SN: 3-11 "Mystery Spot" Review

 

Wow. This episode really got to me. I felt like I was on the same rollercoaster Sam was on. And it kept going around and around and up and down. Wow. Good episode although I’m not sure what the moral of the story is supposed to be.

Broward County, Florida: Sam is awakened by the clock radio blasting "Heat of the Moment" by Asia. I love it. So does Dean. Dean is already awake. Sam questions Dean’s taste in music. Dean says that Sam likes that song too. Sam replies that if he ever hears it again, he’s going to kill himself. In retrospect, that was quite ironic. Dean puts the volume higher and sings. They get ready to go for breakfast.

At the restaurant, the cashier tells Mr. Picket to drive safely. "Yea, yea", replies Mr. Picket. The waitress tells a patron, Cal, that he can’t stay unless he orders something. Those are the rules. Cal orders a coffee.

Sam and Dean sit in a booth. Dean notes that the special is a pig in a poke. Sam asks if Dean even knows what that is. The waitress comes to take their order. Dean orders the special, side of bacon and coffee. Sam takes a coffee and a short stack. Dean says that they should be tracking Bella. Sam asks where Bella is. Dean tells him to shut-up. Sam says he wants to find Bella too but in the meantime, there’s a case. It seems that Dexter Hasselback was passing through last week when he vanished. His daughter claims he was on his way to visit the Broward County Mystery Spot – "Where the laws of physics have no meaning". The waitress comes back with their orders. She’s about to get the hot sauce when it falls and splatters on the floor. She looks sheepishly at Sam and Dean and apologizes.

Sam and Dean walk out of the diner and past a dog that barks at them. Dean notes that places like the Mystery Spot are tourist traps. Sam replies that there are spots in the world where holes open up and swallow people like the Bermuda Triangle and Oregon Vortex. Dean asks that if the Mystery Spot is legit, what the lore is. A blonde woman bumps into him and apologizes. Lore says that the magnetic field in these places is so strong it can bend space/time sending victims who knows where. Dean thinks it sounds a little X-Files. They pass by two movers trying to pull a humongous desk. One says that he knew it wouldn’t fit. The other sarcastically asks if the first wants a Pulitzer. Sam says that he’s not sure if this is really happening but they need to check it out. Dean says that they’ll go that night after the place closes.

 

Sam and Dean sneak into the Broward County Mystery Spot. They look around. Sam has the EMF detector. Dean asks if Sam has any idea what he’s looking for. Sam answers yes, then no. Suddenly, a guy comes out holding a rifle. He asks what they’re doing there. Dean points his gun toward the man then starts to put his gun down. He says that they can explain. The guy thinks they’re going to rob him. Sam assures him that they’re not. The guy tells Dean not to move. Dean replies that he’s just putting the gun down. The guy’s rifle goes off hitting Dean in the chest. Sam runs over to Dean. Dean is having trouble breathing. The guy says he didn’t mean to. Sam yells at him to call 911. Dean briefly looks at Sam and dies in Sam’s arms.

Sam is awakened by the clock radio blasting "Heat of the Moment" by Asia. I still love it and so does Dean. Dean is already awake. Everything happens exactly as before except Sam looks really confused (and so am I). Sam tells Dean that he had a weird dream. Dean asks if it was about clowns or midgets. At the restaurant, Mr. Picket is told to drive safely and Cal is told to order something. Sam and Dean sit at a booth. Dean notices the pig-in-a-poke. Sam is freaking out. He asks if it’s Tuesday. Dean says yes. The waitress comes to take their order. Dean orders same as before. Sam says he doesn’t want anything. Dean mentions hunting down Bella. Sam is not listening. Dean asks if Sam is okay. Sam asks if Dean remembers any of this. Dean asks like déjà vu. Sam replies that no, like it’s really happened before. Dean says like déjà vu. Sam insists that they are reliving yesterday. Dean is about to say déjà vu but Sam cuts him off. The waitress comes back. Sam grabs the hot sauce before it falls. Dean is impressed by Sam’s reflexes.

 

Outside a dog barks at them as they walk by. Sam is really freaked out. He explains that yesterday was Tuesday and today is also Tuesday. Dean looks confused. The blonde woman knocks into Dean and apologizes. Dean says that it’s crazy even for them – like a dingo-ate-my-baby crazy. Dean thinks it was one of Sam’s psychic premonitions. Sam says it was too vivid. They were at the Mystery Spot, then, he hesitates and says he woke up. The two movers snark at each other. Sam thinks that the Mystery Spot has something to do with the Tuesday-do-over. They need to check that out. Dean suggests they go after hours. Sam disagrees. He wants to go right now while the place is crowded. Dean calls Sam’s a freak. He steps onto the street. A car plows him down. It’s Mr. Picket. Sam runs to Dean but Dean is already dead.

