Shae's Take:
This week on Supernatural, your feelings get played with and then brutally stabbed! Oh, wait, no, that's just nearly episode. No, but really, this episode had me in tears before the first commercial break. So, barring the potential spoilers, which are major, I'm going to give you this warning…turn away if you don't want to know what awesomeness occurred….now!

Still with me? Brilliant! Sometimes in this show, characters from previous episodes return. It's rare for a dead character to return, but this has also happened in the past seasons through other fun ways, because, you know, wibbly wobbly, Supernatural does what it wants! Well! since it happened, I've been in denial, and this weeks episode both gave me hope, and stabbed me violently in the heart leaving me in a puddle of tears for the rest of the episode. That's right, they brought back my ultimate favorite character, and beloved Archangel, Gabriel. The Trickster may have been fooling us, or he may actually just be a figment of our imagination. There's no way of knowing, sadly. The scene sets up with Metatron writing and talking to the audience, or at least I thought we were being addressed. The Winchester's are trying to help Castiel find the strange call that is leading Angels to particular spots, only to have them violently murdered by Gadreel. All on orders from Metatron, of course. If they won't join his cause, then they have to die. Seems like a completely legit reason to just murder the remaining angles. 

In the midst of everything, Gabriel shows up to surprise not only Castiel, but me! He asks for Castiel's help in taking down Metatron. Turns out, the Trickster is ready to lead an army in defense of this controlling little writer. As it turns out though, the whole thing is a hallucination and Cas wakes up tied to a chair and gagged in front of Metatron himself. Was Gabriel real? Is he alive? According to Richard Speight Jr. and his Tweets, maybe! The actor certainly believes he is alive in the show, but sadly only time will tell. I'm hoping against hope that the Trickster is still around and will end up helping the Winchesters and their angel take down the evil Metatron! In the end, however, we're left thinking Gabriel was just a trick Metatron used on Castiel to get him to lead the rebellion. Why? Because Castiel is the enemy in Metatron's story. While Cas is busy being kidnapped, the Winchesters do a bit of that themselves and trap Gadreel. Dean nearly kills the angel, but doesn't at the last second. Once Metatron finds out, he offers them a trade, Castiel for Gadreel. The Winchesters agree, but set up a trap, only to find that Metatron has grown in power and is able to blow out holy fire, the only substance known to trap angels. 

With Metatron goring stronger, the need to open Heaven back up to the angels grows more dire. But how can they face a near god-like angel while hunting to find and kill a Knight of Hell? To top it off, the Mark of Cane seems to be changing Dean…with so many unknown factors, and the hope of Gabriel's return gone, there seems to be little hope for the boys. Yet, they always manage to pull off saving the day.

As I have done a few of these before I thought I'd add and expand on them. Mostly, because as I watch The Walking Dead through season 1 to present, I feel like there is so much more that this show has taught me. Zombies have been a part of our cultural development and certainly held some influence on our media. Whatever type of Zombies have been featured throughout various incarnations in books, comics, and movies, none have ever made it to the small screen like those in The Walking Dead have. It's something that I personally struggled with and an addiction that I can't seem to beat. When I first saw this show, I was apprehensive. I'd heard a lot about it from many a friend and finally just decided to give it a go. I finished the first season in one sitting.

The first thing I noticed about this show, is how the characters react to seeing the Zombies. Seriously, how could nobody in this universe know about reanimated corpses eating people!? That's like, horror 101 right there! Well, not to the people in The Walking Dead. Turns out, in this universe, Zombie media never existed. Which makes a lot of sense considering the series. While the characters have never been exposed to these monsters before, they're certainly giving a lot of lessons to those of us watching. It's debatable on the likelihood of something like a Zombie Apocalypse ever happening for real. That doesn't mean I'm not prepared. If The Walking Dead has taught me anything, it's that being prepared for anything is never a bad idea. If you've had the chance to listen to our Geek Alert than you may know all of us here at Girls of Geek take the Zombie Apocalypse very seriously. We've even gone to the trouble of planning out what each of us would do if such an event were to occur. Now, I feel there should be a disclaimer here where I assure you that I'm not crazy, but what would be the fun in that? After all, if 99% of the population suddenly turned into flesh eating monsters, I can guarantee that my sanity is not going to be the biggest worry.

Speaking of sanity, that seems to be another major theme of the show and something that has really gotten me to re-think just who I want by my side in the impeding apocalypse. Especially with characters like the Governor….But then you have characters like Daryl! So, when it's the end of the world, choose wisely! I mean, you'll be sharing resources with these people and trusting them to have our back. I just hope my best friend doesn't pull a Shane and try to kill me! Speaking of company, make sure you have a group of friends that knows how to be quiet. Apparently Zombies are drawn by noise…as are all predators….and blood. Noise and blood. Not their blood, but human blood. If you also have pet Zombies, the others will leave you alone! Pretty genius! I'm honestly shocked I've not seen a Zombie Apocalypse enthusiast on Doomsday Preppers! They really need that to happen on that show….surely I'm not the only one who has put some serious thought into this.

