In the penultimate episode of season thirteen of Supernatural, Sam, Dean, and Castiel help lead the human resistance through the rift to their world

We’re only one episode away from the season finale and in typical Supernatural fashion, “Exodus” raises the stakes in big ways. “Exodus” picks up exactly where last week’s episode left off. Now that Sam (Jared Padalecki), Dean (Jensen Ackles), and Castiel (Misha Collins) have reunited with Mary (Samantha Smith) and Jack (Alexander Calvert), they have the difficult task of getting the group home to their universe before the rift closes.

And then there’s Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino). Lucifer not only comes face to face with his son. He begins talking to him, much to Sam, Dean, and Castiel’s horror. Lucifer insists that he has good intentions and Jack wants to hear what his father has to say. Sam, Dean, and Castiel immediately try to shield Jack from Lucifer’s words, which causes Jack to fly away in anger. Gabriel (Richard Speight, Jr.) confronts Lucifer and the two have a heated discussion. Gabriel tells his brother exactly how he feels, and leaves Lucifer to himself.

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When Sam and Dean try to get their mother to come with them, Mary says that she’ll be staying behind in the Apocalypse universe to help the human resistance. Sam convinces Mary to leave with them but only if the rest of the resistance also goes along. Bobby (Jim Beaver) also agrees to go along. After rescuing Ketch (David Haydn-Jones) and Charlie (Felicia Day) from Michael’s forces, the human resistance heads for the rift. Jack initially wants to stay behind to kill Michael but Lucifer manages to convince him to save that confrontation for another time.

As Rowena (Ruth Connell) temporarily strengthens the rift, Michael (Christian Keyes) arrives. Gabriel decides to buy the group some time and confronts Michael directly. Michael kills him relatively quickly. After the entire group goes through the rift, Sam stops Lucifer from going through and leaves him behind for Michael to deal with. Michael makes Lucifer an offer: give him the entire world in exchange for Jack.

Now that we’ve had a little time to catch our breath, let’s discuss “Exodus” with this week’s roundtable!

Nadine M. (@iamjustnadine_) – Day time paper pusher and irreverent fangirl by night.

Rosie (@RosieTRiveter) – Enthusiastically sarcastic. Veteran of the Army and life. Italian mom.

Kristen (@MishaMishaps) – I’m a lover of books, a fan of angst, Misha Collins fan. Adult with the heart of a child.

Lindsay (@lindieface) – Beleaguered grad student, unrepentant fangirl, whiskey aficionado

Cat Bow (@Pathryn34) – Wife and mother who tries to be loving and kind, but traffic…

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1. Jack came face to face with Lucifer last week and attempted to get to know his father in this episode. While it’s understandable why they were so protective, do you think Sam, Dean, and Castiel were too hard on Jack for wanting to get to know his father?

Nadine M. (@iamjustnadine_): Being partially adopted, I know where Jack is coming from. He is struggling to carve an identity for himself in a world he didn’t ask to be born into but is part of it now. He needs stability and someone to let him know he’s doing things okay. As for TFW being too hard on Jack; also coming from experience – caring parents and guardians – no matter the package they arrive in; will seriously be afraid for their kid. The possibility of Jack getting involved in a harmful situation is high. However harsh their reactions maybe – it’s honest. The honesty matters.

Rosie (@RosieTRiveter): I think the boys are protective of Jack in a parental sense. I don’t think they were hard on him. They were scared. They know Lucifer. They know he’s a liar, a schemer, he’ll back stab them all as soon as look at them and he is infinitely good at manipulation. Jack is naïve and they are scared he’ll believe Lucifer’s victim act – and as we know, Dean gets angry when he gets worried for people he cares about.

Kristen (@MishaMishaps): I do not like saying this but I do think Sam, Dean, and Cas were hard on him. I mean I 100% understand why but I think that it’s very human to want to hear and understand your other parent’s side and he should.

Lindsay (@lindieface): Given everything that Lucifer has done to Team Free Will, I don’t think their reactions were over the top or too harsh. Lucifer is not to be trusted, and Jack is relatively naïve. He’s already got three fathers, he certainly doesn’t need the devil hanging around.

Cat Bow (@Pathryn34): They weren’t necessarily too hard. But they were ineffective. We know that Lucifer is a deceiver, that the worst way to learn about him is from him. How many times has he sworn that he doesn’t lie, only to do so repeatedly. Nor did they mention all the hurt they themselves have suffered at his hands. However, I did like Mary’s point. That Jack is inherently good and see Lucifer for who he truly is. And this will is far better than simply being told who someone is.

