this episode. It was Sam and Dean against the world, and we got to see a great brotherly moment. Sam having his trust in Dean and Dean returning the favour was the moment I'm sure we've all been waiting for (at least I have been anyway) for the past couple of seasons. And being a newcomer to the show, and not knowing what's going to happen next, well it was a fantastic moment to see, and we think that everything's going to turn out all right, as long as they stick together.moreless
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Supernatural's 100th episode.

8.0

By petef20, Oct 12, 2011

After the way last week's episode ended it seemed almost certain that Dean was going to say yes to Michael. However simply due to the fact there's still a few episodes left in the season we knew he wouldn't. Therefore the question was how were his friends and family going to pull him back from the brink.

The episode started well enough with Zachariah drinking away his sorrows. The combination of the supernatural and the mundane is one of the many things this show can do so well and the image of two depressed guys drinking could've been from any show. However the knowledge that Zach's an Angel combined with the actor's great performance made it a standout scene. His boss Angel (was it meant to be Michael?) then turning up was a cool way to round off the teaser complete with a couple of very brutal burning eyeballs.

The surprise returning character for the 100th episode turned out to be their half brother from season 4; Adam. This might've worked better as a surprise if they didn't insist on putting him in the "Then and Now" bit and assuming the audience could've followed along without that reminder. I'm still not sure how I feel about bringing Adam back. The idea of a third brother was a really cool one, even though the episode "Jump the Shark" wasn't the series' best. And it did make sense within the context of the story how he could be brought back and gave an interesting possible alternative for a vessel for Michael. Still he felt like an unnecessary addition to the show, but I guess we'll reserve judgement to after seeing how his story plays out in the rest of the season. Also was I the only one who noticed how much older the actor looked. It's especially noticeable as he shouldn't have aged from the moment he died either and therefore should look identical to how he did last season, although that's hardly the show's fault!

With two flight risks Dean was locked in the demon panic room. How he got out I was very unimpressed with. As soon as I saw the broken lamp it was obvious what he was going to do, but Cass fell right into it. Bad form indeed from a character you'd think should've seen that coming. Of course Dean's freedom didn't last long before Castiel got to him again and gave an awesome moment! A couple of the grimacing looks he gave Dean didn't quite land for me, but the scene where he beat the Hell out of Dean was powerful stuff, Mischa Collins was on top of his game there and then some. It was a great moment and as brutal as it was you did feel that Dean deserved it.

Of course despite their attempts to hide Adam Zach got to him anyway. While the room from season 4 was a nice call back (and probably easier on the budget as they already had the set) I would've preferred a different look to it for Adam's experience. I assume the Angels can make it look however they want, but despite the line about him having the same tastes as Dean I really think a bit more visual flair would've helped there. Despite that Castiel knew where to go to get Adam back. Him facing down five Angels was brilliant, and his trick for getting rid of them all was genius. I'm pretty sure Cass survived, but I can't imagine he's in too good shape after that, which is a good thing. An epic moment like that should leave a lasting affect on the character.

Sam's decision to take Dean did seem like a daft one, and at the time I thought that it was a convenient writing device to get Dean to Michael, however I was very wrong. Dean's face while Zachariah was torturing his brothers was heat-wrenching. It was a very powerful scene and you really believed he was going to give in. But then came the kicker as his terms included Zach getting torched. It was a brilliant idea only topped by Dean stabbing him through the head with one of those magic Angel spikes. To top it off we had the cool visual of Zach's wings in the same manner as had been seen from dead Angels last season. Zach will definitely be missed, but killing him now was the right decision. He was getting dangerously close to being fully unlikeable, rather than the villain you love to hate that he had been. Considering the horrible things he'd done to Sam and Dean most all of his charm has to be attributed to the actor (really can't remember his name!) so here's hoping he shows up in a dream or something at some point down the line.