Speaking of thought, a lot has gone into location. Where you live and where you make camp could be the difference between living or dying. The Walking Dead is set in Georgia, and shows a lot of camping, or a house on a farm, or houses in general, or a jail! All of which seem pretty good, but they're always having to go out for resources. Top floor of an apartment in a relatively moderately populated area? Not a bad idea for the beginning. But, that's a matter of preference. Supplies, however, are a matter of need. Why is it when they visit a store/pharmacy/place, they take what they need? I plan on taking all the things! Pharmacy? Medicine isle? I'm taking every last thing I can get my hands on. Don't need it? I don't know that! Take it all and think about what you don't need later. Same goes for food! Especially items like dry cereal, crackers, and candy bars! Those things are tasty, and now a part of survival! 

The most important thing The Walking Dead has taught me, though, is the value of a shower. Imagine the smell that would be going on in that type of environment! I mean, really just imagine it. I can't. Mostly, I don't want to. Perfume, deodorant, toothpaste/brush/mints, just became my best friend. Also dry shampoo and leave in conditioner…and most likely a lot of water. Like all I could get my hands on and hoard. Yeah, a lot would be for drinking, but some would be for the occasional quick clean up. Actually, I may just want to hide myself in a Super Store and pretending nothing is going on outside. On the off chance I have to defend myself, I'm going to take some serious advice from The Walking Dead and go for the head with a sharp, shabby, pointy, weapon. It's just more efficient. Arrows also seem to be a good idea, but guns are quicker, and very loud. Sword seems the better option! 

Lastly, cardio. Which feels like a general rule in any and all Zombie like scenarios. Cardio looks like a key part of surviving these bite-happy creatures. So, I guess after this, it's off to the gym for me! You can never be too prepared for these things. The Walking Dead may not be real, but the life lessons they offer, sure are.

Becoming involved in intense situations is one thing that many of us do not have to do on a daily basis.  Trying to prioritize what is of the upmost importance versus what can go on the way side during these situations can help determine if we will be successful in the outcome or if we will just ball up and hide in the corner.  Not knowing when one of these situations will occur may be the scariest thing of all, but when it comes knocking on your door, will you be ready to answer and do what is needed? Or will you sit back and wait for the situation to hopefully resolve itself?

Isobel is alone when strange reports of an infection are starting to circulate around town.  With nobody really paying attention to them, everyone seems to be going along with their normal everyday lives.  Isobel recognizes that there is something strange about what is going on however as she witnesses someone coming back to life and attacking the person that is trying to save them.  Understanding that this is much more than an infection that is taking over the outside world, the residents of the Willow Brook Apartments are staying indoors until they hear that the situation is resolved. 

With lack of communication from anybody outside of the apartments with the loss of phone service, social media and television, the residents of Willow Brook are grouped together being led by Isobel and recently widowed Ben from across the hall.  The two understand that this outbreak is going to be difficult to survive and try to get all of the residents in the building to band together and come up with a plan.  Only meeting hesitation from Tom Vaughn who is the drunken pervert of the building, everyone works together and secures the bottom floor of the establishment and moves to the second floor.  Gathering up all of the food they can find, the group encounters many obstacles as some of their neighbors have become the outside threat, Zombies.

With everything in place, Isobel and Ben try to keep the food on a rationing basis but find that one of their fellow survivors has an eating disorder and has exhausted a majority of the supply.  Needing to make a supply run outside of the building, the group asks Vaughn if he could assist.  Although he does not want to be part of the group on the lower levels of the building, he agrees and reveals that he has been out of the building many times on his own to take care of himself.  Helping the group does not seem to be far out of his way, but he does not ask for anything from them for his help, only he does not have limits on where his hands may travel when he is around the women of the building.  Isobel has heard these rumblings, but comes to the decision that any help he can provide will be better than none at all and trusts that when he is in the field, he will help and protect the scavenging party.

With more food being procured from the surrounding houses, the group is starting to feel like they will make it through this ordeal.  New friendships are forged with the neighbors inside of Willow Brook and the only threat that they know of is clawing at the outside of the building.  When being faced with the decision on whether or not to bring survivors into their happy refuge, the group is quickly pulled apart and start to hold grudges over each other making it more difficult to live inside.  The group slowly separates from each other and every member starts to work on what is in their own best interest.  Knowing that she is losing the group, Isobel tries everything in her power to keep them on the same page and not allow their tensions to get to high, but with what the world has become, she already has her hands full with just surviving. 

When the Dead by Michelle Kilmer, is an inside look of what a band of survivors are going through when the Zombie Apocalypse hits their front doorstep. With each character being very dynamic, it is hard to only focus on the three as there is much more story to be told, these are just the three the resonated with me the most.  This is a story not only about the killing of zombies, and there is plenty of that, but about how people can cope with the extreme situation just outside of their front door. As each character gets their story told, it is easy to get attached to them as they all have traits that make them very likeable.  The story flows well and is hard to put down as you want to find out what happens next.  If you are in a Zombie withdrawal from your favorite show being off the air for several months, this is a good book to help you get through it.  Stay Scared.

