‘Supernatural’ Recap: ‘The Gamblers’

Written by Juanita ‘Obi-Juan’ Bonner

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM. YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

In my previous review of 15.10: ‘The Heroes’ Journey’, I wondered if the next episode would give us a resolution to Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean’s (Jensen Ackles) “normal” dilemma or get us caught up with Castiel (Misha Collins) or Jack (Alexander Calvert) and Billie (Lisa Berry). What we got was a mixed bag of all three giving us closure in some areas and raising more questions in others. As far as episodes go, ‘The Gamblers’ wasn’t an overly dramatic, comedic or revelatory episode, but actually what I’ve referred to before as the standard Supernaturalverse “Filler Episode.” However, just like then, I stand by my thoughts that from here till the end, each episode carries a bit more weight, filler or not!! With more cameos, excellent Supernaturalverse tie-ins, a long awaited reunion and news for us to chew on over the show’s hiatus, I’d say this filler episode is anything but light. So, before you can say, “I’m Batman!” (LOL), let’s discuss…
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Opening in a pool hall, we see a stressed man lose the game. A set of magical coins are perched above a pink felt table. One coin lights up and obviously draining into the first coin, the other’s definition diminishes. Assuming this to be the place in Alaska that Garth (DJ Qualls) told the boys about, I immediately think of cursed objects. Especially when the man who loses leaves the bar in agony, tosses his now blank coin in the air, and then, while focused on the falling coin, is literally wiped out by a passing semi-truck (YIKES!). Roll title card!

Moving into the show, we follow two stories. Sam and Dean find out where they’re headed while Cas follows up as Agent Lizzo (LOL!!!) on a murder case. Each has their own draw. Dean’s pool skills sets him on the right side of luck as Sam tries to figure out the mysterious source of the luck itself and the coins’ ability to draw and transfer it. Cas on the other hand, finds out the Sheriff in Cushing, Oklahoma called on a request some time ago from Agent Watts (a Dean FBI alias) to let the Watts know if a certain man ever surfaces – Jack Kline!! I think back to when the trio were in search of Jack and how intricately the writers took care to wove this in. It makes total sense that any of them would use aliases to pursue sightings and low and behold, when least expected, it pays off. NICE!!

In addition, there are a few more tie ins like this throughout the episode. First, on the drive to Alaska, Sam is texting Eileen (Shoshannah Stern) which is a nice touch because it would be strange if she just disappeared from their lives, right?? Next, Dean addresses, comically I might add, his use of Lactaid to prevent his “normal life” lactose intolerant problem (LOL!!). Seven grilled cheese comes to mind – SEVEN (LOL)!! Next, tying in an old foe, the beings Jack is hunting are that of the Grigori, ancient Angels who were originally placed on earth to watch over humans. I completely forgot about these rogue Angels who feed on the souls of humans evidenced in 10.02 ‘Angel Heart’ where Claire Novak (Kathryn Newton) discovers one of these creatures is soul sucking her mother.

Then there’s my two favorite tie ins: 1. Using pool as a means for Sam and Dean to gamble for luck. I loved this!! I mean. We all know the boys can play some pool, am I right?? What a great way to display this battle. Quietly with multiple ties to our heroes’ past. Not to mention, Dean’s over confidence with his skills makes for some funny typical Dean moments. Also, of course we’d see the stakes raised where Sam is eventually forced to play too! Not to mention him standing up and betting, not for more luck, but for the luck lost patrons stuck under Fortuna’s (Lynda Boyd) curse. Basically, foreseeable wins followed by sacrifice and a big loss, but because the whole thing uses pool for the focal point, I paid little mind to the predictability of it all. Nor did I mind the lack of details on Barrow, Alaska as mentioned in my previous review. You??; 2. Using Fortuna the Goddess of Luck, who is also Jennifer O’Brien in 8.20 ‘Pac-Man Fever’, was an excellent way to tie in something I’ve been wondering long before this final season began. Would other Gods play a role in the final battles to come?