Dean's reasoning of why he didn't go through with it was the moment that was either going to sell the whole end of his rope thing or not. To build him up to the point he got to where he was going to give up, only to have him come around at the last moment needed to be a fantastic reason. Fortunately it was. The show's always been about these two brothers and so that his reason for not saying yes simply being that he didn't want to let Sam down was great. If the payoff hadn't been that good the whole storyline would've felt pointless as if Dean never really wanted to give in to Michael. From this ending obviously he did and thankfully Sam's saved him. Brilliant.

Unfortunately the episode wasn't perfect, so the flaws are going to have to be acknowledged here. Firstly, while I think I'm the only person annoyed by the off-screen Angel teleporting, it was still present and very noticeable here. That said we did get the banishing spell which I guess is similar and that was shown twice. Also while the performances were top drawer all round some of the dialog wasn't perfect. Dean's "You're not my father" to Bobby was obvious, clichéd and simply not true. Bobby could've referenced at least two instances where Dean has called him a father, although it did signify how Dean was trying to push everyone away I guess and JA's awesome acting talent did the rest so it wasn't a huge deal.

So was it a great episode? Yes. Was it a fantastic episode? Not so much. Had it not been for the number hundred mark I'd probably have rated it a bit higher. But considering the quality of the hundredth episode of similar shows like Buffy, Angel and even Smallville to an extent (all of which killed off a series regular) I was wanting a bit more from this episode. Still to finish on a high note, how awesome were Cass' fight scenes!? Brilliantly choreographed and shot and superbly thrilling. This was a great episode, and if it wasn't for the number 100 thing I'd have given at least an extra half point to the score.moreless
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100 Episodes and Going Strong...

9.5

By lenzinoH20, Oct 12, 2011

Point of No Return-Dean considers giving up and giving in, but Zachariah comes up with a new strategy against Lucifer that means they no longer need Dean as Micheal's vessel. However, the consequences will cause even greater destruction, and the Winchesters and Castiel must stop Zachariah before it's too late. 100 episodes later, Supernatural still remains one of the most unappreciated shows on TV. Most shows don't make it to 5 seasons, let alone a 100th episode and this is quite the achievement for the series. With so much hype centered around the 100th episode and fans anticipating a MAJOR break through in the apocalyptic arc going on this season, the writers had they're work cut out for them with "Point of No Return' but they truly make an episode worthy of such a tremendous occassion. I can't imagine a better to opinion up the episode than with Dean putting all his hunter gear in a bow with Sam arriving to remind Dean about why he shouldn't. It already brings the series full circle considering in the pilot Sam was running from his family and being a hunter with Dean having to pull him back in. It's an amazing switch of roles and both actors really set up the episode nicely with their performances. In fact, Jensen Ackles and Jared Padelacki deliever some of the best acting they've done so far. Every scene they have together is packed with an emotional punch and their dialogue at some point references the past 5 years from their parents to Ellen and Jo to their relationship ever since they were kids. They may be minor occurances but really shows that this episode is a restrospect of how far the brothers have come. The rest of the cast turn in some impressive performances as well. Misha Collins shows why he's possibly the best supporting character of series. The scene where Castiel beats Dean up in the alley is so powerful and the way Misha portrays Castiel's anger and disgust that Dean would quit after how much he has given up for him and Sam is fantastic and completely justified. Castiel had every right to be pissed and Dean had it coming, no matter how brutal it was watching that beating take place. Jim Beaver once again shows why Bobby has been an almost underrated character since the beginning of the series, he's always been a major figure in the brothers' lives. In just one scene, Jim is captivating showing a side of Bobby that the brother never thought he could have: suicidal. This scene could have come off forced and out of left field, but Beaver was expectional and delievered his lines with great presence. Zachariah returns for possibly one last time and it's here I realized that he's probably the best recurring villain the series ever had (Well, after old Yellow Eyes of course!) If anyone wants to learn how to play a menancing angel, just watch Kurt Fuller. Zachariah's final plan against the brothers plays out well and the revelation of Adam's revival was a great twist. Jake Abel returns as Adam Milligan and while some fans were sketical, even hated the idea of a 3rd brother (me being one of them), I'm glad we were able to explore the character a little more. Jake is good as Abel and his scenes with the brothers are genuine and funny, especially seeing a bit of Dean in Adam. I do once again sympathize with the character, first he's eaten alive and now who knows what Michael has done to him. But it did make for one of many awesome moments throughout like Castiel fighting and bashing himself as well as the archangels, Zacheriah's pathetic self-loathing in the chilling yet hilarious opening teaser, Sam telling Bobby to handcuff Adam to his chair, Dean killing Zachariah in a cool looking death scene but the best scenes of them all were the ones between Sam and Dean. Each of them were heartfelt and touching, like how though Sam knows if Dean was in his place (and was) he wouldn't trust him yet Sam has complete faith in Dean. It speaks volumes considering Dean completely lost faith in Sam at the end of last season/beginning of this season. It's beautiful to see their brotherly bond as strong as was before as well as seeing Dean's fighting spirit return by episode's end. Supernatural has come a long way from such a mixed bag that was the first season, the show has tranformed into something special over the past 5 seasons and I'm proud to say I've watched it up to this point. A 100th episode to be proud of, "Point of No Return" is hopefully an episode what fans will remember for it's amazing quality, not simply for being a series achievement episode after the show is dead and buried. I know I will!moreless
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Just had to give this episode a Ten!!!