Needing to work outside the system to get things done is necessary to do sometimes. When your employer tells you no, or says that it is not in our best interest and you know that it is the right thing to do, you do not hesitate and put it on your own shoulders to make sure that it gets done, no matter the ramifications. 

Former Agent Kalevi Hakala of the Bureau of Supernatural Investigations (BSI) has faked his own death and now is in search of a magical artifact that can power his new weapon.  Kal has in his possession a magical powered tesla coil that can kill a class five supernatural and wants to put it to the test against the monster Iku –Turso that killed his sister many years ago.  Getting help from his friends that are also former agents of the BSI, Kal is following down any leads of magical artifacts that he or his teammates can find.

Being drawn to a prize fight in Las Vegas where the winner will get their hands on one of the ancient artifacts, Kal and crew are surprised to find what is really in store for them.  Taking the place of an absent prize fighter, Kal fills in and is taken far underground to an Arena that is not of this world.  A portal to the World Under is open under Las Vegas and on the crem de la crème are invited to watch as modern day gladiators take on monsters from out of this realm.  Seeing some familiar faces from his past, Kal tells his team to move quietly, but no matter what they do, they are destined to get captured. 

As Kal’s team is brought in to face certain death, they find that the grand prize is nothing but a ruse and are about to be thrown to the hounds.  But nobody gives Kal enough credit as his inner rage comes out and becomes a force that can battle man and supernatural alike. As one of his team members is kidnapped by Dr. Paul Joseph Goebbels, Kal tries with all of his might to rescue her, but finds himself being taken back in time to the year 1943 and that is where the real story takes place.  Being a man out of time in Europe during WWII, Kal has to prove his intensions about trying to kill Nazis and rescue his good friend who is being held prisoner in one of the camps.  Teaming up with Great Britain’s version of the Bureau, MI-7 agents start to trust the stranger and help him on his conquest, to stop Hitler from winning the war.

What Happens in Vegas, Dies in Vegas focuses on former agent Kal Hakala as he is trying to locate a magical artifact that can power his new weapon against the strongest of supernaturals.  Having acquired help from some of his old friends on this quest, Mouth, Winch, Canton and supernatural counterpart Ghost, Kal has a kick ass team that can put everything down in their path.  Having to follow one of his teammates back in time, Kal befriends the local MI-7 agents to help him stop Dr. Goebbels from reaching Hitler with a briefcase that houses something that could change the outcome of the war.  With his good friend Mouth out of harm’s way, Kal convinces the agents of the era to help him capture the doctor, but when all is said and done, how will Kal make it back to his own time and how will he be able to defeat the next threat that awaits him?

The second installment of Mark Everett Stone’s BSI series pulls out all of the stops.  Having supernaturals from different dimensions being battled with on earth is just a fantastic ride, but when you add time travel into the mix and the threat of Nazis, it makes it just that much better.  Watching as Kal tries his hardest to protect his friends from the oncoming threats that he expects is something else and even though he knows he cannot do it all, his rage takes over and gives him the upper hand in defeating any roadblocks put in his path.  The main characters are great, but adding some color to some of history's characters is just a joy.  Needing a fun read that has time travel, magic, witty dialog and yes, some supernatural monsters, this is a book that you need to check out for sure.  Happy Reading.

It's fascinating to watch a story evolve sometimes, specifically how quickly fundamental changes to what the characters and the principle of the story can arrive.  When it comes to television, it is perhaps not as common.  T.V. usually sticks with what works, bringing some surprises into the fold here and there but for the most part we feel safe and secure in knowing that there are core elements that cannot and will not be changed.  

That is most certainly not the case with The Walking Dead.  This is a show that has managed to reinvent itself year after year, but when it comes to Season Four, it has ventured into new territory that I've yet to see in any post apocalyptic setting in either film or television.  

Truly, this was a season of deception.  The first few episodes of the show seemed to be about putting life back together, coupled with the new threat of illness within the prison and well, we all stuck with it, wondering where this would lead us.  It didn't quite feel like The Walking Dead in fact the whole thing seemed out of place and it turns out it was all part of the plan, to completely shock the hell out of us.  

Hot on the heels of the flu, came the return of the Governor and it was all downhill from there.  We watched Hershel die in horrible fashion.  We saw the prison and all of its safety fall and most importantly, we saw the worst parts of ourselves out there on the road as the group was scattered to the wind.  We learned that the phrase "look at the flowers" should invoke terror in one of the most shocking moments in television history and we also learned that those who arrive, likely do not survive. 

This was, in a nutshell an incredible season for The Walking Dead because of the sheer manipulation that new showrunner Scott Gimple has bestowed upon us.  He loaded the season up with little clues of things to come, but as I made mention of before, he also reinvented the post zombiepocalyptic tale, simply by staying true to the comic.  The comic has always portrayed an unforgiving world filled with the living dead and ugly people and that has now been brought to life.  

Traditionally these tales require a certain sense of safety, a chance for the audience and the characters to catch their breath. This year of The Walking Dead has left no place safe.  Few can be trusted.  It's now truly a horrific and terrifying apocalypse and we're all just along for the ride.  I can't wait to see where Season Five takes us, see you all in the fall.