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2. We were introduced to the Apocalypse world’s version of Castiel in this episode. Castiel agreed with his doppelgänger that they were the same, and then killed him. Do you think Castiel was right? Were they the same? What did you think of his doppelgänger?

Nadine M.: I think Castiel, like many of us, doesn’t see himself clearly. Creepy!Cas to me has overtures of Empty!Cas. I think Castiel still has so many regrets from the past and he recognizes how he could become what Creepy!Cas is/was. Cas as we know – doesn’t really care much for how others perceive him unless he’s trying to convince them to join him. He was also a General in Heaven’s armies. I think if he hadn’t had the task of interacting with the Winchesters; he would have done his duty as per Michael. Well done Misha for getting your creep on.

Rosie: It was an interesting version of Cas. My theory, based on the clothing and accent, is this vessel was a Nazi taken over during WWII. The facial tics makes me think he was “fixed” by Naomi over and over until he was a machine for the angels. I think Cas said they were the same meaning they were both willing to kill for their side – only our Cas is on the side of good. I think Cas was disgusted by seeing what horrible thing he’d have become if Dean and Sam hadn’t been born.

Kristen: First of all, I’m always here for more Misha. I am also here for Misha in tight clothes and an accident. I think Castiel agreeing with him was the right choice because I think that Cas was like what old Cas was before he met Dean. It’s like he killed off the old him. God, I love Misha.

Lindsay: First off, I think Misha nailed the German accent. I also saw an interesting theory that AU!Cas was the result of basically being reprogrammed (a la Naomi) too many times – the injured eye, the slight twitch. There was a lot of nuance in his performance and I wish AU!Cas would have stuck around just a smidge longer. However, I loved that our Cas took him out. I don’t think they’re quite the same, though. Our Cas is the result of free will and finding a family in the Winchesters. Still a soldier, but with a warmth and depth of caring that alt!Cas doesn’t have.

Cat Bow: His alternative version was creepy, yet so spectacularly broken. His wings were clipped, he was have blind. And he had an intimate knowledge of torture that makes me wonder if he himself had not been on the receiving end. I think that since his time in the Empty, he has come to terms with who he is. A warrior, willing to do whatever it takes. That is what I feel he was referring to. How they are the same.

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3. Gabriel and Lucifer had a bit of a heart to heart conversation, and Gabe really told his brother how he felt. Gabriel’s words seemed to get to Lucifer. Is Lucifer capable of changing? Did Gabriel actually get through to him? Will that play a role later on?

Nadine M.: Lucifer is incapable of changing though he “tries.” We’ve seen this at every turn. For example, when he lost his power this season, what did he do? The jerkwad killed other angels for their graces. He got what he wanted ruling heaven but that was boring; how very generous of him to come down to Earth to help with an exorcism – only to kill everyone in that room. I don’t think Gabe got through to him. His bro killed a copy he made after all last time and look what happened to Gabe now.

Rosie: I noted a tear in Lucifer’s eye. Was it real? Was it to manipulate? Was it feeling sorry for himself? Any of these could be a storyline. But really, I think Lucifer is always going to be out for himself even if he thinks he’s trying to be a father. He’s always going to be manipulating to get what he wants and he’ll destroy anyone that gets in his way.

Kristen: No, Lucifer is not capable of changing. Gabriel did not get through to him. I think Lucifer might actually die or go away. So it will not have a role in the future.

Lindsay: I’m not sure Lucifer is capable of changing. I think he’s a master manipulator, and that makes people think he can change, but I think he’s too fundamentally twisted to be redeemed. Now, as to whether Gabriel’s words will resonate with him, who knows? I think the turn at the end, being left in Apocalypse world, might undo any tiny measure of progress he made.

Cat Bow: I, am admittedly biased, and have absolutely no faith in Lucifer’s redemption. Gabe merely placed a mirror before him, to see who he really is. And, I think Lucifer finally saw himself, but that didn’t change. He is only after what he wants. What is good for him. And stayed that way to the very end of the ep, despite any misgivings he might feel.

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4. Before Sam came up with the plan to bring the resistance group through the rift to his Earth, Mary was going to stay behind. Did you find her initial decision to stay believable? Should she have stayed behind if Sam hadn’t come up with another way?