Sam is awakened by the clock radio blasting "Heat of the Moment" by Asia. Once again I love it (although I’m freaking out) and so does Dean. Sam is completely freaked out. He watches Dean gargle. At the restaurant, he tells Dean that he is flipping out. The waitress comes over. Sam orders for Dean and once again takes nothing for himself. Dean tries to make a joke but Sam tells him to quit screwing around. Sam says that he thinks they’re in a time loop. Dean replies like Groundhog Day. Sam says that it’s exactly like Groundhog Day. Dean looks incredulous; he starts to say that’s it’s crazy but Sam interrupts to ask if it’s like dingo-ate-my-baby crazy. Dean wonders how Sam knew. Sam says that that’s his point. The waitress comes with their order and Sam snatches the hot sauce before it falls. Dean, still disbelieving, says nice reflexes. Sam says that he knew it was going to happen. Sam starts to lose it – he says that Dean has to take his word for this; he owes him that much. Dean tells him to calm down. Sam angrily answers that he can’t because Dean dies today. Dean doesn’t believe it. Sam says that he’s watched Dean die twice and he can’t, he won’t do it again. I feel for Sam here. He’s really stressed. It’s his worst nightmare happening over and over.

Outside, the dog barks, the blonde woman knocks into Dean and apologizes, the movers snark. Sam thinks that the Mystery Spot is the real deal. Dean mentions X-Files. Dean suggests that they go after the place closes. Where have I heard that before? Sam replies that they can’t because Dean dies there – one way. Dean says they should go now and heads for the street. Sam runs after him and stops him just as Mr. Picket drives by. Dean asks if Picket killed him. Sam answers that it happened yesterday. Dean, being Dean, asks if it looked cool like the movies. I’d say yes. Sam replies that Dean peed himself. That was not the answer Dean expected. Dean angrily notes that a man getting hit by a car doesn’t have control over his bladder. He crosses the street very carefully.

At the Mystery Spot, the owner tells dressed up Sam and Dean that he can use all the good ink they can get. Sam asks how long Mr. Carpiac has owned the place. Carpiac implies that it’s been a very long time. Sam says that Carpiac would know if something strange happened. Carpiac replies that strange happens all the time; it’s a mystery spot. This guy is really creepy. Sam wants to know what that means. Carpiac, thinking hard, replies that it’s where the laws of physics have no meaning. Sam is getting angry. Dean asks if Dexter Hasselback took the tour. Carpiac says that the police scoured the place and couldn’t find the man. He adds that he’d never seen him before. Sam’s patience is worn thin. He tells Carpiac that something weird is going on; does he know something or not. Carpiac looks stunned. Carpiac admits that he bought the place at a close-out auction the month before. Dean, calling Sam Kojak, says they’ll get some air.

Outside Dean says that the place is what he thought – crap. Sam asks what’s happening to them. Dean thinks that if he makes it to the next day without dying the loop will stop and they can figure this out. Sam’s not sure. Dean says that it’s worth a shot. He suggests they grab takeout and lay low at the motel till midnight. Dean starts to walk away when the humongous desk falls on him. Ha – he looks like the wicked witch of the west when the house fell on her. Sam just looks forlorn.

Sam is awakened by the clock radio blasting "Heat of the Moment" by Asia. Dean’s already awake – Sam slowly drops back in bed. I don’t blame him. At the diner, Sam looks like heck. Dean says he thinks Sam is nuts but whatever is going on they’ll figure it out. Dean asks what’s behind Sam being stuck in Groundhog Day. Yeah, that’s what I want to know too. Sam replies that he thought it was the Mystery Spot, now he’s not so sure. Dean asks what they should do. Sam replies try to make it to tomorrow without Dean getting killed. Dean thinks it shouldn’t be too hard. Sam smiles weakly. He replies that he’s seen it happen a few times and he can’t seem to stop it. Dean asks if he always orders the same thing. Sam tells him pig in a poke with a side of bacon. Dean orders sausage instead of bacon. Dean smugly tells Sam that it’s a different day already. Sam looks doubtful. Dean adds if they decide he’s not going to die, he’s not going to die. The waitress comes with their order and Dean takes a bite of sausage. Suddenly he starts to choke...

"Heat of the moment..." Dean yells from the shower if they can go for breakfast. Sam replies that Dean will thank him when they get to Wednesday. Dean doesn’t understand. Suddenly Sam hears a yell from the shower.

"Heat of the moment..." At the diner, Dean asks if the tacos taste funny...

"Heat of the moment..." Dean electrocutes himself in the bathroom...