10

By DoubleJJ28, Oct 12, 2011

Sad to see Zach gone, but ecstatic to see Dean back to his Normal self again!!! Hooray!

Would have liked to see Michael kill off Zach though, that would have been wonderfully horrific!!!!! We finally get to see some action between Cas and Dean too. It's about time those two got talking! Any episode with Cas in it makes me burst out laughing...he's just too hilarious~~~~~

The Lack of Michael appearances is also a Pain in the Ass, since there is only three episodes left of the final season of this apocalyptic battle, we expect to see some Michael action and just to see what he is up to....but once again...I had too much expectations! Can't blame them though - this is a low budget series...so I understand the problems they are facing, so with that in mind, they've done the best they could. It's frustrating, but I trust that the Final two episodes will blow our minds away! Hopefully~moreless
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this was a good ep

9.0

By cube2k8, Oct 12, 2011

in this ep of superanaturl zack o rier is looking the winchesters brother and starts to go into his dreams to lore him to the place and to get him to think he is the chosen one . thing is he is really not and is just a plan to lore dean and sam there to get dean to say yes even though dean is already thinkg about saying yes and is willing to give in. so they go there and cass takes out the helper angels by using the symbol on his chest and then sam and adam are on the floor with blood out of there mouths and thendean says yes on some conditions and zack does not want that but it was a decoy to get him close and kill him and a big flash of light happens and adam is left in the building and cass is no where in sight.moreless
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Cast & Crew: STARS

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Jared Padalecki	Sam Winchester
Jensen Ackles	Dean Winchester
Misha Collins	Castiel

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Cast & Crew: RECURRING AND GUESTS

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Jake Abel	Adam Milligan	Guest Star
Michael Robinson	Stuart	Guest Star
Jason Vaisvila	Street-Corner Preacher	Guest Star
Jim Beaver	Bobby Singer	Recurring Role
Kurt Fuller	Zachariah	Recurring Role

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Episode Photos

Misha Collins as Castiel on Supernatural...

© 2010 The CW
Jensen Ackles as Dean on Supernatural fr...

© 2010 The CW
Jared Padalecki as Sam on Supernatural f...

© 2010 The CW
Jared Padalecki as Sam, Jake Abel as Ada...

