SN: 3-12 "Jus in Bello" Review

 

Let me start by saying how much I loved "Night Shifter" from season 2. And this episode didn’t disappoint. It’s really cool to see someone who doesn’t believe in the supernatural get a glimpse into Sam and Dean’s lives and change their minds. I really liked this episode... and I really hated Bella. I hope after this that Sam’s not dreaming of Bella any more.

 

Monument, Colorado: Sam and Dean break into an apartment with guns drawn. They search through drawers and closets. Sam asks if they’re sure this is Bella’s room. Dean holds up two wigs and says yes. A phone on the unmade bed rings. Dean picks up. It’s Bella. Dean tells her that he wants the Colt back; that countless people are going to die if they don’t get the gun back. Bella asks what Dean thinks she’ll do with the Colt. Dean replies take the only weapon they have against an army of demons and sell it to the highest bidder. Yeah, sounds about right. Man I hate Bella. Bella replies that Dean knows nothing about her. Dean says that he knows enough to stop her. Bella replies that Dean doesn’t even know where she is. Dean says that they have nothing better to do than to track her down. Bella says that he’s wrong; they’re about to be very occupied. She took precautions. Just then, the FBI bursts in. Sam and Dean are told to get down on the floor. They are handcuffed and read their rights. They look up to see Agent Hendrickson from "Night Shifter".

At the local police station, Agent Hendrickson walks in like he owns the place. He asks the sheriff where all his men are. The sheriff replies that he got all the men; all the men he could get with an hour’s notice – all four of them. The sheriff’s reminds Hendrickson that it’s a small town.

Hendrickson heads toward the jail cells. He spots a guy sleeping in one of the cells. The sheriff tells him that the guy is in for drunken disorderly. Hendrickson asks for the keys. He unlocks the door and tells the guy that he’s free to go. The sheriff is miffed that Hendrickson is releasing one of his prisoners. Hendrickson replies that he gets it; the sheriff is Mayberry PD but a tip is a tip and he had to move fast. He explains that he’s got the most dangerous fugitives ever; like Hannibal Lecter and his half-wit little brother. Hee. Hendrickson says that these guys dig up graves and mutilate corpses. They are Satan worshippers and nutbag killers. He adds that he’ll get Sam and Dean out of there in no time so the sheriff can watch the farm report. The sheriff is not amused. Hendrickson orders the sheriff to post his men at the exits. A secretary, whose desk is covered in religious artifacts, listens and fingers the cross at her neck. Hendrickson says to bring the prisoners in.

 

Sam and Dean are brought in. Their hands and feet are shackled with chains. They can barely walk. Dean looks at the secretary (Nancy). He tells her that they are not the ones she should be scared of.

 

 

Once locked in the jail, Sam and Dean walk toward opposite sides of the cell only to tumble when the chains at their feet become taut. They agree to sit on the bench and clumsily manage to sit. Dean asks how they’re going to Houdini out of this one. Sam doesn’t know.

Hendrickson calls Steve (the deputy director of the FBI). He tells him that he caught Sam and Dean. Steve is impressed. He didn’t think Hendrickson would catch the Winchester boys. Hendrickson offers to bring them to the super-max in an armored bus loaded with policemen. Steve reminds Hendrickson the number of times he let Sam and Dean slip through his fingers. He says he sending a chopper and he’ll be on it. He can’t take the chance Hendrickson will lose Sam and Dean again. He tells Victor (Hendrickson) to glue his eyeballs to them till he gets there and hangs up. Hendrickson tells the sheriff that a chopper’s on its way. The sheriff replies that they don’t have a helicopter pad. Hendrickson tells him to clear the parking lot.

Sam and Dean are sitting in the cell when Hendrickson comes over. He tells them that he’s trying to decide what to have for dinner – steak or lobster. He decides on surf 'n turf. He says he’s got a lot to celebrate – after all he’s got Sam and Dean in chains. Dean quips that they don’t swing that way. Dean taunts Hendrickson. He says that he wouldn’t break out the melted butter just yet. Hendrickson couldn’t catch them at the bank or keep them in the jail. Hendrickson replies that he underestimated them but now he’s ready; ready to keep them in a super maximum prison till the trial; in solitary confinement in a cell so small that it’s probably unconstitutional. He tells Dean to take a good look at Sam because they’ll never see each other again. Dean replies that he’s got the wrong guys. Hendrickson says that he forgot... Sam and Dean fight monsters. He says that their father brainwashed them with devil talk and touched them in a bad place. Sam and Dean look really pissed. Hendrickson says that everybody’s got a sob story but not everyone becomes a killer. The chopper can be heard landing nearby.

