Well, I’ve figured out what my blogging bad habit will likely be. I wrote a (too long) reply to a comment on the previous entry – and then edited in another thought when it occurred to me a little later. Well, I had another thought this morning on the drive to work and almost edited yet again.

But, I can feel myself wanting to go on a bit about this now because tonight we get the rest of the To Be Continued. I figure I might have to give up my GENIUS! theory wild speculation once more of the story is told. As much as I’m ready for a reveal now that I think I’ve put together an understanding of what is going on, I would actually want the story to continue dropping hints little by little (like the S2 Blue Rose Motel and S3 church window recurring in 4.09 “I Know What You Did Last Summer”) which add up to everyone realizing something is purposefully strange and needs an explanation. I’d like it to become obvious that Sam is getting through more and more to his brother.

This is snipped from that earlier reply.

I’m thinking of [season four] as the extended version of episodes like “What Is and What Should Never Be” and “Dream a Little Dream of Me” where we are allowed to see the way Dean’s subconscious works. (And what a subconscious!) I do not consider it anywhere approaching the status of erasing what we’ve seen as if it would no longer count. It would have the effect of making what we’ve seen mean more. Suddenly, Dean being frightened of carrying his gun but being willing to man the flashlight for his brother is just that bit more heartbreaking (and heroic) if Yellow Fever is a filter his subconscious needs.

As I was driving, I wondered whether I could have elaborated with a better example than the one about the flashlight. Heck, it’s a cute exchange no matter what, but there must be more compelling scenes to bolster my case with.

Is there any more actual depth to be found anyway?  Definitely, yes!! Dean is facing something scary… for Sam… as best he can. That’s true whether we saw an event that played out exactly as it was presented or whether there was something else going on as well. But, if there is another layer and Dean (influenced by Sam? – remember Sam was a god using the dreamroot in 3.10 “Dream a Little Dream of Me”) is creating or filtering the story we see, then the flashlight itself has meaning.  Dean could have chosen to carry the salt or anything else. (And, okay, I’ll admit it. I would probably figure out a way that salt was the most obvious perfect only choice Dean could have made.)

So, why the light?  Well, there’s the thought that it was likely a ‘safe’ job he did under his father’s supervision and protection as a child (and without the slug or six of booze). Next, assume Dean is lost in the darkness of post-hell, a man who can’t find his way home (I will know I’m on the right track if we hear Sytx. ;) ) He’s looking for a way now.

Beyond that and so that it’s not all just a dream sequence, play a minute with this next idea.

What if Dean’s expanded role in the mytharc is that of seer? Or light-bearer? Or something that smacks less of high fantasy but conveys the import of one providing guidance and/or hope?  That would make sense for a man favored by angels. (*You didn’t think I’d post without wildly speculating, did you?)

On an almost entirely different note: does anyone have a cap of the boys noticing Dean’s hand on Sam’s arm in the warehouse? I think it happened very close to when they decide the EMF wasn’t going to be helpful while they explore. I’ve checked a couple places without luck.

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