Maybe it’s residual disappointment from the X-File’s finale earlier this week, or my disdain for professional wrestling that colored my opinion of this episode, but either way, I was not too impressed this week. I wasn’t a fan of “The Miz” when he graced our TV’s for the first time as a reality star from MTV’s Real World, and I still am not a fan. He’s just too over the top for me, and I did Theater so that’s saying a lot. Dean however, doesn’t share my opinion, and was so moved by the passing of one of the professional wrestlers that he wanted to stop to pay his respects. Having an older brother who was a huge wrestling fan growing up, I pitied Sam as Dean’s childlike fan-boy behavior took over. I don’t know what it is about it, but wrestling is like crack to some people, and the characters in this episode are no exception.

Source: CW and http://rizlow1.tumblr.com/

I do give them props however, for their twisted take on addiction. Taking a seemingly human problem and turning it into a supernatural issue. When we first saw the shady exchange, I am sure many passed it off as just another professional athlete on steroids. It wasn’t until the drunken father who stepped outside to pee met his violent end that we began to see the pieces put together. This isn’t just a normal field trip for the boys, it’s a case. And even with the serious nature of the crime, Dean takes a moment to live out a childhood fantasy in the now empty wrestling ring, and for a brief moment I forget how much I don’t like wrestling. But all that is interrupted by Sam’s childhood crush and a rumor of a curse.

Dean makes his way to a local bar to pick the brain of one of his childhood favorites, Gunner, along with the other wrestlers. But it gets weirder. The curse mentioned to Dean? It goes hand in hand with the information Sam uncovered. Every person who has died around the “Top Notch Tour” has been branded with an ancient Sumerian symbol that allows for the “spark of life” to be taken. This sounds like the work of demons. Which isn’t surprising since Crowley, the king of hell has been under Lucifer’s control leaving the demon’s pretty much to fend for themselves as Lucifer is too preoccupied to care.

Yes!!! Just as I was wondering when we would get our spunky, roll over for no one, king of Hell back, he makes an unexpected escape with Simmons. I knew Crowley wouldn’t be defeated just yet! I miss him and his witty banter. This watered down, shadow of the man himself was beginning to shed his appeal. Back in his trademark suit, and out of his thrifted campy clothes, Crowley is back at it! But for how long?? That will have to take a backseat for now, the case is still open, and now Harley is missing? I’m not really complaining, but sure, lets save him.

Looks like we found our demon, Duke, and he wants Harley BAD. The more he protests, the greater the appeal. Gunner has about wore out his usefulness, and he needs new life. Harley tries to give this great speech about being about to accomplish his dreams alone. This only seemed to annoy Duke, who shows him just how weak the human body is when he cuts Harley’s Achilles heel. Now he’s going to have to make a deal if he wants to succeed, right? Cold hearted, but I wouldn’t expect anything less of a rogue demon. You can see the pain in Gunner’s face when this happens; he obviously never wanted it to get that far. Through his anger you can see he wishes he had had the strength to deny to the deal when he was offered it. Oh but it goes further, when Duke forces Gunner to finish his dirty work, a job he seems to have a little enjoyment doing.

But we need to get back to Crowley! He is at his secret lock up, and he has the rod of Aaron?! Who knew Crowley possessed one of the hands of God? I swear this guy has everything, I would love to poke around his lock up. Let’s hope Lucifer doesn’t hold it against him too much! Speaking of, when Lucifer pops up and joins Simmons and Crowley at Crowley’s lock up, my heart stops for a second. I mean, it is Lucifer, but I was hoping Crowley would be able to get away from him, I’ve become such a Crowley fan since he began his friendship with Dean! Oh no, Simmons, Crowley’s thought to be trustworthy companion worked against him?! That bitch. Why would she ever think this would end well for her? Sure Lucifer is higher on the totem pole, but Crowley ALWAYS gets his payback, and I wouldn’t have to wait long for her demise. Towards the end of the episode it kind of volleys back and forth between the Lucifer/Crowley stand off and the Duke/Winchester stand off. I kind of like this type set up, it keeps it exciting. However, when Crowley decides to use the hand of God, I cringe. For such an intelligent man, he should know better than to waste such an important weapon, right?! I mean hello, we still have the Darkness to destroy! But at least when Simmons jumps in the way, and it solves that problem. Stupid girl. But now we have no hand of God, AGAIN, and Lucifer is pissed. Poor Crowley. Hasn’t he had enough misery in his immortal life? I guess we will have to wait until next month when the show returns to find out. As for the Winchester men, the episode wraps with Gunner killing his tormentor, Duke the demon, and sacrificing himself to the hell hounds who come after him shortly after leaving Sam and Dean free to continue on a search for a way to end the Darkness. What are we going to do for a whole month without our boys?