Steve comes in and hands Hendrickson a stack of papers to fill out. When Hendrickson objects, he says that the FBI didn’t invent bureaucracy, they perfected it. Ha. Nancy looks amused. Steve says he’s going to look in on their fugitives. When he gets to the cells, he looks back at the officers and then closes the door. He introduces himself and says that it’s a pleasure to see Sam and Dean as he's been waiting a long time. He takes out a gun with a silencer and shoots Dean in the shoulder. Sam jumps toward the gun. He holds Steve’s hand as the gun goes off a few more times. Sam spots Steve's demon eyes. He starts an exocism chant. The demon tells Sam and Dean that it’s going to be a long night. He exits the deputy director's body. Steve lays limp on the floor.

 

In the sheriff’s office, Hendrickson and the others become aware of the commotion in the jail. Sam is holding Steve’s gun. Hendrickson orders Sam to get on his knees and to put the gun down. Sam does as he’s told. Sam tells them to check the body, there is no blood; they did not kill the deputy director. The officer checks the body and sure enough there is no bullet wound. Dean says that the deputy director has probably been dead for months. Hendrickson wants to know what Sam and Dean did to him. Sam replies that deputy director was possessed. Hendrickson doesn’t believe them. He orders an FBI agent to fire up the chopper as they are taking Sam and Dean out now. When the agent tries to contact the agents outside, there is only static on the cell. He heads out to investigate.

All the agents are on the ground; probably dead. Suddenly there’s an explosion. Inside Hendrickson hears the explosion and tries to contact the agent over the cell. The agent gets up turns around and comes face to face with a demon. He screams. I don’t get it; everyone around him is dead and he’s standing around. I would have run like heck back inside.

Inside, every officer is loading their rifles while Nancy tries to use the phone. But she can’t get a line; all the phones are out. Hendrickson just stands quietly. Nancy says that the Internet, her cell, it’s all dead. The lights go out. Dean, in jail, notes that that can’t be good. The sheriff readies his men to go outside. Hendrickson stops them. He tells them that if they go outside, they are asking to die too. Hendrickson says that they’re out there and they want to come inside. It’s a siege. He tells the sheriff and his men to lock the doors and windows and deal with this like trained professionals. Alright, Hendrickson! Someone is thinking. Hendrickson goes over to Nancy. He asks if she’s okay. She starts to nod then shakes her head. Hendrickson promises to get her out of this. She smiles back at him. Who knew Hendrickson had a heart?

In the cell, Sam tends to Dean’s gunshot wound. Dean flinches and Sam tells him not to be a wuss. Hee. Hendrickson comes in. He asks them what their plan is - to kill everyone in the station and then bust out. Dean assures him that whatever out there is not there to help them. Sam adds that everyone is in terrible danger. Dean tells Hendrickson to let them out so they can save the others. Hendrickson asks save them from what. When Sam and Dean remain quiet, he dares them to say "demons". He warns them that they should be a lot more scared of him. He leaves.

Sam asks how Dean’s feeling. Dean says he’ll live... if they get out alive. Just then they spot Nancy looking at them from behind a wall. Sam begs her to get a towel for Dean’s shoulder. He says that they are not the bad guys. Nancy leaves and comes back with a towel. She carefully approaches the cell and hands Sam the towel through the bars. Sam grabs her hand; she screams until an officer comes in with a rifle. Sam lets her go. The officer warns Sam that if he tries something again he’ll shoot him (Sam). Dean angrily asks what Sam was thinking. Sam shows Dean the crucifix he’s taken from Nancy. Dean is impressed.

Later Sam notes that they are sitting ducks in the jail cell. Dean yells that he’d like a snack. Sam wonders how many demons are out there. Dean notes that it’s strange that the demons are gunning right for them. They’ve never done that before. It’s like the demons have a contract out on Sam and Dean. Dean thinks it’s because they are so awesome. Sam doesn’t answer.