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You see, in my article from September 2019, The Supreme Beings of Supernatural: Angels, Demons and Gods, not only do I discuss powerful beings like Amara (Emily Swallow), Eve (Julia Maxwell) and Jessie Turner (Gattlin Griffith), I also gave a special shout out to 5.19: ‘Hammer of the Gods’. Why? Well, even though Chuck (Rob Benedict) created the universe, he also created all these other powerful beings whom, just like the Winchesters’, Fortuna divulges, he betrayed as well. I have often wondered (and postulated) if any of these beings would show up in the final push to defeat their maker. So far, we’ve seen Amara and they’ve discussed Eve, each I feel may still yet have roles to play. However, there are so many other Gods, Goddesses and God-like creatures out there. Many of which, we’ve seen Sam and Dean take on and defeat over the years.

​Still, where are the remaining ones now? I can’t be the only one whose pondered this, right? And the writers intricately deliver answers to my dilemma by wrapping Fortuna neatly in a bow of luck and pool. To explain further. Not only does she give us a backstory for many of the other beings by telling us how Chuck screwed them over due to his own jealousy and syndication fame (totally Chuck, am I right!!), she also tells us most of the Gods let it go, basically explaining their lack of involvement to date. I pictured ‘Hammer of the Gods’ ten years ago and how they all came together to discuss the looming apocalypse. Then I pictured them now. Bored of these apocalyptic threats, carrying little for the struggles of man or Chuck, shrugging their shoulders and moving on.

However, Fortuna still holds a grudge. Interesting!! So, in the end, surprised that heroes still exist, she closes up shop, lets everyone in the pool hall go, gives Sam and Dean the luck they came for and leaves them with a message regarding God himself – “Don’t play his game. Make him play yours.” A hint, I presume, to two of Chuck’s biggest weaknesses – his ego and the love of a good story. NICE!! All this, while at the same time, answering most of my lingering thoughts on many of these other powerful creatures. Therefore, if we don’t see another supreme being from here on out, it won’t seem overly strange or forgotten. Bravo!! Though, I still hope to see one or two more turn up. Chief among them, the Cambion/Antichrist Jessie Turner, I mentioned above, who was a child when we first met him way back in 5.06: ‘I Believe the Children are Our Future’. I do not believe he’s been mentioned since, right?? Plus, his powers rival all, including God himself!!

In the final scenes, Sam and Dean return to the bunker to find Cas and Jack. The shock is amazing and seeing the four boys together again is the heartwarming and inspiring reunion we’ve all wanted forever, right!!!! The reasoning for Jack’s return, even better!! Billie, as we’ve all long suspected, has a plan! HECK YEAH, SHE DOES!!! We find out she kept Jack in The Empty until Chuck went off planet to protect him, which seriously… makes so much sense!! Now, Jack must grow his strength. For God fears Jack and if he does as Billie says, he may become strong enough to defeat the Creator. Suddenly, eating Grigori hearts doesn’t seem so bad, am I right (LOL)? For now, two questions remain. First, can Jack survive this? Second, what are Billie’s real intentions? What about you? What burning questions did you have at the end? How do you feel about my supreme beings’ tie-ins and explanations? Are there more tie-ins I missed? Let me know in the comments below or reach out to me @obi_juanita on Twitter. Until next time… Go Team Free Will!! 

Other Cameos: Note, all the episodes these characters play in previous seasons, including Fortuna’s noted above, involve things we’ve seen the Winchesters’ or Castiel face this season – ghosts, Djinn, Gods and Angels. Interesting, eh??

1.Kabriel (Brent Stait) also played Scotty in 1.11 ‘Scarecrow’ and Rick in 6.16 ‘…And Then There Were None’.
2.Leonard (Rob Bruner) also played Mr. Witherspoon in 2.11 ‘Playthings’.
3.Pax (Stephen Huszar) also played Demon #1 in 10.03 ‘Soul Survivor’.
4.Viking’s Fan (Jason Burkart) also played the Truck Driver in 8.16 ‘Remember the Titans’.

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