In the season thirteen finale of Supernatural, Sam, Dean, Castiel, and Jack face off against Lucifer and the Apocalypse world’s Michael

Regardless of the quality of a given season, Supernatural always brings out the big guns for its season finales and “Let the Good Times Roll” proudly continues that tradition. After successfully escaping the Apocalypse world last week, Dean (Jensen Ackles), Sam (Jared Padalecki), Castiel (Misha Collins), and Jack (Alexander Calvert) continue hunting. When Mary (Samantha Smith) and Bobby (Jim Beaver) discover that a member of the human resistance from the Apocalypse world has been murdered, Jack attacks the man he believes killed her. When Sam, Dean, and Castiel show up to stop him, Jack blames himself for once again hurting an innocent person.

While Jack is off on his own, Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino) appears in an attempt to comfort and manipulate his son. Lucifer’s appearance confirms that he accepted Michael’s (Christian Keyes) deal. He convinces Jack to go off and explore the universe with him. But Jack has a condition. His father has to resurrect the girl who was killed earlier. Lucifer reluctantly agrees and the two go off on their own again.

RELATED | Supernatural Roundtable 13×22 “Exodus”

Back in the Bunker, Sam asks the girl to try to remember who killed her. Before long, Michael shows up, breaks his way into the Bunker, and attacks. As Dean and Castiel try to hold Michael off, Sam prays to Jack asking for help. Jack and Lucifer arrive and Jack causes extreme damage to Michael’s vessel. It’s then revealed that the person who killed the girl had glowing red eyes. Jack angrily lashes out at Lucifer and forces him to tell the truth, which reveals that Lucifer enjoyed killing the girl. In response, Lucifer cuts Jack’s throat with an archangel blade, steals the bulk of his grace, and gains a massive amount of power in the process. Lucifer grabs Jack and flies off. At the last second, Sam grabs on and goes along with them.

Dean pleads with Michael to help them stop Lucifer and save Jack and Sam but Michael’s vessel is too badly damaged to stand a chance. Desperate to save his family, Dean offers to become Michael’s sword (i.e., his most powerful vessel) in exchange for being allowed to remain in control. Michael accepts and flies off to destroy Lucifer. Upon arriving, Michael and Lucifer fight. Before long, Lucifer is killed with an archangel blade. Once everyone appears to be safe, Michael takes full control of Dean and flies off.

Supernatural once again delivers an action packed episode this week and leaves us wondering how exactly the Winchesters are going to get out of the latest mess they’ve found themselves in. Let’s meet our final guests of the season!

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

Lena (@lenastiel) – Hopeful optimist and lover of peanut butter who is passionate about Supernatural and its amazing cast members.

Snowlantern (@sisselauisk) – Swedish translator, TV enthusiast and lifelong nerd.

Hikari (@Kaeos_Tennyo) – Supernatural has had my soul for 13 years. Jack of many trades, master of few.

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

[wp_ad_camp_2]

1. “Let the Good Times Roll” demonstrated more than ever that the Apocalypse universe’s Bobby has a lot in common with “our” Bobby. Now that he’s more directly working with the Winchesters, what are your thoughts on him having a continuing presence on the show? Do you think there’s romantic potential for Mary and Bobby? Or would you prefer that they not go that route?

Rosie (@RosieTRiveter): I definitely think he has a spot in the boys’ lives. Though he doesn’t have the same history with them which is sad. But he is shrewd, smart and a father figure the boys need. I adore his tell-it-like-it-is approach with them. As for romance, I am not sold on a romantic interest between Bobby and Mary. I’d prefer that stay off the canvas for now.

Lena (@lenastiel): I think they have done a great job endearing this Apocalypse universe’s Bobby to us. Obviously, the original Bobby was not replaceable, and this Bobby is somehow even more…jaded by war than the original Bobby who was already an extremely jaded person. I would love to see this character explored more in the show, and yes, I think there’s romantic potential for Mary and Bobby. This Bobby has been so good to Mary’s character development. She managed to find the purpose she’s been looking for ever since she got resurrected.

Snowlantern (@sisselauisk): AU!Bobby actually seems milder and less cantankerous than our Bobby, though I don’t know why that should be. I love seeing any iteration of Bobby again. Jim Beaver has appeared at least once on every season of Supernatural, and I’m happy they’re keeping up that tradition. Mary and Bobby though? I don’t know. They do have a soft chemistry, but in lived years, she’s younger than her sons. A show that outright mocks any middle-aged woman coming on to Dean or Sam (who are…also middle-aged) should stay away from a 30-year age difference with swapped genders.

