“#THINMAN,” written by Jenny Klein and directed by Jeannot Szwarc, is yet another monster-of-the-week installment in Supernatural’s ninth season.
In this week’s episode, Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) decides to investigate the murder of Casey Miles (Ali Webb); the “selfies” the teen took moments before her death show a faceless figure that Dean thinks is a ghost. Though the brothers are still on the outs, Sam (Jared Padalecki) surprises Dean by insisting on coming along. Soon into their investigation, the Winchesters cross paths with Ghostfacers Ed Zeddmore (AJ Buckley) and Harry Spangler (Travis Wester), who were last seen in “It’s a Terrible Life” (4×17). Ed and Harry inform the Winchesters that they’re not hunting a ghost; they’re hunting Thinman. After another man is murdered and Harry himself attacked, secrets are revealed.
The initial premise of “#THINMAN” is intriguing, and I find the opening scene legitimately creepy. It’s been a while since Supernatural has featured a truly scary monster, and the early scenes of Thinman remind me of “Hook Man” (1×7) and “Scarecrow” (1×11). And when Deputy Norwood (Nicholas Carella) tells the Winchesters that the “sheriff’s on a hunting trip,” he eerily echoes 26-year-old Dean’s statement to Sam, “Dad’s on a hunting trip. And he hasn’t been home in a few days” (1×1). Surely these reminders aren’t coincidental.
The Ghostfacers themselves, who made their first appearance in “Hell House” (1×17), prompt viewers (long-time viewers, at least) to recall the Show’s early years. Not only are Ed and Harry among the few Supernatural characters who have never died, but they also serve as foils for Dean and Sam. I think it’s interesting that Ed and Harry never voice questions about the Winchesters – how their partnership’s changed, what’s happened to them in the interim, or anything. Instead the Ghostfacers seemingly assume that the Winchesters are carrying on as usual. In contrast, Sam investigates them, uncovering their business’s history online, and then Ed voluntarily makes the Winchesters privy to intimate Ghostfacer business. This contrast suggests to me that there’s a connection to be made about assumption vs. reality.
Supernatural — “#THINMAN” — Image SN916a_0009 — Pictured: Jensen Ackles as Dean — Credit: Diyah Pera/The CW — © 2014 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Dean and Sam’s interactions also suggest a connection along these lines. For example, there are moments where the brothers seem almost themselves. They are united in their aggravation towards the Ghostfacers, particularly in the diner. For (very) brief moments in the motel, they have a rapport, which is nice. It seems significant that while Sam is first working at the desk in front of the window, and Dean takes the kitchenette table, by the next scene, Sam’s working at the table across from his brother. The moment that they reminisce about their childhood is also a nice touch. These little moments are underscored by viewers’ knowledge that the two remain estranged.
For me, “#THINMAN” confirms that the rift between Dean and Sam is about more than Dean enabling Gadreel’s possession (9×1), and more than Sam choosing hunting (and Dean) over Amelia (8×10). The Winchesters’ issues go all the way back to the pilot episode, creating a history that’s too much to tackle in a short review. It’s important to note that Dean and Sam’s relationship has generated drama and suspense for Supernatural’s audience, and the show wouldn’t be what it is without the various incarnations of their bond. However, with Dean and Sam well into their thirties, it seems time for the detrimental aspects to be resolved. And as I’ve said in earlier reviews, if the season narrative delivers, if at the end of the characters’ “Who am I?” arcs there is true resolution that yields fresh storylines, then I’ll consider this pain and angst worthwhile. However, if our beloved characters have been flayed open only to be boomeranged back to square one? Well, that will be quite a different story.
“#Thinman” leaves me wondering (once again) exactly how Show plans to negotiate mending Dean and Sam’s relationship. I expected that the Ghostfacers would offer some unexpected insight into the Winchesters’ situation, as they did in their season three episode (3×13). And in a way, they do.