Lucifer Rising

"Lucifer Rising," the twenty-second episode of Supernatural's fourth season, created and directed by Erik Kripke, is a gripping installment that masterfully blends suspense, emotional depth, and supernatural intrigue. This episode stands out for its exploration of the culmination of the season's mytharc, where Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) face off against Lilith in a climactic battle that will determine the fate of humanity.

The narrative begins with a haunting scene where Azazel, in 1972, communicates with Lucifer through a dead nun at St. Mary's Convent, setting the stage for the events that will unfold. In the present, Sam and Ruby arrive at the convent, where Lilith has gathered her minions. As Sam confronts Lilith, he is met with taunts that push him to give in to his darker impulses, leading to a pivotal moment where he kills Lilith, unaware that this act will break the final seal holding Lucifer captive. The episode's use of suspense and mystery keeps viewers engaged as they piece together the events leading to the final confrontation.

Erik Kripke's direction skillfully captures both the emotional depth of the characters and the suspenseful elements of the supernatural threats. The cinematography enhances the tension, particularly during scenes where Sam and Dean are separated by Ruby, creating an atmosphere of desperation and fear. Notable is the use of lighting to highlight the dark nature of the events unfolding, reflecting the twisted reality of Ruby's betrayal. However, some critics argue that the pacing could be improved, particularly in scenes where the narrative jumps between different plot points.

Jared Padalecki delivers a compelling performance as Sam, showcasing his emotional depth as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and his growing dependence on demon blood. Jensen Ackles effectively portrays Dean's concern for Sam's well-being and his frustration with the situation, adding emotional depth to their interactions as they navigate the complexities of their family legacy and the supernatural threats they face. The chemistry between the brothers remains a highlight, adding emotional depth to their interactions. The guest cast, particularly Ruby, adds complexity to the narrative by presenting a character who is both manipulative and tragic.

Thematically, "Lucifer Rising" explores issues of deception and redemption, raising questions about how individuals cope with being manipulated and the consequences of their actions. The episode highlights the tension between Sam's desire for revenge and his ultimate realization of Ruby's betrayal, mirroring broader cultural debates about the nature of trust and loyalty. Ruby's character serves as a metaphor for the external forces that can disrupt human lives, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding. The narrative also touches on themes of identity and control, as Sam and Dean struggle to maintain their sense of self amidst supernatural forces that challenge their worldview.

"Lucifer Rising" stands out as a memorable episode of Supernatural, effectively combining elements of suspense with meaningful character development and thematic depth. Its exploration of family dynamics and the supernatural makes it a compelling watch, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences with deception and redemption. By intertwining these elements with suspenseful storytelling, "Lucifer Rising" enriches the series' ongoing narrative, setting the stage for future conflicts and character growth. The episode's nuanced portrayal of Sam's emotional journey challenges viewers to question their assumptions about right and wrong, making it a thought-provoking addition to the series. However, some viewers might find the handling of Ruby's betrayal to be somewhat predictable, detracting from the overall impact of the episode.

Great way to end this part of the story arc. Jensen Ackles, Jim Beaver, Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins--perfection. Kurt Fuller gave a wonderful performance as well. Genevie Padalecki was wooden as always (always wondered why she replaced Katie Cassidy).

Must see episode.

This episode was just excellent! I can honestly say that i saw non of it coming and my god it was amazing! I promise not to give anything away... It's the least to say that this episode will blow your minds away. If you are a true Supernatural fans, you will be sitting at the edge of your seat. After the episode you will be waiting and literally counting down the days till season five begins. I don't even know when that will be and I'm already thinking it must be way too long. And I saw the episode about 15 minutes ago! Supernatural is one of the best shows now on TV and just the thought of ever waiting to see more of the Winchester boys is simply horrible. I know, but we people are not really known to be patience. Of course this is simply my opinion... feel free do dismiss anything and/or everything I wrote here.

Everything that has to be written about this episode already has been written by other reviewers. It was near perfect. The only thing that bothered me about it, and also about the entire season was the choice of using an awful actress to play the phenomenally important and iconically evil role of Ruby. In this finale even her lines were badly written, probably ad libbed by her. Her role is so crucial and the poor performance from GP just spoilt this season for me. Wish this was different, otherwise an amazing season that ended with a freaking awesome finale.

Ruby is one of the weaker aspects of the show. Both actresses who played her are not the best actresses around and the character is wooden and stiff as a result. Sam's trust in her is perplexing at first. However, the character ends up working because of this final story beat present. It sells all the other aspects and amazingly enough the twist doesn't feel like a cheat. It one of the aspects that makes this a near perfect climax for the near perfect season that I wished to highlight.

Season overall:

season 4 is debatable the best season of the show because it manages to have one of the most intense storyline that causes the Sam and Dean to fight. Their disagreement in this season feels less forced and more real than later brotherly melodrama the show comes up with. There is something more relatable to Sam's addiction than yet another contrived secret that one of them have kept. Apart from that the mythical arch hasn't fully taken over the show and the one offs in this are wonderfully daft and quirky. The season has a balance and freshness that show ends up lacking in later seasons.

Average Episode Score: 8.9545

Top three episodes

1. Criss Angel is a Douchebag 2. Wishful Thinking 3. Monster Movie

Bottom Three Episodes:

20. Heaven and Hell 21. In the Beginning 22. Family Remains