Nadine M.: I think Mary’s decision to stay was definitely believable. She is like her sons. When she sees a need, she cannot sit still and not back down from the challenge of helping. We saw some of the ways she handled people similar to how Sam does it. She also felt like she had a purpose in the other world that she didn’t have in ours. Safety is great but it also makes some of us paranoid and stagnant. Mary needs to be the kind to do things. Like mother, like sons. If she really was serious, she would have stayed behind.

Rosie: I do think her decision to stay is believable. She found her calling when she joined the resistance. She felt strong and needed, not as Dean and Sam’s mother, but as Mary Winchester. Soldiers sacrifice for the greater good including being separated from family and possibly dying. That is what Mary would have done and I respect her decision. Sam’s acceptance shows he knows and respects that. Dean’s upset is residual abandonment issues coming back up.

Kristen: Mary wanting to stay is very believable. I think for someone ripped from heaven, the real world was too much. This AU I think was more fitting for her. She loves her boys but she had a big cause to fight for. I think she should have if Sam didn’t come up the idea.

Lindsay: I think it’s totally believable that Mary would want to stay, and honestly, it made sense to the character for me. She’s been distant from the boys since coming back, and she seemed to find a place for herself in Apocalypse world.

Cat Bow: Absolutely. Winchesters don’t walk away from those who truly need them, who are truly suffering. Sam and Dean have shown repeatedly how they are willing to die to protect innocents. How could Mary be any different? Especially when these people sheltered her, respected her, and Gabe them her trust.

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5. Mary, Ketch, Bobby, Charlie, and several others from the Apocalypse world came through the rift and are now on Sam and Dean’s Earth. What are your thoughts on this development? Will it be nice to have versions of Bobby and Charlie working with Sam, Dean, and Castiel again?

Nadine M.: On this development, so many possibilities are possible. Charlie in “Wayward Sisters” for instance and Bobby finding other Bobby’s treasure trove of books. He’d be curious as to what secrets his other self…had. Also, please, can we say Bobby and Mary for the shippers? Sorry, had to put it in there. I love them. It’s going to be different and plenty of emotional issues to overcome. It’s going to be a huge change from the war these survivors have had all their lives. Also Ketch’s Monopoly Snipe!

Rosie: I love it! Ketch is growing on me (and I adore David Haydn-Jones). I think Ketch still has a lot to make up for but he’s shown he’s trying to do just that and he’ll be a strong ally. Bobby and Charlie are two of my favorites and I am excited to see them with the boys again. I like that Mary and Charlie are fierce warriors (will we see them join up with Jody, Donna and Claire?).

Kristen: I loved the scene when they kept popping through the rift. It was kind of beautiful. I would love the idea of these past characters coming back and staying again. It’s like getting the gang back together. Kinda.

Lindsay: I have a feeling they’re going to end up back in Apocalypse world if the problems there with Michael are able to be fixed. That said, it’s nice seeing Bobby and Charlie back even if they aren’t the Bobby and Charlie we know and love. However, I’d prefer to have the originals back instead of the alternate versions. I feel like Mary might opt to go with them, and I’d love to see Ketch decide to go back as well (I’m not quite sure how he’s still here!).

Cat Bow: I am so incredibly excited to have these people working with the brothers again. They aren’t the exact same, not the people we knew. Their personalities are similar, and they formed a quick bond. Plus, they bring all of their own strengths which is vital if they are gonna find a way to defeat Michael.

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6. Gabriel stayed behind to fight Michael and buy the group going through the rift some time. If he’s truly dead this time, what do you think of his demise?

Nadine M.: Gabe went through so much, survived so much and why in the heck would he go through buying the group time only to die again (despite his shenanigans with the Norse deities)? No. He’s alive, he’s an archangel Trickster; self-serving to a degree but shows that he does care for humanity. We’ll see him again. We must.

Rosie: Frankly, I’m pretty ticked off (I’ll church up my words for the roundtable). I am sick of them killing off favorites. It’s lost its power to evoke sadness and now it’s just become wasteful and lazy writing. I admire Gabriel’s sacrifice and his decision to no longer run, but killing off yet another favorite (again) is just maddening – and not in a good storytelling way.

Kristen: I refuse think that he is dead. That’s all.

Lindsay: It was a bit sudden. I do feel like it’s final, though. But then again, he’s faked his death before. Numerous times. So it’s difficult to say for sure, but at least he went out a hero – and not running away.

Cat Bow: I thought him truly heroic, knowing he wasn’t strong enough, yet fighting anyway. He saved people. He kept Michael from going through the rift. I truly hope that he isn’t dead this time. That it is another trick. I don’t want him gone. So I’m holding out hope.