 

The sheriff comes in and unlocks the jail door. He tells Sam and Dean that it’s time to go. He doesn’t look up at them though. Sam and Dean back up into the cell. Dean says that they’re fine where they are. Hendrickson asks the sheriff what he’s doing. The sheriff says that he’s not going to wait around to die. There is a SWAT facility in Boulder. Hendrickson replies that they aren’t going anywhere. The sheriff insists and Hendrickson shoots him. Sam and Dean rush Hendrickson. They push his head in the toilet that has Nancy’s crucifix. Sam starts the chant to get rid of the demon. One of the sheriff’s men comes in holding a rifle. Dean points Hendrickson’s gun at him and warns him to stay back. Hendrickson says that it’s too late; he’s already called them; they are on their way. The demon leaves Hendrickson’s body. Hendrickson falls down unconscious. Nancy asks if Hendrickson is dead. Suddenly Hendrickson coughs and sits on the bench. He looks down and says that he shot the sheriff. Dean waits a beat and adds that he didn’t shoot the deputy. Hee. Too funny. It’s exactly what I was thinking. I love it.

 

Sam, however, is not amused. Hendrickson, dazed, says that five minutes ago he was fine... Dean guesses that nasty black smoke jammed itself down his throat. Sam explains that he was possessed. Dean says that he owes Hendrickson the biggest "I told you so" ever. Dean gives back Hendrickson's gun. Hendrickson takes the keys from the deputy and unlocks the chains holding Sam and Dean. He asks Sam and Dean how they are going to survive.

Sam spray paints symbols on the floor while Nancy tends to Dean’s shoulder. Hendrickson and the deputy bring guns and ammo. Dean says that that won’t do much good. The deputy notes that they’ve got an arsenal. Dean replies that you don’t poke a bear with a BB gun. He says they need lots of salt. Nancy says that there is road salt in the storage room. Dean says to put salt at every window and every door. Hendrickson and the deputy leave. Dean asks how Nancy’s holding up. She replies that when she was little she’d come home from church and talk about the devil. Her parents told her to stop being so literal. She sadly adds that she showed them.

The deputy comes in with bags of salt. Dean asks him where the Impala is. The deputy says in the back. Dean says that he needs something from his trunk. He runs to the Impala; opens the trunk and starts grabbing stuff. The lights flicker and black smoke moves toward him. Dean runs back inside just in time. They all wait while the black smoke attempts to come in through the windows and doors. The black smoke recedes after a while and the lights come back on. Dean gives out charms to prevent possession. When Hendrickson asks what Sam and Dean will use, they show him their tattoos.

Later, Nancy looks outside and sees the townsfolk gathering outside the sheriff’s office. She recognizes Jenna. Sam says that it’s not Jenna anymore. Nancy asks if that’s where all the black smoke went. Uh oh.

Hendrickson says that the shotgun shells are full of salt; fighting demons with condiments. He adds "whatever works". He’s surprised that demons are real. Dean replies that so are ghosts, werewolves, vampires, changelings, and evil clowns that eat people. Dean says that if it makes Hendrickson feel better, Big Foot’s a hoax. Hendrickson doesn’t feel better. He replies that his job is boring and frustrating. They work three years for one break and maybe they can save a few people. He says that he’s been busting his ass for fifteen years and only nailed a handful of guys. And all this while there was something much bigger. He asks what is out there and can they beat it. Dean thinks the world’s going to end bloody but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t fight. Hendrickson notes that Dean has nothing to go home to; he just has Sam. Dean agrees. He asks if Hendrickson is "rocking the picket fence". Hendrickson admits that he’s got an empty apartment and a string of ex-wives. He and Dean are in the same boat.

 

A window breaks. It’s Ruby. Sam says that she’s there to help them. She asks Sam to let her out of the symbol on the floor. He scrapes a portion of the symbol and Ruby steps into the room. Dean asks how many demons are out there. Ruby replies that there are at least thirty demons so far. Dean asks who sent them. Ruby looks at Sam. She’s surprised that Sam didn’t tell Dean that there’s an up and comer – Lilith – that wants Sam’s intestines on a stick (eww!) because she sees him as competition. Dean angrily asks Sam if there’s something else Sam forgot to mention. Sam doesn’t answer. Ruby says that they need the Colt. Sam replies that it was stolen. Ruby is really pissed. She tells Sam that she must have blood in her ear because she thought she heard him say that he was stupid enough to let the Colt get grabbed out of his (Sam’s) think, clumsy, idiotic hands. Come on Ruby. Don’t mince words. Tell Sam what you really think.