Hikari (@Kaeos_Tennyo): You have no idea how happy I am to have Bobby, even if he’s not “our” Bobby. But can he even get back to his own world now? That would depend on how season 14 goes, I guess. I’m…not sure about Mary and Bobby as a couple. It would be nice because they’ve been through so much and have a lot in common, but it feels like Bobby might be overlaying some feelings from the Mary in his world, and I don’t want either of them to get hurt if something goes wrong.

Cat Bow (@Pathryn34): I love having Bobby. Though I will still miss our Bobby. He was just so…Bobby. And I have shipped Maringer since 13.14, so yes, I’m would love for that to develop more. They are adorable and strong together. They make a great team. And, I think it will be important to have all hands on deck when fighting Michael!Dean.

[wp_ad_camp_2]

2. Jack began listening to his father more directly in this episode after Lucifer came to him when he was at a rather low point. In the end, Jack learned a hard lesson about his father that cost him his grace (or most of it). Where do you see the show going next with Jack? Do you think there will be parallels to Castiel’s character arc? Will Cas be able to prevent Jack from going down similar paths?

Rosie: I’m wondering how much power he has left. Will he have comparable power to Castiel? Now that Jack is less powerful, he won’t be as volatile. I want the guys to school him up on hunting (I loved them hunting as a family!) and Castiel to help him figure out his way in the world as a part of the Winchester family. Now that Lucifer is gone and Jack saw the truth, Cas will truly be a father figure to him.

Lena: There are definitely some parallels between Castiel’s character arc and Jack’s character arc. With the loss of Jack’s grace, I see Jack on the path of becoming human, just like what Castiel has undergone seasons ago. For this reason, I believe Cas can act as Jack’s guide once again as he is the only one who truly understands what it means losing your powers and adjusting in the family. They’re both alike in the way they are fish out of the water among humans, but their hearts have chosen humanity to protect. I hope Cas will be able to act as a guide to Jack in order to keep him on the right path.

Snowlantern: I loved the conclusion to Jack’s season arc! Jack is just like his chosen father Castiel. He almost let himself get manipulated, and then he tried to make things right by throwing himself on his sword. And then he exactly echoed Cas’ words of love for his family, without knowing that Cas had said them first. Parallels with Cas are pretty much inevitable. I hope that Cas will get to play more of his role as Jack’s true father as Jack sticks around in Team Free Will 2.0. Alexander Calvert smashed it as the next generation hunter. The fandom instantly and persistently fell in love.

Hikari: Our precious nougat boy. I’m beginning to think they insisted on casting Alex as Jack not just for his acting, but because of his resemblance to Misha. I honestly believe we’ll see continued parallels, as well as Jack’s struggle to control his emotions and power (which should be easier now that he’s a little drained). What will be interesting to see is if his powers can be recharged, and if Jack will have something to do with the continued Heaven issue next season. But Castiel, as a fish out of water, is primed to help Jack learn how to belong in their world, along with Sam (and eventually Dean).

Cat Bow: I think Jack learned a great lesson by finding out what Lucifer was really like. And being used by him. I believe he will recharge and help find Dean. Cas, Sam, and Mary will help guide Jack. He will trust them more. And be an invaluable part of the team.

[wp_ad_camp_2]

3. A fair amount happened in this episode. What were your favorite scenes and/or moments? What would you have changed?

Rosie: Favorite moments: When Dean/Michael came into the church and spread his wings. I’m not gonna lie. I thought that was pretty exciting. Killing Lucifer. I literally shouted in triumph. Sam’s gesture to hand the sword to Jack to kill him was a predictable twist but worked because, gosh darn it, Padalecki. You brought me to tears! Sam is always going to do the right thing even if it means sacrificing himself for the greater good.

Lena: My personal favorite is the scene at the end where there was sheer devastation on Cas’s face after possibly sensing the news that Dean has been taken by Michael – to nobody’s surprise (you just don’t trust an evil archangel who is responsible for the destruction of the Apocalypse world). What I would have changed is showing the moment when Dean said yes to Michael. Other than that though, there were many great scenes. Kudos to Supernatural’s VFX team for that final battle moment between Michael and Lucifer.

