1x02 Charged

[cko]

Pending: Ah, the classic "I don't want to die at the Bench!" episode. Or "Charged" or something. Whatever. I can't stop wondering if the writers had the finale in mind when this episode was penned, because it sure changes the entire undertone of the "Sam tells his mom the truth" subplot. Originally a nice little side bit, or demonstration of Sam growing up a little, and Sam's dad being a bit of a creep, I now have absolutely no idea what to think. They decide to be honest with each other, and a few episodes later she's digging up Sam's dead/undead father. WTF?

Me: Plus Sam wanting to switch jobs, getting "the word out" via a devilish website. The Cowboy Up, Hunker Down quote that I can never get in full. Sock and Sam HoYay in the woods. And Sam getting out of bed in his boxers. Oh, the memories.

This was the ep where everyone was griping about why Sam kept trying to ditch the vessel ("that's gonna get old fast!") but I thought it made sense that he'd at least try it once. Remote control car: "So that happened."

Scene on the roof:
Devil: "Is this about you being afraid?"
Sam: "Nooo-yes. Yes, yes, very much yes!"

"Dressed like condoms."

[pacejunkie]

This was the ep where everyone was griping about why Sam kept trying to ditch the vessel ("that's gonna get old fast!") but I thought it made sense that he'd at least try it once. Remote control car: "So that happened."

I was one of those that was annoyed by this for the sole reason that it happened right on the heels of Sam giving his speech in the final scene of episode one about how he thinks he wants to do this and it seems important and gives him direction. That was a pretty strong resolution so it was jarring to go from that to a complete 180 and then run from the responsibility. It was the exact opposite of what he had just expressed.

A much better thing would have been for them to save that victory ham speech and have Sam still ambivalent at the end of episode one, then after episode two and the vessel avoidance have Sam realize this is something he wants to do, then make the speech at the end of episode two. That would have been a more consistent arc.

[cko]

So I went through the trouble of transcribing this for...another site....so I'm putting it here because I love this scene. I wish someone had episode transcripts.

Sam: I don't think I’m the guy who should be taking on the forces of evil. I know you own my soul and all, but I think it would be better if I worked for you in a lesser capacity.

The Devil: Such as…

Sam: Well I haven't come up with a full plan or anything … but maybe I could get the word out. You know, like a recruiter! I could start my own … Satanic website! with evil … design! and have really cool devil graphics or something.

The Devil: Business is booming, Sam. I don't need any help with recruiting. I need help putting the damned back in hell where they belong.

[pacejunkie]

I rewatched this from the DVD recently and realized it was a lot funnier than I remembered. One of the better ones of the first batch of formula episodes.

[cko]

Behind the scenes shot I hadn't seen before, courtesy cris.