This was an excellent episode all around. The writing was strong, the effects (what few there were) added punch to the story, and the actors broke your heart.
I respect Jensen Ackles as an actor and love his portrayal of Dean. I also ADORE the character of Bobby and am thankful to have Jim Beaver on this show. That being said, this episode, for me, was all about the Padalecki. In the scenes dealing with his hallucinations, he pulls out all the stops, letting every emotion show and holding nothing back. He uses what he is given to give his character more depth, and despite Sam's actions, Padalecki makes you sympathize, if not almost agree with the character's decisions.
And in the episode's final showdown, through the tension between the brothers, Padalecki still exhibits Sam's humanity in many subtle ways. When Supernatural ends, I expect to see a lot of Padalecki (and Ackles as well), because his talent deserves recognition.
I respect Jensen Ackles as an actor and love his portrayal of Dean. I also ADORE the character of Bobby and am thankful to have Jim Beaver on this show. That being said, this episode, for me, was all about the Padalecki. In the scenes dealing with his hallucinations, he pulls out all the stops, letting every emotion show and holding nothing back. He uses what he is given to give his character more depth, and despite Sam's actions, Padalecki makes you sympathize, if not almost agree with the character's decisions.
And in the episode's final showdown, through the tension between the brothers, Padalecki still exhibits Sam's humanity in many subtle ways. When Supernatural ends, I expect to see a lot of Padalecki (and Ackles as well), because his talent deserves recognition.