Snowlantern: Fave 1: Michael!Dean spreading his wings! The music and everything made this a really epic scene. Finally we got to see the Michael sword in action! 2: Lucifer’s death, also very epic as befits the Adversary. 3: Sam telling Jack to kill him. I knew Sam would make that choice, because his heart always beats for his family. 4: Dean bonding with Jack and calling him family. 5: Team Free Will 2.0 on an ordinary werewolf hunt together. The episode had some directing and editing issues, and I wanted Cas to be part of the final battle too, but it was a solid conclusion of the season’s themes and arcs.

Hikari: My favorite scenes: How soft Dean was, comforting Jack after his nightmare, saying he has similar nightmares. I also enjoyed Jack telling Lucifer, “You’re not my father!” There was no doubt in my mind that Jack would eventually see him for what he was. Also, Dean’s archangel wings. Pure awesome. What would I change? The Michael/Lucifer fight is mentioned below, and that freeze frame at the end was so bad. I wonder if they intentionally left out Dean saying yes, to give fans something to occupy ourselves during Hellatus.

Cat Bow: My favorite scene was Lucifer dying once and for all. I have wanted him dead for so long. That was the most glorious thing I’ve ever seen. I loved that it was a group effort. That Sam and Dean had to work together to do it. I would definitely have changed letting Lucifer get Jacks grace, which forces Dean to let Michael possess him. It was so expected. I hated that Dean’s victory all those years ago was reversed.

[wp_ad_camp_2]

4. When Lucifer threatened to kill both Sam and Jack, Dean said yes to Michael and became his sword under the condition that he would remain in control. Naturally, Michael overpowered Dean and took control. Did Dean make the right choice? Was that direction too obvious to head in? Or is it too early to tell? Will the Winchesters ever stop making deals?

Rosie: Dean often is forced to make choices based on the less terrible of two terrible choices. Was it a great decision? Debatable. But at the time, he felt it was the least bad choice. (Flashbacks about Dean being the Michael sword was a nice touch.) Anyone could see Michael would go back on his deal with Dean but Winchesters will always take the deal to save their family and face the consequences later. Kudos to Jensen by the way, his physicality was entirely different strolling down the street at the end. He can completely sell a scene with no dialogue. I’ve said it before but he’s one of the top actors on TV today and deserves an Emmy.

Lena: I’ll be honest. Dean’s decision made me so sad and heartbroken. I don’t like it. I don’t like the words “I have no choice” coming from Dean, the number one advocate for free will. And it is to be expected that Michael would not keep his promise. I’m dreading what chaos a Michael in his true vessel (Dean) would bring to our world. But at the same time, I completely understand Dean’s decision. Family means everything to him, but I wish there was another choice. Will the Winchesters ever stop making deals? Let’s pray for that character development.

Snowlantern: The Winchesters including Cas have made some boneheaded deals before, but in this case I agreed with Dean. He really didn’t have any other choice. You could see in his face when he told Michael his terms that he knew Michael probably wouldn’t honor them, but he had to do it anyway and deal with the fallout later.

Hikari: At the time, it really was the only option available to them, and Castiel knew it even though he didn’t like it. I did see other options with Sam and Jack having the archangel blade, but Dean didn’t know that. Anyone who has been paying attention within fandom called Michael!Dean as the obvious direction, although many hoped to be surprised by something different. And no, the Winchesters will never stop making deals, because that’s just who they are. They do what they can to save the people they love.

Cat Bow: Dean made the only choice he could given the circumstances, but yes, it was way too obvious and predictable. They tried to throw us off the trail, but it was just so expected. And, no. They won’t stop making deals as long as the deals are the only way to save their family. To save the world.

[wp_ad_camp_2]

5. Lucifer is dead! No, really. He’s dead! What are your thoughts on that? Was his demise satisfying? Or was it underwhelming? What did you think of the fight between Michael and Lucifer?

Rosie: The fight was…interesting. I’m not completely sold on the fighting in mid-air thing – it was a bit hokey. But when Dean plunged the sword into Lucifer and we saw the fire and the burnt out wings – I punched the air in victory. As always, the actors elevate any hokeyness in the directing or script. All these guys dialed the acting up to eleven in this episode. I thought Mark Pellegrino did a great job. Alex is a treasure. I hope Christian Keyes isn’t gone for good. And of course Jensen, Jared and Misha always bring their A Game.

