Screw Destiny

Episode Commentary: “Hammer of the Gods”

The Winchester boys decide to “screw destiny” and do things their way. Meanwhile a hotel in Muncie, Indiana ghoulishly prepares for Sam and Dean’s arrival. “What’s a four star hotel doing on a no star highway?” That’s the question to be answered at Elysian Fields in the aptly named episode “Hammer of the Gods.”

An elephant in the room, the god Mercury, and capsules of Sam and Dean’s blood? It’s one freaky setting as gods from multiple pantheons attempt to stop Armageddon. As the vessels of Michael and Satan, Sam and Dean are bargaining tools for Kali and the “legion of doom.” We forget that the world ending means no more worshipers – for anyone.

Kali’s perspective on the apocalypse speaks of the struggle of western might wielding their power over third world communities. It’s a not-so-subtle commentary on egocentric behavior that leads to some intense fight scenes and good dialogue. In the meantime the gods who are “Worse than humans, worse than demons” in their frenzy to salvage their pitiful territories bring on the devil to claim his due.

Witty repartee, fast paced action and brotherly jealousy abound as the angel Gabriel confronts his sibling Lucifer with some hard truths and tells him to grow up and stop breaking “Daddy’s toys.” When it all boils down to it family is the crux of this series. And that includes the humanity that all the gods view with disdain.

As Gabriel in his inventive way gives directives on how to trap Lucifer, the Winchesters have a new purpose and a new adventure to pursue. Now it’s to collect the rings of pestilence and death while staying a step ahead of Michael and the “God squad.” One thing is certain Sam and Dean are in for one filthy ride as Pestilence rolls through town in “The Devil You Know.”