 

Ruby says that it’s just peachy. She does, however, know another way to get them out alive. She says that she knows a spell that will vaporize every demon within a one mile radius – including her. Dean asks what he can do. Ruby says that Dean can’t do anything. The spell requires a person of virtue. Dean says that he’s got virtue. Ruby laughs. She tells Dean that it’s a nice try but he’s not a virgin. Dean replies that nobody’s a virgin. They all look at Nancy. Dean can’t believe it. Nancy says that it’s a choice. Dean is shocked. He asks if she’s really never... not even once. Nancy asks Ruby what she can do. Ruby says to hold still while she cuts her heart out of her chest. Whoa! Dean asks if Ruby’s crazy. Ruby asks what they think will happen when the demons come in. Hendrickson replies that they are going to protect her. Ruby says that while noble, they are all going to die and it’s the only way. Nancy interrupts. She asks if the possessed people will be okay. Ruby answers that the demons will be removed from their bodies and, if the bodies are okay, they should be okay. Nancy says that she’ll do it. Dean and Hendrickson object. Hendrickson says that they don’t sacrifice people. If they do, they are no better than the demons. Sam’s been awfully quiet through this whole thing. Ruby looks at Sam. She says that Sam knows she’s right. Dean waits for Sam’s answer. Nancy says that it’s her decision. Dean yells stop. He says that he needs to talk to Sam. They walk down the hall.

Dean says that he hopes Sam’s not considering Ruby’s plan. Sam reminds him that there are thirty innocent people outside who are going to die along with everyone inside. Dean replies that he’s not going to let Ruby kill a nice, sweet innocent, girl who hasn’t been laid yet. He says that he has a plan that doesn’t include killing a virgin. Dean suggests they open the doors, let all the demons in and then fight.

Dean asks if Sam got the equipment to work. Sam replies yes. Ruby says that what they’re planning isn’t going to work and she’s not standing around to watch them lose. Ruby tells Sam that she’s disappointed because she tried but she bet on the wrong horse. Sam and Dean let her out. Outside Ruby tells the mob that she’s leaving. She asks who wants to stop her. The mob parts and Ruby leaves.

Inside Dean and the others open the doors and remove the salt from the front of the doors. They wait with shotguns cocked. When the demons start coming, they start shooting. Fighting erupts everywhere. On the roof, Nancy and the deputy watch the fighting. Nancy says that once it’s over she’s going to have plenty of sex... but not with the deputy.

 

Once all the demons are inside the police station, Hendrickson starts a tape of the exorcism chant over the PA system. All the demons are exorcised out. The people are okay though. Hendrickson says that he’s going to call it in. He says that he’ll tell the authorities that Sam and Dean died in the chopper fire. He shakes hands with Sam and then with Dean. Sam and Dean leave.

 

A little girl and her mom (?) come up to Nancy. The little girl asks if she’s seen two brothers; one is really tall and one is really cute. Nancy smiles and asks the girl what her name is. The girl replies Lilith. Nancy stops smiling and Hendrickson heads toward Nancy and the girl. The girl raises her hand and everything goes white.

 

Sam and Dean are resting in their motel room when Ruby knocks at the door. She tells them to turn on the news. The newswoman tells of a gas main that ruptured causing a massive explosion that ripped apart the police station and killed everyone inside. Among the deceased were at least six police officers, staff, and three FBI agents. Sam guesses that this happened just after they left. Ruby says that judging by the size of the blast, it was Lilith. She hands Sam and Dean pouches that contain protection against Lilith. Sam thanks Ruby but Ruby wants none of it. She angrily points out that even after their speech about humanity and war, their plan had the body count. Sam and Dean look devastated. Ruby says that to fight a battle you strike quickly and leave no survivors so no one is left to go back to the boss. She says that next time they’ll go with her plan. I shudder to think about Ruby's next plan.