Lena: YES! I’ve been waiting for Lucifer’s death for quite a time! I would have celebrated if I wasn’t too worried about Michael!Dean right now. It was quite satisfying, although I kind of hoped either Sam or Cas made the killing blow. They deserve it after all the bad things Lucifer has done to them. Nevertheless, what’s done is done and I trust the creative decision on this. I think the fight was quite…something else, I guess? A little bit cheesy but I did enjoy it.

Snowlantern: Apart from a couple of unintentionally funny shots of the actors clearly dangling from wires, the archangel fight was as epic as it should be and Lucifer’s death was big and satisfactory. He seems really, really dead now. Unusually dead, as Misha said about Cas after last season’s finale. But I hope Lucifer doesn’t come back from this, because this magnitude of death really should be permanent, even on Supernatural. I’m also glad he didn’t get a redemption, something I feared he would all this season, where redemption was a major theme. But not everyone can redeem themselves, and Lucifer didn’t even want to.

Hikari: Ding dong, the Devil is DEAD! Although I’m almost afraid of him coming back since he was super-juiced with Jack’s grace. It was intensely satisfying to see him lying on that church floor after getting stabbed, the marks of his wings still smoldering. However, I feel Sam should have been more instrumental in his death, because it’s what Sam deserved, after everything. As for the Michael/Lucifer fight, the wire work was sloppy. Not only that, but the clash between those two was supposed to create a devastating force. What we saw? Didn’t even blow out windows. So while I’m sure the actors (Jensen) had fun, it was underwhelming.

Cat Bow: I am so very happy he is dead. Just the fact that he died is enough, I wouldn’t care about specifics. That was the most glorious wing burn I have ever seen. However, the fight was a little comical. The flying was a little much. I feel there was an over dependence on wire work.

[wp_ad_camp_2]

6. With Lucifer and Gabriel both dead, the ranks of heaven severely diminished, and Michael possessing his sword (i.e., Dean), where do you see the story going next? How will Sam, Jack, Castiel, and their allies fight him without killing Dean? Will they find a way to get the other Michael in the Cage be helpful in some way?

Rosie: I’m still mad they killed Gabriel off again!! That’s not going to get better for me. I’m honestly always bad at predicting the way the story will go. I know they will come up with a “plan” that makes things worse before it gets better and am hoping for a big, epic showdown. It’s an interesting story suggestion to try and get Michael out of the cage – and that might be the bad idea that makes things worse. And what about Adam (Adam who?)?

Lena: I’m sure the “saving heaven” storyline will be a major plot next season. My speculation is they’re going to utilize the Empty again where the angels who have been dead are now sleeping. There’s also this big question of where Chuck/God is, and why he has let all of this happen. I personally hope that Cas will be able to play a big role in saving his once home and family, and I can hardly wait for the teamwork of Sam, Cas and Jack in saving Dean.

Snowlantern: My wishlist: Sam, Cas and Jack somehow get our Michael out of the Cage, since he’s the only being in our universe currently able to take on AU!Michael and they hope he will help, but instead he becomes the ruler of Hell, which has no leader now. AU!Michael creates more angels to build himself an army. Earth becomes a battleground between Heaven and Hell, both led by a Michael. The only way it could be more symmetric is if our Michael took Sam as a vessel.

Hikari: I’m wondering how Michael will react to Heaven’s lack of forces and what he’ll do about it. Will he try to reopen a rift to drag his armies from the other universe? The final scene showed him just casually walking down a city street. What’s his plan? As for Dean’s family and friends, I think they will try to find ways to capture Michael, and de-power him long enough for Dean to expel him. Because while regular angels can be cast out by revoking consent, it seems like it’s not the case with archangels. As for caged Michael, after spending so long in there, how damaged is he?

Cat Bow: I think it will be interesting to see how it plays out. Hopefully, Jack will recharge. His power will be vital. Plus, they will have to find Michael, hopefully before he destroys too much. I don’t think the other Michael will be helpful. But I’m hoping that Dean will be strong enough to overcome Michael and take back control or expel him.

[wp_ad_camp_2]

7. Now that you’ve seen all of season 13, what are your thoughts on the season? How does it hold up overall? What worked? What didn’t? Are you looking forward to season 14?

