For years I have been impressed with how the Supernatural team has handled religion and mythology. Taking a bit from here, a bit from there, and occasionally inventing their own stuff to fill in the gaps. “Hammer Of The Gods” was all that, and more. What a great idea to gather all of those gods in one place to deal with the coming apocalypse. Even better, to have them gathered at the Elysian Fields.
I loved the roundtable. From the simple fact that all of them are real, to the jabs back and forth about their various histories, to Kali’s (Rekha Sharma) disgust with westerners and their arrogance. It was all so good. Even Mercury, who was super-fantastic-creepy, was just right. And then Gabriel (Richard Speight Jr.) showed up, and things got even better.
Given the way his entrance played out, as the wise-cracking ass, I didn’t see his change of heart coming. The conversation that proceeded that change was very interesting though. After Gabriel protests that he can’t kill his brother, Dean asks, “Can’t, or wont?” That exchange rings some bells, doesn’t it?
As much as I enjoyed the roundtable with all of the gods, the real highlight was the showdown between Gabriel and Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino). Gabriel’s argument that he was loyal, to people, because Dad was right, was very good. And topped off perfectly with, “I’m not on your side, or Michael’s. I’m on theirs.” Unfortunately, he was right about how powerful Lucifer is, and the Gabriel chapter would appear to be closed. As powerful as Lucifer is, though, you have to think he’s starting to get desperate. Nick, the vessel, isn’t looking so good.
And that leads us to what is the setup for the final three episodes. Gabriel’s porn-filled last words that have the boys on a quest to get the rings of Pestilence and Death. That’s very intriguing, because we now have a workable avenue that can actually stop the apocalypse. I don’t have much doubt that they’ll be able to secure the rings. Getting the first two, in perspective, didn’t exactly rank up there with the toughest of trials.
The real question is, even with the four rings that give them the key to Lucifer’s cage, can the boys actually trap him and stop the apocalypse? I just have no idea. On the one hand, I think, obviously yes. For the simple reason that I’m not sure how they come back for a new season on the heels of the apocalypse. On the other hand, the writer’s have shown time and again that they can take the biggest of leaps and keep rolling with it.
A post-apocalyptic season six seems a long shot, but I suppose one could see how there would be work for hunters to do there. Whichever side you come down on, I think we can agree that the last three episodes are going to be huge. Can’t wait.
Clacked by Brett Love 
on Apr 22, 2010 @ 23:37 EST5EDT
Was anyone else reminded of Niel Gaiman’s ‘American Gods’ in this? Odin seemed to almost match perfectly with how I’d picture him from the book.
*POST AUTHOR*
Jeez, now I really need to read that book. I’ve had it in my pile of books to read for a couple years, but I always seem to shuffle just one more ahead of it.
Looks like that book has been added to my reading list as well!
I also thought of American Gods. Great episode! When I try to tell my friends what Supernatural is about and I say that “Dean and Sam are trying to stop the apocalypse” they either think that the series or I am mad, but this show has a tendency to make crazy turns and go with it. I’m so excited to see how this all turns out. I am almost hoping for some sort of post apocalypse 6th season, and who will they get the angels of their backs? They won’t be too happy if they actually succeed in stopping the apocalypse.
I remember reading an interview with the creator of Supernatural awhile back and he specifically mentioned Neil Gaiman’s American Gods as an inspiration for the show. He said he really loved the idea that many of these creatures and god’s only exist because people believe they do
Keith and I were betting your title would be, “Luci, I’m home!” ;-)
*POST AUTHOR*
Nice one! But I think I was won over by Baldur getting the hand through the chest. That, and Lucifer destroying everyone in the hallway. Bloody, bloody, bloody.
Great episode!!! the only thing that i regret is the death of the trickster aka Gabriel. I’ve always loved that character, and i would have love to see him in the final fight along Castiel, Bobby, and the boys. No one can fake so many deaths like the trickster, sadly i think that these one will stay… :(
I’m too exited to see were will they go with season six, the writers have never let me down, no i bet it will be great as all the rest.
*POST AUTHOR*
I agree with you on the death of Gabriel. Sorry to see him go. On the plus side, now we can watch and wonder when Kali will show up again.
Of course it figures that as soon as Gabriel starts being sympathetic, he bites the dust.
When you said “last three episodes” my heart sank. Is the season already so close to being over? Still, this was definitely one of the best episodes of the season so far. Some of the more recent ones have been just the tiniest bit “meh” and this one made me fall in love all over again…
I agree. While watching this episode, I was like, “This is exactly why Supernatural is one of the best shows on t.v.” =]