© 2010 The CW

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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TRIVIA (1)
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- Castiel walks into the abandoned muffler factory in Van Nuys where the beautiful room is located. As the door closes behind him, you can clearly see that he's wearing an undershirt beneath his white shirt. However, a few minutes later when he rips his shirt off in the fight with the other angels, he's not wearing an undershirt.
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QUOTES (12)
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- Dean: (to Castiel, staring at him) Wow, Cas. Not for nothing, but the last person who looked at me like that... I got laid.
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- Dean: I don't know if it's being a big brother or what, but, you know, to me, you've always been this snot-nosed kid that I've had to keep on the straight and narrow. I think we both know that's not you anymore. I mean, hell, if you're grown-up enough to find faith in me the least I can do is return the favor.
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- Dean: Whoa, wait. You're gonna take on five angels?
  Castiel: Yes.
  Dean: Isn't that suicide?
  Castiel: Maybe it is. But then I won't have to watch you fail. I'm sorry, Dean. I don't have the same faith in you that Sam does.
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- Zachariah: All they care about upstairs, ain't it? Results, results, results. They don't know. They're not down on the ground, in the mud, nose to nose with all you pig-filthy humans. Am I right?
  Stuart: Absolutely--filthy what?
  Zachariah: I mean, whatever happened to personal loyalty? How long have I worked for these guys. Five millennia? Six?
  Stuart: Seems like it, doesn't it.
  Zachariah: Damn straight it does.
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- Bobby: You can't give up, son.
  Dean: You're not my father. And you ain't in my shoes. (Bobby takes out a bullet) What is that?
  Bobby: That's the round I mean to put through my skull. Every morning, I look at it, and I think.. "Maybe today's the day I flip the lights out." But I don't do it. I never do it. You know why? Because I promised you I wouldn't give up!
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- Dean: So, why don't you just tell us everything. Start from the beginning.
  Adam: Well, I was dead and in Heaven... except it--it, uh, kind of looked like my prom. And I was making out with this girl. Her--her name was Kristin McGee.
  Dean: Yeah, that sounds like Heaven. Did you get to third base?
  Sam: Just, uh... just keep going.
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- Sam: Just watch Adam.
  Bobby: How? You may have noticed, he has a slight height advantage.
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- Zachariah: So you know you can't trust them, right? You know Sam and Dean Winchester are psychotically, irrationally, erotically codependent on each other, right?
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- Dean: Word to the wise. Don't piss off the nerd angels.
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- Dean: Where the hell are we?
  Castiel: Van Nuys, California.
  Dean: Where's the beautiful room?
  Castiel: In there.
  Dean: The beautiful room is in an abandoned muffler factory in Van Nuys, California?
  Castiel: Where'd you think it was?
  Dean: I-I don't know. Jupiter. A blade of grass? Not Van Nuys.
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- Dean: So, screw destiny right in the face. I saw we take the fight to them, do it our way.
  Sam: Sounds good.
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- Sam: I saw your eyes. You were totally rocking the "yes" back there. So what changed your mind?
  Dean: Honestly? The damndest thing. I mean, the world's ending, the walls are coming down on us. I look over at you, and all I can think about... is the stupid son of a bitch who brought me here. I just didn't want to let you down.
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NOTES (2)
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- International Airdates:
  United Kingdom: June 2, 2010 on LIVING
  Sweden: August 27, 2010 on Kanal 5
  Spain: December 20, 2010 on AXN
  Germany: February 28, 2011 on Sky Cinema Hits
  Australia: March 14, 2011 on ELEVEN
  Czech Republic: November 11, 2011 on Prima COOL
  Finland: July 8, 2012 on Sub
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- Injoke: Dean is staying at Room 100, a veiled reference to the episode being the series' 100th.
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ALLUSIONS (3)
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- Sam: So Michael is not about to make you his Muppet?
  Referencing Jim Henson's creations, the Muppets (literally, "marionette" puppets), which typically have large mouths and bulging eyes, and are often covered in fur. They have appeared in such series as Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, as well as several feature movies.
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- Sam Blown to Oz.
  This is an allusion to the famous book series, The Wizard Of Oz, created by Frank L. Baum, that was made into a movie in 1939. In the novel and subsequent movie, Dorothy is literally blown from Kansas to Oz by a tornado.
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- Adam: What? We gonna hop in the Family Truckster? Pop on down to Wally World?
  Referencing the Chevy Chase film National Lampoon's Vacation (1983), in which the Griswald family drove their Family Truckster station wagon to the Disney Land-like theme park, Wally World.
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