Rosie: I wasn’t entirely sold on the AU/portal thing but it was a good way to get characters back that we’d lost. There were some really good episodes this season like the fun of “Tombstone” and “Scoobynatural” which was something no one has done before and the great “Wayward Sisters” episode! I’m looking forward to seeing Jensen as an entirely different character. He’s never been able to branch out and do something different for a long while. Dean is a deep character that has grown more complex over 13 seasons but Jensen is so talented, it will be a thrill to see what he does with this.

Lena: This season has many excellent highlights, such as “Scoobynatural,” “Tombstone, “Lost and Found,” and the “Wayward Sisters” episodes. I’m still conflicted on how to feel about the finale, but I hope season 14 will build on the good stuff they have built and established so far. I think what definitely worked is the further affirmation of the “found family” concept. Sam, Dean, Castiel, Jack, Mary, and others – they’re all important to the story and have made the show become more complex and interesting. Similarly, the concept is also repeated in “Wayward Sisters” with Jody, Donna, Claire, Patience, Kaia, and Alex. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for season 14!

Snowlantern: Solid season, the best since season 8! Jack (Alexander Calvert) was the best new addition to the cast in years. The brothers and all of Team Free Will worked well together and I like seeing that. The AU!world was exciting and well portrayed. The season’s themes of nature vs nurture, evil and good, redemption and family, were well handled and concluded. Many favorite characters were brought back – Charlie, Bobby, Gabriel, Kevin, Naomi… My only criticism is that “Scoobynatural,” while amazing, was the only wacky episode. 2–3 humorous or outrageous eps per season would be better. Can’t wait for season 14!

Hikari: Overall, the season was pretty good. You can tell the newer additions to the team have gotten their legs under them, and gotten a good feel for the characters. I’m proud that they got the chance to push the envelope with the Wayward episodes, and hope that extended part of the family continues to be an integral part of the story next season, since they won’t be getting their own show. Even the pair of writers that fandom usually dislike immensely did better this season, and I would really like to know what’s going on behind the scenes there.

Cat Bow: Season 13 was not the best season, nor the worst. I liked that we got to see into the hearts of the characters and am absolutely thrilled that Lucifer is truly dead. But, though the storyline overall was stronger, the fact that the big bad actually won in a way bothers me. Also, though there were some great eps, there wasn’t an incredible episode that even the overall worse season 12 had. Overall, it was decent, but nothing more.

[wp_ad_camp_2]

Final Verdict: “Let the Good Times Roll” might have a predictable twist at the end, but the episode is both emotionally and narratively satisfying and helps set up what should be an exciting fourteenth season

Another season of Supernatural has come to an end, and what an end it is! After building up to a major confrontation with Michael all season, “Let the Good Times Roll” finally pays off all of that set up. Michael, who apparently loves making large, dramatic entrances, continues to be portrayed brilliantly by Christian Keyes. Dean’s acceptance of Michael and willingness to sacrifice himself to save his family is tragic yet completely in line with who he is as a character. His entrance as Michael towards the end of the episode is one of the most iconic and memorable moments of the series to date.

Lucifer is finally dead! Mark Pellegrino has consistently brought a lot of fun to the character for as long as he’s been a part of the show. But the character had started to become more of a burden to the show and characters than a boon. Thankfully, “Let the Good Times Roll” gives Lucifer the long awaited death the character deserves and it does so in an incredibly satisfying manner.

RELATED | The Flash Roundtable 4×22 “Think Fast”

“Let the Good Times Roll” does a lot of things right but it isn’t without its issues. Dean saying yes to Michael, while providing plenty of opportunities for next season, is a rather predictable direction to head in. The way Andrew Dabb sets up the situation that causes Dean to beg Michael for help is highly effective and makes perfect sense. Still, we can’t help but feel that it wasn’t all that surprising. The fight between Michael and Lucifer is satisfying but it relies a little too much on wire work. The end result is somewhat cheesy and not as epic as they were probably hoping for.

Season thirteen of Supernatural hasn’t been perfect but it’s offered plenty of interesting lore, stories, and character development that make the show feel far younger than it actually is. Dean allowing Michael to use him as a vessel presents a lot of storytelling opportunities for the fourteenth season. There’s also a danger that the show may rehash parts of the “Deanmon” story from season ten. That said, we’re hopeful that the show won’t go there and bring the series in a fresh new direction. Only time will tell but for now, we’re greatly looking forward to seeing where the show goes next! See you in season fourteen!

SUPERNATURAL returns in FALL 2018 on THE CW.