Supernatural’s “Metafiction” is a spectacular launch of season nine’s six remaining episodes. Written by Robbie Thompson and directed by Thomas J. Wright, “Metafiction” lives up to its name. The episode begins and ends with Metatron (Curtis Armstrong) discussing narrative.
In the opening sequence, reminiscent of Masterpiece Theatre, Metatron seemingly addresses the audience: “What is it that makes a story work? Is it the plot? The characters? The text? The subtext? And who gives the story meaning? Is it the writer? Or you? Tonight, I thought I would tell you a little story and let you decide.”
Although the episode explores these questions in fascinating ways, the action centers largely on Castiel (Misha Collins), Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles), and Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki). When Cas discovers that Gadreel (Tahmoh Penikett) is killing angels, he and the Winchesters hash out a plan to find the angel. Dean and Sam take Gadreel captive, while Cas is taken hostage via an illusion that involves the archangel Gabriel (Richard Speight, Jr.), who died in season five (5×19).
After Sam goes “Liam Neeson” on Gadreel, Dean sends his brother to find Cas, who’s not answering his phone. Meanwhile, Cas breaks free of the illusion and refuses Metatron’s offer to join forces. When Metatron learns that the Winchesters have Gadreel, he brokers a trade: Cas for Gadreel. The Winchesters agree, and the trade is made, though Metatron gleefully foils their attempts to trap him. The episode ends with Cas summoning other angels as Dean and Sam resume their hunt for Abaddon.
“Metafiction” is structured to provoke thought, to encourage questioning of the text. Episodes like these set my theory-loving heart fluttering, particularly because they emphasize that texts hold multiple meanings. What “Metafiction” means to one person may not be what it means to another, and different readings don’t necessarily negate each other; they can exist simultaneously. So, for all I’m writing here, bear in mind that there is so much more that can be said – and said differently – about this meta-tastic episode.
Equating writing with creation, even with godhood, isn’t new on Supernatural. When Metatron was introduced in “The Great Escapist” (8×21), he told the Winchesters, “”[Storytelling] is the true flower of free will…When you create stories, you become gods, of tiny, intricate dimensions unto themselves. So many worlds!” His connection of storytelling and free will is important, and what really interests me is that season nine is very much about the stories that people tell themselves and the stories that people believe. 
This season, Cas, Dean, and Sam are struggling with their self-perceptions and reconciling them with the view(s) that others have of them. This “Who am I?” exploration has manifested in ways that have been decidedly painful at times, though the pay-off (I think) will be hugely worthwhile. Each character is figuring out how he’s been defined, how he defines himself, and how he wants to be defined, and one of show’s end goals seems to be that each figures out how to write his own story. To use Metatron’s own theory, won’t that be the ultimate expression of free will?
At this point, though, Cas, Dean, and Sam are still very much in the drafting phase.
Questioning perception, truth, and identity is at the core of Supernatural. Castiel is a prime example: A one-time obedient angel (even if, as Naomi said, he had to be continuously reprogrammed (8×21)), he has learned the hard way to not be a “hammer” (4×7) and to question the truth. Like Sam, he has struggled to maintain his agency and to determine his family role. Cas has evolved, though. This season alone, his path has taken him from an all-too-brief stint as human to prospective leadership of the de-winged angels. He uses technology, if somewhat awkwardly. He’s suited up again, except for his blue tie. He’s tanned, and his hair isn’t as severe. Cas is also more expressive, seen especially in “Metafiction” during his phone call with the Winchesters and when he grabs Dean’s arm to reveal the Mark of Cain and exclaims, “Dammit, Dean!”
While Cas experienced the throes of humanity, he’s also been split off from the Winchesters for much of the season. At times, as he dealt with these new experiences alongside his loneliness and isolation, which Collins and his emotive blue eyes portray very convincingly, Cas’s situation has been heartbreaking. That’s why, for me, watching him respond to faux-Gabriel is wrenching. Cas bonds with the illusion of his brother, accepting his encouragement and reassurance. Cas actually relaxes and settles into relief over Gabriel leading, and he’s so appreciative that he hugs his brother. It’s a sad moment when Cas discovers the “loose thread” and realizes the charade. Faux-Gabriel tells him, “Here’s the thing: None of it was real, but all of it was true.” Cas, his lessons learned, cuts right to the chase: “Whose truth?”