The Great Escapist

The Great Escapist
Title	The Great Escapist
Series	Supernatural
Episode	21
Director	Robert Singer
Writer	Jeremy Carver
Music	Jay Gruska
Cinematography	Serge Ladouceur
Editor	Tom McQuade
Production	4X6221
Airdate	May 1, 2013
Length	42 minutes
Guests	Osric Chau, Tahmoh Penikett, Curtis Armstrong

The Great Escapist is the twenty-first episode of the eighth season of the The CW television series Supernatural. Directed by Robert Singer and written by showrunner Jeremy Carver, the episode centers on the Winchester brothers' desperate search for a way to seal the gates of Hell as foretold by the Word of God. Their quest leads them to a reclusive prophet and into a confrontation with the angel Metatron. The narrative intertwines the escalating threat from the Leviathans with profound angelic lore, marking a pivotal point in the season's overarching mythology.

Overview

The episode follows Sam Winchester and Dean Winchester as they pursue the third and final trial required to close the gates of Hell, a mission given to them by the angel Castiel. Their investigation points them toward Kevin Tran, a prophet who has translated further tablets. Simultaneously, the narrative explores the backstory of Metatron, the scribe of God, who has been living in self-imposed exile. The plot converges as the Winchester brothers seek Metatron's knowledge, forcing them to navigate angelic deception and a direct assault from Crowley's forces. The episode is notable for expanding the series' cosmology and deepening the conflict between heaven and hell.

Plot

Following the instructions from the Demon Tablet, Sam Winchester and Dean Winchester learn the third trial involves curing a demon. They consult Kevin Tran at The Bunker, who reveals a new angel tablet has been discovered. This tablet mentions Metatron, the former scribe, who possesses a key angelic spell. In a series of flashbacks to Ancient Rome, Metatron's falling out with the archangels is depicted. In the present, Castiel and Dean Winchester track Metatron to a Minnesota library, where he is living as a human. Meanwhile, Sam Winchester is attacked by Crowley's demons but is saved by the angel Naomi. Metatron agrees to help but betrays them, stealing Castiel's grace to enact his own plan for heaven.

Cast and characters

The episode features series regulars Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester and Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester. Misha Collins appears as the angel Castiel, while recurring guest star Osric Chau portrays the prophet Kevin Tran. Curtis Armstrong guest stars as the reclusive Metatron, delivering a performance that reveals the character's cynical and manipulative nature. Tahmoh Penikett appears as the mysterious angel who aids Naomi, played by Amanda Tapping. Additional supporting cast includes Mark Sheppard as Crowley and Alaina Huffman as the knight of Hell Abaddon.

Production

"The Great Escapist" was filmed in Vancouver, utilizing locations such as the Britannia Mine Museum to represent Metatron's secluded library. Director Robert Singer aimed to create a distinct visual tone for the Ancient Rome flashbacks, employing specific cinematography techniques under Serge Ladouceur. Writer Jeremy Carver integrated complex angelic mythology from earlier seasons, particularly elements from the War in Heaven arc. The episode's score by Jay Gruska incorporated more classical motifs to underscore the historical and cosmic stakes. Special effects were used extensively for the angelic possession and grace extraction sequences.

Reception

Upon airing on The CW, the episode was viewed by approximately 2.02 million viewers, receiving a 0.8 rating in the Nielsen ratings key demographic. Critics praised the performance of Curtis Armstrong and the expansion of the series' angelic lore. Reviewers from TV Guide and IGN highlighted the episode's successful blending of mythology and character-driven moments, though some noted the rapid pace of the plot. The revelation of Metatron's true agenda was widely discussed in fan communities, setting the stage for the season's climax. The episode holds an 8.5/10 rating on IMDb based on user reviews.

Cultural impact

"The Great Escapist" is often cited by fans as a crucial turning point in the Supernatural Season 8 narrative, introducing the major antagonist Metatron. The concept of an angel stealing grace became a significant plot device in subsequent seasons, influencing storylines in Season 9 and Season 10. The episode's depiction of Ancient Rome expanded the show's historical scope, a trend continued in later episodes like The French Mistake. Dialogue and scenes, particularly Metatron's betrayal, are frequently referenced in Supernatural fandom and wiki communities. The episode also contributed to the broader pop culture discussion of biblical figures in modern television.

Category:Supernatural episodes