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7. “Exodus” ended with Michael attempting to make a deal with Lucifer. In exchange for allowing Michael to take everything, Lucifer would be allowed to reunite with Jack. Do you think Lucifer will agree? Will he try to double-cross Michael at a later point? Should Sam have left Lucifer behind?

Nadine M.: Michael and Lucifer did this together in the cage with Sam. Lucifer is so going to find ways in his best interest to survive while getting his way then get bored again. So yes, double-crossing Michael? That’ll happen. Lucifer is an overgrown toddler. Sorry, calling it. Jack, you have all the dads. Props to the actor for achieving that level of character development. Sam is too kind. He is too kind for words. He could have killed Lucifer but he left him there instead. I feel for Sam. He keeps facing his demons and winning each and every time. I fear for what will happen with Dean if one day, Sam loses. That brotherly hug though!

Rosie: I am glad Sam double-crossed Lucifer. He deserved that and more from Sam and it gave Sam back some of his power in that dynamic. Good for him! Sam always tries to choose the “good” path (though we know that doesn’t always work out lol) but I am glad he got some revenge here. I’m sure Lucifer will agree to the deal with Michael but as I said earlier, Lucifer will betray anyone if it suits him so Michael shouldn’t count on Lucifer being a trusted ally.

Kristen: As per the promo, I say yes a deal was made. There is do doubt that Lucifer will double cross Michael. He has done it to everyone. I get why Sam left him back and I think it was the right choice. Now I don’t think they knew he could figure a way back but you have to take the shot and keeping him trapped.

Lindsay: Would it even be Supernatural if he didn’t try to double-cross Michael? He’s Lucifer, that’s what he does. But I don’t think this Michael is someone to be trifled with, and I think the big showdown we’ve been waiting since season 5 to see is on the horizon. I do think Sam made the right choice to leave Lucifer behind, but I also think it’s going to bite them in the ass if they’re not careful.

Cat Bow: Lucifer will absolutely agree. He is bartering not only for Jack, but his own sorry self. His only fear is how this might look to Jack. Lucifer may betray Michael, but it won’t be to help us. As for what Sam did, I absolutely loved that part. I believe he thought Michael would kill Lucifer. I’m incredibly saddened that that’s not what happened, but I totally support what Sam did. Being able to look in his tormentor’s eyes, and win.

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Final Verdict: “Exodus” skillfully sets the stage for a major confrontation with Michael despite the loss of a major ally

Despite being the second to last episode of the season and containing a fair amount of action at a few points, the main focus of “Exodus” is character development. Jack and Lucifer are central to that. After a full season of build-up to Lucifer finding his son, it’s nice to finally have that happen. Both Alexander Calvert and Mark Pellegrino do an excellent job selling both of their characters. Jack is curious yet cautious. Sam and Dean are also given some heartfelt moments with their mother as she confesses that she needs to stay behind to continue the fight. Dean panics and gets angry. Sam sadly accepts their mother’s decision and comes up with an alternative.

Michael’s entrance at the end of the episode and his subsequent fight against Gabriel is especially well-done. The effect for angel wings has continued to be a fairly simple shadow effect but it’s used to great effect here. The Apocalypse world’s version of Charlie continues to be a serious badass. Her screen time is relatively brief but pairing her with Ketch continues to work in the favor of both characters. Even though the Apocalypse world’s Bobby isn’t “our” Bobby, it’s a great feeling to have the character back on the show in some form.

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After Gabriel’s triumphant return in the past several episodes, “Exodus” appears to kill him off once again. While it’s unclear if Gabriel is actually dead (he has been known to fake his death, after all), the final shots of him indicate that this might finally be it for the archangel. If Gabriel is dead, he died confronting his brother and fighting to protect the world. It’s a solid end for the character. At the same time, we can’t help but feel disappointed that yet another fan favorite character has met his demise. Despite having versions of multiple fan favorites back as part of the show, it’s difficult to not miss the original versions of the characters. Still, it’s nice to have Bobby and Charlie back, even if they aren’t “our” Bobby and Charlie.

We’re almost there. The season thirteen season finale is next week and all of the characters are in place for a literal hell to be unleashed on Earth. Sam, Dean, Castiel, and all of their allies have a momentary reprieve from their struggle against Michael but we expect the season finale next week to put an end to that. How will the norms be shaken up? We can’t wait to find out!

SUPERNATURAL returns next THURSDAY, MAY 17th at 8/7c on THE CW.