 

"Heat of the moment..." At the Mystery Spot, Sam bashes the place with an axe. The owner is bound and gagged with duct tape. Dean assures him that everybody’s fine and no one’s going to get hurt. Dean suggests that Sam drop the axe and they let the guy go. Sam replies that something is going on and he intends to find out what. Dean remarks that the place is pretty torn up; it’s time to give it a rest. Sam yells no; he’s going to take it down to studs. Dean goes over to Sam. There’s a tussle. Suddenly the guy is splattered in blood. Sam calls out Dean’s name as the guy freaks out.

 

"Heat of the moment..." Sam and Dean enter the diner. Mr. Picket is told to drive safely. A guy is told that he’s got to order something. Dean notes pig in a poke Tuesday. Sam puts car keys on the table. They are Picket’s. He tells Dean that he doesn’t want Picket behind the wheel. The waitress comes over. Sam tells Doris that she should log in more hours at the archery range; she’s a terrible shot. Hee. Dean asks about the time loop. Sam responds in monotone. Dean notes that Sam is grumpy. Sam replies that it’s the hundredth Tuesday in a row he’s been through. Wow. Sam says "hot sauce" as the waitress comes with their order. He catches the hot sauce. When Dean tries to say nice reflexes, Sam says that he knew it was going to happen; he knows everything that’s going to happen. Dean is skeptical. Sam starts saying the exact same thing as Dean at exactly the same time. Shouldn’t someone yell jinx? When Dean’s had enough, Sam says that Randy the cashier is skimming from the register and Judge Myers puts on a furry bunny outfit at night. Sam points to Cal – he’s going to rob Tony the mechanic on the way home. Dean asks what the point is. Sam says that he’s lived through every possible Tuesday and watched Dean die every possible way; he’s ripped apart the Mystery Spot; burnt it down; tried everything to save Dean’s life but he can’t. No matter what he does, Dean dies. Then he wakes up and it’s Tuesday again.

Outside Sam calls what’s going to happen before it does. Dog. Where’s my damn keys. Excuse me. Dean asks if he ever went after the blonde in all the times they’ve walked down the street. Sam replies no. Dean takes a flyer from the blonde woman. He shows Sam a flyer about the guy that went missing. The blonde is his daughter. Sam runs after the woman. Dean goes to pet the dog...

"Heat of the moment..." At the diner, Sam, looking at his laptop, finds out that Dexter Hasselback is a professor but he’s also a journalist who writes about tourist attractions; mystery spots; UFO crash sites; he gets his kicks debunking them. He put four of these places out-of-business. Sam shows Dean the article on the laptop. Dean remarks that Hasselback looks like a pompous schmuck. Dean thinks it’s just desserts that the guy spends his life crapping on mystery spots only to vanish in one. Sam looks over at the order of one of the patrons. The guy ordered maple syrup for 100 Tuesdays and now he ordered strawberry. Dean jokes what have we become if a man can’t choose his own syrup. Sam replies not in this diner and not today. He says nothing changes except him...

"Heat of the moment..." At the diner the guy eats his breakfast. Dean asks what Sam thinks they are caught in. Sam tells Dean to eat his breakfast. The guy finishes and walks out. Sam follows. Sam grabs the guy. He tells him that he knows who he is or rather what he is. The guy looks terrified. He begs Sam not to kill him. Dean looks confused. Sam tells the guy that it’s his M.O. that gave him away; going after pompous jerks giving them their just deserts; his kind love that. The guy asks Sam to put the stick down. Dean agrees but Sam says that there is only one creature powerful enough to do what he’s doing; making reality out of nothing; sticking people in time loops. Sam says that the guy would have to be a trickster. The guy says his name is Ed Coleman, his wife’s name is Emilia, he’s got two kids and he sells ad space. Sam yells for him not to lie. They’ve killed one of their kind before. Coleman switches to the trickster - the one they thought they'd killed.

Sam asks why he’s doing this. The trickster replies that they (Sam and Dean) tried to kill him. Dean asks about the missing professor. The trickster says that Hasselback said he didn’t believe in wormholes so the trickster dropped him in one. Then Sam and Dean showed up. He made them the moment they came into town. Sam asks if it’s fun to kill Dean over and over. Dean looks over with interest. The trickster replies that it is fun. Dean looks offended. The trickster adds that it’s not about killing Dean. He says that the joke is on Sam; watching his brother die every day forever. He asks how long will it take Sam to realize that he can’t save Dean no matter what? Sam says that if he kills the trickster, it all ends now. The trickster says that since Sam can’t take a joke, tomorrow when he wakes up it’ll be Wednesday. Sam doesn’t believe him. The trickster replies that Sam will know where to find him, having pancakes at the diner. Sam says that it’s easier to just kill him. The trickster mock-apologizes...

