Sympathy for the Devil (Supernatural)
| "Sympathy for the Devil" | |
|---|---|
| Supernatural episode | |
| Episode no. |
Season 5 Episode 1 |
| Directed by | Robert Singer |
| Written by | Eric Kripke |
| Production code | 3X5201 |
| Original air date | September 10, 2009 |
| Running time | 42 minutes |
| Guest actors | |
| |
"Sympathy for the Devil" is the first episode of the fifth season of paranormal drama television series Supernatural and the 83rd overall. The episode was written by showrunner and series creator Eric Kripke and directed by executive producer Robert Singer. It was first broadcast on September 10, 2009 on The CW. In the episode, Sam and Dean watch the aftermath of Lucifer being freed from the Cage while the Angels plan a new strategy to stop the Apocalypse.
Reception
Viewers
The episode was watched by 3.40 million viewers.[1] This was an 17% increase in viewership from the fourth season finale, which was watched by 2.89 million viewers[2] but a 15% decrease from the previous season premiere, which was watched by 3.96 million viewers.[3]
Critical reviews
| Professional ratings | |
|---|---|
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| IGN | 9.0[4] |
| The A.V. Club | B+[5] |
"Sympathy for the Devil" received universal acclaim. Diana Steenbergen of IGN gave the episode an "amazing" 9.0 out of 10 and wrote, "It is not just the words however, it is the way they are delivered perfectly by each character that makes the script work as well as it does. Supernatural is blessed with great comic timing and deadpan delivery from both Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki, but the real scene stealer in that department is Rob Benedict as Chuck Shurley. I love how after picking a bloody molar out of his hair he feels the need to share that he is having a 'really stressful day.' His chagrin at being forced to reach out to one of his fans is classic, and I appreciate the fact that the show is continuing what they started last season with their own special way of acknowledging and lovingly poking fun at their own fans through the fans of Chuck. That girl's reaction to meeting the real Sam and Dean is hilarious."[4]
The A.V. Club's Zack Handlen gave the episode a "B+" grade and wrote, "One of the best parts about last season was that it got complex enough that it wasn't easy anymore to tell white shirts from black. I'm sure Satan will turn out to be a monster, and that Sam and Dean will have to take him down, and it will be awesome. But when Nick says 'Yes,' I felt satisfied, and not just because I want to see Lucifer's next move. Like I said before, the title of the episode was actually a little smarter than I initially thought; because here is a devil it's not that hard to agree with."[5]
Jon Lachonis of TV Overmind, wrote, "Snappy writing, great twists, awesome dialogue. Supernatural continues to be one of the best shows on television. As far as premieres go, this was one of the most fluid setups for a season long arc that I have ever seen, mostly because the body of the episode played as a really good story instead of becoming subtext to the 'grand plan.' Each returning character was given classy and effective treatment I almost jumped out of my seat when Castiel returned and the newest character, Becky, is a terrific gateway character for we obsessed fans, and I hope we see more of her. Score one for Supernatural. Exhilarating, exciting, intense, and hypnotically engrossing – this is how television is done people."[6]
References
- ↑ Kubicek, John (November 9, 2009). "'The Vampire Diaries' Makes a Killing with Viewers". BuddyTV. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
- ↑ Seidman, Robert (May 19, 2009). "Top CW Primetime Shows, May 11–17, 2009". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 8, 2009.
- ↑ "Weekly Program Rankings". ABC Medianet. April 8, 2009. Retrieved November 2, 2009.
- 1 2 Steenbergen, Diana (September 11, 2009). "Supernatural: "Sympathy for the Devil" Review". IGN. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
- 1 2 ""Sympathy for the Devil" · Supernatural · TV Review 'Supernatural': "Sympathy For The Devil" · TV Club · The A.V. Club". avclub.com.
- ↑ Bishop, Hunter (September 10, 2009). "Recap – Supernatural 5.01 – “Sympathy For The Devil”". TV Overmind. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
Template:Supernatural episodes
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