"Back in Time" plays on the clock radio when Sam wakes up. Sam notes that it’s not Asia. Dean says that the station sucks. It’s Wednesday! Dean tells Sam to turn the radio off. Sam asks if it’s the most beautiful song Dean’s ever heard. Dean asks how many Tuesdays Sam’s had. Sam’s lost count. He asks what Dean remembers. Dean says that he remembers that Sam was out of it and he remembers the trickster. Sam says that they’re getting out of town, now. Dean asks about breakfast. Sam says no. So they gave up on Hasselback? He’s going to be stuck in a wormhole forever?

Dean is packing the car when Cal orders him to hand over his wallet. Dean tells him to relax. He adds that no one wants this to end the wrong way. He suggests they talk about it. In the hotel, Sam is packing when he hears a gun shot. He runs out to find Dean on the floor dead. He waits for the reset – but nothing. He says that he’s supposed to wake up. He clutches Dean and cries. That was heartbreaking.

Sam is driving the Impala – he looks determined. Sam’s cell rings. It’s Bobby. He’s heard about the demon Sam took care of in Death Valley. He says that it’s been three months and he’d like to hear Sam’s voice. Sam takes a shot gun from the trunk. Later, he removes a bullet from his side. Later still, he eats alone. Bobby calls him again. He asks if Sam is obsessing over the trickster. Bobby says that they can find it together. He adds that Sam did a heck of a job on the vampire nest in Austen. Sam looks like he’s going through the motions. Bobby calls to say that he found the trickster.

When they meet, Bobby hugs Sam but Sam just stands there. Bobby says that he’s found the summoning ritual to bring the trickster here (at the last place he worked his magic). Sam asks what they need. Bobby replies that they need a fresh gallon of blood. Sam says that they have to bleed a person dry. Bobby adds that it must be tonight or not for another fifty years. Sam replies let’s go get some. Bobby says that Sam is breaking his heart. Bobby says that he’s not going to let Sam murder an innocent man. Sam asks why Bobby brought him here. Bobby says that he’s trying to knock some sense into Sam. He thought Sam would back down from killing a man. Sam says that Bobby thought wrong. Sam tells Bobby to leave the stuff, he’ll handle it himself. Bobby says that he’s not going let Sam kill. Sam yells that what he does is none of Bobby’s business. Bobby offers to die so Sam can get Dean back. Sam calls Bobby crazy. Bobby says that he’s old but Sam can keep fighting and saving folks – but he needs Dean. He tells Sam to let him give Dean back to him. Bobby says that he wants to do this. He kneels. Sam takes a stake and puts in Bobby’s back. Sam says that he’s doing it because he (Bobby) is not Bobby.

Sam looks at Bobby’s body. He’s unsure all of a sudden. Bobby’s body disappears. The trickster appears. He says that Sam was right. He adds that whoever said Dean is dysfunctional has never seen Sam with a sharp object in his hand. Sam quietly asks the trickster to bring Dean back. The trickster says that Dean’s dead and he’s not coming back. Sam begs the trickster to take them back to the Wednesday when it all started. He swears they won’t come after him. The trickster says that there’s a lesson he’s been trying to drill into Sam’s head. His obsession with saving Dean; the way they sacrifice for each other; Dean is Sam’s weakness and the bad guys know it. He adds that it’s going to be the death of Sam. Sam meekly says that Dean’s his brother. The trickster says that like it or not this is what life without Dean will be like. Sam begs again. The trickster says that he got bored with this months ago. When Sam asks what he means, the trickster replies that it’s for him to know and Sam to find out and he snaps his fingers.

 

"Back in Time" plays on the clock radio when Sam wakes up. Dean asks if Sam will sleep all day. Yay! Dean’s back! Dean says that it’s not Asia; the station sucks. Sam realizes that it’s Wednesday. He gets out of bed and hugs Dean. Dean asks how many Tuesdays Sam had. Sam replies enough. He asks what Dean remembers. Dean replies that he remembers that Sam was out of it and he remembers the trickster. Sam says let's go. Dean replies that he’ll pack the car. Sam says that Dean’s not going anywhere alone. Dean looks at Sam. He notes that Sam doesn’t look too good and asks if anything else happened. Sam says that he had a really weird dream. Dean asks clowns or midgets. Sam looks completely out of it. Wow.

So what is the moral of the story? Don’t try to find Hasselback? Don’t go after the trickster? Is the moral that there is no way to save Dean? That Dean is Sam’s weakness? Well, yeah, but Sam is Dean’s weakness too. If anything, after this ordeal, Sam appears deader inside. Was that the goal?

Update: Maybe, just maybe the purpose of the episode was to make Dean's deal with Crossroads Demon a done deal. Dean died and was brought back by the trickster, who has god-like powers. That would make the ultimate joke to be on the trickster after what he put Sam through.